First…the Oscars. No surprises, no upsets, at least not from where I was sitting. Lovely dresses, mostly generic speeches, and the hosts… Well, James Franco does bring the pretty but his attempt to play straight man to Anne Hathaway’s more exuberant hosting style didn’t really work for me. He had a few moments, but otherwise appeared a too sincerely disinterested in the whole process. On the opposite of that was Anne, whose genuine glee in being surrounded by all the icons and stars was palpable and somewhat contagious, but I might have drawn a line at the “whoo!” after every announced speaker or presenter. Perhaps not the right venue for that much unbridled enthusiasm. All in all, not bad, not great, just thankfully over. Colin Firth gave perhaps my most favorite speech, and the public school kids singing “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” to close the show, ending with all the night’s winners coming out together, Oscars in hand, I admit did get me a little verklempt. And, with that, all was well because it ended well. Not a standing O, Oscars, but not a complete dud, either. You can’t help it if there was no real suspense in who was going to win. And, now all my favorite magazines can talk about something else for a change.

So,then I switched over to watch that Other Race that was on last night. And? A lot more entertaining. Dare I say…Amazing! I mean, they made them dress in kangaroo suits and put spring boots on, while hopping through the streets and checking for street signs with names off the periodic table? What twisted, unsprung mind thought that one up?

Yes, I would say they’re definitely making these returning teams pay for their decision to give the race another shot by upping the ante all the way around. Highlights for me last night, beyond the kangaroo dash, was watching Kynt gather up the Outback Kids to dance around his mural, when all he needed to do was dance ON the mural, himself, but kept going and going, choreographing, jazz hands!, dance the little children of the Outback, dance! I loved it. Also, when Justin tells Zev they should do the hand constructed mural because Zev is artistic, Zev nods, then adds, “And autistic.” Which makes both me and Justin bust out a laugh. (Because, for those of you who don’t watch the show, he is.) I adore Zev. He has got the best sense of quirky humor and is just such a lovely, lovely human being. It’s a joy to get to watch him race again. And? They hit the mat first last night! Fantastic finish. Yay, Zev! Oh, and the other highlight? Yeah, that would be the race producers coming up with a task in the Outback where it was so hot that Kris thought he should take off his shirt. At which point I immediately hoped all future tasks would require Kris (and, pretty much only Kris) to be shirtless. In fact, he shouldn’t be allowed to race clothed. That’s just my opinion.

In the end, though? Yeah, the lowlights. One being that my new favorite shirtless team Kris & Amanda came in last, so they were knocked out of the running. Literally. But who came in next to last that we’re going to be continually subjected to (and who I pray never takes off his shirt?) Yeah, Angry Asian Dad. I mean, the guy knows his problem, knew it before he entered the race again, but, to me, at least, isn’t really trying exceptionally hard to change that. Or at all, really. And his daughter is annoying this season, too, mainly because she has to keep bitching and whining at her jerk dad. They are really the only truly annoying team on the race. And we were thisclose (due to his stubborn refusal to listen to anyone but himself) to having them gone, after only one leg. But no. Dad stays. The shirtless wonder goes. Poo, Race. Poo.

But, given it’s Man Candy Monday, we can all enjoy Kris, at least for one more day. (I wish I could find an image from last night’s competition, but this one isn’t too shabby!)

And? You can see my distress, right? Eye candy…gone so soon. Such a pity. Okay, okay. Race Rant is over. Let’s give away some Free Stuff! To enter this week’s Free Stuff Friday contest, simply send me an email to donna@donnakauffman.com with “Pick me!” in the subject line. Winner of a free signed book from my bookshelf will be announced Friday! Good luck, everyone!

So…now we can DISH! Whose dress did you love? (Me? Jennifer Hudson and Halle Berry were who stand out in my memory.) Who are you rooting for on Amazing Race? I want to root for Mallory, but it’s like she’s gone totally manic. I think back to back racing was a bit too much, maybe? It’s Justin/Zev for me, and I admit to enjoying Kynt & Vyxsin, Mike & Mel. Actually, none of the teams was obnoxious last night. Except…Dad Who Will Not Be Named. There was a lot of turn around in the racing order, too, which always keeps it interesting. Oh! And, show of hands….who is excited to find out the next batch of pseudo-celebs competing on Dancing With the Stars? Announcement comes during The Bachelor tonight, which I will skip, thankyouverymuch. As every news outlet will have the list shortly thereafter, I can wait. I haven’t even read any spoilers this time. I haven’t been paying any attention. Have you? Do we care? Or have they killed the show dead with their stupid political/reality show contestants? I’m wavering. Will see who they cast this season. Cross fingers we don’t have a Kate or Bristol, or Tom DeLay, or….anyone who isn’t fun. This show used to be fun. Now it seems to want tabloid headlines to fuel ratings. Boo, show. Boo. At least Derek isn’t competing this season (I know, I know he’s cute and a good choreographer, but let’s let someone else win this year, hmm?) I was only interested in him being on this season if he got this year’s Cloris or Florence. Guess we’ll never know. I’m good with that, too. So? DISH already!!

Tags: Writing by Donna
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So, last night on American Idol, we crawled, painfully at times, down a very (very) long, spotlit road to finally (finally!) finding out who the judges put in the Top 24. For the most part, no real surprises. Some familiar faces went home, but, mostly they were the right ones to go. There isn’t anyone in this batch of 24 finalists who can’t wail a good tune, so everyone left standing deserves a shot. However, based on personality, sure, there were some that I could have been perfectly fine with not having to watch any longer. Jovany. Jordan. James. (Hmmm, is it a J Thang?) But only one or two that were sent home would I have rather kept instead…(Hollie, Deondre...) So it’s all good in the end. It will be interesting, however, beginning next week when the voting goes public, to see who garners the support…and who doesn’t.

They announced they will split the performances over two nights, boys in one batch, girls in the other, starting Tuesday night, with the results announced on Thursday. But I didn’t hear how many were going home from each group. Did I just miss that?

I guess if there was any controversy at all, it would be that Sweet Boy Jacee went home. Now, I think that was the correct call. He’s got a truly angelic voice, but at his age, that voice it going to change any second. For the good, I think, as it will give him a bit of power behind that mellifluous tone of his. And to compete this year….yeah, this batch of powerhouses would have eaten him alive. But what good prep for him, this go, right? He’ll be back. The only other note was poor Simply Brett Lowenstein, he of the childhood bullying, trying to do his best to make his rejected compatriots feel better about the loss. I know his heart was in the right place, but there’s really just no way to pull that off when you’re the winner without looking at least a little disingenuous. But, good try, Red, good heart.

Which brings me to the whole duo rejections in the first place. You know, Two Go In, Only One Comes Out. Or in the case of the last guys, Three Go In, Brett Comes Out. Yeah, I know, I know, it’s “good tv” if by “good tv” you mean “needless, manufactured drama.” Me? No, not so good, really. Not only does it rob the winner of his moment to celebrate and sincerely thank the judges, and force them instead to sit there looking humble and guilty for winning….you also have the poor rejectee, who would have a tough enough time taking that in, while facing the judges, but NO, he also gets to get rejected in front of a fellow contestant. One who, oh yeah, happened to win that very thing he just didn’t. Awkward!

All the way around, it’s a sucky thing to do. Nobody wins, everybody loses. There is nothing “good” about that kind of “tv” to me. And here this season was working harder than ever to cast a more feel-good glow to the whole ordeal — I mean, did you notice most all of the rejected singers got a merciful two second airing of “you’re not going through” edit, whereas we got the whole drawn out process for the winners.

And yes, I know yesterday I was spouting about how ugly this industry is and how brutal it can be. But that’s not industry brutality geared to make them better singers and better at the business end of things…that’s just manufactured mean girl BS. I was kind of hoping we’d skip it this season. Apparently not.

But, we’re past all that now….and here are your Top 24 Complete with photos since you probably only know about five by name. (Just me? Okay then.)

Any favorites for you yet? Anyone you would give large dollars to send home? With their shirt on, this time? (Jovany.)

Let’s DISH, but first, we have Free Stuff to giveaway! Thanks to everyone who entered this week’s free book giveaway. The winning Blog Babe this go around? Phyllis B!! Woot, woot!! Send me a mailing address and a few titles (in case I’m out of your first choice) and I’ll add your prize to the next mail out batch!

Okay. Now we can DISH!

Tags: Writing by Donna
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So, it was a veritable Reality Rollercoaster last night!

First, on American Idol, we zoom through Vegas Meets The Fab Four week and headlong straight into the Walk of Doom. We start the two hours with 61, and, by the end, we’re whittling down to our final 24. After which, WE take over. FINALLY.

Now, the rehearsals for the impending Beatles massacre did not revive my hopes that this might actually have been a good idea. I know they’re iconic, I know you can finally download them from iTunes and that’s supposedly the Best Thing To Ever Happen to digital music. Me? I could honestly care less. I know, Beatles sacrilege, but that’s my truth. I think their music is fun, landmarks of time, etc etc etc. yadda yadda and Ed Sullivan smiles down from heaven. But I don’t think it’s the benchmark music by which we should judge these kids. Nor anyone elses that was recorded in a different century. I thought the whole point of this season, and bringing in Jimmy Iovine, was to make it relevant to today’s music industry. A 15 year old singing Love, Love Me Do? Yeah, I don’t get the connection either.

For Jimmy’s part, he gave the kids the exact kind of very hard time the industry will hand them, so that part worked well enough. And Peggi Blu the bitch from hell voice coach? Fine with me, too. yes, I know the kids were stressed, and under ridiculous pressure, and that was just piling on. But just what do they think they’re signing on for here, if this is the life and industry they want to get into? There is no pause button. You gotta roll with it. And that includes a whole lot of people far more imposing than Peggi the bitch vocal coach. So, no mercy from me. Step on up and bring it, or go home to mama.

And then, to my much relieved surprise, I only cringed through about half the songs, and none of those were in the first handful, so my trigger finger stayed off the fast forward button. A record for me. Especially given the topic material. I was also terribly discouraged to see a whole bunch of brand new to me and everyone else in America talent that was so wonderful. So many kids have “Stories” now…and those kids? Equally talented but sob story-less apparently? Way behind the curve already. Hate that. Nigel.

So, massacre mostly avoided, I’m left overtly impressed by the honest and sincere range of talent and that’s just amongst the handful of the 61 we actually got even a glimpse of. But suddenly! It’s time to send people packing! And we’re whooshed back to LA and it’s many weeks later and now it’s time to pop your best solo performance ever in the Gigantic Airplane Thunderdome…then start praying.

We get through the first ten yay’s or nay’s, then Jennifer has to tell Chris Medina he’s going home and finally decides this whole thing of crushing souls is just too brutal and she wants a break. And I don’t care how many times the show wants to pimp Jennifer’s misery all over me, COME ON PEOPLE, she’s tired, it’s sad, she cries. And then you KNOW she gets over it and goes back to being the pro she is. Really with the jacked up drama. Nigel.

Meth Head Ashley gets married in Vegas and actually looks like she took a break from the crack pipe for a day or two, but then they send her home, too….so you just hope there aren’t bodies buried somewhere in the desert now when she cracked up for good. Except she seemed far more rational, and dare I say, happy, than at any previous point during her exit speech, so perhaps she was just relieved it was finally all over for her. I know I’m relieved.

We also lose sweet blond singer Hollie Cavanaugh, who we all totally thought was going to be An Ashley, but pulled it together quite well, and is somehow Australian now (was she before? I don’t remember that. She sings country…) Anyway, she goes home, but with heartfelt begging on the part of JLo to come back and try again when she’s not 12.

Then we lose another guy we only got glimpses of, which is a shame, because he could have been my Sweet Forest Creature Jr, but no…Deondre of the Jungle Eyes and Sweet Baby Face is sent packing too. Along with people we don’t know, so can hardly feel sorry for.

We also are supposed to be super happy for Paul McDonald, who has this off beat soft scratchy voice thing going and he gets through, even though we only met him last night. But, I thought he was pretty interesting, so, cool by me.

And tonight….all the rest. Two hours of it. So, strap yourself in. Watch something else for two hours, then keep that trigger finger ready on that DVR fast forward button. That’s my plan, anyway.

Then, it’s off we go over to Survivor, where I don’t care much about any part of it, except that I love Rob and I continue to love Rob, and I don’t care who knows about it. It’s not the guy is cocky so much as he’s incredibly perceptive. He reads people so well, he should have been a profiler, or a detective, or….something. But he’s nothing short of brilliant in the Handling of People Department, and in the Seeing My Impending Doom department, both of which he takes care of quite tidily. And Matt, who gets his Forest Creature worthy beautiful self blindsidedly exiled to Redemption Island at the hands of none other than his mentor stops to wonder if maybe, just maybe, Rob was doing him a favor by allowing him (allowing him!) to be exiled just so he could make a fabulous comeback.

I know. Genius. And we get to watch him at play. And that makes me happy. For however long that goes on until SOMEONE wakes up and votes his ass off. Because, seriously people?

Then, because now I’m happy, I go watch Top Chef. Where I’m pretty sure that no matter who cooks what, it’s Tiffany’s time to go. Paula Deen is the guest judge and she cracks me right up with her descriptions of the Quickfire fried food she pretends to like (she calls Carla’s overly breaded hushpuppies spitballs. HA! Though, sorry, Carla. Even though she knew they were.) I hated, a whole lot, that Antonia screwed up plating and didn’t take the deserved win, so Isabella the Obnoxious could take it with a recipe he stole from Blais. Not that I minded Blais getting all stew faced about it, but…man, why can’t we get rid of Isabella?

I was thinking it should be Antonia, Carla, and probably Blais in the finale, given their consistency thus far, with maybe an Angry Dale spoiler, as he’s really stepped right up this season. And it would be between Isabella and Tiff on who was going home. Only….no. No, no, no. Blais steals the Elimination Challenge win right out from under Antonia, who can’t seem to get a damn break, but does have a satisfying karmic win over Isabella. But that leaves Carla, Tiff, and Angry D in the bottom three. So, surely it’s Tiff, except it’s pretty clear hers is not the worst dish of those three. And I start to fear it’s going to be Carla, who stumbled twice that evening….but no again, which relief! But….then it’s Angry Dale, who breaks down and I feel badly for him, and curse the gods who keep allowing Isabella to cook edible things. So, I cross fingers it’s the Downfall of Mike next week, and we get three women in the final four. THAT would be awesome. I think, just based on execution thus far, it should be Antonia and Blais in the final two. And, I will reveal my dark side (what? I heard that!) and say that I really wouldn’t mind Blais coming in second. Again. To a woman. Just sayin.

And now my reality nerves are spent and I must go curl up with a good book and cleanse my spirit with some incredibly good writing…which I do by picking up Susan Elizabeth Phillip’s Call Me Irresistible. Pure Phillips and so very very yum. I highly recommend it!

So…what were your Idol woes? Your Survivor highs? Your Top Chef lows? What are you reading? And have you entered this week’s contests yet? Yes, plural. To win a free book here on this very blog, see Monday’s post for details on how to enter to win. And to win one over on my Alternate Cupcake Universe blog, trot on over to Cakes By the Cup, read this week’s post and leave a comment. That simple.

But then come right back on over here and DISH!

Tags: Writing by Donna
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So, first up? Well, duh. It is Man Candy Monday, what did you think I was going to lead with? I know what’s important here. So, I read a great book last week from Donna Ball called Keys to the Castle, about a woman who inherits a castle in France. Which made me want to watch Under the Tuscan Sun again. Which made me remember Raoul Bova.

We should all remember Raoul Bova. So I thought I’d help with that.

And while you’re sipping coffee, wishing you, too, were laying in large puddle of water…not alone….let’s talk Race, shall we?

Amazing Race Morning After Commentary. Last night was the season premiere of the latest edition of Race, this one titled Unfinished Business and featuring previous teams who came close but couldn’t pull off the win. I was excited to see a bunch of the teams that were invited back, as they were enjoyable during their season, and some others…eh, not so much. But that was to be expected. What I didn’t expect was that I was left feeling kind of meh all the way around last night.

And not because of the race itself. Execution-wise, it started off like a bullet and never slowed down. Loved that the teams had to find a clue just to get their first actual clue…and loved even more that the first destination was Australia. The tasks were challenging (Swim with sharks! Decode many nautical flags!) and the teams had to work hard both physically and mentally, then when they got to the first pit stop? Psych! Still racing! To be continued! Yep, couldn’t have asked more from a first episode. Except maybe that they’d made it a two hour season opener instead. (Come on, show!)

What I was left meh by was the teams themselves. Maybe I just have All Star fatigue, but instead of being all happy happy joy joy to see some of the folks again, once they got racing, it was like….oh yeah. You again. Yes, some not surprisingly as I didn’t much care for them the first time (lookin’ at you Team Entitled Redheads, Team We Don’t Swim. You’ve had plenty of time to figure that one out.) But even teams I loved, Zev/Justin, Mallory/Dad, Globetrotters, Kynt/Vyxsin, etc, didn’t get me as fired up as I thought they would. Still like them…a lot, in fact, but I was left kind of feeling like I wished we had new people to meet. I realized that that was half the fun of it. I already know how these teams race.

So, I decided to just shove what I already knew aside and pretend like I was meeting these folks for the first time, and based on that…I found my likes/dislikes noted above remain mostly the same, though I have to admit I’m kinda over Team Cowboy and I loved them last time. Team Margie/Luke wore out their welcome last time and that welcome mat is still not back. Team Dating Duo I Don’t Remember At All left no impression this time either.

However, Zev/Justin and Mallory/Dad still make me smile. (Especially the latter when Phil had to all but push Mallory off the mat to keep racing.) Globetrotters I’m just kind of viewing so far, neither thumbs up or down yet, but am liking Kynt/Vyxsin all over again, mostly because, like last time, I love how they are to each other. And I really did enjoy watching Mel throwing his 70 year old self into that sailing task. Mel/Mike are another parent/child team I enjoy. However, already over Team Annoying Asian Dad, and that was before they got out of the first field of paper airplanes.

So…yes, I know I will fall in love all over again. I love the show, love the places they go, the things they do. The race planners have definitely stepped it up a notch, and for that alone, it’s already exciting. I’m sure I will come to love the racers all over again, too. Well…some of them. Will be interesting to see how I feel when it’s all said and done!

Now? Yep, time for Free Stuff! Want to win a free book from my website bookshelf? Just drop a note to donna@donnakauffman.com with “I don’t race, but I do read!” in the subject line. I’ll draw a name from the entry stack Friday morning and announce the winner in the blog. Good luck!

For another chance to win a free book, don’t forget to head over to the Cakes by the Cup blog. Read the current cupcake post, get the latest recipe, and leave a comment. New post will go up Wednesday and the winner will be announced then!

Then come back and DISH! Did you watch the premiere? Did you love the new twists and turns? Still loving your favorite teams? Have new faves? Not so in love as you recall teams?

Tags: Writing by Donna
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So, on Idol it was solo night and The Tale of the Four Rooms of Doom. We go from 100 to 50…and next week? Las Vegas, baby. And…The Beatles. Yeah, I’ll be honest, I was more excited about that first part until I saw the second part. Beatles Week…I’m a little over it. Yes, sue me, but I have Fab Four Fatigue.

Just me? Alrighty then.

However, after watching some of those solos last night, we definitely have the potential for a powerhouse line up this season. I’m a little concerned after the cuts that some of the characters we’ve come to know are still there. Didn’t mind getting to know them, but didn’t think they’d make it quite this far. And equally concerned by the number of kids we have never even seen, not even for a blink of time, or the ones that got no follow up last night. Did anyone see any of “The Minors” (aka Kids w Stage Moms) who did so well in the group sing in the Four Doom Rooms? I didn’t see any of them in the solo round and they did the Doom Room’s so fast you really couldn’t see much.

We did get a few peeks at some new talent, and perhaps gained a little more respect for some of the continuing characters, while, perhaps realizing that while some we’ve come to know really aren’t ready for this. I was as surprised that Ashley On The Verge of a Nervous Breakdown got through as I was that Jacee did. Ashley has the chops, but she’s two blinks away from jumping off a roof somewhere. And Jacee is a sweetheart of a 15 year old who needs to grow a bit more into that lovely voice of his. He’s got the chops, too…but I think these leagues this year are a bit too powerful for him. I was surprised John Wayne made it through. I just didn’t think he was all that comparatively speaking. I was, however, totally wowed by the first group of girls who went up last night. Dang! I don’t remember names, but two of them were also 15, and…well, their voices were far more mature than Jacee’s. I wasn’t suprised that Scotty McCreery made it through despite flubbing the words. His deep voice is very distinctive. Now…if he could just learn more than that one song. I admit I’m interested to see what he does with a Beatles tune. (Hey Jude maybe?)

I hope next week is less hop scotching around, but I’m not holding my breath. I’m also done with all the pre pimping before commercials, with little blip clips of these amaaaaaazing performances that are coming that will blow us away….then we only get to see two of them. Seriously? I loved Dude with Bass (whose name I cannot recall, but red beard and really unique. Like him.) And I enjoyed the scat singer who left it all on stage, and left the rest of it in his mother’s arms in the hall. He was unique as well, with a killer range.

So…definitely some interesting talent. I’m rather hoping that Ashlee, Guy w/ Fiance (whose name I should know by now), Guy w/ Mohawk (ditto), and, yes, Jacee, end their journey in Vegas. So much other more developed and well rounded talent without the attendant drama. Chances of that happening? Yeah. I know.

What about you? Any early faves? Frustrated by those we haven’t seen? Those they haven’t followed up on? (Like Molly the White House Intern? Yeah, I saw her in one of the Go Through rooms. Who knew she was still in it? Certainly not us.)

In the meantime, whilst you ponder their relative merits, let’s give away some Free Stuff! Thank you all for entering this week. And the winner of a free book is? Jan W!!! Congratulations, Jan! Drop me an email at donna@donnakauffman.com with an address and a few title ideas from my website bookshelf (in case I’m out of your first choice) and I’ll get your prize in the mail.

I hope everyone is set to enjoy a fabulous holiday weekend. I have my shopping destinations all lined up. And I’ll be back in the kitchen this Sunday working on the next Adventure in Cupcake Baking for next week’s Cakes by the Cup Blog post. What? You haven’t checked that out? Well, click here and check out the most recent installment, then leave a comment and you’re in the running for a free book!

See you all back here Monday with a new Free Stuff contest, and (be still my heart ) Amazing Race commentary!! Yes, Phil and his amazing eyebrows are back. Raaaaaaaaaaace! I can’t wait!!!

Tags: Writing by Donna
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So, on American Idol we send another 65 kids packing after the hell that is Group Sing. Some went that need to go. Buh bye Tiffany of the Star Spangled Boobs. Others…waah. But what mostly bugged the crap out of me was the mish mash order of things. Just show groups sing, send kids home, pass kids through. It’s not rocket science. But jumbling everything out of order and continuing to show the same tired clips of the same tired groups (enough of the stage moms and waaaay enough of Adam wannabe guy. But even more waaaaaay enough of Poor Dumped Boyfriend Schlub.) And show us more of the kids WE HAVEN’T MET YET.

And though I am very, very happy, especially in an environment where we’re trying to end discrimination and bullying, that Jaycee made it through (though I think that was a questionable call strictly on talent merit. He can sing…but so can a lot of other folks up there and I’m not sure he truly has the chops yet, sweet as he is, to compete.) BUT….though I hated (truly) his group kicking him out at the 11th hour (I’m a mom, it hurt my heart and I was so proud of his resilience) it is, ultimately, a competition and they have ONE shot every time they go up there to live or die. Given the performance his former group gave, I do understand where he would not have fit in with the vibe they were going for. Not because of his appearance or even his age, per se, and definitely not on his talent, but mostly on the lack of maturity required for the number as presented and his overall lack of flexibility to stretch to fit other styles, despite how incredibly sweet natured he is. I love him, but he would not have helped that number, and they knew it. Sucked? Oh, absolutely, especially waiting as long as they did to do what they did. Am I a fan of DJ White Glasses? No. But….I did get it.

Overall, it wasn’t a particularly satisfying night. Too herky jerky all over the place to really enjoy any one group or presentation. And, often, the way the performances were edited, it then made no sense who stayed and who went. Yes, there is some great talent and there was some great singing, but leap frogging all over the place gives me whiplash and all the needless pre-commercial pimping isn’t helping anyone. Mostly it only increases my anticipation for the show to be mercifully over. Tonight? 100 down to 50. Let’s get on with it already.

Then…over on Survivor, they trot out not one, but two twists. First, the tribes have already been decided when they hit the beach in Nicaragua. BUT! You have two more players joining you. And in drops Boston Rob (YAY!) and Evil Russell. (BOO!) It was rather hilarious watching the teams bite their lips as both men drew buffs, clearly both wanting Rob to pick their colors. That? I enjoyed. The rest? Meh. I love me some Rob, but I think one twist this season would have been enough. Bring on Redemption Island this go and drop in All Stars some other time. Whatever.

Turns out that Rob and Russell only play tangential roles in the drama that unfolds. We get to know way too much about a handful of players and nothing whatsoever about the rest. (Did you know there were two former NFL players out there? Yeah. Me neither.) What we do know? Phillip is a ridiculous ass. And apparently it’s almost impossible for anyone to say the name Francesca. Seriously? I do give props to possibly the most insane first tribal council ever. Fran, Christina, and very definitely Phillip all need to leave asap. Except they are interesting (annoying as hell, but interesting) whereas if they left, all that would be left on that tribe would be a bunch of interchangeable “generic hot girls”….and Rob. So….okay. Let them stay a few more days. At least until someone else on that tribe steps up and develops a personality. ANY personality. The other tribe looks interesting. I hope we get to meet some of them.

And, yes, show, you have me…I am looking forward to seeing how the whole Redemption Island thing plays out. Once. But it had better be worth it!

Did you watch? Love? Hate? DISH!

Tags: Writing by Donna
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If it’s Tuesday, it must be time to announce another Free Stuff Friday contest! And this week, there’s chocolate! To win a free book and a nice big chunk o’ chocolate, just send an email to donna@donnakauffman.com with “A free book AND chocolate? Pick me!” in the subject line. I will draw one entry from the stack and announce the winner in Friday’s blog.

And if you haven’t yet entered to win the free Martha Stewart Cupcakes cookbook, what are you waiting for? It’s your last day already! Head over to my Cakes by the Cup Blog and read the latest (mis)adventure in baking and leave a comment. It’s as simple as that! I will draw a name from all commenters for that blog post and announce the winner when the new (mis)adventure is posted tomorrow! Good luck in both contests!

So…did you watch the Grammy’s Sunday night? I did, and for the first time in as long as I can remember, my twitchy fast forward trigger finger remained unused. Yeah, yeah, they handed out a few awards, some to the expected winners and some not so much, but you and I both know we do not tune in to see a few awards handed out. No, we tune in for the concert. And an awesome concert it was, indeed. I enjoyed the tribute to Aretha that opened the show. Powerful singers, those five. I especially love Jennifer Hudson’s voice.

Then, and I know opinions vary widely, but I thoroughly enjoyed Lady Gaga’s performance. I know it wasn’t as over the top as normal, but she took care of that with the whole singer-in-an-egg red carpet entrance, don’t you think? I thought the song was catchy, the message very timely, and her body incredible. So we’re two performances in and I’m feeling peppy and toe-tappy.

That kept right on when Muse brought the house down (always loved them) and they brought out the youngster trio of Bruno Mars, B.o.B. and the amazing Jenelle Monae. I’ve already loved her since seeing her perform on Dancing with the Stars. Cute as a button with a voice that can really belt out of that tiny little body. I’ve heard but never seen Bruno perform before, and I loved him. Both singing and later wailing on the drums. What a talent. That whole segment made me feel good. The youngsters are doin’ it for themselves.

The evening progressed with a whole slew of performances that ranged all up and down the spectrum. I’d never even heard of Mumford & Sons or the Avett Bros, but that performance was really fantastic. I even enjoyed ol Bob Dylan just toe tappy and smiley his own bad self. Definitely a good night so far.

And that kept right on. Enjoyed Jaden Smith and la Bieber. Mostly because I loved seeing proud Mom and Pop Smith in the audience watching their little ray of sunshine rock the Grammy stage. Jaden is like a Mini Will, isn’t he?

And say what you will about Cee Lo and the whole costume get up, even Gwyneth….but I loves me some Muppets, so I was perfectly happy with this ridiculously over the top kitchsy performance. I mean, it’s the Grammy’s and I’m actually having a good time. This is a pretty darn good concert.

Then Eminem comes out and just destroys the place, with Rhianna first, then with Skyler Grey and Dr Dre. That was a powerful performance and I needed a bit of a break after that, but no, we keep right on.

I loved the trio of Norah Jones, Keith Urban, and Johnny Depp. I mean, I didn’t even know Johnny Depp could sing!! He’s a pirate! He’s a singer! I’m in total awe here. Wait, that’s…who? John Mayer? Why is he impersonating Johnny Depp? I don’t get it. But the song tribute was absolutely beautiful. And it just. doesn’t. stop.

We get Katy Perry on a swing singing a lovely song and then she goes and makes me all teary with the clips of her own wedding at the end. Aww, Katy.

And no, still not done, we get Mick Jagger, too? I love this. He’s out there just killing it and he’s what? 110 in rock star years? Seriously, who came up with this line up? Major stand up golf clap to you my fine sir.

Great night all in all. My most favorite in long standing memory. And yeah, some people won trophies, too.

What did you think? Love it? Hate it? Did you download any music? I did. (Muse, Arcade Fire, Mumford, Florence Welch, Gaga….) DISH!

Tags: Writing by Donna
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When it’s both Valentine’s Day AND Man Candy Monday…well, that candy better be extra special sweeeet, don’t you think? (Hey, for some of us, it might be the only candy we get. Of either variety. And by us, I mean, me!) So, hold on to your coffee cups…and behold, your very special Valentine:

And all by himself, too… Gosh, I think he looks lonely, don’t you?

Oh, look, he’s inviting you to join him…

Now that would be one of those invitations that would be very hard to turn down. An entire day’s worth of plans would require immediate scrapping… Possibly the better part of the week.

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY, Blog Babes!

Or, as I like to call it, Excuse Free Chocolate Consumption Day!

Tune in tomorrow for all the Grammy commentary you can stand (was John Mayer actually doing a Johnny Depp impression? I’m confused….) and details on this week’s Very Special Valentine’s Day Free Stuff Friday contest. There might be chocolate involved…. Just sayin.

Until then, I hope you all have a wonderful day! Me, I’m going to go call Fred (Goudon, the photographer of the above shots) just in case he happens to, you know, know where poor, all alone Nicholas is at the moment. Hey, you never know, it could lead to something very special!

Could, too!

Tags: Writing by Donna
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We finally hit Hollywood Week on Idol and, for the most part, it was just a nice reminder of how many great singers there are this year….and how many dozens of people who are still there after they cut over half the golden ticket holders whom we have never, ever met. I always feel bad for those guys. Four people make, run out the door all happy, and we’ve never laid eyes on two of them, nor do we get more than a blink of them now. They, of course, had no idea when this was all filmed months back that their compatriots in that moment would already be talked-about names while no one would even know their names, much less their entire backstory already. I wish they’d show us a bit more of them, at least a few that they already know make it further down the line.

But, all in all, I was happy for most that got through, not too terribly surprised who didn’t. I was surprised Star Spangled Boobs got through. She’s….delightful. Except, wow. Not even a little bit. Was surprised that little Vanessa Yo Yo Dawg didn’t get through, but her performance was all over the place. Literally. I would rather have her Disney-on-Crack-I-Won-Waaaaay-Too-Many-Pagents-as-a-Three-Year-Old attitude on the show a bit longer than Spangled Boobs. Although I would have paid money to have them both in the same sing off group. That? Good times.

Didn’t think that Chris Medina did all that well, but was glad they at least gave him a bit more air time. I will be very surprised if he makes it much further. Hope to see some focus on some other folks next week.

So, feeling generally happy that we’re finally moving along with the Idol process, I trundle on over to watch my Top Chef tape and NO! Noooooooooooooo! Why couldn’t you send home Angry Dale, or Tiffany??? NOT FABIO! Poo! Poo I say! However, Most Classy Exit Ever. And his parting words were wonderful. I really love that man. Purely.

In the Good News Department, Jimmy Fallon was adorable, and Carla was hilarious. And? Carla won! Again! I mostly enjoyed that because I love her, and because she’s a DC chef (represent!) but I gotta admit, having Carla and Antonia as #1 and #2 was even more satisfying because Blais and Isabella weren’t either of those numbers. Blais needs a huge healthy dose of humble. Yes, I know he’s ridiculously talented and that his fellow chefs on the show even bow to his greater knowledge all the time, but that doesn’t mean I have to like the guy. And between his anxiety attacks and his ego, and his really, really ridiculously stupid looking hair (I am that shallow) I’m not a fan. Even less of a fan of Isabella. He doesn’t even merit more of my typing time.

Next week, the intensity continues! And while I do think, with three wins under her belt, that Carla is a threat, the bigger threat here, in my opinion, is definitely Antonia. Keep an eye on that one! Glad the ladies are still representing, despite being outnumbered. Who are you rooting for?

Any early favorites in the Idol race? There were a few girls I really liked, and Mr Country Baritone is a Sure Thing to make the show. Or as sure as there can be. Such a distinctive voice.

Okay, now for the Free Stuff! Thank you all for entering this week. The winner of the free book this week is? Happening Blog Babe Joanne V from NY!! Congratulations, Joanne! Just send me a few title ideas from my website bookshelf (in case I’m out of your first choice) and I will get your prize in the mail to you!

Have a great weekend everyone! Tune in next week for more DISH! In the meantime, if you want to win a free Martha Stewart Cupcakes cookbook, hop on over to Cakes by the Cup Blog and leave a comment on my latest (Mis)Adventure in Baking! Good luck!

Tags: Writing by Donna
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Umm, is it just me or were we all getting a little bit of American Idol audition fatigue? Even Steven was getting grumpy. And that round on this season was, by far, more painless and more entertaining than seasons past. But even the good singers all started to sound a little the same. So, YAY, on to Hollywood Week! Where I can start to get deeply emotionally invested in people who I will forget completely four months from now! Good times!!

Actually, I am really looking forward to seeing how the season progresses with the new judges as they get more invested, as well as all the other changes in store this go around.

So, this is my fun American Idol story for this week. I was approached by an agent to write a story on Kara DioGuardi (former Idol judge in case you’ve blanked her out of your mind) about her upcoming projects (songwriters reality show) and the eleven Grammy’s her production company is up for this year. Yes. Eleven. I couldn’t figure out why he was asking me… Well, I guess my little reality show blogs here have garnered some attention! Hunh! Who knew! As it turned out, when I explained to the very nice man that I was essentially a romance author who liked to vent about reality tv in her little blog, his response was a polite “thanks!”….but, still. Cool that I popped up on his radar at all.

See? I told you we Blog Babes Rule!!

Don’t forget to enter this week’s contests. Yes, plural. Check out Monday’s blog post here for some very nice man candy eye candy as well as the details on how to enter this week’s Free Stuff Friday contest. Last day to enter, so HURRY! Then you can bounce over to my other blog, you know, the one where we talk about cupcakes all day (seriously, next to Man Candy, best. subject. ever.) and read all about my latest Adventure in Baking. Leave a comment and get in the running to win this week’s cookbook - Martha Stewart’s Cupcakes! Good luck!

Then get back over here and DISH!! Did anyone else lovelovelove seeing Matthew Perry back in his element in his new tv sitcom? AND? Allison Janney. Double word score! Some critics were saying he was “too Chandler Bing-ish” in his character, but I say that’s what I love most about Matthew Perry. that’s just his brand of humor. I was a very happy camper. And soon? We get new Survivor (not sure how in love I am with either the non-torch-snuffing or bringing back villains. Except for Boston Rob. Him? I love.) and the All Star Amazing Race season, which I already know I’m going to love. Yay! New shows!! What are you looking forward to, this mid season??

Tags: Writing by Donna
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