Thursday, December 31, 2009

Avatar Moviegoing Experience‏

It was in 3D!
I spent three bucks on the movie after a coupon and got free popcorn.

And... because I used my Movie Watchers card... I earned a free movie and soda ticket for a future movie!

Good times.

Previews:

Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief

Knight and Day

Clash of the Titans

Despicable Me

Shrek Forever And Ever

Alice in Wonderland

Book 67 of 52 -- Jill Jonnes' Conquering Gotham



Jill Jonnes does a wonderful job of describing the long and difficult saga concerning the digging of the Pennsylvania Railroad tunnels under the Hudson and East Rivers, as well as the construction of old Pennsylvania Station in the middle of turn-of-the-century New York's infamous "Tenderloin" district. Very well-written and easy to read, she discusses the travails Alexander Cassatt and subsequent PRR presidents had in dealing with New York's Tammany Hall, the shifting muck and silt under the Hudson River, which at times threatened to doom the project, and a number of other issues related to an undertaking that was described as one of the world's greatest engineering feats. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in railroading, New York City, or the Pennsylvania Railroad in particular.

I stole the review from Amazon... but it is a great book.

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Book 66 of 52 -- Stuart Woods' Hothouse Orchid



Mr. Woods is on cruise control with his books... so I will remain on cruise control for my review.

Cmon Stuart.

You can do better than this.

Smelmooo

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Book 65 of 52 -- Jon Katz' Izzy & Lenore



OK, so it's not quite fair for me to review a Jon Katz book, because I am a dog lover. I

f you are like me and you'll cross the street to visit with a dog to give him a pat, ask the owner's his name, and never think to ask the owner's name, here is a book for you.

I have never read a Jon Katz dog book, or any of his non-dog books, and this one is a keeper.

Intense, yet sweet, it give you everything you want: mug shots of his adorable dogs, tear jerker stories within a story, and of course, more and more and more about the two stars of the book, Izzy & Lenore.

Read it. You'll eat it up.

Sunday, December 27, 2009

Up In The Air Moviegoing Experience

Previews!

Crazy on the Outside

Greenberg

Death At a Funeral

Leap Year

The Lovely Bones

Shutter Island

Sunday, December 20, 2009

Survivor Samoa Finale!



We are live... in Florida... watching the finale and nowhere near our house which has about a foot of snow in the yard.

Heh heh.

The first immunity challenge is over and Bret has won again. The original Foa Foa Four now has to vote someone off...

First Tribal Council
Mick, Jaison, Jaison, Jaison
The fifth place finisher is: Jaison (Keep hope alive for Tucker's Nuts!)

Final Immunity Challenge
Wow... in what was a heart wrenching and suspenseful challenge, Russell barely edges out Bret to win the final immunity.

Second Tribal Council
Suspense is driving me nuts and it is down to Bret or Mick.
Brett, Mick, Brett, Brett... so that makes Brett the fourth place finisher.

The final three are Russell, Natalie, and Mick.

Final Vote Time to count! (Votes are FOR the million dollars.)

Natalie
Russell
Natalie
Russell
Natalie
Natalie
Natalie

The winner is Natalie and Tucker's Nuts loses... again.

Tucker's Nuts
Mick Trimming (14) -- THIRD PLACE
Brett Clouser (10) -- FOURTH PLACE
Shannon Waters (18) -- Booted Week Thirteen
David Ball (15) -- Booted Week Twelve
Laura Morett (19) -- Booted Week Ten
Kelly Sharbaugh (11) -- Booted Week Nine
Elizabeth Kim (7) -- Booted Week Seven
Ashley Trainer (3) -- Booted Week Five
Betsy Bolan (2) -- Booted Week Two
Mike Borassi (6) -- Pulled out In Episode Two (Illness)

Assssshhhfault!!
Natalie White (13) -- WINNER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Russell Hantz (12) -- SECOND PLACE
Jaison Robinson (20) -- FIFTH PLACE
Monica Padilla (8) -- Booted Week Twelve
John Fincher (1) -- Booted Week Eleven
Erik Cardona (5) -- Booted Week Eight
Russell Swan (16) -- Removed in Week Six (Medevaced)
Yasmin Giles (17) -- Booted Week Four
Ben Browning (4) -- Booted Week Three
Marisa Calihan (9) -- Booted Week One

Saturday, December 19, 2009

Survivor Samoa -- Week Thirteen



Ugh... the mullet is gone!

Tucker's Nuts
Brett Clouser (10)
Mick Trimming (14)
Shannon Waters (18) -- Booted Week Thirteen
David Ball (15) -- Booted Week Twelve
Laura Morett (19) -- Booted Week Ten
Kelly Sharbaugh (11) -- Booted Week Nine
Elizabeth Kim (7) -- Booted Week Seven
Ashley Trainer (3) -- Booted Week Five
Betsy Bolan (2) -- Booted Week Two
Mike Borassi (6) -- Pulled out In Episode Two (Illness)

Assssshhhfault!!
Russell Hantz (12)
Natalie White (13)
Jaison Robinson (20)
Monica Padilla (8) -- Booted Week Twelve
John Fincher (1) -- Booted Week Eleven
Erik Cardona (5) -- Booted Week Eight
Russell Swan (16) -- Removed in Week Six (Medevaced)
Yasmin Giles (17) -- Booted Week Four
Ben Browning (4) -- Booted Week Three
Marisa Calihan (9) -- Booted Week One

Thursday, December 10, 2009

Survivor Samoa Week Twelve... Double Boot Episode!



First boot... Shambo, Dave, Dave, Dave, Dave... DAVID BALL...

Second boot... Monica, Russell, Russell, Monica, Monica... MONICA!!!!!!!!!

Tucker's Nuts
Brett Clouser (10)
Mick Trimming (14)
Shannon Waters (18)
David Ball (15) -- Booted Week Twelve
Laura Morett (19) -- Booted Week Ten
Kelly Sharbaugh (11) -- Booted Week Nine
Elizabeth Kim (7) -- Booted Week Seven
Ashley Trainer (3) -- Booted Week Five
Betsy Bolan (2) -- Booted Week Two
Mike Borassi (6) -- Pulled out In Episode Two (Illness)

Assssshhhfault!!
Monica Padilla (8) -- Booted Week Twelve
Russell Hantz (12)
Natalie White (13)
Jaison Robinson (20)
John Fincher (1) -- Booted Week Eleven
Erik Cardona (5) -- Booted Week Eight
Russell Swan (16) -- Removed in Week Six (Medevaced)
Yasmin Giles (17) -- Booted Week Four
Ben Browning (4) -- Booted Week Three
Marisa Calihan (9) -- Booted Week One

Thursday, December 03, 2009

Survivor Samoa Week 11



Suck it John.

Tucker's Nuts
Brett Clouser (10)
Mick Trimming (14)
David Ball (15)
Shannon Waters (18)
Laura Morett (19) -- Booted Week Ten
Kelly Sharbaugh (11) -- Booted Week Nine
Elizabeth Kim (7) -- Booted Week Seven
Ashley Trainer (3) -- Booted Week Five
Betsy Bolan (2) -- Booted Week Two
Mike Borassi (6) -- Pulled out In Episode Two (Illness)

Assssshhhfault!!
Monica Padilla (8)
Russell Hantz (12)
Natalie White (13)
Jaison Robinson (20)
John Fincher (1) -- Booted Week Eleven
Erik Cardona (5) -- Booted Week Eight
Russell Swan (16) -- Removed in Week Six (Medevaced)
Yasmin Giles (17) -- Booted Week Four
Ben Browning (4) -- Booted Week Three
Marisa Calihan (9) -- Booted Week One

Monday, November 30, 2009

The Fantastic Mr. Fox Moviegoing Experience‏

How to Train Your Dragon

Alice in Wonderland

Despicable Me

The Tooth Fairy

Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakuel.

Book 64 of 52 -- Nicholas Sparks' The Last Song



This story seemed to take a bit longer to get into, but, when I did, I was hooked and I enjoyed the unfolding.

The beauty of reading a Nicolas Sparks book is that I can read it any time of day.

Dammit.

:)

Thursday, November 26, 2009

Survivor on Thanksgiving



The DVR program description is promising me a new episode tonight.

I bet it is just a clip show.....

Yeah... it was.

Tucker's Nuts
Brett Clouser (10)
Mick Trimming (14)
David Ball (15)
Shannon Waters (18)
Laura Morett (19) -- Booted Week Ten
Kelly Sharbaugh (11) -- Booted Week Nine
Elizabeth Kim (7) -- Booted Week Seven
Ashley Trainer (3) -- Booted Week Five
Betsy Bolan (2) -- Booted Week Two
Mike Borassi (6) -- Pulled out In Episode Two (Illness)

Assssshhhfault!!
John Fincher (1)
Monica Padilla (8)
Russell Hantz (12)
Natalie White (13)
Jaison Robinson (20)
Erik Cardona (5) -- Booted Week Eight
Russell Swan (16) -- Removed in Week Six (Medevaced)
Yasmin Giles (17) -- Booted Week Four
Ben Browning (4) -- Booted Week Three
Marisa Calihan (9) -- Booted Week One

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Book 63 of 52 -- Dan Brown's The Lost Symbol



Not entirely bad, but it was too long formulaic.

I saw this from someone on the web and it describes a typical Dan Brown/Robert Langdon book.

Character A: Have you heard of X?
Character B (usually Langdon): Yes, but I thought that was just a myth.
Character A shows or tells B something.
Character B reacts with shock.
Then, insert scenes of people walking from one place to another, being chased.
Then, insert the sentence "Suddenly everything made sense." At least for the next ten pages.
Repeat.


Funny.

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Dancing With the Stars Season 9 FINAL RESULTS!!!!!!!!!!



Everyone from the season is introduced and the final three enter... cute and fun... but then they go to the recap from teh night before and the video fails... showing us the back of Miss Piggy's head. What a great way to start the night...

They go to commercial and immediately start it over... We learn that tonight... they will all dance at least one more dance to hopefully save themselves!

Whitney Houston starts the night with some singing and she doesn't seem able to move at all. She sounds good though.

It's time to meet the "Loser's Club." Something Jeffrey Ross created... so this is some pretty funny/entertaining video of people who were to be voted off first. We come back to live television and Jeffrey Ross officially inducts Ashley Hamilton into the Loser's Club. This is a funny way to get to Ross' strength of roasting and leads into Ashley dancing with Edyta... and Ross for a funny ending.

Video Montage! -- The first three weeks of the season. Aaron cried... I think every week.

Kathy Ireland and Tony Dovolani dance a final dance...
Macy Gray and Jonathan Roberts dance a final dance...
Debi Mazar and Maksim Chmerkovskiyaweafadsfasdsky dance a final dance...
All three remind us why they were booted early.... *yawn*

Video Montage! -- The effects the flu had on everyone. As Seth and Amy would say... Really?

Tom Delay and Cheryl Burke dance a final dance...

Video Montage! Let's review the fourth and fifth weeks of the competition.
Chuck Liddell and Anna Truyinska dance a final dance...
Mark Dascascos and Lacey Schwimmer dance a final dance...

Video Montage! Adam Carolla gives out advice to each contestant... I think he is funny and it was funny.

Natalie Coughlin and Alec Mazo dance a final dance...

Video Montage! How the Team dances affected the way the competition played out.

Melissa Joan Hart and Mark Ballas dance a final dance...

Video Montage! The judges give us a closer look at the three finalists. We then get some dramatic entries by the finalists ... oh boy... THey will be dancing another dance and ranked... and given points accordingly.

Before they start dancing... here are the scores so far:
Mya & Dmitry Chaplin -- 30 + 30 + 27 = 87
Donny Osmond & Kym Johnson -- 27 + 28 + 30 = 85
Kelly Osbourne & Louis Van Amstel -- 26 + 26 + 24 = 76

Kelly Osbourne & Louis Van Amstel are up first. We see a recap video of her time on Earth... and I think she is a woman now... *puke*. She dances the Viennese Waltz again and it was good. Everyone is crying.... Especially Louie... Wait a second... Aaron didn't dance!

Mya & Dmitry Chaplin dance second after a fun and sweetly boring video. They dance their Jive again, which was very good. It always is. THe judges fawn over her...

Donny Osmond & Kym Johnson are last... great and sweet video and great Argentine Tango. The judges agree.. Let's rank em already!

First for 30 Points -- Donny Osmond & Kym Johnson
Second for 28 Points --Mya & Dmitry Chaplin
Thrid for 26 Points -- Kelly Osbourne & Louis Van Amstel

Final Scores
Mya & Dmitry Chaplin -- 30 + 30 + 27 + 28 = 115
Donny Osmond & Kym Johnson -- 27 + 28 + 30 + 30 = 115
Kelly Osbourne & Louis Van Amstel -- 26 + 26 + 24 + 26 = 102

Louie Vito and Chelsie Hightower dance a final dance... They dance to Puppy Love sung by Donny Osmond... LIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIVEEEE!

Grudge Match! It is time for Jerry Rice vs Michael Irvin. They will each dance and the judges will pick a winner. I get a strange feeling that they will... tie. Michael Irvin and Anna Demidova vs Jerry Rice and Anny Treyunska. They dance the Paso Doble side by side and it is to the Monday Night Football theme song. They give it to Michael Irvin. I cringe... and they make up something else to give Jerry... so no one really wins or losers.

Aaron Carter and Karina Smirnov dance a final dance... and they do the Muppets dance again.

Steve Wozniak, Cloris Leachman, Jerry Springer are all interviewed by Miss Piggy. Apparently, they are all going to dance the Mambo against Joanna Krupa... right after a Video Montage of the 8th and 9th weeks. They are all reunited with their original partners and participating in the Mambo Dance Off... each will be eliminated at some point. Cloris Leachman and Corky Ballas are booted first. Jerry Springer and Edyta Sliwinski are booted second. Steve Wozniak and Karina Smirnoff are booted third. Derek Hough and Joanna Krupa are the winners.

Whitney Houston sings... again... and... sings badly.

It's time to boot a couple... the third place couple is Kelly Osbourne & Louis Van Amstel -- Good... Joanna should have been there.



The bottom two are Mya & Dmitry Chaplin and Donny Osmond & Kym Johnson

Second Place are Mya & Dmitry Chaplin



Your winners for Season 9 are... Donny Osmond & Kym Johnson

Great!

Monday, November 23, 2009

Dancing With the Stars Season 9 Finals



The last night and I have to see the whole season through... even though it has been the most boring season yet.

Three rounds tonight... Individual... a Mega Mix where all three will dance together... and the Free Style!

ROUND ONE -- INDIVIDUAL DANCE

Kelly Osbourne & Louis Van Amstel kick off the show and they are watching the video of past dances and talking why they are inthe finals and how much she has matured. They are doing the Argentine Tango and Carrie Ann is here to help them practice. Sarcasm: Uh oh... Kelly has to be a woman... can she do it? Argh... the whining has worked for her all season. Now... the dance starts and dammit.. it is actually pretty damn good. Ozzy busts a move... or shakes violently. One of the two. Len loved it. Bruno liked it but offered criticism. Carrie Ann babbled a bunch. Their scores are 9, 9, 8 for a total of 26.

Mya & Dmitry Chaplin are up to their season narration. I fell asleep until Len came in to help them with their Paso Doble. Harold Wheeler and his cronies... are screwing up Queen's We Will Rock you. UGH!!!!!!!!! It was good. Very good. Bruno loved it. Their scores are 10, 10, 10 for a total of 30.

Donny Osmond & Kym Johnson bring up the rear in the first round. Their video starts right after Tom reminds them that they are lucky to be here. He is funny and Kym barely wears clothes... which almost seems on purpose this season. Bruno gives them tips this time around. They are dancing the Cha Cha Cha. Not the greatest dance, but it was fun. The judges liked it and noticed one mistake. Their scores are 9, 9, 9 for a total of 27.

ROUND TWO -- MEGA MIX CHALLENGE

The dancers will doing three dances all in a row (Vienesse Waltz, Samba, and the Jive) and against each other. They will be ranked in first, second, and third and given points accordingly. The video is cute. They dance it and we are all amazed.... because... they were literally all dancing the same dance next to each other. It is cool and kind of a train wreck... at the same time.

Let's get the rankings.

First for 30 points -- Mya & Dmitry Chaplin
Second for 28 points -- Donny Osmond & Kym Johnson
Third for 26 points -- Kelly Osbourne & Louis Van Amstel

FREESTYLE ROUND

Kelly Osbourne & Louis Van Amstel will be dancing to I Will Survive by Gloria Gaynor... because it represents something... and BAM... here is this week's cry baby reason for people to vote for her... torn cartiledge in her feet. It seems messy and then Louie drops Kelly... and I cheer... seriously... I cheer. The judges speak nicely about her... and this is more proof that she is just not judged the same way. Their scores are 8, 8, 8 for a total of 24.

Mya & Dmitry Chaplin debate what kind of dance they will dance and they choose the Hairspray dance theme. It was very safe. It seemed VERY safe. Carrie Ann thought it wasn't outstanding, but fun. Len agrees as does Bruno. 9, 9, 9, for a total of 27.

Donny Osmond & Kym Johnson are up last and they will try really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really hard. It was a Broadway medley and it was a lot of fun. Their scores are 10, 10, 10 for a total of 30.

Scores... Just a reminder!

Mya & Dmitry Chaplin -- 30 + 30 + 27 = 87
Donny Osmond & Kym Johnson -- 27 + 28 + 30 = 85
Kelly Osbourne & Louis Van Amstel -- 26 + 26 + 24 = 76

C'mon America... and the Mormons... Vote for Donny!

Sunday, November 22, 2009

Precious Movie Going Experience

Thank you SC and TW for a great morning out. :)

Crazy Heart

Up in the Air

Invictus

The Princess and The Frog

Brothers

Tyler Perry's Why Did I Get Married Too

Friday, November 20, 2009

Bood 62 of 52 -- Audrey Niffenegger's Her Fearful Symmetry



This is an intriguing story and not at all what I expected. I loved Niffenegger's previous novel, The Time Traveler's Wife. When I saw this was set in and around an English cemetery, I wasn't sure it would be my cup of tea. It took a couple chapters to warm to the eccentric characters, but by then, I could hardly put the book down. Niffenegger has a true gift for prose, and though I felt the ending was too ambiguous to be satisfying, it was all artfully presented. Much of the story revolves around twins, as there are two sets in the tale, the younger twins being particularly interesting as they are mirror images of one another, with handedness, moles, and even internal organs reversed. I'm grasping for another novel to compare it to, but can't quite come up with anything. It is set in the present day, yet has a Victorian cemetery figuring very prominently, and thus has the feel of a historical novel. Sensual, surprising, and oddly tender, this is a story that will haunt you.

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Survivor Samoa Week 10



Tucker's Nuts
Brett Clouser (10)
Mick Trimming (14)
David Ball (15)
Shannon Waters (18)
Laura Morett (19) -- Booted Week Ten (I am alright with this for some reason.)
Kelly Sharbaugh (11) -- Booted Week Nine
Elizabeth Kim (7) -- Booted Week Seven
Ashley Trainer (3) -- Booted Week Five
Betsy Bolan (2) -- Booted Week Two
Mike Borassi (6) -- Pulled out In Episode Two (Illness)

Assssshhhfault!!
John Fincher (1)
Monica Padilla (8)
Russell Hantz (12)
Natalie White (13)
Jaison Robinson (20)
Erik Cardona (5) -- Booted Week Eight
Russell Swan (16) -- Removed in Week Six (Medevaced)
Yasmin Giles (17) -- Booted Week Four
Ben Browning (4) -- Booted Week Three
Marisa Calihan (9) -- Booted Week One

Happy Birthday to Me!

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Book 61 of 52 -- David Baldacci's True Blue



Mace wants vindication affirmed only by regaining her badge. Beth at the risk of her career will do what she can to support her younger sister because she is perhaps the only person in blue who believes Mace's story. Attorney Roy Kingman is in the middle of a gigantic case involving the murder of a US Attorney and the rape-killing of another lawyer. He is attracted to feisty Mace who sees solving the spectacular case as redemption. With her sister's support and a need to work in the shadows as another US Attorney wants to return her to jail, Mace investigates only to find roadblocks from the affluent who prefer the case go cold.

This is an action-packed fast-paced over the top of the Washington Monument investigative thriller that grips fans throughout as long as the reader ignores credibility. The sisters make the tale with their support of one another as they seek a killer and redemption for Mace. David Baldacci provides his fans with a very entertaining whodunit with hopefully more appearances from the TRUE BLUE blood siblings.

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Dancing With the Stars Seminfinals Elimination Episode



I don't get it, but there is no way that Kelly Osbourne is not winning DWTS.

There... I said it.

Mya is the best dancer... Joanna is a close second... Donny is a great showman... and Kelly has manipulated the audience over and over and over again.

With that... let's get to a live episode with three live performers by three washed up or three peopel that the ABC/Disney machine wants to shove down my throat....

LIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIVE

The encore dance is Mya & Dmitry Chaplin's Salsa. Len liked saying... "Tooty Fruity Booty" again.

They did another video recap... and ... what? Who woke me?

Wow... just a few minutes into the show (8 to be exact... ) we are ready to save someone!

The first couple saved is... UGH... not cool... to be revealed... "Shortly."

VIDEO MONTAGE! The contestants all talk about each other... and how great everyone is.

Our first random performance is a dance number from the cast of the upcoming movie musical version of the Broadway Show "Nine." It has a Fiddler on the Roof feel to it.

Alicia Keyes sings. Samantha tells me she is "phenomenal" and if Ellen was hosting, she would say she is "amazing".

Joanna Krupa & Derek Hough and Mya & Dmitry Chaplin are brought down to the stage to hear their fate as the top two scoring couples.

The first couple saved is Mya & Dmitry Chaplin
They won't tell Joanna Krupa & Derek Hough their fate until later. Ugh.

Leona Lewis is singing...

Kelly Osbourne & Louis Van Amstel and Donny Osmond & Kym Johnson are brought down to the stage to hear their fate as the bottom two scoring couples.

Donny Osmond & Kym Johnson are saved

That means the bottom two are Joanna Krupa & Derek Hough and Kelly Osbourne & Louis Van Amstel

The Bee Gees sing.... and the boring Melissa Rycroft dances to their music. I can't figure out who gets the biggest cheers.

Video Montage! The professionals discuss how hard it is to choreograph the other dances done on the Results Show.

Finally... after all the delay... we finally get the results. Tom and Samantha ask the rhetorical questions and update us on how the public felt.... and then they do the commercial thing again. Blech.

When we come back from the commercial, Samantha tells us that these two might not necessarily be in the bottom two. Ooooooh! Drama!!!!

The final couple saved Kelly Osbourne & Louis Van Amstel

This pisses me off. She is the second best dancer of the season and this is just not right.

Joanna Krupa & Derek Hough are eliminated and asked to dance a routine again.

So sad.

Monday, November 16, 2009

Dancing With the Stars Semifinals!



Before we begin... we can be a bit creepy for a second and we can all take a moment to oooh and aaaah Joanna Krupa being naked in the new issue of Playboy.

Creepiness... over.

Second level of creepiness... Joanna Krupa is on Ellen today...

Borderline creepiness... over.

Tonight is the semi-finals and it is scheduled to run a full two hours so that means there is going to be a ton of filler in the show. They all have to perform three full individual routines... two dances and then their "knock Out" dances that none of these had to perform the week's before.

Round One

Donny Osmond & Kym Johnson are up first, but they were in last place after last week. For the practice of the Tango, Kym brings in the uber sexy Gilles Marini and he is teaching him to be sexy and passionate. GIlles tells him tha the has to make everyone uncomfortable. Donny wants to do that during his Tango. The music is a bit too light for me to feel uncomfortable, but it is a dcent enough dance... with a good ending. He wasn't happy with his own dance. THe judges agree that he lost itduring the middle of the dance somewhere.... He won't shut up about messing up and her dress got in the way. Their scores were 7, 7, 7 for a total of 21.

Joanna Krupa & Derek Hough dance second and were second last week by the judges. She is feeling pressure and Derek is being really hard on her during rehearsals. Where the happy go lucky Derek that we all love. Brooke Burke comes in and gets them to role play each other. Cute enough. The first dance is the Viennese Waltz. I am biassed, but I think it was lovely and worth all 9s. THe band killed the song Halleluah from Jeff Buckley and I couldn't get over it. The judges seem to be near what I think. Their scores are 9, 9, 9 for 27.

Kelly Osbourne & Louis Van Amstel is the only person that hasn't been at the top of the leaderboard left. Kelly's dog ... not her dog... one that she is helping ... died. So... let's dance... she's mature now! They are dancing the Rumba. She is "going to own it." I am going to puke because no matter how bad the dance is, the judges will continue to treat her differently. The dance was sweet enough. As my friend Lori thinks... Carrie Ann and Kelly need to get a room. Len thinks she is competent and Bruno is critical. Suck it Carrie Ann. Theirs scores are 8, 8, 8 for a total of 24.

Mya & Dmitry Chaplin dance last in the first round. Mya annoys me. That's it. I said it. Annnooooooooooooooyyyyying. The vdeo is an attempt to be funny and it is soooooo boring and forced. Blech. Boot camp! They are dancing the Waltz. Of course it is a nice dance. But I am bored. Len loved it and so did Bruno... and Carrie Ann gushed, but was critical. She treats them differently... and expects more. Their scores are 9, 9, 10 for a total of 28.

SECOND ROUND!

Donny Osmond & Kym Johnson have a great deal of pressure. The video shows us where he came from and his background. DRAMA!!! They are dancing the Samba. He has a smile on his face. This dance is far better and it is because he is smiling and seems to actually be enjoying the dance. Bruno thinks he nailed it. Carrie Ann thought it was better but she called it sloppy. Len disagrees completely with Carrie Ann and he loved it. Their scores are 8, 9, 9 for a total of 26.

Joanna Krupa & Derek Hough The video shows us where she came from and her background. DRAMA!!! They are dancing the Cha Cha Cha. Whoa. She is confident and looks good doing it. How is this going to be a bad score? Carrie Ann thinks it was great. Len thought it was clean and crisp. Bruno thinks she is "just natural sex." Awkward. Their scores are 9, 9, 9 for a total of 27.

Kelly Osbourne & Louis Van AmstelThe video shows us where she came from and her background. DRAMA!!! As her video ends... I am not sure what to say or do... except maybe gouge out my eyes and chop off my tongue. They are dancing the Quick Step to 99 Red Balloons. Dance was fine with a nunch of mis-steps and I thought the dance was going to end with a drop. They just don't treat her the same. I am not sure that she is going to lose this show... the crowd really does adore her. Her scores were 9, 9, 9 for a total of 27.

Mya & Dmitry Chaplin The video shows us where she came from and her background. DRAMA!!! Ugh... boring. Except the part about her mom almost dying. Their Samba is frenetic and good. Ok? I admit it. Give her her high scores so we can move on to seeing more Joanna please? Bruno stands and yells "Sensational." Carrie Ann loved it. Len says "Tutti Fuiti, What a Booty." That was a great dance. Her scores are 10, 10, 10 for a total of 30.

THIRD ROUND -- KNOCK OUT DANCES -- These dances were songs and dances chosen by the contestants and are only 30 seconds long.

VIDEO MONTAGE! We can see everyone's dance preparation.

Donny Osmond & Kym Johnson have chosen the Jitterbug. That was frigging awesome. Really really really great. The judges loved it. Their scores were 9, 9, 9 for a total of 27.

Joanna Krupa & Derek Hough have chosen the Salsa. Great dance. What can you say about 30 second dances except good or bad? Great! Len loved it. Bruno thought it was delicious and flirtacious. Their scores were 9, 9, 9 for a total of 27.

Kelly Osbourne & Louis Van Amstel have chosen the Cha Cha Cha. They waste a bunch of time in the beginning, but I am sure the judges will love her. I was right.... I just don't get it. Their scores are 9, 9, 9 for a total of 27.

Mya & Dmitry Chaplin have chosen the Cha Cha Cha... and it was frigging amazing but not perfect. Carrie Ann didn't like it. Len was disappointed it wasn't longer. Bruno loved it. Wacky. Their scores were 9, 10, 10 for 29.

Scores... Just a reminder!

Mya & Dmitry Chaplin -- 28 + 30 + = 87
Joanna Krupa & Derek Hough -- 27 + 27 + 27 = 81
Kelly Osbourne & Louis Van Amstel -- 24 + 27 + 27 = 78
Donny Osmond & Kym Johnson -- 21 + 26 + 27 = 74

Sunday, November 15, 2009

A Serious Man Movie Going Experience

Previews

The Fantastic Mr. Fox.

Pirate Radio

Saturday, November 14, 2009

Book 60 of 52 -- Michael Connelly's 9 Dragons



Connelly totally missed the mark with this book.

I don't even want to spend the time criticizing it since he didn't spend the time to write a good book.

He is sooooo much better than this and I am afraid he is getting into the trap of churning out two books per year and quality will get sacrificed.

Friday, November 13, 2009

Survivor Samoa Week Nine!!!



Russell plays his immunity idol.

Russell
Russell
Russell
Russell
Russell
Russell
Russell
Kelly
Kelly
Kelly

Bye bye Kelly.

Tucker's Nuts
Brett Clouser (10)
Mick Trimming (14)
David Ball (15)
Shannon Waters (18)
Laura Morett (19)
Kelly Sharbaugh (11) -- Booted Week Nine
Elizabeth Kim (7) -- Booted Week Seven
Ashley Trainer (3) -- Booted Week Five
Betsy Bolan (2) -- Booted Week Two
Mike Borassi (6) -- Pulled out In Episode Two (Illness)

Assssshhhfault!!
John Fincher (1)
Monica Padilla (8)
Russell Hantz (12)
Natalie White (13)
Jaison Robinson (20)
Erik Cardona (5) -- Booted Week Eight
Russell Swan (16) -- Removed in Week Six (Medevaced)
Yasmin Giles (17) -- Booted Week Four
Ben Browning (4) -- Booted Week Three
Marisa Calihan (9) -- Booted Week One

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Book 59 of 52 -- Jonathan Kellerman's Evidence



Johnathan Kellerman's newer books are good but do not have that edge they once did.

This book is no exception, A night watchman finds two people dead in a half built mansion.

When Milo and Alex start to investigate they find all kinds of problems.

Eco-terrorizm and bribes. Oooooohhhhh eco-terrorism.

The man that was killed was a womanizer and a former eco extremeist.

The more they delve into the case they find far reaching clues that point to asian royality and possiable mob hits.

This book was good to pass the time but not like his other books they don't have you staying up till 3:00 am to finish it.

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Book 58 of 52 -- Jeff Lindsay's Dexter By Design



Jeff Lindsay is back!

Thank you for returning Dexter to where he should have been and not that distracting and horrid third book that you wrote.

Welcome back Dexter.

I missed you.

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Dancing With the Stars Week 8 Elimination!



Soooo... the Facebook advertisement of the show is trying to make me watch by telling me that Michael Buble and Susan Boyle are singing tonight... Anyone else think that I am going ot fast forward during those segments?

:)

We are LIIIIIIIIIIIIIVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

For the Repeat Dance, we get to see the futuristic Paso Doble again... even though Mya got a perfect 30 yesterday. I still think that they got robbed big time last night. This was the best dance of the night. Period.

First video montage! Here the dancers' opinions and review their scores!

Let's save a couple! The first couple saved is Joanna Krupa & Derek Hough Good... we don't have to worry about them. I am rooting for them and Donny.

We get a recap of last night and then a heartfelt song from Michael Buble and then Samantha butchers the English language by interviewing Derek and Joanna.

It's time to save another person! The second couple saved is Mya & Dmitry Chaplin A strong strong yawn comes from my mouth.

Dance Center is on and it is with Kenny Mayne, Len Goodman, Jerry Rice and Stacy Keibler. This never gets old. Len is funny and Mayne makes it awesome.

The Macy's Design a Dance is here... Sabrina Ryan is dancing with Mark Ballas and they are dancing the Paso Doble to Eye of the TIger. Buble then comes back...

Let's save the third couple... Donny Osmond & Kym Johnson

The bottom two are Aaron Carter & Karina Smirnoff and Kelly Osbourne & Louis Van Amstel

Susan Boyle sings.... and Dance Center part II is on... I continue to laugh.

Let's save a final couple and boot someone!

The final couple saved is Kelly Osbourne & Louis Van Amstel

The booted couple is... Aaron Carter & Karina Smirnoff

Monday, November 09, 2009

Dancing With the Stars Week 8



Our stars will be doing two complete dances tonight... one latin and one ballroom as "they dance through the decades".... hrm...

LIIIIIIIIIIIVVVVVVVVVVVVVEEEEEEEEEEE

Hey kiddies... Samantha is wearing red... what does that mean?

VIDEO MONTAGE!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I hate these frigging things.

BALLROOM ROUND

Mya & Dmitry Chaplin is up first and they are dancing the Foxtrot. During the video set up... Mya is feeling stressed... no way! I can't believe that people are feeling stressed during the show. So they go out to the mountains and ride horses. She is re-charged and ready! Her dance was really good, but that still doesn't mean that i have to like her. With the way that the audience liked her... (not really... ) she needs to get good scores. Len was disappointed in her dance because he couldn't find anything to criticize. Nice trick judge! Bruno called it "quality." Carrie Ann called it graceful and awesome. Her scores were 9, 10, 10 for a total of 29.

Aaron Carter & Karina Smirnoff are up second and Aaron is turning on the Waterworks feature during his video. He has "never won anything" before and now America is feeling bad for her. She is sick and they keep dancing with SARS masks on. Oh boy... cue dramatic music. They are dancing the Foxtrot. I can't take him seriously. He annoys the living piss out of me. Bruno thought it was tense and a good attempt. Carrie Ann agrees. His scores were 7, 8, and 8 for a total of 23.

Tomorrow night is DANCE CENTER! Stacy Keibler will be on it as well!

Joanna Krupa & Derek Hough is up third and they are dancing the Quick Step this week. During the video, they make the case why Mya is a more awesome dancer... and then they worked really hard. This is finally something different and good. She's a doll. The dance starts and ends and I thought it was simply lovely. Carrie Ann thought it was full of content and good. Len thought that it was "not the standard for the quarter finals" and Bruno was equally tough. Her scores were 8, 7, 8 for a total of 23.

Kelly Osbourne & Louis Van Amstel is up next. Let's see if she can find an 8th reason to cry during the video montage.... It is tiresome... incredibly tiresome... Instead of crying, they resort to humor and show off all the distractions in her life and during their rehearsals. They are dancing the Foxtrot and Kelly is smiling a whole bunch during her dance. I guess the dance is fine, but I have such trouble liking her. The judges play to the crowd and say nice things about her. Their scores are 8, 8, 9 for a total of 25.

Donny Osmond & Kym Johnson are up last in the Ballroom Round and they are dancing in fancy clothes. They are dancing the Viennese Waltz. We learned during the video that he is burned out and wants to do well while balancing his family life. Again... I thought it was really nice and I will be wrong. Bruno admits that the showmanship is top notch and fails to comment on the dancing. Carrie Ann was mesmerized. Len made positive comments and also called arty farty. 0Their scores were 9, 8, 9 for a total of 26.

It is the middle of the show and I really think that I want the winner to be Donny or Joanna Krupa.

LATIN ROUND!!!!!!!!

For the Latin Round, each of the couples will be dancing one of their dances and it will be based upon a decade. 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s, and the future! Before we start the round, we are going to watch it from the pros.

Mya & Dmitry Chaplin are dancing their 70's Samba. We learn that they are going to incorporate some Disco moves into their dance. I just announced to TW that I wouldn't want to watch her dance the Samba with a professional dancer because it is too "Grindypants." She laughed out loud... a little too long at my expense. The dance was certainly a 70s dance and it seems obvious after the dance that they will remain in first place since she is actually smiling! All the judges love her and their scores of 10, 10, 10 for a total of 30 (First one of the season) reflects the comments.

Aaron Carter & Karina Smirnoff are dancing a 1990s Samba. Aaron likes it because it is the "era" that he grew up in. HE plans on doing the Rodeo move in it. I hoep it is a frigging train wreck... It is too the Spin Doctors' Two Princes and he seems out of breath before the dance even starts. The dance is chaotic and they don't seem to be on the same page. The judges want him to do well so I am sure that he will get good scores. The judges liked him. Shit. Their scores are 9, 9, 9 for a total of 27.

Joanna Krupa & Derek Hough are going to dance a futuristic Paso Doble and the make up is crazy insane. Derek is putting a lot of pressure on her to get her dance steps right. Somehow... it seems nice coming from him and if it was Maksim... it would have been a dick comment. I don't want to like this, but it is crazy good. CRAZY GOOD. Their scores were 9, 10, 10 for a 29. Robbed.

Kelly Osbourne & Louis Van Amstel is dancing a 1960's Jive and during her video, she was really excited by it. Well.... the dance starts and it will be this week's reason for crying. It wasn't good at all. LEN?!?!? WHAT THE FUCK? YOU THOUGHT THIS WAS GOOD? BRUNO THOUGHT IT WAS GOOD TOO? F&CK ME. Carrie ANn is officially insane too. The judges are out of their frigging minds. Their scores are 8, 9, 9 for a total of 26.

Donny Osmond & Kym Johnson are dancing a 1980s Paso Doble. The make up is not anywhere near good. I am not sure how to write about what I aw, but it is good to me... The 80s theme seemed to get in the way of the dance though. Len thought it was the craziest Paso he has ever seen, but he liked it. Bruno said it had more camp in it than a Drag Queen Convention. Their scores are 8, 8, 8 for a total of 24.

Scores... Just a reminder!

Mya & Dmitry Chaplin -- 29 + 30 = 59
Joanna Krupa & Derek Hough -- 23 + 29 = 52
Kelly Osbourne & Louis Van Amstel -- 25 + 26 = 51
Aaron Carter & Karina Smirnoff -- 23 + 27 = 50
Donny Osmond & Kym Johnson -- 26 + 24 = 50

Sunday, November 08, 2009

An Education Moviegoing Experience‏

Me and Orson Wells

Brothers

The Young Victoria

Up in The Air

The Imaginarium of Doctor

Parnassus

Broken Embraces

Friday, November 06, 2009

Book 57 of 52 -- Steve Martini's Guardian of Lies



The Paul Madriani series of books are the typical legal/courtroom thrillers, but this book, however, is not.

While Paul is a character in the book, it wouldn't matter if he was an attorney or private citizen for the plot line. Guardian of Lies is more of a spy thriller book.

Many characters are followed as their part in the plot unwinds.

Paul and Harry are there, but are not followed in any more depth than the other characters. With all the characters, Paul (and Harry) are not developed any further in this book.

I enjoyed the book and since I read thrillers in general, it didn't bother me that this wasn't really a legal drama.

Thursday, November 05, 2009

Survivor Samoa Week Eight



Message to CBS -- Stop putting too much information into your advertisements. It's less fun to watch when you pretty much know who is getting booted out.

By the time we get to Tribal Council, it is going to be either Monica, Erik, or Russell.

At Tribal Council, Erik shows his true colors. He is a humungous DICK.

The way he talks to the former Foa Foa tribe and then about Jaison at Tribal Council is ridiculous.

And to surprise the tribe... Russell plays his hidden immunity idol.

Jaison
Jaison
Erik
Erik
Erik
Erik
Erik
Erik
Erik

Erik is voted out and the first member of the jury.

Tucker's Nuts
Brett Clouser (10)
Kelly Sharbaugh (11)
Mick Trimming (14)
David Ball (15)
Shannon Waters (18)
Laura Morett (19)
Elizabeth Kim (7) -- Booted Week Seven
Ashley Trainer (3) -- Booted Week Five
Betsy Bolan (2) -- Booted Week Two
Mike Borassi (6) -- Pulled out In Episode Two (Illness)

Assssshhhfault!!
John Fincher (1)
Monica Padilla (8)
Russell Hantz (12)
Natalie White (13)
Jaison Robinson (20)
Erik Cardona (5) -- Booted Week Eight
Russell Swan (16) -- Removed in Week Six (Medevaced)
Yasmin Giles (17) -- Booted Week Four
Ben Browning (4) -- Booted Week Three
Marisa Calihan (9) -- Booted Week One

Wednesday, November 04, 2009

Book 56 of 52 -- James Patterson's Alex Cross' Trial



Ugh...

I don't think he even writes anymore.

Also... how can you have ALEX CROSS in the title and not even have Alex Cross in it?

It is a book written by James Patterson's Alex Cross character.

Frigging annoying... and predictable... just set many years earlier.

Tuesday, November 03, 2009

Dancing With the Stars Week Seven -- The Results



To start the night, we get treated to the Team Tango, which was the far better team dance last night.

Oh look! Samantha smiled at me. :) Then they ruined it and did the recap.

The first couple saved this week is Kelly Osbourne & Louis Van Amstel

The first couple in the bottom three is Mark Dacascos & Lacey Schwimmer

Colbie Calliet is up and I fast forward!!!!!!!!!! Samantha interviews the saved couple and the possible loser couple and mumbles through only 4 words.

The second couple saved is Donny Osmond & Kym Johnson

The second couple in the bottom three is Michael Irvin & Anna Demidova

We are "treated" to the singing debut of Derek Hough and Mark Ballas. It is pretty obvious that they are lip synching. oof. AND THEN A VIDEO MONTAGE! Sheeet.

The third couple saved is Mya & Dmitry Chaplin
The fourth couple saved is Joanna Krupa & Derek Hough

The third couple in the bottom two is Aaron Carter & Karina Smirnoff

The bottom three are Mark Dacascos & Lacey Schwimmer, Michael Irvin & Anna Demidova, and Aaron Carter & Karina Smirnoff.

Rod Stewart is here to sing a classic for us and a video montage is about fighting for your life in DWTS in a dance off.

The first couple eliminated by having the lowest score is Michael Irvin & Anna Demidova



DANCE OFF!!!

These two couples will now each dance a special dance that they have prepared and the judges will have the sole decision on who they eliminate. Let's watch their dances right after some dramatic moments.

Mark Dacascos & Lacey Schwimmer are up first and they prepared this as a pair last week so now that Lacey is back, they should be good. They are dancing the Cha Cha Cha. And... I liked it a lot. It was a pretty tight 30 seconds. The judges thought Mark was back to being a good dancer again now that Lacey is back. Len thought it was brilliant. Bruno thought it was good and Carrie Ann liked it.

Aaron Carter & Karina Smirnoff are up second and they have their hands full. They are dancing the Jive. The dance starts off slow and is filled with a bunch of goofy fimmicks. His footwork seems tight though. All three judges thought it was great.

The final couple saved in a unanimous decision is Aaron Carter & Karina Smirnoff

Therefore, the second couple going home tonight is Mark Dacascos & Lacey Schwimmer (Hasta Pasta).

Dang.

Monday, November 02, 2009

Dancing With the Stars -- Week Seven... (Already?)



Before teh show starts, I am feeling a bit "eh" to the season so far as a whole. It's sad when I can't dislike people as much as I have in teh past and I am actually rooting for a snotty model (Krupa) and the brother of a woman I despised when she was on the show (Osmond).

The Yankees are on tonight so I will be watching both... and flipping between them. So exciting.

This week they will be doing two dances: an individual and a team dance of Paso Doble vs Tango. So to start the show, the pros show us how to do it right.

The stars come out and we get two quick updates.
1. The stars designed all the costumes this week.
2. Lacey Schwimmer is really sick so Anna Treyumski is filling in for her.

Michael Irvin & Anna Demidova are up first. FOr the individual dance, they are doing the Foxtrot. Anna is trying to get Michael to be full of more energy and the video seems to bore me to death. Anna... let me advise you on something. It is your choreography that is killing this pair. I don't like Michael, but he is better than what you are giving him. The purple pair dances an upbeat Fox Trot that is fine and better than most of his dances, but I highly doubt that it will be as good as the other pairs. Len really liked it. "Brilliant" Bruno thought his musicality has improved, but stop sticking out the "bum." Carrie Ann thought it was gracious and great. Their scores are 8, 8, 7 for a score of 23.

Donny Osmond & Kym Johnson are up second. They are dancing the Quick Step and Donny is nervous about remembering all the steps and choreography. Kym brings out the posture bar and the video ends... huh? Good dance and not perfect for me. He seemed so unsure of himself. Bruno gets booed for pointing out all of his mistakes. Carrie Ann liked the show, but there were mistakes. Len liked it best. Their scores were 8, 8, and 8 for a total of 24.

Mark Dacascos & Anna Trebunskaya (Lacey Schwimmer) are up third and we get a few minutes of video of Mark pushing Lacey out. Tony Dovolani steps in to train Mark on a Friday night. Tony steps in on a Saturday night... Two nights to learn and he is under a lot of pressure. For real too. They are dancing the Samba. I thought it was awesome... but Carrie Ann hated it and called it a "mess." Oof. Len didn't think it was terrible but not his best dance. Bruno spoke something... Their scores were 6, 7, 6 for a total of 19.

Mya & Dmitry Chaplin are the "Hump Dance." We are reminded that they didn't do so well last week. They are dancing the Fox Trot this week. To add some personality to the dancer since Mya is pretty damn boring, they bring in Cloris Leachman in to add some comic relief. They begin the dance and ... as expected... they step up from last week's performance. The one thing I would say is that they don't seem to be dancing together for much of the dance. Len liked the parts in hold and didn't like the gimmicks in the dance. Bruno loved it. Carrie Ann adored it. Their scores were 9, 7, 9 for a total of 25.

Aaron Carter & Karina Smirnoff are up fifth. He "returned" last week and was proud. They are dancing the Jive this week and he is nervous about hitting all of his steps. They are dancing to a horrible rendition of We're Not Going to Take It. TW and I think he missed a lot of steps, but the audience loved it. Bruno LOVED it. Aaron has a vein in his forehead that is bigger than the Mississippi River. Carrie Ann thought it was "sooo good." Len thought it was decent enough. Their scores were 9, 10, 10 for a score of 29. Ick...

Kelly Osbourne & Louis Van Amstel had a "rough" week... *Sigh* again. This is getting ridiculous. She is such an emotional wreck and the "joke" is old. I really can't wait for her to get voted off. Louie and Kelly get into it and Kelly just keeps crying and crying and crying. I want her and Aaron Carter off the show... They are dancing the Samba and Kelly screwed up Louie's pants. Ick. We thought it wasn't good, but I am sure the judges will baby her. Carrie Ann thought it was great. Len liked the performance, but not the dancing so much. Bruno gets up on the table and does a lot of doofy things. He loves the camera and is sort of critical, which is good. Their scores were 8, 8, 8 for a total of 24.

Joanna Krupa & Derek Hough is up last and we are reminded how awesome she was last week. The video is interesting since Derek gets her in a swimsuit and makes it funny. This is perfect for the ladies and now.. maybe they can dance the "sexy" Rumba together. It was a good dance until a small mess up in the end. Len thought it was a wonderful dance and Bruno loved it. Carrie Ann loved it. Their scores were 9, 9, 9 for a total of 27.

Team Dance -- Tonight it is Team Paso Doble versus Team Tango.

Team Paso Doble consists of Aaron Carter & Karina Smirnoff (Captain), Mya & Dmitry Chaplin, Mark Dacascos & Anna Trebunskaya (Lacey Schwimmer), and Michael Irvin & Anna Demidova and they are up first. The video shows that without a neutral choreographer so many professional dancers are all up in each other's grills. Michael brings everyone back to earth. The dance starts and I am not sure what to say since I don't think anyone really stood out, but I do have one negative thing. Aaron? Really... keep the shirt on please. THe judges were relatively positive positive, but I don't think the group score will be all that high. Their scores were 8, 8, 8 for a total of 24.

Team Tango is made up of Joanna Krupa & Derek Hough (Captains), Donny Osmond & Kym Johnson, and Kelly Osbourne & Louis Van Amstel and they are up second. There is FAR less drama in their video. Their dance was very dynamic and just seemed much better to us than the other team... by far. Carrie Ann thought it was perfect even though they had a lift. Len and Bruno thought it was superior to the other team. Their scores were 9, 9, 10 for a total of 28.

Scores... Just a reminder!

Joanna Krupa & Derek Hough -- 27 + 28 = 55
Aaron Carter & Karina Smirnoff -- 29 + 24 = 53
Kelly Osbourne & Louis Van Amstel -- 24 + 28 = 52
Donny Osmond & Kym Johnson -- 24 + 28 = 52
Mya & Dmitry Chaplin -- 25 + 24 = 49
Michael Irvin & Anna Demidova -- 23 + 24 = 47
Mark Dacascos & Lacey Schwimmer -- 19 + 24 = 43

Friday, October 30, 2009

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Survivor Samoa Week Seven



Tucker's Nuts
Brett Clouser (10)
Kelly Sharbaugh (11)
Mick Trimming (14)
David Ball (15)
Shannon Waters (18)
Laura Morett (19)
Elizabeth Kim (7) -- Booted Week Seven
Ashley Trainer (3) -- Booted Week Five
Betsy Bolan (2) -- Booted Week Two
Mike Borassi (6) -- Pulled out In Episode Two (Illness)

Assssshhhfault!!
John Fincher (1)
Erik Cardona (5)
Monica Padilla (8)
Russell Hantz (12)
Natalie White (13)
Jaison Robinson (20)
Russell Swan (16) -- Removed in Week Six (Medevaced)
Yasmin Giles (17) -- Booted Week Four
Ben Browning (4) -- Booted Week Three
Marisa Calihan (9) -- Booted Week One

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Dancing With the Stars Week 6 Elimination Episode



Whoa... we are live and Samantha looks better than she has ever looked and it is in a black dress.

We go straight into a Taylor Swift song and I hit the fast forward button. I keep the fast forward continues as the recap comes on.

"We got a lot of tense spray tanned people here." Heh heh... Tom Bergeron is just clever and snarky aware of his situation.

First couple saved is Joanna Krupa & Derek Hough
Second couple saved is Mark Dacascos & Lacey Schwimmer

Ugh... why do they have to do videos? This one is about how nervous they are about "double elimination." Boring.

Third couple saved is Donny Osmond & Kym Johnson
Fourth couple saved is Aaron Carter & Karina Smirnoff (Karina is usually the professional that reacts the best, but the high pitch scream she just belted was ... intimidatingly cute.)

Some dude sings and I fast forward... he was too handsome. Then it is another video about their wardrobes for the next week.

Fifth couple saved is Mya & Dmitry Chaplin
Sixth couple saved is Kelly Osbourne & Louis Van Amstel

These are your bottom three couples... Melissa Joan Hart & Mark Ballas, Michael Irvin & Anna Demidova, and Louie Vito & Chelsie Hightower. They will reveal the first booted and who will dance off after Taylor Swift bores America again.

In the dance off Michael Irvin & Anna Demidova and Louie Vito & Chelsie Hightower

The couple automatically eliminated tonight is Melissa Joan Hart & Mark Ballas WOW! I didn't see that one coming.



It is time for the first ever dance off where the judges have sole discretion of who is booted from the show.

Michael Irvin & Anna Demidova are up first and they have chosen to dance the Samba and after a quick video of them practicing that morning the dancing begins. I actually thought it was cute and fun. Seriously... I don't like this guy and I want him to lose so that I can have at least one more night of Chelsie Hightower. Len thought it was "enjoyable." Bruno thought it was "fun" and a "crowd pleaser." Carrie Ann thought it was the right dance for his personality, but the dancing was weak.

Louie Vito & Chelsie Hightower dance second and the video sounds the exact same as Michael's video... early to rise and the fans are awesome. They are dancing the Jive and he is excited about it. See? I don't know anything, but I thought his footwork was atrocious and just plain upsetting. Poor Chelsie. Bruno was impressed with the amount of content shoved into a short period of time while Carrie Ann and Len that that they were a bit weak in content.

We go to the judges for their verdict.

Bruno makes his comments first. He votes for Louie Vito & Chelsie Hightower

Len votes for Michael Irvin & Anna Demidova

Carrie Ann votes to save Michael Irvin & Anna Demidova

The last couple saved is Michael Irvin & Anna Demidova

That means that the second couple booted this week is:

Louie Vito & Chelsie Hightower Damn.

Monday, October 26, 2009

Dancing With the Stars -- Week 6



And so we remember what we were told last week and try to decipher what was said.

1. Double elimination this week.
2. There will be a dance off during the elimination episode.
3. Something else about a new dance during the dance off... Hrm.
4. If there is a double emilination... how many people will be dancing in the dance off?
5. My brain officially hurts and the night hasn't even begun yet.

We are now LIIIIIIIIIIIVVVVVVVVVEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!

They are dancing two dances tonight -- The Waltz and the Jitterbug (one each) and then the Dance Marathon (Mambo)! (Huh?) This is what they call the "Upping of the Stakes."

Mya & Dmitry Chaplin are up first and we are reminded that she was second last week after three weeks at the top of the leaderboard. They are dancing the Jitterbug and Mya is looking forward to having a lot of fun. Mya seems to have a hurt hip bone. Poor baby. So... she gets a massage to take care of her aches and pains... America sighs in complacency. "Float like a Jitterbug and sting like a bee." said with a goofy smile. God... she is truly boring. The dance starts and there is a lot of "messing about" with props and she finally gets into the dance. There are a lot of kicks and fun and she is good, but there seems to be a lot missing. Just a ton of the same thing over and over again. Len says that the last refuge of the untalented is the use of props... and he is disappointed she wasted so much time since she is so good. Bruno thought her timing was perfect. Carrie Ann agrees with Len and says that is was too soft and muted. Their scores are 8, 7, 9 for a score of 24.

Melissa Joan Hart & Mark Ballas show up second and we are reminded that last week was not her best. Again, she announces that she is ready to "step it up." Stilted and ... stilted... They are dancing the Waltz this week and her posture is atrocious so Mark brings in his mother. Of course... she's tough. TW doesn't like her and I was sort of middle of the road on her. I am officially in TW's camp now. It seems like a tragic start to the dance, but I can only see their faces. The rest of the dance just seems off balance to me. The crowd liked it a lot though. Bruno hated it and said "It wasn't good." He was rough. Carrie Ann agrees and called it a "sticky" dance. And Len is smoking pot who says that she was elegant and had musicality proving that he is on a different planet. Their scores are 7, 7, 6 for a total of 20.

The dance off is explained. The lowest score is booted... no matter what. The second and third lowest scores will dance a brand new dance for the judges to try to stay in the game. Weird and how do you plan for that? Also -- the judges have the sole discretion about who goes home. America has NO say in it. The contestants get to pick their dance and the songs.

Mark Dacascos & Lacey Schwimmer are up third. They are doing the Jitterbug. Lacey is choreographing a dance that will allow Mark to step up and shine. He is going to be doing all the tricks and jumps. Lacey takes him to a Jitterbug club to experience it all. This will be awesome or a train wreck. It starts awesomely and I liked a move where Lacey jumps onto his side and slides down. The role reversal works for me and he does do some great and energetic things. I get a strange feeling that the judges will think they are a bit too frenetic. Carrie Ann loved it. Len loved it. Bruno called it "truly spectacular." They all pointed out a slight loss of steps at the end of the dance which did occur. Their scores were 9, 9, 8 for a total of 26.

Aaron Carter & Karina Smirnoff dance fourth. God... will AMerica just vote out this whiny putz? He can't wait to do the Waltz because it really suits his personality. He gets to sit and wait through a commercial break to think about his dance first. It's called "icing." He finally gets to dance and his hair is quite spiky and messy. What did I learn from their Waltz? Karina is really good at spinning all around him AND I learned that Harold Wheeler can even ruin Once, Twice, Three Times a Lady. He was fine, but nothing tremendous to me. Len thought he was good and mature out there. Bruno and Carrie Ann pointed out his foot misteps. His scores were 8, 9, 8 for a total of 25.

Michael Irvin & Anna Demidova dance fifth and will he get out of the bottom of the leaderboard after being there three weeks in a row with his Waltz? Will he clench a nickel in his butt tonight? He knows that the reason he is still around is because of his fans and nothing to do with his dancing. We get to see a segment with him on his radio talk show... he finally practices his dancing. He gets very frustrated with his dancing. I watched the dance and my thoughts are -- Anna is pretty and might be a good dancer, but she isn't ready for this show since she isn't really choreographing him to anything special. The crowd likes it. Bruno said it was satisfactory, but not premiere league Waltz. Carrie Ann thought it was a charming Waltz and there was a lift. Len loved it. Someone is licking LSD. Their scores are 6, 8, 6 for a total of 20.

Kelly Osbourne & Louis Van Amstel hurt her foot last week and the pain continued past the show and was rushed to the hospital and cleared! They are dancing the Jitterbug this week and is having troubles with tricks because of her fear of heights. This is a theme. Louie is good at playing at the drama... so Kelly can overcome another "internal demon" to get the audience votes. Her outfit and makeup are pretty much like a clown, but when she starts dancing, the confidence and fun come out in spades. She isn't doing anything amazing, but it is far more fun than most of the others. However, towards the middle endish... there were a bunch of slip ups, but overall, it was funner than I expected. Ugh... I can't ever get it right. Carrie Ann basically tells her to stop thinking and stay happy. Len thought it was disappointing. Bruno thought it was cute and nice, but not with any sort of fire. Sell it chickadee. Her scores were 7, 6, 7 for a total of 20.

Louie Vito & Chelsie Hightower is up next and I forget the dude's name as I look at my new girlfriend Chelsie Hightower. They are doing the Jitterbug and Chelsie is trying to get him to do lots of tricks. He is feeling awkward about it and they watch his videos to do some comparisons. He comes out as a nerd and Chelsie quickly strips him of all thing nerd. THe dance starts and it is weird at best. I just don't think he is suited to dancing and it's a shame because Chelsie is so wonderful. Len liked parts of it... then hit him for his footwork. Bruno criticized it and Carrie Ann liked it even though he dropped her twice. Their scores were 7, 7, 7 for a total of 21.

Joanna Krupa & Derek Hough dance second to last after Derek has survived the flu. They are dancing the romantic Waltz and she thinks it is hard because it is so slow and controlled. They seem to be cracking because he doesn't think she is doing it right. I just don't know the Waltz so I won't say anything anymore about it. Tom calls it the "Get a Room Dance of the Season." Bruno loved it. Carrie Ann thought something strange was going on and thought it was hesitation. Len was critical of the footwork and happy they went straight into the dance and he thought it was the best Waltz of the night. Their scores are 8, 9, 9 for a 26.

Donny Osmond & Kym Johnson is up and wearing the WORST HAT EVER -- a train conductor hat that is five hundred pounds. They do some charity work and try really hard. The dance starts and it is incredibly high energy IMMEDIATELY. The hat matches the song. It is the most fun dance of the night... for sure. We should have known that his Jitterbug would be really high energy. The judges appreciated him more even if the dancing wasn't perfect. Their scores were 8, 8, 8 for a total of 24.

Competition Mambo -- Marathon!!!

It's time for the competition Mambo and they are going to be eliminated one by one and points will be given corresponding to the order they get booted. The video is to show us their training. The dance is a full four minutes.

The order of the boot was:

First (2) -- Michael Irvin & Anna Demidova
Second(3) -- Louie Vito & Chelsie Hightower
Third (4) -- Melissa Joan Hart & Mark Ballas
Fourth (5) -- Kelly Osbourne & Louis Van Amstel
Fifth (6) -- Mark Dacascos & Lacey Schwimmer
Sixth (7) -- Donny Osmond & Kym Johnson
Seventh (8) -- Aaron Carter & Karina Smirnoff
Eighth (9) -- Mya & Dmitry Chaplin
WINNER! (10) -- Joanna Krupa & Derek Hough

Scores... Just a reminder!

Joanna Krupa & Derek Hough -- 26 + 10 = 36
Aaron Carter & Karina Smirnoff -- 25 + 8 = 33
Mya & Dmitry Chaplin -- 24 + 9 = 33
Mark Dacascos & Lacey Schwimmer -- 26 + 6 = 32
Donny Osmond & Kym Johnson -- 24 + 7 = 31
Kelly Osbourne & Louis Van Amstel -- 20 + 5 = 25
Louie Vito & Chelsie Hightower -- 21 + 3 = 24
Melissa Joan Hart & Mark Ballas -- 20 + 4 = 24
Michael Irvin & Anna Demidova -- 20 + 2 = 22

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Survivor Week Six -- Holy Crap



The show spent the first ten minutes showing 5 days of rain and how hard it was on everyone. I can't imagine how hard that was. It never seems to stop (and later in the episode... it pours during the Tribal Council and you can just see the horrified faces on everyone.)

Russell Swan had the scariest moment in Survivor history by passing out. That shook me too much.

Russell was removed from the game and that was really really hard to watch... even though I didn't like him. That was hard.

Crazy.

Tonight... two people are being voted out -- one from each tribe.

First Tribal Council where everyone is currently sitting -- all 13 people that are left. Jeff relates watching the scary moments with Russell, but he is ok and the players all talk about Russell and then get into the game talk.

Time to discuss the vote. There will be NO ONE VOTED out tonight due to the unprecedented nature of today.

I wish there was still a vote...

I feel kind of cheated.

Tucker's Nuts
Elizabeth Kim (7)
Brett Clouser (10)
Kelly Sharbaugh (11)
Mick Trimming (14)
David Ball (15)
Shannon Waters (18)
Laura Morett (19)
Ashley Trainer (3) -- Booted Week Five
Betsy Bolan (2) -- Booted Week Two
Mike Borassi (6) -- Pulled out In Episode Two (Illness)

Assssshhhfault!!
John Fincher (1)
Erik Cardona (5)
Monica Padilla (8)
Russell Hantz (12)
Natalie White (13)
Jaison Robinson (20)
Russell Swan (16) -- Removed in Week Six (Medevaced)
Yasmin Giles (17) -- Booted Week Four
Ben Browning (4) -- Booted Week Three
Marisa Calihan (9) -- Booted Week One

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Dancing With the Stars Week 5 Elimination Show



We are LIIIIIIVVVVVVVEEEEEEEEE........

TW and I are betting that the Encore Dance will be the very entertaining group Hustle that was done at the end of the show last night.

Samantha looks lovely tonight since her hair is back to being nice. During the recap from the episode last night, we get insight into Kelly Osbourne's hurt goot... and when I say insight... I mean... her dad took her to the hospital. I am sure there will be some drama later. She has a sprained foot and a contusion so she will be able to dance again next week.

We were wrong about the Encore dance. It will be Kym and Donny's Argentine Tango. IT is important to point out that Kym is wearing a dress that only a perfect body can wear. Ridiculously cut.

Norah Jones sings... the Yankees go up 5-0... the video recap reminds us that the audience vote is important.

They brought out the three highest scores.

First safe -- Mark Dacascos & Lacey Schwimmer
Second safe -- Donny Osmond & Kym Johnson
Third safe -- Mya & Dmitry Chaplin

Der.

VIDEO PACKAGE! This is to tell us how busy they are on Mondays.... ugh.

They then bring out the three couples that tied with a score of 24.

Joanna Krupa & Derek Hough (Maksim) are in jeopardy!
Fourth couple saved is Kelly Osbourne & Louis Van Amstel
Aaron Carter & Karina Smirnoff are in jeopardy!

They now bring out the two couples that are the lowest male and female stars (Michael and Natalie).

Fifth couple saved is Michael Irvin & Anna Demidova
Natalie Coughlin & Alec Mazo are in jeopardy.

At this point, three highest scores are in jeopardy!

Norah Jones sings again.

Sixth couple saved is Louie Vito & Chelsie Hightower YAY!
Melissa Joan Hart & Mark Ballas are still in jeopardy.

Macy's Stars of Dance -- Now it is time for the Michael Jackson tribute! Plenty of people say nice things about him. It was awesome. Good job ABC.

Four couples are left and Tom and Samantha f*ck with their minds -- I love the way they are doing this this season... it is sooooooo mean.

Seventh couple saved is Melissa Joan Hart & Mark Ballas
Eighth couple saved isJoanna Krupa & Derek Hough (Maksim)

The bottom two are Aaron Carter & Karina Smirnoff and Natalie Coughlin & Alec Mazo

The couple booted this week is:

Natalie Coughlin & Alec Mazo

Monday, October 19, 2009

Dancing With the Stars -- Week 5!



The hair people are mad at Samantha as her hair is bigger than the Balloon Boy's balloon!

The Argentine Tango or the Paso Doble will be danced by everyone and then there will be a group dance... The Hustle!

Natalie Coughlin & Alec Mazo are dancing the Paso Doble which is a power dance. During the video, she seems to be asking a ton of detailed and technical questions. Her dance begins and I am not sure why I can't connect with her at all... ever. She isn't bad at all and her Wonder Woman outfit is lovely. Len thought it was a good dance and clean, but it wasn't aggressive enough. Not enough character or chemistry. Bruno agreed... as does Carrie Ann. Thier scores are 7, 8, 7 for a total of 22.

Aaron Carter & Karina Smirnoff was in the bottom two last week and they are dancing the Argentine Tango. TW tells me that he was on Ellen today and was pretty boring. The video was boring and Aaron is a boy "that has become a man." Ugh. The dance is incredibly slow and kind of odd.Maybe I just don't like the Argentine Tango. Bruno liked him a lot as did the other two whackos. Thier scores are 8, 8, 8 for a total of 24.

Michael Irvin & Anna Demidova is up and doing the Paso Doble. Anna says... that you must bestron and stiff like you are holding a coin in your butt cheeks. So... Michael puts a coin in his butt. It's all amusing. There is a lot more of her in the dance than him until the end of the dance where he takes over. Carrie Ann liked the dance a lot. Michael gives Bruno the quarter that he had in his butt. Their scores are 7, 7, 7 for a total of 21.

Mya & Dmitry Chaplin were sexy last week. They are doing the Argentine Tango this week. During the video, they are practicing a lot of lifts... lots of lifts.They go build some houses with Habitat for Humanity... arrogant way of approaching their dance... why bother practicing? The dance is... ummm... perfect? Too bad er personality is so boring. Their scores are 9, 9, 9 for a total of 27.

Mark Dacascos & Lacey Schwimmer are up next and Lacey Schwimmer's hair is higher that Cheech and Chong combined. Lacey is having a tough time teaching Mark how to be aggressive for the dance... The Paso Doble. PErsonally... aside from the music and Lacey's hair, I thought it was very good. Bruno adored it. Carrie Ann thought it was amazing. Their scores were 9, 9, 8 for a total of 26.

Donny Osmond & Kym Johnson was too theatrical last week. Donny is busy. THe video is understated for Donny... but a funny moment is when asked if he knows what Passionate means... he responds with... "I have five kids..." The dance seemed really good this week. Everyone seems to be really stepping it up. Carrie Ann just fell in love with Donny... and his sexiness. Their scores are 10, 9, 10 for a total of 29.

Louie Vito & Chelsie Hightower are ready to get over the crappy dance from last week... and are focussed on their Argentine Tango for this week. They say it is goign to be "hot." I hope that at least Chelsie is... I am not too concerned about Louie. Louie Vito is the only celebrity that Chelsie could dance with where her legs look long. Again... another good dance. Everyone seems to be stepping up. The judges liked them... too. Their scores are 7, 8, 7 for a total of 22.

Melissa Joan Hart & Mark Ballas broke through last week... BUT DRAMA!!!!!!!! Mark has the flu and they might not be truly prepared for this week's Argentine Tango. Anna Treyunsky fills in for Mark for a day. She is ready and Mark and her are awfully close face to face for this dance. Her dance is good... not as good as last week, but good. This is the first time the judges aren't positive about someone tonight. She "looked grumpy" according to Bruno. Carrie Ann disagreed though. Their scores are 8, 8, 7 for a total of 23.

Kelly Osbourne & Louis Van Amstel are second to last and they are dancing the Paso Doble. Louis wants Kelly to pretend she is the cape... not the matador or the bull. Louis can't get her to stop giggling. They are dancing to Ozzy's Crazy Train. DRAMA!!!!!!!!!! Harold Wheeler's band frigging destroys the song. To us, she seems to be a half second behind with all of her motions. Their scores were 8, 8, 8 for a total of 24. We don't think they deserved that.

Joanna Krupa & Derek Hough(played by Maksim Chmerkovskiy) are up last. There is MORE DRAMA! Derek is so sick that he can't perform tonight. Lots of drama and Maks is teaching her lots of stuff with the Argentine Tango. The dance starts with a lift that was incredible... and then continued into awesomeness. The judges loved it until they stumbled. Carrie Ann and Len were more positive. Their scores were 8, 8, 8 for a total of 24.

Group Dance

There will be no scoring by the judges as they dance the Hustle. Corky Ballas is choreographing the dance. (P.S. Kelly is dancing the dance barefoot since she hurt her foot during her dance earlier.) The cideo was funny... and everyone is practicing their throws and dances. The dance start and everyone is dressed appropriately. Each couple does a cool set of moves, but Kelly's seems the most limited and awkward. It was far from a train wreck and should not affext the scores in the least. Vote away America... vote away!

Scores... Just a reminder!

Donny Osmond & Kym Johnson -- 29
Mya & Dmitry Chaplin -- 27
Mark Dacascos & Lacey Schwimmer -- 26
Joanna Krupa & Derek Hough(played by Maksim Chmerkovskiy) -- 24
Aaron Carter & Karina Smirnoff -- 24
Kelly Osbourne & Louis Van Amstel -- 24
Melissa Joan Hart & Mark Ballas -- 23
Natalie Coughlin & Alec Mazo -- 22
Louie Vito & Chelsie Hightower -- 22
Michael Irvin & Anna Demidova -- 21

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Survivor Samoa -- Week Five



Ashley
Liz
Ashley
Ashley
Ashley

Tucker's Nuts
Elizabeth Kim (7)
Brett Clouser (10)
Kelly Sharbaugh (11)
Mick Trimming (14)
David Ball (15)
Shannon Waters (18)
Laura Morett (19)
Ashley Trainer (3) -- Booted Week Five
Betsy Bolan (2) -- Booted Week Two
Mike Borassi (6) -- Pulled out In Episode Two (Illness)

Assssshhhfault!!
John Fincher (1)
Erik Cardona (5)
Monica Padilla (8)
Russell Hantz (12)
Natalie White (13)
Russell Swan (16)
Jaison Robinson (20)
Yasmin Giles (17) -- Booted Week Four
Ben Browning (4) -- Booted Week Three
Marisa Calihan (9) -- Booted Week One

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Dancing With the Stars Week Four Results



As we start, Tom reminds us that the men sucked and the women were fantastic.... but that doesn't stop us from going.... LIIIIIIIIIIIIIIVVVVVVVEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!

TW and I disagree... I think Samantha looks phenomenal.

Let's RECAP!!!!!!!!! FF.

The Encore dance? Melissa and Mark's Charleston... TW... sighs heavily.

Shakira shakes her toosh... and looks great doing it... very much like Scarlet Johannson for some reason. Different.

Let's starting keeping people around... and they will reveal two safe couples and a Bottom Two couple.

First safe -- Mya & Dmitry Chaplin
Second safe -- Melissa Joan Hart & Mark Ballas

The first couple in the bottom two is: Aaron Carter & Karina Smirnoff Will he cry?

Next week will be the Paso Doble or the Argentine Tango. The pros will remind us of what they are... and Len gives us pointers about them. *yawn* There will also be a Group Hustle.

Let's save more couples.

Third couple saved is Kelly Osbourne & Louis Van Amstel
Fourth couple saved is Natalie Coughlin & Alec Mazo
Fifth couple saved is Joanna Krupa & Derek Hough

All of the women have been saved!

Sixth couple saved is Mark Dacascos & Lacey Schwimmer
Seventh couple saved is Michael Irvin & Anna Demidova

Awesome... a video package about their kids. puke... but I revoke my puke when I see Shakira dance and sing again.

The eighth couple saved is Donny Osmond & Kym Johnson
The ninth couple saved is Louie Vito & Chelsie Hightower

The bottom two are Aaron Carter & Karina Smirnoff and Chuck Liddell & Anna Trebunskaya

The couple eliminated this week is:

Chuck Liddell & Anna Trebunskaya