Doctor Who - Forest of the Dead
Often, scary aliens in Doctor Who are misunderstood victims. The Vashta Nerada 'nursery' was in the trees on this planet that were killed in order to make room for the library. So, the spores continued their gestation in the books. Or - the Vashta Nerada trees which contained all the spores were used to create the books and sent to the library (per Wikipedia). But, I thought the 'Other Dave' talking Vashta Nerada had said this was their planet. ? Anyway, they were victim's of a human person's need to deny/avoid the death of a beloved daughter.
Doctor Who - Season One
So, the real Doctor Who in my head is Christopher Eccleston. I watched Season One again this weekend. When it was over I mourned the loss of the Ninth Doctor just like it was the first time. Christopher Eccleston made me care about The Doctor. He was goofy and kind and wise and unafraid and angry and accepting and forgiving. He was the perfect hero and its no wonder I have a huge crush on the Ninth Doctor. Huge.
And it makes me so curious about Christopher Eccleston. Why did he leave? Was he happy being The Doctor? Did he get along with Billie Piper? Is he sad he left? Was it always the plan?
The Doctor's personality and character are imprinted on Christopher Eccleston for me, so he's the beneficiary of my positive and warm feelings for Doctor Nine - I hope he's happy and living a wonderful life.
Design Star
Michael is young. It was hard to watch. Honestly, after his audition I was surprised they took him. He may have had a flair for design, but he couldn't control it or define it. He's at the mercy of something he doesn't yet understand. Once he figures out who he is (not in relation to other people) he'll decide if he wants to develop his skills. At the audition he couldn't find the words to describe his style and he didn't even understand why he needed to define it. I recognize his frustration because I feel it too as it relates to this blog. This is me, practicing. I know what I want to say, but I can't control it or express it in a way that's useful for other people.
I hope Michael will have learned some humility after watching the show.
Otherwise, I'm still a Jennifer fan. I'm glad Matt gets another chance.
I'm feeling even more manipulated about Tracee this week. They kept showing her making outlandish claims about her talents. America loves to see someone who thinks they're great get knocked down a peg. And the producers were setting us up to believe Tracee would be going home this week - only to have it be her archrival Michael! Da Da Da Daaaaaaaa!
Doctor Who - Rose vs Martha
...and really, why would The Doctor love Rose so much in particular? Look at what Martha did in the last two episodes of season three? She convinced a whole world to believe in The Doctor!!!! And she did it knowing that he didn't love her like she loved him.
I just don't get why everyone wants Rose and The Doctor to be together so much more than The Doctor and someone else. The Doctor is expansive - he can love her, but he wouldn't mope about her being gone. He knows life is eternal.
Bad Wolf. That section bothers me. At the end of Season 1 when Rose takes the Tardis in, I think we find out that the Tardis is a female and she loves The Doctor. The Doctor recognizes the Tardis and is showing love for the Tardis, not Rose. The Tardis sacrificed herself (by going into Rose) to save The Doctor, and The Doctor sacrificed the Christopher Eccleston body to save The Tardis. That's the story I choose to believe!!!!!
(I'm clearly obsessed about Doctor Nine right now - I expect I'll calm down in a few days.)
Food Network Star
Jennifer was the correct choice. And, unless he does something spectacular, Adam will be next. He might be a great cook, but he isn't a great cook under pressure, it seems.
The funny thing about this competition is that the Food Network doesn't seem to have any problem finding new stars in their usual way. They have a whole batch of new shows coming up already - none of them feature the 'other two' winners of the Food Network Star - or even a runnerup.
I would pick either Lisa, Shane, or Kelsie to win - and I'm probably not going out on a limb with that prediction either. Aaron's too nervous and uncomfortable in front of the camera and Adam doesn't handle his time while cooking well. I understand - I quite often underestimate how long it will take me to do something.
Monday, June 30, 2008
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Dcotor Who...nearing the end of Season 4
Last night's episode of Doctor Who gave me goose bumps. I love the character of River Song (?) and I love that she is the Doctor's true love. I'm glad its not Rose. One thought I had is that River Song IS Rose...its still possible I suppose. Wouldn't that be scary. I don't want Rose to be his true love. But, the story twist would be cool if River was Rose.
I'm watching Season 1 episodes and remember why I liked Christopher Eccleston so much - he's sexy as The Doctor. I think the reason I have problems with the Rose/Doctor love story is because originally it was Christopher Eccleston and I thought he looked too old for her. I also think they held back on that story line while he was the Doctor. When he regenerated to someone younger they went whole hog with the love story and that seemed forced and kinda wierd. That's why I don't like the Rose/Doctor love story. But, I was still moved and touched and got goosebumps at the end of season 2. And really, I liked it. I just want Alex Kingston to be his love match 'cause I like him with her better. Aaargh - I'm too interested!!!! I need to read a romance novel or something!
Hey - is Doctor Who supposed to be for children? 'Cause if it is - I'm a child. The DVD has an interview with Christopher Eccleston where they talk about the show as if its for kids, but adults might like it too. I think its more for adults, but kids will like it too. I'm a sci-fi fan so I have a built in positive feeling about it (even though I don't normally like monsters). Anyway - as I said before, if its for kids, I like it too! :)
I'm watching Season 1 episodes and remember why I liked Christopher Eccleston so much - he's sexy as The Doctor. I think the reason I have problems with the Rose/Doctor love story is because originally it was Christopher Eccleston and I thought he looked too old for her. I also think they held back on that story line while he was the Doctor. When he regenerated to someone younger they went whole hog with the love story and that seemed forced and kinda wierd. That's why I don't like the Rose/Doctor love story. But, I was still moved and touched and got goosebumps at the end of season 2. And really, I liked it. I just want Alex Kingston to be his love match 'cause I like him with her better. Aaargh - I'm too interested!!!! I need to read a romance novel or something!
Hey - is Doctor Who supposed to be for children? 'Cause if it is - I'm a child. The DVD has an interview with Christopher Eccleston where they talk about the show as if its for kids, but adults might like it too. I think its more for adults, but kids will like it too. I'm a sci-fi fan so I have a built in positive feeling about it (even though I don't normally like monsters). Anyway - as I said before, if its for kids, I like it too! :)
The Supreme Court and the Second Amendment
My family are not outdoors people - we didn't hunt or camp. My father had a rifle and a couple handguns in the den which I saw him shoot at targets a few times. I've shot a gun once or maybe twice at a target myself. Generally, though, I'm not around guns or people who own guns. After my father died I didn't know what to do with his last remaining handgun. The gun was in a hard gun case stored in closets over the years. I kept the bullets somewhere else. Eventually, I left it with CW when I moved out of his house. That's my gun history.
At this point in my life I don't think most people should own guns. Its too great a tragedy when they're discharged accidentally or without experience. Its not worth the potential loss of life. For those who do have experience with guns, the potential for people to use the gun in anger or frustsration and cause loss of life is also not worth it.
I'm not a legal or historical scholar so I'm just laying out what seems logical to me based on what I understand today.
Even though I don't think guns are good for 90% of the people, I do recognize, however, the 2nd amendment as a right for people to own guns. I think the framers of the constitution recognized that in order for a people to overthrow their government (like they did), they'd need arms. How would we have overcome the British without weapons? I think that's what their point was. And when they talked about a militia, I think they were using the term differently than we do now. Today, a state's National Guard is a militia. But, in those days, the 'militia' were local, neighborhood, or regional citizens who were willing to throw down the shovel and take up arms against enemies of democracy. They are not people associated with the government, because in that case how could they overthrow the government? What if our country is occupied? The army makes a difference, obviously, but we also need an armed resistance - like an insurgency (which of course, could lead to a discussion of Iraq and why we should stop acting like an insurgency is unreasonable given the circumstances - but I'll leave that to another time).
One of the problems with civil liberties is that we have to expect (believe) our fellow citizens will rise to the challenge of responsible use of the rights. We wouldn't need gun control laws if we could trust that people would make sure guns were never discharged accidentally or with anger and malice.
That's the case with all our civil rights - if people would live up to the challenges rather than find ways to take advantage and avoid responsibility, we wouldn't have to make laws to protect us from the lowest common denominators in our society.
In any event, I believe we have to trust (teach if necessary) our citizens to behave responsibly. So, even though I don't like guns and I wish people wouldn't want them, its a right given to Americans in our constitution.
(Gun ownership is not a spiritual right - that's a whole different subject, and one that's probably more important, eternally speaking)
The problem I have with the Supreme Court opinion on the 2nd amendment is not the outcome, its the hypocrisy of Scalia and Thomas (in particular) and conservative right wing people who talk about Judicial Activism. I've always felt what one person calls judicial activism is what other people call interpretation. And for the right-wingers and the Scalia/Thomas crew to imply that only their opinions are correct interpretations and everything else is judicial activism is hypocrisy and a double standard that even they can't fail to notice.
See E.J. Dionne Jr's 06/27/2008 column. The last paragraph...
"I hope Helmke is right. But I also hope this decision open's people's eyes to the fact that judicial activism is now a habit of the right, not the left, and that 'originalism' is too often a sophisticated cover for ideological decision-making by conservative judges."
I agree.
On a related but tangential note: The Supreme Court also ruled this week that execution for child rapists is not an appropriate punishment - the punishment does not fit the crime.
I envision a situation in which the people who purchase guns to protect them in their own homes will kill a burglar. In that case, the 'punishment' doesn't fit the crime either. Will they be charged with murder? (Are they now?)
Final note: My pro gun control and anti NRA stands are a reaction to the extreme nature of their views. I think they want to have the right to kill animals and carry guns like the old west. I don't find that a spiritually enhancing lifestyle choice (fear and killing). I don't want their energy to degrade my living environment with their extreme negativity.
At this point in my life I don't think most people should own guns. Its too great a tragedy when they're discharged accidentally or without experience. Its not worth the potential loss of life. For those who do have experience with guns, the potential for people to use the gun in anger or frustsration and cause loss of life is also not worth it.
I'm not a legal or historical scholar so I'm just laying out what seems logical to me based on what I understand today.
Even though I don't think guns are good for 90% of the people, I do recognize, however, the 2nd amendment as a right for people to own guns. I think the framers of the constitution recognized that in order for a people to overthrow their government (like they did), they'd need arms. How would we have overcome the British without weapons? I think that's what their point was. And when they talked about a militia, I think they were using the term differently than we do now. Today, a state's National Guard is a militia. But, in those days, the 'militia' were local, neighborhood, or regional citizens who were willing to throw down the shovel and take up arms against enemies of democracy. They are not people associated with the government, because in that case how could they overthrow the government? What if our country is occupied? The army makes a difference, obviously, but we also need an armed resistance - like an insurgency (which of course, could lead to a discussion of Iraq and why we should stop acting like an insurgency is unreasonable given the circumstances - but I'll leave that to another time).
One of the problems with civil liberties is that we have to expect (believe) our fellow citizens will rise to the challenge of responsible use of the rights. We wouldn't need gun control laws if we could trust that people would make sure guns were never discharged accidentally or with anger and malice.
That's the case with all our civil rights - if people would live up to the challenges rather than find ways to take advantage and avoid responsibility, we wouldn't have to make laws to protect us from the lowest common denominators in our society.
In any event, I believe we have to trust (teach if necessary) our citizens to behave responsibly. So, even though I don't like guns and I wish people wouldn't want them, its a right given to Americans in our constitution.
(Gun ownership is not a spiritual right - that's a whole different subject, and one that's probably more important, eternally speaking)
The problem I have with the Supreme Court opinion on the 2nd amendment is not the outcome, its the hypocrisy of Scalia and Thomas (in particular) and conservative right wing people who talk about Judicial Activism. I've always felt what one person calls judicial activism is what other people call interpretation. And for the right-wingers and the Scalia/Thomas crew to imply that only their opinions are correct interpretations and everything else is judicial activism is hypocrisy and a double standard that even they can't fail to notice.
See E.J. Dionne Jr's 06/27/2008 column. The last paragraph...
"I hope Helmke is right. But I also hope this decision open's people's eyes to the fact that judicial activism is now a habit of the right, not the left, and that 'originalism' is too often a sophisticated cover for ideological decision-making by conservative judges."
I agree.
On a related but tangential note: The Supreme Court also ruled this week that execution for child rapists is not an appropriate punishment - the punishment does not fit the crime.
I envision a situation in which the people who purchase guns to protect them in their own homes will kill a burglar. In that case, the 'punishment' doesn't fit the crime either. Will they be charged with murder? (Are they now?)
Final note: My pro gun control and anti NRA stands are a reaction to the extreme nature of their views. I think they want to have the right to kill animals and carry guns like the old west. I don't find that a spiritually enhancing lifestyle choice (fear and killing). I don't want their energy to degrade my living environment with their extreme negativity.
Friday, June 27, 2008
So You Think You Can Dance Top 16 Results
I didn't feel well last night so I didn't pay 100% attention to the show. Once again, I might have enjoyed the group dance if only there had been about 1/2 the number of camera cuts as there were.
There's a fine line between 'I don't get it' and 'brilliant' - the judges thought there'd be a problem with people not understanding Kourtni and Matt's dance on Wednesday, and Nigel said Matt's solo last night was 'brilliant'. I thought the dance last night was quite enjoyable, and I noticed Matt's movement in his solo was like a being from another world twisting and moving through this world. Good job. I appreciate that Nigel apologized to him.
I noticed something interesting this week. After Nigel told Matt he got to stay, the first person he hugged was not Kourtni. I wonder if part of her problem 'connecting' is because she is a very private person. She might have a hard time expressing her emotions in a social way - she's introverted, not extroverted. And that's why dance means so much to her; because its an outlet for her emotions that she doesn't otherwise have. This experience must be very difficult for her. I wonder.
I'm surprised that Jessica and Will didn't get dinged more by the judges and by America for what, to me, looked like a big mess in their dance. I thought it was pretty noticeable. I don't understand why they weren't in the bottom three. Oh well.
The people I would be disappointed if they left are: Kourtni, Matt, and Mark. I have appreciation for the dance and energy of: Katee, Joshua, Courtney, Gev, and Will. The ones I have the least connection with are Thayne, Comfort, Chelsie, Jessica. And the last two...strangely, I couldn't remember who I was missing for a long time. Kherington and Twitch. America loves them and they have presence and chemistry. Unfortunately, I have a natural born inclination to not follow the crowd.
There's a fine line between 'I don't get it' and 'brilliant' - the judges thought there'd be a problem with people not understanding Kourtni and Matt's dance on Wednesday, and Nigel said Matt's solo last night was 'brilliant'. I thought the dance last night was quite enjoyable, and I noticed Matt's movement in his solo was like a being from another world twisting and moving through this world. Good job. I appreciate that Nigel apologized to him.
I noticed something interesting this week. After Nigel told Matt he got to stay, the first person he hugged was not Kourtni. I wonder if part of her problem 'connecting' is because she is a very private person. She might have a hard time expressing her emotions in a social way - she's introverted, not extroverted. And that's why dance means so much to her; because its an outlet for her emotions that she doesn't otherwise have. This experience must be very difficult for her. I wonder.
I'm surprised that Jessica and Will didn't get dinged more by the judges and by America for what, to me, looked like a big mess in their dance. I thought it was pretty noticeable. I don't understand why they weren't in the bottom three. Oh well.
The people I would be disappointed if they left are: Kourtni, Matt, and Mark. I have appreciation for the dance and energy of: Katee, Joshua, Courtney, Gev, and Will. The ones I have the least connection with are Thayne, Comfort, Chelsie, Jessica. And the last two...strangely, I couldn't remember who I was missing for a long time. Kherington and Twitch. America loves them and they have presence and chemistry. Unfortunately, I have a natural born inclination to not follow the crowd.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
So You Think You Can Dance Season 4 - Top 16
I'm adding a new 'feature'. Instead of the Verdict category, I'm going to include a ranking. As I watch the dancers I'll rank them.
I paid a little more attention to how people spell their names this time.
Judges this week: Nigel Lythgoe, Mary Murphy, and Adam Shankman. Adam Shankman is generous in his comments, but sometimes he says too much, it feels awkward, and I get embarassed.
Cat Deely is now 'cat-tastic' courtesy of Adam Shankman.
I'm glad Nigel mentioned Cyd Charisse and some of her movies. This show cares about dance. I'm interested in more of Nigel's background in dance. What kind of dancer was he and how did he move into production? I suppose I could look on the Internet, but I don't know that I care that much right now.
Kherington and Twitch - Hip Hop - Napoleon and Tabitha - "Don't Touch Me (Throw Da Water on 'Em) by Busta Rhymes
Personality - Kherington seemed young in this taped piece. I get the feeling she comes from an affluent family based on Twitch's description of her shopping habits. Twitch still seems like a regular guy. They appear to be naturally good-natured so they're well suited to each other. She has beautiful skin. Lucky girl.
Song - I'm not good with lyrics so if the melody doesn't hook me, I don't have much feeling for a song. This one didn't hook me. Nothing good, nothing bad.
Choreography - I thought there were some unexpected moments; when they almost fell off the edge of the stage, when she was on his shoulders. But, the unexpected moments also felt bland. This dance is representative of the problem I'm having with Hip Hop on the show this year. Its too mainstream. Is it supposed to be a dance of emotion and anger and frustration? Is it supposed to be gangsta? I can see its evolved just like the music has evolved, but then I know the dancers are getting judged by their attitude when they dance it. But, if the dance is mainstream, how can you have an attitude about it? It doesn't make sense to me, or I can't get used to the evolution. I thought the dance could have used more interesting lines and poses. I wasn't overly impressed.
Costume - Since the story was about two people busting outta jail, they were appropriate, but definitely not flattering.
Dancing - Kherington was able to get a deep bounce in the movements. I believed it. However, this time she did mug too much and smiled at the wrong times. There were a couple places where she's supposed to, and she did. But, there were other places where we didn't need it. Twitch didn't overdo his facial expressions except where it was choreographed. That was a little distracting. I didn't see any problems with synchronization. I'd like to note that this is the first time Kherington has danced with shoes on - even if they were flats.
Overall - Nothing blew me away. I'm neutral.
Rank - First
Courtney and Gev - Rumba - Tony Meredith and Melanie LaPatin - "Wishing on a Star" by Rose Royce
Personality - Her story about him could get him teased a lot. His story about her was nice. I think the producers are trying to play up Gev as a shy geeky kid who's secretly in love with his dance partner, and Courtney as the beautiful, popular girl who's dating the football captain. I don't know how much is true.
Song - I liked this song. It was peaceful, easy to listen to. I'll look this one up on iTunes.
Choreography - Here's my problem with critiquing these dances rather than just enjoying them - especially when I don't have special knowledge of what to look for...was that a rumba? It felt like a showdance rumba - which doesn't have to have much rumba in it. The first lift and how they got out of it was creative. Beyond that, it was a lot of sexy poses.
Costume - well...ahem...half of her body was completely naked! She looked very sexy, as did Gev in his white shirt and black vest (with black pants - no half naked for the boys of course).
I guess you'd have to give her dress negative five points for getting caught on the heel of her shoe.
Dancing - I don't think Courtney had enough rumba wiggle in her hips, and Gev definitely didn't. She also didn't give full extension to some of the movements - in particular I think she was supposed to bend backwards while he held her, but she didn't go back very far. Otherwise, they did their movements quite well. They both had the look of intensity, even if I didn't really feel it.
Overall - I'd say this was the same as the previous dance. I have positive feelings for the dancers so its more on the positive side, but nothing blew me away.
Rank - First. Second is Kherington and Twitch.
Comfort and Chris - Jazz - Tyce DiOrio - "Beautiful People" by Marilyn Manson
Personality - I wonder if they really like each other. They tease, but do they like?
Song - I'm not a fan of Marilyn Manson. I'm neutral on the song.
Choreography - Well... Tyce DiOrio expected it to be raw, grounded, and earthy. Yet it was paired with a song that sounds anarchic (?) and angry. I don't feel it meshing. I saw the dance was frantic and energetic and interesting. Some of the movements could have come from the African traditions. Less like the grounded earth, and more like a violent windstorm. I would say these two people came from the time before people had learned to speak.
Costume - Earthy, yes. Comfort's hair loose was a good choice 'cause it was kind of wild.
Dancing - I thought Comfort had the emotion of the dance more than Chris did. But, he had the better style and technique in his dancing. Its not that he DIDN'T have emotion, only that I thought she understood the dance better than he did. She did a beautiful job, but I thought it was clear she reached a limit. If she had more time she would have done it well. I liked his demeanor; his facial expressions.
Overall - The more I think back on this dance, the more I like it. I don't think the dancers lived up to it though (which is why I'm ranking them second instead of first - even though I liked the dance better).
Rank - First Courney and Gev, Second Comfort and Chris, Third Kherington and Twitch
Jessica and Will - Disco - Doriana Sanchez - "Heaven Must Have Sent You" by Bonnie Pointer
Personality - Its good to hear that young men can still be taught to be gentlemen. This taped piece did not show Jessica in a great light. She appears young and not 100% focused on what she's doing. I think the pressure must be getting to her and she's kind of giving up. She doesn't realize that's what she's doing though. Anyway, the producers are kind of setting her up for failure by making note of the fact that Doriana is trying to feature her so she can get out from behind Will's shadow, and then, according to Doriana, Jessica's not taking it seriously. As a viewer, I can't help but anticipate a lot of mistakes from Jessica.
Song - This sounded like a thousand other disco songs.
Choreography - And, this looked like a thousand other disco dances. I don't know - I talked about disco last week, or the week before. I don't get it. Lots of turns and lifts and speed - maybe that's all I need to know.
Costume - Her outfit was cute and flattering. His was too big. Too much fabric in the jacket. Too much.
Dancing - I feel bad for Jessica as I think back on this dance. She looked happy and carefree during a lot of the steps - no problems there. But, she didn't look confident on the turns or twirls. Maybe she didn't quite trust her feet. There was two parts where it looked like she completely missed something. Will didn't have much to do in this dance. Which is fine because his jacket was TOO MUCH anyway. Neither of them danced with lightness - it was a heavy footed dance.
Overall - This did not work well for either of them.
Rank - Fourth. First is Courtney and Gev, Second is Comfort and Chris, Third is Kherington and Twitch.
Kourtni and Matt - Contemporary - Sonya Tayeh - "Wrestlers (Sticky, Dirty, Pop mix)" by Hot Chip
Personality - I like these two a lot. Still. I love that Kourtni's so passionate about dance. It defines her and it binds her relationship with her mother. I didn't learn as much about Matt - he likes Ninja stuff. He's probably a bit on the goofy side (good goofy). I didn't even notice that he'd slipped on last week's dance!
Song - It was offbeat, but didn't rise to the next level for me.
Choreography - The choreography was different, creative, unusual, fun, and alternative. But even alternative music is heard so much it changes what alternative means. So, while this had the appearance of a new and different style (or at least that's what I hoped for), it was a different style that's been done before. The dance didn't engage the audience - those kids are easily engaged and even they were quiet. The momentum was brought to a screeching halt when they sat on the stairs. I appreciated the dance, but hoped for more.
Costume - Kind of child-like and fantastical. I wonder if it would have been better if the clothing was more realistic in today's world. I think the costumes reminded me of a children's illustrated story rather than a comic book.
Dancing - I think Kourtni and Matt are talented dancers. They did exactly as the choreographer requested of them. They had the right attitude. Kourtni had a perfectly coquettish look on her face when she took his tie in her mouth and led him away. I don't know what they could have done better.
Overall - I liked the dance, but it didn't wow me.
Rank - Tough. They were the best dance team so far, I think, but I didn't love the dance as much as I liked Courtney and Gev's dance - and maybe its because of the song alone. But - Courtney and Gev didn't give their dance 100%. Hmmm...I think I'll have a tie for first place.
Tied for first is Courtney and Gev, and Kourtni and Matt, Third is Comfort and Chris, Fourth is Kherington and Twitch, Fifth is Jessica and Will.
Chelsea and Thayne - Quick Step - Heather Smith - "You Can't Hurry Love" by Phil Collins
Personality - I think she must roll her eyes at him a lot. He's got a lot of energy and she gets the be the 'adult' in the partnership.
Song - The song wasn't dazzling enough for me. I like the song well enough, but its not going to elevate the dance.
Choreography - Wow - a lot of Quick Step! While the Rumba done by Courtney and Gev seemed like the showdance rumba, this seemed like the technical portion of a ballroom dance competition. It was a good overview of the Quick Step. Nothing spectacular. The audience was very quiet during the whole dance.
Costume - I thought he looked good, though the vest made his legs look shorter, and her dress was...gold.
Dancing - They did a workmanlike job executing the dance. I don't think it was as fast as a pro would do it, and they looked a little tentative at first. They had the right facial expressions. I actually think they did better than I would expect. In prior years, the Quick Step would have showcased a dancer's lack of ability. Both Chelsea and Thayne stood up quite well.
Overall - I don't think this lit up the stage or exposed any glaring weaknesses.
Rank - I'm putting this pretty low only because I don't think the dance was interesting and I don't think the dancers elevated it to the degree I'd need them to.
First is a tie between Courtney and Gev and Kourtni and Matt, Third is Comfort and Chris, Fourth is Kherington and Twitch, Fifth is Chelsea and Thayne, Sixth is Jessica and Will.
Chelsie and Mark - Hip Hop - Napoleon and Tabitha - "Bleeding Love" by Leona Lewis
Personality - I don't feel like I learned anything new about them this time. Crooked pinky? Tomboy? Oh well. I'm still interested to know more about Mark.
Song - they were playing this in the grocery store today. That says something about how quickly music moves from fresh and hip to mainstream and...corporate.
Choreography - I believed the dance - I believed the emotion. It was choreographed to say something and it was plain to see. Excellent work.
Costume - I liked his suit and her outfit is cute as well. Clothes the characters would wear.
Dancing - Emotion, detail, crispness, synchronicity. The only distraction for me was that Chelsie's grimace could look like a smile from a distance. Otherwise, they danced it the way it was supposed to be danced.
Overall - Without question, the best dance of the night so far. Perfect blend of style, song, costume, dancers, and emotion. Great job by all.
Rank - First. Tied for Second are Courtney and Gev and Kourtni and Matt, Fourth is Comfort and Chris, Fifth is Kherington and Twitch, Sixth is Chelsea and Thayne, Seventh is Jessica and Will.
Katee and Joshua - Samba - Tony Meredith and Melanie LaPatin - "Baila, Baila" by Angela Via
Personality - nice segment, they both showed their vulnerable sides; he's a caring teddy bear kind of guy, and she's not confident in her sex appeal. They have a good friendship developing. In week 1 he was making fun of her awkward dance, and in week three he's sharing it with her.
Song - I feel I've heard the song but I wouldn't have recognized the name or the artist. I didn't feel it was as percussive as I expected for the Samba.
Choreography - The Samba is supposed to be rhythmic, hot, sexy, spicy. I'd say it was. No question about that. I don't know if it was the choreography or the dancers.
Costume - another 1/2 dressed girl. His outfit worked as well.
Dancing - They gave this dance 110% effort - every move was there. Both of them had the right attitude and they finished everything off. I wondered if there is one place they missed a movement - when he lifted her leg a little and then just put it down and they moved on. It didn't take away from the dance though. She didn't seem to have any problem with the sexy and he moved quite well for a man with his body type.
Overall - No question - one of the top two dances of the night. They saved the best two for last. In this case, I think the chemistry between the dancers is what put this one over the top. Excellent work.
Rank - I'm going to rank them second to Chelsie and Mark because overall I have appreciation for the emotional dance just a mite bit more than the sexy dance. First is Chelsie and Mark, Second is Katee and Joshua, Tied for Third is Courtney and Gev, and Kourtni and Matt, Fifth is Comfort and Chris, Sixth is Kherington and Twitch, Seventh is Chelsea and Thayne, and Eighth is Jessica and Will.
In a last minute surprise twist, I'm moving Comfort and Chris up to Third because I can't get that dance out of my mind; something about it was interesting.
My final ranking
1. Chelsie and Mark
2. Katee and Joshua
3. Comfort and Chris
4. Courtney and Gev
4. Kourtni and Matt
6. Kherington and Twitch
7. Chelsea and Thayne
8. Jessica and Will.
I'm going to listen to what the judges have to say about all these dances now. I wonder if I'm in agreement with them?
I can't imagine who will go home tomorrow. Well, on the girl side I guess I would have to say Jessica. But, on the boy side? I don't have a clue - maybe Thayne, Chris, or Gev - though none of them have done anything wrong.
I paid a little more attention to how people spell their names this time.
Judges this week: Nigel Lythgoe, Mary Murphy, and Adam Shankman. Adam Shankman is generous in his comments, but sometimes he says too much, it feels awkward, and I get embarassed.
Cat Deely is now 'cat-tastic' courtesy of Adam Shankman.
I'm glad Nigel mentioned Cyd Charisse and some of her movies. This show cares about dance. I'm interested in more of Nigel's background in dance. What kind of dancer was he and how did he move into production? I suppose I could look on the Internet, but I don't know that I care that much right now.
Kherington and Twitch - Hip Hop - Napoleon and Tabitha - "Don't Touch Me (Throw Da Water on 'Em) by Busta Rhymes
Personality - Kherington seemed young in this taped piece. I get the feeling she comes from an affluent family based on Twitch's description of her shopping habits. Twitch still seems like a regular guy. They appear to be naturally good-natured so they're well suited to each other. She has beautiful skin. Lucky girl.
Song - I'm not good with lyrics so if the melody doesn't hook me, I don't have much feeling for a song. This one didn't hook me. Nothing good, nothing bad.
Choreography - I thought there were some unexpected moments; when they almost fell off the edge of the stage, when she was on his shoulders. But, the unexpected moments also felt bland. This dance is representative of the problem I'm having with Hip Hop on the show this year. Its too mainstream. Is it supposed to be a dance of emotion and anger and frustration? Is it supposed to be gangsta? I can see its evolved just like the music has evolved, but then I know the dancers are getting judged by their attitude when they dance it. But, if the dance is mainstream, how can you have an attitude about it? It doesn't make sense to me, or I can't get used to the evolution. I thought the dance could have used more interesting lines and poses. I wasn't overly impressed.
Costume - Since the story was about two people busting outta jail, they were appropriate, but definitely not flattering.
Dancing - Kherington was able to get a deep bounce in the movements. I believed it. However, this time she did mug too much and smiled at the wrong times. There were a couple places where she's supposed to, and she did. But, there were other places where we didn't need it. Twitch didn't overdo his facial expressions except where it was choreographed. That was a little distracting. I didn't see any problems with synchronization. I'd like to note that this is the first time Kherington has danced with shoes on - even if they were flats.
Overall - Nothing blew me away. I'm neutral.
Rank - First
Courtney and Gev - Rumba - Tony Meredith and Melanie LaPatin - "Wishing on a Star" by Rose Royce
Personality - Her story about him could get him teased a lot. His story about her was nice. I think the producers are trying to play up Gev as a shy geeky kid who's secretly in love with his dance partner, and Courtney as the beautiful, popular girl who's dating the football captain. I don't know how much is true.
Song - I liked this song. It was peaceful, easy to listen to. I'll look this one up on iTunes.
Choreography - Here's my problem with critiquing these dances rather than just enjoying them - especially when I don't have special knowledge of what to look for...was that a rumba? It felt like a showdance rumba - which doesn't have to have much rumba in it. The first lift and how they got out of it was creative. Beyond that, it was a lot of sexy poses.
Costume - well...ahem...half of her body was completely naked! She looked very sexy, as did Gev in his white shirt and black vest (with black pants - no half naked for the boys of course).
I guess you'd have to give her dress negative five points for getting caught on the heel of her shoe.
Dancing - I don't think Courtney had enough rumba wiggle in her hips, and Gev definitely didn't. She also didn't give full extension to some of the movements - in particular I think she was supposed to bend backwards while he held her, but she didn't go back very far. Otherwise, they did their movements quite well. They both had the look of intensity, even if I didn't really feel it.
Overall - I'd say this was the same as the previous dance. I have positive feelings for the dancers so its more on the positive side, but nothing blew me away.
Rank - First. Second is Kherington and Twitch.
Comfort and Chris - Jazz - Tyce DiOrio - "Beautiful People" by Marilyn Manson
Personality - I wonder if they really like each other. They tease, but do they like?
Song - I'm not a fan of Marilyn Manson. I'm neutral on the song.
Choreography - Well... Tyce DiOrio expected it to be raw, grounded, and earthy. Yet it was paired with a song that sounds anarchic (?) and angry. I don't feel it meshing. I saw the dance was frantic and energetic and interesting. Some of the movements could have come from the African traditions. Less like the grounded earth, and more like a violent windstorm. I would say these two people came from the time before people had learned to speak.
Costume - Earthy, yes. Comfort's hair loose was a good choice 'cause it was kind of wild.
Dancing - I thought Comfort had the emotion of the dance more than Chris did. But, he had the better style and technique in his dancing. Its not that he DIDN'T have emotion, only that I thought she understood the dance better than he did. She did a beautiful job, but I thought it was clear she reached a limit. If she had more time she would have done it well. I liked his demeanor; his facial expressions.
Overall - The more I think back on this dance, the more I like it. I don't think the dancers lived up to it though (which is why I'm ranking them second instead of first - even though I liked the dance better).
Rank - First Courney and Gev, Second Comfort and Chris, Third Kherington and Twitch
Jessica and Will - Disco - Doriana Sanchez - "Heaven Must Have Sent You" by Bonnie Pointer
Personality - Its good to hear that young men can still be taught to be gentlemen. This taped piece did not show Jessica in a great light. She appears young and not 100% focused on what she's doing. I think the pressure must be getting to her and she's kind of giving up. She doesn't realize that's what she's doing though. Anyway, the producers are kind of setting her up for failure by making note of the fact that Doriana is trying to feature her so she can get out from behind Will's shadow, and then, according to Doriana, Jessica's not taking it seriously. As a viewer, I can't help but anticipate a lot of mistakes from Jessica.
Song - This sounded like a thousand other disco songs.
Choreography - And, this looked like a thousand other disco dances. I don't know - I talked about disco last week, or the week before. I don't get it. Lots of turns and lifts and speed - maybe that's all I need to know.
Costume - Her outfit was cute and flattering. His was too big. Too much fabric in the jacket. Too much.
Dancing - I feel bad for Jessica as I think back on this dance. She looked happy and carefree during a lot of the steps - no problems there. But, she didn't look confident on the turns or twirls. Maybe she didn't quite trust her feet. There was two parts where it looked like she completely missed something. Will didn't have much to do in this dance. Which is fine because his jacket was TOO MUCH anyway. Neither of them danced with lightness - it was a heavy footed dance.
Overall - This did not work well for either of them.
Rank - Fourth. First is Courtney and Gev, Second is Comfort and Chris, Third is Kherington and Twitch.
Kourtni and Matt - Contemporary - Sonya Tayeh - "Wrestlers (Sticky, Dirty, Pop mix)" by Hot Chip
Personality - I like these two a lot. Still. I love that Kourtni's so passionate about dance. It defines her and it binds her relationship with her mother. I didn't learn as much about Matt - he likes Ninja stuff. He's probably a bit on the goofy side (good goofy). I didn't even notice that he'd slipped on last week's dance!
Song - It was offbeat, but didn't rise to the next level for me.
Choreography - The choreography was different, creative, unusual, fun, and alternative. But even alternative music is heard so much it changes what alternative means. So, while this had the appearance of a new and different style (or at least that's what I hoped for), it was a different style that's been done before. The dance didn't engage the audience - those kids are easily engaged and even they were quiet. The momentum was brought to a screeching halt when they sat on the stairs. I appreciated the dance, but hoped for more.
Costume - Kind of child-like and fantastical. I wonder if it would have been better if the clothing was more realistic in today's world. I think the costumes reminded me of a children's illustrated story rather than a comic book.
Dancing - I think Kourtni and Matt are talented dancers. They did exactly as the choreographer requested of them. They had the right attitude. Kourtni had a perfectly coquettish look on her face when she took his tie in her mouth and led him away. I don't know what they could have done better.
Overall - I liked the dance, but it didn't wow me.
Rank - Tough. They were the best dance team so far, I think, but I didn't love the dance as much as I liked Courtney and Gev's dance - and maybe its because of the song alone. But - Courtney and Gev didn't give their dance 100%. Hmmm...I think I'll have a tie for first place.
Tied for first is Courtney and Gev, and Kourtni and Matt, Third is Comfort and Chris, Fourth is Kherington and Twitch, Fifth is Jessica and Will.
Chelsea and Thayne - Quick Step - Heather Smith - "You Can't Hurry Love" by Phil Collins
Personality - I think she must roll her eyes at him a lot. He's got a lot of energy and she gets the be the 'adult' in the partnership.
Song - The song wasn't dazzling enough for me. I like the song well enough, but its not going to elevate the dance.
Choreography - Wow - a lot of Quick Step! While the Rumba done by Courtney and Gev seemed like the showdance rumba, this seemed like the technical portion of a ballroom dance competition. It was a good overview of the Quick Step. Nothing spectacular. The audience was very quiet during the whole dance.
Costume - I thought he looked good, though the vest made his legs look shorter, and her dress was...gold.
Dancing - They did a workmanlike job executing the dance. I don't think it was as fast as a pro would do it, and they looked a little tentative at first. They had the right facial expressions. I actually think they did better than I would expect. In prior years, the Quick Step would have showcased a dancer's lack of ability. Both Chelsea and Thayne stood up quite well.
Overall - I don't think this lit up the stage or exposed any glaring weaknesses.
Rank - I'm putting this pretty low only because I don't think the dance was interesting and I don't think the dancers elevated it to the degree I'd need them to.
First is a tie between Courtney and Gev and Kourtni and Matt, Third is Comfort and Chris, Fourth is Kherington and Twitch, Fifth is Chelsea and Thayne, Sixth is Jessica and Will.
Chelsie and Mark - Hip Hop - Napoleon and Tabitha - "Bleeding Love" by Leona Lewis
Personality - I don't feel like I learned anything new about them this time. Crooked pinky? Tomboy? Oh well. I'm still interested to know more about Mark.
Song - they were playing this in the grocery store today. That says something about how quickly music moves from fresh and hip to mainstream and...corporate.
Choreography - I believed the dance - I believed the emotion. It was choreographed to say something and it was plain to see. Excellent work.
Costume - I liked his suit and her outfit is cute as well. Clothes the characters would wear.
Dancing - Emotion, detail, crispness, synchronicity. The only distraction for me was that Chelsie's grimace could look like a smile from a distance. Otherwise, they danced it the way it was supposed to be danced.
Overall - Without question, the best dance of the night so far. Perfect blend of style, song, costume, dancers, and emotion. Great job by all.
Rank - First. Tied for Second are Courtney and Gev and Kourtni and Matt, Fourth is Comfort and Chris, Fifth is Kherington and Twitch, Sixth is Chelsea and Thayne, Seventh is Jessica and Will.
Katee and Joshua - Samba - Tony Meredith and Melanie LaPatin - "Baila, Baila" by Angela Via
Personality - nice segment, they both showed their vulnerable sides; he's a caring teddy bear kind of guy, and she's not confident in her sex appeal. They have a good friendship developing. In week 1 he was making fun of her awkward dance, and in week three he's sharing it with her.
Song - I feel I've heard the song but I wouldn't have recognized the name or the artist. I didn't feel it was as percussive as I expected for the Samba.
Choreography - The Samba is supposed to be rhythmic, hot, sexy, spicy. I'd say it was. No question about that. I don't know if it was the choreography or the dancers.
Costume - another 1/2 dressed girl. His outfit worked as well.
Dancing - They gave this dance 110% effort - every move was there. Both of them had the right attitude and they finished everything off. I wondered if there is one place they missed a movement - when he lifted her leg a little and then just put it down and they moved on. It didn't take away from the dance though. She didn't seem to have any problem with the sexy and he moved quite well for a man with his body type.
Overall - No question - one of the top two dances of the night. They saved the best two for last. In this case, I think the chemistry between the dancers is what put this one over the top. Excellent work.
Rank - I'm going to rank them second to Chelsie and Mark because overall I have appreciation for the emotional dance just a mite bit more than the sexy dance. First is Chelsie and Mark, Second is Katee and Joshua, Tied for Third is Courtney and Gev, and Kourtni and Matt, Fifth is Comfort and Chris, Sixth is Kherington and Twitch, Seventh is Chelsea and Thayne, and Eighth is Jessica and Will.
In a last minute surprise twist, I'm moving Comfort and Chris up to Third because I can't get that dance out of my mind; something about it was interesting.
My final ranking
1. Chelsie and Mark
2. Katee and Joshua
3. Comfort and Chris
4. Courtney and Gev
4. Kourtni and Matt
6. Kherington and Twitch
7. Chelsea and Thayne
8. Jessica and Will.
I'm going to listen to what the judges have to say about all these dances now. I wonder if I'm in agreement with them?
I can't imagine who will go home tomorrow. Well, on the girl side I guess I would have to say Jessica. But, on the boy side? I don't have a clue - maybe Thayne, Chris, or Gev - though none of them have done anything wrong.
Blogs, The Mole, and anticipation for So You Think You Can Dance
The Mole - I'm still on the Paul bandwagon. He alternates between crazy antagonism one week and calm, cool, and collected the next week. I think that means something. The people who thought they had lots of clues pointing to Victoria were wrong, which means following the clues didn't help. I remember when I watched the first season of The Mole (as I recall it came out at the same time as The Amazing Race) they went through all the clues at the end and I thought they were nearly foolish. Who would have thought THAT was a clue! And if they thought THAT was a clue, then ANYTHING could be a clue, so what's the point. That's why I don't want to bother with the clues. I'm surprised the show is already down to only 7 people left. It will be a fun show to think back on after we know who The Mole is.
I just spent a couple hours browsing through blogs. What a strange and interesting world. I like to read about people's stories. I'm inspired by people's passions and intentions and their striving for meaning. It can be a beautiful world. To paraphrase from the website greatergreaterwashington.org, we're already great, but we could be greater.
From a blog by a woman traveling in the Middle East, I learned that before you can find peace for the Palestinians, you have to define what peace looks like. (I'm sorry I don't remember what the blog was - a group of women, possibly from Denmark, were touring the Middle East with or for a group called Follow the Women). I think that's a lesson for so many communication issues in life. Its nice to work for peace - but what do you mean by peace? What does peace look like, and feel like, and work like? Its important to know.
As for So You Think You Can Dance...I'm going to critique it with a few more words than 'good' and 'nice' this week. I get tired and I just want to finish so I don't take the time to come up with words that more accurately describe my opinions. Tonight I'll watch each dance twice before writing up my thoughts. I hope I'm not up till midnight! I better get going, its started already and I think the TIVO is sufficiently ahead. I love the TIVO service (I loved it so much I even bought some stock, but it didn't do well for me at all, so I got out pretty quick).
I just spent a couple hours browsing through blogs. What a strange and interesting world. I like to read about people's stories. I'm inspired by people's passions and intentions and their striving for meaning. It can be a beautiful world. To paraphrase from the website greatergreaterwashington.org, we're already great, but we could be greater.
From a blog by a woman traveling in the Middle East, I learned that before you can find peace for the Palestinians, you have to define what peace looks like. (I'm sorry I don't remember what the blog was - a group of women, possibly from Denmark, were touring the Middle East with or for a group called Follow the Women). I think that's a lesson for so many communication issues in life. Its nice to work for peace - but what do you mean by peace? What does peace look like, and feel like, and work like? Its important to know.
As for So You Think You Can Dance...I'm going to critique it with a few more words than 'good' and 'nice' this week. I get tired and I just want to finish so I don't take the time to come up with words that more accurately describe my opinions. Tonight I'll watch each dance twice before writing up my thoughts. I hope I'm not up till midnight! I better get going, its started already and I think the TIVO is sufficiently ahead. I love the TIVO service (I loved it so much I even bought some stock, but it didn't do well for me at all, so I got out pretty quick).
Monday, June 23, 2008
The Mole
I haven't seen tonight's episode yet, but I already give up.
I'm not going to talk about this show weekly, except in the most general sense and only so I can look back at the end and say 'See, I knew The Mole was ??? way back when." Its all about my ego, I admit it!
http://www.realitynewsonline.com/ has an article with details about the clues. I sure don't have the time or inquisitiveness to work through all the clues as much as other people. Oh - who am I kidding? I have the time. What I don't have is a brain that wants to search for such arcane clues. I don't mind just watching and going with my gut instinct.
Right now, my gut instinct is Paul. Based on comments and blog posts, many people think its Victoria or Craig. Interesting.
I'm not going to talk about this show weekly, except in the most general sense and only so I can look back at the end and say 'See, I knew The Mole was ??? way back when." Its all about my ego, I admit it!
http://www.realitynewsonline.com/ has an article with details about the clues. I sure don't have the time or inquisitiveness to work through all the clues as much as other people. Oh - who am I kidding? I have the time. What I don't have is a brain that wants to search for such arcane clues. I don't mind just watching and going with my gut instinct.
Right now, my gut instinct is Paul. Based on comments and blog posts, many people think its Victoria or Craig. Interesting.
Zimbabwe
It makes no sense to me that this sort of behavior is allowed to continue. There should be protests and anger and calls for action. What kind of drug are we on? What falsehood do we believe that directs us to stand politely by while dictators ravage their own county?
Whatsoever you do to the least of my brothers, that you do unto me.
*****
HARARE, Zimbabwe (AP) — Zimbabwe's opposition leader took refuge in the Dutch Embassy after pulling out of the presidential runoff, and the U.N. Security Council condemned a "campaign of violence" in the African nation that has made a fair election impossible.
After Morgan Tsvangirai withdrew from the vote — reportedly fearing for his safety — police raided his Harare headquarters and hustled away dozens of his supporters.
In a unanimous statement, the 15-nation council said it "condemns the campaign of violence against the political opposition." Recent bloodshed widely blamed on supporters of President Robert Mugabe has killed dozens of opposition activists and other Zimbabweans.
In their first first formal action on Zimbabwe's latest crisis, council members also agreed that the violence and restrictions on opposition activists imposed by Mugabe "have made it impossible for a free and fair election to take place" on Friday.
The U.S. and France failed in an effort to include language asserting that Tsvangirai, who won the most votes in the first presidential round, should be considered the legitimate president until a fair election can be held.
Mugabe's government insisted Friday's vote would go ahead — with Tsvangirai's name on the ballot. The intent appeared to be to humiliate the opposition.
Tsvangirai returned to Zimbabwe a month ago to campaign, despite warnings by his Movement for Democratic Change party that he was the target of a state-sponsored assassination plot.
Since then, his top deputy has been arrested on treason charges — which carry the death penalty — and Tsvangirai has repeatedly been detained by police. His supporters have faced such violence that the opposition leader said Sunday he could not run.
Dutch officials said Monday that Tsvangirai sought shelter in their embassy in Harare following his announcement Sunday that he was withdrawing from the runoff, but said he did not ask for political asylum.
Tsvangirai "asked if the Dutch Embassy could provide him with refuge because he was feeling unsafe," Foreign Minister Maxime Verhagen told the British Broadcasting Corp.
The prospect of such an election drew strong criticism from the international community. But Zimbabwe's increasingly autocratic ruler showed little concern for the world's opinion — his police entered opposition headquarters Monday even as foreign election observers watched.
Movement for Democratic Change spokesman Nelson Chamisa said most of those taken away were women and children seeking refuge after fleeing state-sponsored political violence. He said police also seized computers and furniture.
Police spokesman Wayne Bvudzijena said 39 people were taken into custody as part of an investigation into political violence. He said they were taken to what he called a "rehabilitation center" for interviews.
Even before Tsvangirai's actions, some African leaders had begun to offer uncharacteristic criticism of Mugabe, an 84-year-old liberation hero whose defiant anti-Western rhetoric long resonated in a region with a bitter colonial past. Tsvangirai's decision to pull out may have been aimed at forcing his African neighbors to take a strong stand.
Condemnation of Mugabe poured in from the U.S., Europe and elsewhere.
"In forsaking the most basic tenet of governance, the protection of its people, the government of Zimbabwe must be held accountable by the international community," Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said in a statement.
"The current government, with no parliamentary majority, having lost the first round of the presidential elections and holding power only because of violence and intimidation, is a regime that should not be recognized by anyone," British Prime Minister Gordon Brown said.
U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon said because of the violence, a runoff now ""would only deepen divisions within the country and produce a result that cannot be credible."
Most of the council's negotiations were conducted privately. Members met openly for less than a half-hour to get an update on what is happening in Zimbabwe from U.N. Undersecretary-General for Political Affairs B. Lynn Pascoe.
He said ample evidence shows Mugabe's government is waging a "widespread campaign of retaliation and threat" and spreading "fear, hostility and attacks" against its opponents.
U.S. Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad, this month's council president, read aloud the council's presidential statement on Zimbabwe. Though non-binding, it serves as a warning to Mugabe that he runs the risk of incurring a more serious, binding council resolution if he does proceed with the election.
Tsvangirai won the first round of the presidential election on March 29, but did not gain an outright majority against Mugabe. That campaign was generally peaceful, but the runoff has been overshadowed by violence and intimidation, especially in rural areas.
Independent human rights groups say 85 people have died and tens of thousands have been displaced from their homes, most of them opposition supporters.
In Harare, David Coltart, a prominent opposition party member, said that not only had Tsvangirai sought refuge at the Dutch Embassy, but other top leaders had also gone underground.
Militant groups roamed the capital Monday and cars and buses displayed Mugabe posters and fliers. One motorist said he hung a Mugabe party bandanna on his car mirror in hopes it would protect him from attacks.
Roy Bennett, treasurer of Tsvangirai's party, speaking to The Associated Press in Johannesburg, called on the Southern African Development Community and the African Union to launch negotiations aimed at bringing members of the opposition and moderate members of Mugabe's ZANU-PF party together in a transitional authority that would create conditions for free and fair presidential voting.
He said Mugabe would not be welcome on the transitional authority or in a future government.
South African President Thabo Mbeki has been mediating between Mugabe and Tsvangirai for more than a year under Southern African Development Community auspices. Mbeki has refused to criticize Mugabe, saying confronting him could close the door to talks. But other African leaders have shown increasing unease, and South Africa was under pressure to speak out.
Associated Press writer John Heilprin reported from the United Nations. AP writers Art Max in Amsterdam and Jill Lawless in London contributed to this report.
Whatsoever you do to the least of my brothers, that you do unto me.
*****
HARARE, Zimbabwe (AP) — Zimbabwe's opposition leader took refuge in the Dutch Embassy after pulling out of the presidential runoff, and the U.N. Security Council condemned a "campaign of violence" in the African nation that has made a fair election impossible.
After Morgan Tsvangirai withdrew from the vote — reportedly fearing for his safety — police raided his Harare headquarters and hustled away dozens of his supporters.
In a unanimous statement, the 15-nation council said it "condemns the campaign of violence against the political opposition." Recent bloodshed widely blamed on supporters of President Robert Mugabe has killed dozens of opposition activists and other Zimbabweans.
In their first first formal action on Zimbabwe's latest crisis, council members also agreed that the violence and restrictions on opposition activists imposed by Mugabe "have made it impossible for a free and fair election to take place" on Friday.
The U.S. and France failed in an effort to include language asserting that Tsvangirai, who won the most votes in the first presidential round, should be considered the legitimate president until a fair election can be held.
Mugabe's government insisted Friday's vote would go ahead — with Tsvangirai's name on the ballot. The intent appeared to be to humiliate the opposition.
Tsvangirai returned to Zimbabwe a month ago to campaign, despite warnings by his Movement for Democratic Change party that he was the target of a state-sponsored assassination plot.
Since then, his top deputy has been arrested on treason charges — which carry the death penalty — and Tsvangirai has repeatedly been detained by police. His supporters have faced such violence that the opposition leader said Sunday he could not run.
Dutch officials said Monday that Tsvangirai sought shelter in their embassy in Harare following his announcement Sunday that he was withdrawing from the runoff, but said he did not ask for political asylum.
Tsvangirai "asked if the Dutch Embassy could provide him with refuge because he was feeling unsafe," Foreign Minister Maxime Verhagen told the British Broadcasting Corp.
The prospect of such an election drew strong criticism from the international community. But Zimbabwe's increasingly autocratic ruler showed little concern for the world's opinion — his police entered opposition headquarters Monday even as foreign election observers watched.
Movement for Democratic Change spokesman Nelson Chamisa said most of those taken away were women and children seeking refuge after fleeing state-sponsored political violence. He said police also seized computers and furniture.
Police spokesman Wayne Bvudzijena said 39 people were taken into custody as part of an investigation into political violence. He said they were taken to what he called a "rehabilitation center" for interviews.
Even before Tsvangirai's actions, some African leaders had begun to offer uncharacteristic criticism of Mugabe, an 84-year-old liberation hero whose defiant anti-Western rhetoric long resonated in a region with a bitter colonial past. Tsvangirai's decision to pull out may have been aimed at forcing his African neighbors to take a strong stand.
Condemnation of Mugabe poured in from the U.S., Europe and elsewhere.
"In forsaking the most basic tenet of governance, the protection of its people, the government of Zimbabwe must be held accountable by the international community," Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said in a statement.
"The current government, with no parliamentary majority, having lost the first round of the presidential elections and holding power only because of violence and intimidation, is a regime that should not be recognized by anyone," British Prime Minister Gordon Brown said.
U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon said because of the violence, a runoff now ""would only deepen divisions within the country and produce a result that cannot be credible."
Most of the council's negotiations were conducted privately. Members met openly for less than a half-hour to get an update on what is happening in Zimbabwe from U.N. Undersecretary-General for Political Affairs B. Lynn Pascoe.
He said ample evidence shows Mugabe's government is waging a "widespread campaign of retaliation and threat" and spreading "fear, hostility and attacks" against its opponents.
U.S. Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad, this month's council president, read aloud the council's presidential statement on Zimbabwe. Though non-binding, it serves as a warning to Mugabe that he runs the risk of incurring a more serious, binding council resolution if he does proceed with the election.
Tsvangirai won the first round of the presidential election on March 29, but did not gain an outright majority against Mugabe. That campaign was generally peaceful, but the runoff has been overshadowed by violence and intimidation, especially in rural areas.
Independent human rights groups say 85 people have died and tens of thousands have been displaced from their homes, most of them opposition supporters.
In Harare, David Coltart, a prominent opposition party member, said that not only had Tsvangirai sought refuge at the Dutch Embassy, but other top leaders had also gone underground.
Militant groups roamed the capital Monday and cars and buses displayed Mugabe posters and fliers. One motorist said he hung a Mugabe party bandanna on his car mirror in hopes it would protect him from attacks.
Roy Bennett, treasurer of Tsvangirai's party, speaking to The Associated Press in Johannesburg, called on the Southern African Development Community and the African Union to launch negotiations aimed at bringing members of the opposition and moderate members of Mugabe's ZANU-PF party together in a transitional authority that would create conditions for free and fair presidential voting.
He said Mugabe would not be welcome on the transitional authority or in a future government.
South African President Thabo Mbeki has been mediating between Mugabe and Tsvangirai for more than a year under Southern African Development Community auspices. Mbeki has refused to criticize Mugabe, saying confronting him could close the door to talks. But other African leaders have shown increasing unease, and South Africa was under pressure to speak out.
Associated Press writer John Heilprin reported from the United Nations. AP writers Art Max in Amsterdam and Jill Lawless in London contributed to this report.
Design Star and Food Network Star
Design Star - I do wish they'd get rid of Tracee. What a bore. And I'm not clear why they would let D Paul go. I'm neutral on him, but it wasn't clear to me that he did anything wrong. And why keep a whiner.
...
I just read some comments on the blogs and it seems I'm not alone. A person also made a good point about the type of challenge. None of the rooms showed any creativity, so maybe the challenge wasn't right.
Food Network Star - Nipa was the correct choice. She didn't have the variety of skills needed. She can feel good that she left not because people felt negative towards her. She can learn the skills she's lacking and come back again (not that she'd want to, I expect).
I felt bad that they encouraged Aaron to share his very personal story only for the sake of television. That's what it seemed like to me.
I'm impressed with Kelsey...that's a great talent to have! She heard the criticism last week and she made a change this week. I admire anyone who can do that. I hope she can stick with it. Its fine if she's concentrating on it, but if she isn't thinking of it will she revert back to her old ways?
I'm glad Lisa had good feedback. I like her.
I hope Jennifer can get over her feelings. I think she used to have this confidence problem in her life, but has largely gotten over it except that now she's in the habit of saying 'sorry' and even if she doesn't feel it, she says it. Its just how she's operated in her life. But, when its exposed like this, she'll probably start feeling the lack of confidence again. I don't know that she'll be able to regroup soon enough - get her confidence back and remember not to speak with the negativity.
...
I just read some comments on the blogs and it seems I'm not alone. A person also made a good point about the type of challenge. None of the rooms showed any creativity, so maybe the challenge wasn't right.
Food Network Star - Nipa was the correct choice. She didn't have the variety of skills needed. She can feel good that she left not because people felt negative towards her. She can learn the skills she's lacking and come back again (not that she'd want to, I expect).
I felt bad that they encouraged Aaron to share his very personal story only for the sake of television. That's what it seemed like to me.
I'm impressed with Kelsey...that's a great talent to have! She heard the criticism last week and she made a change this week. I admire anyone who can do that. I hope she can stick with it. Its fine if she's concentrating on it, but if she isn't thinking of it will she revert back to her old ways?
I'm glad Lisa had good feedback. I like her.
I hope Jennifer can get over her feelings. I think she used to have this confidence problem in her life, but has largely gotten over it except that now she's in the habit of saying 'sorry' and even if she doesn't feel it, she says it. Its just how she's operated in her life. But, when its exposed like this, she'll probably start feeling the lack of confidence again. I don't know that she'll be able to regroup soon enough - get her confidence back and remember not to speak with the negativity.
Doctor Who
I've never enjoyed sci-fi about monsters and scary things. I don't like horror.
But, I love Doctor Who. They know how to make creepy looking aliens enjoyable and fun.
Who wouldn't love an Ood?
I'm concerned I have strong feelings about the show.
I liked Christopher Eccleston as Doctor Who and I don't understand why he left. Was it because he really wanted to? Or was it because they decided to make Rose and The Doctor have a romantic love relationship? I thought he was a little too old for her.
In the second season, I thought the love relationship was a little awkward as it developed and I wasn't sure I would like the show anymore. Then, in the last two episodes it all paid off for me.
In season 2 I got used to David Tennant, in Season 3 I had to get used to a new companion. And I did - I like Martha Jones a lot. Its completely believable that she fell in love with The Doctor - I would, no doubt about it. Season 3 had some of the best episodes.
And then, we don't see Martha Jones very much this season. Why? Did Freema Agyeman know she was only going to be the companion for one season? I don't get it.
In any event, Donna Noble came aboard and she's been great too! She has a great personality and has been fun to watch.
I like to save up episodes on my TIVO so I got caught up this weekend. Excellent. I'm looking forward to the last four (?) episodes. Kinda giddy excited as a matter of fact, since I know the finale will have Rose Tyler, Martha Jones, and Donna Noble.
And I like Alex Kingston so that character is intriguing as well. I saw some people have issues with the character in message boards and I wonder if any of them read 'The Time Traveler's Wife'. It is perfectly reasonable that she'd act the way she did. Well, reasonable in the world of Sci-Fi Time Travel...:)
But, I love Doctor Who. They know how to make creepy looking aliens enjoyable and fun.
Who wouldn't love an Ood?
I'm concerned I have strong feelings about the show.
I liked Christopher Eccleston as Doctor Who and I don't understand why he left. Was it because he really wanted to? Or was it because they decided to make Rose and The Doctor have a romantic love relationship? I thought he was a little too old for her.
In the second season, I thought the love relationship was a little awkward as it developed and I wasn't sure I would like the show anymore. Then, in the last two episodes it all paid off for me.
In season 2 I got used to David Tennant, in Season 3 I had to get used to a new companion. And I did - I like Martha Jones a lot. Its completely believable that she fell in love with The Doctor - I would, no doubt about it. Season 3 had some of the best episodes.
And then, we don't see Martha Jones very much this season. Why? Did Freema Agyeman know she was only going to be the companion for one season? I don't get it.
In any event, Donna Noble came aboard and she's been great too! She has a great personality and has been fun to watch.
I like to save up episodes on my TIVO so I got caught up this weekend. Excellent. I'm looking forward to the last four (?) episodes. Kinda giddy excited as a matter of fact, since I know the finale will have Rose Tyler, Martha Jones, and Donna Noble.
And I like Alex Kingston so that character is intriguing as well. I saw some people have issues with the character in message boards and I wonder if any of them read 'The Time Traveler's Wife'. It is perfectly reasonable that she'd act the way she did. Well, reasonable in the world of Sci-Fi Time Travel...:)
The Riches
I finished the last two episodes of 'The Riches' second season. I'm intrigued by the characters in this show and the actor performances. The characters are honest with each other, even while being dishonest with the buffer world.
Speaking of honest, the thing I didn't like about the episodes this season is that Wayne didn't tell Dahlia about Pete; Wayne turned into a stock TV character. I still liked the show though.
There were only 7 episodes this season - it ended on a huge cliffhanger.
I'm interested in the story of every character except Hugh Panetta - I just don't get that guy and he's very unpleasant. If I found myself in his company - I'd run away. Fast.
I wonder how long I'll have to wait to find out what happens next.
Speaking of honest, the thing I didn't like about the episodes this season is that Wayne didn't tell Dahlia about Pete; Wayne turned into a stock TV character. I still liked the show though.
There were only 7 episodes this season - it ended on a huge cliffhanger.
I'm interested in the story of every character except Hugh Panetta - I just don't get that guy and he's very unpleasant. If I found myself in his company - I'd run away. Fast.
I wonder how long I'll have to wait to find out what happens next.
Saturday, June 21, 2008
America's Best Dance Crew - Crew's Choice
What a disappointment to have to lose either Distorted X or Fanny Pack when they put in great performances! Especially given the nature of Sass x 7's style.
In the end it was Distorted X who experienced the flag drop. I suspect they're a victim of the Sass x 7 crew as well - the two groups are similar enough (pretty girls) that it didn't make sense to keep them both.
I wonder if the negative comments about Sass x 7 will energize their fans and keep them in the competition longer than normal?
I think this is a question about how street dance should move into the mainstream.
Anyway - I don't have many comments that weren't already expressed on the show. SoRealCru wasn't as good as I expected and Supreme Soul was disappointing. But, some of the other crews stepped up, right? Looking forward to next week.
In the end it was Distorted X who experienced the flag drop. I suspect they're a victim of the Sass x 7 crew as well - the two groups are similar enough (pretty girls) that it didn't make sense to keep them both.
I wonder if the negative comments about Sass x 7 will energize their fans and keep them in the competition longer than normal?
I think this is a question about how street dance should move into the mainstream.
Anyway - I don't have many comments that weren't already expressed on the show. SoRealCru wasn't as good as I expected and Supreme Soul was disappointing. But, some of the other crews stepped up, right? Looking forward to next week.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
So You Think You Can Dance Top 18 Results
The second results show...
1. Group dance marred by hyperkinetic cameras. So disappointing - it affected my enjoyment of the dance. I liked seeing Comfort dancing with the boys for a section of it.
2. Bottom three couples are: Comfort and Chris, Chelsea and Thayne, Susie and Marquise.
I'm glad Kourtni and Matt get another chance to show the public their talents.
3. Flamenco dancer Timo Nunez. Young enthusiastic girls make the world go 'round, but I wouldn't mind if I didn't have to hear them screaming through the whole dance.
4. Individual dances:
My choices? Susie and Chris. I choose Chris only because his dance presentation wasn't out of the ordinary. I thought it was good and I like him, but I had more of a connection to Thayne and Marquise's dances.
5. Flo Rida
The song was fine. I don't know the Flo except for the commercials for his CD when it first came out. I think his name is kinda cool.
What I noticed was the background dancers. Did they stop in the middle of the song and just stand around for awhile? That's what it looked like to me.
I discovered something about my Hip Hop issues though. I think the choreographers are preparing dances that could be used as background in a video. That's why the Hip Hop dances have seemed bland. How can dancers in a video be raw and 'down' when they're dancing to a song about partying, sex, and money? How much more mainstream can you get?
That's my theory anyway. What do I know?
6. Eliminated dancers.
It took Nigel too long to say it, but he sounds sincere...you can leave tonight and still be a brilliant dancer.
Nigel tells Chelsea to step it up, and gives Comfort a chance to live up to her potential. Susie is eliminated because she didn't use the stage tonight, and because she's not shining as bright as she was in the auditions and Las Vegas.
Nigel tells Thayne he has personality and potential, and Chris danced with passion tonight. Marquise is eliminated because Nigel said his dance was all tricks tonight - not enough dance.
Susie takes the news well; Marquise looks young.
I noticed that Nigel seemed to make a point of sorta apoligizing to Chris for his outrageous critique of Chris' dance last night.
I'm looking forward, once again, to next week's show. So far this season I haven't been as wowed as I was previously, but I'm still hopeful.
1. Group dance marred by hyperkinetic cameras. So disappointing - it affected my enjoyment of the dance. I liked seeing Comfort dancing with the boys for a section of it.
2. Bottom three couples are: Comfort and Chris, Chelsea and Thayne, Susie and Marquise.
I'm glad Kourtni and Matt get another chance to show the public their talents.
3. Flamenco dancer Timo Nunez. Young enthusiastic girls make the world go 'round, but I wouldn't mind if I didn't have to hear them screaming through the whole dance.
4. Individual dances:
- Chelsea - Good - not extraordinary.
- Thayne - Intriguing. Some of his intermediate (? mid-level? I don't know what to call them) leaps were interesting. I enjoyed his style.
- Susie - Eek! Excessive hair flips. I don't see the point.
- Marquise - I'm impressed. I liked the style he presented.
- Comfort - Excellent work. This is the first time I've seen Comfort in her own style and I thought it was inventive and innovative.
- Chris - Good job.
My choices? Susie and Chris. I choose Chris only because his dance presentation wasn't out of the ordinary. I thought it was good and I like him, but I had more of a connection to Thayne and Marquise's dances.
5. Flo Rida
The song was fine. I don't know the Flo except for the commercials for his CD when it first came out. I think his name is kinda cool.
What I noticed was the background dancers. Did they stop in the middle of the song and just stand around for awhile? That's what it looked like to me.
I discovered something about my Hip Hop issues though. I think the choreographers are preparing dances that could be used as background in a video. That's why the Hip Hop dances have seemed bland. How can dancers in a video be raw and 'down' when they're dancing to a song about partying, sex, and money? How much more mainstream can you get?
That's my theory anyway. What do I know?
6. Eliminated dancers.
It took Nigel too long to say it, but he sounds sincere...you can leave tonight and still be a brilliant dancer.
Nigel tells Chelsea to step it up, and gives Comfort a chance to live up to her potential. Susie is eliminated because she didn't use the stage tonight, and because she's not shining as bright as she was in the auditions and Las Vegas.
Nigel tells Thayne he has personality and potential, and Chris danced with passion tonight. Marquise is eliminated because Nigel said his dance was all tricks tonight - not enough dance.
Susie takes the news well; Marquise looks young.
I noticed that Nigel seemed to make a point of sorta apoligizing to Chris for his outrageous critique of Chris' dance last night.
I'm looking forward, once again, to next week's show. So far this season I haven't been as wowed as I was previously, but I'm still hopeful.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
So You Think You Can Dance Season 4 - Top 18
Mia's new hair was trippy. I like it. Mostly. Its a new look, that's cool.
This week I'm going to write my thoughts after watching each dance only once, but before I've heard from the judges. I'll be pausing my TIVO a lot. I don't want to be influenced by what the judges say.
Thayne and Chelsea - Jazz - Mandy Moore - "Untouched" by The Veronicas
Personality - My feeling is that both of them are forcing the energy. Its a little too manic for my taste. But, that's okay; they seem happy and positive so its all good.
Song - I liked the song. I've heard of The Veronicas but I'm not familiar with their music. I might check them out after hearing this song.
Choreography - I didn't really like the choreography. Where's the story? It didn't gel for me. Is it because they're the first dancers and it takes me awhile to settle in? I didn't think the choreography did anything to enhance the music, and vice versa.
Costume - Since the story of the dance involved a prince it could bring to mind the Elizabethan age, which the costumes were reminiscent of. But, the prince could have been Prince William or Prince Harry - in which case, costumes that had more to do with the music would have been appropriate. I didn't think Chelsie's white bustle was flattering.
Dancing - they did a good job. It seemed to work out without too much trouble.
Overall - I wasn't moved by the performance.
Verdict - Keep 'em.
Mark and Chelsie - Argentine Tango - Alex DeSilva - "Mi Confesion" by Gotan Project
Personality - I still really like him. A lot. I love quirky people and he seems confident in his quirkiness - he's embraced it. To be honest, I haven't seen him do anything quirky yet - but he's cultivating that reputation. I liked that he notices her hair smell. Chelsea seemed younger this time. She was concerned about being too close to him; she feels brotherly towards him. I think that affected her dance - or at least my view of her dance. Still, she's very likable.
Song - I liked the song.
Choreography - I appreciated the choreography. There were familiar elements, but it was a little different. For the choreography alone I would have liked to see more difficulty, but I don't think that would have been fair to the dancers.
Costumes - He looked hot - I have a weakness for men in dark suits. She looked good in hers. They were perfect for the dance.
Dancing - the thing that stood out for me immediately in this dance is the way Mark was completely focused on Chelsea. It was powerful. His lines were classic and elegant, with a latin passion behind them. He did magnificently. I thought Chelsea did well, but she was very preoccupied with how intense he was, I think. It might have made her uncomfortable. She looked at her feet more than once or twice. That was what I noticed most of all. For the actual dancing, she seemed fine. I think compared to him, she wasn't quite as good.
Overall - Good dance, fun to watch
Verdict - Keep 'em
Will and Jessica - Hip Hop - Cecily and Olisa - 'Whatever U Like' by Nicole Scherzinger
Personality - I enjoyed both of them tonight. I like her happiness and his appreciation of it. I like that he's a focused dancer who can enjoy things sometimes. I liked seeing her a little vulnerable. I like them. Good job, there.
Song - I didn't like it. It was boring.
Choreography - I didn't like the first part, but later I liked that it developed. I didn't like the chairs. The stuff in front of the chairs was good. I think Hip Hop has gotten so mainstream that I'm not sure exactly what constitutes a Hip Hop style anymore. This seemed more pop than hop. Except the part in front of the chairs.
Costumes - this was a problem for me. They were fine, but I was totally preoccupied with Jessica's pants after about 1/2 way through. Are they falling down? Is that her shirt or is it part of her undergarments? Oh - no, her pants are falling down...no, they're not...but maybe, yes, they're falling down. No, they're not. OK. Whatever. I didn't like that. Otherwise, eh.
Dancing - Since the dance didn't require 100% funk, they didn't have to deliver it. Which is good because I didn't feel they had it. They were good though. I thought she hit the beats with good bounce, as did he. It was fine.
Overall - I thought it was fine. Nothing special for me.
Verdict - Keep 'em.
Matt and Kourtni - Foxtrot - Jean-Marc Genereux - 'A Foggy Day (In London Town) by Michael Buble
Personality - I like this couple. I just do. I didn't learn a ton about them in the taped piece before hand because it seemed like they'd plan what they'd say about each other so as not to be too serious. It doesn't matter. I like 'em.
Song - great song for the dance. It was light and breezy (even though it was foggy in London town). Excellent choice.
Choreography - The only issue I had with the choreography were some of the unnecessary parts - leg lifts, etc. that seemed out of place with the style of the dance. It seemed they were thrown in to show off a talent of the dancer. They didn't need to do it.
Costumes - perfect. He looked dapper in his outfit. Fantastic, both of them.
Dancing - Fabulous. They were great. This was a wonderful fun dance. They were having such a good time dancing it, and he, especially looked right at home doing it. I thought she looked just a smidge less at ease. Only a smidge. I was happy watching them dance.
Overall - Made me smile. It was a great combination of style, costume, music, talent, and choreography. It all worked together.
Verdict - Keep 'em.
Gev and Courtney - Contemporary - Mandy Moore - 'Lost' by Anouk
Personality - I like these two. She's cute as a button and he seems like a regular guy. I like that Mandy Moore sees his protectiveness of her and her trust in him. That was sweet. Awww.
Song - I liked the song. I've never heard of Anouk.
Choreography - It was good. I liked the positions they were in. Interesting. Fit the music. It was good.
Costumes - good costumes. I like that kind of dress Courtney was wearing.
Dancing - Gev got a break - he didn't have to dance too much in this. I guess I think he got a break because I'm not sure if he has the training to dance this kind of dance. But, I think people will like the dance and him or her and vote for them. Courtney did most of the dancing. That said, he did great on his lifts and he's partnering very well for someone with no experience. I like Courtney's style and I thought she put lots of emotion into the dance.
Overall - I liked it. I thought they expressed the love story well.
Verdict - Keep 'em.
Joshua and Katee - Broadway - Tyce D'Orio - 'All For The Best' from Godspell
Personality - Nice people. They seem like they're getting along well. I like them.
Song - I like other songs in Godspell better. Many of the songs have that style that I don't know the name of...like a dance hall song? I don't know. Anyway - it seems like they'd be hard to dance to.
Choreography - I liked it fine. I thought there were too many 'bits'. Too much change in tone they had to do so they didn't get to settle into something long enough to give it depth.
Costumes - they were appropriate for Godspell - especially the face makeup.
Dancing - I thought Katee looked a step behind during some of it. Joshua gave it 100% and outshone her. He was fully executing and I don't think she was.
Overall - I liked the dance but didn't think it was as fulfilling and interesting as it could have been.
Verdict - Keep 'em.
Marquise and Susie - Salsa - Alex DeSilva - 'Aguanile' by Willie Colon and Hector Lavoe
Personality - I like him because he seems young. I don't dislike her.
Song - I liked the song - it was fun.
Choreography - It seemed good for the Salsa.
Costumes - fine
Dancing - I didn't buy it. There was awkwardness all around. They definitely tried, but I don't think it came together.
Overall - okay.
Verdict - Keep 'em.
Twitch and Kherrington - Viennese Waltz - Jean-Marc Genereux and France - 'A New Day Has Come' by Celine Dion
Personality - how can you not like these two - they are guileless.
Song - it was fine
Choreography - beautiful
Costumes - sexy and beautiful
Dancing - wonderful - they was chemistry and there was lightness and there was bounce. They did a marvelous job.
Overall - this was another of the night's great combinations of song, costume, choreography and dancers. It was soothing to watch.
Verdict - Keep 'em
Chris and Comfort - Krump - Lil'C - 'Come and Get Me' by Timbaland f 50 Cent and Tony Yayo
Personality - I thought they were nice people. They both came across well.
Song - Were there a lot of words cut out of that song? It seemed like it was bleeped a lot. Otherwise - it had a good beat and you could dance to it.
Choreography - I liked the choreography. I like krumping. I thought it went well with the song.
Costumes - Why did he have that big kerchief around his neck? That didn't add anything.
Dancing - She was great - and I thought he kept up. The only reason I noticed she was better (with my untrained eye) is because of what they were saying in the taped segment about him being so unfamiliar with this style. It made me expect less. But, I wonder, if he were in a video doing that dance, would I think anything of it? Probably not, he looked good.
Overall - I liked the dance. I liked seeing her dance in a style she was comfortable in. I liked that he looked good doing it - I wasn't distracted.
Verdict - Keep 'em.
Alright - so now I've seen everything and I've had a chance to hear all the judges comments...
I had missed that Chelsea and Thayne's 'story' was a King and his forbidden love - I didn't see anything forbidden in the dance.
Hip Hop should be raw and dirty as Mia said. Yes, that's what's been missing in a lot of the Hip Hop dances we've seen this year.
I'm surprised by how much the judges didn't like a couple of the dances I liked and how much they liked Katee and Joshua's dance when I thought it was good, but not great.
Vaudeville was the style I was trying to think of.
Is it true that the dancers have only 1 1/2 hours with the choreographer and 2 days to rehearse? Wow - not much time.
I feel bad that Mia mentioned the smile thing. She might not have realized it would become such a big deal. I noticed her smile as well. But, I switched my expectation and decided it was about the joy of movement that the Genereux' daughter isn't able to experience, so it was perfectly acceptable to smile - even joyful.
For me...the top three dances were:
Kourtni and Matt - Foxtrot
Kherrington and Twitch - Viennese Waltz
Chelsie and Mark - Argentine Tango
And the bottom three would be...
Chelsea and Thayne - Jazz
Susie and Marquise - Salsa
Jessica and Will - Hip Hop
However, I think the bottom three as announced tomorrow will be...
Kourtni and Matt
Susie and Marquise
Jessica and Will (maybe) or Chelsea and Thayne (maybe)
I'm surprised I'm going out on a limb - only last week I felt it was too mean to pick. That didn't last long!
This week I'm going to write my thoughts after watching each dance only once, but before I've heard from the judges. I'll be pausing my TIVO a lot. I don't want to be influenced by what the judges say.
Thayne and Chelsea - Jazz - Mandy Moore - "Untouched" by The Veronicas
Personality - My feeling is that both of them are forcing the energy. Its a little too manic for my taste. But, that's okay; they seem happy and positive so its all good.
Song - I liked the song. I've heard of The Veronicas but I'm not familiar with their music. I might check them out after hearing this song.
Choreography - I didn't really like the choreography. Where's the story? It didn't gel for me. Is it because they're the first dancers and it takes me awhile to settle in? I didn't think the choreography did anything to enhance the music, and vice versa.
Costume - Since the story of the dance involved a prince it could bring to mind the Elizabethan age, which the costumes were reminiscent of. But, the prince could have been Prince William or Prince Harry - in which case, costumes that had more to do with the music would have been appropriate. I didn't think Chelsie's white bustle was flattering.
Dancing - they did a good job. It seemed to work out without too much trouble.
Overall - I wasn't moved by the performance.
Verdict - Keep 'em.
Mark and Chelsie - Argentine Tango - Alex DeSilva - "Mi Confesion" by Gotan Project
Personality - I still really like him. A lot. I love quirky people and he seems confident in his quirkiness - he's embraced it. To be honest, I haven't seen him do anything quirky yet - but he's cultivating that reputation. I liked that he notices her hair smell. Chelsea seemed younger this time. She was concerned about being too close to him; she feels brotherly towards him. I think that affected her dance - or at least my view of her dance. Still, she's very likable.
Song - I liked the song.
Choreography - I appreciated the choreography. There were familiar elements, but it was a little different. For the choreography alone I would have liked to see more difficulty, but I don't think that would have been fair to the dancers.
Costumes - He looked hot - I have a weakness for men in dark suits. She looked good in hers. They were perfect for the dance.
Dancing - the thing that stood out for me immediately in this dance is the way Mark was completely focused on Chelsea. It was powerful. His lines were classic and elegant, with a latin passion behind them. He did magnificently. I thought Chelsea did well, but she was very preoccupied with how intense he was, I think. It might have made her uncomfortable. She looked at her feet more than once or twice. That was what I noticed most of all. For the actual dancing, she seemed fine. I think compared to him, she wasn't quite as good.
Overall - Good dance, fun to watch
Verdict - Keep 'em
Will and Jessica - Hip Hop - Cecily and Olisa - 'Whatever U Like' by Nicole Scherzinger
Personality - I enjoyed both of them tonight. I like her happiness and his appreciation of it. I like that he's a focused dancer who can enjoy things sometimes. I liked seeing her a little vulnerable. I like them. Good job, there.
Song - I didn't like it. It was boring.
Choreography - I didn't like the first part, but later I liked that it developed. I didn't like the chairs. The stuff in front of the chairs was good. I think Hip Hop has gotten so mainstream that I'm not sure exactly what constitutes a Hip Hop style anymore. This seemed more pop than hop. Except the part in front of the chairs.
Costumes - this was a problem for me. They were fine, but I was totally preoccupied with Jessica's pants after about 1/2 way through. Are they falling down? Is that her shirt or is it part of her undergarments? Oh - no, her pants are falling down...no, they're not...but maybe, yes, they're falling down. No, they're not. OK. Whatever. I didn't like that. Otherwise, eh.
Dancing - Since the dance didn't require 100% funk, they didn't have to deliver it. Which is good because I didn't feel they had it. They were good though. I thought she hit the beats with good bounce, as did he. It was fine.
Overall - I thought it was fine. Nothing special for me.
Verdict - Keep 'em.
Matt and Kourtni - Foxtrot - Jean-Marc Genereux - 'A Foggy Day (In London Town) by Michael Buble
Personality - I like this couple. I just do. I didn't learn a ton about them in the taped piece before hand because it seemed like they'd plan what they'd say about each other so as not to be too serious. It doesn't matter. I like 'em.
Song - great song for the dance. It was light and breezy (even though it was foggy in London town). Excellent choice.
Choreography - The only issue I had with the choreography were some of the unnecessary parts - leg lifts, etc. that seemed out of place with the style of the dance. It seemed they were thrown in to show off a talent of the dancer. They didn't need to do it.
Costumes - perfect. He looked dapper in his outfit. Fantastic, both of them.
Dancing - Fabulous. They were great. This was a wonderful fun dance. They were having such a good time dancing it, and he, especially looked right at home doing it. I thought she looked just a smidge less at ease. Only a smidge. I was happy watching them dance.
Overall - Made me smile. It was a great combination of style, costume, music, talent, and choreography. It all worked together.
Verdict - Keep 'em.
Gev and Courtney - Contemporary - Mandy Moore - 'Lost' by Anouk
Personality - I like these two. She's cute as a button and he seems like a regular guy. I like that Mandy Moore sees his protectiveness of her and her trust in him. That was sweet. Awww.
Song - I liked the song. I've never heard of Anouk.
Choreography - It was good. I liked the positions they were in. Interesting. Fit the music. It was good.
Costumes - good costumes. I like that kind of dress Courtney was wearing.
Dancing - Gev got a break - he didn't have to dance too much in this. I guess I think he got a break because I'm not sure if he has the training to dance this kind of dance. But, I think people will like the dance and him or her and vote for them. Courtney did most of the dancing. That said, he did great on his lifts and he's partnering very well for someone with no experience. I like Courtney's style and I thought she put lots of emotion into the dance.
Overall - I liked it. I thought they expressed the love story well.
Verdict - Keep 'em.
Joshua and Katee - Broadway - Tyce D'Orio - 'All For The Best' from Godspell
Personality - Nice people. They seem like they're getting along well. I like them.
Song - I like other songs in Godspell better. Many of the songs have that style that I don't know the name of...like a dance hall song? I don't know. Anyway - it seems like they'd be hard to dance to.
Choreography - I liked it fine. I thought there were too many 'bits'. Too much change in tone they had to do so they didn't get to settle into something long enough to give it depth.
Costumes - they were appropriate for Godspell - especially the face makeup.
Dancing - I thought Katee looked a step behind during some of it. Joshua gave it 100% and outshone her. He was fully executing and I don't think she was.
Overall - I liked the dance but didn't think it was as fulfilling and interesting as it could have been.
Verdict - Keep 'em.
Marquise and Susie - Salsa - Alex DeSilva - 'Aguanile' by Willie Colon and Hector Lavoe
Personality - I like him because he seems young. I don't dislike her.
Song - I liked the song - it was fun.
Choreography - It seemed good for the Salsa.
Costumes - fine
Dancing - I didn't buy it. There was awkwardness all around. They definitely tried, but I don't think it came together.
Overall - okay.
Verdict - Keep 'em.
Twitch and Kherrington - Viennese Waltz - Jean-Marc Genereux and France - 'A New Day Has Come' by Celine Dion
Personality - how can you not like these two - they are guileless.
Song - it was fine
Choreography - beautiful
Costumes - sexy and beautiful
Dancing - wonderful - they was chemistry and there was lightness and there was bounce. They did a marvelous job.
Overall - this was another of the night's great combinations of song, costume, choreography and dancers. It was soothing to watch.
Verdict - Keep 'em
Chris and Comfort - Krump - Lil'C - 'Come and Get Me' by Timbaland f 50 Cent and Tony Yayo
Personality - I thought they were nice people. They both came across well.
Song - Were there a lot of words cut out of that song? It seemed like it was bleeped a lot. Otherwise - it had a good beat and you could dance to it.
Choreography - I liked the choreography. I like krumping. I thought it went well with the song.
Costumes - Why did he have that big kerchief around his neck? That didn't add anything.
Dancing - She was great - and I thought he kept up. The only reason I noticed she was better (with my untrained eye) is because of what they were saying in the taped segment about him being so unfamiliar with this style. It made me expect less. But, I wonder, if he were in a video doing that dance, would I think anything of it? Probably not, he looked good.
Overall - I liked the dance. I liked seeing her dance in a style she was comfortable in. I liked that he looked good doing it - I wasn't distracted.
Verdict - Keep 'em.
Alright - so now I've seen everything and I've had a chance to hear all the judges comments...
I had missed that Chelsea and Thayne's 'story' was a King and his forbidden love - I didn't see anything forbidden in the dance.
Hip Hop should be raw and dirty as Mia said. Yes, that's what's been missing in a lot of the Hip Hop dances we've seen this year.
I'm surprised by how much the judges didn't like a couple of the dances I liked and how much they liked Katee and Joshua's dance when I thought it was good, but not great.
Vaudeville was the style I was trying to think of.
Is it true that the dancers have only 1 1/2 hours with the choreographer and 2 days to rehearse? Wow - not much time.
I feel bad that Mia mentioned the smile thing. She might not have realized it would become such a big deal. I noticed her smile as well. But, I switched my expectation and decided it was about the joy of movement that the Genereux' daughter isn't able to experience, so it was perfectly acceptable to smile - even joyful.
For me...the top three dances were:
Kourtni and Matt - Foxtrot
Kherrington and Twitch - Viennese Waltz
Chelsie and Mark - Argentine Tango
And the bottom three would be...
Chelsea and Thayne - Jazz
Susie and Marquise - Salsa
Jessica and Will - Hip Hop
However, I think the bottom three as announced tomorrow will be...
Kourtni and Matt
Susie and Marquise
Jessica and Will (maybe) or Chelsea and Thayne (maybe)
I'm surprised I'm going out on a limb - only last week I felt it was too mean to pick. That didn't last long!
Design Star, Food Network Star, The Mole
Design Star
After watching the second show I'm left with
positive feelings about Jennifer and Matt,
positive neutral feelings for Stephanie and Mikey,
negative neutral feelings for Trish and D. Paul, and
negative feelings for Tracee and Michael.
I'm glad the season won't be based around building a house! I was dreading that.
I wasn't clear what Vern thought was so horrendous about Jerome's bedroom. The color wasn't restful or peaceful, but the layout seemed okay. I wonder why people wouldn't want to sleep toe to toe? Does that mean they'd prefer head to head?
If I were Mikey V, and Matt had just gotten the (deserved) credit for the layout of the second bedroom, I'd have made the point that I recognized a good idea when I heard one! That deserves some credit too, right? Anyway, I'm glad he got recognized for the color choice.
Jennifer and Stephanie were a pleasant team to watch work together. Its too bad they didn't finish up properly, and I didn't like to see how hard Stephanie took it. Jennifer was a good friend to her.
I wouldn't have had negative feelings about Tracee if she had kept quiet during the elimination. Sheesh! Too much talking is never a good thing. Tracee's performance was evidence one for that old saying...it is better to remain silent and be thought a fool than open your mouth and remove all doubt. Sorry Tracee.
Food Network Star
Three eliminations already. At this point I enjoy Aaron and Lisa the most. I didn't think I'd like Lisa, but she's improving with each episode, becoming less guarded and articulating her style more clearly. I enjoyed her enthusiasm with Martha Stewart. For her sake, I wish she could have won the Martha Stewart part of the challenge.
I would like to see Aaron develop more, I hope he gets the chance. He seems like a genuine young man.
Adam did fantastic last episode on the mini challenge.
I also hope Jennifer and Kelsey find their footing.
Nipa - I'm not sure. I don't eat spicy food so I'm naturally disinclined to enjoy her food selections. Well, I still hope for the best for her.
The Mole
Wow - two people gone in one episode. Excellent! :)
I have thought Paul is The Mole. In the first episode the 11 on the journal is the clue I noticed. And I thought it meant the 11th person on the list - which was Paul. I've missed so many of the clues - I don't naturally catch 'em. In the last episode I thought the word 'top notch' was emphasized in part of the narration. That led me to Alex for no good reason except that Alex was wearing a leather necklace that looked like it could be notched. Hey - I admit it, I'm no good with the clues.
But, I'm sticking with Paul as my number one choice and Alex as my backup.
I've looked at the message boards on abc.com and it seems many people think Victoria is The Mole. I liked a poster's reasoning for Kristen being The Mole - she's quiet and in last week's challenge all she had to do was beat the bulk of the team up the mountain to deny the pot.
I've been playing the quiz but I can't tell how I'm doing. Would I have been eliminated already with my bad answers? I've tried to answer based on the best odds. On the one hand, a contestant wants to answer as many questions right as possible, on the other, you don't want to figure out who The Mole is too early in the game before the pot has increased. As I understood the rules (from season 1 anyway) the game ends if someone guesses The Mole. Maybe that's a misunderstanding on my part because if someone guessed right on the first try that would be the end of the show. In any event, I've tried to answer as wide-ranging as I can, but still point to Paul or Alex.
I think this is a hard game. There are so many angles to consider. I'd have a difficult time with the challenges alone!
Another word about Paul and Nicole: Both of them believe that 'playing the game' gives them the right to be antagnonistic and mean-spirited. People who indulge in this behavior claim they're not as difficult to be around in 'real life'; its only part of the game.
And, often, the player is a 'hero' to fans around the internet.
I don't understand it. I find it disturbing to watch, and I don't enjoy people like that in real life. I'm not sure how I would react if someone were as 'in your face' as the contestants can be.
In any event, how does that kind of attitude serve the world? It doesn't. Its only about 'me and mine'. To them, the end justifies the means; how they got there isn't as important as getting there.
Not to put too much emphasis on this, but it seems to me that that's the attitude that has put our world climate in danger; that has made places like Abu Ghraib and Guantanamo commonplace, that has sullied the reputation of America around the world. Its the attitude that creates citizen apathy, and contributes to the growing income inequality between workers and corporate CEO's; between the middle class and the ultra-rich.
I don't blame Paul and Nicole, any more than I blame other players in televised strategy games (Dick Donato [Big Brother 8], Jonny Fairplay [Survivor ?], Jon and Victoria [Amazing Race ?] are some examples)
They aren't CAUSING the problem, but they're the canary in the mine - the warning that the 'me and mine' attitude is becoming too pervasive in our society and not serving us well.
I'm concerned for the time when lack of common courtesy is the norm, when lying and name calling and twisting the truth is considered an acceptable form of communication (campaigning), and I'm concerned for the time when laughing AT someone is the only way we know how to have a good time.
It's a slippery slope and its not okay to stand by and watch as we incrementally slide into an abyss.
That's my thought anyway.
After watching the second show I'm left with
positive feelings about Jennifer and Matt,
positive neutral feelings for Stephanie and Mikey,
negative neutral feelings for Trish and D. Paul, and
negative feelings for Tracee and Michael.
I'm glad the season won't be based around building a house! I was dreading that.
I wasn't clear what Vern thought was so horrendous about Jerome's bedroom. The color wasn't restful or peaceful, but the layout seemed okay. I wonder why people wouldn't want to sleep toe to toe? Does that mean they'd prefer head to head?
If I were Mikey V, and Matt had just gotten the (deserved) credit for the layout of the second bedroom, I'd have made the point that I recognized a good idea when I heard one! That deserves some credit too, right? Anyway, I'm glad he got recognized for the color choice.
Jennifer and Stephanie were a pleasant team to watch work together. Its too bad they didn't finish up properly, and I didn't like to see how hard Stephanie took it. Jennifer was a good friend to her.
I wouldn't have had negative feelings about Tracee if she had kept quiet during the elimination. Sheesh! Too much talking is never a good thing. Tracee's performance was evidence one for that old saying...it is better to remain silent and be thought a fool than open your mouth and remove all doubt. Sorry Tracee.
Food Network Star
Three eliminations already. At this point I enjoy Aaron and Lisa the most. I didn't think I'd like Lisa, but she's improving with each episode, becoming less guarded and articulating her style more clearly. I enjoyed her enthusiasm with Martha Stewart. For her sake, I wish she could have won the Martha Stewart part of the challenge.
I would like to see Aaron develop more, I hope he gets the chance. He seems like a genuine young man.
Adam did fantastic last episode on the mini challenge.
I also hope Jennifer and Kelsey find their footing.
Nipa - I'm not sure. I don't eat spicy food so I'm naturally disinclined to enjoy her food selections. Well, I still hope for the best for her.
The Mole
Wow - two people gone in one episode. Excellent! :)
I have thought Paul is The Mole. In the first episode the 11 on the journal is the clue I noticed. And I thought it meant the 11th person on the list - which was Paul. I've missed so many of the clues - I don't naturally catch 'em. In the last episode I thought the word 'top notch' was emphasized in part of the narration. That led me to Alex for no good reason except that Alex was wearing a leather necklace that looked like it could be notched. Hey - I admit it, I'm no good with the clues.
But, I'm sticking with Paul as my number one choice and Alex as my backup.
I've looked at the message boards on abc.com and it seems many people think Victoria is The Mole. I liked a poster's reasoning for Kristen being The Mole - she's quiet and in last week's challenge all she had to do was beat the bulk of the team up the mountain to deny the pot.
I've been playing the quiz but I can't tell how I'm doing. Would I have been eliminated already with my bad answers? I've tried to answer based on the best odds. On the one hand, a contestant wants to answer as many questions right as possible, on the other, you don't want to figure out who The Mole is too early in the game before the pot has increased. As I understood the rules (from season 1 anyway) the game ends if someone guesses The Mole. Maybe that's a misunderstanding on my part because if someone guessed right on the first try that would be the end of the show. In any event, I've tried to answer as wide-ranging as I can, but still point to Paul or Alex.
I think this is a hard game. There are so many angles to consider. I'd have a difficult time with the challenges alone!
Another word about Paul and Nicole: Both of them believe that 'playing the game' gives them the right to be antagnonistic and mean-spirited. People who indulge in this behavior claim they're not as difficult to be around in 'real life'; its only part of the game.
And, often, the player is a 'hero' to fans around the internet.
I don't understand it. I find it disturbing to watch, and I don't enjoy people like that in real life. I'm not sure how I would react if someone were as 'in your face' as the contestants can be.
In any event, how does that kind of attitude serve the world? It doesn't. Its only about 'me and mine'. To them, the end justifies the means; how they got there isn't as important as getting there.
Not to put too much emphasis on this, but it seems to me that that's the attitude that has put our world climate in danger; that has made places like Abu Ghraib and Guantanamo commonplace, that has sullied the reputation of America around the world. Its the attitude that creates citizen apathy, and contributes to the growing income inequality between workers and corporate CEO's; between the middle class and the ultra-rich.
I don't blame Paul and Nicole, any more than I blame other players in televised strategy games (Dick Donato [Big Brother 8], Jonny Fairplay [Survivor ?], Jon and Victoria [Amazing Race ?] are some examples)
They aren't CAUSING the problem, but they're the canary in the mine - the warning that the 'me and mine' attitude is becoming too pervasive in our society and not serving us well.
I'm concerned for the time when lack of common courtesy is the norm, when lying and name calling and twisting the truth is considered an acceptable form of communication (campaigning), and I'm concerned for the time when laughing AT someone is the only way we know how to have a good time.
It's a slippery slope and its not okay to stand by and watch as we incrementally slide into an abyss.
That's my thought anyway.
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Reminder for me.
Root yourself right here; right now.
Feel your eternity;
Feel your power.
Now, reach out.
Act with purpose in this moment,
To propel your spirit into the next.
Each moment is part of a life.
Each moment makes a life
Feel your eternity;
Feel your power.
Now, reach out.
Act with purpose in this moment,
To propel your spirit into the next.
Each moment is part of a life.
Each moment makes a life
Thursday, June 12, 2008
So You Think You Can Dance Top 20 Results
Opening Routine
Meh. I didn't like it. Too many people, too much mugging for the camera, some dancing but it was hard to get a feel for anything continuous because they kept cutting away. What I did see of the dancing looked good.
Who's in the bottom three?
I forgot that Nigel said that nasty thing about Matt last night. It was harsh and I didn't even agree. He doesn't think Matt has any personality. I thought he was full of personality last night.
And yet, Kourtni and Matt are the first couple in the bottom three. I blame Nygel.
Rayven and Jamie are the second couple. Understandable since they were at the beginning of the show. I blame the choreography.
Jessica and Will. I'm surprised. I guess they're in the bottom three not for being bad, but not being popular enough.
Camera and Popping
The camera work is noticeable again. They aren't switching from camera to camera fast enough and the cameras aren't quite where they should be. There are also sound problems.
I like that we'll see different dance styles showcased every week.
I hope I remember that Boogaloo Sam from Fresno, CA started popping back in 1975. Its a combo of the jerk and the twist. That sounds like a hero-making, legendary trivia question!
Poppin' Pete and Shownee (sp?) demonstrated popping, including finger popping. Good job.
Dancing for their lives
Kourtni - good job
Matt - excellent
Rayven - I also wondered, why isn't she on pointe? I decided she tried to combine ballet with a style that had more mass appeal.
Jamie - He mouthed the words to the song. Otherwise, it was fine. Is he the only male ballroom dancer? That's a change from prior years.
Jessica - I thought it looked like she was ready to stop 10 seconds before her time was up. She had to throw a few more jumps and leaps in to keep going.
Will - good job
PussyCat Dolls
Is she saying "wanna get boobies" when I grow up?
I'll save my comments until I'm sure that's what was said because I'm famous in my own world for not hearing lyrics correctly.
Girl Elimination
Of the three, I would eliminate Jessica for not giving 100%
But, the judges decide to penalize Rayven for being on demi-pointe instead of on pointe.
Rayven is class act all the way. She is gracious and upbeat. I like her.
Boy Elimination
Of the three, I would eliminate Jamie, and that's who is eliminated.
Between Jamie and Matt, Nigel says he's selecting (for this one time only) technique over personality.
Honest to goodness, Nigel - can you lay off Matt? I really don't see the problem you do. Is there some other part of this story we don't know about? You're setting him up for failure by continuing to harp on this alleged lack of personality - next week he's going to give you uberpersonality and you'll fault him for too much personality.
Jamie is disappointed.
I don't know the songs that are playing for the send-off montage. I'm sure they're the type of upbeat, stay positive songs I like to download.
Good opening week...the dancers are sorting themselves out. The choreographers will need to take it up a notch to find the weakness in these dancers - they're all very good. Its going to be fun.
Meh. I didn't like it. Too many people, too much mugging for the camera, some dancing but it was hard to get a feel for anything continuous because they kept cutting away. What I did see of the dancing looked good.
Who's in the bottom three?
I forgot that Nigel said that nasty thing about Matt last night. It was harsh and I didn't even agree. He doesn't think Matt has any personality. I thought he was full of personality last night.
And yet, Kourtni and Matt are the first couple in the bottom three. I blame Nygel.
Rayven and Jamie are the second couple. Understandable since they were at the beginning of the show. I blame the choreography.
Jessica and Will. I'm surprised. I guess they're in the bottom three not for being bad, but not being popular enough.
Camera and Popping
The camera work is noticeable again. They aren't switching from camera to camera fast enough and the cameras aren't quite where they should be. There are also sound problems.
I like that we'll see different dance styles showcased every week.
I hope I remember that Boogaloo Sam from Fresno, CA started popping back in 1975. Its a combo of the jerk and the twist. That sounds like a hero-making, legendary trivia question!
Poppin' Pete and Shownee (sp?) demonstrated popping, including finger popping. Good job.
Dancing for their lives
Kourtni - good job
Matt - excellent
Rayven - I also wondered, why isn't she on pointe? I decided she tried to combine ballet with a style that had more mass appeal.
Jamie - He mouthed the words to the song. Otherwise, it was fine. Is he the only male ballroom dancer? That's a change from prior years.
Jessica - I thought it looked like she was ready to stop 10 seconds before her time was up. She had to throw a few more jumps and leaps in to keep going.
Will - good job
PussyCat Dolls
Is she saying "wanna get boobies" when I grow up?
I'll save my comments until I'm sure that's what was said because I'm famous in my own world for not hearing lyrics correctly.
Girl Elimination
Of the three, I would eliminate Jessica for not giving 100%
But, the judges decide to penalize Rayven for being on demi-pointe instead of on pointe.
Rayven is class act all the way. She is gracious and upbeat. I like her.
Boy Elimination
Of the three, I would eliminate Jamie, and that's who is eliminated.
Between Jamie and Matt, Nigel says he's selecting (for this one time only) technique over personality.
Honest to goodness, Nigel - can you lay off Matt? I really don't see the problem you do. Is there some other part of this story we don't know about? You're setting him up for failure by continuing to harp on this alleged lack of personality - next week he's going to give you uberpersonality and you'll fault him for too much personality.
Jamie is disappointed.
I don't know the songs that are playing for the send-off montage. I'm sure they're the type of upbeat, stay positive songs I like to download.
Good opening week...the dancers are sorting themselves out. The choreographers will need to take it up a notch to find the weakness in these dancers - they're all very good. Its going to be fun.
America's Best Dance Crew 2: The Live Auditions
If you knew who I was, you would know I have no business critiquing this show with any kind of authority. So, I won't critique it, just give my thoughts.
It struck me funny that Randy Jackson walked out flashing the peace sign - twice. In his 60 seconds (at the most) of speaking time he said 'Dawg' 2 or 3 times, and he said 'man' 10 times.
The use of the word 'sick' to describe a really good move sounds forced. I think they should stop saying 'sick' or 'sickest'. They sound like they're trying to imply 'hipness' by words instead of action. Just because a person uses the words doesn't make it true.
I fast forwarded through the interview segments. They looked too phony and rehearsed.
Overall, I don't think any of the teams rise to the level of JabbaWockEez or Kava Modern from Season 1 - my two favorites. I might have a warped recollection though because I wasn't as impressed with JabbaWockEez dance at the end of the show as I expected. I have high expectations for them.
As the show progresses I hope I'll get a better feel for the teams and their individual style. It seemed that there weren't as many trick groups as I recall from last season.
Here are my thoughts:
East Coast - I'm surprised the Sass x 7 group made it through - they really are cheerleadery. I thought the Shhh team was equally as good and brought more 'swag' as Lil' Mama said. MidWest - I thought ASIID and Full Effect were about equal. Either could have moved forward.
South - HIStory didn't 'bring it'. I had hoped they would do better.
West Coast - I would have dropped Fanny Pack instead of Team Millenia. I didn't see what the judges did; maybe that they were different? Ah well.
Teams to watch: Supreme Soul, Super Cr3w, SoReal Cru, Xtreme Dance Force
I thought the Team Millenia girl was cute in the end..."Big ups to all the West Coast teams, like, we all had mad love, like, for sure." It just made me chuckle a little. She was sweet.
I want to start saying 'big ups' and 'mad love'.
It struck me funny that Randy Jackson walked out flashing the peace sign - twice. In his 60 seconds (at the most) of speaking time he said 'Dawg' 2 or 3 times, and he said 'man' 10 times.
The use of the word 'sick' to describe a really good move sounds forced. I think they should stop saying 'sick' or 'sickest'. They sound like they're trying to imply 'hipness' by words instead of action. Just because a person uses the words doesn't make it true.
I fast forwarded through the interview segments. They looked too phony and rehearsed.
Overall, I don't think any of the teams rise to the level of JabbaWockEez or Kava Modern from Season 1 - my two favorites. I might have a warped recollection though because I wasn't as impressed with JabbaWockEez dance at the end of the show as I expected. I have high expectations for them.
As the show progresses I hope I'll get a better feel for the teams and their individual style. It seemed that there weren't as many trick groups as I recall from last season.
Here are my thoughts:
East Coast - I'm surprised the Sass x 7 group made it through - they really are cheerleadery. I thought the Shhh team was equally as good and brought more 'swag' as Lil' Mama said. MidWest - I thought ASIID and Full Effect were about equal. Either could have moved forward.
South - HIStory didn't 'bring it'. I had hoped they would do better.
West Coast - I would have dropped Fanny Pack instead of Team Millenia. I didn't see what the judges did; maybe that they were different? Ah well.
Teams to watch: Supreme Soul, Super Cr3w, SoReal Cru, Xtreme Dance Force
I thought the Team Millenia girl was cute in the end..."Big ups to all the West Coast teams, like, we all had mad love, like, for sure." It just made me chuckle a little. She was sweet.
I want to start saying 'big ups' and 'mad love'.
So You Think You Can Dance Season 4 - Top 20
Rayven and Jamie - Hip Hop - Napoleon and Tabitha - "American Boy" by Estelle f Kanye West
Personality - I like that she's 28 and owns it and she seems nice. I don't understand the jacket he bought and he seems young.
Song - Eh
Choreography - Its a strange blend of hip hop and Broadway that doesn't fully realize the best of either. I didn't like that she pulled his pants down. What was that about? Was there something in the lyrics I missed? Strange - and a little too revealing for my taste, given the dance style.
Costumes - added to the mismash of styles. updated 30's newsboy? 80's Miami Vice? 90's boy band? I don't see how any of that worked well with the hip hop.
Dancing - Both dancers executed the positions well, yet there wasn't anything behind it. I felt no funk and I felt no hip and I felt no hop.
Overall - Neither of the dancers made the choreography mean more than the steps. Are the dancers a victim of the choreography? Or can great dancers make choreography transcend the steps? Did the choreographers see the dance they envisioned, or were they hoping for more?
Verdict - Keep 'em.
Susie and Marquise - Smooth Waltz - Hunter Johnson - "Dark Waltz" by Hayley Westenra
Personality - During auditions I was put off by Susie because of the clothes she was wearing (too obviously going for the 'sexy trashy' look) and I was irritated by her constant head rolls to swing her hair around. Ugh! After her interview on this show, I decided to let it go. She said she's 'bringing the Miami' by tossing her hair around. Its still not my taste (and if she starts flinging her hair around again it'll bug me) but its her style and she's got the courage to be on the show - so, who am I to judge? This is what she likes and I'll live with it. Dance on! Marquise - I hope his mother doesn't mind that he said 'it seemed like she had no heart'.
Song - I liked it.
Choreography - Seems nice. I liked it fine. It was definitely smooth.
Costumes - A flowing dress and a nice tux is always nice for a smooth waltz
Dancing - Neither of them were 100% controlled and steady, most noticeably on the lift at the end, but also on some of the turns during the dance. Otherwise, they did a good job.
Overall - I wasn't wow'ed.
Verdict - Keep 'em.
Kourtni and Matt - Jazz - Mandy Moore - "Tainted Love" by Soft Cell
Personality - I like Kourtni based on the auditions. I liked her solo when she threw herself on the floor - very emotional dance. I don't remember Matt from the auditions, but I liked him in tonight's segment. He seemed like a nice guy. Both Tall.
Song - familiar 80's song - getting a bit overused these days, I'd say. Mandy must like the 80's - she did Eurythmic's 'Sweet Dreams' last season. Anyway - in this case, the familiarity of the song helps me enjoy the dance more.
Choreography - I think the choreography was better than the camera angles made it look. It seemed like there were some lines they were creating that I didn't get to see because the camera was out of position. I didn't like the parts where they had to go back to walking and she hooked her arm into his. That repeat broke up the dancing and didn't help the story. Again, this dance was marred by the camera movements.
Costumes - I liked the black leather; made them look criminal and Matrix like.
Dancing - I think these are two talented dancers. They hit all the beats in the music (other dancers in the show didn't end with the music), there were crisp movements. Excellent.
Overall - I'd like to see the dance again with the camera in the front. Otherwise, I thought this was a good dance.
Verdict - Keep 'em. These two should be in the top of the pack and I hope they are. I think Matt got short changed by Nigel asking for more personality. Matt did a good job and showed the exact amount of personality for the dance.
Chelsea and Thayne - Cha Cha - Tony Meredith and Melanie - "Oye Como Va (Latin/Trance Mix)" by Celia Cruz
Personality - In the interviews Chelsea and Thayne seem like regular dance folk. Nothing outrageous or overly silly about their personalities. That's fine for me. Why does Thayne like to dance with one pant leg shorter than the other?
Song - Great song. Classic.
Choreography - The first time I saw the dance I was irritated by how many times Chelsea raised her right (or left) arm behind her head and swooped it over to come down the left (or right) side of her face (if that makes sense). I blamed her and it reminded me of Lacey Schwimmer last year. But after watching again, I think its the choreography. I think she was told to do it - eight times. Eight times! Ugh. I didn't like that. Also, in this dance (a lot of latin dances?) the male doesn't get to do much dancing.
Costumes - appropriate
Dancing - They did a good job. Although I think they could have been tighter and moved more quickly. Thayne was a good partner. Even though they know what their moves are going to be, Thayne was still leading - which is important in partnership dances.
Overall - I would give them a good score. Nothing about it stood out for me.
Verdict - Keep 'em.
Chelsie and Mark - Contemporary - Mia Michaels - "Beautiful" by Me'shell Ndegeocello
Personality - I like that Chelsie is working everyday to be the person she wants to be. Good for her. I like that Mark is a little off center. That's cool. His solo at the auditions was among my favorites. I'm a fan.
Song - Pretty song.
Choreography - I like the levels that Mia Michaels puts into her routines, they are interesting and unexpected. She also varies the tempo of the dance (with or without the music) which gives it variety and texture. Enjoyable dance; one of my favorites.
Costumes - I wish her dress hadn't been quite as poofy. It was great for the dance except it didn't show the lifts off. I think there were some great lifts in the dance but you couldn't really tell. Otherwise I thought the costumes worked well.
Dancing - Mark had a lot to prove with Mia Michaels saying before hand that she thought he'd be better than he was and he wasn't getting it, etc. Maybe she's frustrated with him at that moment? I appreciate her frankness but it can't have been easy for him to hear that. And the audience, who will be voting for him, heard it as well. Nevertheless, Mark did a fantastic job. Both of them danced well and gave the dance the emotion it deserved - and the quirkiness.
Overall - One of my favorite dances of the night.
Verdict - Keep 'em.
Kherrington and Twitch - Broadway - Tyce Diorio - "Too Darn Hot" from 'Kiss Me Kate'
Personality - Kherrington - good smile. Nice girl. Dedictated. Twitch - I have a lot of respect for someone who comes back after not getting the final spot last year. Good for him. He seems like a fine upstanding young man.
Song - Fun song. I liked it.
Choreogrpahy - I liked the dance and I don't think it lived up to the potential of the song at the same time. I'm not sure why...the transitions? the closeness? I liked it as a Broadway show tune. I just think it could have been more. How was she 'too darn hot'? I didn't get that.
Costumes - Fun and appropriate. Hmmm...upon further review I notice she didn't have heels on. I wonder why? Not that I blame her, but it would have been expected considering the rest of the costume.
Dancing - They followed the steps. They put personality into the dance. Their technique was there. I wonder, though, if Kherrington was not using her full potential, and Twitch was. On the other hand, he did a better job than I would have expected because he hasn't had a lot of formal training, right? Maybe I'm mistaken. I thought he was a little more heavy footed than she was.
Overall - Good dance, fun dance. I still would have liked to know why she is 'too darn hot'.
Verdict - Keep 'em.
Comfort and Chris - Jive - Tony Meredith and Melanie - "Boom Boom" by Big Head Todd and the Monsters
Personality - I don't relate to Comfort right now. I have a feeling she's less different from me than it might appear. I imagine she's very genuine and a hard worker. Chris seems nice
Song - Like it.
Choreography - I liked the beginning. Good choreography.
Costumes - Perfect.
Dancing - He did great. She was a bit awkward, but considering her experience with partnering - she did a good job as well.
Overall - Her awkwardness was the only issue I had.
Verdict - Keep 'em.
Katee and Joshua - Hip Hop - Napoleon and Tabitha - "No Air" by Jordan Sparks & Chris Brown
Personality - Regular hard, working, dancer folk. I like 'em. I didn't hold last week's problem with the judges against Katee at all. I think she was scared. It may be indicative of other issues, but I'm willing to let it go for now.
Song - Fine. Nothing that sparked my interest about it, but it was good for the dance.
Choreography - Excellent choreography. Captured the mood of the story.
Costumes - Regular clothes, appropriate.
Dancing - Each of them did a fantastic job. They were in synch. Neither one upstaged the other.
Overall - This is the best dance of the evening - owing a great deal to the choreography and that the dancers lived up to it.
Verdict - Keep 'em.
Jessica and Will - Tango - Hunter Johnson - Tango from Cirque du Soleil
Personality - Here's my problem with Jessica - she looks like Katee's roommate and it bugs me because I always think she IS Katee's roommate. I like that she says dance is her art; her voice. Will is Debbie Allen's protege. He seems like a nice guy.
Song - what I'd expect of a Tango
Choreography - again, what I'd expect of the Tango.
Costumes - and one more time, what I'd expect of the Tango.
Dancing - Their facial expressions didn't say Tango - she shouldn't have smiled. And then he got a bit of a grin on him. It takes away from the power of the dance. His technique was superb, but there wasn't any tango passion in it. Her technique was a bit less than superb. She also didn't have the tango passion in her. That made the difference for me.
Overall - It was a tango. What am I gonna say?
Verdict - Keep 'em.
Courtney and Gev - Disco - Doriana Sanchez - "Boogie Wonderland" by Earth, Wind & Fire
Personality - I like both of the dancers. I think both of them are victims of being the 10th couple. Song - Earth, Wind, and Fire classic. Good song.
Choreography - I've always thought the disco style was a little goofy. And yet, they keep doing it. I wonder if Doriana Sanchez has a story that would explain that? I guess the part that bothers me about disco style is that the only thing that makes it 'disco' are certain moves that get done over and over. John Travolta Saturday Night Fever moves. Ah - that must be disco style. Does that mean there's a Flashdance style? Anyway - this was a perfectly good disco dance. I thought some of the moves, however, didn't follow the beat of the music - they looked like they were just thrown in.
Costumes - appropriate
Dancing - They gave it their all. They weren't tight enough, but what are ya gonna do - they didn't have a lot of time to practice.
Overall - I liked it fine
Verdict - Keep 'em.
So, my verdict on everyone is 'keep 'em'. Every week the dancers switch partners. There are 10 dances every week. The public votes for the one they like the best. At the end of 10 weeks, whoever has the most votes, wins. That would be fun.
I tried to decide who I would put in the bottom three and vote out, but I haven't the guts. I wouldn't be a good judge. We'll see what happens tonight.
Personality - I like that she's 28 and owns it and she seems nice. I don't understand the jacket he bought and he seems young.
Song - Eh
Choreography - Its a strange blend of hip hop and Broadway that doesn't fully realize the best of either. I didn't like that she pulled his pants down. What was that about? Was there something in the lyrics I missed? Strange - and a little too revealing for my taste, given the dance style.
Costumes - added to the mismash of styles. updated 30's newsboy? 80's Miami Vice? 90's boy band? I don't see how any of that worked well with the hip hop.
Dancing - Both dancers executed the positions well, yet there wasn't anything behind it. I felt no funk and I felt no hip and I felt no hop.
Overall - Neither of the dancers made the choreography mean more than the steps. Are the dancers a victim of the choreography? Or can great dancers make choreography transcend the steps? Did the choreographers see the dance they envisioned, or were they hoping for more?
Verdict - Keep 'em.
Susie and Marquise - Smooth Waltz - Hunter Johnson - "Dark Waltz" by Hayley Westenra
Personality - During auditions I was put off by Susie because of the clothes she was wearing (too obviously going for the 'sexy trashy' look) and I was irritated by her constant head rolls to swing her hair around. Ugh! After her interview on this show, I decided to let it go. She said she's 'bringing the Miami' by tossing her hair around. Its still not my taste (and if she starts flinging her hair around again it'll bug me) but its her style and she's got the courage to be on the show - so, who am I to judge? This is what she likes and I'll live with it. Dance on! Marquise - I hope his mother doesn't mind that he said 'it seemed like she had no heart'.
Song - I liked it.
Choreography - Seems nice. I liked it fine. It was definitely smooth.
Costumes - A flowing dress and a nice tux is always nice for a smooth waltz
Dancing - Neither of them were 100% controlled and steady, most noticeably on the lift at the end, but also on some of the turns during the dance. Otherwise, they did a good job.
Overall - I wasn't wow'ed.
Verdict - Keep 'em.
Kourtni and Matt - Jazz - Mandy Moore - "Tainted Love" by Soft Cell
Personality - I like Kourtni based on the auditions. I liked her solo when she threw herself on the floor - very emotional dance. I don't remember Matt from the auditions, but I liked him in tonight's segment. He seemed like a nice guy. Both Tall.
Song - familiar 80's song - getting a bit overused these days, I'd say. Mandy must like the 80's - she did Eurythmic's 'Sweet Dreams' last season. Anyway - in this case, the familiarity of the song helps me enjoy the dance more.
Choreography - I think the choreography was better than the camera angles made it look. It seemed like there were some lines they were creating that I didn't get to see because the camera was out of position. I didn't like the parts where they had to go back to walking and she hooked her arm into his. That repeat broke up the dancing and didn't help the story. Again, this dance was marred by the camera movements.
Costumes - I liked the black leather; made them look criminal and Matrix like.
Dancing - I think these are two talented dancers. They hit all the beats in the music (other dancers in the show didn't end with the music), there were crisp movements. Excellent.
Overall - I'd like to see the dance again with the camera in the front. Otherwise, I thought this was a good dance.
Verdict - Keep 'em. These two should be in the top of the pack and I hope they are. I think Matt got short changed by Nigel asking for more personality. Matt did a good job and showed the exact amount of personality for the dance.
Chelsea and Thayne - Cha Cha - Tony Meredith and Melanie - "Oye Como Va (Latin/Trance Mix)" by Celia Cruz
Personality - In the interviews Chelsea and Thayne seem like regular dance folk. Nothing outrageous or overly silly about their personalities. That's fine for me. Why does Thayne like to dance with one pant leg shorter than the other?
Song - Great song. Classic.
Choreography - The first time I saw the dance I was irritated by how many times Chelsea raised her right (or left) arm behind her head and swooped it over to come down the left (or right) side of her face (if that makes sense). I blamed her and it reminded me of Lacey Schwimmer last year. But after watching again, I think its the choreography. I think she was told to do it - eight times. Eight times! Ugh. I didn't like that. Also, in this dance (a lot of latin dances?) the male doesn't get to do much dancing.
Costumes - appropriate
Dancing - They did a good job. Although I think they could have been tighter and moved more quickly. Thayne was a good partner. Even though they know what their moves are going to be, Thayne was still leading - which is important in partnership dances.
Overall - I would give them a good score. Nothing about it stood out for me.
Verdict - Keep 'em.
Chelsie and Mark - Contemporary - Mia Michaels - "Beautiful" by Me'shell Ndegeocello
Personality - I like that Chelsie is working everyday to be the person she wants to be. Good for her. I like that Mark is a little off center. That's cool. His solo at the auditions was among my favorites. I'm a fan.
Song - Pretty song.
Choreography - I like the levels that Mia Michaels puts into her routines, they are interesting and unexpected. She also varies the tempo of the dance (with or without the music) which gives it variety and texture. Enjoyable dance; one of my favorites.
Costumes - I wish her dress hadn't been quite as poofy. It was great for the dance except it didn't show the lifts off. I think there were some great lifts in the dance but you couldn't really tell. Otherwise I thought the costumes worked well.
Dancing - Mark had a lot to prove with Mia Michaels saying before hand that she thought he'd be better than he was and he wasn't getting it, etc. Maybe she's frustrated with him at that moment? I appreciate her frankness but it can't have been easy for him to hear that. And the audience, who will be voting for him, heard it as well. Nevertheless, Mark did a fantastic job. Both of them danced well and gave the dance the emotion it deserved - and the quirkiness.
Overall - One of my favorite dances of the night.
Verdict - Keep 'em.
Kherrington and Twitch - Broadway - Tyce Diorio - "Too Darn Hot" from 'Kiss Me Kate'
Personality - Kherrington - good smile. Nice girl. Dedictated. Twitch - I have a lot of respect for someone who comes back after not getting the final spot last year. Good for him. He seems like a fine upstanding young man.
Song - Fun song. I liked it.
Choreogrpahy - I liked the dance and I don't think it lived up to the potential of the song at the same time. I'm not sure why...the transitions? the closeness? I liked it as a Broadway show tune. I just think it could have been more. How was she 'too darn hot'? I didn't get that.
Costumes - Fun and appropriate. Hmmm...upon further review I notice she didn't have heels on. I wonder why? Not that I blame her, but it would have been expected considering the rest of the costume.
Dancing - They followed the steps. They put personality into the dance. Their technique was there. I wonder, though, if Kherrington was not using her full potential, and Twitch was. On the other hand, he did a better job than I would have expected because he hasn't had a lot of formal training, right? Maybe I'm mistaken. I thought he was a little more heavy footed than she was.
Overall - Good dance, fun dance. I still would have liked to know why she is 'too darn hot'.
Verdict - Keep 'em.
Comfort and Chris - Jive - Tony Meredith and Melanie - "Boom Boom" by Big Head Todd and the Monsters
Personality - I don't relate to Comfort right now. I have a feeling she's less different from me than it might appear. I imagine she's very genuine and a hard worker. Chris seems nice
Song - Like it.
Choreography - I liked the beginning. Good choreography.
Costumes - Perfect.
Dancing - He did great. She was a bit awkward, but considering her experience with partnering - she did a good job as well.
Overall - Her awkwardness was the only issue I had.
Verdict - Keep 'em.
Katee and Joshua - Hip Hop - Napoleon and Tabitha - "No Air" by Jordan Sparks & Chris Brown
Personality - Regular hard, working, dancer folk. I like 'em. I didn't hold last week's problem with the judges against Katee at all. I think she was scared. It may be indicative of other issues, but I'm willing to let it go for now.
Song - Fine. Nothing that sparked my interest about it, but it was good for the dance.
Choreography - Excellent choreography. Captured the mood of the story.
Costumes - Regular clothes, appropriate.
Dancing - Each of them did a fantastic job. They were in synch. Neither one upstaged the other.
Overall - This is the best dance of the evening - owing a great deal to the choreography and that the dancers lived up to it.
Verdict - Keep 'em.
Jessica and Will - Tango - Hunter Johnson - Tango from Cirque du Soleil
Personality - Here's my problem with Jessica - she looks like Katee's roommate and it bugs me because I always think she IS Katee's roommate. I like that she says dance is her art; her voice. Will is Debbie Allen's protege. He seems like a nice guy.
Song - what I'd expect of a Tango
Choreography - again, what I'd expect of the Tango.
Costumes - and one more time, what I'd expect of the Tango.
Dancing - Their facial expressions didn't say Tango - she shouldn't have smiled. And then he got a bit of a grin on him. It takes away from the power of the dance. His technique was superb, but there wasn't any tango passion in it. Her technique was a bit less than superb. She also didn't have the tango passion in her. That made the difference for me.
Overall - It was a tango. What am I gonna say?
Verdict - Keep 'em.
Courtney and Gev - Disco - Doriana Sanchez - "Boogie Wonderland" by Earth, Wind & Fire
Personality - I like both of the dancers. I think both of them are victims of being the 10th couple. Song - Earth, Wind, and Fire classic. Good song.
Choreography - I've always thought the disco style was a little goofy. And yet, they keep doing it. I wonder if Doriana Sanchez has a story that would explain that? I guess the part that bothers me about disco style is that the only thing that makes it 'disco' are certain moves that get done over and over. John Travolta Saturday Night Fever moves. Ah - that must be disco style. Does that mean there's a Flashdance style? Anyway - this was a perfectly good disco dance. I thought some of the moves, however, didn't follow the beat of the music - they looked like they were just thrown in.
Costumes - appropriate
Dancing - They gave it their all. They weren't tight enough, but what are ya gonna do - they didn't have a lot of time to practice.
Overall - I liked it fine
Verdict - Keep 'em.
So, my verdict on everyone is 'keep 'em'. Every week the dancers switch partners. There are 10 dances every week. The public votes for the one they like the best. At the end of 10 weeks, whoever has the most votes, wins. That would be fun.
I tried to decide who I would put in the bottom three and vote out, but I haven't the guts. I wouldn't be a good judge. We'll see what happens tonight.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Internet Cruelty
I have no context in my life experience that helps me understand people who go out of their way to write cruel things on the Internet about other people. I can't see the benefit in any way - personally or societally. I understand being in a bad mood and ranting or being angry and blowing things out of proportion. I don't understand writing that a person is ugly (et al) as proof that what they say, think, or do, is not worthy of respect. There's an abundance of evidence for it so I know people are like that, but why? What does it gain for them?
Hillary Clinton's Saturday speech
June 7, 2008
I'm so very proud of Hillary. Everything I'd hoped about her is true in these words. She expressed them with strength and grace. I had some frustration with her in the primary season of 2008, but I'll chalk it up to bad advice and believe this speech identifies the real Hillary Clinton.
Here are some excerpts I found particularly meaningul:
"I've told you before about Florence Steen of South Dakota who was 88 years old and insisted that her daughter bring an absentee ballot to her hospice bedside. Her daughter and a friend put an American flag behind her bed and helped her fill out the ballot.
She passed away soon after and, under state law, her ballot didn't count, but her daughter later told a reporter, "My dad's an ornery, old cowboy, and he didn't like it when he heard mom's vote wouldn't be counted. I don't think he had voted in 20 years, but he voted in place of my mom."
Love, politics, life/death, that story has everything...
"You have inspired and touched me with the stories of the joys and sorrows that make up the fabric of our lives."
I like the phrase "...the joys and sorrows that make up the fabric of our lives."
"I've had every opportunity and blessing in my own life, and I want the same for all Americans.
And until that day comes, you'll always find me on the front lines of democracy, fighting for the future."
I admire her dedication and wish I had more of it for myself.
"The way to continue our fight now, to accomplish the goals for which we stand is to take our energy, our passion, our strength, and do all we can to help elect Barack Obama, the next president of the United States."
"I endorse him and throw my full support behind him."
"Now, when I started this race, I intended to win back the White House and make sure we have a president who puts our country back on the path to peace, prosperity and progress. And that's exactly what we're going to do, by ensuring that Barack Obama walks through the dorrs of the Oval Office on January 20, 2009.
She's disappointed, tired, discouraged, and receiving pressure from all sides, but in the end she unequivocally comes out for Barack Obama.
"Now, I understand — I understand that we all know this has been a tough fight, but the Democratic Party is a family. And now it's time to restore the ties that bind us together and to come together around the ideals we share, the values we cherish, and the country we love.
We may have started on separate journeys, but today our paths have merged. And we're all heading toward the same destination, united and more ready than ever to win in November and to turn our country around, because so much is at stake.
It is this belief, this optimism that Senator Obama and I share and that has inspired so many millions of our supporters to make their voices heard. So today I am standing with Senator Obama to say: Yes we can!"
She acknowledges that her supporters may not be disposed to vote for or support Barack Obama, but she reminds them that this is about a greater purpose than Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama. I like that she uses his campaign slogan - 'we' becomes Hillary supporters and Barack supporters.
I'm so very proud of Hillary. Everything I'd hoped about her is true in these words. She expressed them with strength and grace. I had some frustration with her in the primary season of 2008, but I'll chalk it up to bad advice and believe this speech identifies the real Hillary Clinton.
Here are some excerpts I found particularly meaningul:
"I've told you before about Florence Steen of South Dakota who was 88 years old and insisted that her daughter bring an absentee ballot to her hospice bedside. Her daughter and a friend put an American flag behind her bed and helped her fill out the ballot.
She passed away soon after and, under state law, her ballot didn't count, but her daughter later told a reporter, "My dad's an ornery, old cowboy, and he didn't like it when he heard mom's vote wouldn't be counted. I don't think he had voted in 20 years, but he voted in place of my mom."
Love, politics, life/death, that story has everything...
"You have inspired and touched me with the stories of the joys and sorrows that make up the fabric of our lives."
I like the phrase "...the joys and sorrows that make up the fabric of our lives."
"I've had every opportunity and blessing in my own life, and I want the same for all Americans.
And until that day comes, you'll always find me on the front lines of democracy, fighting for the future."
I admire her dedication and wish I had more of it for myself.
"The way to continue our fight now, to accomplish the goals for which we stand is to take our energy, our passion, our strength, and do all we can to help elect Barack Obama, the next president of the United States."
"I endorse him and throw my full support behind him."
"Now, when I started this race, I intended to win back the White House and make sure we have a president who puts our country back on the path to peace, prosperity and progress. And that's exactly what we're going to do, by ensuring that Barack Obama walks through the dorrs of the Oval Office on January 20, 2009.
She's disappointed, tired, discouraged, and receiving pressure from all sides, but in the end she unequivocally comes out for Barack Obama.
"Now, I understand — I understand that we all know this has been a tough fight, but the Democratic Party is a family. And now it's time to restore the ties that bind us together and to come together around the ideals we share, the values we cherish, and the country we love.
We may have started on separate journeys, but today our paths have merged. And we're all heading toward the same destination, united and more ready than ever to win in November and to turn our country around, because so much is at stake.
It is this belief, this optimism that Senator Obama and I share and that has inspired so many millions of our supporters to make their voices heard. So today I am standing with Senator Obama to say: Yes we can!"
She acknowledges that her supporters may not be disposed to vote for or support Barack Obama, but she reminds them that this is about a greater purpose than Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama. I like that she uses his campaign slogan - 'we' becomes Hillary supporters and Barack supporters.
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Now that it's over, I'm sad that Hillary Clinton wasn't my choice and that her campaign is ended. I supported the idea of her running in 2004, but I guess "they" didn't think she'd been in the Senate long enough for it to be a realistic goal; that it would be better if she waited until 2008. She made the mistake of listening to "them" then, and she listened to "them" again this time when they told her she was a shoo-in, that caucuses don't matter, and it would be over at the beginning of February.
But, I'm proud of her. She really is a fighter. In 2004 I would have supported her 100% over John Kerry. In 2008, I want more - I want vision that's bigger than what we're used to. I don't pretend that Barack Obama will have a magical presidency, but he's shooting for something bigger than just policy changes. He'll have to work in the old-style bureaucracy, so there's a limit to what he can do.
I guess the fact that I can't get away from discussing why Barack Obama is better even though I'm trying to make this about Hillary is telling. I'm proud of her, I like her, I would have happily voted for her if she'd won the nomination. But, I really like Barack Obama. I have hope.
But, I'm proud of her. She really is a fighter. In 2004 I would have supported her 100% over John Kerry. In 2008, I want more - I want vision that's bigger than what we're used to. I don't pretend that Barack Obama will have a magical presidency, but he's shooting for something bigger than just policy changes. He'll have to work in the old-style bureaucracy, so there's a limit to what he can do.
I guess the fact that I can't get away from discussing why Barack Obama is better even though I'm trying to make this about Hillary is telling. I'm proud of her, I like her, I would have happily voted for her if she'd won the nomination. But, I really like Barack Obama. I have hope.
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Barack Obama's speech on June 3
Prepared remarks of Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.), as delivered in St. Paul, Minn., June 3, 2008.Tonight, after fifty-four hard-fought contests, our primary season has finally come to an end. Sixteen months have passed since we first stood together on the steps of the Old State Capitol in Springfield, Illinois. Thousands of miles have been traveled. Millions of voices have been heard. And because of what you said — because you decided that change must come to Washington; because you believed that this year must be different than all the rest; because you chose to listen not to your doubts or your fears but to your greatest hopes and highest aspirations, tonight we mark the end of one historic journey with the beginning of another — a journey that will bring a new and better day to America. Tonight, I can stand before you and say that I will be the Democratic nominee for President of the United States. I want to thank every American who stood with us over the course of this campaign — through the good days and the bad; from the snows of Cedar Rapids to the sunshine of Sioux Falls. And tonight I also want to thank the men and woman who took this journey with me as fellow candidates for President. At this defining moment for our nation, we should be proud that our party put forth one of the most talented, qualified field of individuals ever to run for this office. I have not just competed with them as rivals, I have learned from them as friends, as public servants, and as patriots who love America and are willing to work tirelessly to make this country better. They are leaders of this party, and leaders that America will turn to for years to come. That is particularly true for the candidate who has traveled further on this journey than anyone else. Senator Hillary Clinton has made history in this campaign not just because she’s a woman who has done what no woman has done before, but because she’s a leader who inspires millions of Americans with her strength, her courage, and her commitment to the causes that brought us here tonight. We’ve certainly had our differences over the last sixteen months. But as someone who’s shared a stage with her many times, I can tell you that what gets Hillary Clinton up in the morning — even in the face of tough odds — is exactly what sent her and Bill Clinton to sign up for their first campaign in Texas all those years ago; what sent her to work at the Children’s Defense Fund and made her fight for health care as first lady; what led her to the United States Senate and fueled her barrier-breaking campaign for the presidency — an unyielding desire to improve the lives of ordinary Americans, no matter how difficult the fight may be. And you can rest assured that when we finally win the battle for universal health care in this country, she will be central to that victory. When we transform our energy policy and lift our children out of poverty, it will be because she worked to help make it happen. Our party and our country are better off because of her, and I am a better candidate for having had the honor to compete with Hillary Rodham Clinton. There are those who say that this primary has somehow left us weaker and more divided. Well I say that because of this primary, there are millions of Americans who have cast their ballot for the very first time. There are Independents and Republicans who understand that this election isn’t just about the party in charge of Washington, it’s about the need to change Washington. There are young people, and African-Americans, and Latinos, and women of all ages who have voted in numbers that have broken records and inspired a nation. All of you chose to support a candidate you believe in deeply. But at the end of the day, we aren’t the reason you came out and waited in lines that stretched block after block to make your voice heard. You didn’t do that because of me or Senator Clinton or anyone else. You did it because you know in your hearts that at this moment — a moment that will define a generation — we cannot afford to keep doing what we’ve been doing. We owe our children a better future. We owe our country a better future. And for all those who dream of that future tonight, I say — let us begin the work together. Let us unite in common effort to chart a new course for America.
In just a few short months, the Republican Party will arrive in St. Paul with a very different agenda. They will come here to nominate John McCain, a man who has served this country heroically. I honor that service, and I respect his many accomplishments, even if he chooses to deny mine. My differences with him are not personal; they are with the policies he has proposed in this campaign. Because while John McCain can legitimately tout moments of independence from his party in the past, such independence has not been the hallmark of his presidential campaign. It’s not change when John McCain decided to stand with George Bush ninety-five percent of the time, as he did in the Senate last year. It’s not change when he offers four more years of Bush economic policies that have failed to create well-paying jobs, or insure our workers, or help Americans afford the skyrocketing cost of college — policies that have lowered the real incomes of the average American family, widened the gap between Wall Street and Main Street, and left our children with a mountain of debt. And it’s not change when he promises to continue a policy in Iraq that asks everything of our brave men and women in uniform and nothing of Iraqi politicians — a policy where all we look for are reasons to stay in Iraq, while we spend billions of dollars a month on a war that isn’t making the American people any safer. So I’ll say this — there are many words to describe John McCain’s attempt to pass off his embrace of George Bush’s policies as bipartisan and new. But change is not one of them. Change is a foreign policy that doesn’t begin and end with a war that should’ve never been authorized and never been waged. I won’t stand here and pretend that there are many good options left in Iraq, but what’s not an option is leaving our troops in that country for the next hundred years — especially at a time when our military is overstretched, our nation is isolated, and nearly every other threat to America is being ignored. We must be as careful getting out of Iraq as we were careless getting in — but start leaving we must. It’s time for Iraqis to take responsibility for their future. It’s time to rebuild our military and give our veterans the care they need and the benefits they deserve when they come home. It’s time to refocus our efforts on al Qaeda’s leadership and Afghanistan, and rally the world against the common threats of the 21st century — terrorism and nuclear weapons; climate change and poverty; genocide and disease. That’s what change is. Change is realizing that meeting today’s threats requires not just our firepower, but the power of our diplomacy — tough, direct diplomacy where the President of the United States isn’t afraid to let any petty dictator know where America stands and what we stand for. We must once again have the courage and conviction to lead the free world. That is the legacy of Roosevelt, and Truman, and Kennedy. That’s what the American people want. That’s what change is. Change is building an economy that rewards not just wealth, but the work and workers who created it. It’s understanding that the struggles facing working families can’t be solved by spending billions of dollars on more tax breaks for big corporations and wealthy CEOs, but by giving a the middle-class a tax break, and investing in our crumbling infrastructure, and transforming how we use energy, and improving our schools, and renewing our commitment to science and innovation. It’s understanding that fiscal responsibility and shared prosperity can go hand-in-hand, as they did when Bill Clinton was President. John McCain has spent a lot of time talking about trips to Iraq in the last few weeks, but maybe if he spent some time taking trips to the cities and towns that have been hardest hit by this economy — cities in Michigan, and Ohio, and right here in Minnesota — he’d understand the kind of change that people are looking for. Maybe if he went to Iowa and met the student who works the night shift after a full day of class and still can’t pay the medical bills for a sister who’s ill, he’d understand that she can’t afford four more years of a health care plan that only takes care of the healthy and wealthy. She needs us to pass health care plan that guarantees insurance to every American who wants it and brings down premiums for every family who needs it. That’s the change we need. Maybe if he went to Pennsylvania and met the man who lost his job but can’t even afford the gas to drive around and look for a new one, he’d understand that we can’t afford four more years of our addiction to oil from dictators. That man needs us to pass an energy policy that works with automakers to raise fuel standards, and makes corporations pay for their pollution, and oil companies invest their record profits in a clean energy future — an energy policy that will create millions of new jobs that pay well and can’t be outsourced. That’s the change we need.
And maybe if he spent some time in the schools of South Carolina or St. Paul or where he spoke tonight in New Orleans, he’d understand that we can’t afford to leave the money behind for No Child Left Behind; that we owe it to our children to invest in early childhood education; to recruit an army of new teachers and give them better pay and more support; to finally decide that in this global economy, the chance to get a college education should not be a privilege for the wealthy few, but the birthright of every American. That’s the change we need in America. That’s why I’m running for President. The other side will come here in September and offer a very different set of policies and positions, and that is a debate I look forward to. It is a debate the American people deserve. But what you don’t deserve is another election that’s governed by fear, and innuendo, and division. What you won’t hear from this campaign or this party is the kind of politics that uses religion as a wedge, and patriotism as a bludgeon — that sees our opponents not as competitors to challenge, but enemies to demonize. Because we may call ourselves Democrats and Republicans, but we are Americans first. We are always Americans first. Despite what the good Senator from Arizona said tonight, I have seen people of differing views and opinions find common cause many times during my two decades in public life, and I have brought many together myself. I’ve walked arm-in-arm with community leaders on the South Side of Chicago and watched tensions fade as black, white, and Latino fought together for good jobs and good schools. I’ve sat across the table from law enforcement and civil rights advocates to reform a criminal justice system that sent thirteen innocent people to death row. And I’ve worked with friends in the other party to provide more children with health insurance and more working families with a tax break; to curb the spread of nuclear weapons and ensure that the American people know where their tax dollars are being spent; and to reduce the influence of lobbyists who have all too often set the agenda in Washington. In our country, I have found that this cooperation happens not because we agree on everything, but because behind all the labels and false divisions and categories that define us; beyond all the petty bickering and point-scoring in Washington, Americans are a decent, generous, compassionate people, united by common challenges and common hopes. And every so often, there are moments which call on that fundamental goodness to make this country great again. So it was for that band of patriots who declared in a Philadelphia hall the formation of a more perfect union; and for all those who gave on the fields of Gettysburg and Antietam their last full measure of devotion to save that same union. So it was for the Greatest Generation that conquered fear itself, and liberated a continent from tyranny, and made this country home to untold opportunity and prosperity. So it was for the workers who stood out on the picket lines; the women who shattered glass ceilings; the children who braved a Selma bridge for freedom’s cause. So it has been for every generation that faced down the greatest challenges and the most improbable odds to leave their children a world that’s better, and kinder, and more just. And so it must be for us. America, this is our moment. This is our time. Our time to turn the page on the policies of the past. Our time to bring new energy and new ideas to the challenges we face. Our time to offer a new direction for the country we love. The journey will be difficult. The road will be long. I face this challenge with profound humility, and knowledge of my own limitations. But I also face it with limitless faith in the capacity of the American people. Because if we are willing to work for it, and fight for it, and believe in it, then I am absolutely certain that generations from now, we will be able to look back and tell our children that this was the moment when we began to provide care for the sick and good jobs to the jobless; this was the moment when the rise of the oceans began to slow and our planet began to heal; this was the moment when we ended a war and secured our nation and restored our image as the last, best hope on Earth. This was the moment — this was the time — when we came together to remake this great nation so that it may always reflect our very best selves, and our highest ideals. Thank you, God Bless you, and may God Bless the United States of America.
In just a few short months, the Republican Party will arrive in St. Paul with a very different agenda. They will come here to nominate John McCain, a man who has served this country heroically. I honor that service, and I respect his many accomplishments, even if he chooses to deny mine. My differences with him are not personal; they are with the policies he has proposed in this campaign. Because while John McCain can legitimately tout moments of independence from his party in the past, such independence has not been the hallmark of his presidential campaign. It’s not change when John McCain decided to stand with George Bush ninety-five percent of the time, as he did in the Senate last year. It’s not change when he offers four more years of Bush economic policies that have failed to create well-paying jobs, or insure our workers, or help Americans afford the skyrocketing cost of college — policies that have lowered the real incomes of the average American family, widened the gap between Wall Street and Main Street, and left our children with a mountain of debt. And it’s not change when he promises to continue a policy in Iraq that asks everything of our brave men and women in uniform and nothing of Iraqi politicians — a policy where all we look for are reasons to stay in Iraq, while we spend billions of dollars a month on a war that isn’t making the American people any safer. So I’ll say this — there are many words to describe John McCain’s attempt to pass off his embrace of George Bush’s policies as bipartisan and new. But change is not one of them. Change is a foreign policy that doesn’t begin and end with a war that should’ve never been authorized and never been waged. I won’t stand here and pretend that there are many good options left in Iraq, but what’s not an option is leaving our troops in that country for the next hundred years — especially at a time when our military is overstretched, our nation is isolated, and nearly every other threat to America is being ignored. We must be as careful getting out of Iraq as we were careless getting in — but start leaving we must. It’s time for Iraqis to take responsibility for their future. It’s time to rebuild our military and give our veterans the care they need and the benefits they deserve when they come home. It’s time to refocus our efforts on al Qaeda’s leadership and Afghanistan, and rally the world against the common threats of the 21st century — terrorism and nuclear weapons; climate change and poverty; genocide and disease. That’s what change is. Change is realizing that meeting today’s threats requires not just our firepower, but the power of our diplomacy — tough, direct diplomacy where the President of the United States isn’t afraid to let any petty dictator know where America stands and what we stand for. We must once again have the courage and conviction to lead the free world. That is the legacy of Roosevelt, and Truman, and Kennedy. That’s what the American people want. That’s what change is. Change is building an economy that rewards not just wealth, but the work and workers who created it. It’s understanding that the struggles facing working families can’t be solved by spending billions of dollars on more tax breaks for big corporations and wealthy CEOs, but by giving a the middle-class a tax break, and investing in our crumbling infrastructure, and transforming how we use energy, and improving our schools, and renewing our commitment to science and innovation. It’s understanding that fiscal responsibility and shared prosperity can go hand-in-hand, as they did when Bill Clinton was President. John McCain has spent a lot of time talking about trips to Iraq in the last few weeks, but maybe if he spent some time taking trips to the cities and towns that have been hardest hit by this economy — cities in Michigan, and Ohio, and right here in Minnesota — he’d understand the kind of change that people are looking for. Maybe if he went to Iowa and met the student who works the night shift after a full day of class and still can’t pay the medical bills for a sister who’s ill, he’d understand that she can’t afford four more years of a health care plan that only takes care of the healthy and wealthy. She needs us to pass health care plan that guarantees insurance to every American who wants it and brings down premiums for every family who needs it. That’s the change we need. Maybe if he went to Pennsylvania and met the man who lost his job but can’t even afford the gas to drive around and look for a new one, he’d understand that we can’t afford four more years of our addiction to oil from dictators. That man needs us to pass an energy policy that works with automakers to raise fuel standards, and makes corporations pay for their pollution, and oil companies invest their record profits in a clean energy future — an energy policy that will create millions of new jobs that pay well and can’t be outsourced. That’s the change we need.
And maybe if he spent some time in the schools of South Carolina or St. Paul or where he spoke tonight in New Orleans, he’d understand that we can’t afford to leave the money behind for No Child Left Behind; that we owe it to our children to invest in early childhood education; to recruit an army of new teachers and give them better pay and more support; to finally decide that in this global economy, the chance to get a college education should not be a privilege for the wealthy few, but the birthright of every American. That’s the change we need in America. That’s why I’m running for President. The other side will come here in September and offer a very different set of policies and positions, and that is a debate I look forward to. It is a debate the American people deserve. But what you don’t deserve is another election that’s governed by fear, and innuendo, and division. What you won’t hear from this campaign or this party is the kind of politics that uses religion as a wedge, and patriotism as a bludgeon — that sees our opponents not as competitors to challenge, but enemies to demonize. Because we may call ourselves Democrats and Republicans, but we are Americans first. We are always Americans first. Despite what the good Senator from Arizona said tonight, I have seen people of differing views and opinions find common cause many times during my two decades in public life, and I have brought many together myself. I’ve walked arm-in-arm with community leaders on the South Side of Chicago and watched tensions fade as black, white, and Latino fought together for good jobs and good schools. I’ve sat across the table from law enforcement and civil rights advocates to reform a criminal justice system that sent thirteen innocent people to death row. And I’ve worked with friends in the other party to provide more children with health insurance and more working families with a tax break; to curb the spread of nuclear weapons and ensure that the American people know where their tax dollars are being spent; and to reduce the influence of lobbyists who have all too often set the agenda in Washington. In our country, I have found that this cooperation happens not because we agree on everything, but because behind all the labels and false divisions and categories that define us; beyond all the petty bickering and point-scoring in Washington, Americans are a decent, generous, compassionate people, united by common challenges and common hopes. And every so often, there are moments which call on that fundamental goodness to make this country great again. So it was for that band of patriots who declared in a Philadelphia hall the formation of a more perfect union; and for all those who gave on the fields of Gettysburg and Antietam their last full measure of devotion to save that same union. So it was for the Greatest Generation that conquered fear itself, and liberated a continent from tyranny, and made this country home to untold opportunity and prosperity. So it was for the workers who stood out on the picket lines; the women who shattered glass ceilings; the children who braved a Selma bridge for freedom’s cause. So it has been for every generation that faced down the greatest challenges and the most improbable odds to leave their children a world that’s better, and kinder, and more just. And so it must be for us. America, this is our moment. This is our time. Our time to turn the page on the policies of the past. Our time to bring new energy and new ideas to the challenges we face. Our time to offer a new direction for the country we love. The journey will be difficult. The road will be long. I face this challenge with profound humility, and knowledge of my own limitations. But I also face it with limitless faith in the capacity of the American people. Because if we are willing to work for it, and fight for it, and believe in it, then I am absolutely certain that generations from now, we will be able to look back and tell our children that this was the moment when we began to provide care for the sick and good jobs to the jobless; this was the moment when the rise of the oceans began to slow and our planet began to heal; this was the moment when we ended a war and secured our nation and restored our image as the last, best hope on Earth. This was the moment — this was the time — when we came together to remake this great nation so that it may always reflect our very best selves, and our highest ideals. Thank you, God Bless you, and may God Bless the United States of America.
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