Monday, April 30, 2007

DWTS - Week 6

Tonight, the couples have 2 dances to learn. They all have to step up their game this week to be able to advance.

The last female remaining in the competition, Laila, did a fabulous footwork tonight. Her and Maxim did a little bit of fancy footwork and received 2 10's from the judges. For their samba, it definately had a little Latin feel to it. Laila really showed why she's still in this competition. She was Hot! Hot! Hot!! I wasn't too sure about the song they chose, but the dance was great! They even got good thoughts from Mr. negative tonight, Len. They got all 10's for their samba! Whooo hoo!!! You go girl!!

John & Edyta didn't wow the judges last week. This week, they did glide around the floor in their foxtrot, however it was Edyta that did most of the moving. John was very suave & elegant though. Lots of compliments from the judges this week. They still scored somewhat low but for them, it was probably the highest they've gotten so far. For John & Edyta's samba, they danced to "Under Pressure" which is a Queen song. the moves weren't really complicated but there was a few sexy moments. John has improved incredibly since the first week.

One of my favs, Apolo and Julianne were next with their foxtrot. I think I'll be using the word 'elegant' a lot tonight. Their performance tonight definately showed elegance. There was a couple of cute moves in there. Eventhough they did a great job at telling a story with their dance, they still didn't impress tough judge, Len. They did a good job but it didn't have the wow-factor as they usually do. In their latin, dance, Apolo and Julianne showed exactly why they are one of the hottest couples this season. The started off on fire, and just got hotter as they went. Julianne picked some interesting footwork and moves that made the routine unique and more challenging. Of course, Len was a downer. Carrie Ann was pleasant and Bruno loved them. Bruno gave them a 10.

Ian and Cheryl were next with what looked like an intense dance. Last week, Cary Ann told Ian to take pointers from Billy Ray in his focus and intensity. Taking her advice, Cheryl actually brought Billy Ray into one rehearsal. Although he didn't learn much technique from Billy Ray, they did have fun and it showed in the dance. Ian had quite a fan base in the audience this week - I saw the majority of his 90210 cast members to root him on. For their latin dance, they did a spicy mambo and Ian is learning to shaek his 'bon bon'. It was obvious that they were having a lot of fun out there. There was great chemistry with them tonight.

Billy Ray & Karina actually had a very romantic and elegant dance this week. They took a chance with showcasing ms. Diva in the beginning but it worked well with the song and told a story. Bruno commented that he was like Vanna White previewing Karina's dancing. The judges did say he needed to step up his dance, which they kinda knew was coming. For their Latin dance, they had fun on the floor and although obviously, he's not the most coordinated guy, he tries and his determination to keep going is evident. He had a few rare moments of 'groove' but not many. Much better then their first dance.

Last but certainly not least, is Joey & Kym. Their dance had a little jazzy feeling at first, but then really stepped it up. Joey channeled a little Fred Astair there at the end. I think they really did well and it showed with the judges comments and scores. They got 10s from 2 judges. For Joey & Kym's 2nd dance, it looked more like a 5os sock hop then a Latin dance. They did some fancy movies and quick footwork, and of course, had a lot of fun! The way Len put it, "it was totally 'n'Sync." Joey definately stepped it up for this one and the judges loved it. They got all 10s!!

Joey made a funny comment during the rehearsal segment. In talking about his quarky & fun loving attitude, Joey said if you get to serious in rehearsal, you turn into Ian Ziering. OOOOhhhh!! Those be fighten' words! :-) Retaliation from last week's 'pretend fight' in the group dance?? Hmmmm. LOL

So, who will be eliminated tomorrow night? It's up to the fans.

Hokey Spirit in Fresno

Some pictures from the V.T. Memorial held at Fresno State.



A large poster board was put on display for student to share their thoughts and prayers. The board will be shipped to the students and staff at V.T.





Fresno State also planted a memorial garden in honor of those lost from the tragedy... a beautiful garden with yellow and maroon flowers and three trees. Also in the garden is a signed Fresno State hat along with 32 roses lying in mourning.

I have to retake the photos of me in the VT gear. They didn't turn out too well. That will come soon.

Thursday, April 26, 2007

Hokey Spirit in CA

Today, I bought a V.T. hat and T-shirt from the Fresno State Bookstore (they sell MUCH MORE then books). In honor of my friends who are Hokies, and to help raise money for the Hokie Spirit Memoiral Fund, Fresno State is selling some cute t-shirts amd baseball hats with V.T. on it.

The fund will be used to help victims and their families, grief counseling, memorials for the 32 students and staff that lost their lives on April 16th, and any additional help needed to those directly effected by this tragedy.

To learn more, check out the Hokie Spirit Memorial Fund website.
I'll have pictures up soon of my new gear, along pictures of the memorial garden F.S. created in memory of the V.T. tragedy.

Wednesday, April 25, 2007

DWTS Week 5

Due to being out of town at a conference, I did't watch the Monday night dancing but from what I saw in the recap on Tuesday, there was some pretty good moves and everyone has stepped up their game.

The group dance was unreal! Everyone had so much fun with it and you could tell. That's how they should all be when they're out there on their own. I think one judge even said that. I think the scuffle between Joey & Ian was so funny! All the dancers put their all into that dance, including John and Billy Ray, which was great to see.

With all the excitement of the dancing on Tuesday's show, I almost hated to see someone go home. In the bottom two this week were John & Edyta and Heather & Jonathan. Sadly, Heather received the least amount of votes and parted the show with smiles AND a goodbye speech. Of course, the speech was mainly a joke, starting out "I'd like to thank the academy..." but Heather really had some great words of thanks to Jonathan and rooted on the rest of the gang in the competition.

Everyone is increased their game, so it's still anyone's change. Although, I'm hoping for Apolo and Julianne, I also hope Cheryl & Ian can make it, getting Cheryl the 3-peat she's looking for. I also think Joey could take it, and Laila definately is in the running... although a female star has yet to win. It's tougher on the female stars to make it because they have to work so much harder to compete with the guys. Their routines are more difficult, but if anyone can do it, it's Laila. She's the remaining female left in the star lineup.
You Go Girl!!!

Tuesday, April 17, 2007

DWTS Week 4 Results

The Review:
Ian and Cheryl were the first to dance. They set the stage high with a great performance.

Clyde and Elena continued to be dull and non-energetic. Clyde really isn't putting much to the routine and letting Elena do all the work. He may be going home tonight. They got the lowest score ever - with a 13, from the judges.

Heather and Jonathan continues to be daring with their routines. This time, it cost them a little bit as Heather fell at the end of the routine. Despite the fall, they still did really well and I love their choreography!

Joey and Kym wowed the crowds with their rumba. Eventhough Carrie Ann said that Joey was "a little feminine", he still sizzled with his sexy moves. He didn't play any characters and you could tell from his facial expressions that he was really into the dance. I don't think he was feminine at all! Of course, I thought it was ironic that he happened to be sitting next to Joey's co-N'Sync-er, Lance Bass.

John and Edyta did an excellent job and I loved the song, "Love is in the Air," that they danced to. They had fun with it, you could tell. One judge told John he found his "inner child." The judges loved it, it may even save him from elimination this week. They got an 18 from the judges.

Laila and Maksim were a bit playful this week, when Laila's fiance' snuck into rehearsal to make sure the dance wasn't too sexy. Some playful words followed, which made it light and funny. They seem to really connect with this dance. She's got such a great body and physique that she has some killer moves on the dance floor. Despite a good dance, they only scored a 10.

The highlight of the night was Apolo and Julianne. Eventhough many of the stars have busy traveling schedules, including Apolo, these two seem to perfect their moves and rocked the floor! I think their chemistry is amazing and it shows. They scored a perfect 30 from the judges.

The show should have ended on that high note but they still had Billy Ray and Karina yet to dance. You have to give Billy Ray props for at least trying. I really think that he didn't do so well with the rumba because he was uncomfortable having to be super sexual and romantic with Karina. Being a Christian man, and having his family in the audience, I'm sure it was very uncomfortable for him to do that... despite Karina's attempts to get him to react. He did try, but was uneasy doing so. They received a 17 from the judges.


The Results:

Macy Gray sang, and DWTS alum Lisa Rena performed with an ensemble from the Broadway show Chicago. Lisa is playing the character of Roxie Hart in the Broadway show. Lisa's husband, Harry Hamlin is also in the show.

First to couples to continue to the next round: Laila & Maxim and John & Edyta!!
Also Returning: Apolo & Julianne and Joey & Kym.
Staying another week: Ian & Cheryl and Billy Ray & Karina.

In the bottom two: Clyde & Elena and shockinly, Heather & Jonathan.

Leaving this week: Clyde & Elena!

Dancing seems irrelevant after yesterday

My DWTS review will be saved for tonight's results show. Although I did watch most of it, my heart just wasn't in it this week due to the happenings at Virginia Tech.

In reading the Fresno Bee this morning to see the latest developments, I was pleased to see many photos of students embraced in prayer together, trying to find some sort of reasoning for why this happened to them. It's a nature question to ask "Why" when tragedy's happen.
I heard yesterday that there is a church right across the street from the university who has stepped in to help comfort those on campus, and the whole community in dealing with their emotions of grief, anquish and loss.

Many people around the U.S. are praying for everyone at VT at this moment, via a community prayer of Air 1, a Christian radio station that is broadcast throughout the U.S. and the world. We covet all those families in prayer!!

Monday, April 16, 2007

Tragedy at Virginia Tech

I heard some awful news today about the shootings and many injured at Virginia Tech. My heart goes out to all of those that were effected by this awful tragedy - either by those that died, were injured or those that live on campus. Although I am not an alumni of VT, I know a few people that are and have been effected by this in a huge way.

Please pray for the families of those that were killed, those injured and the students and faculty that were effected by this terrible situation.

Check out Malia's blog for updates and more information.

Tuesday, April 10, 2007

Week 3 Results

Another couple goes home tonight.
My guess is going to be Leeza or Clyde.

Special guest artists tonight was Big & Rich. They sang their song, "Save a Horse, Ride a Cowboy. I was just thinking, "didn't Cheryl & Drew do a dance with this song??" and who comes out of the woodwork but Drew Lachey himself. Whoooo hooo!!! Him & Cheryl did a few twirls around the stage and joined the professional dancers.

Returning for sure next week will be Billy Ray & Karina and Apolo & Julianne.
Also safe for another week: Laila & Maxim and Clyde & Elena.
Moving on to the next round: Joey & Kym, Ian & Cheryl and Heather & Jonathan.

In the bottom two this week: Leeza & Tony and John & Edyta.

Going home this week: Leeza & Tony. :-(

DWTS - Week 3

What can I say about Week 3?? Many heads could be on the chopping block after last night's competition. The judges expected them all to step up the competition but many failed to impress the judges, and me. This week's dances were either the waltz or the paso doble'.
Some of the music choices didn't match the dances, which could have contributed to be lack of enthusiasm for this week's dances.

I missed top performers Heather Mills and Joey Fatone. From what I saw of the scores at the end of the show, Joey must have wowed the judges and the audience because they received the highest score of the night.

I think Laila and Maksim did better this week and danced well with a paso doble', although the judges thought they still lacked heat and intensity with the dance. Whatever issues they had last week have been resolved. Laila should have excelled at the paso doble' since it's all about the bull figher, and attacking the passion of life.


The show's youngest couple and possible sweethearts, Apolo and Julianne were able to really turn up the heat on this mature dance. One judge called them the "Dream Team," commenting on the potential that these two have to be real winners.

Leeza and Tony seemed to do a hoaky routine for the paso doble'. There was no fire or passion in the dance... just steps. Leeza may still be a little intimidated in bringing out the sexyness within her. For 50, she's still hot and I know she could move, but it doesn't suit her personality. She may be the one to leave this week.

It's looking possible that Ian may be giving Cheryl a 3-peat win! Ian, the constant joker, put all his goofyness aside and found the romantic, serious side for their waltz. According to the judges, they started off really well, but lost a little momentum. I didn't think so. The whole dance looked fabulous.

John & Edyta did ok, but wasn't to exciting. Neither was Clyde & Elena. With their waltz, Clyde looked as if wasn't really trying very hard and the judges saw that. He was doing the steps but had no energy or emotion in his dancing.

Now, Mr. Billy Ray.... he tries hard, which is evident. He doesn't have much rhythm to move but he definately has the desire to keep trying. During rehearsals, I couldn't believe the 'show' the Karina put on. In frustration with Billy Ray on not getting the dance moves, she excused herself to the bathroom where you heard a few whimpers . OMG, I totally knew that was just for the cameras. Poor Karina got stuck with a loser dancer. Actually, I feel pitty for Billy Ray for getting Ms. Drama queen. The poor guy is trying his best and she doesn't feel it's enough. Too bad he can't switch partners.


You can obviously see that Karina is NOT a favorite of mine. Although I wish her off next, it would be sad to see Billy Ray not get a chance to really shine.
My prediction for tonight's elimination - either Leeza or Clyde.

Tuesday, April 03, 2007

Next to Leave DWTS

Another couple goes home tonight.

Continuing to the next round are:
Joey & Kym
Apolo and Julianne



Special musical guest Survivor sang 'Eye of the Tiger' while the professional dancers danced the Paso Doble'. It's actually a very good song for this dance.

One of the highlights of the night was when Josh Groban sang as well. I love his voice! Two dancers swayed around the floor to this gorgeous ballad.
He actually has a concert here in Fresno tomorrow night but of course, the tickets are too expensive and probably sold out. :-(

During the show, they showed a video of a numbers person and a clarvoyant talking about all the dancer's ora and light. Although I don't necessarily believe in their reasonings behind what the colors and lights mean, I did find it interesting that they pegged a few of the couples just right. They made their predictions before the beginning of the show when the stars were first announced. Among the top possibilities are Ian and Cheryl, Layla and Maxim and Apolo and Julianne. We'll see if they're predictions are true as we progress through the season.

Staying for another week:
Billy Ray & Karina
Layla and Maxim

In the bottom two to go home:
Shandi & Bryan, aka 'Barbie & Ken'

Going on to next week:
Ian & Cheryl
John & Edyta
Heather & Jonathan
Clyde & Elena

The 2nd couple in the bottom two: Leesa & Tony

Who is going home tonight??
'Barbie & Ken' are going home. :-(
Shandi and Bryan were voted off this week.

DWTS - Week 2

Monday night, DWTS shined with the tango and the jive. By far, I think the favorite of the night was Heather and her new leg. She was concerned about her ability to do the give with a prostectic leg but she replaced her usual leg with a more bouncy and dancable leg fitted with some nifty looking sneakers as well. Despite her disability, she adds a range of difficulty on her routines that just makes her stand out as a winner! She did great!!

The 2nd favorite of the night would have to be Joey and Kym. The danced the tango to the Star Wars theme. Apparently, Joey is a huge fan, and during rehearsals brought in R2D2 for inspiration. It was a bit gimicky at first but they danced a very serious tango and got rave reviews from the judges!

The 'Barbie & Ken' team of Shandi and Brian did much better this time around. Shandi was a little off but they had a great routine.

John and Edyta did well with their mobster feeling tango. The characterization was there, but they lacked a little 'oomph' in their routine.

Clyde and Elena did a somewhat satisfactory jive. With Clyde's size, he reminded me of last year's winter Emmitt Smith. Clyde needs to step it up a lot to be able to win. I'm thinking that Clyde's height and Elena's short stature, is hindering their dancing.

Laila and Maksim were a bit disappointing. They rocked last week but there was some obvious tension between them this week. They broke a rule of dancing the tango and got slammed by the judges for doing so.

Probably one of the couples who has the best chemistry on the dance floor is Apolo and Julianne. They get along great and work well together in their choreography. It probably does help that Apolo is an athelete and knows how to discipline himself and learn the moves. I definately think they are one of the teams that will be in the finals.

Ian and Cheryl danced the jive to "Hard Headed Woman". Ian channeled the "king" to produce some of the hip swinging moves. During rehearsals, Cheryl took Ian to a male dance club to show him the kind of hip moves that is needed to perform their dance. Ian was a bit embarrised, I think, but had fun with it.

Leeza was told last week to find her inner 'tramp'. This week, she found that and much more in their tango. She even tattooed "tramp" above her left breast, and showed it to the judges and audience. Wow!! Didn't know Leeza had it in her!! Of course, the tattoo was a temporary one but it was still very funny! She brought it and was great!!

Lastly, Billy Ray and Karina danced a tango with a Spanish flair. To help Billy this week, Karina took him horseback riding to find that inner cowboy. They worked hard and was still much better then last week. It is evident that he tries very hard, but I don't think they'll last very long. He just doesn't have the 'Wow' power it takes to continue.

We'll see who goes home tonight!