NO F(BLOODY)G WAY!! Looks aside, Sabrina was the, if not among the best dancers this season. Jane should have been gone. At certain angles Barry looked like an elf. Throw on the pointy hat and voila! A little too much makeup.

Either that or too soon after the botox treatment. :D

Carrie Ann also had a really shocked expression. She looked like she was seriously going to break down crying.

Jane, Marie better than Sabrina??? Voters, whats wrong with you???!!!

nc

I may have watched the last episode for the season for me. I might FFW through the following ones just to watch Julianne and Helio, but other than that, I'm done.

Perhaps Sabrina's fan base (tweenies) probably aren't watching this show, while Jane's and Marie's are.

Didn't watch the results show yet (on tap for tonight) but usually check in here on Wednesday mornings to see who got booted. Are you guys really saying that it was Sabrina? :eek: That's absurd; she's the best dancer by a wide margin (no pun intended). My wife just said she's done with the show if that's the case. :eek: :eek:

Usually don't post the actual results until the folks on the left coast have a chance to view.

Right, sorry, realized after I posted but couldn't find a way to delete it.

=NLK=

Perhaps Sabrina's fan base (tweenies) probably aren't watching this show, while Jane's and Marie's are.The “tweenies” were probably too busy text messaging each other instead of voting.

Imagine, the one fan base the votes are expected to be pouring in from and nothing. Her fans took her win for granted. Look at you now!

she's the best dancer by a wide margin

True...and funny.

I couldn't believe the judges reaction that America got the voting all wrong. It was the judge's fault that they scored the contestants on different scales. The judges knew that Sabrina was the best, but they scored her based on her potential, not her comparison to the other contestants. If they would have scored her at the top, or at least in the top 3, she would be comng back.

I think DWTS hasn’t even come close to hitting its ratings pinnacle.With the huge negative reaction to Sabrina's departure, it'll be interesting to see if the ratings are negatively impacted. Many were unhappy with her presence at the beginning of the series as she appeared to be a ringer to balance the all male wins of the previous seasons, but now many are vowing that they are through for the season and perhaps permanently. This always happens in any reality series especially towards the end as favorites get voted off. I don't think I've ever seen as much anger as with this one. Water cooler activity should be high around the US today.

I couldn't believe the judges reaction that America got the voting all wrong. It was the judge's fault that they scored the contestants on different scales. The judges knew that Sabrina was the best, but they scored her based on her potential, not her comparison to the other contestants. If they would have scored her at the top, or at least in the top 3, she would be comng back.

I agree with this. The judges can blame themselves for all their negative comments despite the fact that the dancing was actually near the top of the group. As soon as I heard the judges' comments Monday night I thought that she was in trouble.

As an aside: Has the show ever disclosed any details on how the judges' votes work with the audience vote to determine the couple to depart? Is it points for order of finish of each voting method added together and the highest number goes home? Or do the actual scores and number of calls somehow get into the formula?

With the huge negative reaction to Sabrina's departure, it'll be interesting to see if the ratings are negatively impacted. Many were unhappy with her presence at the beginning of the series as she appeared to be a ringer to balance the all male wins of the previous seasons, but now many are vowing that they are through for the season and perhaps permanently. This always happens in any reality series especially toward the end as favorites get voted off. I don't think I've ever seen as much anger as with this one. Water cooler activity should be high around the US today.

Sadly, I don't think it will even register a blip on the Nielsens. The producers tried to stack the deck with the casting of two semi-pro dancers in Sabrina and Mel in hopes of getting a female champion this time, but they neglected to reform the voting process to ensure the best dancer didn't get voted off prematurely by clueless fans. Perhaps from now on, the judges will vote for the best performance instead of their potential, as hothawk mentioned. This time it backfired.

Same thing happened to Stacy Kiebler, but at least she got all the way to the finals and the male winner that season was almost as good. This season, there was such a wide (again, no pun intended) gap between Sabrina and everyone else that it's not even funny. One has to wonder if there's not some truth to the theory that since it's mostly women who watch and vote, their natural "catty" instincts prevent them from voting for the women contestants even when one of them is clearly superior to the others.

The only reason to keep watching now is for the Edyta/Julianne eye candy. Any semblance of a legitimate competition has been forfeited.

Could it be that the female pros are better than the male pros, and therefore the male "stars" always win?

Could it be that the female pros are better than the male pros, and therefore the male "stars" always win?

I don't buy that, UK. The male pros are equally amazing, at least to my untrained eye. I'm going with "cattiness" amongst the female audience voters. My wife agrees. ;)

arch, would that "cattiness" mean that female audience voters won't support the female stars, out of jealousy or something?

I agree with this. The judges can blame themselves for all their negative comments despite the fact that the dancing was actually near the top of the group. As soon as I heard the judges' comments Monday night I thought that she was in trouble.

As an aside: Has the show ever disclosed any details on how the judges' votes work with the audience vote to determine the couple to depart? Is it points for order of finish of each voting method added together and the highest number goes home? Or do the actual scores and number of calls somehow get into the formula?

They used to use an ordinal (points) system, but as of last season went to a relational one - judges score points are added together, then the couples total divided into the grand total to get a percentage - percentage translated into points. Same thing with audience vote.

arch, would that "cattiness" mean that female audience voters won't support the female stars, out of jealousy or something?

Yep. It's a theory I've seen before, and it's starting to make more and more sense, especially with regard to last night's travesty. Women are ultra competitive that way, sometimes subconsciously; we of the dude-persuasion just don't notice it (most of the time). ;) But it affects all of these call-in-vote reality shows. The exception is when little girls do most of the voting as in 'AI'; they're still too young for the cattiness gene to have kicked in. :p

At least that's my opinion. Could be completely wrong. But there has to be some rational explanation for last night's results.

There could be some lingering sympathy votes for both Jane and Marie. This show, I believe, tends to skew away from the desired 18-49 demographic to an older one, say 40-99?

Most of them tend to vote for what they know (Marie Osmond, Jane Seymour) than for what they don't know (Albert Reed, Josie Moran, Sabrina Bryan, Floyd Mayweather, Mark Cuban).

Wayne Newton? They gave him a chance, but it was clear he can't dance very well.

Yep. It's a theory I've seen before, and it's starting to make more and more sense, especially with regard to last night's travesty. Women are ultra competitive that way, sometimes subconsciously; we of the dude-persuasion just don't notice it (most of the time). ;) But it affects all of these call-in-vote reality shows. The exception is when little girls do most of the voting as in 'AI'; they're still too young for the cattiness gene to have kicked in. :p

At least that's my opinion. Could be completely wrong. But there has to be some rational explanation for last night's results.

Maybe, but the logical choices to go home were also women this week. My theory is the "I don't want Jane/Marie to lose this week" vote. In other words, voting for the one you like who is in danger of leaving instead of voting for the best performer. I'll bet that a lot of the folks who voted for Jane and Marie actually think Sabrina is better and assumed she was safe this week. I wonder if switching to a vote for the worst system would work better.

In other words, voting for the one you like who is in danger of leaving instead of voting for the best performer..;)
Bingo.

This has been the way my wife and I have voted since the first season. Oh no, :eek: I admitted it. :o

Actually this season is the first where I haven’t voted. My wife voted only once, for Mel last week.

Sabrina is gone because everyone, including her fan base, assumed that she had it locked-- so no one voted for her. But hey, what the heck do I know. I picked Sabrina, Helio and Mel for the finals in the first week. My trifecta ticket is moot now.

I agree. I think that both humdinger and Viventis theories are more likely than the 'females are catty' theory, though that is an interesting one and might be playing some smaller part in the story.

For me, if I had been a voter this week, I would have placed a vote for Cameron. Since my (and the general) perception was that he as well as Marie, Jenny and Jane were the most vulnerable this week, as of right now, I want him to stick around longer than those other three. It would have been a given that Sabrina and Helio and perhaps Mel would have been safe, so why would I even bother to cast a vote for one of those? My voting philosophy would have nothing to to with who is my overall favorite, it would be all about wanting to protect my preferred contestant among those perceived to be the most in danger, going from week to week.

I predict Jane and Marie (maybe Sabrina) will be bottom 2 tonight. Jane will go.
nc

I guess I was kinda right. Can't believe Sabrina...

Also, can't believe the commercial for the Cheetah Girls...tack-eee


It's a popularity contest, folks.

I think it's a combination of several things:

Archi's cattiness theory
The fact that Sabrina is largely (heh heh) unknown (kinda like Monique Coleman last season) despite her teenybopper status
The fact that women voters perhaps lean towards voting for the male "stars" (we'll call this the Starstruck theory)
Male voters tend to be drawn more to the pro female dancers (we'll call this the Lust theory)
The fact that Sabrina's fans thought "she had it in the bag"
The judge's attempt to engineer results (by the skewed votes)

After the decision on SCD (http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/strictlycomedancing/a78781/goodman-furious-with-bbc-viewers.html) that Len Goodman said he's furious about with the BBC and the public, do you think his head is going to explode after tonight?


This quote from Len in that article really chaps my a**. :mad:




"I'd like to say how sorry how sad I am that Gabby and James have had to come out of this competition," he told show host Claudia Winkleman. "The real villains of this are the viewers. I was against the judges voting somebody out at the end. I liked the other method... especially now."

He said that he didn't have a "clear conscience" about the decision - the first time he had wrestled over such a choice in over 40 years of being a dance judge.

"I really didn't want to be put into that position," he said of having to choose between two competent dancers in the bottom two. "I think it was a disgrace and I think the public... well, words fail me.

"I think it's unfair that I was put into that position by the BBC. I don't think it's fair that it should all come down to that vote. I understand the concept that if you've got a really good one... that we can vote out the bad one but that isn't happening."







Note to Len: If you're going to actively dodge the responsibility of making the tough decisions, then you have no right to complain about the decision that you dodged making!

Despite an appearance he puts out to the contrary...Len doesn't seem to be the brightest bulb...

Regardless of Len's reluctance to make a decision, would DWTS be better off allowing the judges to make the final decision between the bottom two? We may have seen the end of Edyta instead. In my own opinion based on my admittedly selfish motives, I'd rather see Edyta on for a few more shows. Hopefully she'll wear something that will make her past outfits look like a burka :D

Can we get some shots of Julianne from Monday?

Ron - Mac usually waits til later in the week, when interest and traffic in the thread is low, to post the screencaps.

Regardless of Len's reluctance to make a decision, would DWTS be better off allowing the judges to make the final decision between the bottom two? We may have seen the end of Edyta instead. In my own opinion based on my admittedly selfish motives, I'd rather see Edyta on for a few more shows. Hopefully she'll wear something that will make her past outfits look like a burka :D

I was sad to see Cheryl and Kym leave as well, but that's the way it goes. They keep harping on how this thing is supposed to be a competition, but when the far-and-away best dancer goes out halfway through the show's run, that tends to drain all the credibility and legitimacy out of the show. Not that most people care, I guess, but unless they're willing to reform the voting process to eliminate a travesty like last night, then why even bother to emphasize the competition aspect at all?

It's not just bruised ego when a better dancer departs and less talented ones stay. I read recently that the contestants in this show get $125,000 for participation and another $20,000 for each week they stay in the show (a far more lucrative deal than I had thought, but it explains their motivation a bit more than striving to win that butt-ugly trophy - the producers would have you believe that's their only goal). By that formula, Sabrina was robbed out of more than $100,000. She has a right to be angry.

Voters vote; the results are what they are. The competition can have no "credibility" beyond the opinion of those voters, even if they use ridiculous criteria to inform their choices.

I have seen many surprises on DWTS, but Sabrina's exit really takes the biscuit...:eek:

The judges have only themselves to blame. They could've scored Mel and Sabrina accurately and Sabrina wouldn't have been "voted" off. To see them standing in "shock" only made me more disappointed in them than I already was.

I'm sad for Sabrina, but glad to see that the judges' attempt to manipulate results backfired - to a degree at least.

They keep harping on how this thing is supposed to be a competition, but when the far-and-away best dancer goes out halfway through the show's run, that tends to drain all the credibility and legitimacy out of the show. Not that most people care, I guess, but unless they're willing to reform the voting process to eliminate a travesty like last night, then why even bother to emphasize the competition aspect at all?



I was listening to a local radio host discussing the Sabrina vote-off this afternoon, with some of the caller discussion centering around a theme of inherent unfairness in these DWTS competitions. Specifically, it's not fair to have experienced dancers (ex., Sabrina) competing against contestants with little to no experience of any kind. The lack of relatively equal footing amongst all of the competitors starts DWTS off on farcical ground to begin with, and no one should be surprised or offended if merit isn't accorded utmost respect in the subsequent voting.

In other words, how can one expect legitimate voting when the foundation of the program itself has a rather tenuous grasp on the concept of legitimacy?

Can we get some shots of Julianne from Monday?

speaking of whom, did she really pass gas on the show Monday? I was wondering what her embarrassment was about back stage in the interview room after coming back from her dance with Helio, when she covered her nose and mouth with her hand and every one in the room started cracking up.

But on Jimmy Kimmel last night, he replayed the scene and said to listen closely to the audio and after a couple replays on my Tivo, I could hear what seemed to be a faint sound of someone farting. Not 100% sure that they didn't add the sound effect as a joke, but I'm thinking this is indeed what actually happened. Nothing else would seem to explain the collective laughter in the room. Coming back from playing the video, Kimmel said that it made him love her even more than he already did. :D

[QUOTE] The only reason to keep watching now is for the Edyta/Julianne eye candy.

that is the only reason i watch :), Sabrina being eliminated is hardly worse than Emmitt Smith winning over Mario Lopez.

I heard on a morning news program today that Sabrina and her partner are an item.

When they got booted her partner (forgot his name) did tell her he loves her on national TV. Maybe they should find Jim Lange (http://timstvshowcase.com/datinggm.html) and see if he wants to co-host. ;)

I saw a brief clip of them on Entertainment Tonight last night (as I was passing through the room, honest!) and they were holding hands all chummy-like, and I caught her gushing something about the "obvious chemistry" they had together.

Maybe the Bachelor show should start taking dance lessons.

Funny you mention that because I keep seeing "Bachelor Bob" in the crowd when Cameron dances. I guess they're friends or sumthin.

I heard on a morning news program today that Sabrina and her partner are an item.

When they got booted her partner (forgot his name) did tell her he loves her on national TV.

I saw that. Normally one would brush it off as a generic, entertainment industry term of affection but Sabrina reacted to it with an "oh wow, really" kind of expression.

^^^ Yeah there seems to be a lot more than the normal causal touching going on there. I saw a bunch of peck kisses, head butts and nose rubs going on. That is definately a lot more than just the usual hollywood fake affection.

They're either an item or Mark is huge flirt. For example, Mario is a huge flirt too. he was constantly giving touching and kissing Katrina even though ther supposedly wasn't anything between them.

The judges have only themselves to blame. They could've scored Mel and Sabrina accurately and Sabrina wouldn't have been "voted" off. To see them standing in "shock" only made me more disappointed in them than I already was.

I'm sad for Sabrina, but glad to see that the judges' attempt to manipulate results backfired - to a degree at least.

That's my take on it too. The judges thought that Sabrina was safe, so they scored her just above the two they wanted to dump (Jane and Marie). And then scored everyone else above that to try to keep them safe.

There's that nasty law of unintended consequences again.

...

My STB didn't have any problems, but my capture card had a huge number of hangs and glitches last night. They were so bad that MPEG2Repair wasn't able to fix them.

But I'm not sure if that was due to the same thing that caused your problem since my local has been operating at reduced power due to an equipment issue.


I have an update on this issue.

There is definately something particular to DWTS that is having problems.
I, again, had problems with my recording of the Results show. But I watched about 30 minutes of both Snoopy and Boston Legal and they were perfectly clean. So it's not the ABC national feed or my local affiliate. It's something about the DWTS live feed.

Looks like it was Jenny's week to flash some thong...

http://www.screenshots.cc/view_thumb/672312154/thong.jpg


[ed. Sorry Irma, I had to swtich to a different host. I'm getting 404 errors on the other host.]

I had a hard time finding any (worthwhile) shots of Julianne. There was so much motion blur that most of them were unusable.

http://www.screenshots.cc/view_thumb/aacf72238/julianne.jpg

I thought Mel actually did a good job of hitting some sexy rumba poses (not worhty of a perfect score but very good) as this shot illustrates.

http://www.screenshots.cc/view_thumb/63e1b2250/mel.jpg

I have this thing for pleated skirts, so consider this post as a vote to bring back pleated skirts. I really don't understand why more women don't wear them. They drape really nicely when made of the right material and look flattering on almost any size butt.

http://www.screenshots.cc/view_thumb/f720b2237/pleated1.jpg

http://www.screenshots.cc/view_thumb/25e522210/pleated2.jpg

I have an update on this issue.

There is definately something particular to DWTS that is having problems.
I, again, had problems with my recording of the Results show. But I watched about 30 minutes of both Snoopy and Boston Legal and they were perfectly clean. So it's not the ABC national feed or my local affiliate. It's something about the DWTS live feed.As far as I know, there isn't anything different about the DWTS network feed other than it's 60P with no pulldown as compared to Boston Legal and Charlie Brown which are both from 24P. The DWTS HD backhaul is decoded to baseband video and frame synchronized before being re-encoded for the ABC HD network. The backhaul didn't have any issues and the KABC broadcast looked good (although I didn't record it). The stream that one records at home from ABC is created by the station encoder regardless of whether it's local or network programming.

[ed. Sorry Irma, I had to swtich to a different host. I'm getting 404 errors on the other host.]

Bummer, these are all blocked! I always looked forward to those Mac late-in-the-week DWTS screencaps! :)

OK, here's some pics of Cheryl with all the stage makeup for those who prefer that look.

http://www.screenshots.cc/spit_image.php?session=c7247eb42f794dc08f388cfebd86b4a6cf743 ace6bfad9b843e822d98e38894f58ad02ba5d7bb968aa88298f1f

Some more of Cheryl (let's see you clowns get a RECENT picture of Robert Blake and photoshop it onto these pics). :p


http://www.screenshots.cc/spit_image.php?session=c7247eb42f794dc08f388cfebd86b4a6cf743 ace6bfad9b843e822d98e38894f58ad02ba0e2bb13ffb88298d19

http://www.screenshots.cc/spit_image.php?session=c7247eb42f794dc08f388cfebd86b4a6cf743 ace6bfad9b843e822d98e38894f58ad02ba0c7cbf3ef888298c1b

http://www.screenshots.cc/spit_image.php?session=c7247eb42f794dc08f388cfebd86b4a6cf743 ace6bfad9b843e822d98e38894f58ad02ba0827b13faa88298c19


The funny part of this shot is that Louis is on Len's right and Cheryl is to his left, so Len is looking at Louis not Cheryl in this pic.


http://www.screenshots.cc/spit_image.php?session=c7247eb42f794dc08f388cfebd86b4a6cf743 ace6bfad9b843e822d98e38894f58ad02ba5c27ed3ba68b208d1b

lol :d:d ^^^

looks as though louie is about to give it to her against the table and len is watching, lol.

I saw Sabrina and Mark's foxtrot from last Monday a second time tonight (on abc.com), and while I am not a dance expert, I thought it looked pretty dazzling and free-flowing.

Len and Bruno be damned-I still think Sabrina got a raw deal...

nice show of solidarity for Sabrina with nearly everyone sporting the "cheetah paw" tattoo...my 2 year old kept pointing to the scrren saying "a clue..a clue"
believing they were "Blue's Clues" Pawprints...

Just like professional athletes know who the real superstars are among them and genuflect accordingly, so do the celebrities (and pros) on this show know who the best contestant among them was. They were as shocked as everyone else when Sabrina was eliminated. I did expect to hear some outrage from the judges, however, but they were silent on the issue.

It now looks to be Mel B's title to lose. But, as we've seen, that means basically nothing.

The fix is in. Mel B. is going to win and on the finale, the Spice Girls are going to officially debut their new album with a LIVE Performance!!! ;)

So considering the crazy events of last week, who deservers the boot tonight? Who do you think the fans will kick off?

The judges put their usual fix in doling out eights when sevens were more appropriate and they gave out tens when nines or even eights would have sufficed.

I think the most deserving of the ax, in order, are-- Cameron, Jane and then Marie. While I have said that Jane and Marie were the next to go, in that order (before the Cheetah mauling), Marie has improved a little but she’s still a perfect 7 and Jane has the older female crowd on her side. It’s like the Hillary support thing. I pick her because I’m a (older) women-- you go girl thing… :rolleyes: Cameron showed he’s a one trick pony with that Kung Fu fighting move he does in all of his performances.

And did you notice how the writers strike has affected the banter. I didn’t think Samantha could get any more tongue tied. What the heck is that—when you assume… you…? Boy-- can she adlib or what? :confused:

And what’s with the Len and the Bush joke? God knows that there's a plethora of humorous Bush jokes but Len’s made no sense whatsoever.:confused: He could have inserted “the two step” instead of “presidents” and it would have been a joke. I guess all of their one liners are scripted because they were flat last night.

It’s like the Hillary support thing. I pick her because I’m a (older) women-- you go girl thing… :rolleyes:

Uh no, it's not at all like that. People are supporting Jane because she's pretty good at this (not sensational, no, but pretty good) especially in the slower "waltzy-type" dances. She has trouble with the faster steps because she just can't move her feet that quickly. And, just because you brought it up, people support Hillary because she's proved herself smart and competent, and they (as well as Len, apparently) realize those are better qualities to look for in a President than whether they look like someone you'd like to have a beer with. :rolleyes: Not that I wouldn't enjoy having a beer with Jane. ;)

Uh no, it's not at all like that. People are supporting Jane because she's pretty good at this (not sensational, no, but pretty good) especially in the slower "waltzy-type" dances. She has trouble with the faster steps because she just can't move her feet that quickly. And, just because you brought it up, people support Hillary because she's proved herself smart and competent, and they (as well as Len, apparently) realize those are better qualities to look for in a President than whether they look like someone you'd like to have a beer with. :rolleyes: Not that I wouldn't enjoy having a beer with Jane. ;)I’m not going to eat the rest of the worms (with a rebuttal) from that can I opened :p but I will say, regarding Jane, I agree with your assessment but I feel you can’t count out Jane’s demographic as a large part of her support just as with Marie, she has the “mother of many children” thing going for her too. This all makes for an interesting showdown tonight.

:(
Oh boy.... and now this....

George Osmond, patriarch of Osmond family singers dies

The Associated Press

Article Launched: 11/06/2007 08:19:21 AM PST


SALT LAKE CITY—George Osmond, father of the famous singing family The Osmond Brothers, has died.
Osmond passed away Tuesday morning in Utah. He was 90-years-old.

A cause of death was not immediately available.

The death was first reported by "Entertainment Tonight's" Web site and was confirmed by The Associated Press through a spokeswoman for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, of which Osmond was a member.

Donny Osmond was in the ET studio getting ready to tape a segment for a show when he learned of his father's death. Marie Osmond performed Monday night on "Dancing With the Stars."

Mel's been in the bottom two before, so her fan base isn't that strong.

This is the oddest season for this show, and there's still three more weeks after tonight. I hate to think what could happen next. Maybe it'll be something positive to remember, like a wardrobe malfunction :D

Could we assume :D that Marie will stay on at least another week because of another sympathy vote? My feeling is that Jane will be voted off today but we all know how that goes. Mel and Maks definitely deserved their high score this time. I'm sure others caught some obvious missteps during performances but the judges were like a blown water main with their glowing praise, maybe just a little. My favorite Julianne, that 2nd performance... mmm mmm mmm :eek:

Could we assume :D that Marie will stay on at least another week because of another sympathy vote? I think the voting ends an hour or so after the show airs.

The judges are crazy...giving jane that score...

I can't believe this show. I LOVE the dancing and the starrs and the dancers. But the judges? Not sure who said it here, but the rest of the season is out the window.

I'm gonna enjoy the show (barring judges).

I thought, the 2 best dances were Helio's last night. As much as I think Edyta is awesome, Cameron should go.

My personal fave is Jenny (not necessarily her dancing, but HER).

nc

Where has musical director Harold Wheeler been the last two weeks?

Sick? Better gig? Rehab?

They haven't mentioned much about his missing the last two shows.

:(
Oh boy.... and now this....

George Osmond, patriarch of Osmond family singers dies

The Associated Press

Article Launched: 11/06/2007 08:19:21 AM PST


SALT LAKE CITY—George Osmond, father of the famous singing family The Osmond Brothers, has died.
Osmond passed away Tuesday morning in Utah. He was 90-years-old.

A cause of death was not immediately available.

The death was first reported by "Entertainment Tonight's" Web site and was confirmed by The Associated Press through a spokeswoman for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, of which Osmond was a member.

Donny Osmond was in the ET studio getting ready to tape a segment for a show when he learned of his father's death. Marie Osmond performed Monday night on "Dancing With the Stars."
Didn't Marie have a "breakdown" of sorts when another family member passed away? My prayers are with them.

nc

TMZ.com (http://www.tmz.com/2007/11/06/the-curse-of-tom-bergeron/#continuedcontents)falls to an all time low. Amazing they would do this on the same day Marie is in mourning. Sickos.

And did you notice how the writers strike has affected the banter. I didn’t think Samantha could get any more tongue tied. What the heck is that—when you assume… you…? Boy-- can she adlib or what? :confused:

And what’s with the Len and the Bush joke? God knows that there's a plethora of humorous Bush jokes but Len’s made no sense whatsoever.:confused:


I thought the Bush joke made sense. Maybe I would have to hear it again to know what you are talking about (perhaps his delivery sold it to me or something. or you're just plain wrong :p).

Once again, agree about Samantha. Who ever said she was better than Drew as co-host.. still feel the same? yikes

My favorite Julianne, that 2nd performance... mmm mmm mmm :eek:

two major HDTivo freeze moments for her last night:

1. crotch shot during a standing leg split (oh, my!)
2. ending pose with boob almost popping out (oh, me oh my!)


My personal fave is Jenny (not necessarily her dancing, but HER).

nc

she finally sold it in physical/facial demeanor in the second dance. Her dancing was good and she did a nice job inhabiting the romantic character of the dance. I noticed Derek played it more goofy than she, probably because he's learned that if he tries to insert too much "hey, I'm suave and hot for you" in his dancing demeanor, she would probably start bursting out laughing. the poor kid.

Well, the opinions sure seem to be all over the place....

I'm a big fan of Jane's, but she has to get out of ballerina mode on the Latin dances. She keeps taking these dainty little ballerina steps instead of taking forceful Jive steps last week and Cha-Cha steps this week.

And IMHO, Jenny and Cameron are the most improved, while Helio seems to be stuck at the same level he started out at.

And then there's Mel... Trying to learn 20 other Spice Girl routines at the same time sure seemed to hurt that first dance last night. She looked really ragged and unsure of the stpes. But she looked much better on the Tango.

The only elimination I've been able to call this season was Josie. So I'm not even going to try to guess who's next. Although I'd prefer it to be Marie then Jane then Cam or Helio (if Cam keeps getting better and Helio doesn't, or vice versa if Helio improves).

I thought the Bush joke made sense. Maybe I would have to hear it again to know what you are talking about .I don’t recall the exact phrasing but it was something like—Just because it’s from Texas doesn’t mean it’s a good… president. :confused:

Now instead of using the word president, if he inserted “two step” (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Texas_Two-Step) as in a Texan style of dance. ;) That would have been a joke, albeit not that funny but still a joke—which his original sentence was not.

I don’t recall the exact phrasing but it was something like—Just because it’s from Texas doesn’t mean it’s a good… president. :confused:

Now instead of using the word president, if he inserted “two step” (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Texas_Two-Step) as in a Texan style of dance. ;) That would have been a joke, albeit not that funny but still a joke—which his original sentence was not.Sorry, I liked the Bush joke exactly as stated. I believe the actual joke was more like: Just because you're from Texas doesn’t make you a good president.

Maybe out of place and unexpected, but very appropriate!

Sorry, I liked the Bush joke exactly as stated. I believe the actual joke was more like: Just because you're from Texas doesn’t make you a good president.

Maybe out of place and unexpected, but very appropriate!:confused: :rolleyes: Ok, this sounds more accurate and if you do my substitution-- my way is a joke but explain to me, politics aside, how is that a joke? Maybe if LBJ was a great president there would be humor here. Call it what it is—pure and simple Bush bashing-- but it’s certainly not a properly written joke. That is all I’m trying to convey.

I liked Tom's followup comment. Something like 23% of the viewers are not going to be happy with you.

A Southern man don't need Len around anyhow, Sweet home Crawford Texas ...

:confused: :rolleyes: Ok, this sounds more accurate and if you do my substitution-- my way is a joke but explain to me, politics aside, how is that a joke? Maybe if LBJ was a great president there would be humor here. Call it what it is—pure and simple Bush bashing-- but it’s certainly not a properly written joke. That is all I’m trying to convey.

huh? how would have there been more humor in the telling of the joke if LBJ was a good president (assuming for the sake of argument that everyone agrees that he wasn't a good president)?

The joke DID make sense, regardless of whether or not you though it funny, *provided* you got to hear the lead in line just prior to that ending line. BDCat properly described the ending line of the joke, the punch line if you will, though not including Len's setup line. bah. I'm done with this joke dissection. :p

on to more important matters, as I'm confident you would agree...

Go (away) Jane Go (away)!

or Marie (and your obsequious partner)!

Anybody watching this show on WABC-HD from DirecTv notice any lip sync issues tonight?

Anybody watching this show on WABC-HD from DirecTv notice any lip sync issues tonight?Lip synch with TWCNY. I would guess that was from their end so everyone had similar issues but it was only for the first 5 minutes.

Thanks. The problem appears to be limited to WABC and didn't affect the national feed.

... *provided* you got to hear the lead in line just prior to that ending line. BDCat properly described the ending line of the joke, the punch line if you will, though not including Len's setup line.:confused:
Indulge me, please, for a little bit longer.:) What was the lead in line that would complete this joke? I still don’t understand the correlation between how-- being from Texas is criteria for being a good president. Without any juxtaposition there is no humor, not to mention whether the joke was “appropriate” or not, whatever that means. Sorry for beating this to the ground but please enlighten me. So far, I’m told it is a funny joke but I guess I need it spelt out for me.

I don’t recall hearing Tom’s post joke remark that zaluski pointed out- which was a very funny line.:D

No surprises last night, huh? I guess Mel is on the way to taking this one unless she fails miserably in the coming weeks. Funny that segment with Jen's mouth. I had noticed that before...:)

nc

It's pretty clear from the context that Marie was in the bottom two with Jane. I thought it showed class that the show decided to just tell everyone that Marie was safe and then announce that there was not going to be a typical bottom two this show.

Did anyone else (I have Dish Network) experience sound issues on the results show last night? It sounded very "tinny" until the last 10-15 minutes and then cleared up. The commercials were crystal clear throughout. It was on the live feed as well as my DVR.

On a similar note: On Monday, the last 15 minutes of Heroes had background sounds but no dialogue (really weird to watch). I had to catch the end on the NBC web cast. The first 10 minutes of Journeyman had the same thing before popping back to normal. Once again, the commercials were fine. No other shows were affected; I jumped around to check it out.

On a similar note: On Monday, the last 15 minutes of Heroes had background sounds but no dialogue (really weird to watch). I had to catch the end on the NBC web cast. The first 10 minutes of Journeyman had the same thing before popping back to normal. Once again, the commercials were fine. No other shows were affected; I jumped around to check it out.

We here in Charlotte had the same problem with 'Heroes' on Monday night: lost all dolby digital information except the surround tracks which were shunted to the front main speakers. Thank goodness for closed captioning! When I mentioned this in the 'Heroes' thread, I got exactly zero responses in kind, so I assumed it was a local issue with our NBC affiliate. You don't list your location in your member profile (why not? everyone should), so it's impossible to determine whether this was more widespread.

No surprises last night,:cool:Yeah, it seems like the planets are back in alignment.


Funny that segment...I thought that entire segment was pretty good especially considering the writers strike. They all had some good zingers. I just couldn’t get past Kenny’s eye shadow :rolleyes: and his tanned sprayed head (or his white neck). What was that all about?

..showed class that the show decided to just tell everyone that Marie was safe and then announce that there was not going to be a typical bottom two this show.Good point. ;)

...sound issues on the results show last night?As posted above, right after the show last night, the only apparent audio issues I’m aware of was the lip synch problem for the first several minutes. Unfortunately, even after that was corrected, Samantha was still out of synch. :rolleyes::p

Samantha doesn't need audio issues to be out of synch.

We here in Charlotte had the same problem with 'Heroes' on Monday night: lost all dolby digital information except the surround tracks which were shunted to the front main speakers. Thank goodness for closed captioning! When I mentioned this in the 'Heroes' thread, I got exactly zero responses in kind, so I assumed it was a local issue with our NBC affiliate. You don't list your location in your member profile (why not? everyone should), so it's impossible to determine whether this was more widespread.

I'm from Hickory, so my Dish HD locals are out of Charlotte. Either this is an amazing coincidence, or Charlotte affiliates are the source of our problem.

This season has had more twists and turns than some back country roads:

1) Drew Lachey replaces Samantha Harris as co-host
2) Jane Seymour's mom dies
3) Samantha Harris returns from pregnancy leave
4) Marie Osmond's onscreen collapse
5) Sabrina Bryan (the front-runner in many people's eyes) eliminated in week 6
6) Harold Wheeler not leading the orchestra
7) Jane Seymour's food poisoning
8) Marie Osmond's dad dies

There are many who are afraid to ask, but I will: What's going to happen next? :eek:

No real surprise, but Jane and Tony got the boot last night. After Cameron was pronounced safe, I was worried that lightning was going to strike twice and Mel and Max would be gone, but fortunately not.

I'm sorry to see Jane go, but she admitted it was a hugely theraputic event for her. She admitted that her bad back loosened up and she has more range of motion than before. Also, was emotionally theraputic after her mom, a big fan of both the UK and US versions, passed away.

I think all the work the people are doing, trying to fit in regularly scheduled items and dance practice for the show, are starting to take their toll. Especially Cameron now, who has been racking up the frequent flier miles between LA and NY, to do his soap and his dance. Jet lag and fatigue have definitely caused him (and Edyta also) to not be on top of their game.

I might say ditto for Mel, who's trying to fit in Spice Girl activities, but since they're local, she can stay close and get in her practice time. Didn't appear to affect her too much as she got a perfect score for her paso doble.

Also, more vote skewing for sure this coming week (sympathy votes) with Marie's dad passing away. She will really have to work hard to do her two dances. Also, compare how she looks now with what she looked like at the beginning of the season - she looked very heavy-set at the start, but she looks more svlete now and in far better shape than she has been since her "Donny&Marie" TV show days. Yes, I know, after having eight :eek: kids, she will never be that thin again, but she does look great now!

Tom will play straight man and Samantha will have all the zingers (!!!). Out here through Comcast there were a few freezes and some pixelization but no lip synch or audio issues. Was glad to see Kym and Cheryl, even if for a few minutes.

Yes, I know, after having eight :eek: kids, she will never be that thin again, but she does look great now!

That's not a family; that's a litter. :rolleyes:

Tom will play straight man and Samantha will have all the zingers (!!!).

Not without a staff of clever writers, she won't. And they're all out on strike. ;)

Yea, DanceCenter wasn't half bad, considering it had three stiffs on it. :)

Honestly, when Kenny started ragging on Jane (something about her deciding to take up dancing when she was 75 or 80 and calling her an "old lady") I almost fell out of bed. That stuff was almost as good as House's PI humour. There's little enough of it around so when I hear it I take notice.

=NLK=

Yea, DanceCenter wasn't half bad, ...

...I almost fell out of bed.:D Yeah, he is quick witted—but what the heck was with that pole dancer’s make up?
I guess it was another bit of humor that sailed over my head. ;)

"DanceCenter" was the funniest segment of the season so far. Very nice deadpan style.

The results are gradually becoming more reasonable now that fan base voting is diluted by mass audience votes being distributed between fewer competitors. There'll always be a fan base effect, but at least performance becomes a bit more of a factor.

Thanks. The problem appears to be limited to WABC and didn't affect the national feed.

Not so fast there. I had stutters and hangs again last night. Although Monday's show was almost perfect, with just one glitch.

Since my local multicasts, I'm starting to suspect that they're throwing bit rates out there that the local reencoder can't handle. So it's dropping some frames to save bandwidth. :mad:

Since Jane got booted, here's a couple of farwell photos of Jane.

http://img3.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/49d088f605.jpg

http://img3.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/d71969557d.jpg

And one of Mel.

http://img3.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/e930d6c8a0.jpg

Not so fast there. I had stutters and hangs again last night. Although Monday's show was almost perfect, with just one glitch.

Since my local multicasts, I'm starting to suspect that they're throwing bit rates out there that the local reencoder can't handle. So it's dropping some frames to save bandwidth. :mad:The HD network feed on ABC is converted to baseband video and audio by the station's HD IRD and then re-encoded for the ATSC transmission. A higher network bitrate will minimize video artifacts, but it does require a better Eb/No at the station. The Pacific network airing on KABC looked good, although I think Phoenix uses the Eastern feed. It sounds like this is a local issue. A broadcast encoder should not be set to drop frames to conserve bandwidth, and I have not seen that as an option on the ones I've used. I have seen this in software encoders such as WMV9. There have also been earlier posts in this forum about echoes in the 5.1 from this station but I don't know if that's been fixed.

:confused:
Indulge me, please, for a little bit longer.:) What was the lead in line that would complete this joke? I still don’t understand the correlation between how-- being from Texas is criteria for being a good president. Without any juxtaposition there is no humor, not to mention whether the joke was “appropriate” or not, whatever that means.

For the life of me, I cannot remember the lead-in, set-up line from Len. Something comparative, like, being from a latin country doesn't necessarily mean that you can dance the tango, just like being from Texas doesn't necessarily mean that you will make a good president.

something like that. Whatever it was, I got a mild chuckle from it anyway.

This season has had more twists and turns than some back country roads:

1) Drew Lachey replaces Samantha Harris as co-host
2) Jane Seymour's mom dies
3) Samantha Harris returns from pregnancy leave
4) Marie Osmond's onscreen collapse
5) Sabrina Bryan (the front-runner in many people's eyes) eliminated in week 6
6) Harold Wheeler not leading the orchestra
7) Jane Seymour's food poisoning
8) Marie Osmond's dad dies

There are many who are afraid to ask, but I will: What's going to happen next? :eek:

What was once a show considered a prize for a celebrity to be invited to do, may turn out to be a curse which no one will ever want to be part of again! :eek::p

Yea, DanceCenter wasn't half bad, considering it had three stiffs on it. :)

Honestly, when Kenny started ragging on Jane (something about her deciding to take up dancing when she was 75 or 80 and calling her an "old lady") I almost fell out of bed. That stuff was almost as good as House's PI humour. There's little enough of it around so when I hear it I take notice.

=NLK=

I know some around here don't like Kenny or his humor, but I think his whole demeanor and his jokes are pretty darn funny.

As far as his garish eye makeup, I'm sure it was just a little extra joke, tweaking the heavy makeup traditionally used in the ballroom dance world.

I wonder how the Writers strike will affect Cameron's schedule. He might just turn out to have a bunch more free time real soon.

I wonder how the Writers strike will affect Cameron's schedule. He might just turn out to have a bunch more free time real soon.Those 'soaps' actually have writers? I thought they just read off of the same script over and over and over.

I wonder how the Writers strike will affect Cameron's schedule. He might just turn out to have a bunch more free time real soon.
According to what I read in a recent story posted on the HOTP thread, many soaps IIRC have enough completed scripts to allow them to produce new episodes through the end of the year.

EDIT: From another article posted today in the same thread:
Soap operas are written and produced well in advance of air date, so their inventory should last into the new year. During the last strike, soap producers wrote the scripts when WGA fodder ran out, and that will probably happen this time, too. Maybe viewers won't even notice.
http://www.philly.com/philly/entertainment/television/20071108_Jonathan_Storm___Stricken_by_the_strike.html

I read that the soaps will be ok for the next 3-4 weeks, but after that, you'll begin to see reruns, game shows and other filler programming. Too bad the competition will be over by then. Poor Cameron will go from running himself ragged to twiddling his thumbs w/ nothing to do in a matter of a few weeks. At least he'll be able to catch up on his sleep, time with the family, etc.

Those 'soaps' actually have writers? I thought they just read off of the same script over and over and over.


But it's a Union job, which means you still have to pay a writer even if you're just rereading old scripts that the writer has never even seen.

OK. Here's a few of Julianne. BTW, this first pic actually demonstrates that you really need to watch the show to appreciate it. Because as good as this still frame is, it doesn't even come close to doing justice to the hip action in this promenade sequence.

http://img3.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/899abbcbc4.jpg

And another in her tango outfit:

http://img3.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/5c38208c06.jpg

I'm intentionally leaving the "img" tags off of this one since it's a strong pg13. So you might not want to have this one pop up on your screen if you're at work. So you'll have to copy and paste to look at this one.

http://img3.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/3c1d588c04.jpg

I'm intentionally leaving the "img" tags off of this one since it's a strong pg13. So you might not want to have this one pop up on your screen if you're at work. So you'll have to copy and paste to look at this one.

http://img3.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/3c1d588c04.jpg

You're a good man. I think she had a similar shot (to the side) last year that I begged for a screen cap of. But this is even better. Now I can un-freeze my TiVo screen. :D That girl is devastatingly beautiful and has personality and charm to match.

Mac, with that linked screen cap I must say YOU RULE!!

http://img3.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/3c1d588c04.jpg
Only in the US and some middle eastern fundamentalist regimens would that be considered excessively risqué. It came from US OTA network TV, and Disney no less. But thanks for the cap :D.

Only in the US and some middle eastern fundamentalist regimens would that be considered excessively risqué...Why do you say that? Are there some cultures where that's not considered anything special? I find that hard to believe.

I think TVOD is referring to the abundance of Latin/S. American and European countries, among others, where extremely revealing clothing and even nudity is displayed freely on tv for all ages to see.

Why do you say that? Are there some cultures where that's not considered anything special? I find that hard to believe.I think most cultures would consider Julianne to be something special, but I doubt most would think that image is something that needs to be under wraps. OTH I understand that no chances should be taken in the work place, although if one is under that level of scrutiny it may not be a good idea to view AVS at all.

It seems most of the world had a hard time understanding what the fuss was about for the Janet Jackson incident. Count me in that group too. I'm sure there are those who wish they could put the reins on this show too.

I think most cultures would consider Julianne to be something special, but I doubt most would think that image is something that needs to be under wraps.

It seems most of the world had a hard time understanding what the fuss was about for the Janet Jackson incident.. The fuss was about cultural influences.

I’m sick and tired of the 'Janet Jackson Incident’ being distorted and misrepresented as a metaphor for personal agendas. Whether it’s the hedonistic enthusiasts or the virtuous believers, they are both wrong.

The ONLY issue in the 'Janet Jackson Incident' was the inappropriate groping by Justin Timberlake. That is wrong anywhere- Paris, Rio, Des Moines. If her boob became exposed on its own, or even if she would have flashed it—then the ridiculous debate could exist but it didn’t. He instigated the revelation-- and the world went blind.

I'm intentionally leaving the "img" tags off of this one since it's a strong pg13. So you might not want to have this one pop up on your screen if you're at work. So you'll have to copy and paste to look at this one.

http://img3.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/3c1d588c04.jpg

In the anime fan world (Otaku), that shot is what's called "fan service" :D

Mac didn't cap Edyta's "fan service"

Mac didn't cap Edyta's "fan service"

Huh. Off the top of my head, I don't recall any particularly interesting shots of Edyta this week. I'll go back and look at the show again to see if i can find the shot.

......and is it just me, or was there a pretty significant Julianne wardrobe malfuntion at the end of the tango?????

I didn't see anything at the end of Julianne's Tango, but here's the requested pic of Edyta:

http://img223.imageshack.us/img223/9670/edytakickeg6.jpg

Looks like the PTC (http://www.parentstv.org/ptc/shows/main.asp?shwid=2019) has raised the age category on this show:

'In the past, the program was given a green light in all categories. However, while the show is still free of violence, it does this season occasionally have some harsh language like “piss,” “damn,” and “hell.” And, even though the premise is ballroom dancing, the contestants tend to spice the dances up with sex appeal. Most recently one of the judges said this to a contestant about the Mambo, "You did a proper, proper, Mambo...but like a debutante on the first date. Forget that, you should be a tramp. You know the Mambo is down and dirty, so let the tramp out.” Viewers can expect the female outfits to vary widely, from modest long flowing floor length gowns, to skimpy outfits that can consist of as little as a bra and short skirt.

Because of the sexual nature of the dances and the less than modest costumes, the show may not be appropriate for younger viewers.'

That might go to a red from Mac's caps :D

......and is it just me, or was there a pretty significant Julianne wardrobe malfuntion at the end of the tango?????

I wrote about her borderline boob bust-out earlier.. that one you mean? I went back and rewound the tivo at the time and confirmed that nothing popped all the way out (somehow magically defying gravity). :D

I didn't see anything at the end of Julianne's Tango, but here's the requested pic of Edyta:

http://img223.imageshack.us/img223/9670/edytakickeg6.jpg

LOL. Thanks, Mac. I wasn't really requesting since I had already "experienced" it, but I'm sure others will be able to enjoy. SHAME ON YOU PEOPLE!!! :D:cool::rolleyes::p

The quality of Edyta's pic was taint less than Julianne's. :D

Cameron's first performance I thought was very good but the second one, I agree with the judges, was stiff. Marie, definitely out despite the sympathy. Mel and Maks, definitely theirs to lose. Did anyone think that Helio dropped Julianne on their second performance? It looked like she totally bounced her head off the floor. Their first performance was awesome. Jennie I think did very well on both performances. Liked her green dress. Jolly Green giantess with those sequins resembling leaves. It really showed off that great figure and muscle tone. Doesn't look like too many fan services or risque shots this week. Oh well. Tom's comment at the end about "who didn't you care about enough?" Kind of mean wasn't it?

Did anyone think that Helio dropped Julianne on their second performance? It looked like she totally bounced her head off the floor. Their first performance was awesome.

I thought so too. Watching it the first time around, I thought that his kiss surprised her and she fell and hit her head.

We watched it again and it's pretty clear that she didn't hit her head, although it was very close. She held onto his leg to slow her descent. I think the kiss was part of the dance.

So, was she expecting the kiss from Helio? Everyone seemed pretty surprised by it...

Lots of good screen caps to expect from Edyta's second outfit last night. She sure loves those low-cut bottoms. :D

And thanks for going back to freeimagehosting.net for the caps, Mac!

Speculation:
1) Mel/Max - safe
2) Helio/Julianne - safe
3) Marie/Jonathan - safe (sympathy vote)
4) Cameron/Edyta - safe (soap opera ladies save him)
5) Jennie/Derek - gone (she improved over the season, but she was not that good last night).

Speculation:
1) Mel/Max - safe
2) Helio/Julianne - safe
3) Marie/Jonathan - safe (sympathy vote)
4) Cameron/Edyta - safe (soap opera ladies save him)
5) Jennie/Derek - gone (she improved over the season, but she was not that good last night).Agree, Jennie will be history tonight. She is not in the same league as Helio or Mel. Neither is Cameron or Marie for that matter but they have more fans. Mel is the best dancer right now but Helio and Juliane are more fun to watch. I actually prefer to see Cameron leg kicked off but I think it’s going to be Jennie.

I believe MelB and helio will be in the finals as most of the people here do.

I just have one question...Do you think Jenny was deserving of the harsh critisizm by the judges last night? This girl is trying like hell. I actually think she is a better dancer than Cameron. I'm really upset with the judges, they seem to be trying to fix the voting.

I have an idea, beginning next week, have no judges share their opinion. How 'bout we watch the dances, and then vote. Without listening to the VERY scued(sp) judges opinion.

OT - I seen the Oprah show the other day when Marie and Jonathan were on. (I hate Oprah, but I watched just this one episode). The Osmonds are phenomenal. (Ok, I remember watching Donnie & Marie as a kid :)) Anyway, I just want to say that I think DWTS had really brought marie to the spotlight recently. In other words, if it weren't for DWST, she would not be in the news as much.

http://digg.com/celebrity/Marie_Osmond_s_dad_George_Virl_Osmond_death_notice

DWTS is a tremendous show, WITHOUT the judges.

nc

Jenny.... I actually think she is a better dancer than Cameron.Definitely. He can’t dance. He’s surviving on his looks—and Edyta’s fans. I thought the judges were right on in their critique of his arm pointing dancing, except they scored him too high. Once again, last night they gave out eights when sevens were deserved. Maybe the fix is in with ABC trying to keep one of their “properties” around as cross promotion now that the Cheetah girl is gone.;)

Doesn't look like too many fan services or risque shots this week.


Meh, I guess it's not worth watching Monday's recording then! :D

Just kidding. I'll probably get to it tonight. Too many shows to watch/record/watch on Monday nights!

There was a "fan service" spot... by Marie Osmond, no less! :eek: :D :eek: :D

There was a "fan service" spot... by Marie Osmond, no less! :eek: :D :eek: :D:eek::D I saw that last night and said to my wife-- Oh no! I hope Mac doesn't put that one up. :D

The fix is definitely on. Not that Jenny is all that good necessarily, but she didn't deserve the harsh criticism they bestowed on her. She is better than Cameron for certain. His dances are always just a bunch of jumping around and poses with his arms up.

As for Marie, she probably deserves to go first, but I turned to my wife after her Rumba last night and said "ya know, that was actually sexy." I didn't think she had it in her. We both figured she would try to "funny-up" the Rumba in some manner like she does all her dances.

...

And thanks for going back to freeimagehosting.net for the caps, Mac!

The upload page for that site has intermittant problems, so I'll try and use it but I can't make any promises.

I thought so too. Watching it the first time around, I thought that his kiss surprised her and she fell and hit her head.

We watched it again and it's pretty clear that she didn't hit her head, although it was very close. She held onto his leg to slow her descent. I think the kiss was part of the dance.

I think the fall was intentional, but I think she didn't mean to go down that fast. She went down really hard. Perhaps Helio's costume was slicker than any of the fabric that they rehearsed in.

....

As for Marie, she probably deserves to go first, but I turned to my wife after her Rumba last night and said "ya know, that was actually sexy." I didn't think she had it in her. ....

I had the exact same reaction. I didn't think she had it in her, especially after seeing her not be able to keep a straight face in rehearsals.

There was a "fan service" spot... by Marie Osmond, no less! :eek: :D :eek: :D

I'm throwing the flag on that.... :eek:

Agree, Jennie will be history tonight. She is not in the same league as Helio or Mel. Neither is Cameron or Marie for that matter but they have more fans. Mel is the best dancer right now but Helio and Juliane are more fun to watch. I actually prefer to see Cameron leg kicked off but I think it’s going to be Jennie.

I understand where you are coming from but I really think Marie just looks "off" in everything she does....

I'm intentionally leaving the "img" tags off of this one since it's a strong pg13. So you might not want to have this one pop up on your screen if you're at work. So you'll have to copy and paste to look at this one.

http://img3.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/3c1d588c04.jpg

I would trade shoes with Helio for sure :)

Dancing' Waltzes Through Writers Strike

Nov 13 09:09 PM US/Eastern

By LYNN ELBER
AP Television Writer

LOS ANGELES (AP) - Here's a "Dancing with the Stars" pop quiz: Which of the following performance critiques was delivered by effusive judge Bruno Tonioli before the Hollywood writers strike, and which came after? Quote A: "That's what I like to see! The boy from Brazil is going bananas!" Quote B: "That was a cliffhanger, riding the fine line between love and hate!"
If you picked the alliterative "bananas" line as writer-scripted, well, sorry, you're not moving on to round two. That's a post-strike quote, while the less snappy one predates it—and Tonioli devised both.

It seems his comments, along with those of fellow judges Len Goodman and Carrie Ann Inaba and the wry quips of host Tom Bergeron, have been largely spontaneous all along.

ABC's "Dancing with the Stars" is one reality show that's real, or as real as any sequin-studded Hollywood production can be. Who knew—until the Writers Guild of America's job action pulled back the curtain and revealed the show had a single union scribe.

That's allowed one of TV's top shows to waltz through the walkout.

"Oh, I wish!" Tonioli responded when asked if his lines were fed to him. "Even if you wanted to (prepare), it's a live performance. Anything can happen."

"You respond to what you see," Tonioli told The Associated Press.

His creativity was unabated on Monday's show. "That was a menacing tango. That's a truly Scary Spice there," he told Melanie Brown of Spice Girls fame. Goodman got into the wordsmith act: "Your hips—I was hypnotized," he told Brown.

Sometimes a script doctor would help. But even they might be hard- pressed to craft the true drama that has shadowed this season: Jane Seymour lost her 92-year-old mother, then Seymour's Malibu house was imperiled by a wildfire. Osmond fainted on camera; two weeks later, her father died at age 90.

Tears and heartache abound but the show goes on. In recent weeks, it's been near the top of the TV ratings, with more than 21 million viewers at its peak.

While "Dancing With the Stars" steps gracefully, the strike has left other shows limping or worse. Many dramas and comedies face a dwindling supply of new episodes. Late-night talk shows, minus their sprawling writing staffs, have retreated into reruns.

The syndicated "Ellen" is on the air without its union writers, to the WGA's publicly stated displeasure, but host Ellen DeGeneres was sweating it on the first episode taped after the strike started Nov. 5 (with digital-media residuals a central issue).

DeGeneres extended her trademark opening dance last Friday for lack of a monologue, then launched into a laundry list of guest Vince Vaughn's attributes ("tall," "very, very tall"). Seven minutes to kill until the commercial break, she was told.

DeGeneres' next line: "How many pints are in a quart?"

The strike's ripple effect has even hit the news programs that fall outside its boundaries. ABC's "This Week with George Stephanopoulos," which routinely features a "Sunday Funnies" showcase for political humor from Leno, Letterman, Stewart and others, was at a loss last Sunday with their shows sidelined.

Stephanopoulos issued a call for viewers to rescue the fixture.

"If you see something funny on the Web or want to get in on the act yourself, record your comedy riff on this week's political news on video, webcam or cell phone and upload it to us" at abcnews.com, he said.

The only viewer aid needed at "Dancing with the Stars" remains the phone, text and online audience votes that help decide the celebrity contestants' fates.

David Boone, the show's WGA member who walked off the job along with thousands of other movie and TV writers in Los Angeles and New York, was scripting material including introductions and descriptions of upcoming episodes, a task Bergeron said now is handled by producers.

Boone also served as a "wonderful" sounding board for impromptu jokes during the live broadcast, said the host; the longtime friends had worked together on "Hollywood Squares."

Bergeron used to lean heavily on canned patter until realizing, early in season two, that the approach wasn't working. (Co-host Samantha Harris fills the role of earnest partner.)

"You can see I'd walk on after a dance and have a line ready to go," Bergeron told The AP. "Sometimes it was a very good line, but it wasn't organic to what was happening. ... We don't do that anymore. Now, I'm watching the dance and responding to it and what I felt about it."

He enjoys playing ball with the excitable Tonioli.

The judge's "right arm sweeps over his left shoulder and I know he's about to let loose with an extremely clever or pained metaphor," Bergeron said, comparing himself to a batter "waiting for a good pitch."

Contestants provide inspiration as well, such as sexy soap star Cameron Mathison's tongue-in-cheek vow to dance in a thong if he makes it to the Nov. 27 finale.

"And that special edition of `Dancing with the Stars' will be pay-per- view," Bergeron intoned dryly when the camera swung his way.

___

On the Net:

http://www.abc.go.com

http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=D8ST4MGO0&show_article=1&catnum=0

Ironically, the DWTS stage is only a block from the WGA office.

Speculation:
1) Mel/Max - safe
2) Helio/Julianne - safe
3) Marie/Jonathan - safe (sympathy vote)
4) Cameron/Edyta - safe (soap opera ladies save him)
5) Jennie/Derek - gone (she improved over the season, but she was not that good last night).

It's late enough to not worry about spoiling it anymore.

I got the top three correct, but, sorry ladies, Cameron goes back to work full time (well, for as long as there are scripts in the vault!) on his soap (and stops racking up all that frequent flier mileage until the finals in two weeks!).

Thee remaining four are getting a one-on-one lesson with Len this week. Jennie, better take his advice to heart or you won't make it to the finals!

Neat article, LL, thanks for sharing.

I did notice it barely mentioned Samantha's "contributions" to the show though. :D

Re: Jennie - harsh judges criticism


I agreed with their criticism of her. While I agree that Cameron does have his own issues (with the redundant striking poses, lacking flow, etc), what I do like about his dancing has been his strong posture. Jennie, on the other hand, particularly with her first dance this week, I was very distracted by her slumping posture.

Not being a ballroom expert, I don't know, maybe posture is considered to be less of a flaw to have than the flaws being attributed here to Cameron's dancing. For me, I just know her flaws were more irritating to watch than Cameron's.


In any case, I would have MUCH preferred to have the two of them remain in the competition, rather than Marie. UGH!, that partner of hers. ok, I should just shut up about him already.

In any case, I would have MUCH preferred to have the two of them remain in the competition, rather than Marie. UGH!, that partner of hers. ok, I should just shut up about him already.

You don't have to shut up on my account, I find him pretty annoying too.

I can't put my finger on exactly why though. He just comes across as disengenuine or something. And, he looks like he's wearing a toupe, though I don't think it is.

Considering the shocker of the century (Sabrina's early exit) I half expected Mel and Maks to be eliminated, with all the focusing on Mel's worried, almost breakdown crying expression. As humdinger wrote in his list Marie/Jonathan got the sympathy vote (shocking to say the least).

I knew at the start of the season that Marie would have a large fan base, but I never thought they would be able to keep her around this long after her due date has expired.

Here's the farewell pics of Edyta and Cam. Looks like Edyta's costume choices have been consistant for a bunch of years. :D

http://img2.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/th.3a4ccf0a54.jpg


http://img2.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/th.4180c6e08a.jpg

There was a "fan service" spot... by Marie Osmond, no less! :eek: :D :eek: :DClick (http://img221.imageshack.us/img221/9560/mariefan1agb3.jpg) if you dare :eek:

I'd could stand seeing some more of this new pro that they had dancing last night.

http://img2.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/bd88ae562c.jpg

http://img2.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/bf0ec7e93e.jpg

Yes, I was digging her new hairstyle (or wig?) too. Hope she keeps it for next season.




I can't put my finger on exactly why though. He just comes across as disengenuine or something. And, he looks like he's wearing a toupe, though I don't think it is.

I could have sworn he had a toupee as well, but I think it was in his "meet our pro dancers" picture montage, there was a picture of him at a younger age wearing a similar hairstyle. So maybe that IS his real hair! :eek: Sure smells looks like a toupee hairstyle to me though.

I do think he is genuine person and appears to be a patient and kind guy. It's just that I cannot abide the way he comports himself; treacly. cloying. fawning. sissyish.

When his dancer wife (who knew!?) came in to help get Marie to spice up the romance for her dance, I noticed that she did the old 'kiss me on the cheek, not on the lips' maneuver to him. twice. I say green card marriage of convenience. :p

I'd could stand seeing some more of this new pro that they had dancing last night.

Is that not Karina Smirnoff in a blonde wig?

I do think he is genuine person and appears to be a patient and kind guy. It's just that I cannot abide the way he comports himself; treacly. cloying. fawning. sissyish.

Yep, that's it exactly. And, this is the farthest he's gone in the competition that I can remember, so maybe it's just that we're getting treated to that personality for the first time.


When his dancer wife (who knew!?) came in to help get Marie to spice up the romance for her dance, I noticed that she did the old 'kiss me on the cheek, not on the lips' maneuver to him. twice. I say green card marriage of convenience. :p

I actually knew they were married prior to that scene, but I think you may be right on the money with that theory.

Here's the farewell pics of Edyta and Cam. Looks like Edyta's costume choices have been consistant for a bunch of years. :D



Were those intended to be enlarged?

I knew at the start of the season that Marie would have a large fan base, but I never thought they would be able to keep her around this long after her due date has expired.Her family alone is enough to carry her to the end….:p

But seriously, this is getting fun. :cool:

Mel and Helio are excelling beautifully, setting up for a great final stretch run-- for that shiny disco ball trophy thing. :rolleyes:

Meanwhile, Jennie and Marie are battling it out for the Lee Press on Nails (http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=1950025587710766254)consolation prize. :rolleyes::D
They both can’t seem to bust out of their blasé funk.

Is that not Karina Smirnoff in a blonde wig?

Karina just got a nose job. Really, she did.

I knew at the start of the season that Marie would have a large fan base, but I never thought they would be able to keep her around this long after her due date has expired.I read today that the ratings for the 50 and over group are extremely high for the show... must higher than the 18-35 so that explains a little.

I'd could stand seeing some more of this new pro that they had dancing last night.Is that not Karina Smirnoff in a blonde wig?DW and I thought it was Kym in the wig. :confused:

From what I saw of the facial expressions, the lady in the wig was probably Cheryl.

Well, all I have to go on is Mac's screencaps (we rarely watch anything but the end of the results shows), and I thought his first screencap posted above looked a LOT like Karina, but yeah, the second one does look like Kym. I don't see Cheryl in them at all, she's got more chunk than that.

Karina just got a nose job. Really, she did.

Maybe they went in and adjusted her gargoyle facial expressions while they were at it.

Maybe they went in and adjusted her gargoyle facial expressions while they were at it.

For that, you need botox. :p

100% certain it was Kym. I thought it was an intentional joke with the comment about "seeing more of this new dancer". I guess not, since everyone seems to have a different idea as to who the dancer was. But it's Kym. I'm telling ya, no doubt about it.

Is that not Karina Smirnoff in a blonde wig?

I don't think so. IMHO the face profile in the second shot doesn't look Karina. But I might be wrong.

And Karina has a very small flat butt. This woman has a more normal-sized butt.

Were those intended to be enlarged?

Yeah, I don't know what happened there. I used the same hosting site and did the same steps that I did for all the posts. :confused:

100% certain it was Kym. I thought it was an intentional joke with the comment about "seeing more of this new dancer". I guess not, since everyone seems to have a different idea as to who the dancer was. But it's Kym. I'm telling ya, no doubt about it.


Not a joke comment. I did consider that it might be one Kym or Cheryl in a wig before I posted, but looking it just didn't look like either of them to me. Although I think she looks most like Kym.

Cheryl has a little darker skin tone. But I don't think I've ever seen Kym do the hand position of the left hand in the first pic. And I think Kym is slightly larger than that.

But again I might be wrong.

Maks: Carrie Ann says it looks like I'm having fun out there. I can't imagine what's giving her that impression.

http://img3.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/b39a70c696.jpg

http://img3.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/820212fbb9.jpg

And notice in those previous pics and in this one, that the love handles that Mel had at the start of the season are completely gone now.

http://img3.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/7c56857f57.jpg

I don't think so. IMHO the face profile in the second shot doesn't look Karina. But I might be wrong.

And Karina has a very small flat butt. This woman has a more normal-sized butt.

Nah, I think we established in some later posts that it's not Karina. As I had posted before, I didn't see the episode, all I had to go on was the screencaps. The first one you posted still looks like Karina to me, but the 2nd one not so much, and I defer to the posters that actually saw it in action anyway.

I am curious if anyone has any Stacy Kiebler screenshots....I do realize I am probably a few seasons to late....but hey its Friday. :) and that is my thought of the day!

CruelInventions is right. The "mystery girl" in the blond wig was Kym. Advance frame by frame during that dance and you can occasionally see her face clearly.

I am curious if anyone has any Stacy Kiebler screenshots....I do realize I am probably a few seasons to late....but hey its Friday. :) and that is my thought of the day!

Ask and ye shall receive. Unfortunately that was last season that was in SD instead of HD, so these are only SD captures.

http://img3.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/ccacc7c730.jpg


She really has the most spectactular legs on the planet. I call these 9 sigma legs (i.e. they're 9 standard deviations away from the norm, about 1 in a billion or so).

http://img3.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/5c235af236.jpg


http://img3.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/de4ed90985.jpg


And there are a bunch of pros out there that wish they had this type of extension on their fan kicks. She's actually a little hyperextended at the knee.

http://img3.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/9eacc88bf2.jpg

Ah, Stacy. The best contestant ever in DWTS. And, like Sabrina, she didn't win either (but at least Stacy made it to the finals). As a competition, this show is a joke. Don't know why anyone would care, by this point, who "wins"; me, I just watch for the eye-candy.

BTW, the next contestant to be eliminated will walk away with more than $300k. ($125,000 plus $20,000 per week). Cameron got $285,000 for a couple of months of being in very close company with Edyta. Poor bastard. ;)

I think Stacy was the best candidate that never won, and is better than some of the ones that did.

Other candidates that were better than eventual winners IMO:

J Peterman
Mario Lopez

Can y'all think of any others?

BRAVO!!!!!

(pics)

Thanks MAC

Other candidates that were better than eventual winners IMO:

J Peterman
Mario Lopez

Can y'all think of any others?
I nominate Monique Coleman (from season 3), who IMO had a lot more flair than Emmitt Smith, Mario Lopez or even Joey Lawrence.

I've said it before and I'll say it again. I could watch Stacy's samba on a loop for the rest of my life and die a happy man. Such a shame her season wasn't in HD.

I'd add Apolo & Julianne's dance in that tiger print leotard to that loop. But I could make do with just Stacy if I had to. ;)

BRAVO!!!!!

(pics)

Thanks MAC

I actually had those ready to go before you asked and was planning on posting them either today or tomorrow. But since you asked I moved them to the front of the line.

Jen starting out with a little paunch and kept it covered up for the first few weeks, but the paunch is gone and the midriff is bare now (and I'll bet Jenny and Mel's husbands are feeling like they just woke up on Christmas day and got a nice shiny new toy to play with).

http://img3.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/3401944d45.jpg


http://img3.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/e608ca1018.jpg

Jen starting out with a little paunch and kept it covered up for the first few weeks, but the paunch is gone and the midriff is bare now (and I'll bet Jenny and Mel's husbands are feeling like they just woke up on Christmas day and got a nice shiny new toy to play with).


Her husband did in fact say it feels like he got a "brand new car", I believe were his exact words. She sure looks like she's got her '90210' body back (with a better rack even!); and after 3 kids, that's pretty impressive.

Her husband did in fact say it feels like he got a "brand new car"Sounds like he's enjoying the ride, perhaps due to the smooth handling. He gets good acceleration from four on the floor which makes the inline 6 responsive. The power steering is great and the headlights look to be in good shape. Don't think he's permitted to use bumper stickers.

.... He gets good acceleration from four on the floor which makes the inline 6 responsive. The power steering is great and the headlights look to be in good shape. Don't think he's permitted to use bumper stickers.:D I'm sure she's thinking...inline 6? I could've had a V8!

The engine I find most interesting at the moment in the inline 5 turbo that Volvo is making. 300+ HP in a package that weighs less than most normally aspirated V6's.

Here's a few pics that I just never seemed to get around to earlier.

http://img3.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/1a7405d6ca.jpg

http://img3.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/6ff2233dc3.jpg

http://img3.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/ea1478b7db.jpg

Yikes! I didn't realize that snake handler pic was that blurry...

Anyone else having audio sync problems tonite? D*

No audio problems here. Jennie... wow. Awesome 2nd dance, love those hip rolls and the outfit. For me, even better than last week's, even without the bare midriff and still a great figure. Has anyone seen the jewelry commercial for Jared? It looks like Edyta who says "He went to Jared" because the commercial features professional dancers in a mock competition.

Lots of stuttering of picture here in the Denver area via both cable and OTA.

no audio or video problems here in Chicago, via OTA HD.

Has anyone seen the jewelry commercial for Jared? It looks like Edyta who says "He went to Jared" because the commercial features professional dancers in a mock competition.

I've seen that commercial before. I'm 100% sure that it's Edyta and Alec in that commercial. It's nice to see the pro's getting some exposure from DTWS.

One of the morning shows, I guess ABC GMA, had an interview with Julianne and her brother(?) and it was mentioned that Julianne is pursuing finishing up her Country Music CD as a singer. The brother is also in a Rock Band. Turns out the Hough family have similar roots to the Osmonds. They are Mormon, there are a lot of them, and they have music and dance talents.

Except that Julianne is about 10,000 degrees hotter than Marie ever was. :)

I must admit that Jenny looked really good last night. Mel B too. The change in their figures since the season start has been stunning.

My wife found it interesting that Jenny never onced mentioned her husband in any of the interviews. She even thanked certain friends/family for their support but never mentioned him at all. He was also conspicuous in his absence from the Disney shoot as well. I wonder if they're having problems.

Day 4 of my new HDTV, and yes, Dancing with the Stars was on in my house for the very first time!!

Interesting observation about Jenny and hubby. I think the one that's in trouble is Helio's Fiancee. Julianne and Helio were hugging and giggling all last night. With Jenny and ??? (still can't remember his name), they were just standing side by side until Kerri Ann commented that they didn't have any chemistry. Then they started to hug.

My wife found it interesting that Jenny never onced mentioned her husband in any of the interviews. She even thanked certain friends/family for their support but never mentioned him at all. He was also conspicuous in his absence from the Disney shoot as well. I wonder if they're having problems.

Jennie is married to actor Peter Facinelli who appeared on FX's Damages and in involved in two films one in post production (Finding Amanda) and one in pre-production (Thicker). they did appear together at the AMA's ..but that means nothing!

I'm sure he's kept busy watching kids Luca Bella, Lola Ray and Fiona Eve Facinelli's all

The audio problems cleared up about 30 minutes in.

My kid (3 1/2) loves this show.

I'd like to see them all continue to next week but if someone needs the boot - gotta be Marie. The others have too much talent on display.

Lots of stuttering of picture here in the Denver area via both cable and OTA.

Once again, my STB glosses over the problems, but I had at least one glitch from my capture card (I didn't watch the capture all the way through last night, so I'm not sure how much glitching ther was).

The first four or five weeks, I was getting perfectly clean recordings. I don't know what they changed, but I wish they'd change it back to the way it was at the start of the season. :(

Interesting observation about Jenny and hubby. I think the one that's in trouble is Helio's Fiancee. Julianne and Helio were hugging and giggling all last night. With Jenny and ??? (still can't remember his name), they were just standing side by side until Kerri Ann commented that they didn't have any chemistry. Then they started to hug.

At the start of the season, Jenny wasn't comfortable with any casual touching. But now Derek holds her hand or shoulders and even hugs her a lot more than at the start of the season.

Well, that was the night of weird music for me.

"Somebody to Love" for a quick-step. :confused:

And what was the god-awful song the Jenny got stuck with for the Tango?

I though Maks actually did a good job of coming up with some choreography to go with "Somebody to Love". But I think Derek's choreography overwhelmed Jenny.

Those sections where she had to go full speed and then suddenly go "praying-mantis slow" really messed her up. And Derek stepping on her skirt and almost "pantsing" her at the start of the dance probably rattled her a little.

I've come to the conclusion that Julianne's choice of unitards and shorts and mini-skirts isn't because of her great legs, but self-preservation. Since if she
wore anything longer than that Derek would step on it.

Anyway, Jenny seems to have a pattern of being snake bit on the first dance and then coming back strong on the second dance. That was one of the hottest celebrity cha-chas that I've seen in any of the seasons. I guess that lesson fron Len really paid off. ;)

Well, of course music is a personal thing but I can count on the fingers of one hand the music I enjoyed watching the couples dance to this season. If you include all the previous seasons of DWTS I would need just a second hand.

I've got to tell you, though, when I first saw Marie dance that QS (it WAS a QS, wasn't it?) I saw visions of 6s and 7s on the judges' paddles. Well, it was clear I was watching a different channel than they were. I realize, to maximize voting, that the producers may have wanted the rankings to differ by at most one point and instructed the judges accordingly, but IMHO Marie's score was ridiculous.


=NLK=

....

I've got to tell you, though, when I first saw Marie dance that QS (it WAS a QS, wasn't it?) I saw visions of 6s and 7s on the judges' paddles. Well, it was clear I was watching a different channel than they were...=NLK=

I'd agree with that. My reaction was that it looked like a 1950's catholic school dance. You could have fit a ruler between them when they were holds where their hips should have been touching.

...And what was the god-awful song the Jenny got stuck with for the Tango?Yeah, that was a crazy sound. However, I was pleased to here Dean Martin’s Ain’t that a kick in the head. I wish they’d bring in more classic dance songs, especially the Fred Astaire / Sinatra standards.

..I've come to the conclusion that Julianne's choice of unitards and shorts and mini-skirts isn't because of her great legs, but self-preservation. Since if she
wore anything longer than that Derek would step on it.She looked like she had a major wedgie going on last night during her second dance.;)

...but IMHO Marie's score was ridiculous.


I also found that the dress Marie was wearing was a bit too, how shall I put it, "flowy?" It had too much loose material and could have easily obscured flaws in the performance. One of the "sleeves" almost went into her face. Agree with NLK on the score. Ridiculous.

After watching Mel’s first dance I thought she was unbeatable, until I saw Helio and Julianne perform. They were fantastic. As they said last night, he really came a long way as a non performer, I hope he wins.

Mel keeps talking about how she’s nervous. I don’t buy that nonsense. She’s performed in front of audiences many times—but regardless, she is great.

It's a toss up between Helio and Mel. It's coming down to whoever has more voting fans.

They both finally caught up to Sabrina’s level. It would’ve been interesting to have seen the three of them in the finals, and also to see if Sabrina would’ve improved too.

So do you think its harder to lead or harder to follow.

IE Is Helio better because he has to lead Julianne or Mel better because she has to follow precisely or does it matter?

Yeah, that was a crazy sound. However, I was pleased to here Dean Martin’s Ain’t that a kick in the head. I wish they’d bring in more classic dance songs, especially the Fred Astaire / Sinatra standards.

You have NO IDEA how happy I was to hear that song; unfortunately, they insist on live music and they didn't have a Dean Martin handy. There were a couple of other standards like that sprinkled throughout this season but I cringed at the actual performances (although wasn't it Queen Latifah or someone like her who gave us two great classics on one of the results shows?).

As I've said, I understand we all have different musical tastes and experiences but the stretch by DWTS to show how you can dance to ANYTHING is really going to be counterproductive (and sometimes laughable).

=NLK=

I haven't been watching most of the season, but have been tuning in on Monday nights for the last 3 weeks. I've noticed that Helio and Julianne are very good. A testament to Julianne's insane dancing ability, choreography(sp?) and coaching, but he's not nearly as good as Apolo was and he's not as good as Mel. Mel is smoking. I thought Julianne overcompensated on the 2nd routine last night...so frenetic that our eyes automatically focused on her. When I consciously focused on Helio, I wasn't very impressed. Mel, OTOH, drew my attention like a magnet and was extremely impressive. Yes, I think she was nervous. She wants this badly for the obvious reasons.

...... but he's not nearly as good as Apolo was and he's not as good as Mel. Mel is smoking. I thought Julianne overcompensated on the 2nd routine last night...so frenetic that our eyes automatically focused on her. When I consciously focused on Helio, I wasn't very impressed. Mel, OTOH, drew my attention like a magnet and was extremely impressive. Yes, I think she was nervous. She wants this badly for the obvious reasons.

I would tend to agree. I can understand why some think Helio is the best out there but frankly I don't think he's up to Mel's level. My feeling is that Helio may be stronger on showmanship but Mel is better on technique.

Of course, I wouldn't be upset if either won. I just prefer Mel now that Sabrina's out.

=NLK=

...Mel is smoking. I thought Julianne overcompensated on the 2nd routine last night...so frenetic that our eyes automatically focused on her. When I consciously focused on Helio, I wasn't very impressed. Mel, OTOH, drew my attention like a magnet and was extremely impressive. Yes, I think she was nervous. She wants this badly for the obvious reasons.Mel is consistent and even though she claims afterwards that she is nervous, she exudes a professional confidence while performing. However, Helio is more enjoyable to watch, especially last night's first number. I thought that was one of the best dances of the season.

I guess Julianne has a lot to do with the joy.;) He just looks like he’s having a blast.

I think Mel is a great dancer, but she absolutely cracks me up every time she "gooses" Tom Bergeron. :D

Pairing Julianne with smaller, athletic men (that inately can dance, obviously) is a real advantage in my opinion. I compare it somewhat to gymnastics, complex muscle and leverage movements work better with a smaller center of gravity. Now pairing Julianne with a tall man would be a real challenge for her and would probably look funny as well ;).

Helio is really close to the best "athlete" dancer they've had on DWTS, but what really brings us (DW and I) in is his courage and attitude. For someone who's used to performing with a helmet on, it's amazing how well he engages the audience with his countenance. We love that he's always so upbeat and we always find ourselves grinning when he and Julianne perform.

Mel's a great dancer (probably the best of the remaining stars) and her sassiness is pretty cute, but the things she's doing to make herself real and "likeable" seem a bit forced. Her moodiness doesn't give us the same feel-good vibe we get from watching Helio.

It's a tough call, but we're in Helio's camp now.

I wonder if Mel gooses her "Hoosband" when she gets home?

I think the male performers have it easier because most of the attention is on the woman. Even though the man is leading, he is leading his partner to the next step. The spotlight is on the woman. It's harder on the female contestants because they have to compete against the likes of Julianne. Helio has to get his steps right and try to keep up with J. That is my opinion based on 5 weeks of watching the show! ;)

If either Mel or Helio wins, I'll be happy.

I'm not doing a spoilers thing here for the left coast viewers.... but...






...you can wait until later to read this if you want..:cool:



...


...

...

Kenny Mayne, with that makeup, looks like a character right out of South Park. His skit was hysterical.

I don’t recall ever seeing a musical guest perform on this show (in any of the seasons), where there were no professional dancers performing. Tonight, with Avril Lavigne’s first performance, there were no dancers on the floor. Why have her on? They just can’t seem to get the musical guest part of the show right.

For Lavigne’s second number, the Cheetah chubby did her thing. I thought from day one and throughout that she was the best but after seeing her again tonight, I am so glad she’s gone. She pulled every trick out of her dance book to upstage everyone. It was like she was saying--—See… I’m still the best. Look at what you tossed off of this show.
I don’t think so Cheet-ah… by by.

That Kenny Mayne "investigation" was funny! I think he's a resident of that rehab clinic also!

Surprise...Marie made the finals and...

Jennie and Derek got the final boot of the season, which leaves in the finals...

Marie/Jonathan
Helio/Julianne
Mel B/Maks

Two observations...
1) Sabrina, about those grey shoes... what were you thinking? Those were U-G-L-Y!
2) With Marie in the finals, if she's close to the other two after the judges scores on next Monday's show - don't be surprised if on Tuesday, she steals the championship (because of the audience vote) from the two better dancing couples.

Helio is really close to the best "athlete" dancer they've had on DWTS, but what really brings us (DW and I) in is his courage and attitude. For someone who's used to performing with a helmet on, it's amazing how well he engages the audience with his countenance. We love that he's always so upbeat and we always find ourselves grinning when he and Julianne perform.

Mel's a great dancer (probably the best of the remaining stars) and her sassiness is pretty cute, but the things she's doing to make herself real and "likeable" seem a bit forced. Her moodiness doesn't give us the same feel-good vibe we get from watching Helio.

It's a tough call, but we're in Helio's camp now.
I must agree with you, at most about Helio. Talk about out of his element?! The thing that really is amazing is that Helio gets a thrill out of dancing in this show; which is one helluva testament to DWTS. Think about it, from where he comes from, auto racing is like the most important thing. I remember being a fan of formula one racing. It is on the same level as the world cup of soccer! And this auto racer gets thrilled by dancing!!! Just unbelievable to me...

He and Julianne have a tremendous attitude and are both very well likable. (I sense somewhat of a bond between all the couples, but Helio and Julianne are very much on the same wavelength (kinda?).

Great show last night. The finale when they do their freestyle is gonna be amazing and very entertaining I'm sure!

I wonder why they brought Sabrina back. Well, I guess I know why. I just thought it was a very noble thing of them to do. Also, they should invite her back to compete. I think she got scr*w*d big-time.

From where I sit last night, it's any body's game now :)

nc

Obervations about DWTS in general...

Whats the deal with Florence Henderson? Many shots of her in the crowd. Also, many camera shots of Donny. Are both these people being groomed for a stint with DWTS?

The show with Bruno and cary Anne will ruin DWTS.

What makes DWTS so great is the synergy between the pro dancers, the stars, and THE JUDGES. I'd bet that if anyone of the judges left this show, it wouldn't be as great as it is. DWTS has an awesome thing now, they shouldn't change a thing!!!

Hated seeing horse-laughing Marie getting in above Jenny, but it wasn't all that surprising.

Enjoyed Avril's performance, but didn't see Sabrina's dancing. Kenny Mayne's skit was hilarious! Was his makeup getting more and more obnoxious as the skit went on?

My wife and I also noticed Jenny's husband in the audience too.

+1 about Marie getting in above Jennie and the Bruno/Carrie Ann show. Neither of those 2 things is working for me. I like Helio too but, is he honestly the best athlete ever on DWTS? I thought Laila was pretty good; she could pull off those Latin dances. Since Jennie's husband was in the audience a few times, might we see him on the show as well? Like Harry Hamlin and Lisa Rinna, who by the way, still needs to let some air pressure out of the upper lip. Harry actually looked like an asylum inmate with his spiky hair.

I have to agree about the skit. The shot at the end with them all trying to dance had me rolling on the floor.

And I have to agree with LL3HD about Sabrina. Even though I still think she was (is) the best dancer out of all the contestants, the two of them (she and Mark) flying across the stage last night did rankle me. Maybe it's my aversion to show dancing and cabaret style but I really thought they looked foolish.

=NLK=

Pairing Julianne with smaller, athletic men (that inately can dance, obviously) is a real advantage in my opinion. I compare it somewhat to gymnastics, complex muscle and leverage movements work better with a smaller center of gravity. Now pairing Julianne with a tall man would be a real challenge for her and would probably look funny as well ;).

I missed this post the first go around. You make a good point. If Julianne wins again this year, look for them to saddle her with a more difficult partner a la Cheryl Burke this year.

Julianne with Yao Ming or Shaq. That would be a pairing!

Helio is really close to the best "athlete" dancer they've had on DWTS, but what really brings us (DW and I) in is his courage and attitude. ...

Well, technically Stacy was a WWE "athlete" so I say she was still the best "athlete". But Helio is certainly up near the top.

Here's the farewell pics for Jenny. It think that's just "tan-in-can" tan line that got exposed. No thongs this week.

http://img3.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/dee92b781b.jpg

http://img3.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/878dacd1f3.jpg

Carrie Ann looked particularly well put together Monday night so here's a pic of Carrie. I agree with the previous posters that the have a good mix of judges.

http://img3.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/9acbd3f6e1.jpg

It's a shame that Avril hides those pretty eyes behind those wooly caterpillers she has glued to her eyelids.

http://img3.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/3903151fe1.jpg

BTW, did anyone else notice Avril's reactions to the dancing during the second song, especially after it was done? To me she looked amazed at the dancing. I wonder if she had ever seen DWTS before.

BTW, did anyone else notice Avril's reactions to the dancing during the second song, especially after it was done? To me she looked amazed at the dancing. I wonder if she had ever seen DWTS before.

She watched an episode of DWTS right after she Googled David Bowie. ;)

It would be interesting to see someone like Avril sign up for DWTS, but I think that she's too big of a star. DWTS works because the "stars" are mostly obscure or a little past their primes. Having Avril will give her an unfair advantage.

At the risk of jumping too soon, here's 4 people who I'd like to see in future seasons of DWTS.

1. Cindy Crawford - she's at least 10 years past her peak in famousness.

2. Edward James Olmos

3. Roger Clemens - provided he stays retired.

4. Steffi Graf - need a female athlete in there.

BTW, did anyone else notice Avril's reactions to the dancing during the second song, especially after it was done? To me she looked amazed at the dancing. I wonder if she had ever seen DWTS before.That’s funny. I noticed that reaction too when she finished.

I thought she was surprised by the audience reaction (they were roaring), and then realizing that it was for Sabrina, not for her.

She was taken aback. I think she’s never been upstaged before, especially never before by dancers. But this goes back to my post about Sabrina showboating last night, regardless of how great she is, that was a turn off.

...If Julianne wins again this year, look for them to saddle her with a more difficult partner a la Cheryl Burke this year.;) Good point. I can see that happening. But I’d prefer to see Julianne and Cheryl go head to head with good partners, not a Larry King or a Stan Musial :p

Julianne with Yao Ming or Shaq. That would be a pairing!:eek::D

Obervations about DWTS in general...

Whats the deal with Florence Henderson? Many shots of her in the crowd. Also, many camera shots of Donny. Are both these people being groomed for a stint with DWTS?



Well, I think Donny was just as famous/beloved as Marie, probably more, back in his peak years of stardom and continuing today to whatever degree. That, coupled with Donny's strong emotional and enthusiastic reactions to his sisters dancing throughout the competition has compelled the producers to frequently highlight him in the audience. Makes for more interesting viewing, I guess.

But in general, yes, I am always very curious about who shows up in the audience. I wonder why seemingly random celebrities show up. Florence Henderson? And sitting next to her, Bart Connor? Why them?? I can see it making sense when it's someone from a program on the ABC network that they want to showcase, but not them. So why are they there in those prime spots?

I'm also curious about the non-recognizable people, particularly the ones who get the prime seats behind the judges and the ones in the back corner seen when the couples stand before the judges receiving their critiques and also those mixed among the celebrity family members on the opposite side of the dance floor. Are they all Hollywood bigwigs, with money and/or connections? How are those seats assigned? Is it lucky Ticketmaster-like random seating assignments or do you have to be connected to get those seats? Some look like aspiring starlets, yet others look like plain average folk.


These are some of the things that occupy my mind when watching DWTS. :o

...That, coupled with Donny's strong emotional and enthusiastic reactions to his sisters dancing throughout the competition...I think there’s a little too much enthusiasm between them.:eek: :rolleyes: :confused:

I remember their variety show that aired in the 70’s, they looked more comfortable as a husband and wife team than Sonny and Cher did.

but he's not nearly as good as Apolo was and he's not as good as Mel. Mel is smoking. I thought Julianne overcompensated on the 2nd routine last night...so frenetic that our eyes automatically focused on her. When I consciously focused on Helio, I wasn't very impressed.

I would tend to agree. I can understand why some think Helio is the best out there but frankly I don't think he's up to Mel's level. .............

Of course, I wouldn't be upset if either won. I just prefer Mel now that Sabrina's out.

=NLK=

I agree with these points. Helio IS good, but I've been a little perplexed with just how much praise he has gotten from the judges and even from some in this thread. It's a little much, IMHO. As a race car driver, he has natural & practiced excellent coordination with quick and precise reflexes, physical stamina, plus, his small physical frame and low center of gravity, as mentioned earlier. It wasn't such a big stretch to imagine that he would have done well in this competition despite never having danced before.

That being said, I wouldn't have a problem with him winning. He's extremely likable. But by the same token, I've really taken to Mel. Just love her to death too, she makes me smile a big smile all of the time.

Who of these two deserves to win? All depends upon your own interpretation of this obnoxiously muddled concept of a show, i.e., should it be who has shown the most growth as a dancer? or, is it the best dancer, period?

I fear that this question won't matter anyway. Marie is going to win. BAH! :(

I think there’s a little too much enthusiasm between them.:eek: :rolleyes: :confused:



HA!

I vaguely remember watching their variety show in my formative years. On stage, she was a little bit 'o country, he was a little bit 'o rock 'n roll! But backstage and in private... it was rock 'n roll ALL of the time! ;):eek::p

I fear that this question won't matter anyway. Marie is going to win. BAH! :(I hope not...hate the fact that sentiment might offset skill by that much. Frankly, it's unfair for seniors (an I'm older than she is) to have to compete with dancers in their prime, especially with the routines, they come up with. Marie's done a fantastic job...she should have, she's been in show business all her life. Were she and Mel the same age and in similar shape, she might be able to compete, but she can't now...and should be judged accordingly. Tough on the older gals, ain't I :p. Just as Apolo and Julianne were clearly the best with Joey a very close second, Mel and Max are this year notching Helio and Julianne.

Mark my words, Julianne is going to branch out, whether she can sing or not. She's dynamite in a bottle.

well, I'm announcing Marie as the winner now, in hopes that it cues a miserable failure in my attempt at prediction. :D

Let's start a rumor.....Bart Conner dumped Nadia Comenici for Florence Henderson. It has been established that Florence likes younger men. :eek:

[...
With Marie in the finals, if she's close to the other two after the judges scores on next Monday's show - don't be surprised if on Tuesday, she steals the championship (because of the audience vote) from the two better dancing couples.[/QUOTE]

I have to say that would be just a bit 'off' if Marie and Jonathan won. The judges commented that Jonathan missed some steps. I have not heard any of the professionals at this stage missing steps (at least with the final 4) I think there needs to be some type of "govenor" and what I mean is there is no way that Marie and Jonathan should win.... judges step in..
her show-woman-ship is carrying them not her dancing.

that's my thought

a little past their primes.[/B]
At the risk of jumping too soon, here's 4 people who I'd like to see in future seasons of DWTS.

1. Cindy Crawford - she's at least 10 years past her peak in famousness.

2. Edward James Olmos

3. Roger Clemens - provided he stays retired.

4. Steffi Graf - need a female athlete in there.


OK, Roger Clemens would never go on simply because that stiff chokes when it counts (whether its playoffs or being on a show that appears on live TV) and would want WAY more money...WAY TO GREEDY... NO THANKS

Your other 3 choices are terrific :)

[QUOTE...

She was taken aback. I think she’s never been upstaged before, especially never before by dancers. But this goes back to my post about Sabrina showboating last night, regardless of how great she is, that was a turn off.[/QUOTE]

Sorry Dude gotta disagree here. Sabrina got the short end of the stick. After watching her dance that night I thought they were as good if not better than the final 4. Whether you call it upstageing or whatever, she proved that all the fans that were pissed that she was voted off were right. She definetly did not deserve to go.... PERIOD.

Other than the fact she was wearing boy shorts/or whatever that was with her super chunkola legs and funny shoes... UGH

Sorry Dude gotta disagree here. Sabrina got the short end of the stick. After watching her dance that night I thought they were as good if not better than the final 4. Whether you call it upstageing or whatever, she proved that all the fans that were pissed that she was voted off were right. She definetly did not deserve to go.... PERIOD.

Other than the fact she was wearing boy shorts/or whatever that was with her super chunkola legs and funny shoes... UGH

I agree. Her performance demonstrated anew just how much better she was than everybody else and the wifey and I really enjoyed her "freestyle" with her partner/boyfriend. And, to us, she didn't look quite as chunky as before, either. Maybe she's kept up with the program in order to be in shape for the tour.

[QUOTE...

She was taken aback. I think she’s never been upstaged before, especially never before by dancers. But this goes back to my post about Sabrina showboating last night, regardless of how great she is, that was a turn off.

Sorry Dude gotta disagree here. Sabrina got the short end of the stick. After watching her dance that night I thought they were as good if not better than the final 4. Whether you call it upstageing or whatever, she proved that all the fans that were pissed that she was voted off were right. She definetly did not deserve to go.... PERIOD.

Other than the fact she was wearing boy shorts/or whatever that was with her super chunkola legs and funny shoes... UGH

LL3HD's comment about being upstaged was referring to Avril Lavigne's reaction, not Sabrina.

I agree. Her performance demonstrated anew just how much better she was than everybody else and the wifey and I really enjoyed her "freestyle" with her partner/boyfriend. And, to us, she didn't look quite as chunky as before, either. Maybe she's kept up with the program in order to be in shape for the tour.

I dunno about that, but bear in mind that she has had multiple weeks to prepare for this one dance performance whereas the current competitors only get 1 week to prepare for TWO dances.

Count me in among those that was a little turned off by her dance Tuesday night. And, I still think she's a little too "intense" as well. All of her moves are very staccato and not as graceful as they should be. It doesn't help that her body style lends itself to jerky rather than flowing movements.

;) Good point. I can see that happening. But I’d prefer to see Julianne and Cheryl go head to head with good partners, not a Larry King or a Stan Musial :p

:eek::D

You had me at "Julianne and Cheryl go head to head." :D

You had me at "Julianne and Cheryl go head to head." :D:D:D

Let's start a rumor.....Bart Conner dumped Nadia Comenici for Florence Henderson. It has been established that Florence likes younger men. :eek:

LOL!