Archive for March, 2009

LINDY HOP ROCKS! 

LEN’S IN A SMOKY BAR… WITH HIS IMAGINARY FRIEND

BRUNO WANTS HIS PIZZA CRISPIER

THE GEEKS SHALL INHERIT THE EARTH!

With Barbie Skeletor gone, I breathe a sigh of relief.  My initial thoughts on tonight’s show… a double elimination week will do us viewers some good.  There are at least two couples who need to retire those dancing shoes.  A first impression, Samantha Harris looked LOVELY this evening!  Too bad that she had a cold, although and her voice sounded kinda sexy husky. 

Here’s my nagging  and praising for this week’s couples:

  They did a BANG UP job with this Lindy Hop performance, and I don’t mean the bang on Chelsie’s head when Ty dropped her on it in practice!  They had power, precision, beat, smiles, lifts and just everything this dance needed.  I think, by far, that Ty Murray is the most improved of all of the dancers in this competition to date.  Great job!  Scores: 9-8-8

Well, I disagree with the judges.  They gave this couple a 5-5-5 last week and the same score this week.  However, this week’s dance was visibly improved.  I understand, for Steve, that going through a recovery process is difficult.  Adding pressure to perform atop of that is difficult.  But, this is what he signed-on for and this is what he must rise to.  Steve, if you make it to next week, let’s forgo the baggage and focus on what it means to be alive: DANCE!  Scores: 5-5-5.    

The only thing I liked about Steve and Karina was the rehearsal video.  What are those do-hickies called that they are riding, anyway?  It was hysterical to see his little “publicity tour on wheels.”  To see Karina on one was even funnier.  What is up with Karina’s perm?  I HATE IT.  It looked horrible last week and even worse this week.  Babe… get the hair relaxer in and go back to your normal do.  What does Maks think about the poodle on your head?   Scores:4-4-4 (2 points higher than last week).

Overall, I enjoyed the dance and the rehearsal video.  But, and a HUGE BUT it is, nothing emotionally grabbed me about this couple this week.  Dance is art; art is emotion.  As any mathematician would agree, hence dance is emotion.  That was lacking for me here.  But, they deserve to continue on and show us what more they’ve got.  Scores: 8-8-9. 

I loved Melissa on The Bachelor and I love her on Dancing With the Stars.  She’s just adorable.   She really tried hard in her rehearsal and gave it her best on-stage tonight.  It was my favorite Lindy Hop of the night (hear me, Julianne?  My favorite!) Scores: 10-9-10.

If you read my DWTS updates, you know that Lil’ Kim is not my favorite.  In the rehearsal tape, I was already gagging myself with a spoon over her on-going need to suck in all the attention she can get by trying to act all sexy-like.  Then, I was distracted between “Argen-TYNE” vs. “Argen-TEEN” pronunciation issues between everybody.  If you know which one is correct, do leave a comment.  But, then.. the dance.  I’d be a liar if I didn’t say that I LIKED IT.  Yes, I liked it.  I loved that one move when she goes up and off of Derek’s left side with one leg extended and the other bent in.  Lovely.  Her footwork wasn’t perfect, but it was good.  I agree with Len, the chemistry wasn’t quite there… but, the dancing was.  Scores:  9-8-10

“Little Lenny Hardbutt” and I agree on this dance.  It lacked passion and power.  In many ways, I felt Edyta was leading Lawrence and not the other way around.  The lifts were lovely.  Edyta’s lines were perfect.  But, they always are.  I wanted to see something more from Lawrence.  I was a bit disappointed.  Scores: 7-5-7.

Poor Bruno, I think he has an insatiable crush on Gilles.  He leaps out of his chair and just goes on and on about Gilles.  Bruno, I’m right there with you, Bro!   He’s a little hottie-pah-tottie!  His dancing was excellent.  And, it’s not because he’s handsome.  It’s because he got the kick flicks, the leg work, the steps, and the drama.  He just gets it.  As Carrie Ann mentioned how lucky his wife is, I agreed.  I just hope that Cheryl is able to keep that line of professionalism in tact and not have a severe crush on this French BABE!  She did a great job with his training.   The scores were well deserved: 10-10-10. 

 Yet another rehearsal film of Holly whining.  I can’t take it!  It’s like nails on the chalkboard.  Some strained muscles on the rib and she acts like it’s the end.  Ugh.  Frustration.  So, the dance…. half of it on a bar stool that she can’t even manage to sit on without falling off.  Then, we get to hear about and view her bruises, a result from all of her hard work.  HELP ME!  I just can’t take it… especially her annoying as heck nervous laugh (heh-heh-heh).  Eliminate her!  Save us all!  All I can say is… Poor Dimitri. Scores: 5-6-5 

They did a Lindy Hop Dance Performance to the theme from American Bandstand.  Man, I miss that show!  That, and Soul Train, were my favorite to watch on the weekends when I was growing up.  Their dance was pretty darn good.  In my opinion, David did lose the timing on a few of the steps which were noticeable.  But, as an overall performance, I think they did a good job and deserve to remain in the competition.  Scores: 8-7-7

I was truthfully completely bored in the rehearsal video learning about Chuckie’s scar and his fear of falling on his head.  Jules should have stuck with the choreography and helped him face this fear.  The viewers, seeing her taking it out to appease him, were left with nothing to applaud him for.   I guess you do these things when you’re in love.  Onto the dance.  It reminded me too much of her prior Lindy Hop performances.  I was bored and saw nothing new with it.  They did just fine and I’m not saying it was a bad dance… I was just bored.  Scores: 8-7-7

For more commentary on this week’s DWTS, visit Apooo’s Site… she’s got tons of good conversation on everything!  

Author:       Alan Bennett

Publisher:    Picador/MacMillan

ISBN:          978-0-312-42764-1

Website:      Click HERE

 Type:         Fiction:Novella

Pages:        120 Softcover

Purchase:    $9.41 @ Amazon.com (HERE)

The Story

“When her corgis stray into a mobile library parked near Buckingham Palace, the Queen feels duty-bound to borrow a book. Discovering the joy of reading widely (from J. R. Ackerley, Jean Genet, and Ivy Compton-Burnett to the classics) and intelligently, she finds that her view of the world changes dramatically. Abetted in her newfound obsession by Norman, a young man from the royal kitchens, the Queen comes to question the prescribed order of the world and loses patience with the routines of her role as monarch. Her new passion for reading initially alarms the palace staff and soon leads to surprising and very funny consequences for the country at large.”

(Above excerpt is from the cover of The Uncommon Reader)

The Review

My friend, Lisa, lent me this book after our book club meeting last week.  From the looks of her review, I believe she enjoyed it.  One of the things that she states in her review is that the reader can see themselves in the Queen, herself.  I could totally relate when her reading appetite increases. 

Overall, this quick little royal jaunt is about how the Queen of England, quite frankly by accident, starts reading literature.  One after another, she devours them up.  Her interest in reading becomes such a part of her persona that there are other aspects of her life that she tends to allow to hold less importance for her.  As you can imagine, others around her discourage this change and attempt to alter her path.

One thing that the Queen discovers is that there is a writer inside of her that needs to emerge as a result of this reading.  Bravo, Queenie!

What made this novella enjoyable for me were some of the terrific quotes in there:

” ‘… Books are not about passing time.  They’re about other lives.  Other worlds.  Far from wanting time to pass, Sir Kevin, one just wishes one had more of it.  If one wanted to pass the time one could go to New Zealand.’ “

“Books did not defer.  All readers were equal, and this took her back to the beginning of her life.”

“Authors, she soon decided, were probably best met within the pages of their novels, and as much creatures of the reader’s imagination as the character in their books.  Nor did they seem to think one had done them a kindness by reading their writings.  Rather they had done one the kindness by writing them.”

“You don’t put your life into your books.  You find it there.”

I am finding that I am enjoying the “novella.”  With two being reviewed this week, I enjoy the speed and conciseness of the novella.  This was a particularly charming book and because I am an avid reader, I could relate.

On Sher’s “Out of Ten Scale:”

As you will see in my review of Disquiet, I have really only read and reviewed two novellas and they both are fiction.  I think I preferred Disquiet to The Uncommon Reader, although I did like this book. Consequently, the genre Fiction:Novella, I am going to rate this book an 8 OUT OF 10. 

My thanks to my pal, Lisa, for the “reader’s” read!

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I invite everybody to participate in the weekly MEME and write about any movies, television or big screen, that you’ve seen over the past week and write about it.  Please feel free to use the above logo photo in your post and/or link back to the site.  I will post every Sunday Night or Monday Morning on the movie I’ve seen from the past week.  I’m hoping that there are other movie buffs out there who will enjoy the MEME as much as I’m hoping to!  The only small request that I have is that you rate the movie out of 5 bags of popcorn (so, 1 bag out of 5, 2 bags out of 5, and so on). 

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This Week It’s About You…

There are two really great Monday’s Movie reviews this week. 

The first one is by Carrie from Books & Movies and it’s on Marley & Me.  Now on DVD, you can catch it.  My review of the movie is posted HERE.

The second one is by Wendy from Musings of a Bookish Kitty and it’s a movie review of Twilight… aaahhh the movie is still playing over and over at my house!  My review of this movie is posted HERE.

The third one is by Capsette at The Narrative Casuality…. she’s a new blogger for me to meet!  She did a review on Confessions of a Shopaholic.  She found the MEME through Wendy’s site.  Go on over and check out her review!

I didn’t get to watch either a DVD nor an in-theatre this week.  But, I look forward to your reviews and wish you all a Happy Monday! 

Here’s Mr. Linky.  Please add your post so that the readers can read your reviews! 

Please add your reviews into Mr. Linky!

I’m feeling a bit “bluesy” this week.  I just can’t seem to get out of my funk.  So, I’m keeping my head down and just scootin’ right along on my path.  But, here’s this week’s wrap up:

This Week’s Reads

This week, I read and reviewed:

8th Confession by James Patterson

B as in Beauty by Alberto Ferreras

I have also read and written two reviews to post this upcoming week: The Uncommon Reader and Disquiet.  I am currently reading  The Prosecution Rests and am enjoying it so far.

On a quick note, Jennifer of The Literate Housewife Review got me started on a little “seal of approval” path!  I’m kinda excited about it.  For the books that achieve a 10 out of 10 in the review, they will be given my seal of approval:

I got a couple of goodies in: Coventry by Helen Humphreys and Sunnyside Blues by Mary Carter.

Awards

The Zombie Chicken Award

Cluckity-Cluck… I got an award this week from Alyce at At Home With Books.   I’m thrilled and delighted… thanks, Alyce!  If you don’t subscribe to her blog, my only question is WHY THE HECK NOT?   The award comes with this description:

“The blogger who receives this award believes in the Tao of the zombie chicken – excellence, grace and persistence in all situations, even in the midst of a zombie apocalypse. These amazing bloggers regularly produce content so remarkable that their readers would brave a raving pack of zombie chickens just to be able to read their inspiring words. As a recipient of this world-renowned award, you now have the task of passing it on to at least 5 other worthy bloggers. Do not risk the wrath of the zombie chickens by choosing unwisely or not choosing at all…”

 My awardees for the Zombie Chicken Award go to great gals whose blogs I adore!

• Dar at Peeking Between the Pages
• Carrie at Books & Movies
• Anna at Diary of an Eccentric
• Jennifer of The Literate Housewife Review

THURSDAY’S THOUGHTS 

I finally announced a winner for Thursday’s Thoughts and Molly at My Cozy Book Nook won.  But, I’m topic challenged.  If you have a good Question of the Week… or, Molly… you can give me one… I’ll get another Thursday’s Thoughts posted this week.

OTHER CONTESTS 

I am hosting a giveaway for Laura Rider’s Masterpiece.  It’s a funky read that will give you something to write about!

Guess what?  I AM SOOOO STOKED!  I am giving away THREE (Wooo Whoooo) copies of Follow Me  just after the Laura Rider contest is over!  Can you believe it?  It was a 10 out of 10 book and I’m so excited about this giveaway!

READING CHALLENGES

For “Just For the Love Of It Reading Challenge” and “J. Kaye’s 100+ Book Challenge,” I’ve read 39 books so far year-to-date.  WOW… that means that I’m 39% done with J. Kaye’s Challenge and we’re only 24.46% done with the year.  I’m ahead by 14.54%.  Yippee! 

For the participants of  the Just For the Love of It Challenge, please remember to link your review posts for March HERE.  I’ve been reading some great reviews on the Mr. Linky List.  For some good recommendations, you can go to the sidebar and click onto a month and check out what’s been linked. 

Next month is our final month of the challenge.  But, remember, this is a NO PRESSURE challenge.  Delete what you want, add what you want!  Read for the love of it!

At Home & On TV

Dancing With The Stars was interesting this week and, as such, I’ve posted about my thoughts on it (HERE).  American Idol was better than the prior week.  Thanks for the comments on both show posts, guys!  I just loved Smokey Robinson!   

I was tied, bound and gagged and forced to watch Twilight, which made Monday’s Movie’s post.  I have no idea what I’m going to watch and review about for this Monday. 

I made those margaritas at the book club meeting and Lisa posted a GORGEOUS (…not) picture of me and my 5 chins!   Yeah… looking HOT!  Gonna land me a MAAAN lookin’ like that!  Hee Hee.  And, get this… she has the picture right under a title that says “Cheap Entertainment.”  The 5-chinned, cheaply entertaining BABE-A-LICIOUS!  Hee Hee.  In all seriousness, I had a blast (and she wasn’t calling me “cheap”… I’m teasing).  Lisa was a great host!  The food was awesome.  The ladies were nicer than nice.  I got to hang with Lisa for a while afterwards and lounge on her comfy couch.  She’s a total gem of a friend.  I really like her very much.  We’re going to the UCLA BookFair with some other bloggers in April.  It’s great to know her and be a part of the book club.

I refereed today.  I was resentful about it.  There are a lot of little naggy things that are bothering me about it.  But, I only have to do 2 more and I’ve done my volunteer work for the season.  So, I should just shut my pie-hole and be a good girl!  What I really want to do is coach!  I’m thinking maybe in the Fall?  Oh, and the twins blew their game today.  It was like Groundhog Day and a near repeat of last week.  Sad Sad Sad.   I had to bring snacks today and there’s nothing like lugging 40 pounds of ice, drinks and snacks like 1,000 miles away from your car.  That’s it!  I need a MMAAANNN to do these things. 

But, aaahhhh…. all of my frustration was soon relieved when I hit Happy Nails Salon.  My fill and pedicure were simply delightful.  I had a nice tea latte, my book, my twins nearby behaving (for once in their little lives), and the solace of my feet being soaked in hot, sudsy water.  Aaaahhhhh…. I swear, this is one of the only luxuries in life that I will ever need!

I battled it out with CitiMortgage this week on my Loan Modification.  It’s still in process.  In the meantime, I’m trying to stay on track with school and money and trying to find a little more peace.  My friend Lori says that it will come with more prayer.  So… I’m all about prayer tomorrow and some much needed R & R. 

Thanks, all, for reading not only this post, but the others as well.   Your readership means the world to me!

The writer in you, should meet Laura Rider…

Win a Copy of Laura Rider’s Masterpiece!

Click HERE to enter!