Trav's Thoughts

I work in a cubicle environment. I enjoy my co-workers. We've got a good, lean, and highly productive crew.

But it's still a cubicle environment, and there's always one person who hasn't learned the basic etiquette required to co-exist happily. My annoyance with this person finally boiled over on Friday.

Here are a few gripes I have with this individual.

• Take your conversation away from the walk way next to my desk. It's a thru-way, not a conference area.
• Must you stand in the hallway to have your discussion? I need to get to the printer. And when I say excuse me, I really mean get the hell out of the way so I can get my copy and go back to work.
• Just because you can whistle, doesn't mean you should.
• I don't want to listen to you plan your weekend trip, especially during the time when I'm waiting for data from you so I can complete my transactions for the day and go home.
• You work in a cube next to mine...pick up the damn phone! Using your speaker phone doesn't make you important, just annoying.
• It's been quiet for five consecutive minutes. That doesn't mean you must speak random and unnecessary words simply to break the silence.

It was that last one that finally got to me. This guy just blurts out random words when he thinks it has been quiet for too long. That quiet is lovely though. He spends the day talking...whether it's for business as he works on coordinating shipments, or just generally yakking. I swear the guy chatters more than a group of tween girls at a slumber party.

I'd just like him to be quiet when he's not required by his work to talk. And I'd like him not to use his speaker phone so much. And I'd like him to forget he knows how to whistle.

Seriously, guys...if you ever have kids, please reconsider teaching them how to whistle. Or if you do teach them, please also teach them when it is appropriate to whistle and when it's not.

I just can't abide random non-business noise in such a close working environment. I don't mind a chat now and again, but for Pete's sake! Can we keep the chatter to a minimum...and can we have at least a semblance of courtesy for each other?

So I snapped. I said, "Dude, give it a rest!" I said it a little louder than I intended. Sometimes it helps to mumble it under my breath...I feel better for saying it out loud, but I don't necessarily want to provoke a confrontation.

But he heard me and he apologized. I apologized too, for snapping.

I don't know if his behavior will change. It's hard to tell because yesterday we were busy from minute one to beyond minute 480, working to get shipments organized so we can recognize as much revenue as possible for quarter end today. All chatter yesterday was business related.

But at least I put it out there, however badly, that some of his behavior is irritating.

So a word of caution to those of you who may be in a similar situation as me. Don't let it go on to the point where you snap at the co-worker who frustrates you. Speak up a little sooner, and in a friendly way, about the behavior that you're having trouble with. Hopefully they understand and are reasonable about some of the behaviors. Maybe you can strike a balance or something.

Like, I'm willing to live with the speaker phone thing, as long as he can work on eliminating the whistling and the random chatter thing.

I wish I could use headphones.

Welcome to another Manic Monday with Morgen. Don't forget to cruise by MM HQ at the Manic Monday blog. Today's theme is Rock.

I've got just a small taste of rock and roll history for you today.

The song Rock Around the Clock was written in 1952 by Max C. Freedman and James E. Myers. The song was first recorded by Sonny Dae and the Knights on 20 March 1954, with a swing/blues vibe.


Bill Haley and His Comets "rocked" the song up when they recorded it on 12 April 1954. This version is often credited as the song that brought American rock and roll front and center.


The Bill Haley version of the song is the one that hit the charts and is considered song #158 on the Rolling Stone magazine list of 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.

Farrah Fawcett lost her battle with cancer yesterday. She was 62.

I had the poster on my wall as a kid. I think I still have it folded in all my stuff. So many of the girls I knew tried to wear the hair. I watched Charlie's Angels. I thought all three of those ladies were beautiful...Kate Jackson, Jaclyn Smith, and dear Farrah. Of course Farrah was drop dead gorgeous. And to all those guys like me who were just starting to think seriously about girls...well, who needed Playboy?

Even when she did finally pose nude for the magazine in the 1990's, I didn't buy a copy. I didn't need it. I had the fantasy and my dreams, and that was more than enough for me.

But she was more than a pretty face with a great body and the hairstyle of the 1970's. After only one season as an Angel, she tried to make it in film with limited success. Ultimately she earned critical acclaim in an off-Broadway production of the play Extremeties. She followed that up with an Emmy-nominated role in the TV movie The Burning Bed. She earned two more Emmy nominations along with 6 Golden Globe nominations for her work through the years.

She was sexy and she was sweet. She was strong and she was gutsy. She fought a public battle with a devastating disease to help inspire others. Now she leaves the pain of cancer behind, and can finally be at peace.

I hate cancer.

Michael Jackson died suddenly yesterday, reportedly of cardiac arrest. He was 50.

Wow. This was obviously quite the shock. I had barely begun to process Farrah's death, and then whammo...Jacko is gone.

I remember the Jackson 5. The 7th of 9 children, Michael joined his brothers when he was 11 years old and released such chart topping hits as I Want You Back, ABC, The Love You Save, and I'll Be There. While continuing to record and tour with the Jackson 5, Michael started his solo career with singles such as Got To Be There and Ben.

Michael starred in the movie The Wiz in 1978, with long time friend Diana Ross. His next solo album project was Off The Wall, released in 1979. The album had 4 top 10 hits and was the first to do that in the US. Michael sold more than 20 million copies of OTW world wide, won 3 American Music Awards for it, won the Top Black Artist and Top Black Album at the Billboard Music awards, and he won a Grammy for Best R&B Vocal Performance.

Michael Jackson was on his way to becoming the King of Pop.

With the release of Thriller, that title was locked down. Some stats for the album:

• 80 consecutive weeks in the Billboard Top 10
• 37 weeks at #1 on the Billboard charts
• 7 Billboard Hot 100 top 10 singles, the first album ever to do so
• Certified for 28 million shipments by the RIAA, which is Double Diamond status
• World wide sales are quoted at as many as 109m copies
• Michael won 8 Grammy awards for his work
  

Thriller is an iconic piece of music history. It resonates in the world of pop music. The video for the title song is a fully realized short film, and paved the way for artists to explore more creative use of the music video medium. With this album, Michael Jackson is credited with reinvigorating the music industry.

There has been so much written and said about Michael Jackson. He was an icon in the music industry, but he was also a troubled soul. He suffered physical and emotional abuse as a child at the hands of his father. He struggled with body image. And he endured such diseases as vitiligo and lupus. His oddities have been well documented, some true and some complete fabrications either by himself or by the media.

I choose to remember Michael Jackson the singer, songwriter, musician, dancer, actor, and entertainer. He changed the way music and dance go together, and that is to be celebrated.

Be at peace, Michael.

And cue music. Welcome to



I love the jump suit, but why do they insist on covering up Cat's LEGS???? Stop it I say!

Nice work on the opening group number. Choreography was by Dmitry Chaplin with Tabitha & Napoleon D'Umo.

Let's have some encores, shall we?

Melissa and Ade had a good night with a sensuous Rumba by Tony Meredith. Click here.

Janette and Brandon kicked it with a rocking Hip Hop by Dave Scott. Click here.

Kayla and Kupono began their partnership with a lovely Viennese Waltz by Jean-Marc Genereux. Click here.

Dance of the night honors go to Randi and Evan with a quirky Contemporary by Mia Michaels. Click here.

Thom left a question in comments about barefoot dancing. The way it has been explained to me is that so much of the movement in the contemporary and lyrical pieces requires better contact with the floor. Dancing barefoot isn't generally suited to ballroom styles because the steps in most ballroom dances require a glide of the foot across the floor rather than a grip on it. Jean-Marc got away with putting Kayla and Kupono in bare feet because his Viennese Waltz had more contemporary movement in it than straight competition Waltz.

The entertainment world lost a Gentleman, a Lady, and an Icon this week with the passing of Ed McMahon, Farrah Fawcett, and Michael Jackson. I extend my sympathies to each family. Nigel speaks briefly about each, and reminds us of the impact that Michael had on music and dance.

How about some results?

Janette and Brandon are safe. Randi and Evan are safe. Jeanine and Phillip are safe. Melissa and Ade are safe. Kayla and Kupono are safe.

Asuka and Vitolio are in danger. Karla and Jonathan are in danger. Caitlin and Jason are in danger.

Oh my gosh! It's little B-Boys! Very cool! Yikes though! Two of the bigger kids threw one of the little kids about 15 feet in the air and across the stage. Hokey smokes Bulwinkle!

Solos:

Asuka - meh
Vitolio - ok
Karla - ok
Jonathan - no
Caitlin - beautiful
Jason - frantic

The solos seemed a bit disjointed and poorly designed this week. It was almost like the dancers expected to be in the bottom and didn't prepare well for the possibility. Caitlin was really the only one who seemed to understand what she needed to do. Jason looked like he was feeling the pressure.

We have The Veronicas performing while the judges discuss the solos and decide who is out. Hey! We made it a whole 15 seconds before we had to mute the sound. Not bad. Possibly a personal best even.

We did dig the stilleto heals on the boots. Anndi! Did you see the BOOTS???

Gals up first for results. Nigel says the decision is unanimous. He tells Caitlin that she is growing in confidence every week and had the best solo. She is safe. Nigel tells Karla that her solo felt desperate, that she never found her center, and that she did not have a good solo. He says that Asuka is an exciting and beautiful performer, but that she is not growing in the competition. Karla is safe.

Asuka is out.



Now the boys. Nigel says this vote is not unanimous. He tells Vitolio that he shows promise but doesn't always deliver, and must not hold back. He tells Jonathan that he had one good week, but that he does not have the dancing that is required to succeed in this competition. Nigel says that Jason's solo was full of desperation, and was not strong enough if he had been against better guys. But he is safe as is Vitolio.

Jonathan is out.



On Monday FOX will re-broadcast, as a special encore tribute, Michael Jackson night from this past season's American Idol. This was the Top 13 show. FOX has never before shown a repeat of any Idol show.

Welcome to



Nigel Lythgoe and Mary Murphy are joined at the judge table by Toni Basil.

In case the name doesn't ring a bell...remember Hey Mickey? But lest you think she's just a wacky cheerleader type, Ms Basil began her career as a choreographer way back in 1964 on the show Shindig. And she began recording at A&M Records in 1966. Ms Basil has worked on such films as Pajama Party, American Graffiti, That Thing You Do, and My Best Friend's Wedding, and with such artists as Better Midler and Tina Turner. She was also instrumental in helping to shine a big bright light on American street dance.

And welcome back my darling LEGS...I mean Cat. Heheheheee.

Let's dance, shall we?


Karla, a 23 year old Jazz/Contemporary dancer, and Jonathan, a 21 year old Salsa dancer, are paired for Hip Hop choreographed by Dave Scott. We're bringing a "gangsta" love story vibe here. Karla is quickly becoming one of my favorite gals. She's proving how versatile she is each week. She had the flavor of the character and connected with the audience. I barely noticed Jonathan was there until he had that big leap and flip. As a whole, this routine was substandard. The choreography was smooth rather than sharp, but the piece was danced without the tightness it needed. The major steps they took forward last week were erased this week. They didn't connect with each other at all. I think they let the choreography down. They lacked synchronicity and groove.


Asuka, a 25 year old Latin ballroom dancer, and Vitolio, a 26 year old Contemporary dancer, are paired for Jazz choreographed by Mandy Moore. Mandy says this is thrash rocker jazz. Rehearsal was rough. I liked Vitolio in this. I thought he held the piece together and controlled the tempo. Asuka struggled just a bit. She doesn't seem to be as versatile in styles that don't have pairs work. This was a strong performance for Vitolio. He was confident and technically outstanding. His work in the lifts was excellent. He also put together a winning performance. Asuka was a bit weak, relying heavily on Vitolio to pull her through it. The one thing I do like is the chemistry between them. It shows on stage in the way he refuses to dance beyond her. I agree with Toni that they need to let the emotion they have for each other really permeate through their dancing.


Melissa, a 29 year old Ballet dancer, and Ade, a 20 year old Contemporary dancer, are paired for Rumba choreographed by Tony Meredith. This is international style, requiring very specific technique. If they can make this look as effortless as their first two dances, they will definitely emerge as favorites in this competition. But there were some problems. There were a couple of rough exchanges, and a couple of spots where it seemed she was falling without him there to catch her. Perhaps that was by design though. I'm used to smooth Rumba, and a couple of those fast lunges and spins didn't look right to me. They had a wonderful connection with each other and their hip work was excellent. Ade is an outstanding partner. I didn't see this as effortless as the prior two weeks, but what it did have was sensuality and passion. Very well done. These two might be the most versatile dancers in the group.


Janette, a 25 year old Salsa dancer, and Brandon, a 19 year old Contemporary dancer, are paired for Hip Hop choreographed by Dave Scott. Now we have rock meets hip hop. I liked this a lot. They attacked that choreography. They worked well together, playing off each other. She surprises me every time she takes the stage because she just doesn't look like she should be so good. And Brandon is really strong. This is another terrific partnership. The choreography was terrific and they nailed the story and style. That was really impressive. Dave saw what he had, and he took full advantage of it as he made this dance. Very well done.


Kayla, an 18 year old Jazz/Contemporary dancer, and Kupono, a 23 year old Lyrical/Contemporary dancer, are paired for Viennese Waltz choreographed by Jean-Marc Genereux. For those of you who have read my Dancing with the Stars reviews, you know that I want a fairy tale from any Waltz. They danced it barefoot to heighten the dream quality in the story. As expected, Kupono's length was an advantage for him. His extensions were really nice and finished. They had a lovely section of rise and fall. And the connection between the two of them was nice. I liked the dance but I wasn't blown away by it. They had an ethereal quality that helped the flow of the dance. I disagree a bit with Nigel, because a well done Waltz can capture the fancy of an audience and create a moment. This wasn't one of those Waltz's for me, and I don't think it belonged on the Hot Tamale train, but it had elements of elegance to it. It was a good effort and very enjoyable to watch.


Randi, a 23 year old Jazz dancer, and Evan, a 22 year old Broadway dancer, are paired for Contemporary choreographed by Mia Michaels. Mia says this dance is all about the booty. Wow. That was so quirky and odd and goofy. Randi and Evan took a series of movements out of Mia's strange imagination and made them come alive in a story that is going to be different for everyone who watches it. The choreography was simple, but the performance was memorable. I couldn't take my eyes off of it. That was a clear performance piece. They made the steps live. Dancers can be completely overwhelmed by Mia's movement, but Randi and Evan had total control over it. She was sexy and cheeky, and he was locked in. I loved it. Totally geeked out on this one.


Caitlin, a 21 year old Contemporary dancer, and Jason, a 21 year old Lyrical/Contemporary dancer, are paired for Paso Doble choreographed by Jean-Marc Genereaux. The marriage of costume and music was very dramatic. Jason wasn't strong and forceful enough in his movement. He needed to lead from his chest and through his hips, and whip her through each move. This dance was a little too big for him. But Caitlin was tremendous. She had the fire and passion, and attacked her role as the bull fighter's cape. This week she was connected to the piece and seemed more confident in what she was required to do. She was able to work through several spots where he did not hold the frame, and that's got to be tough to do because you lose your timing a little bit. The dance wasn't nearly as fierce as it could have been, but it was enjoyable to watch.


Jeanine, an 18 year old Contemporary dancer, and Phillip, a 20 year old Popper, are paired for Broadway choreographed by Tyce Diorio. For the two of them, that was well done. This isn't the kind of dancing they do. But it wasn't as good as I wanted it to be. It was fun choreography and they had a good time with it. Jeanine did a great job of playing the character in the dance. Phillip embraced the style, and you can tell that he's really working hard to get the steps and understand the technique. But he's at a disadvantage due to the lack of training, and it shows. He moves through the dance, but just misses on conveying story and character because he's not able to finish off movement and make it look easy. Jeanine outshines him, especially in a dance like this, because she understands how to do that.

I still think this is one of the most talented groups we've had. But I think the differentiating factor amongst the couples is versatility. Each of these dancers is amazing at their own style. But the key is going to continue to be which of them can embrace varied styles, and excel within that choreography.

My votes stayed with Randi and Evan this week. Pam rotated between those two, Melissa and Ade, and Janette and Brandon.

Tune in tonight for results!

Congratulations to LSU. They beat Texas last night to win the College World Series and the national championship of college baseball.

Ed McMahon died yesterday. He was 86.

Mr McMahon was a Marine fighter pilot during World War II. He was also an instructor pilot and a test pilot for a time. He was in the Reserves after WWII until he was called back to serve in Korea where he flew 85 missions in O-1E Bird Dogs. These are unarmed tactical air control aircraft that fly spotting missions for artillery. He retired as a Colonel in the Reserves in 1966. Mr McMahon eventually was commissioned Brigadier General in the California Air National Guard.

Mr McMahon is probably best known as Johnny Carson's "sidekick" for 30 years. We all know the "Heeeeeeeeeeeeeere's Johnny" introduction.

He was also the host of Star Search for 12 years, as well as the presenter and spokesperson for American Family Publishers sweepstakes. For many years he may have been as synonymous with Budweiser beer as the Clydesdale horses.

I'll remember watching him every Labor Day as the co-host of the Muscular Distrophy Association telethon. He worked with Jerry Lewis in front of the camera for 41 years. Mr McMahon was the one who introduced the corporate sponsors, and interrupted Jerry often during the last few hours of the show as the millions piled up. He often walked over in the last hour to remind Jerry of the last year's total, before calling for that final timpani and the rolling of Jerry's coveted $1 more than the previous year.

Mr McMahon's passing really hit me hard yesterday. Jerry Lewis, Ed McMahon, and the telethon have been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. My mom taught me that honor is in the act of service rather than the type of service. The telethon reinforced that lesson, and provided the first place where I could learn to serve. And when my choice to serve as a Marine was lost, I had the telethon to remind me that I could still make a difference.

Mr Lewis, MDA national chairman, said yesterday, "Ed was a dear, dear friend. We were always making jokes, cracking each other up. He cared deeply about people with muscle diseases. On the Telethon, he was my right-hand man – it’s hard to imagine doing the show without him. Ed also performed many services for MDA behind the scenes. Of the thousands of celebrities who’ve helped ‘my kids’ during the last 50-plus years, none has given more, and given more gladly, than Ed McMahon."

I was watching the first game of the best 2 of 3 series between LSU and Texas for the College World Series championship last night. In the bottom of the 4th inning, Travis Tucker hit a home run! I don't have to spell out why that's cool, do I? My name is Travis, and my kitty is Mr Tucker...heheheheheee!

They played the game in over 100 degree heat. And they were having trouble finding dry balls. Bwahahahahahahahaaaa! The ball bags were soaked through. Heheheheheheheheeee! The umpires couldn't figure out how best to dry out the balls. Giggle-snort! The coaches and the umps met between innings to discuss the sweaty balls. Bwahahahahahahahaaa!



What???? I'm a guy. That's some funny stuff! It's like a scene out of Bull Durham.

I got my 22 June issue of Sports Illustrated in the mail and Kobe is on the cover. It's his 15th appearance on the cover, dating back to 27 April 1998, when he appeared with Magic Johnson. I have every one of those magazines. Of course, Michael Jordan has been on the cover 56 times going back to 28 Nov 1983. I have all those magazines too. In fact, I have every SI magazine since 1983. That's over 1300 issues.


Jordan has the most SI cover appearances by an individual athlete. The NY Yankees have 66 covers as a team, which is the most team covers by 2 over the LA Lakers. Sports Illustrated published the first edition on 15 Aug 1954, with Milwaukee Braves slugger Eddie Matthews on the cover.



We came late to the phenomenon, but Pam has finished both Twilight and New Moon by Stephanie Meyer. She's got Eclipse and Breaking Dawn on deck. She says she has enjoyed the books. She likes the characters, especially Bella. Pam said she appreciated that Ms Meyer has developed a character who is not your typical teenage girl with a crush. Pam thinks that is what has made the books appealing to such a widely divergent audience. And yes, I will eventually try them, but at the moment I'm in full on Harry Potter mode, anticipating the release of The Half Blood Prince in theaters on 15 July.



I did lousy in science when I was in school. I just never had that much of an interest. But I'm a geek for it as I get older. Did you see this NASA image yesterday?



It's the eruption of Sarychev Peak in the Kuril Islands, captured from space on 12 June.

One of the fondest series of memories I have from growing up is how much my mom and sis and I enjoyed watching musicals together. From the Wizard of Oz to The Sound of Music to anything from Gene Kelly to Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and Dr Doolittle and Willy Wonka. Back then you had to wait until they came on tv because it was before HBO and video players. Boy, we sure were lucky when we got that first BetaMax and could go to the rental place and get all our favorite musicals! (Yes, I said BetaMax. We had one of those before VHS won the day.)

One of my all time favorite performers from those movies is Anthony Newley. Thanks to Jamie from Duward Discussion for putting Mr Newley in my head last night. His voice is silky smooth, and he was always so funny to watch.





BTW...LSU won the game 7-6 in 11 innings. The Tigers are 1 win away from the national championship of college baseball.

Welcome to another Manic Monday with Morgen. Don't forget to cruise by MM HQ at the Manic Monday blog. Today's theme is Pop.

Today I give you one of my favorite snacks.



Oh hey...my pal Hope is doing some good work in support of our troops serving in Iraq. She's working now on trying to secure some toasters and crock pots to send over there. You can read about it at Hope Radio.

If you've helped out in the past, thanks. If you are able to help with this, thanks also.

I belong to a Yahoo group with my Soul Patrol pals. We've kept our group together for more than three years now. Some of us blog, and some of us chat, and some of us post more to the group than others. But we all check in now and again and keep in touch.

All due to a gray haired soul man we met in January 2006.



Why do I tell you that?

Because someone has decided that since I belong to one Yahoo group, that I want to belong to 100 other Yahoo groups. I keep getting emails from assorted unknown individuals. They aren't standard spam emails so they aren't getting caught in my spam filter. And I can't figure out how to unsubscribe to them.

So I mark them as spam without opening them and then empty my spam filter periodically.

But I am getting a bit irritated with the subject matter.

See, the emails I'm getting from all these people are from Yahoo groups that spread pornography. And from some of the messages in the subject box, it's pretty nasty stuff too.

So Mr Federal Agent, please take into consideration the fact that I didn't ask for any of it, or search any of it out.

I really did not ask for any of those emails that have "barely legal" in the subject line. And I really did not ask for any of the ones that talk about what certain gals enjoy down on the farm. I didn't ask for any of them.

Please don't arrest me.

Sincerely,
Travis

Welcome to Chapter 7 of my feature. I'm on a quest to fight the crippling effects of chronic pain from an old knee injury by getting outside as much as I can, either to walk or to go on day trips. You can trace my journey by clicking here.

So normally I would show you pictures of someplace that I walked by myself or that Pam and I enjoyed together. But this week I thought I would give you the bucket list of Feets.

Here are some of the places I'd like to go and things I'd like to do before I kick, in no particular order. This is by no means a comprehensive list...just a taste.

One of these days I'll have my own pictures of these places, rather than Google images. Wonder if I'll still be blogging. HA!

Welcome to



I was a bit nervous most of the day waiting for results tonight. My favorite, Evan, danced first with his partner Randi. And while I loved their Jive, they took some hits from the judges. I know Evan has had the favor of the judges throughout auditions and Vegas week, but you just never know how the fans are going to go.

So I'm nervous for my boy.

Anyway, here are my favorite dances from the performance show on Wednesday.

Of course, Randi and Evan's Jive makes the list. I couldn't find a short clip. And again, I don't care if technically it was a bit off. It made me smile. It was fun. It entertained me. Click here.

The Disco from Janette and Brandon was so fast and very well performed. I watched it back and it was even better than I remembered. Click here.

Some said the Waltz from Asuka and Vitolio wasn't memorable, but it gave me chills. Watching it back, I saw the technical flaws. But the dance wasn't about technique for me. It was about the emotional moment they created together. Click here.

I think I'll call dance of the night for Karla and Jonathan. She is really beautiful and he surprised me by how he was there for her in every movement. Click here.

Sometimes the technique is going to be important to me. Bad technique can ruin a dance that relies on technical excellence to convey the character and emotion of the choreography. But there are other times when slips and stumbles and flawed technique don't count as much as the energy and performance value.

Did your favorite dancer make you smile? Then that can be good enough. We're looking for America's favorite dancer after all.

And here come our top 18 candidates in a group number choreographed by Mia Michaels. Wow. That was really cool.

Hey! Who in wardrobe thought it was a good idea to cover up Cat's beautiful LEGS LEGS LEGS LEGS with pants????? Don't EVER do that again!

We have a nice little video montage of Lil C using as many syllables as he possibly can. The audience is as confused as I was.

Results time!

Melissa and Ade are safe. Jeanine and Phillip are safe. Janette and Brandon are safe. Karla and Jonathan are safe. Randi and Evan are safe. Asuka and Vitolio are safe.

Caitlin and Jason are in danger. Ashley and Kupono are in danger. Kayla and Max are in danger.

This is a strong bottom three that got caught up in struggles with dance style and choreography.

And we find out that Evan's brother Ryan has made it to Vegas for season 6. YAY!

Before solos, we have a demonstration of Indian dance. I can't pronounce or spell the lady's name. The dance was quite enjoyable. I really like this feature of showing us dance from around the world.

Solos:

Caitlin - sublime
Jason - excellent
Ashley - ok
Kupono - weird
Kayla - excellent
Max - ok

The judges go discuss while Kristinia DeBarge performs. I'm gonna guess that Ashley and Max are out.

Let me just say...if you can't sing while you're dancing, then don't dance. Hell, if you can't walk while you're singing, then maybe develop some breath control so you can actually sing when you perform on a live stage.

The judges are back.

First the girls. Nigel says the judges are not unanimous. He tells Caitlin that her quality of movement was really good. He says that Ashley had Hollywood glamour but no substance to her solo work. He suggests that Kayla's solo was crowded and that she needs to focus on the flow of her movement.

And Ashley is out.



Now the guys. Again the decision is not unanimous. Nigel tells Jason that his solo was exceptionally strong and the best so far this season, and he is safe. He tells Kupono that there wasn't enough substance to his solo, but that he is different and is an intelligent dancer who is able to capture character and convey it very well. Nigel appreciates Max's hard work, but finds him limited in his ballroom style.

And Max is out.



Now this means that Kayla and Kupono will team up next week, as they both lose their partners.

And then there were 8 couples, and 16 dancers left. Catch ya next week!

Welcome to...



Judges tonight are Nigel Lythgoe and Mary Murphy, joined by Lil C. One thing to remember about Lil C is that he is wordy and sometimes his point gets missed in all the extra syllables.

OK? Here we go!


Randi Evans, a 23 year old Jazz dancer, and Evan Kasprzak, a 21 year old Broadway dancer, are paired in a Jive choreographed by Louis van Amstel. The key word for Jive is fun! Technically the dance wasn't great. But it also wasn't awful. They had a good time and their personalities really came across. Randi had so much bounce in her step, and Evan again proved he's a terrific partner. Louis put a lot of cheekiness into the choreography, including some tushy grabbing. Mary really picked on technique, and I agree with Nigel that Evan's footwork was a bit heavy. Both judges had some very high expectations of Evan and they seemed disappointed that he didn't live up to them, at least in their opinions. But I still loved the routine because it was...uhm...FUN...which is what Jive should be. And that jump over Randi...terrific!


Melissa Sandvig, a 29 year old Ballet dancer, and Ade Obayomi, a 20 year old Contemporary dancer, are paired in a Jazz dance choreographed by Sonya Tayeh. Last week they made smooth movement look effortless and beautiful. This week they take staccato and sharp movement and make it look equally effortless. But as well as they did the movements, I didn't connect as well with this piece. The music bothered me. I definitely like these two dancers, but I can't say I liked that routine. They both dance with such confidence and strength. And technically they are tremendous. They compliment one another. This is a terrific pairing. My trouble with the dance was more with the choreography. I usually enjoy Sonya, but not this time. Lil C did suggest that everyone else may be chasing Ade. Possibly.

Caitlin Kinney, a 21 year old Contemporary dancer, and Jason Glover a 21 year old Lyrical/Contemporary dancer are paired in a Hip Hop dance choreographed by Shane Sparks. Jason pulled my focus again. He commands the stage. He seems to have a star quality. I wasn't impressed with Caitlin this week. She wasn't able to hit the moves as hard, and that detracted from the connection between the two of them. They just weren't able to bring this dance together. Jason carried the piece. They did so well last week in the Bollywood number with sharp movements and excellent synchronicity. But that did not carry into this number. Collectively, the piece wasn't as good as I wanted it to be. But individually, Jason was excellent while Caitlin was fair.


Janette Manrara, a 25 year old Salsa dancer, and Brandon Bryant, a 19 year old Contemporary dancer, are paired in Disco choreographed by Doriana Sanchez. Wow that was fast! High energy. Lots of personality. Out of control tricks. Janette's flexibility added to the excellent execution of the lifts and tricks. And they both attacked the choreography. This is one of the better disco pieces I've seen on the show. There was a moment in the middle third where it kind of bogged down. A few of the connections between movements weren't smooth. And she had a bit of a slip or trip. But they picked it back up again toward the end. Janette was fearless in the overhead lifts. And Brandon's strength carried the day in that piece. Well done.


Asuka Kondoh, a 25 year old Latin Ballrooom dancer, and Vitolio Jeune, a 26 year old Contemporary dancer, are paired in a Waltz choreographed by Louis van Amstel. That was breathtaking. Louis made a deeply personal dance, and these dancers breathed life into the steps. They connected with each other, with the movement, with the music, and with me. It was quiet, emotional, and vulnerable. It was so much more than the fairy tale I expect from a Waltz. This piece was danced from within. And when dancers come from that center, from that home, the dance lives. Congratulations and thank you Louis, Asuka, and Vitolio. Bravo, brava, bravo.


Kayla Radomski, an 18 year old Jazz/Contemporary dancer, and Max Kapitannikov, a 26 year old Latin Ballroom dancer, are paired in a Pop/Jazz dance choreographed by Brian Friedman. The story is supposed to be about a princess and an evil prince trying to steal her throne. I did not like the costumes or the music. I didn't think that Max was strong in this number. He didn't seem to have any extension...almost like he couldn't be bothered to finish the movement. I did like Kayla. This kind of dance seemed to suit her very well. I didn't think I was going to like her at first, but she is so talented that she just draws me in. But I didn't really understand the dance. For me, it turned into an opportunity to watch Kayla dance rather than a cohesive piece between two dancers and the choreography.


Karla Garcia, a 23 year old Jazz/Contemporary dancer, and Jonathan Platero, a 21 year old Salsa dancer, are paired in a Contemporary dance choreographed by Stacey Tookey. My pal Anndi tells me that Stacey comes to us from SYTYCD Canada. Click here to see a bit of that work. This piece was very well done. What I enjoyed were some of the subtleties of the movement, like the way Karla drew her legs up during a few of the lifts. Those small details make the piece more accessible. Jonathan was a revelation. He buried himself in the character and the movement. He was there for her in every lift, and his body positions were instinctive. They became one dancer within this choreography, perfectly balanced and beautifully expressed. And Stacey...brava my dear. My pal Anndi said of Stacey's choreography, "...the routines reflect life...moments in time, snapshots taken at very specific points in relationships." I wish I had said that.


Jeanine Mason, an 18 year old Contemporary dancer, and Phillip Chbeeb, a 20 year old Popper, are paired in an American Tango choreographed by Tony Meredith. I'm very nervous for Phillip in this dance. I'm just not sure about how well he can take this kind of specific and technical choreography. The thing I appreciated was that they committed to the style. They worked hard at it. Tango is so difficult to do well. They had the aggressive attitude, and they were able to pull off some intricate steps and a couple of really tough lifts. But I can't call it a good Tango. It was a good effort, but technically it just wasn't well done. Janette had a few good moments, but in this kind of style the woman needs the man to be a strong lead. And Phillip wasn't able to get there.


Ashley Valerio, a 22 year old Contemporary dancer, and Kupono Aweau, a 23 year old Lyrical/Contemporary dancer, are paired in a Hip Hop dance choreographed by Shane Sparks. I didn't like that. Dammit. I wanted to. It didn't seem to have any continuity to it. They danced well in spots, and poorly in other spots. I didn't think Ashley hit it as hard as she needed to, and I didn't think Kupono ever looked comfortable in the routine. She was supposed to be his shadow, but I didn't see that story anywhere in the performance of the choreography. It just didn't work for me at all.

Did the dancing fall off this week from a great opening last week? I think we had some dancers work in styles that weren't familiar to them. In some cases they were able to overcome the unfamiliar movement and make the dances work. In other cases, they weren't.

And that is another thing I love about the show. It offers so many varied opportunities for dancers to experience the art, learn the technique, and hone the craft of dance.

The dancers last week set the bar so high. It's tough to top that week after week. So perhaps there has been a dip. But that just means there is opportunity to rise again next week.

My votes went to Randi and Evan. Pam rotated her votes between Randi and Evan, Asuka and Vitolio, and Karla and Jonathan. She's not really settled on any pair yet, so she went with the dances she enjoyed most.

Tune in tonight for results. And remember to leave any questions you might have in comments and I'll try to answer them in tomorrow's results post.