Trav's Thoughts

Next week I'll be decorating for Halloween at my new office cube.  I've got a great canvas with the two windows behind me, including the ledge.  I'm looking forward to it.

That has absolutely nothing to do with Set 88. 

I'm so tired from quarter end that I'm getting goofy.

What?

Stop laughing!

I am NOT goofy anyway!  I'm silly.  There's a difference.

Wait...now you distracted me.  

Oh never mind.  It's late.  Or, it was late when I put this Set together. 

Wait...now I'm confuzzled! 

I'm tired.  I have to get up early.  No, it's Friday when you're reading this.  I got up early today.  But I got up early yesterday too.

Wait...

I guess it's settled then...I'm goofy.

You can probably figure this out about Set 88.  Yes, the central theme is water.  But the deeper meaning is the impact the element can have on a life.

Have a great weekend!

Brandy You're a Fine Girl, as performed by Looking Glass


Montego Bay, as performed by Bobby Bloom


Yellow River, as performed by Christie


Beach Baby, as performed by First Class


Baby the Rain Must Fall, as performed by Glenn Yarbrough


If you'd like to join in, here are the guidelines:

1. Grab the banner, make your post title Five on Friday, and be sure to link back here.

2. Go to Playlist.com to make your Set of five songs. You may choose a particular theme to share with us, or post random tunes if that's your vibe for the day. You can simply post the Set, or you can add a little summary about what you are sharing.

2a. Don't feel restricted by the tracks listed on Playlist.com. And don't be discouraged if the Embed code won't work. You're welcome to use any type of media to share your Sets.

3. Be sure to sign Mr Linky so everyone can visit your Set.

4. No tags, but feel free to invite your friends to play along if they need a post topic on a Friday.

Go forth and enjoy music!

Actor Betty Buckley said, "Everything good that I know was taught to me by great teachers and I feel like giving back and sharing the technique is the thing to do."

She was talking about acting, but the sentiment applies to us all as we move through life.  We all learned from someone.  And if we're paying attention, we're open to learning something new every day.  

Reason 35:  I blog for peace because it is both a way to keep learning from others, and a way to share some of what I know.

I believe that words have power, so this matters. 

 

Reason 36:  Because Share the Land, written by Burton Cummings and Kurt Winter, released in 1970 by The Guess Who

It's encores and results live from Hollywood!

I think many of our pairs felt the pressure of having only 4 days of rehearsal time to learn this week's dance, as opposed to 3 weeks leading up to the first show.  Many of them had trauma and drama in rehearsal.  Most pulled it together and gave credible performances.  A few struggled.  And a couple really stood out as contenders.

Everyone is going to have to get used to it though, because that's the reality through the next 8 weeks. 

Here are the performances we enjoyed.

We thought the Quickstep from Kristin and Mark was charming, despite Len's irritation with breaking the hold, which is a no no.  Click here if the video doesn't play.


We thought that the Jive from Rob and Cheryl was fun, particularly once the light went on for Rob about a third of the way through.  Click here if the video doesn't play.


We enjoyed the West Coast Swing flavor of the Jive from Ricki and Derek.  I couldn't find a short clip, so you can go forward to about 1:30.  Click here if the video doesn't play.


Chynna didn't have the high energy and precise flick kicks that I like in her Jive with Tony, but this routine still made us smile.  I may have mentioned this in my post yesterday, but in case I didn't...Chynna has great LEGSSES.  Click here if the video doesn't play.


Dance of the night goes to the most outstanding Jive from JR and Karina.  Len picked at it and Carrie Ann deducted for the lift, but we thought this was a show stopper.  Click here if the video doesn't play.


Yes indeed...JR and Karina are the pair to beat at this stage.  At least they are in my opinion.  I think the judges have even started to work on criticisms for this pair to keep things close and interesting.  The 22 they got for that Jive was too low, even with deductions for the lift and Len's complaint that there was too much Lindy Hop influence in the choreography.

Here's a reminder of our leader board after Monday's performances:

23 Ricki and Derek
22 JR and Karina
22 Kristin and Mark
21 Chynna and Tony
21 Nancy and Tristan
21 Rob and Cheryl
21 Elisabetta and Val
19 Hope and Maks
18 David and Kym
18 Carson and Anna
17 Chaz and Lacey

Alrighty then...let's start the show!

Pam was pleased because the fellas led off the show with a group dance choreographed by Val.  I had to go find the drool towel. 

Results...Carson and Anna are safe. 

The judges select the Jive from Ricki and Derek as the encore performance.

We have a visit from a band called The Script.  I have no idea who they are.  My research revealed that they are an alternative rock band from Ireland.  I discovered that they are quite successful in their home country, as well as in the UK and Europe.  I kind of liked the sound, but I really liked that they were accompanied by Dmitry Chaplin and Chelsie Hightower with a wonderful Rumba.

More results...Ricki and Derek are safe.  Kristin and Mark are safe.  JR and Karina are safe.

Macy's Stars of Dance returns with a dance inspired by the old Busby Berkley routines from early movie musicals, choreographed by Emmy winner Marguerite Derricks.  That was pretty cool.

More results...Rob and Cheryl are safe.  Nancy and Tristan are safe.

Now Demi Lovato is in the ballroom to perform her hit Skyscraper off her new album, accompanied beautifully by some wonderful lyrical contemporary dancers.  I thought I recognized Ryan Ramirez from this past season of So You Think You Can Dance.  Regrettably, Ms Lovato did not sound good at all.

Final results...Chynna and Tony are safe.  Hope and Maks are safe.  Chaz and Lacey are safe.  David and Kym are safe.

That means that Elisabetta and Val are eliminated.


That's unfortunate, because I think she would have broken out of her shell.  I thought her Quickstep was sweet and a good step in the right direction.  I like that she got to dance well and feel good about herself.

Tune in next week when our 10 remaining couples tell a personal story through dance.  I like this feature because the celebrities often forget about the steps and just feel the performances because they are so intensely personal.

Later gang!



Reason 37:  Nelson Mandela said, "I dream of an Africa which is in peace with itself".  I blog for peace because if you can't first dream of what peace could be like, how can you understand how to make it, live in it, and keep it?

I believe that words have power, so this matters.

It's live from Hollywood!


This week, our remaining 11 pairs dance either Jive or Quickstep.  I'm thinking we might see a bit of separation between the cans and the cannots this week.  Weaknesses can often be exposed in the second week, because the pairs have to come back with much less preparation and time to learn the dances than in the first show.

We shall see.

Hope and Maks dance Jive.  Hope had to play a soccer game this week, so her rehearsal time was cut even shorter.  Oh my goodness.  She does not look good in this style.  I think it's the heels.  I would have thought her soccer footwork would serve her well in Jive, but it seems to be a completely different motion with the hips that drives the quick feet.  I liked the energy she brought to the routine, but the dance itself looked very awkward to me.  She didn't show any of the musicality she had last week.  I'm disappointed.  She needs to curb the power and focus on finesse.  Judges say 6,7,6 for a total of 19.  The choreography was difficult and I think she had the steps squared away.  She just needs to really work on technique.

Kristin and Mark dance Quickstep.  I think she did well in this style, particularly in hold.  But she's still not quite emphasizing and extending through the movement the way she needs to.  When Mark dances, he really makes each movement big and full.  That will expose a partner who can't match his enthusiasm and excitement, and often brings the criticism that he is dancing beyond his partner.  Kristin had moments where she performed well through her expressions.  I enjoyed her musicality and the sophistication of the dance.  And it seemed like she enjoyed what she was doing.  At times I thought her frame was a little too rubbery in the upper body.  But overall I thought she danced very well.  I think she's on the right track.  Judges say 8,7,7 for a total of 22.  That's a solid score, but I think the 8 is a little high.

David and Kym dance Jive.  He hung onto the steps this time and didn't forget his choreography.  So that was good.  But I don't think the dance was very good.  His feet were heavy.  Although he got them in the right place, I don't think he moved them quickly and crisply enough.  Plus, the dance was missing flick kicks and twists.  Jive should be on the edge but under control.  This Jive was much too wild.  There was no musicality or technique.  However, the dance did have plenty of energy and David seemed much more comfortable with what he was doing.  So although I don't think the dance was very good, I do give him credit for getting all the way through it without a mistake.  Judges say 6s across for a total of 18.  I think that's a little generous based on what I saw.

Elisabetta and Val dance Quickstep.  Too much drama in rehearsal and I don't care for that.  She looks beautiful.  Val went back to basics with classic Quickstep choreography and I think that helped her.  Despite the drama from rehearsal, she looks like she is enjoying herself.  That was 100% better than last week.  She threw herself into it and performed very well.  Her frame was good.  She had a little footwork bobble, but she came back from it.  And they overcame the wardrobe malfunction, with Val's vest coming undone.  She came out of her shell and gave a performance, unlike last week when she looked overwhelmed by the moment and confused by the choreography.  Nicely done.  Judges say 7s across for a total of 21.  I'll agree with that.

Rob and Cheryl dance Jive.  There was still a bit of stiffness at the beginning of the dance.  And then it was like he became a different guy.  Some of the early choreography seemed to thoroughly defeat him.  But then he got to the bridge.  As the dance went on, he found the music and the beat and just let it go.  It was like a light bulb went on.  Cheryl gave him excellent choreography and worked to build up his confidence.  And the lessons took.  They had great energy and chemistry between them.  And once Rob got through the opening, he didn't miss a step.  He found his confidence and turned in a fine performance.  He started to look comfortable, and that paid off in a strong ending to the dance.  Judges say 7s across for a total of 21.  Excellent job.

Carson and Anna dance Quickstep.  There is no issue with personality and performance.  His issue is a basic lack of coordination and rhythm.  However, he's doing very well with this Quickstep.  I was a little worried about his balance, because some of the steps in hold were tricky.  But he managed a very credible performance both in character and in movement.  It was less frenetic than last week, with more control.  Still a bit precarious though.  He worked hard and it showed.  He's going to struggle to overcome the awkwardness, but I think he took a good step forward with this dance.  It wasn't the best, but it wasn't horrible either.  It was entertaining.  Judges say 6s across for a total of 18.  I can't argue the score. 

Ricki and Derek dance Jive.  I like that the choreography began on the 1 to start the dance, so no time wasted.  The tempo of the music was a bit slower than I like for a Jive.  Derek made use of the tempo to add lots of the kind of Jive content I enjoy, with a lot of West Coast Swing influence.  So I guess that's my good and bad for this dance.  I think Ricki had great energy and enthusiasm.  She played the character of the dance and really embraced the flirty nature of the style.  She worked hard at it and overcame some inhibitions to relax and have fun with the dance.  I'm not sure what Len didn't like, but he apparently had issues with the choreography while praising her enthusiasm and energy.  I thought the choreography was the strength of the routine.  Judges say 8,7,8 for a total of 23. 

Chaz and Lacey dance Quickstep.  I feel for Chaz.  My knees crunch too.  I'd be afraid of Quickstep.  Unfortunately that meant that they couldn't do a lot of the things that make a Quickstep special.  I admire that he worked at it and did what he could do.  It really was too slow.  I could see as the dance went on that his knees were shaky.  He was too careful with his foot placement, and I definitely know what that is like.  I guess the most positive thing I can say about it is that he got through it without dropping Lacey or falling.  When you've got knees that won't support you, sometimes that's all you can ask.  Judges say 6,5,6 for a total of 17.  I think that's generous.

Chynna and Tony dance Jive.  I really like her.  She makes me smile.  She has a classy, refined quality about her movement, and that doesn't quite translate to Jive.  She does need to clean up her flick kicks and let her legsses extend through her feet and out her toes.  She's got great legsses.  This Jive had a contained and controlled energy.  It was almost safe.  I think she had a few issues with technique.  Len called the dance polite.  I felt that she held back some.  I saw that in the kicks, which weren't quite crisp enough.  Those are the hallmarks of a great Jive.  This was a good Jive, and an entertaining one.  At least it was for me.  I like Chynna.  Judges say 7s across for a total of 21.  I liked it and would have thrown an 8, but that's the fan in me.  Did I mention that Chynna has great legsses?

Nancy and Tristan dance Quickstep.  More drama, and I don't like drama.  But they turned the drama into something positive, and that I like.  She had a little bit of trouble with her posture.  I could really see how much Tristan was guiding her through the steps.  He did a very good job of trying to hide her insecurity, and actually made the dance look credible.  Well done young man.  What I liked about the whole dance was that they stayed in hold, which is proper competition Quickstep.  And Nancy really needed the hold to keep up.  She and Tristan have developed a strong partnership and I think that is very attractive about this pair.  She's not the best dancer, but she wants to do well and works hard at it.  I suspect this will give her some confidence.  Judges say 6,8,7 for a total of 21.  I think the 6 is too low, but that's a solid score and a very positive return for the work she put in this week.

JR and Karina dance Jive.  I have high expectations for this dance.  Wow.  The guy is a ringer!  They looked like they were putting on a pro demonstration.  That choreography was so difficult.  That's not what you'd normally see in week 2.  Wow!  I say it again.  Wow!  That was full on and so good.  Crisp.  Athletic.  High energy.  Musical.  Entertaining.  Carrie Ann brought out her lift police badge.  She's right, there was a lift at the beginning of the routine.  And Len is complaining that the choreography was more Lindy Hop than Jive.  Ppppppfffffttttt.  Maybe they are both right.  OK, they are both right.  But I say ppppppffffffttttt anyway.  There's your front runner, right there.  You can nit pick all you want about it not being a proper Jive and about there being a lift, which is against the rules for safety reasons.  The routine was incredibly well danced.  JR is a natural with a great personality and musicality.  Judges say 7,7,8 for a total of 22.  That's a crap score, but the judges were consistent.  Len marked Ricki and Derek down for doing more West Coast Swing than Jive, and Carrie Ann will always mark down for lifts.

So fine.  The best performance of the night doesn't get the top score.  But it's going to get votes. 


Here's our leader board:

23 Ricki and Derek
22 JR and Karina
22 Kristin and Mark
21 Chynna and Tony
21 Nancy and Tristan
21 Rob and Cheryl
21 Elisabetta and Val
19 Hope and Maks
18 David and Kym
18 Carson and Anna
17 Chaz and Lacey

I won't call this a great show, but it ended with a great performance.  We liked JR, Ricki, and Chynna.  Our votes were split for those three.

You know the drill.  Tune in tonight for results, and check back here for my encores and results recap.

Later gang!



Reason 38:  Because blogging for peace is a community thing, and I like being part of this community.

I believe that words have power, so this matters.

Squared away.  Ship shape.  Good to go.   I've heard these expressions used to describe a good troop who has himself and his gear ordered.  This is a soldier, sailor, airman, or Marine who is steady and dependable. 

I've never heard the phrase "good piece of gear".  I like it though.  It is the response a Marine will give you to describe another Marine that he knows and respects. 

Sergeant Dakota Meyer was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions as a Corporal in September 2009.  Here is the citation.

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the repeated risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as a member of Marine Embedded Training Team 2-8, Regional Corps Advisory Command 3-7, in Kunar Province, Afghanistan, on 8 September 2009. When the forward element of his combat team began to be hit by intense fire from roughly 50 Taliban insurgents dug-in and concealed on the slopes above Ganjgal village, Corporal Meyer mounted a gun-truck, enlisted a fellow Marine to drive, and raced to attack the ambushers and aid the trapped Marines and Afghan soldiers. During a six hour fire fight, Corporal Meyer single-handedly turned the tide of the battle, saved 36 Marines and soldiers and recovered the bodies of his fallen brothers. Four separate times he fought the kilometer up into the heart of a deadly U-shaped ambush. During the fight he killed at least eight Taliban, personally evacuated 12 friendly wounded, and provided cover for another 24 Marines and soldiers to escape likely death at the hands of a numerically superior and determined foe. On his first foray his lone vehicle drew machine gun, mortar, rocket grenade and small arms fire while he rescued five wounded soldiers. His second attack disrupted the enemy’s ambush and he evacuated four more wounded Marines. Switching to another gun-truck because his was too damaged they again sped in for a third time, and as turret gunner killed several Taliban attackers at point blank range and suppressed enemy fire so 24 Marines and soldiers could break-out. Despite being wounded, he made a fourth attack with three others to search for missing team members. Nearly surrounded and under heavy fire he dismounted the vehicle and searched house to house to recover the bodies of his fallen team members. By his extraordinary heroism, presence of mind amidst chaos and death, and unselfish devotion to his comrades in the face of great danger, Corporal Meyer reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.

Marines don't leave anyone behind if there is anything they can do to prevent it. 

In the words of a Marine 1st Sgt, "If Meyer had never been awarded the Medal of Honor and you were to ask me about him I would have said he was a tough, dependable, solid, leader of Marines and a Kentucky wise ass.  He's a good piece of gear and I would serve with him again in any clime or place."

Reason 41:  Because I'm willing to stand up for the rights of someone else, and not just to make noise about my own rights.

Reason 40:  Because I think it is wrong to oppress others in the name of protecting what you claim are your rights.

Reason 39:  Because People Got to be Free, written by Felix Cavaliere and Eddie Brigati, released in 1968 by The Rascals

I've been thinking a lot this week about friendship and relationships.  So this week's Set is in honor of two of my friends.  I met them both at about the same time, which means I've know them both for about 5 1/2 years.

I met Julie online during Season 5 of American Idol, and we are both members in excellent standing of Taylor Hicks' Soul Patrol.  I learned early in our friendship that we are both fans of today's featured artist.  She's been having a little bit of a tough week, so she's been in my thoughts.

I met my pal J through a buddy at work.  J actually introduced me to my first bit of community support in the Puget Sound area, volunteering at an LGBTQ event during the holidays in 2006.  Today's featured artist is his very favorite of all time.  He's had about as bad a week as you can have, but the man he is just won't be put down.

So for Julie and for J, Set 87 is all yours.

W.O.L.D, written by Harry Chapin, released 1974


The Cat's in the Cradle, written by Harry and Sandra Chapin, released 1974


Sunday Morning Sunshine, written by Harry Chapin, released 1972


Taxi, written by Harry Chapin, released 1972


The last song is called Sequel, which continues the story begun in the song Taxi.  Mr Chapin wrote and released it in 1980.  He died the following year in a car accident.  The embedding feature was disabled for the video I really liked of this song.  Click here to view and listen.

If you'd like to join in, here are the guidelines:

1. Grab the banner, make your post title Five on Friday, and be sure to link back here.

2. Go to Playlist.com to make your Set of five songs. You may choose a particular theme to share with us, or post random tunes if that's your vibe for the day. You can simply post the Set, or you can add a little summary about what you are sharing.

2a. Don't feel restricted by the tracks listed on Playlist.com. And don't be discouraged if the Embed code won't work. You're welcome to use any type of media to share your Sets.

3. Be sure to sign Mr Linky so everyone can visit your Set.

4. No tags, but feel free to invite your friends to play along if they need a post topic on a Friday.

Go forth and enjoy music!

Reason 42:  I dislike stuff, and I make mistakes, and I get angry, and I lose my patience, and I swear at traffic, and I get frustrated, and I hold grudges.  I have some bad habits.

But I'm not not afraid. 

I blog for peace because life can be hard, and overcoming the hard stuff is sweet.

I rarely realize how set in my ways I get until I'm forced into a change of habit.

This is my company's first week in our new office building.  It's really an upgrade over the old place.  We gave up the spectacular view for more space as we continue to grow.  Another benefit is my fantastic new commute...no more scary and annoying SR520 bridge across Lake Washington.  Now I get to take the I-90, which is still a floating bridge across the water.  The advantage is that it's more modern and has more lanes...that makes for a rapid trip.

We're south of downtown Seattle now, and that means that the surrounds are mostly flat.  Now I can get out and walk a little further afield to find my lunch.  And wouldn't you know...on the first day I found Jimmy Johns, which is my favorite sammich spot.  YAY me!

I've got a window cube, so my work space doesn't feel too enclosed.  But here's where we hit a bit of a snag.  The desks that made up the L-shaped work space in my old cube were the same length.  My laptop dock and two monitors were in the junction where the desks connected.  I used the right side for finished work and managing my schedule, while the left side was for pending work.

In other words, I got used to working left to right as I processed my orders and reconciled my inventory.  

The new cube has a shorter left side with a cabinet at the end for storage.  Now I have to alter the way I work.  I can still read from my left and do my data entry, but my staging has to be to the right.

Does any of this make sense to you?  Can you visualize what I mean?  I'd take photos, but we're not allowed to post pictures of the workplace due to intellectual property issues. 

Bottom line...I do like my new workspace, but I'm having to make some adjustments to some comfortable habits.  I'll get there.  It's only been 3 days so far.

What a creature of habit is a man...well, this one anyway.

Reason 43:  Because I'm selfish dammit!  There's stuff in the world I want to see.  I want to go places and meet people, and be safe while I'm doing that.  I want to learn about other cultures, and maybe have other people be interested in learning about my culture.

I'm the Dancing Worker Bee for Peace dammit! 

It's encores and results live from Hollywood!

There was some stuff we really liked on Monday's performance show.

We liked the Viennese Waltz from Hope and Maks.  Click here if the video doesn't play.


We loved the Viennese Waltz from Ricki and Derek.  You can forward to the 1:00 mark for the beginning of the dance.  Click here if the video doesn't play.


We loved the Viennese Waltz from Chynna and Tony.  This dance tied for top score and was nearly our choice for dance of the night.  Click here if the video doesn't play.


Dance of the night honors go to JR and Karina for their beautiful Viennese Waltz.  This dance tied with Chynna and Tony for top score.  You can forward to about the 1:46 mark for the beginning of the dance.  Click here if the video doesn't play.



Looking back on my notes from last night, it looks like the ladies have the early edge after the first round of dances.  You can see that reflected in the leader board after Monday's performances.

22 JR and Karina
22 Chynna and Tony
21 Hope and Maks
20 Ricki and Derek
19 Kristin and Mark
18 David and Kym
17 Chaz and Lacey
17 Carson and Anna
16 Nancy and Tristan
16 Rob and Cheryl
15 Elisabetta and Val
14 Ron and Peta

Of course you all know by now that there's no telling how the viewers will vote.  So let's have some results.

During the hour preview "meet the cast" show, the judges selected the wacky Cha Cha Cha from Carson and Anna as the encore.  Carson didn't master much technique, but he was entertaining.

Oh...this is my favorite part of the first results show.  It's our pros with our Dance Troupe in a group routine.  Outstanding!  Lacey choreographed the piece.  Good on ya Girl!

Results...Ricki and Derek are safe.  Elisabetta and Val are safe.

Harry Connick Jr is in the ballroom.  Does anyone know why I have no music from Harry on my Ipod?  Seriously!  What's up with that?  That has to be fixed.  And he was accompanied by Kym and Tony with a classy Foxtrot.  That segment could have gone on for another 10 minutes and I would have been happy.  Excellent!

We've got to get some tickets to the revival of On A Clear Day on Broadway.  It opens in December.

More results...Hope and Maks are safe.  Kristen and Mark are safe. 

We have three returning members from last year's Dance Troupe, with three new youngins joining them.  Now that's ballroom with an edge.  Love it!

Let's have one more professional exhibition, shall we?  It's LMFAO.  If you watch SYTYCD, you've seen them.  And something unexpected...our pros hit the floor for some high energy party rock dancing.  Meh...that kind of thing I can take or leave.

More results...Chynna and Tony are safe.  JR and Karina are safe.  Chaz and Lacey are safe.  David and Kym are safe.  Carson and Anna are safe.  Rob and Cheryl are safe.  Nancy and Tristan are safe.

That means Ron and Peta are eliminated.


That was the right decision.  I think Nancy deserved to stick around.

That's one in the books!  I think this cast is going to be quite competitive.  There are a couple of early front runners, but I don't think anyone is poised to run away with the competition just yet. 

Tune in next week when our 11 remaining pairs dance Jive and Quickstep.  We'll see if those who did well in their first dance can build some momentum, and if those who struggled a little can pull themselves together.

Later gang!



Reason 44:  Because in celebrating what makes us different, I think we might find way more to enjoy about each other than to dislike.

I believe that words have power, so this matters.  Join the movement on 4 November.

It's live from Hollywood!!

I'm giddy, I tell you.  Absolutely giddy.  It's that theme music.  Get's me every time.

So now we've had our bread and cheese.  We've got our nice Merlot.  We've had our CAKE.  We're in our fru fru finery.  Let's have some celebrity dancing!!

And we've got an all new ballroom set this season with a raised floor and tiered seating with balconies.  Cool.  Now let's go!

Ron Artest and Peta Murgatroyd dance Cha Cha Cha.  He’s got enough personality for this style, but he doesn’t actually have much rhythm.   The hip action isn’t there and the dancing was a bit sloppy.  He definitely had fun with it, but there was no focus on technique at all.  I liked Peta’s choreography because she showcased Ron’s personality and made it entertaining.  But what she missed was actual Cha Cha Cha content.  He’s so very tall at 6’9” that he’ll have to really work on controlling his eccentricity in favor of focusing on footwork and posture.  Judges say 5,4,5 for a total of 14.  Ouch.  I didn’t actually see much in the performance that tells me he’s going to dial back the “Ron Ron” and focus on dancing well.  We’ll see.  And I refuse to call him Metta World Peace.  Sorry.

Rob Kardashian and Cheryl Burke dance Viennese Waltz.  I didn't like his attitude during rehearsal.  His dancing is quite plodding and clunky.  I can say that when he doesn't move, he extends through his fingers and makes some nice lines.  But the moment he takes a step, there's no rhythm at all.  There might be some potential, but he's got to work on smoothing out the movement.  Viennese Waltz needs to be elegant and it must glide across the floor.  And all dances need to have the movements connected one to the next.  This dance did not do that.  He needs to relax and find his musicality, and learn the art of performance.  There may be potential in some of those stand still lines he managed, but he's got a long way to go to put that Mirror Ball back in Chery's hands.  Judges say 6,5,5 for a total of 16.  I'll agree with that.

Kristin Cavallari and Mark Ballas dance Cha Cha Cha.  She is one beautiful lady.  She's a bit timid in her movement.  I'll chalk that up to the first time out.  But I can see the possibilities.  She's just got to relax and believe she can do it.  She had her hips moving in the right way for Cha Cha Cha.  She had musicality, even if she was a bit shy.  I expected her to really attack the dance, but she let her jitters get the best of her.  Once she believes in herself and starts dancing with confidence, she'll have it.  Mark will continue to challenge her with difficult choreography, and I think she can handle it.  She's a contender, if the fans get on board.  Judges say 7,6,6 for a total of 19.  Hmmm...I would have thought 7s across for that dance.

Chynna Phillips and Tony Dovolani dance Viennese Waltz.  She looks like she should be sophisticated and elegant.  And she was.  She was radiant and glowing.  Her movement was controlled and refined.  That was really quite lovely.  Her musicality was outstanding and she floated across the stage.  I really enjoyed watching that.  She had a couple of slips when she went a little flat footed, but as they move forward she'll clean that up.  She's got all the tools to excel in the ballroom styles.  Her nerves got to her a little bit and caused her to lose her center and balance a couple of times, but she covered well.  Tony's choreography was challenging and Chynna was up to it.  The performance was complete.  I really enjoyed the dance.  Well done my dear.  Judges say 8,7,7 for a total of 22.  Nice!

Nancy Grace and Tristan MacManus dance Cha Cha Cha.  I love that she threw herself into it.  She really looked like she enjoyed herself.  She had sass.  There were a few times when she lost her place, but she made up for it by attacking the choreography.  Pam said that she ought to have fun dancing with such a young hottie with a charming accent.  She showed a fun side of herself that I'll bet a lot of people wouldn't have expected.  And she's got some talent.  She danced light.  She had her hips working.  She has musicality.  She brought joy to the floor.  I think Tristan did a great job with the choreography, making it playful and taking the pressure off.  Now Nancy just needs to work on remembering her steps and putting a complete performance together.  Judges say 5,5,6 for a total of 16.  I would have thrown 6s across.

David Arquette and Kym Johnson dance Viennese Waltz.  Congratulations to David on 8 months of sobriety.  He took control of that dance from the first steps.  What a strong lead.  You don't often see that early from the male pros, because learning to lead is difficult.  He had a little bobble, and he lost a bit of concentration part way through.  That little mistake cost him the smoothness that he established at the start of the dance.  It felt like he was rushing a little at the end.  But that was really a very good first dance.  He's got all the skills.  Once he relaxes and just gets the dance out of his head, he'll be fine.  This is going to be a strong partnership.  Judges say 6s across for a total of 18.  It's a shame he had that mistake in the middle because that dance was on it's way to 8s across.

Elisabetta Canalis and Val Chmerkovskiy dance Cha Cha Cha.  I didn't like the beginning with the bed as a prop.  It distracted me.  That didn't actually feel much like a Cha Cha Cha.  She looked very good in her costume and in hold, but she seemed very timid and shy.  She's very beautiful, but she needs to find some musicality so she can sustain the movement all the way through the dance, even when she's not in hold.  As for Val, I worry about him biting off a little too much.  I'd like to see him focus on building Elisabetta's confidence with some basic content that she can learn and do well.  Then they can work on a complete performance.  Then they can increase the difficulty.  Judges say 5s across for a total of 15.  Tough score, but they just have to keep feeling their way. 

Hope Solo and Maks Chmerkovskiy dance Viennese Waltz.  This is the partner Maks wanted.  I think she did OK with her arms, but now she'll have to work on her legsses, which are incredible powerful.  She took chunks out of the floor as they moved, powering through the steps.  If she can soften her legs and pull her feet a little closer together, she'll gain more elegance.  I don't mind seeing a powerful and muscular female athlete perform these dances, but to pull together a full performance, I'd like to see that power balanced by femininity.  I think that shows real strength.  She does have musicality, but she'll need to dial down some of the intensity and fold that into smoother movement.  When I focused on her upper body, I saw hints of sophistication.  She held her frame and posture, and made some really nice lines.  I think she's got tons of potential, and I think she and Maks have a great future this season.  Judges say 7s across for a total of 21.  Excellent job.

Carson Kressley and Anna Trebunskaya dance Cha Cha Cha.  He doesn't have a lot of rhythm, but he's also fearless and certainly not afraid of glitter.  He managed all the steps, although some of it was stomping rather than dancing.  He brought tremendous energy and fun to the choreography.  He's not going to be the best dancer, but he's going to entertain every time.  There were some moments when he showed he could actually pick up the technique.  If he wants to focus on that I think he can be credible.  One way or another, he's going to have a good time and put on a show for the crowd.  And there's nothing wrong with that at all.  Judges say 6,5,6 for a total of 17.  That'll work.

JR Martinez and Karina Smirnoff dance Viennese Waltz.  Beautiful opening.  He's so relaxed and smooth.  He has complete control over the dance.  That's the way to maintain a strong lead throughout.  I can't begin to tell you how outstanding that dance was.  It was sophisticated and romantic, elegant and refined.  He's a natural performer.  He has the ability to pull people into the moment with him, and that's rare.  The great thing about this baseline for him is that the rest is all about polishing technique.  He has the musicality and the personality, and he's only going to get better.  I suspect he'll also have a strong fan base, so I'd say he and Karina are contenders.  Well done.  Judges say 8,7,7 for a total of 22.  I would have gone 8s across.

Ricki Lake and Derek Hough dance Viennese Waltz.  I love how she is so at ease in the movement.  Derek's choreography was very poignant, and she performed it to the fullest.  I really enjoyed how beautiful that dance was.  They had wonderful chemistry between them.  They were so connected and fluid in the movement.  Yes, there were some footwork issues and a little bobble in the steps...I think she might have forgotten her steps for a moment.  But overall, the performance had the romantic elegance I want from a Viennese Waltz.  Judges say 7,6,7 for a total of 20.  I think the 6 was too low, but it's Len so there you go.  I was mesmerized watching them.  Welcome back Derek!

Chaz Bono and Lacey Schwimmer dance Cha Cha Cha.  I worry about Chaz and his weight, but if he can do this one, he can do any of them.  He's getting the steps.  Not so much with the hips, but I didn't expect him to be able to do that.  The performance was fun and he enjoyed himself.  I was surprised that he was really able to hit on the footwork.  He didn't miss many steps.  He also had the musicality and timing with a dance that is terrifically challenging for someone carrying extra weight.  And he brought the cheeky quality that I like to see in Cha Cha Cha.  What I enjoyed was seeing him so relaxed and comfortable with who and where he is in his life.  He had a buoyancy to his movement that was fun to see.  Judges say 6,5,6 for a total of 17.  I would have gone 6s across on that.

Here's our leader board:

22 JR and Karina
22 Chynna and Tony
21 Hope and Maks
20 Ricki and Derek
19 Kristin and Mark
18 David and Kym
17 Chaz and Lacey
17 Carson and Anna
16 Nancy and Tristan
16 Rob and Cheryl
15 Elisabetta and Val
14 Ron and Peta

There you go.  It's a tight group this season.  None of the pairs looks like they'll run away with it yet.  There's a lot to like in this cast.

No favorites for us yet.  We spread votes around between JR, Chynna, Hope, Ricki, and Chaz.  

There's no reprieve tonight...somebody goes home.  You know the drill.  Tune in tonight for results, and check back here for encores and a recap.

Later gang!



Reason 45:  Because sometimes you have to stop and take a breath to control that first angry impulse to lash out in violence against a party that has hurt someone you care about, otherwise you'll be no different than the bully.

I believe that words have power, so this matters.