Trav's Thoughts

I had time for a word about each dance.

Beautiful


Sizzling


Scintillating


Brilliant


Creepy


Magnificent


Heartbreaking


Frolicsome

Yes, I know the LEGSSES...I mean the dancing...is tonight.  But I wanted to warn you that it's unlikely that you'll find reviews, encores, and recaps here this week.  It's end of quarter and we're extraordinarily busy processing orders and getting shipments out the door.

I'll record the dancing so Pam and I can enjoy it.  I just won't have time to recap everything.

Lorenzo Charles

Lorenzo Charles, who capped an improbable NCAA championship for NC State over Houston in 1983 with a dunk of a missed shot, died yesterday when the bus he was driving crashed.  He was 47.

I remember it like it was yesterday.  Yeah, I know that's a cliche.  But NC State didn't belong in the tournament that year.  The team was 17-10.  The Wolfpack had to win the ACC Tournament first just to get in the NCAAs.  They beat cross town rival North Carolina, which had a roster of future NBA players such as Michael Jordan, Sam Perkins, Brad Daugherty, and Kenny Smith.

Then the Wolfpack beat Virginia in the ACC championship game.  UVA was led at that time by 3 time national Player of the Year Ralph Sampson.

In the NCAA tournament, the Wolpack were a 6 seed.  They beat Pepperdine by 2, UNLV by 1, Utah in a blow out.  Then they had to face 1 seed Virginia again in the regional final.  NC State won by 1 to advance to Albuquerque NM and the Final Four.

First they took out Georgia by 7.  Then they faced Houston, which was led by future NBA starts Hakeem Olajuwon and Clyde Drexler.  The Cougars had just beaten Louisville in an astonishing national semifinal game, which many thought was the "real" national championship.

Enter NC State.  Call them a team of destiny, but they would not be denied.  And when Houston couldn't make a free throw down the stretch, the Wolfpack clawed their way back into the game.  And Lorezno Charles ended up in the right place at exactly the right time, to grab that last 30 foot airball shot by Derek Whittenberg and slam it home for a 54-52 victory.  Then the buzzer sounded, and Billy Packer uttered a phrase that has become synonymous with March Madness.




Charles finished his career at NC State as a National Champion.  He is 15th on the all time scoring list with 1535 points and still holds the NC State record for shooting percentage for seniors, at .575.  He was drafted into the NBA but only played one season for Atlanta.

We tend to lose track of the athletes, but never the moments they leave behind.  I don't know much about the life of Lorenzo Charles once he left the hardwood.  But I'll always remember that dunk, that phrase, and a wacky Italian head coach named Jim Valvano running around the court like a madman, looking for someone to hug after his Wolfpack pulled off the improbable upset. 

(photo credit to Associated Press, 4 April 1983)

We took a much needed holiday from 17-19 June.  We drove over to Coeur d'Alene in Idaho for the annual "Car d'Alene" Classic Car Cruise and Show.  We were prepared for the rain and got to the event early enough on Saturday that we saw what we wanted to see with a minimum of soaking.

Here are a few of the beauties we saw.

This 1930 Chrysler was the class of an excellent display of pre-1940 models.  It was first runner up for both Pam and I for Best in Show.

I'm not usually a Chevy guy, but this 1969 Camero was really nice.  It was called Plain Jane because it hadn't been modified from the way it originally rolled off the line in 1968.  The owners bought it off the first owner in 1973 and except for new tires, basic maintenance, and a new paint job in 1996, it's the same factory model as when it was brand new.


I didn't catch the year for this fire truck.  The guys with it were dressed in kilts.


Pam's choice for Best in Show was this 1953 Studebaker.  We saw this one on Friday during our drive over to Idaho.


One of the guys I work with has a 1968 Chevelle.  He's working on the restoration, although he says it's decent as a driver.


I'm a fan of the Willies brand.  This one is a 1949.


The only Chevy that could turn my head from a 1956 T-Bird is the 1953 Corvette.  I've seen this one at shows closer to home.


This is a 1929 Erskine Roadster, manufactured by Studebaker and hot rodded in the 1960s.  According to the data sheet, it is the only one known to be in existence.  The guy who owned this car was staying at our hotel.  We saw it in the trailer when we parked.


Here's a 1952 Hudson Hornet.


Second runner up for Best in Show for both of us was this 1917 Ford Roadster.


My choice for Best in Show was this 1956 T-Bird.  It was the first car we saw as we walked up the block to the main strip.  When the rain got a little more than a sprinkle, we waited it out on a bench beneath an awning in front of this car.  It really was outstanding...and not just because I'm a T-Bird guy.


When the rain started to get too annoying, and once we had been down the walk once and re-visited the cars we really liked, we spend the afternoon at the Coeur d'Alene resort.  It's right there at the start of the line of cars, and of course it's right at the banks of Lake Coeur d'Alene.  I think we might stay there next time.

Edit:  I have removed the playlist because even though the auto start should be off, it is not.  I apologize for that.  The songs I chose were Rock-a-Bye Your Baby with a Dixie Melody, Till We Meet Again, Hail Hail the Gang's All Here, Over There, and Pack Up Your Troubles in Your Old Kit Bag, all from 1918.

Scroll on down for SYTYCD encores and results.

Now before I forget, here's the Official FoF Summer Edition Banner.  Feel free to use this one, or to create your own.

I wasn't sure if I was going to do another Summer of History Set this week.  But I managed to find some tunes I enjoyed from 1918. 





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!

Welcome to encores and results!

So Debbie Reynolds was a guest judge for Wednesday's performances, and she kept saying she was going to take the dancers home because she enjoyed them so much and she needed more kids.  HA!  Let's hope she brought them all back for results!

I've got links to the performances here, and then I'll post the videos for the dances we decided we liked above the others.

Contemporary dancers Ryan and Ricky led off the show with a raw Jazz piece choreographed by Mandy Moore.

Contemporary dancers Caitlynn and Mitchell were outstanding in a haunting Contemporary piece choreographed by Stacey Tookey.



Jazz dancer Missy and B-Boy Wadi...she nailed her half but he struggled in a Cha Cha Cha choreographed by Jean-Marc Genereaux.

Ballroom dancer Iveta and Tapper Nick were entertaining in a Bollywood piece choreographed by Nakul Dev Mahajan.


Contemporary dancer Miranda and Hip Hop dancer Robert were excellent in a Hip Hop piece choreographed by Tabitha and Napoleon D'Umo, even with the  balance issue she had about half way through.



Contemporary dancer Clarice and Broadway dancer Jess were sweetly romantic in a Contemporary piece choreographed by Stacey Tookey.

Jazz dancer Jordan and Hip Hop dancer Tadd were classically elegant in a beautiful Viennese Waltz choreographed by Jean-Marc Genereaux.  This was a contender for dance of the night.



Contemporary dancer Melanie and Jazz dancer Marko stole the show for me again in an outstanding Jazz piece choreographed by Mandy Moore.  Watch for all the little performance details from Melanie that elevate her performance.  This was our choice for dance of the night.



Contemporary dancers Sasha and Alexander have a special chemistry in this beautiful Hip Hop story choreographed by Tabitha and Napoleon.


Contemporary dancer Ashley and Hip Hop dancer Chris were terrific in an innovative Broadway piece choreographed by Spencer Liff.



Well done, one and all!  But 4 of those dancers are going home, 2 guys and 2 gals.  No reprieves this week.

Cat Deeley update:  I'm not liking the hair done up tight, but the over the shoulder form fitting red dress is a winner.

Top 20 group dance leading off the show is a fantastic hip hop choreographed by Dave Scott.

Results...Caitlynn and Mitchell are safe.  Sasha and Alexander are safe.  Miranda and Robert are safe.  Melanie and Marko are safe.  Jordan and Tadd are safe.  Ashley and Chris are safe.  Clarice and Jess are safe.

Bottom 3...Missy and Wadi, Iveta and Nick, Ryan and Ricky.

Solos

• Wadi:  As a B-boy trickster, he's terrific.  But he's not as versatile as the other dancers, or even the other hip hop guys.
• Missy:  I did not care for the design of that solo.  She's a better dancer than she showed there.
• Nick:  Tremendous tap dancer, and also proving to be versatile.  I think he still has a lot to offer.
• Iveta:  Ballroom dancers have a notoriously difficult time with solos.  This one was good, but again versatility is a concern.
• Ricky:  I think he and Ryan suffered from going first on Wednesday.  This was a powerful solo.
• Ryan:  I think she's the best of the gals in this group.  I thought she danced with abandon and just on the edge of control.

Tough choices.  I think it's between Nick and Ricky to stay for the guys.  I'd pick Ryan to stay for the gals. 

But you know I don't want to choose!

First the gals.  Nigel says the judges are unanimous.  He tells Missy that there is nothing in her dancing that he can fault.  He tells Iveta that she has graced the show with her talent.  He tells Ryan that her solo was not as good as she can do.

Ryan will stay.  That means Iveta and Missy are eliminated.

Iveta Lukosiute

Missy Morelli

Now the guys.  Nigel tells Wadi that he hasn't been given time yet to show what he can do, and doesn't think he gave us his best in the solo.  He tells Nick that he is going to be a star.  He tells Ricky that they've never seen him dance better than in his solo to stay in the competition.

Ricky will stay.  That means Nick and Wadi are eliminated.

Nick Young

Wadi Jones

I have to say that all 4 eliminated dancers were undone by the styles they chose out of the hat...Cha Cha Cha and Bollywood.  But this show is about versatility, and this group is so damn good...great dancers are going out every week.

Eliminations don't always go this way with partners out together, but this should serve the remaining dancers well as they have another week with the same partner.

Tune in next week, when the Top 16 will bring us more stunning performances and difficult choices for who we like as our favorite dancers. 

Happy weekend!

Welcome to

Cat Deeley update:   Lovely in yellow, showing off a bit of shapely calf.  Tease!

Resident judges Nigel Lythgoe and Mary Murphy are joined this week by the legendary Debbie Reynolds.

If you'll recall, last week the judges decided not to eliminate anyone.  So this week, our entire Top 20 is back to dance again for votes.

Ready?

Ryan Ramirez, 19 year old Contemporary dancer, and Ricky Jaime, 19 year old Contemporary dancer, dance Jazz choreographed by Mandy Moore.  I didn't see this as a sexy dance of desire for each other.  Rather the choreography was more animal and raw.  From that perspective, I thought they danced it well.  They really focused and emphasized the raunchiness of sexual tension between two inexperienced young people.  I thought the piece worked that way, rather than the way Mandy described it during rehearsal.  Ryan is a power house dancer.  And Ricky held his own against that power.  He has an excellent ability to portray character.  Plus he has tremendous strength as a partner.  Well done.

Caitlynn Lawson, 18 year old Contemporary dancer, and Mitchell Kelly, 20 year old Contemporary dancer, dance Contemporary choreographed by Stacey Tookey.  I like the contrast at the beginning of the piece.  Mitchell's character was darker, represented by heavy and staccato movements around a black chair.  That was contrasted against the more flowing movement of Caitlynn, which I thought represented her desire to be free of the relationship.  I really like Catilynn.  She throws herself into the interpretation of her character within the story.  She finishes everything, and her lines are beautiful.  Mitchell's extensions are flawless.  They both are so strong technically, but they also are equally strong as actors.  They were both wonderful.

Missy Morelli, 20 year old Jazz dancer, and Wadi Jones, 24 year old Break dancer, dance Cha Cha Cha choreographed by Jean-Marc Genereaux.  I think we're going to find that Missy can dance in any style you give her.  She just seems to be a sponge for choreography and movement.  She instinctively understands what her body needs to do to make the correct frame and hip action.  Wadi struggled with his hips and his frame, but it wasn't for lack of trying.  Getting the proper hip action for Cha Cha Cha requires the proper placement of your feet, and that takes practice.  He had to manage the heels and the clothes that he's not used to.  I think he was a very credible partner when strength was required.  Wadi seemed a little disappointed with the notes he got from the judges, but if he wants to dance he'll have to understand that those notes are designed to help him improve.  

Iveta Lukosiute, 30 year old Ballroom dancer, and Nick Young, 19 year old Tap dancer, dance Bollywood choreographed by Nakul Dev Mahajan.  I don't mind this style when it is danced well, but I'd really rather not have it.  I think they both had trouble with finishing off the movements, mainly because a lot of the choreography was designed to be very fast.  So in trying to get the steps coordinated and organized, I thought some of it was rushed and shuffled.  There were also some issues with their side by side synchronization.  I'm never sure how the shapes and frames are supposed to look in Bollywood, so I can't really say whether they had it right or not.  I thought they danced with plenty of energy and personality.  I like their chemistry together.  The performance was entertaining.

Miranda Maleski, 19 year old Contemporary dancer, and Robert Taylor Jr, 31 year old Hip Hop dancer, dance Hip Hop choreographed by Tabitha and Napoleon D'umo.  I think the choreography suits his particular style, which looks very free and loose but is extremely well controlled and stylized.  I'm surprised by how well Miranda found those moments to slow the movement.  Those are the details that non-trained hip hop dancers might rush through.  But I like that she concentrated on them.  She really stepped up this week.  I liked the way they went from soft, to fast, to hard, to jittery.  The characterization was supposed to be woodpeckers, and I thought both Robert and Miranda captured that in their movement.  Their musicality was wonderful as well.  Nicely done.

Clarice Ordaz, 19 year old Jazz dancer, and Jess LeProtto, 18 year old Broadway dancer, dance Contemporary choreographed by Stacey Tookey.  Once again I'm impressed by how quietly they seem to dance.  They both have such control in the air.  I liked their emotion in the piece.  They danced with a simple joy, which made the story sweetly romantic.  They did not demonstrate power in the lifts and tricks, I think mainly because they are too well matched in height.  I liked the performance as a whole despite the struggles they had with some of the intricate lifts.  The worry I have for them is that they did not stand out this week, and last week they were in the bottom three after what I thought was an outstanding performance.

Jordan Casanova, 19 year old Jazz dancer, and Tadd Gadduang, 25 year old Hip Hop dancer, dance Viennese Waltz choreographed by Jean-Marc Genereaux.  Jordan was beautiful, but I was impressed with Tadd.  His lines were exquisite.  He was such a strong partner.  He made a frame for Jordan to dance in and he controlled the dance throughout.  That was really wonderful.  The choreography was difficult, and they managed it effortlessly.  They both had such a wonderful musicality and a smoothness in the way they went from movement to movement.  It was classically elegant and included everything I want in a Viennese Waltz, from subtle rise and fall to a romantic fairy tale.  I expected Jordan to be good and she was, but Tadd was a revelation and a pleasant surprise.  Excellent.

Melanie Moore, 19 year old Contemporary dancer, and Marko Germar, 22 year old Jazz dancer, dance Jazz choreographed by Mandy Moore.  These two dance like professionals.  It looked so effortless and casual.  I know they were working hard because that choreography was so jam packed with difficulty.  But they made it look like it was nothing.  There were so many little details in the piece, and they nailed each one of them.  And I loved that they were able to incorporate the hat recovery after that split jump/lift so that I barely noticed anything was wrong.  There really aren't enough adjectives.  As individuals they are both incredibly good, but in combination they compliment each other so very well.  I don't think there is going to be a style they can't dance expertly. 

Sasha Mallory, 23 year old Contemporary dancer, and Alexander Frost, 21 year old Contemporary dancer, dance Hip Hop choreographed by Tabitha and Napoleon.  Tab and Nap's best routines are the ones with deep emotional stories, told lyrically.  When the dancers are able to interpret that artistic vision, then the routines can sometimes transcend dance.  In terms of hip hop, Sasha was terrific.  She dances with such power, and that was on display to excellent effect in this piece.  Alexander didn't fare as well from a technical standpoint, but I thought he danced with a passion that the judges said was missing last week.  I thought the routine worked as a complete story.  The emotional connection between the two of them sold the whole piece, and so the technical struggles they had are forgiven.

Ashley Rich, 22 year old Contemporary dancer, and Chris Koehl, 21 year old Hip Hop dancer, dance Broadway choreographed by Spencer Liff.  I really enjoyed that.  Chris showed off some amazing strength and dexterity, working with the bars.  Ashley was hot.  Their chemistry and connection to each other was much better than last week.  The choreograph was creative and entertaining.  I think having that barrier between them made them focus more on developing the chemistry between them, and I felt they were much more in tune with each other this week.  Chris really held his own in the piece.  He stepped away from his comfort and was outstanding.  Ashley was a revelation.  She reminded me why she was chosen for Top 10 gals.  They both stepped up and joined the competitive party this week.  Well done.


Lots of different routines and styles, all well performed.  And we still don't know who to choose!

But, tonight there will be four dancers eliminated.  I don't envy the judges at all.  Check back tomorrow and I'll have the scoop for you!

Later gang!

Re-posted from 22 June 2010.

During the month of June in 1918, the American Expeditionary Force engaged elements of the German Army at Belleau Wood, northwest of Chateau-Thierry on the River Marne in France.  For an excellent account with a time line of events, I encourage you to visit Doughboy Center, the Story of the American Expeditionary Forces.  

I wanted to share some of the incredible acts of audacity and bravery associated with the Marines who fought in the battle.

Upon being advised to withdraw his 2nd Battalion 4th Marines north of Lucy-le-Bocage, Captain Lloyd Williams (1887-1918) is reported to have said, "Retreat?  Hell, we just got here!"  Capt Williams was killed on 12 June 1918.  He was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for his actions during the battle, and was posthumously promoted to the rank of major.  



Gunnery Sergeant Ernest A. Janson (1878-1930), also known as Charles F. Hoffman, stopped a German counterattack by rushing a heavily armed enemy squad that was attempting to breach his position and consolidate the high ground from which they could have devastated G/Sgt Janson's Marines.   For this action, he was awarded both the army and navy Medals of Honor, one of only five Marines so honored during the war.  He was the first Marine to receive The Medal for gallantry in World War I.  He was also awarded the French Medaille Militaire, the Croix de Guerre with Palm, the Montenegrin Silver Medal, the Portuguese Cruz de Guerra, and the Italian Croce di Guerra.


Gunnery Sergeant Daniel Joseph Daly (1873-1937) is one of only 7 Marines to be awarded the Medal of Honor twice.  During the Boxer Rebellion in 1900, he defended a position alone against numerous enemy, inflicting heavy casualties.  He received his 2nd Medal in Haiti after leading his 35 Marines in a successful defense against 400 insurgents.  During the battle for Belleau Wood in World War I, G/Sgt Daly led his men across a wheat field through heavy machine gun fire, exhorting them with the cry, "Come on ya sons-of-bitches, ya want to live forever?"  G/Sgt Daly was a highly regarded Marine.   Major General Smedley Butler called him "The fightenist Marine I ever knew".  The Gunny's awards for gallantry include the 2 Medals of Honor, Navy Cross, Distinguished Service Cross, Croix de Guerre, and Medaille Militaire.


During an assault on Bouresche, US Navy Lt JG Weedon Osborne (1892-1918), a US Navy dental surgeon, was attached to the 6th Marine Regiment.  Marines are fiercely grateful for and loyal to Navy corpsmen.  LtJG Osborne was awarded the Medal of Honor for his conspicuous bravery, aiding the wounded and trying to carry them to safety during fierce fighting.  His citation reads, "For extraordinary heroism while attached to the 6th Regiment, U.S. Marines, in actual conflict with the enemy and under fire during the advance on Bouresche, France, on 6 June 1918. In the hottest of the fighting when the marines made their famous advance on Bouresche at the southern edge of Belleau Wood, Lt (j.g.). Osborne threw himself zealously into the work of rescuing the wounded. Extremely courageous in the performance of this perilous task, he was killed while carrying a wounded officer to a place of safety."

US Navy Lt Orlando Petty (1874-1932), a US Navy physician, was attached to the 5th Marine Regiment.  While tending wounded at his aid station during the fighting near Lucy-le-Bocage, German artillery shelled the position.  Some of the guns fired poison gas.  Lt Petty lost his gas mask at some point, but continued to treat the wounded and get them evacuated.  He was awarded the Medal of Honor.  His citation reads, "While under heavy fire of high explosive and gas shells in the town of Lucy, where his dressing station was located, Lt. Petty attended to and evacuated the wounded under most trying conditions. Having been knocked to the ground by an exploding gas shell which tore his mask, Lt. Petty discarded the mask and courageously continued his work. His dressing station being hit and demolished, he personally helped carry Capt. Williams, wounded, through the shellfire to a place of safety."

Gunnery Sergeant Fred W. Stockham (1918) was recommended for the Medal of Honor for his courageous sacrifice, which was finally awarded in 1939.  His citation reads, "Fred W. Stockham, Gunnery Sergeant, 96th Company, 2nd Battalion,6th Regiment, United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in action with the enemy in Bois-de-Belleau, France, on the night of June 13-14, 1918. During an intense enemy bombardment with high explosive and gas shells which wounded or killed many members of the company, Sergeant Stockham, upon noticing that the gas mask of a wounded comrade was shot away, without hesitation, removed his own mask and insisted upon giving it to the wounded man, well knowing that the effects of the gas would be fatal to himself. Despite the fact that he was without protection of a gas mask, he continued with undaunted courage and valor to direct and assist in the evacuation of the wounded in an area saturated with gas and swept by heavy artillery fire, until he himself collapsed from the effects of the gas, dying as a result thereof a few days later. His courageous conduct undoubtedly saved the lives of many of his wounded comrades and his conspicuous gallantry and spirit of self- sacrifice were a source of great inspiration to all who served with him."

The 4th Marine Brigade, comprised of the 5th and 6th Marine Regiments and attached to the US Army 2nd Division, was awarded the Croix de guerre as a unit by the French government.  The Germans allegedly dubbed the Marines Teufelshunde, or Devil Dogs, after the battle.  Researchers have found stories in American newspapers that report the nickname a couple of months prior to Belleau Wood.  It's clear that Marines were dubbed Devil Dogs by the Germans, but the name didn't really stick until after the battle.  Whether the name came from the way Marines looked in gas masks...seeming to foam at the mouth from the constricting way the masks fit...or simply from the way they scratched and clawed and snarled their way to victory doesn't really matter so much.  The name stuck, and Marines are still called Devil Dogs.

Casualties for the American Expeditionary Force included 1811 killed and 7966 wounded.  It was the first time during WWI that the AEF faced such serious losses.  By all accounts, either foreign or domestic, the Marines managed the missions assigned to them with valor and intrepidity in the face of the enemy.

General John J Pershing is quoted as saying, "The deadliest weapon in the world is a Marine and his rifle."