Week 10 – Finals
Judges’ Choice Round:
Laila & Maks – Paso Doble - I’m sort of surprised that the judges picked this for Laila and Maks, becuase I don’t think it plays to her strengths. The extension on her legs when she kicks isn’t great (her knees are usually bent at least a little), and although the strength is obviously there, it doesn’t show off her sensuality much, if at all. It was a good dance, but I just don’t think it’s her best style. Judges: 29
Apolo & Julianne – Rhumba - Damn. That Apolo has turned into one heck of a dancer, hasn’t he? This was wonderful – I think it was a great choice for them, and they executed it beautifully. Judges: 28
Joey & Kym – Chacha - Hmm.. considering that they still have to do the freestyle, and he’s been criticised before for doing too much extra silliness, I expected them to play this one a little straighter. I don’t think it was their strongest dance – I’ve seen them do much better. This felt scattered to me. Judges: 26

Freestyle Round:
Laila & Maks – Hmm. Honestly, this is probably the most disappointed I’ve been with them this season. It wasn’t that interesting to me, and I just wasn’t as “wowed” and I hoped to be. Lordy, I’m turning into Len… Judges: 26
Apolo & Julianne - That is more of what I expected from the freestyle. It was fun, it was lighthearted, it was creative. I liked some of the moves they worked into the routine. OK, and I’m a little biased on that – the flip-over-the-arm thing? I did that in a production of “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” about a million years ago. And I even managed NOT to land on my head. Most of the time. Judges: 30
Joey & Kym - Wow. I thought Apolo and Julianne had the Freestyle sewn up, but this was just as aweseome. I think disco was a great choice for Joey – not what you would expect, maybe, but they had so much fun with it, and it was a great routine. Judges: 30

OK, obviously some of this is possibly going to change with tomorrow night, but it’s going to come down to Apolo and Joey, and I think it could go either way. However, I’m not going to wuss out and not make a call – I’m going with Apolo to win it all. I think he’s shown more versatility, and the level of difficulty he has done is really impressive, since he has no dance or performance background at all, where Joey does have some experience.

We had a busy weekend. We headed up to Pittsburgh to see my folks and pick up a few things that they aren’t taking to the new house in Las Vegas, and also to go to the funeral for Kris’s great-uncle George, who passed away last Tuesday night. So, it was a happy weekend and a sad one at the same time. We’re going to be buried in boxes here for a while. Putting most of the stuff away (and possibly cleaning out the attic) will be the order of business for this weekend.

Recently, Cristi published her Red Dwarf Socks pattern. Since I had some fabbo STR Heavyweight from MDS&W, I knew the two were made for each other. I cast on last Monday night at my monthly SnB and finished them up (after two days on the couch with that nasty, nasty cold I had) Thursday morning and wore them to my twice-monthly SnB. They got lots of oohs and aahs from my fellow knitters, including several who immediately wanted her blog address to get the pattern.

I LOVED this pattern. It was a ton of fun to knit and stayed interesting throughout. I know I’m a little biased, since Cristi is such a dear, dear friend, but this really was a great pattern. I almost wish she had hung on to it to submit to Knitty or MagKnits, because it is totally worthy of being published.

So, here they are – Red Dwarf Socks in STR Heavyweight in “Footzey Foo”:

And yes, that top picture IS the front and back of the socks at the same time, thank you very much. I took ballet for exactly one year as a kid, and that’s the only thing I can still do – torn my feet out pretty much to 180 degrees. Just ignore the fact that my ankle is rolling a bit.

Week 9 – Semifinals

Ballroom Round:
Apolo & Julianne – Quickstep - He looks so comfortable and confident! It’s awesome. I love how together they are – they really are connecting with each other wonderfully. Judges: 30
Ian & Cheryl – Tango - Ian was clearly having more fun with this one, but I still think there is something missing in the chemistry between the two of them. It’s in really stark relief in comparison to Apolo and Julianne coming right before them. Judges: 28
Laila & Maks – Quickstep - They owned the entire dance floor with this routine – it covered every single square inch, and I really think they were technically excellent. I don’t think they were quite as “fun” as they have been in the past, though. Judges: 30
Joey & Kym – Foxtrot - Aaaaand Joey’s back! Lighthearted and sweet, but really really well danced. Judges: 30

Latin Round:
Apolo & Julianne – Chacha - Excellent. They have a really, really strong shot at taking the trophy if they keep this up. I’m not sure the band should try doing any more hip-hop, though… Judges: 29
Ian & Cheryl – Jive - Oh, Ian… the Elvis look was just too funny. I think I’ve figured out why they just aren’t connecting with the judges (or me) as much as I wish they would. It comes back to what I said early on about Cheryl – she is SO frantic, and SO energetic that Ian looks almost lazy by comparison, and he isn’t – just like the girl I used to work with in theatre back in Meadville. I think it’s that mismatch that is bothering me. Judges: 30
Laila & Maks – Chachacha - I thought it was interesting what Carrie-Ann said after the first round – Laila is the only non-professional female out there, and you almost expect her to be on par with the other women. Honestly, I think she was. Judges: 30
Joey & Kym – Jive - I said it last time, and I’ll say it again – Joey Fatone was MADE for the Jive. He can have fun, and bounce like mad, and it all works. Wonderful, wonderful dance. Judges: 30

OK, this is when I start to hate seeing anyone go home – I’ve loved all four of these couples since the beginning, and I really don’t want any of them to leave, but there aren’t really any other options, are there? I’m going with Ian and Cheryl in the bottom two along with Laila and Maks, and I have the feeling that Ian’s breakthrough came just a little too late and he’ll be done.

Week 8 – Two Dances!

Ballroom Round:
Ian & Cheryl – Foxtrot - Their chemistry and connection is getting much better. I really enjoyed this number, but I thought the ending with the high kicks was a little… odd. Judges: 22
Joey & Kym – Waltz - Very graceful and elegant. I was a little distracted by that pouf of cotton candy Kym was wearing, though. Judges: 26
Billy Ray & Karina – Foxtrot - I think Karina was smart to choreograph this number to a country song. It adds a definite comfort level for Billy Ray, and I think that was clear in his dancing. Easily his best yet. Judges: 18
Laila & Maks – Waltz - Lovely. Just lovely. Judges: 27
Apolo & Julianne – Tango - Fabulous! They managaed to balance energetic and smooth. I really loved it! Judges: 28

Latin Round:
Ian & Cheryl – Rhumba - Good, but not great. Ian seemed a little hesitant to me. Judges: 25
Joey & Kym – Mambo - I feel a little like Len, but I just expect more from them. I was underwhelmed. It was frantic and wild, but not fun or coherent at all. Judges: 29
Billy Ray & Karina – Mambo - What a contrast to Joey and Kym. Billy Ray was awkward and uncomfortable. I know he tried really hard, but it just wan’t there. Judges: 20
Laila & Maks – Jive – Bouncy and fun. I could see Laila getting a little tired at the end, though, because her kicks started to get sloppy. Judges: 26
Apolo & Julianne – Paso Doble - Honestly, the Paso Doble has not, as a whole, been my favorite dance so far, but I really enjoyed this one a LOT. Judges: 30

Sadly, I think Ian is going to see the ugly red light this week, along with Billy Ray. And I think it is really, really time for Billy Ray to go home.

Week 7 – Two Dances!

Ballroom Round:
Laila & Maks – Quickstep – Interestingly, as lovely as her costume was, I think it took away from the dance a little, because you couldn’t really see her feet. It was really good, but it just didn’t blow me away like she has in the past. Judges: 29
John & Edyta – Foxtrot – The slower more graceful dances are absolutely John’s strong suit. He’s really light on his feet and elegant. And as always, adorable. Judges: 23
Apolo & Julianne – Foxtrot - Lovely and graceful, but also with a sense of fun and youthfulness. They’ve gotten really good at letting their personalities show through without being goofy about it. Judges: 26
Ian & Cheryl – Tango - Definitely less stiff than last week! I’m not sure if it was the choreography or what, though, but I thought it was a little boring. The technique was there (from what I could tell), but there wasn’t much va-va-voom to the dance itself. Judges: 27
Billy Ray & Karina – Waltz - That was unbelievable! He was graceful, and light on his feet, and RELAXED! Yay! I thought it was terribly sweet of him to want to showcase Karina, to give her the spotlight. I’m pretty sure he’s doing it because he thinks this is his last week. Judges: 17
Joey & Kym – Foxtrot - Another really, really strong performance from Joey and Kym. He just exudes so much personality that it’s impossible not to just adore him. Judges: 29

Latin Round:
Laila & Maks – Samba – Laila is lovely in the ballroom numbers, but I think the Latin dances are where she really shines. She’s just got a great sensuality and sexiness that is showcased so well in those dances. Judges: 30
John & Edyta – Rhumba – Good, but not great. He’s done so well, but I think he’s reached the limit of what he can do physically. His lower back is a little stiff, so he just doesn’t have the hip movement that should be there in the Latin numbers. Judges: 22
Apolo & Julianne – Mambo - Fiery and fun. I just love watching them together. Judges: 28
Ian & Cheryl – Mambo - The most relaxed he has been in a couple of weeks now. This is what I want to see from him. Wonderful! Judges: 27
Billy Ray & Karina – Samba - I definitely think Billy Ray has decided that he’s going home this week. As a result, he’s more relaxed and having more fun than he has had so far. The actual dancing wasn’t great, but he was still enjoyable to watch. Judges:
Joey & Kym – Jive - You know, I think the Jive was made for Joey – bouncy and fun and irreverent. Loved it!!! Judges: 30

Is anyone else waiting for Len and Bruno to actually slug it out on the dance floor? I think maybe Carrie Ann needs to sit between them!

I’m going with Billy Ray and John in the bottom again. It’s going to come down to the audience – John’s got it over Billy Ray on the judge’s scores, but I think Billy Ray’s got the edge with the audience vote. I’m just not sure it’s enough to make up the difference in the scores, so I’m afraid this might be it for him this week.

In knitting news, I’m still chugging along on my Tomato. I’m hoping it will be done either today or tomorrow, depending on how much time I have today. I’m also debating lengthening the sleeves like Cristi did. I like the way it looks. Hmm…

OK, so she had a point there.

So, I thought about it, and I remembered my massive score of Lion Cotton Ease from last August. I pulled some skeins out, and compared colors, and I finally settled on a main color of Popsical Blue (the turquoise in the top half of the right-hand box in that pic) and a contrast of Bubble Gum (the pink in the top box). I think it will be fun and springy. I’m currently about halfway through the increases before the sleeves are separated, and I like the way it is working up so far. Now the question is, will it be done to wear to MDS&W? (No, not the same day Turtlegirl wears hers. That would just be weird.)

And I know I promised FO pics, but it’s been a busy weekend around here. Kris worked from 6am Friday until 4am Saturday, and then spent half of Saturday night on the phone with work, so he’s a little beat. I’m going to try to get a couple of my own tomorrow – I’ve got the Chrysanthemum Tea Shawl to show off (Love it, love it, love it!), as well as a couple of house-oriented projects.

And now… on to the show!

Week 6 – Latin and Swing

Joey & Kym – I love that Joey was singing along while they danced. They both looked like they were having such fun. And Joey was just a complete maniac. Loved it! Judges: 27
Heather & Jonathan – Heather is looking rather clunky this week – not as graceful as she had been. Not nearly as impressive as previous dances. Judges: 23
John & Edyta – I continue to be amazed at how nimble John is for such a teddybear of a guy – this was great. Judges: 19
Laila & Maks – Very enjoyable – energetic and fun. I fear what Len is going to have to say about the funky stuff, though. Judges: 28
Billy Ray & Karina – Probably the most relaxed he has been dancing the entire competition. Unfortunately, it just wasn’t all that great to me. Not terrible, just very middle-of-the-road. It feels a little like a swan song to me – they’ve decided they are going home, and decided to quit trying. Judges: 21
Apolo & Julianne – Great chemistry. Sexy and romantic without being dirty. Wonderful. Judges: 28
Ian & Cheryl - Strong, but not stiff, confident, intense, sexy. Awesome! Judges: 24

I felt so bad for Ian this week. He tried so, so hard to give the judges what they wanted, and they just shredded him in their comments.

I’m guessing that Billy Ray and John will be the bottom two, and I’m going to have to say that it will be John going home. Not because I think he’s the worse dancer, but because Billy Ray really has a likeability thing going – sort of the aw, shucks-ness.

And the group swing number? Was a total hoot. I can only imagine what that particular rehearsal was really like…

Week 5 – The Samba and the Rhumba

Ian & Cheryl - Ian is having WAY too much fun. The more this goes on, the more I love him. Judges: 24
Clyde & Elena – Well, now. THAT’s an outfit! Oh, Clyde, still with those lazy, noodley arms. Elena is working it, and you look downright bored. THAT’s what the judges mean about it looking like you aren’t trying. Judges: 13
Heather & Jonathan – Hmm… she’s looking a little clunky this week. I’m not quite sure what to make of this one. It’s definitely not my favorite of theirs so far. Judges: 21
Joey & Kym – Ok, I never thought I would say this about Joey freakin’ Fatone, but that was hot. Really, really sexy. This is still his competition to lose. Judges: 25
John & Edyta – You know, he’s not the most graceful dancer out there, but he did a great job tonight, and he’s certainly having a blast with it. Judges: 18
Laila & Maks – Hey, she’s not wearing orange! She started a little slow, but she came more to life a little into it. Great job. Sexy, sexy, sexy. Judges: 28
Apolo & Julianne – Once again, a really, really strong performance from Apolo and Julianne. And he definitely worked the sexy on this one! Judges: 30
Billy Ray & Karina – Oh, Billy… he was so uncomfortable and stiff this week after making so much progress. It makes me sad, because I loved how hard he has been working. Judges: 17

I’m thinking it’s Billy and Clyde on the chopping block this week, and it could go either way. Personally, I think it’s time for Clyde to go.

He’s probably going to kill me for this, but Kris has watched a few episodes with me (mostly he’s been in the room on his laptop while I watch), and he’s taken to commenting while we watch. He even applauded a bit when Apolo and Julianne got their perfect score. I think he’s turning into a fan, despite his best efforts to the contrary.

And for the record, Len is a bitter, bitter man. He actually took the time to research how much time people were spending in training? He needs to get a hobby. Maybe he should learn to knit!

Week 4 – The Waltz and the Paso Doble

Laila & Maks – Hmm…I’m not sure if it is just that I don’t care for the Paso Doble, or if this was not a good one, but I was kind of bored. They move well together, and they both look gorgeous as always, but this is just kind of a dull dance to me. I’ll have to see if the rest of them strike me the same way. Judges: 21
Apolo & Julianne – See, now, the waltz I can get into. This was lovely and romantic and just wonderful. Of course, the fact that they are just too adorable for words doesn’t hurt. Judges: 26
Leeza & Tony – Wow… props to Leeza for wearing that outfit at 50, and looking pretty damn good in it! Sadly, she’s not as comforatble with the dance. She’s working hard, and you can see it on her face – good dance should look effortless. Judges: 16
Ian & Cheryl - Ah, see, now CHERYL has the coloring for yellow, unlike Heather. Ian’s looking great – really doing well. This was great – he’s definitely in the running to win this one! Judges: 24
John & Edyta – Holy fabulous dress, Batman! That is awesome! Of course, you have to have her body to pull it off… This was a cool dance – very engaging, relaxed, but with energy. I liked it a lot. Judges: 16
Clyde & Elena – Argh… if Clyde would just put some energy and strength into his frame, they’d be in great shape, but his arms are always slack. It just ends up looking unpolished. Judges: 15
Billy Ray & Karina – He’s working harder and harder every week. You can see it in his face, and in the set of his shoulders. He’s just defeating himself with his attitude of “Oh, well, I’ll never be good enough.” Judges: 21
Heather & Jonathan – Graceful and lovely. They are doing a consistently wonderful job of working around the issues with her leg without making it obvious. Judges: 23
Joey & Kym – THIS was awesome. Strong, and engaging, and precise, and just wonderful to watch. There was passion and fire. Fantastic. Judges: 28

Leeza and Clyde are going to be at the bottom after the vote, and Leeza’s going home. That’s my call. And I’m good with that. I have nothing against Leeza, I’m just over her on this show.

In other news, I found a contest on a couple of other blogs – 5 Minutes for Mom is giving away one of the new Dyson Slim vacuums. So of course, I had to enter. (And yeah, I know I’m not a mom. I have 3 dogs and 3 cats. I need good vacuum power. )

And I’ve been a crocheting fiend the last couple of days. I went on a Yarn Safari (as Carrie has taken to calling them) this weekend to Cloverhill Yarn Shop with Carrie and Maryanne, and picked up a copy of the new Interweave Crochet. The Boteh Scarf called to me, as did the Cloverhill sock yarn, which is dyed for the store by Mama E of C*Eye*ber Fiber. They also carry some of her roving, and now that I’ve seen it in person, I understand why people love her stuff. I resisted the roving this time, but chances are good that there will be some in my future.

This is Pistachio Chip:

And this is the Boteh Scarf, so far:

Isn’t it purty? I’m almost done with the main part, and then I just need to do the border.

Week 3 – The Jive and the Tango

Shandi & Brian – Definitely better than their mambo! She’s so lovely, and I really want to like her, but she just doesn’t seem to want to let loose. I think it comes back to the pageant thing – she’s so used to being poised and careful that she’s having trouble letting go and being free. Judges: 21
John & Edyta – The teddy bear went all old-school romance! I did feel like this one was mostly about Edyta, with John not doing a whole lot, but that may be a factor of the tango, I don’t know. Judges: 20
Clyde & Elena – First of all, WHAT is with that outfit of hers? Gah. All that fringy crap makes her look really thick around the middle, which she really is not. Clyde is definitely getting more comfortable with the dancing, and he seemed to really enjoy this one. Judges: 16
Laila & Maks – Hee! James Bond music!! Not quite as kick-ass as the mambo, but I still loved it. She just knows how to move, and they work well together. Judges: 21
Apolo & Julianne – Wow. How adorable was that!! That was great – fun and lively and just great to watch. Judges: 23
Joey & Kym – Ok, the Star Wars theme was a little cheesy, but I think they made it work. Joey seemed a little less light on his feet than he had been, but it was still a good dance. Judges: 24
Ian & Cheryl - That was easily the best he has done yet. Joey and Apolo better watch their backs! Judges: 24
Leeza & Tony – Great costumes, boring dance. Judges: 24 (Seriously? How was THAT on par with Joey and Kym and Ian and Cheryl?!?!)
Heather & Jonathan – First, will someone please explain to Heather that yellow really isn’t a good color on her? This was not her best week, either. Her shoulders seemed hunched up, and those big clunky shoes did not help her with the issues she was already going to have with this dance and her leg. Judges: 24
Billy Ray & Karina – I think Billy Ray’s biggest issue is his self-confidence. When he relaxes and trusts himself, he’s good, but he spends so much time watching her to make sure he’s doing the right thing that it takes away from his dancing. Judges: 21

I’m worried that Clyde is going home, because I really, really like him. I still think that Leeza and Shandi are bottom-tier, though.

Anyway, just for shits & giggles, I thought I’d start blogging my thoughts about each week’s episode, along with the judges’ scores, and my prediction for who will go, with a followup to see if I was right. (Hint – I was wrong for the first one). I realize that no one may have any interest in this but me, but hey, it’s my friggin’ blog. For those who are interested, the official home page is here.

Week 1 – The Foxtrot and the Cha Cha

Ian & Cheryl - He is obviously enjoying himself. Even when he wasn’t technically perfect, he sold it well. Judges: 21
Paulina & Alec – I love her. I know it’s at least partly because something about her makes me think of my very dear old friend Nikki, but I also thought she danced well. Judges: 19
Billy Ray & Karina – Two words: train and wreck. I really felt for Karina – I’m not sure she knew what to do with him on this one. Judges: 13
Leeza & Tony – Pretty middle of the road – nothing particularly memorable. Judges: 15
Joey & Kym – Too fun. LOVED them – the couple to beat, for sure. Judges: 24
Laila & Maks – First of all, DAMN is she gorgeous. And that orange dress looked amazing on her. Plus, who knew a boxer could dance like that? Judges: 23
John & Edyta – Very nice – John’s a bit like a teddybear. He dances quite well! Judges: 17
Shandi & Brian – Whichever judge referred to them as “Barbie and Ken” was right. Not bad, not outstanding. Judges: 19
Clyde & Elena – He’s likable, but he’s clearly a little uncomfortable with the whole dancing thing. Judges: 16
Heather & Jonathan – Wow… what was with that dress? What an awful color combo. She looked a little nervous, but still danced well. Judges: 18
Apolo & Julianne – You can tell he’s a little nervous, but they were great together. Plus, I’ve liked him since the Salt Lake Olympics. Judges: 21

OK, I knew they weren’t eliminating anyone until after the second round of dancing, but I wasn’t feeling good for Billy Ray and Karina after week 1. That was just not pretty.

Week 2 – The Mambo and the Quick Step

Apolo & Julianne – He really seemed to relax and enjoy this a little more. Judges: 26
Shandi & Brian – Wow. That was the boringest, least sexy Mambo ever. Lose the pageant walk and move those hips!! Judges: 20
Clyde & Elena – Clyde looked like he was getting into it and having a little more fun this time. Judges: 18
Leeza & Tony – Not bad, but not great either. I don’t dislike her, but I doubt she’ll be around for long. Judges: 21
Ian & Cheryl – Lots of fun, enjoyable to watch. Cheryl makes me think of someone I used to know at the theatre I worked at years ago – she always seemed to think that if she had LOTS ! OF! ENERGY! that everyone would somehow “catch” it from her. Mostly, she annoyed me, so I have a feeling I’m going to be watching Cheryl through that lens. Judges: 22
Paulina & Alec – She’s really adorable. She looks fabulous, and I really loved her this week, especially because she went for it on the death drop. Judges: 21
Billy Ray & Karina – THAT was an improvement! I think if he can overcome the debacle of the chacha, he will make some serious progress. Judges: 21
Heather & Jonathan – Kick ASS outfit! She looked fantastic, and WOW that was some awesome dancing. Girl can shake it! (See, Shandi – THAT’s what your hips should be doing.) Judges: 24
John & Edyta – They’ve got great chemistry, and I love seeing someone who’s a little older out there working it. Judges: 21
Laila & Maks – OK, that thing about Joey and Kym being the couple to beat? Laila and Maks just upped the ante. A LOT. That was smokin’! Judges: 27
Joey & Kym – And they brought their A-game again! I know Joey did a lot of dancing with *NSync, but this is really, really good. Judges: 24

Ok, so after dance number 2, I’m guessing that Shandi is going to be in trouble, along with Billy Ray and possibly Leeza.

Elimination Show:

WTF? Paulina and Alec got booted? That is so wrong. (Although I was right about Shandi being in trouble.)

In knitting news (assuming you’ve gotten this far, that is), I’m almost done with the Counterpoint scarf. I am loving the yarn (Classic Elite Lush), and I think she’s really going to like it. I’ll get Kris to take some pics as soon as it is totally finished. The illusion reads pretty well – I’m going to have to play with that some more in the future.

Oh, and we did the photo shoot for Flash Your Stash ’07 the other day. The idea was totally Kris’s, and I think you’ll like it. Remember, folks: FYS April 1!!