Friday, April 30, 2010
Please Keep Gilad Shalit In Your Prayers
I missed Israeli Independence Day (mostly because I can never keep the Hebrew date straight). But Sergeant Shalit was taken hostage four years ago. To date, he has been held a hostage by Islamic terrorists who masquerade as freedom fighters or as a government. You know them as Hamas.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Never missing a chance to miss a chance
What is it with the current Board of Supervisors? Only one of them seems to be willing to tackle the fiscal problem the city is facing a meaningful way, and even then I get the feeling it's only halfhearted and to get some attention in the press.
What am I talking about? Apparently, not content to tax us in a variety of ways to the point of insanity, the city of San Francisco's Board of Supervisors has decided on a new 90 day trial plan with a new fee for many of us. What is that you may ask? It's parking on Sunday.
In a way, this is just like Spirit Airlines and their recent decision to tack on a fee for all luggage carry-on or loaded on their flights.
Whenever someone government says that taxes temporary, I think we need to look at their definition of temporary versus our definition of temporary. Governments never like to give up sources of revenue. There is always some pet project that can be trotted out they can justify the continuation of a tax.
In the people we elect a government, as well as the bureaucrats which they appoint, are not the only ones to blame. We enable this habit. We rubberstamp the spending by continuing to return the same people office over and over again. Voters have a memory the most major-league closers would kill for. If it didn't happen in the last few news cycles, barely remember it happened at all.
San Francisco Board of Supervisors is apparently going to authorize this new parking meter extension to Sunday's, saying that polygamy for 90 days in the know about with the program. Right... what you want to bet this is the 90 days or a Board of Supervisors is going to look at the pile of money that they've made from you dropping coins into the meters and the meter maids issuing tickets and say to themselves "this is a lot of moneyh, we could do something with this".
But is it really going to bring down the deficit that this government in San Francisco is running right now? Can act as a Band-Aid. It's going to make people think that we've solved our fiscal problems. But the only to really solve the problems is to get back to living within our means. If that means cutting some programs and we need to do that. Otherwise we're just to be raising and raising and raising more and more fees and taxes in the city.
At some point, enough has to be enough. Why don't we start now?
What am I talking about? Apparently, not content to tax us in a variety of ways to the point of insanity, the city of San Francisco's Board of Supervisors has decided on a new 90 day trial plan with a new fee for many of us. What is that you may ask? It's parking on Sunday.
In a way, this is just like Spirit Airlines and their recent decision to tack on a fee for all luggage carry-on or loaded on their flights.
Whenever someone government says that taxes temporary, I think we need to look at their definition of temporary versus our definition of temporary. Governments never like to give up sources of revenue. There is always some pet project that can be trotted out they can justify the continuation of a tax.
In the people we elect a government, as well as the bureaucrats which they appoint, are not the only ones to blame. We enable this habit. We rubberstamp the spending by continuing to return the same people office over and over again. Voters have a memory the most major-league closers would kill for. If it didn't happen in the last few news cycles, barely remember it happened at all.
San Francisco Board of Supervisors is apparently going to authorize this new parking meter extension to Sunday's, saying that polygamy for 90 days in the know about with the program. Right... what you want to bet this is the 90 days or a Board of Supervisors is going to look at the pile of money that they've made from you dropping coins into the meters and the meter maids issuing tickets and say to themselves "this is a lot of moneyh, we could do something with this".
But is it really going to bring down the deficit that this government in San Francisco is running right now? Can act as a Band-Aid. It's going to make people think that we've solved our fiscal problems. But the only to really solve the problems is to get back to living within our means. If that means cutting some programs and we need to do that. Otherwise we're just to be raising and raising and raising more and more fees and taxes in the city.
At some point, enough has to be enough. Why don't we start now?
Monday, April 26, 2010
Can I dance with madness? (DWTS Recap)
Chelsea and Jake Pavelka start off the night with the Samba. Jake decided to forgoe the fake tan apparently. He’s not bouncy enough. He looks like a chicken and will someone please tell him those facial expressions are not helping him. He is also off timing wise, and just barely missed knocking her on her bum. Mrs. Angrybell doesn’t think he is doing the hold very well, and thinks that he grabbed her boob. We disagree on whether we think he is having fun with the dance. As the lead off pair, they get the benefit of the doubt. 21.
Evan and Anna followed up with a samba of their own. This is a man who barely has been introduced to his hips. That fall int eh training looked painful and concussion worthy. And apparently, Dr. Axel says it was a mild concussion. Mrs. Angrybell is against Anna flipping Evan. And now on the Samba. They got a much better song than Jake. He looks like he is squatting a bit. I’m not sure that is right. Mrs. Angrybell likes it. I am just wondering about some of Evan’s stuff. His hip movement is working for him. It just feels like there are bit where it goes a little wrong and he is just off and then gets right back into it. Can’t call it perfect. And then Len put his finger on what I couldn’t say. He is right, it was too balletic and not enough party. Mrs. Angrybell thinks the 7s were frakked up. Even with Len’s comment (which she disagrees with). I agree, Evan got hosed.
Niecey and Louie showed up with a change of pace with the argentine tango. Niecey is having too much fun training. Mrs. Angrybell is stunned speechless by Nicey’s outfit. And not in a good way. The footwork is nice in the beginning, and playful, but she is not close enough to his hip. For someone who is not in shape, nor flexible, she does a good impersonation. That lift over the knee is just off, but I love the cookie at the end! Len liked the comedy and the cookie? Is the world about to end? Will the Cubbies win the World Series now? What the hell is going on with these scores? Can't you people admit that Jake did not deserve the 7s he got and stop penalizing the rest by giving them 7s when they did better? 21 for Niecy.
Maksim and Erin argued their way on to the dance floor. Dancing the Samba in an unfortunate outfit. Mrs. Angrybell thinks she looks like Adrianna from the Sopranos. Interesting that he tried a little solo bit in the beginning. Problem is, she is not that graceful. Mrs. Angrybell thinks that Maksim is having to drag her around too much. As the dance goes on, she is dancing more, following, as opposed to being drug about. Ahh, and then Maksim gets to show off the guns. Tatiana Ali where are you? Mrs. Angrybell thinks there is no need for the shirtless Maksim. Erin is... not a great dancer, but then again, she is not as abd as some of the models that have graced the stage. Carrie Ann is smoking something. And apparently Bruno is too. Is the fix in? Really? 25? Mrs. Angrybell calls foul!
Chad and Cheryl need a good dance tonight. He started off well, and then has gone into a bit of a decline. And tonight is the Argentine tango. Well he is good and close to her. The problem is that he looks a little tentative in the start. When they get into the spin, he looks better, but when Cheryl has him choreographed for the slow pause steps (I know they have a proper name, and I can't remember what they are), he looks less sure. On the good side, Cheryl makes it hard to look at him. The intensity is there in the face, but not always in the steps and then it starts to come out at the end. Ugh. Two dances in one. Fortunately for him, the judges only seemed to see the parts he did well. 24.
Nicole and Derek also drew the samba. Nicole is really feeling the pressure this week. Now this is what a samba should look like. I am not a fan of her hair and its causing her trouble sometimes. But otherwise, I am enjoying this. She should have raided Edyta's closet for this dance. I am not a fan of this outfit. And she could've almost worn some of Edyta's stuff. That last move at the end was very nice. Whats the problem with this dance? I'm not sure. Len is interesting in that he thinks that if certain steps are not there its a problem. I agree with that to a point, but it looked good. 26. Bruno is in love with her.
Pam and that guy (Damian?) danced the Argentine tango. Why is he having so much trouble lifting her up? She looks like she weighs almost nothing. Is saline or silicone that heavy? And she is going to do it with a dark hair style going. This is so not Pam Anderson. Apparently, she is listening to Colby now. I like that opening lift sequence. Mrs. Angrybell and I are split over the sharpness of her steps. I think she is doing just as good if not better, especially on the slows of the steps. Nice second lift, but the landing was a little rocky, Damian! Now her steps are a little of and in the last tango spin it was not quite on. First half of the dance was great. Last half started to lose steam. 22 thanks to Bruno.
Mrs. Angrybell on Brooke Burke: "Have you noticed that Brooke Burke has not looked like a crazy freak all season long? I think it was a contract provision that they not let any of Samantha Harris' dressers/stylists near her."
Now for the group swing marathon. As Chad says "White trees can't dance." And Jake and Chelsea start by mucking about. Really a good idea guys with that many points on the line? Chad and Cheryl look sloppy, as do Pam and Damian. Jake and Chelsea go down first. Derek and his zoot suit are doing what they always do with his partner. Louis and Niecey are working it, but then they go down. Chad is not keeping good time, even when shirtless. Evan and Ana go spinning out of control and they gets them the hook. Nice life from Pam and Damian, even if she almost goes into the floor and not in a good way. I have to say, I am surprised the Maksim and Erin have lasted this long. Chad and Cheryl go down, which is good. Pamela is somehow surviving, but I';m not sure why. And then they go down after a bad series of lifts. Erin should go first, but we shall see what happens. And down goes Erin and Maks. For the second season in a row, Derek and partner win the marathon.
Alright, people, let's get this right this time. Pam does not belong in the bottom two. She should be going on.
As far as leaders. It remains unchanged in my opinion. Nicole and Derek are distancing themselves on the women's side. For the men, unless Chad steps up big time next week (assuming he survives), the best the men have to offer is Evan.
What about the rest? Niecy is nice, but her time on the program may be getting short. Erin, despite that shockingly bad assessment by the judges tonight, should also look out. But in the finally result, the next to go should be: Jake. Can't dance. Surprisingly uncharismatic. Please, send him home!
Evan and Anna followed up with a samba of their own. This is a man who barely has been introduced to his hips. That fall int eh training looked painful and concussion worthy. And apparently, Dr. Axel says it was a mild concussion. Mrs. Angrybell is against Anna flipping Evan. And now on the Samba. They got a much better song than Jake. He looks like he is squatting a bit. I’m not sure that is right. Mrs. Angrybell likes it. I am just wondering about some of Evan’s stuff. His hip movement is working for him. It just feels like there are bit where it goes a little wrong and he is just off and then gets right back into it. Can’t call it perfect. And then Len put his finger on what I couldn’t say. He is right, it was too balletic and not enough party. Mrs. Angrybell thinks the 7s were frakked up. Even with Len’s comment (which she disagrees with). I agree, Evan got hosed.
Niecey and Louie showed up with a change of pace with the argentine tango. Niecey is having too much fun training. Mrs. Angrybell is stunned speechless by Nicey’s outfit. And not in a good way. The footwork is nice in the beginning, and playful, but she is not close enough to his hip. For someone who is not in shape, nor flexible, she does a good impersonation. That lift over the knee is just off, but I love the cookie at the end! Len liked the comedy and the cookie? Is the world about to end? Will the Cubbies win the World Series now? What the hell is going on with these scores? Can't you people admit that Jake did not deserve the 7s he got and stop penalizing the rest by giving them 7s when they did better? 21 for Niecy.
Maksim and Erin argued their way on to the dance floor. Dancing the Samba in an unfortunate outfit. Mrs. Angrybell thinks she looks like Adrianna from the Sopranos. Interesting that he tried a little solo bit in the beginning. Problem is, she is not that graceful. Mrs. Angrybell thinks that Maksim is having to drag her around too much. As the dance goes on, she is dancing more, following, as opposed to being drug about. Ahh, and then Maksim gets to show off the guns. Tatiana Ali where are you? Mrs. Angrybell thinks there is no need for the shirtless Maksim. Erin is... not a great dancer, but then again, she is not as abd as some of the models that have graced the stage. Carrie Ann is smoking something. And apparently Bruno is too. Is the fix in? Really? 25? Mrs. Angrybell calls foul!
Chad and Cheryl need a good dance tonight. He started off well, and then has gone into a bit of a decline. And tonight is the Argentine tango. Well he is good and close to her. The problem is that he looks a little tentative in the start. When they get into the spin, he looks better, but when Cheryl has him choreographed for the slow pause steps (I know they have a proper name, and I can't remember what they are), he looks less sure. On the good side, Cheryl makes it hard to look at him. The intensity is there in the face, but not always in the steps and then it starts to come out at the end. Ugh. Two dances in one. Fortunately for him, the judges only seemed to see the parts he did well. 24.
Nicole and Derek also drew the samba. Nicole is really feeling the pressure this week. Now this is what a samba should look like. I am not a fan of her hair and its causing her trouble sometimes. But otherwise, I am enjoying this. She should have raided Edyta's closet for this dance. I am not a fan of this outfit. And she could've almost worn some of Edyta's stuff. That last move at the end was very nice. Whats the problem with this dance? I'm not sure. Len is interesting in that he thinks that if certain steps are not there its a problem. I agree with that to a point, but it looked good. 26. Bruno is in love with her.
Pam and that guy (Damian?) danced the Argentine tango. Why is he having so much trouble lifting her up? She looks like she weighs almost nothing. Is saline or silicone that heavy? And she is going to do it with a dark hair style going. This is so not Pam Anderson. Apparently, she is listening to Colby now. I like that opening lift sequence. Mrs. Angrybell and I are split over the sharpness of her steps. I think she is doing just as good if not better, especially on the slows of the steps. Nice second lift, but the landing was a little rocky, Damian! Now her steps are a little of and in the last tango spin it was not quite on. First half of the dance was great. Last half started to lose steam. 22 thanks to Bruno.
Mrs. Angrybell on Brooke Burke: "Have you noticed that Brooke Burke has not looked like a crazy freak all season long? I think it was a contract provision that they not let any of Samantha Harris' dressers/stylists near her."
Now for the group swing marathon. As Chad says "White trees can't dance." And Jake and Chelsea start by mucking about. Really a good idea guys with that many points on the line? Chad and Cheryl look sloppy, as do Pam and Damian. Jake and Chelsea go down first. Derek and his zoot suit are doing what they always do with his partner. Louis and Niecey are working it, but then they go down. Chad is not keeping good time, even when shirtless. Evan and Ana go spinning out of control and they gets them the hook. Nice life from Pam and Damian, even if she almost goes into the floor and not in a good way. I have to say, I am surprised the Maksim and Erin have lasted this long. Chad and Cheryl go down, which is good. Pamela is somehow surviving, but I';m not sure why. And then they go down after a bad series of lifts. Erin should go first, but we shall see what happens. And down goes Erin and Maks. For the second season in a row, Derek and partner win the marathon.
Alright, people, let's get this right this time. Pam does not belong in the bottom two. She should be going on.
As far as leaders. It remains unchanged in my opinion. Nicole and Derek are distancing themselves on the women's side. For the men, unless Chad steps up big time next week (assuming he survives), the best the men have to offer is Evan.
What about the rest? Niecy is nice, but her time on the program may be getting short. Erin, despite that shockingly bad assessment by the judges tonight, should also look out. But in the finally result, the next to go should be: Jake. Can't dance. Surprisingly uncharismatic. Please, send him home!
We are definitely not getting what we paid for
If you've been reading my blog for any amount of time over the last couple months, he may have noticed that I am very upset over the state of Muni, and specifically with how much everyone involved in it is getting paid. Well, it looks like this problem is not just restricted to Muni. It looks like just about everybody involved in San Francisco government is getting paid way too much money.
The San Francisco Chronicle today released an article detailing just how many people in city government makeover hundred thousand dollars a year. That's not hundred thousand dollars a year with over time, that's $100,000 a year as your base salary for a city employee. In case you didn't read the article, let me just summarize it for you: 1 in 3 city employees makes over hundred thousand dollars a year.
In many cases, now paid by the city and County of San Francisco to its employees are higher than those of other surrounding municipalities. What is interesting to me, is that not only is it higher than surrounding municipalities, that is in-line or higher than the private sector for similar jobs. Are we getting our value for paying the people who serve us as city employees? Or to put it another way, if this employee unions are going to insist be paid private sector wages, then why are we going to expect private sector results from our employees?
I think it's clear, we are not getting our money's worth. Muni is a travesty. the San Francisco public schools are rapidly heading towards travesty. Homelessness is still a rampant problem in the city. But hey, our Muni workers get treated like kings for failing to do their jobs well and the head of the ethics commission can walk away with $140,000 in compensation for doing... what?
I understand that people should be paid what they're worth. However, the problem is I don't think that the people of the city of San Francisco are getting what they paid for. If you want to be paid top dollar, he has to show that you were top dollar. If you can get paid more than people in the private sector, significantly more in one of the factors of the benefits and pensions are things that no private employer can match these days, then why aren't the city streets paved properly? And why aren't the homeless in doubt with an effective efficient manner? And why can't the buses run close to being on time in the city?
If you're getting paid like Barry Zito, then you damn well better pitch like Tim Lincecum.
First, let's fix the Muni travesty. Then the rest of the city government.
The San Francisco Chronicle today released an article detailing just how many people in city government makeover hundred thousand dollars a year. That's not hundred thousand dollars a year with over time, that's $100,000 a year as your base salary for a city employee. In case you didn't read the article, let me just summarize it for you: 1 in 3 city employees makes over hundred thousand dollars a year.
In many cases, now paid by the city and County of San Francisco to its employees are higher than those of other surrounding municipalities. What is interesting to me, is that not only is it higher than surrounding municipalities, that is in-line or higher than the private sector for similar jobs. Are we getting our value for paying the people who serve us as city employees? Or to put it another way, if this employee unions are going to insist be paid private sector wages, then why are we going to expect private sector results from our employees?
I think it's clear, we are not getting our money's worth. Muni is a travesty. the San Francisco public schools are rapidly heading towards travesty. Homelessness is still a rampant problem in the city. But hey, our Muni workers get treated like kings for failing to do their jobs well and the head of the ethics commission can walk away with $140,000 in compensation for doing... what?
I understand that people should be paid what they're worth. However, the problem is I don't think that the people of the city of San Francisco are getting what they paid for. If you want to be paid top dollar, he has to show that you were top dollar. If you can get paid more than people in the private sector, significantly more in one of the factors of the benefits and pensions are things that no private employer can match these days, then why aren't the city streets paved properly? And why aren't the homeless in doubt with an effective efficient manner? And why can't the buses run close to being on time in the city?
If you're getting paid like Barry Zito, then you damn well better pitch like Tim Lincecum.
First, let's fix the Muni travesty. Then the rest of the city government.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Monday, April 19, 2010
The Madness Is Back After A Hiatus (DWTS)
Alright. Thank you America. You ditched the dud (aka Aiden). So let's see what this week has in store for us on "Movie Night".
Niecy and Louis lead off with the jive. I think that Niecy is understanding why weight is not a good thing to have too much of in a ballroom competition. Good song this week already. Last week was just awful for music. Starts off with some nice basic jive moves. Mrs.Angrybell was scared by the shimmying to the judges. Niecy is not as light on her fight as this dance demands. But she is keeping time well. She is just not.. bouncy... enough for lack for a better word. And on that break, she looked a little lost. Her arms, also, at time seems to be tentative and not making the nice lines that Cary Ann likes to see from the contestants. She needs refinement is what we are seeing here. And Len just said exactly what I've been typing! I can't be completely crazy. The 6's were lower than I thought they would give. I honestly thought it would be 7's across the board.
Chad and Cheryl followed up with a quickstep. Mrs. Angrybell thinks they are dating because their dynamic is weird in the practicing. I think its just a weird dynamic, but then again I've been watching too many old episodes of Lie to Me. Bare Necessities. Great song for this dance. In open, Chad looks too lackadaisical and keeps looking over at Cheryl for cues too much. In hold, they are not close enough, and the frame is not locked in place. This is a bit of a mess . Despite all this, the footwork is not bad. He is getting some heel toe action, but then he starts going to his toes too much. Mrs. Angrybell thinks he looks too staid for this dance. Little trip during Cheryl's twirls. Basically, I thought it was mess. Good grief, Cary Anne and I sharing a moment in agreement. Whats wrong with me? Mrs. Angrybell thinks that this is Len's week to be sweet, because she was expecting the fire and brimstone Len. The 6's were right on the money.
Maks and Erin drew the Pulp Fiction jive. They are definitely not having a relationship. They remind me of a brother and sister trying to work together. Too much mucking about and I can't wait to see what Maks and the menu. Alright, go back and compare this dance with Niecy. The foot work is better but she is still having the problem of being heavy on her feet. Niecy at least has an excuse. As Mrs. Angrybell points out, she is tall like Stacy Kiebler, but whereas Stacy used it to her advantage, Erin has this habit of just looking gangly. The split was a nice touch, but too choppy. She needs to smooth out her moves and not look so choppy. Mrs. Angrybell says she needs finish. But overall, you have to say she made Uma wish she looked that good in that outfit. Look at what Stacy did with her height and compare that with what Erin does with hers.
I'm a little confused with Bruno's 8. The sevens were right on. It was just off.
Now comes one of my least favorite men in the competition: Jake. One of these days, Chelsea has got to get someone good. Can someone please tell this guy to stop patting himself on the back. They drew the cha cha cha. Apparently, Jake does not know movies. He came in with the Top Gun volleyball look. I really didn't need to see that. Mrs. Angrybell is shocked, stunned, and speechless, by the start and his costume. I was jsut hoping those pants would get their quicker than his footwork. Now, I never thought of Old Time Rock and Roll as a cha cha cha song. Mrs. Angrybell is wondering what dance he is doing. According to her, he is not doing much and Chelsea is carrying most of the load. I have to agree that the first half is like that. The hip movement is almost nonexistent. But he has flashes of some good movement. Too uneven. Now its my turn to be shocked, stunned and amazed by Len's review of the dance. And of course, Carrie Ann gushes over it. I'm sorry, I don't see it. 8's from the bookends? For real? Len's 7 is closer to the truth, but 8's?
Pam Anderson and Damian drew the quickstep to 9 to 5. One busty blonde channeling another. As a side note, I'm impressed by her endurance, especially in light of her health. Oh Len is going to hate this. Too much screwing around before they get into the dance. But I like the hodl and the closeness. She gets off but then gets back in on his hip. Her head is a little wrong and her frame is not as locked as it should be. Her footwork is good, but the slide step was a bit off. Mrs. Angrybell says "Put Pamela in less clothes." the part where they go over the desk was great. Mrs. Angrybell was willing to give extra points for making it over the desk and chairs as elegantly as she did. And according to Len, it was 24 bars of messing around. Shocking! But its nice to see our crabby Len back. A 7, 6, and 8. Len could've been nicer. Bruno was wrong, but
Next up was Kate and Tony. Can America please put her out of our misery? Its just so painful watching her. And she apparently has never watched Breakfast Club. What woman in that age group has never seen this movie? Really? And watching Tony, I just feel so sorry for him in the rehearsal. She is just obnoxious. I hope he is getting hazard pay for dealing with her. She is jsut phoning it in. Good song. Mrs. Angrybell wants to know which character Kate is supposed to be in this quicksteps (or was it a foxtrot? I have no idea it was that bad.). Mrs. Angrybell says "Kate's hair is becoming increasingly frightening. It was one think when she went for dyke-chic but this.. the 90's called and wants the style bad." There was nothing about this dance I can say that was good on her part. Please, send her home. Apparently, neither can Carrie Ann (aka Pollyanna). And Bruno was downright mean! Go Bruno! The 5's were a gift.
Following that trainwreck was Nicole and Derek doing a tango to Pretty Woman by Roy Orbison. She is starting to feel the stress. I like how they did the opening. It was messing about but it was done in dance moves. Mrs. Angrybell is impressed how well she is hitting her steps. And I love how well she is right on his hip when she is supposed to be. This is such a sharp routine and they are so in synch on their kicks. She looks confident. The spins were great. She looks like she is dancing with him,instead of Derek having to pull her through the dance, like say Tony has to do with Kate. Wow. Mrs. Angrybell is concerned that Bruno may have gone over the edge this time. Len was overly harsh with his 9. I've seen them give lesser dances 30 in other seasons. Sorry Nicole, you got robbed. It should have been 30 and not 29.
Evan and Anna drew "I Don't Want To Miss A Thing" for a rhumba. Mrs. Angrybell thinks that Anna stole the keys to Edyta's closet this week. Nice hip movement from Evan right out of the gate. Its not as much as it should be, but it makes Jakes look like what he was: pathetic. He is losing hip action as the dance goes on. However, he has nice lines. THere just wasn't any special moment in the dance. The 27 was nice.
Alright, clearly this week Nicole separated herself from the others in this competition. Pam Anderson is hanging in there, showing some nice improvements. From where she is right now, if the final three were named today, she would probably be in there.
On the men's side of the sheet, its a bit of a mess. Chad seems to be in freefall. Either he needs to give up sleeping with Cheryl or he needs to sleep with her. Because whatever it is right now between them, its not working. Evan is in control of the men. The rest... they might as well not exist.
But this is true: Kate needs to be given a swift boot off this show. Please. Do it for Tony!
Niecy and Louis lead off with the jive. I think that Niecy is understanding why weight is not a good thing to have too much of in a ballroom competition. Good song this week already. Last week was just awful for music. Starts off with some nice basic jive moves. Mrs.Angrybell was scared by the shimmying to the judges. Niecy is not as light on her fight as this dance demands. But she is keeping time well. She is just not.. bouncy... enough for lack for a better word. And on that break, she looked a little lost. Her arms, also, at time seems to be tentative and not making the nice lines that Cary Ann likes to see from the contestants. She needs refinement is what we are seeing here. And Len just said exactly what I've been typing! I can't be completely crazy. The 6's were lower than I thought they would give. I honestly thought it would be 7's across the board.
Chad and Cheryl followed up with a quickstep. Mrs. Angrybell thinks they are dating because their dynamic is weird in the practicing. I think its just a weird dynamic, but then again I've been watching too many old episodes of Lie to Me. Bare Necessities. Great song for this dance. In open, Chad looks too lackadaisical and keeps looking over at Cheryl for cues too much. In hold, they are not close enough, and the frame is not locked in place. This is a bit of a mess . Despite all this, the footwork is not bad. He is getting some heel toe action, but then he starts going to his toes too much. Mrs. Angrybell thinks he looks too staid for this dance. Little trip during Cheryl's twirls. Basically, I thought it was mess. Good grief, Cary Anne and I sharing a moment in agreement. Whats wrong with me? Mrs. Angrybell thinks that this is Len's week to be sweet, because she was expecting the fire and brimstone Len. The 6's were right on the money.
Maks and Erin drew the Pulp Fiction jive. They are definitely not having a relationship. They remind me of a brother and sister trying to work together. Too much mucking about and I can't wait to see what Maks and the menu. Alright, go back and compare this dance with Niecy. The foot work is better but she is still having the problem of being heavy on her feet. Niecy at least has an excuse. As Mrs. Angrybell points out, she is tall like Stacy Kiebler, but whereas Stacy used it to her advantage, Erin has this habit of just looking gangly. The split was a nice touch, but too choppy. She needs to smooth out her moves and not look so choppy. Mrs. Angrybell says she needs finish. But overall, you have to say she made Uma wish she looked that good in that outfit. Look at what Stacy did with her height and compare that with what Erin does with hers.
I'm a little confused with Bruno's 8. The sevens were right on. It was just off.
Now comes one of my least favorite men in the competition: Jake. One of these days, Chelsea has got to get someone good. Can someone please tell this guy to stop patting himself on the back. They drew the cha cha cha. Apparently, Jake does not know movies. He came in with the Top Gun volleyball look. I really didn't need to see that. Mrs. Angrybell is shocked, stunned, and speechless, by the start and his costume. I was jsut hoping those pants would get their quicker than his footwork. Now, I never thought of Old Time Rock and Roll as a cha cha cha song. Mrs. Angrybell is wondering what dance he is doing. According to her, he is not doing much and Chelsea is carrying most of the load. I have to agree that the first half is like that. The hip movement is almost nonexistent. But he has flashes of some good movement. Too uneven. Now its my turn to be shocked, stunned and amazed by Len's review of the dance. And of course, Carrie Ann gushes over it. I'm sorry, I don't see it. 8's from the bookends? For real? Len's 7 is closer to the truth, but 8's?
Pam Anderson and Damian drew the quickstep to 9 to 5. One busty blonde channeling another. As a side note, I'm impressed by her endurance, especially in light of her health. Oh Len is going to hate this. Too much screwing around before they get into the dance. But I like the hodl and the closeness. She gets off but then gets back in on his hip. Her head is a little wrong and her frame is not as locked as it should be. Her footwork is good, but the slide step was a bit off. Mrs. Angrybell says "Put Pamela in less clothes." the part where they go over the desk was great. Mrs. Angrybell was willing to give extra points for making it over the desk and chairs as elegantly as she did. And according to Len, it was 24 bars of messing around. Shocking! But its nice to see our crabby Len back. A 7, 6, and 8. Len could've been nicer. Bruno was wrong, but
Next up was Kate and Tony. Can America please put her out of our misery? Its just so painful watching her. And she apparently has never watched Breakfast Club. What woman in that age group has never seen this movie? Really? And watching Tony, I just feel so sorry for him in the rehearsal. She is just obnoxious. I hope he is getting hazard pay for dealing with her. She is jsut phoning it in. Good song. Mrs. Angrybell wants to know which character Kate is supposed to be in this quicksteps (or was it a foxtrot? I have no idea it was that bad.). Mrs. Angrybell says "Kate's hair is becoming increasingly frightening. It was one think when she went for dyke-chic but this.. the 90's called and wants the style bad." There was nothing about this dance I can say that was good on her part. Please, send her home. Apparently, neither can Carrie Ann (aka Pollyanna). And Bruno was downright mean! Go Bruno! The 5's were a gift.
Following that trainwreck was Nicole and Derek doing a tango to Pretty Woman by Roy Orbison. She is starting to feel the stress. I like how they did the opening. It was messing about but it was done in dance moves. Mrs. Angrybell is impressed how well she is hitting her steps. And I love how well she is right on his hip when she is supposed to be. This is such a sharp routine and they are so in synch on their kicks. She looks confident. The spins were great. She looks like she is dancing with him,instead of Derek having to pull her through the dance, like say Tony has to do with Kate. Wow. Mrs. Angrybell is concerned that Bruno may have gone over the edge this time. Len was overly harsh with his 9. I've seen them give lesser dances 30 in other seasons. Sorry Nicole, you got robbed. It should have been 30 and not 29.
Evan and Anna drew "I Don't Want To Miss A Thing" for a rhumba. Mrs. Angrybell thinks that Anna stole the keys to Edyta's closet this week. Nice hip movement from Evan right out of the gate. Its not as much as it should be, but it makes Jakes look like what he was: pathetic. He is losing hip action as the dance goes on. However, he has nice lines. THere just wasn't any special moment in the dance. The 27 was nice.
Alright, clearly this week Nicole separated herself from the others in this competition. Pam Anderson is hanging in there, showing some nice improvements. From where she is right now, if the final three were named today, she would probably be in there.
On the men's side of the sheet, its a bit of a mess. Chad seems to be in freefall. Either he needs to give up sleeping with Cheryl or he needs to sleep with her. Because whatever it is right now between them, its not working. Evan is in control of the men. The rest... they might as well not exist.
But this is true: Kate needs to be given a swift boot off this show. Please. Do it for Tony!
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