Vegas Baby!!

So You Think You Can Dance:

I don’t even know where to start….I am so disappointed with this season so far, last night was the worst! Let me take a few minutes to explain why. We have only gotten to know a few dancers this season with them showing the auditions and following up with them and MOST of the ones we have gotten to know have already been CUT!!!! I am so disappointed that Natalie was cut last night and am still somewhat in shock….I think there must have been something else that happened. I seriously wanted to stop watching when they sent Natalie packing after ONE bad routine and they let Gabi Rojas keep sticking around one bad routine after another… WHY DO THEY LET CERTAIN PEOPLE HAVE SECOND CHANCES??? I was so confused why people like Gabi, Caitlin, Tony, and Silky got the opportunities to “dance for their life” or redo a routine when someone like Natalie who is probably better than most of them, they KNOW this since they almost picked her for the top 20 last season, messed up once and went home. I am still bewildered by the elimination. Ok so now let’s move off that soap box and take a look at the others that we got o know during audition round:

Natalie Reid – Katee’s roommate from last season who was number 11 out of the girls. CUT

“Silky” – The taper from Memphis that also could bust a move. CUT

Nobuya Nagahama – The cute popper that couldn't speak great English. CUT

Megan Kinney – One of the two sisters. CUT

Bianca Revels – The “best” girl tapper that didn’t make it last season . CUT

Gabi Rojas – The “best” and most unique soloist. CUT

Anna Dunn – Her dad committed suicide, she “moved her head to much” and Lil C told her to use her tragedy to be a better dancer. CUT

Mario Flake – The cop from Memphis. CUT

Priscilla Marrero – Injured when she was 15 but keeps dancing and says “she is dancer” the judges raved about her in her first audition. CUT

Lauren and Lydia Guerra – The twin sisters that “finish each other’s sentences” and they scared them that they both wouldn’t make it to Vegas but they did. CUT

Talia Rickards – Husband was killed in a motorcycle accident a year earlier. CUT

Travis Prokop – The coach’s son… CUT

Sammy Ramirez – The wrestler that was trained by the gang member that is now in prison. CUT

Arielle Coker – Mother in bad car accident and still recovering. Also know as partner to Phillip Chbeeb. CUT

So after that the question is who is left?

Here are the ones I know are still in the game: (Means we don't know anything about them)

Girls:
1. Asuka Kondon (Ballroom Dancer)
2. Caitlin Kinney (One of the sisters)
3. Kayla Rdornski
4. Janette Manrara (Ballroom Dancer)
5. Jeanine Mason
6. Paula VanOppen
7. Melissa Sadwig
8. Karla Garcia
9. Randi Strong-Evans
10. Danielle Peig –(I think she may be a break dancer)
11. Ashley Valero
12. Diane Vaden
13. Paris Torres (Ballet Dancer that won some pageant)
14. Pauline Mata

There are several videos of Paula Van Oppen on youtube in competitions and she looks good. There is also a youtube of Pauline Mata and she looks good as well. (Both girls look to be contemporary dancers)

Boys:

1. Philip Chbeeb (poper from last season)
2. Tony Bellissimo (the one that used Nigels face during his performance & who cried a lot)
3. Ricky Sun (Ballroom dancer who partners Asuka)
4. Maksim Kapitannikov
5. Brandon Bryant (Last years number 21 that Mia is not "impressed" with)
6. CJ Tyson
7. Alex Wong (the asian guy that is very good contemporary)
8. Pono Aweau (The Hawaiian boy we have scene a few bits of)
9. Evan Kasprzak (One the Broadway brothers)
10. Ryan Kasprzak (The other Broadway brother)
11. Jason Glover
12. Brandon Dumlao
13. Henry Rivera
14. Ade Obayomi (youtube of him doing contemporary)
15. Jonathan Platero
16. Vitolio Jeune

As you can see we don’t know most of the 32 left and it will interesting to see who they put in the top.

I am not attached to many of the dancers but I hope Phillip, Caitlin, Evan, and Pono make it through. It looks as though Evan and Ryan will be the final two standing and only one of the brothers will make it. My money is on Evan!

What did you think of last nights episode?

FOR HEIDI: SEXY BACK!!

This is 100% for you Heidi...ENJOY!

Mike's Top 10 Tear Jerkers

I was called out in the comments of SB's last blog entry so I figured I would contribute my own Top 10 Tear Jerker Movies. So here we go, everyone gets to see the softer side of Michael. Please keep in mind that I tend to be a little more on the emotional side of things...Here we go!

Alright you ask and you shall receive. Sarah Beth will tell you that I am a pretty big winer when it comes to Movies and even some TV. I will give you a rough Top10.

TOP 10 TEAR JERKERS:

10. Steel Magnolias - It had been a while since I had seen this but it came on the other day. I turned it on right when Sally Field is at the grave site with her friends. WOW! Sally Field rocked my world with this emotional scene.

Sally at her finest...


9. House of Sand and Fog- This has probably one of the saddest most horrible scenes ever. There is not a big emotional climax leading up to the scene. The scen more or less just comes up and hits you smack in the face. Not a great movie at all but one hell of a sad ending. I couldn't find a video to go with this one and I am kind of glad. This was probably the most depressing of any of the movies on this list and maybe the most depressing movie of all time...

8. My Girl- my wife had to remind me but when she did it was a no brainer...I can remember watching this one with my family. We all made fun of how much my mom was crying in the movie. Little did I know that I would soon follow in her ways of crying during movies...

Set you up...the Kiss.


Bring you down...the funeral.


7. Million Dollar Baby - Who would have guessed that I would be crying through a scene with Clint Eastwood and a very manly Hilary Swank? This is the emotional climax type of tear jerker.

Great story leads up to a beautiful tear jerker scene.


6. Pursuit of Happyness - The scene where they sleep in the bathroom. Anyone with any type of father figure must get teared up right here. A father who would do anything for his child...



5. Armageddon - You go from what appears to be the end of a romantic relationship to one of the most dramatic ways for a father to tell his daughters boyfriend that I approve of you. And wait, I will die in your place...



4. I am Sam - Here we go folks. Sean Penn is all I have to say about this. Also, give the man his freaking daughter already. Amazing!

Trailer


3. The Notebook - That's right. I said it. I am not ashamed to admit it. I will go as far as saying that it is the greatest love story ever told. I love the scene in the rain where he tells her that he wrote her everyday for a whole year but...the scene that took the cake for me is when she has a lapse where she remembers Noah and they dance. She comes out of it fairly quickly and begins to panic...tears.....

Great Video of clips from the movie...it happens to be set to one of my favorite songs so I included it...


Why didn't you write me?


Slow Dance _ I couldn't a good video of this scene so you will have to watch the movie.

2. Rudy - Come on folks. This is the greatest sports story of all time. When the kid finally gets in with the crowd, players, coaches, etc. all chanting his name. His father and brother in the stands and his best friend from the maintenance crew in attendance. He not only gets in but he makes a play. How can you possibly hold back the tears...Also, did I mention that it is a true story?



1. Glory - One line says it all..."Give em hell '54!" This all black regiment walks past the all white regiment to the front line to go to the front lines of one the battles that helped to turn the Civil War. At the end of the movie as the music plays in the background....tears will flow. Again, based on a true story. FYI...my favorite movie of all time. So many good actors. I should also mention the scene with Denzel being beat by a whip...WOWZERS! Amazing movie....Here are a few of my favorite scenes from the movie. I just watched them before I posted and teared up at my desk...

The Whipping Scene with Denzel...


The Last night- Oh My Lord Lord Lord...


"Give em Hell 54!"


Honorable Mention:

Old Yeller - great movie and very sad. Too many newer better movies that kept it from being on the list. Probably the saddest movie that I remember from my childhood.

Step Mom - Great story but kind of cheesy movie. Still made me cry...

Dead Man Walking - this movie is sad for so many reasons. It might be one of the most compelling movies that I have ever seen. Just saw it this past year even though it has been out for quite some time now.

Shawshank Redemption - One of my favorite movies of all time but it just wasn't enough of a tear jerker.

Movies to Make Men Cry

Ok I ran across this great post of 12 movies that make men cry. Here is the list: (I don't think they are in any particular order)



1. The Shawshank Redemption

2. Armageddon

3. "Chick Flicks"
This includes Terms of Endearment, Steel Magnolias, and Love Story. (I think this is a cop out "Chick Flicks" is not a movie)

4. Field of Dreams

5. "Movies with Dogs"
This includes Old Yeller and Where the Red Fern Grows. (Once again "Movies with Dogs" is a cop out)

6. Good Will Hunting

7. Brian's Song

8. Big Fish

9. Backdraft

10. Hoosiers

11. Hotel Rwanda

12. Saving Private Ryan


The one that jumps out at me that they didn't mention is RUDY?!?!?!

Calling all MEN (I put in all caps because if you are a real MAN you can admit that you cried in a movie) what movie did you cry in? Did your tear jerker make the list?

http://www.ew.com/ew/gallery/0,,20015186,00.html

Summer Shows?!?!?!

I read this and found it pretty interesting...Check out the following shows that started as summer season shows only to do so well they were moved to regular scheduled programs:

SEINFELDPREMIERED May 31, 1990THE SCOOP Note to current and future network TV execs: Sometimes it pays to bet on an oddball. Of course, this particular bet took a while to pay off. NBC aired comedian Jerry Seinfeld's sitcom pilot — titled The Seinfeld Chronicles — as a one-time special in the summer of 1989, then gave the series a mere four airings in 1990. That tiny investment of airtime paid off big. Seinfeld not only went on to become a cornerstone of NBC's must-see Thursday lineup, but it also left a lasting mark on the pop-culture lexicon, introducing the world to such Seinfeld-ian terms as sponge-worthy, puffy shirt, ''serenity now,'' the manssiere, Sack Lunch, and, of course, yadda, yadda, yadda. —Michael Slezak

SEX AND THE CITYPREMIERED June 6, 1998THE SCOOP What better time for a little Sex talk than when mercury levels — and hemlines — are rising? Based on Candace Bushnell's best-selling book, Sex and the City chronicled the amorous exploits of four thirtysomething gal pals living and loving in New York City. The HBO series was lauded for its refreshingly frank (read: graphic) portrayal of women's sex lives, garnering seven Emmy wins during its six-year run. With all of the buzz surrounding the summer's silver screen version, it's obvious we haven't had our fill of Sex just yet. —Amy Wilkinson

ENTOURAGEPREMIERED July 18, 2004THE SCOOP Just a few months after HBO ended its era of expensive shoes and gratuitous sex in the Big Apple, the network revamped a winning ratings recipe and found success with four dudes in L.A. Entourage not only gave the Y chromosomes something to clink their Coronas to, but with dreamy rising star Adrien Grenier and hilarious Jeremy Piven, it became a show catchier than Usher's ''Yeah.'' —Lisa Raphael

SURVIVORPREMIERED May 31, 2000THE SCOOP Arriving at the end of the 1999-2000 TV season — and the beginning of America's reality TV explosion — CBS' version of the Dutch castaway contest proved to be unlike anything on U.S. airwaves and, as a result, became an out-of-the-box ratings smash. These days, Survivor still resides near the top of the ratings heap, but for delectable strategy (winner Richard Hatch, pictured, creating an alliance of four that blindsided his remaining tribemates) and pure unvarnished emotion (fourth-place finisher Susan Hawk's venomous ''snake-rat'' jury diatribe), season 1 remains in a league of its own. —Michael Slezak

AMERICAN IDOLPREMIERED June 1, 2001THE SCOOP Fox solidified its reputation for successfully courting young viewers on summer vacation by importing England's Pop Idol, along with acerbic judge Simon Cowell. American audiences flocked to their sets to experience the shock (and delight) of watching deluded wannabes get smacked down by Cowell's withering criticism. And they stuck around to witness the birth of a superstar — future Grammy winner Kelly Clarkson (pictured). Today, Idol's addictive feel-bad-feel-good formula is the undisputed champ in the TV ratings. —Michael Slezak

MELROSE PLACEPREMIERED July 8, 1992THE SCOOP Who says folks won't stay home to watch a steamy soap opera in balmy weather? Back in 1991, Fox ran fresh summer episodes of its fledgling drama Beverly Hills, 90210, solidifying the show's hit status in the process. The following year, the network tried the same strategy with a spin-off sudser, Melrose Place, and lightning struck twice: The Aaron Spelling production would go on to push the boundaries of prime-time camp for a full seven seasons, particularly with the later (and inspired) casting additions of Heather Locklear and Marcia Cross. —Michael Slezak

AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODELPREMIERED May 20, 2003THE SCOOP Back when Tyra Banks was more supermodel and less Oprah-lite, she launched a surprisingly as-of-yet-unexplored reality show formula: Add 10 aspiring models to one house, throw in several torturous photo shoots (hello outdoor winter bikini shoot!), and subtract dignity to find out WHO will become America's. Next. Top. Model. Today, ANTM remains one of our guiltiest pleasures. What can we say? It makes us smile with our eyes. —Kate Ward

NORTHERN EXPOSUREPREMIERED July 12, 1990THE SCOOP What better cure for the summertime blues than a trip to the snowy confines of small-town Alaska? Perhaps that was the thinking behind CBS' decision to give a July premiere to Northern Exposure, a quirky hour-long comedy about a big-city doctor (Rob Morrow) who is tricked into practicing medicine in the character-filled town of Cicely. Northern Exposure would go on to rank in the top 15 shows for three seasons, from 1991 to 1994. The show's creators tried to put a spin on the same formula with 1992's Going to Extremes (big-city medical students attend a school in the Caribbean), but that one left viewers cold. —Michael Slezak

To see the complete list click below:
http://www.ew.com/ew/gallery/0,,20281399_20281424_1200145,00.html

New Characters??

One Tree Hill:
After the loss of two main characters on OTH (Lucas & Peyton) the producers are trying to fill the void by adding new characters. We already discussed three new characters being brought to the cast and now they are in talks with 90210 vet Brian Austin Green. Brian was staring in Terminator but since it got canceled his schedule seems to be open however will he want to return to a teen soap drama? I know the cast is no longer teens but I still put it in that category. Brian would be cast playing Nathan’s sports agent, Clayton…interesting (I wonder if this will cause any bumps in Haley & Nathan since he is an attractive guy).

What do you think of the potential casting of Brian Austin Green?

Grey’s Anatomy:

Many people thought that the character George might live on just in a different body. Meaning since TR Knight was thought to be leaving the show his character might just have plastic surgery and a new actor would play the role. Producer Shonda Rhimes has come out and said that is ridiculous and NOT happening. The question still at hand is will George return to Seattle Grace?

FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS

Well my husband and me did the unthinkable and added a new show to our list this past weekend. Several of our friends have been trying to get us to watch Friday Night Lights and we finally folded. Friday night I went to blockbuster to rent season 1 and they didn’t carry it, so I went to Hollywood video (knowing full well since blockbuster didn’t have it they wouldn’t have it) and then we decided to go to Wal-Mart to see how much it was to purchase season 1 and it was only $14.99!!! So we bought season 1 and 2 and went home and got started. We finished 8 episodes this weekend and are well on our way to being hooked.

We aren’t quite to the point of encouraging others to watch it just yet…some shows we immediately encourage others to watch such as Lost and Prison Break (if you haven’t seen either of those shows you should watch them for sure)!

Anyways a couple of thoughts right out of the gate: (DON’T READ IF YOU DON’T WATCH THE SHOW)

The Taylor family seems pretty solid, I love the dynamic between all of them. I love how Tami puts Eric in his place and her quick wit. I also love the interactions between daughter and parents. They seem like the real substance of the show which is probably good since the students will slowly graduate right?!?!?

Next Michael and I are having a hard time digesting the relationship between Lyla, Tim, and Jason. The whole situation makes us want to stop watching but we are pressing on! Seriously though Jason has just been paralyzed and his best friend sleeps with his girlfriend. Seriously?!?!? However I know this makes for good television and this could be somewhat realistic since the two may be leaning on each other for comfort and support, however it is very difficult to watch unfold.

Buddy Garrity – I really despise his character I am well aware that there are boosters out there that have a lot of control over high school sports and care that much about it but I HATE watching it! I honestly want to fast-forward every scene he is in!! I really want him off the show ASAP but Michael keeps telling me he thinks he will be around for a while, unfortunately I think he is right. Ugh!

So far I love Matt Saracen he has such a sweet innocence about him that really draws you in, dare I say a “Seth Cowen” vibe. I hope he stays sweet and bashful even though he has become QB1. I also really like Julie Taylor and have already commented on the relationship she has with her parents. I am super excited that her and Matt are about to go on a date I see it somewhat like Summer and Seth (I know it is nothing like the OC but that couple could be similar). I must also comment that she is such a bad dancer I am not sure why they made that her passion, but it is entertaining to watch.

My husband loves Grandma Saracen, he thinks she is funny. I am somewhat indifferent to her. Other characters I haven’t decided on Smash (right now I don’t think I like him), Tyra (I almost feel sorry for her), Landry and Billy Riggins.

I mentioned early Lyla, Tim and Jason but let me talk a little more about their characters:

Lyla – She is way too perky for my liking but she is starting to mellow out some, the first few episodes I really wanted to through something at her. My opinion of her will probably change a lot in the next few episodes and how she chooses to handle the situation with Jason and Tim now that Jason found out. Plus it is always a negative thing to have Buddy as your father, gross!

Jason – Funny thing is at first I really didn’t like him, I guess I thought they were making him out to be the “jock” of the show but then shortly after that I recognized something bad was going to happen to him. Ofcourse after the accident I felt so bad for him and I have been Team STREET ever since. Also I admire the way he has handle everything (yes I realize it is a TV character). His story line also parallel’s Remember the Titans a little too closely for my liking.

Tim – Ok so he is the hardest for me because I have so many mixed feelings about him… At first he was the character I was most drawn towards (I always gravitate for the bad boys- Sawyer, Chuck, Pacey, Alex) but then we he sleep with his best friends girl it was so hard for me to feel for him. I really do feel badly for him because of his family situation and because the one person he counted on, Jason, got hurt but when he didn’t go to the hospital for so long that made me so angry. I know he was probably just wishing it didn’t happen and when he went to the hospital it made it real BUT that is selfish because Jason has to deal with it and having his best friend there would have probably helped him! Anyways the verdict is still out on Tim for me.

Overall I am enjoying the show not quite as die hard yet as fellow viewers but I probably will get there it just depends on how the story lines unfold.

**Also how unrealistic is it that Matt had like never thrown the ball with the team or anything, I am pretty sure they have some sort of back-up quarterback. Of course most teams don’t anticipate their player getting paralyzed but you would anticipate a broken ankle or torn ACL right?!?!?