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Sunday, 16 November 2008
Sweet Cherie Pie
Saturday, 15 November 2008
The race begins...
Frankie is in black; Clover is in purple.
Jodie and Ian
I just love these two as a pair and I think Ian has a real knack of choreographing things Jodie loves to do and it shines through. Really liked the whole package with the song and the outfits too. Their faces when they got two 9s make me support them even more- now just get a good Latin under your belt woman!
LOVED IT. This reminded me so much of lovely Penny and Ian's quickstep last year. I really like Jodie and hope she can, as Frankie says, do a decent latin dance. It's getting all very Matt Dawson, but he cracked the samba (I thought he was undermarked in the final for that...) Jodie looked at ease in this dance, and she looked happy. This truly was a delight to watch. Excuse the Arleneism yet again, but it was deeeelicious.
Lisa and Brendan
My new BFF Brendan (see the post below!) is master of the samba rolls once more! Yet another spat ensues between the judges but good to see Brendan keep his cool and some encouraging words from Len. I thought it was pretty good as the oh-so-difficult samba goes and both Lisa and Brendan looked like they were having fun.
LOVED IT. This was great (apart from the song - what was that about Brendan?), extremely well-choreographed (lots of spins for Lisa) and had an air of fun about it. I know I have had problems in past weeks about Lisa being over-marked but I thought her score was very well deserved this week...I even think Craig undermarked her. How's that for a switcharoo?
Christine and Matthew
After a rip-roaring jive last week a waltz was never going to be that exciting for me. I'm sure it was technically good as the judges said and it was very elegant but I'm not going to start jumping up and down over it. (Jumping up and down is reserved for special events like Mark and Karen's argentine tango)
LOVED IT. This was beeeautiful. I did do a little jump actually. Well, a bounce, since I was sitting on my bed and it was past three in the morning when I was watching (I didn't catch the live show due to The Importance of Drinking Cocktails).
Cherie and James
Now is it me, or is that dress different to the one they showed on ITT on Friday? Anyway, it's amazing to see her out of frumpy sleeves and in something in the Lilia Kopylova style! James chose a great song, but I thought he wasted it with some boring choreography- I'm sure I saw them do the same step about 8 times in a row at one point! I cannot believe Bruno gave her a 9!
LOVED IT. Is it those cocktails speaking? Mais non, they wore off hours ago. I really did love this. Costume was fabulous, song choice was fabulous, James is a new person this series, great to see Cherie pull off latin. It was joyful! (Joyful is a word that my friend Clare at work uses and I am stealing it.)
Austin and Erin
My word, Erin was looking foxy tonight! She sure knows how to nail a tango and chose the best possible music. I was really impressed by this: Austin was actually leading all the way through and you could feel a sense of menace coming out of him. I could smell another ten coming and well deserved they were!
LOVED IT. Ooooooooooooooooh, there was a hint, A HINT, of the Ramps about this one. Austin really really did take control of this dance and it was great to hear Libertango (kudos, Erin - I KNOW, I'm in a generous mood today....) EXTREMELY well-deserved tens. I am DYING to see what he can do with an Argentine Tango.
Rachel and Vincent
Speaking of people looking foxy…my god, Rachel was channelling the Ola Jordan spirit throughout that one! I was captivated by this rumba, I think it was one of the best I've ever seen on the show. It was so controlled and the amazing song choice added so much to it. When Arlene got that 10 out so early in the series we were at jumping up and down territory…
LOVED IT. Rumba is the hardest dance, in my not-very-knowledgeable opinion, to translate for TV. They often look bland, dull and even sometimes pointless. A-ha, but not this one! This was stunning. I let out a mini scream when Arlene lifted her 10 paddle. So exciting. This week is equivalent to that week last year when Matt did his salsa and Alesha did her cha cha...great dance after great dance doth make Clover happy.
John and Kristina
Kristina was not her usual shade of terracotta orange tonight and the whole thing seemed a much classier affair. We almost headed back to the lovely waltz of week 1 and I thought the lifts were well handled. The skiing-splits move or whatever it's called was rather special too.
This wasn't bad at all. I agree with John that the judges are being a bit pathetic expecting the public to vote the same way they do. What is the point of having a public vote at all, if that's to be the case? But, I have to say, that the other couples are all so good; the competition is wide open, with switching places at the top of the leaderboard from week to week and I think it would be an awful shame if any of them are to go this week. I feel the competition has actually started now and unfortunately, I don't see a place for John in it. I do hope this was his last week and he goes out on a high.
Tom and Camilla
Well Tom certainly had a lot to live up to this week going last after everyone else. Not a knock-your-socks-off salsa of Gethin Jones proportions but still very good!
LOVED IT. Like Austin, he was leading (though in salsa, if he doesn't, then there's no dance!) Camilla had the same expression on her face as when she danced salsa with Gethin Jones last year...I think this possibly was as good as Gethin's...but it was just less expected of Gethin! This competition is just too close to call...
The standard is certainly way up high now, everyone apart from John scored 30 or above! I really hope Lisa and Brendan don't face the bottom two; she just fell on the wrong dance this week, plus I have extra sympathy for anyone else who has to get up at 4am. It could in fact be John's time to go, he even seemed to be hinting at it himself on ITT this week.
I agree that it's John's time to go. But who will face him in the bottom two? It could be anyone. And if it's not John, then who will go? Lisa? Cherie? If any celeb other than John leaves the competition this week then it will be a travesty as they are all so good...I don't think I will be able to stand it next week as I won't want anyone to leave! This is the first week I have truly enjoyed this series...long may it continue!
Thursday, 13 November 2008
A close encounter of the Strictly kind!
Picture the scene: I am running for the tube at Bond Street when I miss it by about a second, in a huff I turn around to see when the next one is and who has just got off said tube but Brendan! He was casually wheeling his luggage along when sensible me opens with the amazing conversational gambit "Excuse me, are you Brendan Cole?"
I must say throughout our conversation he was a total gent and seemed to actually be listening to what I said. He told me he was on his way to training and when I apologised for holding him up he replied that Lisa was always late anyway! I also wished him luck in the Samba this week, to which he said it was very hard. Replying to that I managed to blurt out that his Samba with Natasha Kaplinsky was really good and he gave me a look like I'd just whisked him away in a time machine!
I also have three rather amusing attempts at a photo of us from my camera phone; my camera phone is terrible and Brendan was very patient and even helped me with it!
This does not sound like the most amazing of incidents if you were not there, but it was for me- it's made moving to London all those months ago totally worth it! Plus I was very restrained and did not come out with any silly questions such as "Did the film Dirty Dancing change your life?" or "Do you ever pretend to do a paso with a teatowel at home?"
This so beats the time I followed a Karen Hardy lookalike around Topshop for 10 mins...
Sunday, 9 November 2008
'The Rumble'
Here are our opinions on this week's dances.
Tom and Camilla
Well, excellent song choice. Perhaps the best of the series so far, actually. I didn't think Len would like all the prancing about at the beginning and end, but Tom does it with such pizzazz that I don't think even hardcore-traditionalist Len can resist being charmed by it. I preferred Austin's - though I suspect Frankie will disagree - am I right?
Well, actually....after a tap-tastic start I had really high hopes for this dance, but the rest of it didn't really thrill me. Once more technically brilliant and it certainly deserved the 36 points, but it didn't have the wow factor really, I still preferred their jive! Tom's fabulous shoes* cancelled out Camilla's dress thankfully.
Ooh yes, I forgot to mention the spats!
Jodie and Ian
Was I taken in by the song? I suggested this track on a Strictly forum about a month ago and am now convinced Ian is stalking me (seriously...no, not seriously...I'm definitely not serious). Not sure about Jodie's dress...did I like it? Did I not?...if Karen was the Quality Street fudge in week one, then I think Jodie was the coconut one tonight - which at least suits the samba. Well, whatever, I did love this, although I did have a very cheeky Um Bongo in my hand at time of viewing. Overall it was as camp as sturdy wood gadgets all tied up with string.
The dress looked like something Jem from Jem and the Holograms would wear, but I love it all the same! Plus its always fascinating watching Ian doing the samba- he's just too good at it for a skinny white boy! And he was a very special shade of orange tonight! Ok it wasn't the best dance in the world but I really thought Jodie was enjoying herself and it certainly didn't deserve the mauling from the judges.
Heather and Bryan
Not bad. Would have preferred music with a flavour of traditional tango. I don't want to be a pedant because some unconventional tracks REALLY do work (Maneater was inspired) but on the whole, this year, I've come to the conclusion that the more tango-ey the tango music, the more tango-ey the tango and the more tango-ey the tango can be, um, the better, I guess.
This was definitely one of Heather's better dances, but it took me a while to work that out because the song choice was so distracting! I always like a bit of Bowie, but if they'd chosen a traditional tango track it would have been so much more dramatic.
Austin and Erin
Austin hated the rumba so much he punched himself in the face. I didn't think it was that bad actually, but it does seem to be a recurring problem with male celebs (apart from those who actually are in love with their pro partners, naming no names, *cough Matt* *cough Di Angelo*) Erin the evil genius wasn't genius enough to get them out of this one.
As we exclusively revealed this week Erin is an evil genius and she was going to need every weapon in her arsenal to get a good rumba. The bow tie trick didn't bode well (as we know props are the last refuge of the desperate) but it was better than I thought it was going to be. The 5 from Craig was definitely harsh, but it did indeed lack that sparkle.
Cherie and James
Of course this was going to be lovely. I wish it had been a little better - a wee bit more sparkle and there may have been a ten on the cards (or on the paddles, or whatever).
The song made me want to vom, as did James' smirk so it was hilarious when Len started going on about her footwork! The waltz isn't the most exciting of dances, but this one seemed particularly D-U-double-L. And thankfully they have finally caught on to the fact that Cherie is terrible at Latin!
Christine and Matthew
Fantastic dress. I was sitting watching this with some friends and all of us approved of the fringing. This was perky and cute. A pleasure to watch.
Christine bagged the best dress of the night and did her best dance so far! It was as if she was channelling the legendary Karen Hardy spirit. Glad to see her back in the game!
Rachel and Vincent
In comparison to her other 'performances' I really liked this. But, nonetheless, I wasn't all that surprised she was in the dance-off. She's got the curse of great expectation and when it's not delivered, buh-bye. Ooh, though, I liked her hair and thought she looked stunning. For a shrunken down regular person. Wee Vincent's choreography was a wee bit 'look what I can do while my celeb stands there and bops.'
Vincent pulls off a great bit of choreography once more with a lively but classy routine. The quickstep basis was a really good idea and the song was cool. Hurrah for Len liking it, I don't think I would have taken another week of his grumpy-ness!
John and Kristina
Hmmm, am I finally getting bored? Perhaps. I really am beginning to think that John is being purposefully bad now because in weeks one and three, he wasn't bad at all......and I know that was ballroom but now he is bad of the Rhodes kind...and it makes no sense. Kristina had choreographed the basic cha cha step...which is not hard at all...and it was wrong. Very wrong. And off the beat. And I know very little about this kind of thing. John, quit playing about. He'll be out the week after next. After a Logangate-esque elimination.
Here we are again: Kristina in the spangliest of frocks and John just wanders about. Also at one point I was fearing for his knees! And what was the thing with the phone at the beginning, did I miss something there? Although I did notice once more this week that for all his rubbish dancing skills John does have amazing timing.
Lisa and Brendan
Ah, and so we are back to the over-marking. I didn't get the big deal. It was nice, but meh.
It will take a lot to top Brendan and Kelly's Delilah Viennese Waltz from last year in my book, but I thought this was another brilliant bit of work from Brendan! The song was overblown and cheesy, which somehow turned out to be perfect. I thought we were hovering around a 10 after that rapturous reception from the judges, alas no, but everyone really seemed to have upped their game this week.
A few notes about the results show...
OK, for some reason I haven't really anything to say...
Next week could be interesting. I have the feeling John could stay in another week...and we may be saying goodbye to someone we don't want to. As I say, I think he's starting to play up on being awful but cutesy to get the votes in...and yes, it's been endearing...however, John, your plan has now been well and truly rumbled. Time for tubby bye-bye.
Tuesday, 4 November 2008
Erin Boag: Ballroom Dancer or Evil Genius?
Sunday, 2 November 2008
A Brief Note on the Results Show
Was that this year's pro jive then? If so, then mucho disappointo. While it was sassy and snazzy, there wasn't much jive, was there? And I was so looking forward to this one because of the Matthew/Karen partnership...and they filled most of their solo spot with a bloody lift. What a waste! In fact, the only couple that shone in this was Darren and Lilia - but they haven't shone brightly in the pro dances for a couple of series now so it was good to see them go for it.
Anton and Flavia's dance was HILARIOUS. I laughed out loud (and made my sister, who was quietly sitting playing The Sims on her phone, jump out of her chair) when Anton and Wee Vincent started dancing...and when Erin lifted Wee Vincent. These two couples might not be the best dancers but they're probably the best characters.
Found out that Cherie is dancing a waltz...I sense her getting to the top of that leaderboard again...in fact, I smell another 10. It seems also that Tom is dancing a quickstep (did you hear? He said it when his name got called out...) This unnerves me and makes me not-quite-like him as he's CLEARLY expecting to do as well as Austin and although performance-wise he can match (or even out-do) him, technically, he's not as good. There'll be lots of fighting talk on ITT this week about this one.
Ha ha, Kelly Jones on Strictly. Aces. Brendan and Hayley make a lovely partnership and ballroom definitely is her thing. I do wonder if Brendan misses his role in the pro latin dances - they did let him play with a cape in the paso though - he should be thankful for that!
It was time for Andrew Castle to go ... so not a shock decision this week. No MAJOR shock eliminations this year yet...but if Rachel's not careful, she may find herself in the dance-off before long.
Erin's Evil Genius
Austin and Erin
Erin was looking decidedly un-Erin tonight, but also managed to not look like a Halloween pumpkin (obligatory seasonal reference in there for you). But here we go with the first 10, there's no holding them back now- it's going to be 10s left, right and centre! Craig's 8 was rather amusing though, I get the impression we need to make sure these two don't get too cocky.
Oooh! I love Austin. He really can dance...but he plays rugby too, so that makes it all OK. I loved this. I knew Len would crack first...Erin planned it all meticulously, like an evil genius...traditionalesque music, no 'fannying around' at the beginning...I'm just surprised Len didn't leap over the table in sheer ecstasy and squeeze Erin . Or both of them.
Heather and Brian
One of the best song choices of the series and what a cracking dress too! Cute choreography and Heather really looked like she was enjoying herself for once, so too bad the judges mauled her. However, I do agree she simply isn't as good as everyone else and I doubt I would miss her if she left.
LOVED the song choice - and I didn't think this was that bad at all. It's just the others were better. I think she's in trouble this evening.
Jodie and Ian
The Pride and Prejudice theme looked so cute on ITT and the footage of them on horses was hilarious. The actual thing was absolutely delightful and anything that makes Len talk about whimsical hair has to be a bit special!
Much lolage (lolage? I hate that term) at Len's description. Whimsical hair it was. In fact, the entire routine was whimsical...in a good way...even the P&P themeage (it's a disease I tell you...affixationitis?) was cute - despite the anachrony of it. Yes, yes, I KNOW it was only a bit of fun and wasn't meant to be a historical representation but Mr Darcy and Elizabeth would not have danced a waltz. Now who's for an English country dance?
Andrew and Ola
I can't believe Andrew did a samba with a knee cartilage injury, big respect for that. I also just love watching Ola samba because she's great at it, especially as she understanda the value of feathers. Saying that, he was awful and his shimmies looked rather sinister at times! And Len really shouldn't have given that a 7!
Len is a prune. Seven? Bloody ridiculous. He'd give a seven to a sloth dancing a jive to a funeral march if he thought it were trying hard - or had at least improved a little. I agree with Frankie - it's great to see some feathers! These two could end up in the danger zone again this evening. It wouldn't surprise me if it's going to be bye bye to Andrew this week.
Lisa and Brendan
Loved the staccato in this, but thought Lisa was a bit too Ice Maiden-esque. But the judges were right, it was a classic full-on tango. Very nice to see some constructive criticism from Arlene too instead of her rehearsed alliterative ramblings.
LOVED this. Finally, a dance of theirs that I did really enjoy and don't mind them getting high marks for. Brendan put together a fantastic routine...nice to hear La Cumparsita, the tangoest of all tango tunes...it's been used before, I'm sure, but it's a classic.
Cherie and James
Sleeves sleeves sleeves, for heaven's sake Cherie has a great figure and is perfectly capable of bearing her arms! She did look genuinely nervous throughout the dance to me and seemed like she was just going through the motions.
Oh dear. This was not good. She looked as though she was just willing it to end (having had salsa dances like that, I feel her pain).
John and Kristina
Ah, we've all been waiting for John to get back to some elegant ballroom. Kristina once again makes a fabulous song choice and looked like Marilyn Monroe covered in tinfoil. Len was fair about his technique but I think he's earned his keep for another week.
Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwww. Little John is such a star I don't care about his dancing technique. An absolute pleasure to watch.
Tom and Camilla
Hurrah for capes and 80s synth classics! And Camilla doing proper funny faces, always a treat. I don't get what Len's cape-hating is about; the pro males do it and it's a Latin dance, not a ballroom! Thankfully, the judges' barney didn't affect the scores too much.
I loathe, nay I DESPISE, this song. But dance was OK. I think Bunton's lost her crown. That is the 'Funniest Paso Doble Face' crown. This was all a little too much pantomime villain for me.
Christine and Matthew
The song was a lovely choice, but I really didn't think Matthew made enough of it in the choreography, the whole thing seemed unnecessarily slow! On the good side of things, Christine's dress was amazing and her partnership with Matthew seems to be as lovely as ever.
I kind of agree. Love the song choice but I might have used it for a standard foxtrot if I were Matthew and chosen something with a little more pizzazz for the American Smooth. On the whole though, this was a good effort - and Christine is such a darling.
Rachel and Vincent
Now that is the type of sparkly frock I like to see! Loved Vincent's use of rock n roll elements, but I know what Len means about the socks not being knocked off. Maybe that's ok in this cold weather though…
Rachel in a short dress! Good for her! It's not like she can't carry it. Unfortunately, that was the most exciting thing about this routine. I think Wee Vincent and Rachie are going to find themselves in trouble soon if she doesn't get over these nerves. I keep telling you, I'm getting bored...
Sunday, 26 October 2008
Show me your Paso Doble!
The title of this week's blog comes from Strictly Ballroom, which you must see if you have not yet done so. It is an immensely quotable film for dancing fans, sometimes I can just hear Len Goodman shouting "New steps? There are no new steps!' in an Aussie accent.
Anyway, a twirling and a bull-fighting we go…
Note - I am AWFUL. Frankie had these little snippets ready to put up on Sunday. I am lazy. Or busy. Or both. However, because of various things such as work, ballroom classes, the theatre (daaahling) and generally having a jolly good time, I've only just got round to posting my opinions. Feel free to hate me. If you dare.
Lisa and Brendan
What a dress! It was a frock of Ola Jordan proportions and the skirt certainly made up for the lack of cape. But it was a shame to not see Brendan all swishy again! Overall a good effort but it didn't have the *grr!* factor.
I liked this. I think it was my favourite of their dances so far. And hurrah! It was fairly marked. No ridiculous 9s or anything to spoil my enjoyment of what was a competent performance.
Andrew and Ola
It was certainly better than last week, but I saw that stumble! Hurrah for the end of 'Bum-Gate' too. But I've just noticed, why has Andrew done ballroom 3 weeks in a row?
Prizes for improvement! Can't really stand the chappie but kudos for this one. Can't really give credit to Ola for choreography here as there's only about three steps in this dance - but they were well executed by the looks of things. And yes, the judges made the right decision this week (How am I coping? I have nothing to moan about!) And yes again, he has done ballroom three weeks running. What's going on?
Christine and Matthew
Wow, where did the sultry Christine come from?! Arlene's comments were rubbish, I don't really care if a paso is Spanish, it doesn't always have to be! I thought the choices of music and choreography by Matthew were really good. I cannot believe Craig's 3- will there be a 3-gate?
Bless. This was a gentle Paso Doble. This dance was never going to suit Christine as she's just too delightfully smiley. Matthew did about as good a job as he could with this one and Craig was just being a prune. 3? It was definitely in the 5/6 zone.
Austin and Erin
Sometimes I think Erin is a tad bonkers, Send In The Clowns is such a depressing song! Unfortunately I couldn't seem to get past that, but I'm sure it was lovely as the judges said.
I liked the song! Does that make me bonkers?! It's so difficult for them to find new songs in 3/4 time...I was surprised there weren't any repeats like there was in week one actually. I wouldn't blame them for it if there were...and it WAS lovely. I love Austin. I'm even warming to Erin (well, maybe...?) It didn't WOW though - hopefully the quickstep will this week!
Cheri and James
Quick, it's an older woman- she must wear sleeves! Cover her up! Also not sure about James' choice of circus music or dodgy facial hair. As the judges said she still has fabulous posture and natural grace but that can't get you through every dance, I personally don't think it deserved 31 points.
Hmmm, poor Cherie. I felt for her with that stumble and it probably did put her off for the rest of the dance. Again, it was nice but it didn't wow. I want some wow. Where are the wow dances this year?
Heather and Brian
I don't know if its something to do with Brian, but Heather always looks a bit awkward in hold to me. The shoulder shimmy/funky bit/sass was not good, you don't do a fleckel in the middle of a samba! I also didn't think it deserved an 8 from Bruno, am I getting mean in my old age?
That was one heck of a big dress.
Mark and Hayley
I wouldn't have called it a shambles, but Mark is getting more and more wooden and sometimes looks like he's just walking.
I would call it a shambles. He's just not a dancer and there's no point trying to prove otherwise. If they had been saved another week then I would have contacted Hayley Holt - I don't know, through a FORUM or something, and suggested she not bother to choreograph a thing. Just plonk him in the middle of the floor, topless and alone.
Tom and Camilla
I was carried away on a cloud of pink fluffy loveliness and that wasn't just Camilla's dress. Fabulous choreography and song choice, as romantic as a Viennese Waltz could be. Len suddenly came across as rather grumpy, I am sure there will be words from Claudia on ITT this week!
Now this is where the divide comes between mere mortals like you and I (I assume, I don't know...) who know very little about dance and those who, um, do. Because I LOVED this. I thought it was looovely. I was half expecting exclamations and nines! And then, no, my little bubble of wow burst and they were all pretty mean. Especially Len. I bite my thumb at you, sir.
John and Kristina
Illegal lift alert! I know it was obviously an accident, but the judges have called people up on it in the past. Former leader of the Liberal Democrats in the audience alert too! It all got a bit much for me, but I have definitely seen worse pasos in my time. Please let it be ballroom next week!
I don't care. John is about the only thing that's holding the show together for me at the moment. There's too many contestants and sometimes he's about the only one I can remember. Therefore, he should stay. Plus, he's foxtrotting this week which is bonus for him.
Rachel and Vincent
The cuteness level is cranked up another notch with Rachel in the most darling fairy-princess dress. I knew Len wouldn't like it though, especially as it took them forever to get into hold at the beginning- but we want to see more interpretations of the Viennese Waltz sometimes.
Darling dress indeed! She looked like a little sugarplum fairy! What is it with Vincent and his long Viennese intros? I remember Len getting grumpy about Louisa's VW for the very same reason. It was nice but come on Rachel, we need wow or I am going to get bored.
Jodie and Ian
Hilarious song choice that somehow worked, Jodie looked great whilst Ian looked like he was off to cycle the Tour de France. However, I agreed with Bruno that she got a bit too aggressive in places and it looked like she was throwing herself about- but then again it's such fun to see Jodie going at it with gusto!
I was like, BLUR?! What the cucaracha is going on here?! Rather enjoyed the dance on the whole but, like all the pasos, it did kind of fall a little flat. Good use of word GUSTO, Frankie...one of my faves.
In some random news, I saved the staff crossword at work this week by knowing the Rumba is from Cuba. My silly workmates thought it was a Samba- I thought EVERYONE knew that was from Brazil!
I swear I just saw Mrs Antcliffe (former English teacher) on It Takes Two. I swear. I swear.
Tuesday, 21 October 2008
Five Reasons Why Marian Keyes Should Do Strictly 2009
1) She is mad. Only slightly and in the very best possible way, of course. Now why, you may ask, is this bonus? Strictly this year is taking itself too seriously – only John Sergeant brings the delightful British self-deprecation it oh so needs. Marian Keyes, although not British (she's one better – she's Irish – it's like British but with a better accent), would bring this to the show in oodles.
2) She is a superfan. Question: what, my dears, was the most endearing thing about Alesha last year? Answer: she loved the show. She couldn't believe she was there and she enjoyed every second. This made all us normal superfans (those not celeb-shaped) warm to her because we could identify with her excitement. Marian, I guarantee, would be cooing and oohing over the whole experience – and we would love her for it.
3) She'd think she'd be rubbish – a whole pie full of humble. And we'd adore her for this very reason – even if she did turn out to be rubbish (I'm not saying she would be...I'm just musing over the possibility) – because we love the self-effacing, and we love underdogs, and we love Irish accents.
4) She could get to be Lilia. Marian loves Lilia; Lilia loves Marian. Marian could dance with Darren and get to live her dream of being tiny (though MK is not in the least bit large, from what I can tell from the telly) and Russian. Maybe Darren and Marian could strike up a professional partnership leaving Lilia time to write a best-selling novel. Who knows?
5) We'd get to see more of her on It Takes Two. Once or twice a year is not enough. Marian and Claudia (note: also mad; also in a good way) are the perfect comic duo. And both have fantastic taste in shoes.
Sunday, 19 October 2008
Enough is Enough is Enough is Enough
Saturday, 18 October 2008
Dress Dis-arrr-sters and Dancing Dilemmas
In a night of hideous, yes hideous, costumes, this one stood out as being one of the most flattering - but so conservative. Rachel probably is holding back - she's not the confident little minx we thought she'd be and this performance and routine was just meh. So what? But this does make me like her more and I'd love to see her have a crack at the Paso next week.
I'm warming to Lisa a lot. She genuinely does lack confidence and she's genuinely concerned about the public's perception of her. Ok, Ok, she's genuine (note, she's not Kelly Schmuck...oops, I mean Brook). Lovely performance too. But 35 points? Ludicrous scoring AGAIN. Did they not see her posture and hold? At times she had her chesticles glued to Brendan as though he were covered in Uhu. If this happens again next week I'll start crying conspiracy.
Not good. And what was with the hair? Overall, much like The Three Degrees: barely lukewarm.
Craig, quit it with the niggles. This was better than Lisa and Brendan's - well it should have been and if it wasn't I blame the music. American Smooth isn't so much a dance as it is a STYLE of dance and with a style of dance there is a style of music. Stick to it and regardless of how bad you are, the audience will get caught up in the performance. Unless you're called Kate Garraway, I guess.
Blah. What a shame. He looked like he was concentrating too much, that's all. Samba is tricky and it looked like a rotten routine to accomplish. I don't blame Erin for that (seriously, I don't...I'm coming over all soft...) because if I were her I'd have pushed him too. He'll be back to Viennese Waltz with a vengeance next week. Hopefully not too much though...it is a waltz after all.
Don is the very definition of introvert and, like Arlene, I saw him smile at the beginning at the routine and it made me smile and I thought 'hurrah!' and then he started thinking again - why do we have contestants with brains? - and it all became a little washed out. A possibility for the dance off but I truly hope he doesn't leave.
Hayley's dress was the most hideous thing I've ever seen in my whole life. I've watched horror movies and been less repulsed. And poor Mark...it was like watching Herman Munster trying to bat a fly from upon his nose. Kudos for spirit, however.
Are the Jordans having a competition this year to see who can use the most inappropriate song? I admit, sometimes a risk really, really works...but most of the time, no, and especially with a dance like the American Smooth. Part of its appeal is in the glamour and part of the glamour is in the music. Unlike Cherie's, Andrew's dancing couldn't save the routine.
I think this one might have been my favourite - just because it was so unexpected. Jodie is extremely cool and this dance was lovely. GREAT song and very classy routine.
Did you know Tom is getting married on Sunday? Really? Had you not heard? Ha ha. Oh I joke because I don't care. This was great (BETTER than Lisa and Brendan's so what was the scoring about, eh?) The only thing that disappointed me was that this was the prime (yet kitsch) opportunity to use the track 'Get Me to the Church on Time' from My Fair Lady. What a waste!
One last thing: was Arlene drunk?
Yes, as we have commented before she is slowly turning into Karen from Will and Grace.
Saturday, 11 October 2008
Let's Get Rrready to Rrrrrumbaaa!
Anyway, two very hard and very different dances tonight; the physically-impossible-for-clumsy-people-like-me quickstep and the often cringe-worthy rumba. The stakes have been raised once more and expectations are very high…
Clover is in purple. Yet again. She keeps beating me. Not with sticks.
Christine and Matt
Lovely song choice, which I expected would make it in somewhere this series, but unfortunately mauled by the singers. However, even with that as a distraction I thought Christine skipped rather merrily in the manner a quickstep should be done. And top marks to Arlene for using 'beige' as a synonym for boring- she's obviously been reading this blog!
I'm getting slightly annoyed by her coquettish batting-of- eye-lashes, but not too annoyed and think she's still quite a sweetie on the whole. I have the problem with quicksteps in that in my unprofessional opinion, blinded by the tricksy moves, I think they always look fairly good (we'll not talk about Kate) But, alas, the judges see what I do not see and I suppose, yes, on a brief second viewing it was a bit heavy. Dress average.
Jodie and Ian
Well after Ian's slip on Wednesday's ITT about Jodie producing her breast rather than best, I thought we were going to get an eyeful when I saw her in that frock. Saying that, she looked stunning and I thought her emoting was really improved from last week. I think there could be a Gethin Jones-style breakthrough moment if she gets the chance.
Jodie is tall. Can tall people dance? But you know, she is tall. Thought she would be in the dance-off for sure - shows how much I know.
Heather and Brian
That is possibly the most delightfully camp dress I have ever seen in six series of the show! However, it didn't really float my boat; to me it seemed like she was dramatically better at the beginning and the end when she was out of hold. And we go back to the chests with Len's reference to her 'upper portions', wink wink nudge nudge…
Well, for starters she looked like a packet of synthetic strawberries packaged to be taken on a space-mission. But again, I didn't think the dance looked that bad at all. With all the swooping camera shots I don't suppose it's possible for the viewing public to know that she's not heel-leading. OK, the frame didn't look very elegant but I do feel for them in the quickstep because, to be honest, if I were skipping about at that pace, I'd be clinging on for dear life too.
Cheri and James
Ok, as much as I don't like James I do have to say that was rather good! Simple and elegant and very lost-in-the-moment-esque. Who else thinks Cheri must have sort of ballet experience?
Oooh what a delight. And right now I'm just talking about the deliciously refreshing monochrome costume. She just looked so damned classy. What I liked most about this dance was its simplicity - I actually recognised some steps and that's so rare with the rumba. I am beginning to wonder if James and Ola are big Eva Cassidy fans.
Jessie and Darren
Darren once again picks a song that has the right tempo but has absolutely nothing else to do with the dance (remember last year's Material Girl tango debacle?). And oh my word another reference to boobs! I agree with what the judges said; as much as I want to like Jessie, she's not doing very well…
Poor dress - I don't know what all that was about. Poor dance. Poor Jessie. Though I think those tears were a bit fishy (in the sense of said fish being caught in a crocodile's jaws), I did feel for her a little (and I'm a cold-hearted biatch) because the judges were harsh. She was not half as bad as Kate or Gary or Fiona or squazillions of other contestants but they really laid into her. She went fair and square but I think the fearsome threesome (and Len) were meanies nonetheless.
Lisa and Brendan
The training footage looked very good on ITT and the performance certainly lived up to that. I thought it smouldered a bit more than Cheri and James', but maybe it wasn't as technically as good. Plus it's always fabulous watching Brendan doing the rumba.
What the heck was this about? It was OK. No, OK, it was good. But they were waxing lyrical about her technique when I'm pretty sure her knees were bent most of the way through. This is not the way to rumba. Over-marked. (Note - I didn't pick the picture for this blog entry.)
Rachel and Vincent
Great dress, great song, great dance. I'm always waiting for these two to come on and Vincent just has a fabulous knack for fancy choreography- I don't care what Len says, I like extended openings! Can't wait to see her take on the boys!
Oh they are so wee. And they are so cute. I haven't much else to say. I wasn't blown away but oh! they are so wee.
Group dance (don't ask me to spell it!) R-U-E-D-A (I'm testing you next week.)
Wow, that was a number and a half! Loved the en masse lift at the end and also the costumes- Lilia once again gets the best, but Ola scored high too. I thought Mark was a bit behind everyone else despite the spectacular shimmy, but Tom was very good. Kristina seems to be turning a deeper shade of orange every week though!
Holy guapea! What was this? It looked like a total shambles. There hasn't been a Cuban-related crisis quite as bad as this since 1962. However, I think that was partly due to the fact that a rueda is never going to lend itself well to being filmed. I think they should have considered a fixed camera for this dance so we would at least have been able to admire the pretty patterns a cuban wheel creates - or should do, at least. Maybe even an aerial view would have worked! It looked like they had a mighty fine fun time though regardless of what it actually looked like.
Results Show
Bryan and Carmen - what a treat! Received at angry text message from Frankie about him being evil for ditching Karen for the German chick (is she German?) but even so, that was a cracking samba...could it be anything else? Loved the candy-coloured dresses in the pro-American Smooth...and the song, aces! 'Hello Dolly' - that really speaks to my inner showtune maniac (I call her Liza). Glad we didn't have to suffer the rueda again and it was lovely to see Ian and Camilla perform to Simply Red - sometimes I forget it's not the James and Ola and Vincent and Flavia Show.
Saturday, 4 October 2008
A Point About Pointing
Frankie is main text and Clover is in PURPLE again.
Austin and Erin
Now they bigged this up so much on ITT that I think I was just set up for a disappointment, especially with them dancing to a song from Hairspray. To me it was technically good but it didn't have enough zing for me, it just looked like repeated hopping. Nice frock for Erin though and she's stopped looking like she's doing Riverdance when she jives.
Austin has a bad back. Really? Does he? I hadn't heard. Did love the dance however; it was far too good for a second-week attempt. Could Austin be this year's Bunton? By week four nobody really cared about her...Mais non, I think, like Alesha, Austin has personality and charm to carry him through too. I'm not an Erin fan (as you know - and I know I said I would cut her some slack so here we are...) but that was a super song choice and a nice zippy routine. I thought it had zing. Frankie's being a doughnut.
Mark and Hayley
Beautiful dress for Hayley, we love a bit of flamenco! And what a song choice too, it went with Mark's serial-killer face rather well. Ok it wasn't the best tango ever, but I think 5s were a bit harsh.
Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz. Zzz.
Gary and Karen
Deary me, Gary Rhodes might be a bad dancer but there was no need to put Karen in such a horrible dress! I hope he stays this week though so they can finally let him do some ballroom, it only seems fair.
Karen, Karen, Karen, now you know we love you, right? Look! You're top in our poll...just over there to the right. But, please, I beg you, please stop POINTING. I didn't notice this until my wonderfully Strictly-obsessed colleague Clare, um, pointed it out to me. She points at her partners, she points at the judges...in the merengue last week, she even pointed at her shoes...as though to make sure that, we, the audience at home know what shoes actually are. Note, Karen, we do and we love. Not sure what the Quality Street wrapper dress was about either.
John and Kristina
Dress of the night, oh my word it was lovely! John's great big grin for most of the dance spoilt the drama, but since the cuddly old man thing has become his USP it wasn't the end of the world. Surely its time for some Latin next?
Looooooved the dress. John is such a sweetheart I don't think I can imagine him ever being able to pull off an authentic tango. But yeah, Frankie's right, if all goes well (and he definitely shouldn't be out this week although I do think he was over-marked) he will be dancing latin next - probably a paso doble or a samba. Now paso would be a problem but I can actually imagine him with a pair of maracas (he's old, we can forgive props) shakin' his thang to Ricky Martin or similar.
Andrew and Ola
I find Andrew quite endearing, which is rather odd for a GMTV presenter, but I don't think I can excuse that utterly random headbanging! Poor thing, he swerved from looking like a vampire to being totally scared throughout. The song choice was a bit strange too; it could have worked as an instrumental but it was rather distracting with the singers going on about moving like cats and talking like rats…
Song didn't work. Don't remember much else about it.
Tom and Camilla
My favourite dance of the night! I loved how they looked like a team doing an actual routine, with a great song and outfits to match. Gotta love Camilla and her inventive moments with choreography and musicality. And she loves making her men slide around the floor doesn't she?! Alas, not a Gethin Jones melting-trousers moment, but still rather good fun.
Now Camilla's another pointer, though not as much as Karen so we'll forgive her. I think Camilla was trying to recreate the magic of Gethin's jive last year but the magic of that was that it was unGethinlike. But definitely matched Austin - it's a two horse race at the moment the girls are going to struggle to catch these two fiercly competitive guys. Camilla likes fringy dresses, doesn't she? This one may be the fringiest yet.
Dom and Lilia
Dom's pout! I don't care what the judges said about atmosphere, his trout-pout ruined it for me. Saying that, another cracking routine from Lilia, who had a rather fabulous pair of shoes on too! Very nice way to throw the results show wide open…
Yes, he did look a little bit like a fish but I LOVED this. For starters, the Gotan Project's remix of 'Whatever Lola Wants' is one of my favourite EVER tracks so that made me sit there and go 'ooooooh' before a step had even been taken. I thought this was wonderfully choreographed and I'm glad CRH gave Lilia some praise for that (the girl is good - she made Dom Littlewood look OK for three weeks running - that kind of genius deserves New Year Honours) I wouldn't go crazy, Lilia fans, thinking that this couple could win however; of all the dances, I think this is the one that he was always going to do well. I can't see any others making the same impact - but on the strength of this they may stay in longer than we thought.
Group swing
Oh what a clumsy thing poor Jodie Kidd is turning out to be, I dread the poor girl doing Latin. I genuinely don't think it's because she's tall but rather that she's really heavy footed or something. Other than that I can't really muster much enthusiasm for the group numbers anymore, I want more proper dancing!
What's wrong with group dances? I loved this and I agreed with Len - it was fantastic! Cherie seems to have taken to swing well - if she can manage the latin dances as well then she will go far. Jodie hmm, she's the only one who stood out for me - for bad reasons anyway - maybe because of her height, I don't know. It's a shame because I do still think she is seriously cool. No one really stood out apart from that and I see that as a good thing - that's what made the dance so great - it was a real formation team effort.
If I had my way I'd have two of Mark, Gary and Andrew in the dance-off - and Gary to go, I'm afraid. Shame for Karen - hope she wouldn't be too disa-point-ed ( ha ha).
Sunday, 28 September 2008
The Worst of the Trots
Anyway, this is just a quick entry about stuff that popped into my head whilst watching the results show this evening. I'm glad, as I'm sure you know, that Gillian left...no, glad's the wrong word, but I think the right person went. I think Jessie deserved another chance and I'm glad ye olde public voted for her. I felt sorry for Jodie Kidd but, ah, next week's another week...well, it IS another week because they're not dancing for voticles for another fortnight now - and who knows what may happen between now and then?
I've warmed to the new pros. That showdance thingy-me-whatsit was fab-u-lous. I think I've definitely warmed to them more quickly than I warmed to James and Ola...which took me a long time...the ice-cold hatred I have for James' serial killer eyes is only just beginning to thaw - but, I tell ya, my pretties, it IS thawing. My friend Katy says that Cherie Lunghi looks like she smells her own farts but I think the Cherie/James partnership is simply charming (dahhling).
I did not know what to expect of Jill Halfpenny. I mean, it's four years since she won in spectacular fashion in Blackpool Tower Ballroom (the best of all the ballrooms...well, it's the only one I've ever danced in so I can't really comment from EXPERIENCE, but I'll go with the general opinion...) and she's had a baby, was clearly going to be out of practise and well, has Alesha to match up to now...but my gosh, if Alesha had been wearing socks, Jill would have knocked, nay BLOWN, them off. She really still is queen of Strictly. That dance tonight had all the energy of an H-bomb - but with slightly more pleasant consequences, naturally.
(I expect there will be some fierce comment appearing here soon from anti-Jillite, Frankie...probably in purple. But maybe ANGRY red. )
Just time for a little purple interlude...yes, I am indeed an anti-Jillite. Not because I think she was a bad dancer, but because I found her as boring as Mr Beige Darren and felt series two was made rather dull in places by the judges constantly going ON AND ON about her. Julian Clary was the first person to have a Strictly Journey and Densie Lewis was the first successful sportsperson but they've been all but forgotten! And if I see a clip of that Jive one more time on ITT I'm going to scream! Ok it was good, but we don't need to see it three times a week for the rest of our lives! *ahem* carry on Clover...
Can't WAIT for Marian Keyes on ITT this week. I LOVE Strictly...I LOVE Marian Keyes...I look forward to that five-minute slot ALL year.
Ditto, let's get her on as a contestant!
Saturday, 27 September 2008
Here come the girls…
So here we are with the real frock action kicking off with Tess in a dress that for once makes her look slim and young. This year the girls escape the rumba-quickstep nightmare and are given the comparatively easy salsa and the ridiculously hard foxtrot...
I'll be the fabulous purple text this time - Clover x
Jessie and Darren
I just can't help it; I cannot get over Jessie's hair- it's like a Lego-man wig! Saying that, she does seem to have potential and I always love a girl who knows the power of eyes and teeth! Fours were rather harsh, there's always the potential for a journey with Jessie- oh what fun they could have with alliteration- and I'm sure nice as pie Darren will help her through.
Oh how I felt for these two going first. Poor Jessie - it was a sterling effort and in previous years might have left them mid-table, but the standard this evening was very, very high, on the whole and I fear for them. If the public keeps them out of the bottom two, great, but if they are in the bottom two, I disagree with Frankie...I think the judges may let her go. Shame. Darren is nicer than pie by the way...what is nicer than pie? Cake? Darren is as nice as cake.
Christine and Matthew
Lovely dress, lovely girl, absolutely beautiful routine from Matthew! Foxtrot is a rock-hard dance to make them do first, so she must have a lot of natural elegance. It makes me ponder what she will be like at the Latin numbers, but for now we can bask in the loveliness of a girl being good at ballroom this early on. In your face Dominic Littlewood!
I love Christine. Bless her, she's so humble. She commented in a VT about feeling awkward next to Rachel Stevens, Jodie Kidd and Lisa Snowdon. Uh, hello, Christine, you're stunning too! And what a lovely foxtrot. The dance was deliciously elegant. I suspect too that she may struggle more with letting go in the latin dances; she comes across as fairly reserved and well, latin dances are so eyes-and-teeth I wonder if she can pull them off. I will look forward to her waltzes.
Lisa and Brendan
I am going to have to restrain myself from screaming "Who IS she?!" every week in a BB Nikki fashion…and I am also going down to the SCD studios to burn every single yard of that hideous grey fabric that keeps coming back to haunt us! The routine? Brendan never disappoints with snazzy choreography, but I didn't really think Lisa was up to much, it felt like she was holding back a bit for someone who seems to have a lot of front!
I was not expecting this salsa to be so British. I know I have said I have found her annoying but I warmed to her a little on It Takes Two this week. I don't think she's the over-confident, faux-coy KellyBrookite I thought she was. I thought the dress was quite pretty though...
Jodie and Ian
That dress was really distracting; from a distance it looked like it had numbers sewn on it! I'm starting to like the foxtrot a lot this week though, maybe it's the fabulous song choices. On the whole, I'm glad to see Iain managed to get another lady who can control her limbs, but that Jive is looming on the horizon next week…
Jodie is seriously cool. Her foxtrot was cool, but not seriously. It was OK, a good first attempt but didn't blow me away. C'est tout.
Heather and Brian
I do agree with Craig for once, Heather's got potential and did pretty good but it did lack a bit of oomph. Nevertheless, is it just me who is amazed and impressed that she doesn't seem to have aged a day in the past 10 years? Brian on the other hand looks freaky, I can't quite put my finger on it, but he does.
Ooooh now this was a salsa. Note Brian's salsa moves compared with say, Monsieur Bennett's...the UK pros dance a kind of ballroom salsa hybrid...it's too, I'm sorry to use the phrase again, eyes-and-teeth...salsa should be less flashy, less controlled, less contrived. This was by far my favourite salsa of the night because it was rhythmical and natural. I agree, though, bless him, that Brian looks kinda freaky...kind of weirdly crafted...like he isn't the result of evolution...that he was created for a 'Wallace and Gromit' movie or something.
Gillian and Anton
Watching poor Gillian look like she was going to burst out laughing all the way round the dance floor was great fun! And just what was that frock all about? I was waiting for it to make sense when the music started, but it didn't! I am glad to see that Anton knows to play to Gillian's theatrical sensibilities though and that they aren't going for the comedy vote.
Now I think we were all expected her to be rubbish. She wasn't rubbish. People were surprised, including judges...this led, in my opinion, to her being over-marked (or am I just feeling sorry for Jessie?)
Rachel and Vincent
The Wee People are here! Best salsa of the night in my option; those turns were great and it's fabulous to see Vincent get a chance to flex his choreography muscles once again. I'm actually looking forward to them doing a rumba after that opening. What a pair, they'll go far.
Oh what a lovely wee pair they make! Finalists, surely?
Cheri and James
And this week's Worst Song Choice Award goes too…ok, maybe I just don't like the song but it just seemed to jar against all of the Hollywood numbers of the night. Alongside that, James 'eyes of a killer' Jordan needs to remember that arrogance has got him voted off the show twice before. Best dance of the night? Not in my opinion. It might have been technically good but it certainly didn't hold my attention like Rachel or Christine. Plus we don't give out 9s in week one Len, this isn't Dancing With The Stars!
I LIKED the song choice! I love it when a contemporary number is thrown in. I thought this was LOVELY, from beginning to end. My favourite dance of the evening, and I usually find foxtrots dull (but to be honest, tonight was a feast of fabulous foxtrots...get that alliteration, Arlene...) I am disconcerted too by the early nines though - where can they go from there? - if we have tens in week three or four, well, the rest of the series might as well be cancelled.
Group Dance
Oh what a fabulous guilty-pleasure choice of a song! Highlights of the number for me included: John looking like a granddad at a wedding, Tom's aeroplane arms, Don shaking it like a Polaroid picture, Erin doing Latin (it's always hilarious) and Lilia's dress! This dance didn't really reveal a lot though, but then again group numbers rarely do...
Aled Jones flashback! Wasn't this the music for his cha cha cha? Highlights, yes, definitely Lilia's dress (I've said it before and I'll say it again - keep her in for the costumes!) and Don...I'm gutted the judges didn't mention him actually - he was ACES - could have given Matt Di Angelo a shimmy for his money. Austin looks as though he may be as fab at the latin as he is at ballroom, but I've worked it out: Matt Dawson's been coaching him for two years. That's clearly the answer. I think Hayley Holt looked awkward.
So who do I think is going to go? No idea this week actually, I have an inkling Jessie might be in the bottom two due to the curse of going first but I don't think the judges would vote her out.
Who's gonna go?
I can't call it at all this week. Every single one has potential. If I had the choice I'd lose Gillian.
Sunday, 21 September 2008
One down...
Anyway...just thought would do a brief run through of the dances this weekend...
Tom and Camilla
Well, you know, I kind of agree with Craig in that it did seem a little smug, maybe even a little cocky. But that's not necessarily a bad thing and brought a little character to the dance. I actually thought that it was a really good first attempt, especially with it being the first of the whole series. Camilla looks like the cat who's got the cream. Yes, ALL the cream. And all the milk, tuna and tins of Whiskas. I'm not sure what her costume was about, however - I think the designers have been taking the course How to Ruin a Perfectly Nice Dress with a Random Bit of Green Chiffon 101. I hear it's popular.
Phil and Flavia
Now, here's a much better costume. Flavia's beautiful yellowy-billowy dress was stunning. Unfortunately, that's the only thing about this dance that was. First thing I noticed is that they do appear to be re-using music. I couldn't tell you who and when, but I'm certain that 'I Have Nothing' has been used for a waltz before...I do appreciate that there is not an infinite supply of popular songs written in 3/4 time, I just hope they don't get lazy and start re-using for other dances where it's not as necessary. Ah, the dance? I have nothing, nothing, nothing (ha ha) to say really. Apart from that Phil looked constipated throughout.
Don and Lilia
Poor Don; of all the celebrities, he's the one who looked most out of his comfort zone. He looked like a rabbit caught in the headlights of a, um, something big? Let's go with a Toyota pick-up truck. And he tried...well, at least, I think he did. He hasn't got an obvious fanbase either so it's little wonder he ended up in the bottom two. All in all, it was a forgettable performance, and it is so unlike Lilia not to choreograph something magic. Even when she had the demon munchkin last year (WHO...the little SWINE...did you see him saying Don should pack his bags...? Isn't he supposed to SUPPORT his former dance partner...?!) she managed to create a little routine that suited him. Maybe Don's personality is just so far removed from the cha cha that it proved impossible. I think it's likely he'll be able to pull off a very credible tango though...being an actoooooor (note, not actor, actoooooor - there's a difference) an' all and I'm very glad we'll get a chance to see it.
Austin and Erin
Sorry, I missed it. I was blinded by Erin's teeth. No, I jest (although they are reminiscent of Ross' teeth) - this was a lovely dance and he's a lovely guy. These sportsmen, eh? You may have read before that I'm not a fan of Erin, but I have it on good authority that she's actually very lovely so I'm going to quit being nasty about her (it's only because she appears to take it so seriously anyway - and I guess that's her job). I wonder if Austin will take to the latin quite as comfortably as he has the ballroom (he looked as though he'd been doing it his whole life...) or if he'll end up going the way of pal Matt Dawson (ballroom A* latin C-). Nevertheless, this, on the whole, was just lovely lovely lovely from beginning to end.
Mark and Hayley
This waltz looked uncomfortable to me and that's because of the height difference between the two...he looked as though he were leaning over her at some points. And it was a forgettable dance, a forgettable song (country, ugh) but a memorable dress/hair-do (for all the wrong reasons...think extra from Strictly Ballroom). I don't think he's lacking in potential however. In fact, as we know, these sportsmen rarely come out like Austin Healey week one...Matt Dawson and Darren Gough certainly did not impress with their first week cha chas and look how they progressed. We don't know as yet what Hayley is like as a teacher etc but I must confess I have youtubed her dances for DWTS NZ and her own dancing does not seem up to the same standard as most of the other pros, but she is a ballroom specialist, and like Erin, may not seem comfortable doing the latin side but is more than capable of teaching it.
Gary and Karen
Oh dear dear dear dear dear. Dear. Oh, at least he looked as though he were having fun. And he really did. But, goodness me, what on earth was this? He looked like Mr Soft from the old Softmint adverts... when he put a foot on the ground the weight sunk to his knees and thrust his middle forward like someone trying to limbo. Poor Karen, who gets the prize for the sparkliest costume (as she quite often does...) tried to choreograph a fun routine and chose a memorable song (she's ace - we love her) but unfortunately, it was dreadful...in the BEST possible way. He'll be in for a week or two - maybe more - he may be this year's Kate. And Strictly needs Kates no matter what the judges say.
John and Kristina
Now people have been saying that he was going to be the first out, but why would he be? We knew he was dancing a waltz and there's no reason why he couldn't dance a waltz as well as anyone else. Problems will arise should he get as far as doing a latin dance - and he probably will get that far, though his next dance is tango, apparently. I just can't see him getting PAST a latin week...jive?! Can you imagine?! This was another song that I'm pretty sure has been used before too, but that's neither here nor there as it's a gorgeous one. In fact, I couldn't resist standing up and practising a whisk when they briefly ran through the routines at the end of the show...but enough of that... The judges were right, it WAS charming because he DID genuinely look as though he were caught up in the moment. Kristina, another new pro seems to have a little more oomph than Hayley, but again, we have no idea what she's like as a teacher/choreographer, and unfortunately for her, I don't think she's going to get much of a chance to shine this year.
Andrew and Ola
Well, clearly even if Andrew didn't win any votes, Ola's catsuit probably did. Yikes. She must have been sewn into that in an Olivia Newton-John like manner. I actually thought, however, that this was a well-choreographed routine and Ola was the only pro who chose a recent song and that did work well. Don't think Andrew was great, but as with Mark Foster, I think there is room for improvement. He's certainly not as bad as Kate or Fiona, but to be honest, that's not saying much. He's a bit of a housewives' favourite so he's got a few weeks in him even if he doesn't improve much - and if he embarks upon a j-j-journey then he could go far (so-la-ti...do).
Group Cha Cha Cha
This was fun and it is nice to see that there isn't the big difference in ability between the boys and girls this year - a much more even playing field, I think. I think Wee Vincent and Rachel are going to be great - if they can win the public over with their partnership then we could be looking at finalists there. Jessie Wallace is clearly a big character (Letitia Dean 2?) and will possibly go far. One person the judges didn't mention standing out was Heather Small, who I think deserved a bit of praise and who I think may surprise us with her salsa next week (that is if she doesn't fall prey to GabbyLoganesque competitiveness and subsequent ELIMINATION). Christine and Jodie looked awkward but with group dances there is minimal practise time so nerves will have been playing a huge part. Gillian and Anton appear already to be going for the comedy vote (but there is Gary Rhodes to watch out for in that respect this year so Anton might want to change tack!) I do not like Lisa Snowdon.
Dance Off
I'm not at all surprised at the couples who ended up in the dance off. In the end though, I think Len made the right decision, because as I said earlier, I think Don deserves a crack at the tango. I think he'll really get into character and may even get past another week...who knows? Phil, on the other hand, I couldn't see him progressing much further. The thought of him dancing latin makes me squirm and luckily now we don't have to see that jive. Nonetheless, it is always sad to see the first person leave. A friend of mine just sent me a text saying that they shouldn't eliminate in the first week...I'm inclined to agree...let them do one ballroom and one latin...it makes all the hard work seem more worthwhile.
Looking forward to seeing the girls next week!
Friday, 19 September 2008
I see you shiver with antici.......pation!
Saturday, 13 September 2008
Pre-view de doo de do de doooooo
Well, on to the Strictly preview show. I actually squealed when the new credits burst onto my screen, a fair achievement given that I have a very sore throat at the moment. This is just a quick post really to divulge a few things that popped into my head whilst watching...
1) I do not like Lisa Snowdon. She is annoying.
2) Jodie Kidd is seriously cool.
3) Austin Healey seems like an extremely nice chappie.
4) Has Erin had botox?
5) Is it me or did they all look more ORANGE than usual?
6) Did I hear them say that Hayley Holt is a ballroom specialist? Interesting...
7) I haven't really warmed to the new pros but I guess there's plenty of time for that.
8) Wee Vincent and Rachel are so CUTE!
9) It could be Camilla's year this year...and about time, bless her.
10) When do we find out what group dance the girls are doing next week, dammmmit?!
Thursday, 11 September 2008
Ten Forgotten Gems
Matt and Lilia's Waltz
Matt went from being 'dull, dull, dull' to dancing this beautiful Waltz that Len described as being 'the best dance of the series so far.' There have been many j-j-journeys on Strictly but Matt Dawson's is still the one that sticks out as demonstrating the biggest transformation - yes, even more than Goughie...(controversial?) Unfortunately for Matt, he was out-shined (and out-glossed?) by Mark Ramprakash but Mark's ballroom never quite made it up to this high standard.
Mark and Karen's Samba
This dance is overshadowed by the now-iconic Salsa and Argentine Tango routines, but this is a dance that really shouldn't be lost in the Strictly wilderness...even if it's just because of Karen's wonderful hot pink costume and the camp-as-toasted-marshmellow music. This dance also signalled Ramps' return after the previous week's common disaster, also known as 'Male Celeb Tries (and fails at) The Rumba.'
Louisa and Vincent's Quickstep
For a first dance, this was fantastic. It may not be technically accurate – and of course, she will always be remembered most for THAT jive – but this is so cuute! Wee Vincent sometimes made the choreography very difficult for Louisa and this is no exception – but, bless her little spangly shoes, she coped admirably.
Emma and Darren's Samba
Poor Emma, despite reaching the semi-final of series four, no one can remember any of her dances. At a push, people might remember her grimacing bull face in the (very good, actually) Paso Doble or even her Tango – though it's more Mr Bennett's genius selection of song that sticks out with that one. But this Samba is perky, fun and a very tricky routine for Emma to have mastered so early on in the competition. Its lack of kitsch perhaps makes it less memorable than some previous Sambas, but it certainly doesn't deserve to be forgotten.
Alesha and Matthew's Foxtrot
Alesha-the best-thing-since-Jill-Halfpenny- Dixon will be remembered for an electric cha cha and two beautiful waltzes, but who can forget her stunning Foxtrot which caused Arlene to gush (something she usually only reserves for Ramps' hips) 'you glimmer, you glitter and bring warmth to everything you do' ? The poignancy of Alesha's utter disbelief at the judges' positive comments makes the whole thing all the more charming.
Aled and Lilia's Samba
Aled's Samba in Blackpool Tower Ballroom is remembered fondly by many...if only for those hip-thrusts, which he apparently choreographed himself. No one who's seen it can resist replicating those movements when 'It's Not Unusual' starts blaring out of the speakers...But hips aside, this is actually a fairly good example of a Samba. Aled isn't generally remembered as one of the show's better dancers, which is a darned shame, as, uh, he was.
Letitia and Darren's Paso Doble
You've got to remember that Letitia was in the bottom two after her first dance (a notso hotso rumba, if I remember correctly) so to come out, only three weeks later, and dance like she danced in this Paso was a major achievement. This was the highest scoring Paso of the night and quite rightly deserved its very decent score – in fact, it deserved more, Mr Craig Grumpy-Horwood. If there were ever a competition solely for use-of-skirt, this would win hems down.
Zoe and Ian's Freestyle
Possibly forgotten because they had already left the competition when they performed it, Zoe and Ian's Freestyle is a lovely mixture of dance styles and steps. It's also possibly overlooked due to Zoe having two iconic, memorable dances (her Samba and Tango) and by the other contestants' freestyle routines, which are remembered for oh-so-opposite reasons. For this was the year of Puppetgate, oh yes...I still don't think Erin's got over that. But I digress, in this Showdance, Ian looks as though he's having the time of his life. That is until he falls over.
Gethin and Camilla's Jive
Yes, his ballroom was already exquisite and he had treated us to that salsa, but what makes this jive special is that Gethin looks as though he's having so. much. fun. Camilla's choreography is fantastic – I particularly love those slides on the accents, and no, I don't get the urge to copy them whenever I hear 'Knock on Wood' ... honest... Peculiar hands aside, if he'd have danced this in the semis, he might have pipped Matt to the final.
Penny and Ian's Quickstep
Another Quickstep first dance to make my list but this was truly, and excuse the Arleneism, DELICIOUS (unless it was just Penny's dress that made me think of Granny Smith apples...) Sometimes I think it was criminal that Penny left so early, but to be fair, her jive was criminal itself...so it all balances out. I really wish we had got to see more ballroom from this couple however. What a pretty-as-peaches- pair they made.


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I'm offering mini tarot readings at the Gowanus Swim Society holiday market at Dirty Precious!
15 minutes - $20
30 minutes - $40
Lots of amazing local artists from the will be there selling their wares, plus drink specials from Barking Irons and the team at Dirty Precious.
Gowanus Swim Society Presents a Holiday Art Market at Dirty Precious
More info on the event here>>

subset: commoncrawl


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3 CAPM Simulated Exams
3 CAPM Simulated Exams
|This online CAPM course is an excellent resource for all CAPM aspirants who wish to realistically assess their knowledge and exam-taking skills prior to sitting for the CAPM certification exam. You will dramatically increase your odds of passing the exam on your first try by experiencing test-taking stress similar to what you'll encounter on the actual CAPM exam.
This course, comprised of 3 simulated exams of 150 questions each (for a total of 450 practice questions), allows you to determine when you are ready to take the CAPM certification exam, and pass with flying colors ~ the first time!
The Karma™ instructional software system provides a close simulation of the CAPM exam, and the 450 questions cover all areas of the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) and other topics that frequently appear on the CAPM exam. Included in the system are detailed explanations that reinforce the correct answer and rationales as to why the other answers are incorrect. References to Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) and other reputable CAPM exam prep sources are also included.
At the end of each exam, the Gap Analyzer™ tool can be used to present detailed test results, arranged by knowledge area and process group, allowing you to best focus future studies and improve your scores. (The system allows you to stop an exam at anytime to see the results and restart it later.)
Buy the CAPM Exam Prep Platinum Bundle, which includes this course, and get extra savings!
Learning Objectives
At the end of the 3 CAPM simulated exam simulations, you should be able to:
Instructional Material and Tools
PMCAMPUS.com's Karma™ system is a unique, reliable and fully secure online CAPM Exam simulation environment that provides you with intensive and specifically targeted testing and test-taking training. It includes a review mode that contains detailed explanations and references.
The Karma™ instructional software many features make it one of the best CAPM exam simulators on the market:
Included with this online course:
Want to try before buying? Sign up now for a free demo and get immediate access.
Minimum hardware, software, and settings requirements:
This online CAPM course includes the following features:


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5 Reasons Brittney Loves This Smoothie:
- It's a fast way to sneak in green veggies (and we all know we need more of those!)
- The Elemental Wizdom Metamorphosis contains superfoods like chlorella, spirulina, and medicinal mushrooms (which help with everything from reducing inflammation to providing neurological benefits)
- It contains cottage cheese – it has a creamy texture, and is packed with casein protein (the slowest digesting of all the proteins) without using any powders; it will keep you full for awhile
- The ginger and turmeric root give it a fresh flavour (and turmeric is also said to help reduce inflammation)
- It's sweet enough just as it is (just like you!). It tastes great with just the sweetness of 1/2 an apple; it's low in sugar
- 1 c spinach
- 1/2 organic apple
- 93 g 2% cottage cheese
- 1 cm square fresh ginger
- 1 cm square fresh turmeric
- 1/2 tbsp Elemental Wizdom Metamorphosis
- 2 ice cubes
- 8 oz unsweetened cashew milk
Preparation Instructions:
- Combine the ingredients into your blender cup or blender starting from the top of the list and continuing to the end (I find it blends and fits in a Magic Bullet or Ninja cup best this way).
- Blend for about 1 min, or until smooth
- Enjoy regularly to become healthy AF over time. I recommend pairing it with some fat like dark chocolate with nut butter – or Adrienne's Fat Bombs – to get all of the benefits of the fat soluble vitamins (like the vitamin A and K in the spinach)
Nutrition Information:
- 177 calories
- 14 g carbohydrates (4 g Fibre)
- 16 g protein
- 4.5 g fat
If you loved this recipe, you might like to get our nutrition eBook. It contains our entire 14-Week Nutrition Program and a recipe index with recommendations for pre and post workout, breakfast, lunch, dinner, and bedtime meals.
More Recipes:
Oat Chia Waffle or Pancake (#pancakeswithdrake)
Yes, You Should Eat Fermented Foods


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Let us introduce you to Caroline Constas, the woman that has literally claimed the off shoulder trend and made it her own. Born and bred in New York with a rich Greek heritage, Constas first began creating garments with her grandmother at age 6 while on trips visits to Greece. It was during these visits that she became inspired by feminine, off-shoulder silhouettes and bright hues, all elements that would help to create her unique brand identity.
Fast-forward to her 20's, and the pre-med graduate took a stab at fashion design school, and soon after in 2012 she launched her label Caroline Constas. Putting a spin on classic shirt dressing with off-shoulder designs, flattering midi dresses, ruffles and an array of eye-catching colours and patterns, the label has taken over street style stars and fashions elite, establishing itself as one of New York's most sought-after labels. Made from Italian cotton and manufactured in New York, Constas label not only offers flattering and unique designs, but it also prides itself on luxury quality.
Created for the New York girl to dress up with a pair of heels and perfect for the Queensland climate, you can find the latest collection of Caroline Constas in store now.


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Our goal is to make your life easier!
Service, Sales and Parts are available for delivery to Eastern Montana and North Dakota!
*Service charge round trip $50
Delivery days and hours:
Rhame, ND 10:30am @ Cenex
Bowman, ND 11am @ Travel Plaza
Baker, MT 1:15pm @ Fairgrounds
Sidney, MT 11am @ E Side Fairgrounds
Glendive, MT 1:30pm @ Kmart
*All times Mountain
Our skilled mechanics are trained to repair and service boats, ATVs, side by sides, and motorcycles in a variety of makes including, but not limited to: Polaris, Can-Am, Yamaha, Kawasaki, and Honda. For questions about the services we offer, or to schedule an appointment or delivery, please contact our service manager, Taylor or Levi by phone at (406)232-3300 or send an email to firstname.lastname@example.com.


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Of course, you would be surprised how many hexagonal stamps were issued so far.
For this new post, I'm going back to teh Tour de France, the world famous cycling competition, held in France.
In 2013 the 100th "Tour de France" will be cycled, but in 2003 it was the 100th anniversary of the first event.
|1903 winner Maurice Garin
|2003 winner Lance Armstrong
|full sheet with 10 stamps - France 2003
The shape of the country fits in a hexagon (not a perfect one, but nearly).
|hexagonal shape of France
Isn't stamp/coin collecting a wonderful hobby...
to be continued...


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Last week I had the opportunity to do makeup(and be a hair model!) for The Better Show in New York. My friend Jill Engelsen, senior stylist at Butterfly Studio Salon in Manhattan, showed us how to do chic updos for second day hair. Here is a quick behind the scenes shot of Jill prepping the model's hair, post makeup. Stephanie's look was a palette of neutral browns and deep peaches. I wanted a fresh faced, daytime look you could wear to work on the daily.
Follow the link below to see my spot on the Better Show!


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What is it?
Some may consider it a removal of the car's fundamental purpose, but Land Rover sees the new two-wheel-drive Freelander as a necessary fact of life, and on British roads it seems they're right.
The only motor available in the front-drive Freelander (dubbed eD4) is the less powerful version of the new, upgraded 2.2-litre turbodiesel, whose main strengths are its mid-range torque and eco credentials. A fuel economy figure of 47.2mpg and 158g/km of CO2 are impressive, given its output of 148bhp and 310lb ft.
What's it like?
If the engine's improvements are evident, so is a lack of the refinement you'd expect in a premium SUV. It comes with stop-start as standard, but wind flutter and turbo whine are often noticeable in the background. A slightly soggy initial throttle response is also disappointing.
Elsewhere, the Freelander eD4 is reassuringly Land Rover-like. It has the characteristic soft springs that soak up intrusions easily without too much body roll. Even at speed, when you do get some slight bouncing and wallowing over undulating surfaces, it is still a comfortable way to travel.
If you choose to drive with a bit more vigour, the chassis responds well, and grip levels are decent. Overall, the Freelander eD4 offers all the stability and comfort you'd expect of a Land Rover. It's a pleasant and accomplished premium soft-roader.


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Translation and Translatability Initiative Presents
Thursday, February 7, 2019
Babel of the Atlantic: Language and Translatability in the Politics of Migration, Settler Colonialism, and Political Resistance
Olin, Room 102
4:45 pm – 6:00 pm
4:45 pm – 6:00 pm
Dr. Bethany Wiggin, University of PennsylvaniaIn dialogue with oceanic history and the "blue humanities," this talk considers the role of language (languages) and translatability in the politics of migration, settler colonialism, and political resistance, drawing on archives and case studies from the colonial American mid-Atlantic region. The area was known as the "Babel of the Atlantic" in a variety of European languages, and the textual archives of the mid-Atlantic's manuscript and print cultures continue to offer rich sites to explore the role of language and colonial as well as anti-colonial politics. Individual cultural brokers, including translators, have been the subject of rich recent historical scholarship while often subject to their contemporaries' curiosity and sometimes their suspicion. How might we build on these accounts of individual translators to explore the multilingualism of the archives more broadly? What research methods and collaborations might we need to make their polyglot and heterodox voices audible today? And, how might a historically rich account of Atlantic multilingualism resound today under widespread pressure on humanistic ways of knowing?
For more information, call 845-758-7600, or e-mail firstname.lastname@example.com.
Time: 4:45 pm – 6:00 pm
Location: Olin, Room 102


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- Description
- Pawnee is a portrait of the artist's horse as a young'un. The American Paint Horse is a uniquely American breed, developed in the United States by a mix of wild mustangs and Quarter Horses. Trustworthy, agreeable, athletic and generally level-headed, they have a good cow sense and are well-suited to working farms. Everything about the portrait of this particular Paint says it's unique. Each sinewy muscle is visible, with ears alert as the light shafts from above. She has some growing to do and she's going to be even more beautiful. If you believe in reincarnation, you could do a lot worse than being a beloved horse of this artist in your next life.
- Reviews
- The Artist
"Wildlife artist Bonnie Marris' fascination with animals began at an early age when, at the age of two, she spent hours in front of the wolf cage at the zoo, enraptured by the animals within. The attention to detail evident in her work is a consequence of long hours studying her subjects in the field and her background in illustration.
Bonnie Marris has taken an unusual path into art; she developed her talent by portraying animals "from the inside out." While she was a student at Michigan State University, Bonnie illustrated several major books. One volume she worked on was a leading expert's mammalogy text that contained several hundred drawings and detail studies. This massive project attracted the attention of noted zoologist George Schaller, who invited Bonnie to prepare the art for posters that would support his worldwide rare animal relief programs.
In addition to her accomplished skill at rendering her subjects and evident affinity for the wild, Marris' painting requires frequent and substantive field experience. Each year, Bonnie makes two major trips, and countless smaller ones, to observe and learn about the wildlife she loves.
In 1980, one such voyage took her to Alaska, where she lived in the wilderness for six months. Marris recounts, "To get into a natural environment and see the animals on their own terms is as important as knowing the animals themselves.
For instance, gray wolves on the tundra


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I was privileged to have walked the Yangarra vineyard with Peter Fraser last week. To be able to put the site and vines into context is a great thing. This Grenache, off bush vines planted in 1946, is a cracker!
Wild yeast fermented and nine months in old oak with no fining. Raspberries and even baked raspberries get this on the move. Medium bodied, drop the clutch and this moves to savoury city real quick. Hoisin, fine brown spices and earthy feels roll through. Tightish acid ensures the future is in good hands. Sour cherry comes late before finishing with dusty tannins. Did I say it's a cracker?
Drink now to ten years.
Region: McLaren Vale
Source: Sample
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Follow me: Twitter Qwine Instagram QwineReviews


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Carpenter Realtors is taking a big, bold step into the world of tech this week. We have a few cool new tools, including a new website (rolling out very soon!), some great new agent website designs, a fabulous contact management system for the agents, and best of all, a brand new marketing tool that YOU will love!
Carpenter has partnered with Microsoft to be the ONLY Real Estate company East of the Mississippi to use this new technology company-wide. We are only the SECOND in the United States to use this. You will soon be seeing our TAG IT! program on our flyers, yard signs, business cards, brochures, TV show and pretty much everything Carpenter does.
So what the heck is that thing?? What you see to the left is a tag. We can use tags to direct people to a website, a virtual tour, a video, or to give them our vCard info, or tell their phone to call us! This particular tag will bring you to this blog.
HOW?? All you need to do is go to http://gettag.mobi on your smartphone (this will work on MOST phones, but not all…yet. My friend Michael is still waiting for it to work on his Palm Prē). The site will direct you to download the app. Once you have it loaded and set up on your phone, open the app and point your phone at the tag. Click "Snap" and the phone will take a picture of the tag. Microsoft's Tag Reader will decode the tag and open up my blog right on your phone, automagically!
Read about our new TAG IT! program on the Indiana Business Journal website: http://www.ibj.com/newstalk/2010/03/02/tag-readers-come-to-real-estate/PARAMS/post/18426
When I list your house, I will create a tag for your home's virtual tour or website and put it on the Take-One flyers we use, and probably on the yard sign too. The Mircosoft site will allow me to view reports that track how many people click the tag and when. Go ahead and try it out!
Comments? Questions? I want them!! I would also love to hear your crazy, creative ideas on how I can use this!


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Carry our long-lasting Little Black Dress Perfume everywhere you go. This sensual scent is perfect for wearing under your favorite little black dress. Small enough to fit in your favorite bag, refresh your scent all day on the go.
Size: 2 oz Glass Bottle
Ingredients: Denatured Alcohol, Purified Water, Fragrance


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Our staff is comprised of dedicated and licensed professionals with the experience to answer all your questions regarding our services. Please feel free to contact any of our staff members at any time.
All of our licensed directors adhere to the highest standard of ethical practices and are committed to ensuring that all of your needs are attended to. Their commitment to the community and genuine compassion toward families are but a few of the characteristics that make them outstanding in their field. We are proud to have them on our staff.
Manager- Funeral Director and Embalmer
Travis Dugger, a native of Johnson City, is currently the manager of Appalachian Funeral Home and a funeral director and embalmer. Travis joined the funeral profession in 1993 and has been with Appalachian Funeral Home since August 2006. He is a 1995 graduate of John A. Gupton College, Nashville, and was a former member of the Elizabethton Kiwanis Club, where he served as club secretary. Travis is married to Tara Gaston Dugger and together they have two children, Parker and Julie. Travis and his family sing in a local southern gospel music group, The Dugger Family, and travel around to local churches. He is a Deacon of Maranatha Tabernacle, Unicoi.
Telephone: 1-423-928-6111
Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
Funeral Director and Embalmer
Kevin Andrew Bowman, a native of Johnson City, is a son of Charles M. Bowman, and a great-grandson of Maynard S. Cannon, the founder of Appalachian Funeral Home.
Kevin is a 1988 graduate of Science Hill High School and attended the University of Tennessee in Knoxville.He received his bachelor's degree from East Tennessee State University in 1992.He attended and graduated from Gupton-Jones College of Funeral Service in Atlanta, GA in 1994. Kevin has been an employee of Appalachian Funeral Home since 1987 and a fulltime funeral director and embalmer since 1994.
Telephone: 1-423-928-6111
Email: email@example.com
Funeral Director and Embalmer
David W. Mathes is an Erwin native, the son of Rex S. and Linda J. Mathes, brother of Nancy L. Mathes and the late Elizabeth J. Mathes. He is a 1985 graduate of Unicoi County High School where he was a member of the 1984 State Champion and 1985 nationally ranked and record setting baseball teams. David attended Roane State Community College, Harriman, and East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, on baseball scholarships. He attended The Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science at Xavier University, Cincinnati, Ohio, and received an Associate Degree in Applied Science in Funeral Service Education from Jefferson State College, Birmingham, Alabama. David has continued his education and furthered his knowledge of restorative art and reconstruction through seminars and classes offered by the premier artists throughout the country. He is a member of First Christian Church, Johnson City, the United Emmaus Community, and serves on the Board of Directors of the Johnson City American Little League. David formerly served on the Board of Directors of Blue Ridge Donor Services, The Johnson City Civitan Club and is Past-President of the Upper East Tennessee Funeral Directors Association. He was an active participant for many years lecturing classes to troubled youth in the area for the Moral Combat program. David is married to Lisa Rippetoe Mathes, has one son, Ian Hunter Mathes, and four step children. He is a Tennessee licensed funeral director and embalmer. David has been in the funeral industry full time since January 1, 1987
Telephone: 1-423-928-6111
Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
Funeral Director
Larry has been an long time employee of Appalachian. He has been trained as a grief facilitator and has helped many families through the the loss of a loved one.
Although they are not licensed funeral directors, these staff members are vitally important to the operation of our firm. These individuals make it possible for us to professionally coordinate funerals with the quality of service our community has come to expect from us.
Part-time Funeral Assistant
Earl Gouge has been with Appalachian since 2006, a former downtown Johnson City business owner, Earl has been an asset to Appalachian Funeral Home.
Funeral Assistant
Gene serves as a part-time funeral assistant and is considered our staff minister. Gene has pastored several churches in Tennessee and North Carolina. Gene Pastored Keystone Freewill Baptist Church for many years.
Office Manager & Family Service Counselor
Kristen is a native of Johnson City, TN. She is a graduate of Science Hill High School and also from ETSU with a B.S. in Criminal Justice and Sociology. Kristen has been in the Funeral industry since 2012 and been with Appalachian since 2016. Prior to her funeral career, Kristen worked in her family business at Bowman Jewelers for 11 years. She has 2 wonderful children Marlee & Jaxon. In 2018 along with being our Family Service Counselor she has added Office Manager as well.
Roddy Bird has been the staff organist for Appalachian Funeral Home for many years.


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Pancreas Transplantation - Outcomes & Complications 1
5.7 - Glycemic Control after Pancreas Transplantation in Non-obese, Insulin-dependent Type 2 Diabetes Patients
Presenter: P, Abrams, Washington, United States
Glycemic Control after Pancreas Transplantation in Non-obese, Insulin-dependent Type 2 Diabetes Patients
A. Murthy, P. Abrams, J. Verbesey, R. Ghasemian, M. Grafals, A. Gilbert, B. Javaid, M. Cooper.
1MedStar Georgetown Transplant Institute, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, DC,USA,
Aim of Study: Pancreas transplantation has historically been reserved for patients with progressive secondary complications of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (DM1). However, case reports from several large-volume pancreas transplant programs have suggested that select patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM2) also benefit from pancreas transplantation with similar patient and allograft survival rates. However, it remains to be clarified whether DM2 recipients achieve comparable glycemic control to DM1 patients on account of their varying degrees of insulin resistance. This study aims to compare and contrast glycemic control in consecutive pancreas transplants performed at a high volume pancreas transplant center in both DM1 and DM2 patients.
Methods: A retrospective review was performed of 50 consecutive patients receiving a simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplant (SPK) or pancreas after kidney transplant (PAK) between 2013 and 2016. Patients were divided into DM1 and DM2 cohorts based on c-peptide detection and clinical history. DM2 selection criteria included age <55yr, BMI <30kg/m2, insulin dependence with requirements not exceeding 1U/kg of IBW/day, and fasting c-peptide <10ng/mL. Fasting blood glucose levels (FG) at multiple time points after transplantation were collected. Multiple 2-tailed t-tests were then performed to compare cohorts.
Results: 50 consecutive pancreas transplant recipients were evaluated. 29 patients were DM1 (58%) and 21 were DM2 (42%). There was no statistical difference in terms of gender, mean age, or other demographic data between groups. Depleting induction therapy was used in all patients along with maintenance immunosuppression consisting of tacrolimus and mycophenoate mofetil. Tacrolimus blood levels were similar between cohorts. Acute rejection rates were 6.8% and 4.7% (p=NS) in DM1 and DM2 recipients, respectively. At 6 weeks post-transplant, the mean FG was 110mg/dL in DM1 cohort vs 105mg/dL (p=NS) in the DM2 cohort. At 6 months post-transplant, mean FG was identical (105mg/dL) in the DM1 and DM2 cohorts, respectively. At 12 months post-transplant, mean FG was 98mg/dL and 108mg/dL (p=NS) in the DM1 and DM2 cohorts, respectively.
Conclusions: DM2 patients achieved similar glycemic control as measured by FG compared to the DM1 group. In carefully selected non-obese DM2 patients, we postulate that the density of islet cells in a solid organ pancreas provides a sufficient amount of insulin to overcome mild to even moderate amounts of insulin resistance and achieve comparable transplant outcomes. Nonetheless, it remains to be determined to what extent insulin resistance in DM2 pancreas recipients may still influence transplant outcomes. Future studies with longer follow-up are needed to clarify the durability of excellent glycemic control in this complex DM2 patient population.
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By viewing the material on this site you understand and accept that:
- The opinions and statements expressed on this site reflect the views of the author or authors and do not necessarily reflect those of The Transplantation Society and/or its Sections.
- The hosting of material on The Transplantation Society site does not signify endorsement of this material by The Transplantation Society and/or its Sections.
- The material is solely for educational purposes for qualified health care professionals.
- The Transplantation Society and/or its Sections are not liable for any decision made or action taken based on the information contained in the material on this site.
- The information cannot be used as a substitute for professional care.
- The information does not represent a standard of care.
- No physician-patient relationship is being established.


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Mr and Mrs King Wedding Photography
Whaplode Manor, Spalding, Lincolnshire
Vicki and James King have spent 17 years as a couple before getting married in June at the beautiful Whaplode Manor in near Spalding, Lincolnshire. It was a pleasure to do their wedding photography and to share and capture their perfect wedding day. The day was filled with unbelievable love and laughter all day long and the 7 bridesmaids certainly kept me entertained with their antics during the morning preparations.
The day was scorching hot and Vicki must have been melting in her stunning wedding dress but this did not stop the laughter and tears flowing. Sweet William the ring-bearer had everyone in stitches during the ceremony when he started to recite the vowels and the speeches were truly memorable, I'll admit to shedding a few tears of laughter behind my camera.
Mr and Mrs King had opted for a wedding package which included a pre-wedding shoot which meant that by the time we got to work on their bridal portraits they were experts at following my guidance. I think even James (who hates his photo being taken) did a fantastic job of posing for his wedding photos. Hopefully James will agree that the pre-wedding shoot helped him to feel more relaxed and confident during the more formal portraits created as part of their wedding photography package.
Both Vicki and James wanted to ensure their were lots of natural candid photographs to help tell the story of their day, these were easy to capture with the delightful relaxed and happy wedding guests, lots of laughs, tears and happy moments captured on camera throughout the day.
I'd also like to thank Emma from Little Cherubs photography for being a fantastic second shooter and helping to create some stunning wedding photography in the beautiful hay bale field opposite Whaplode Manor, and thank you to James and Vicki for trusting me when I suggested heading into the field.
Mr and Mrs King thank you for choosing me to capture your wedding photography. Here are some highlights of their magical day.
Keywords: Wedding Photography, Wedding Photos, Lincolnshire wedding photographer, Lincolnshire wedding photography, Wedding photographer, Female wedding photography
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Slice of Life Photography
Specialising in Baby Photoshoots, Wedding Photography and creating stunning Fairy Photography.
The purpose built garden photography studio near Spalding, Lincolnshire is easily accessible from Peterborough, Stamford, Bourne, Boston, and Kings Lynn
United Kingdom
07545 778016


text:
1862 Confederate Orders - General John P. McCown to 4th Tennessee Cavalry Company at New Madrid - Island No. 10
1862 Confederate Orders - General John P. McCown to 4th Tennessee Cavalry Company at New Madrid - Island No. 10
Item No. SQ3511868
Offered here is an interesting 1862 Confederate Civil War order from General John P. McCown concerning the defense of New Madrid, Missouri and Island No. 10 on the Mississippi River. The order, written and signed by McCown's aide-de-camp Lieutenant G. P. Smoote, instructed Captain J. J. Neely's cavalry company from the 4th Tennessee to send an officer and ten men to keep an eye on on Union army activity across the river. It reads, in full:
Head Quarters
Madrid Bend
March 13th 1862
The General Commanding instructs me to say that he desires you to start a commissioned officer and ten men to the Station opposite New Madrid at day light tomorrow morning, to which place they will repair as speedily as possible, with instructions to keep most vigilant watch, and report as rapidly as they can to these Head Quarters, every important movement of the enemy on tomorrow.
Your Obdt Servt
GP Smoote
Capt Neely
Comdg Cav. Co.
The order was written upon a 7 3/4" x 9 3/4" stationery sheet. The paper is in good sturdy condition, not stiff, and not delicate. Very little wear to edges and corners, although it is rough along the left edge where Smoote separated this sheet from its twin. Minor foxing. Creases where originally folded. At some point in the past clear tape was applied to the reverse at the main fold in order to contain separation, an effort that has been successful in preventing further deterioration.