Maks Versus Len

Maksim Chmerkovsky/Len Goodman

So here is my take on the whole Maksim Chmerkovsky/Len Goodman dustup on "Dancing With the Stars".  For those of you not familiar with what happen, Len Goodman is a judge on "DWTS" and Maks is the professional dance partner of Hope Solo.  After Maks and Hope performed their rhumba dance (which was God Awful by the way), Len Goodman made judging comments to Maks and Hope.  Maks didn't agree when Len told both of them that they had just performed "the worst dance of the season."  I think what really got to Maks was that Len attributed "half of the fault" to Maks.  

Maks disagreed and Len said "I've been in this business for 50 years" at which time Maks said "Then maybe its time to go!" Maks went on to say "I've danced for 27 years, and I've won more titles than Len ever even participated in."  

Well let me tell you folks, things got a little awkward at this point on this live television show.  The normal back and forth, good humored criticism took a bit of a hit with Maks rude and disrespectful comments.   Then Maks made what I considered the jaw dropping comment of the evening when Maks said that DWTS was "my show" and he "helped make it what it is."  

Here we go folks.  Yes, Maks is an excellent dancer and he has certainly made a major contribution to the show.  In fact, Maks is one of my favorite dancers along with Derek Hough.  He is one of the main reasons I watch the show.  But Maks, now really, it's YOUR show?  No, no, no, you're just one of the parts of the whole wonderful mosaic that is "DWTS."  

But here is the major problem I have with Maks and his disrespectful and inappropriate comments to Len Goodman.  LEN IS THE JUDGE.  Like it or not Maks, he is judging you.  And I think he is an excellent judge.  If the judges are going to be all namby pamby and not really give honest criticisms of the dancers, then I won't watch the show.  "DWTS" would then be a popularity contest (which it is already to a certain level) and not just a dance contest.  

I agree with what my new favorite professional dancer Derek Hough said:

 "As a seasoned professional, [he] should know not to do that. There's a certain amount of self control you should have. Last week, I knew going in it wasn't going to be our best dance. I don't get upset about it, I expect it and then I take it with grace and move on."

Derek is a professional.  Maks may think he is a professional but on Monday night he showed where he falls short.  Sure, he wants to be the MAN and protect his LADY, Hope Solo.  Guess what?  I don't think Hope needs anyone to "protect" her.  She can handle herself quite well.  I think this is more about Maks' ego being trampled on in full view of millions.  His manhood was questioned.  Maks, get over it.  Be a professional like Derek.  

The first few seasons I didn't watch "DWTS" because I thought it was a popularity contest.  I watched "American Idol" mainly because of Simon Cowell.  I could trust him to offer an honest opinion of a contestant's performance.  I think all the judges on "DWTS" give honest critiques and I respect them for that.  

Now there was some criticism of Bruno referring to Chaz Bona as a "cute little penguin" when Chaz performed her his dance.  People, GET OVER IT!  "DWTS" is an entertainment show.  CHAZ DID LOOK LIKE A 'CUTE LITTLE PENGUIN.'  Okay?  In fact, I'm surprised that Chaz has lasted as long as he did on "DWTS."  I commend Chaz for all the hard work and actually he was a pretty good dancer in spite of his knee injury but come on folks, saying Chaz is a good dancer is like saying a dog who walks on two legs is a good walker.  It's not the fact that the dog is a good walker that amazes us but that a dog can walk at all on its two legs.  Let's get real folks. 

What is Chaz Bono's "celebrity" anyway besides being the daughter of Sonny and Cher. "Chaz Bono, author and activist?"  Guess what folks?  I'm an "author and activist" too. Been one for years!  You don't see me on "DWTS" do you?  Hey, you WOULDN'T WANT to see me on "DWTS."  If I was, the first time I would appear before the judges they would tear me apart and rightly so.  And you know what? I would go right back at them.  That's just the way I roll folks.  I don't take criticism lightly.  But then I'm not a professional dancer either.  That's why.  

So Maks, continue to perform your excellent dance routines and show your magnificent body butMaks, let the judges judge.  

Maks "The Body" - no two ways about it...Maks is nice!

Team Kristenballs - Out!

Team Kristen Balls 

Kristen Calvallari and Mark Ballas, also known by the oh to cute name of "Kristen Balls" was voted off "Dancing With the Stars" show a few minutes ago.  Thank you.  Now I no longer have to watch the smug, show boating Mark Ballas dancing in his white spats, making faces and doing flips while supposedly "dancing" with his celebrity partner Kirsten Calvallari.

Oh I know some of (or maybe all) of my blogger buddies disagree with me about Mark Ballas.  Cubby thinks he's hot.  Another one of regular blogger reader whose opinion I value recently told me that Mark is a nice guy.  Sorry folks, the guy just rubs me the wrong way.  From the first time I saw him, I didn't like his showboating ways.  I wasn't going to say anything more about him but since he was surprisingly voted off the show tonight, I felt the need to say "I told you so."

Was Team Kristen Balls the worst dancers?  No, they were absolutely not the worst dancers.  In fact, they were pretty good, much to my chagrin.  The worst dancers or dancer is Chaz Bono clumping around the dance floor.  He is painful to watch.  But when I see a really professional dancer like Derek Hough (who I heard the other day that Howard Stern can't stand for many of the same reasons I couldn't stand Mark Ballas), the contrast is to great to ignore.  Derek compliments his celebrity partner Rickie Lake, he doesn't take the spotlight off of her with selfish, showboating acts like doing a flip at the end of a dance routine.  I don't know Derek. He might just be the biggest jerk in the world.  But what I do know is that I enjoy watching him dance with his partner as a TEAM, not as a professional dancer scene stealing from his celebrity partner.

All right, enough beating up on the "wonderful" Mark Ballas.  I've said all I'm going to say about him except that I am glad I won't have to watch him anymore (I did fast forward through his routine tonight when I played back my DVD recording of the show last night).  The two so called professional dancers that I didn't like were Mark Ballas and that Dutch guy from last year who didn't come back this year.  Now that the two most annoying professional dancers are off the show I can enjoy the show without having to fast forward through any of it.

By the way, this week's show was very good.  All the dancers with the possible exception of Chaz, were very, very good.  I am very impressed with how hard they work to perfect their routines.  It's more than I could ever do.  And that my friends, is why I'm watching and why they are dancing.

I wish them all happiness, even Mark Ballas.  Maybe he learned a lesson tonight and, if he comes back next season, acts like a professional dancer who is there to compliment his celebrity partner instead of trying for his own reality show.  Good luck Mark!

The Mark Ballas pout - just one of his many annoying facial expressions - so "professional"

Dancing With the Stars Episode #2

Derek and Ricki - last week

Okay folks, I couldn't find enough photo images from last night's competition to put fresh pictures on this posting, so I'll have to go with the promo photos.

Last night's show was interesting again.  "Dancing With the Stars" is the only reality show that I can stand to watch.  I watch "Millionaire Matchmaker"...sometimes.  After awhile, those spoiled, weird and loser millionaires looking for love is too much for even me.  So here is my snarky and not fair critique of last night's efforts of our dancing pros and their celebrity partners.  And remember, I mean no offense to anyone by my remarks,(except perhaps Mr. Balas).  Here goes!

Kristin tried to channel Marilyn Monroe last night.  Sorry Kristin, I've seen and heard Marilyn.  You're no Marilyn Monroe. Your dancing last night?  Okay...I guess.  Mr. Ballas was actually controlled himself most of the dance until the very end when he did a backflip that was more appropriate for the Circus Solei than the ballroom dance floor.  This is dancing Mark?  Go out for the Olympics next time.

Rob did the "Beach Boys" thing.  Rob was on one of the heftier Beach Boys.   By the way, drop the "Shy Boy" routine Rob, it rings false.  You're spoiled.  And please, PUHLEAZE...step dad Bruce Jenner...WHAT HAPPENED TO YOUR FACE?  Bruce used to be hot.  Now he he looks like a drag queen with her makeup off and teeth out,  especially when he's cheering on Robby Boy.

Carson, your "dancing" is more fun that I expected but you would be more at home playing drag volleyball at Rehoboth Beach.  You have a week or two at the most before you're voted off.

You can put her in a dress (and a skimpy one at that) but if "she" is a big, muscular tomboy goalie of a girls soccer team, she's still a goalie.  You can take the girl out of the soccer stadium but you can't take the soccer out of the girl.  Again, Maks was the best thing about last night's dance.  Love you Maks!

You're still the cutest David.  Love witnessing your "friendship" with former wife who valiantly sits in the audience with oh so adorable daughter Coco (is this girl ever going to grow up to be spoiled beyond repair?)  As they say David, lots of enthusiasm but little technical skill.  Still, you're a pleasure to watch (in spite of your flat ass) as is your partner Kym.

Elisabetta, whose only reason for being on the show is that she slept with George Clooney (sure, why else is she on the show?) continues to display the sexy voluptuousness  that got George hard but the best part about her appearance last night was her snit about attitude with her partner Val, the beady eyed yet also sexy younger brother of Maks.  

Ricki and her "DEREKlicious" partner Derek (oh okay, I know the guys stuck on himself but I still like watching him and I'm not even attracted to blondes!) did well last night in her Twenties Flapper costume.  Derek clearly out danced her but didn't show her up.  That's what I like about Derek, he compliments and doesn't dominate his celebrity partner.  You won't see Derek doing a backflip at the end of the dance just to draw attention to himself the way Mr. Showman Mark Balas did. last night.  Derek is too much of a gentleman for a stunt like that.  Love you Derek...mysterious eyes.  

Seeing the ample figured Nancy Grace tripping the Light Fantastic across the newly christened DWTS dance floor reminds me of the old left handed compliment "You don't sweat much for a fat girl."  Nancy, bless her heart, is very ernest and put forth an admirable effort last night.  But alas, she is like the dog who walks on its hind legs.  It's not so much that the dog walks well but the fact that the dog can walk on two legs that is amazing.  You did all right last night Nance for a Big Girl.  And oh, enough with the twins already, we get it.

Another graceful effort by Chynna last night and her partner Tony.  I'm getting more of a "feel" for Chynna and I have to say I don't much care for her.  She seems like one of these self-absorbed Hollywood princesses but in spite of that personal perception of mine, I still find that she dances quite well.  She will end up in the top three.  She is beautiful, graceful and elegant and she knows it.

The best natural dancer of all the competition is J. R. Martinez.  What a shame that his facial disfigurement is so distracting (just telling it like it is folks in this age of Political Correctness).  J. R. not only has the most confident attitude without being arrogant but his dance moves are the smoothest.  He just may well win the Sparkling Dance Ball (or whatever they call it).  

Chaz, I feel your pain buddy (the knees) but last night's Quick Step wasn't quick.  You're going home tonight buddy boy.  

Chaz Bono gives it the old College Try last night but you can by the look on  his face he knows it isn't working.  

Dancing With the Stars Season #13

The long awaited premier of season 13 of "Dancing With the Stars" premiered last night and did not disappoint.

Before I give my snapshot review of last night's celebrities and their dancing partners I want to make it clear that I have the upmost respect for both all involved.  Whatever they're paying the celebrities it isn't enough.  This is hard work and to expose yourself to criticism and ridicule takes courage.  More courage than I have.  That said here is my take on last night's premier episode:

I wasn't expecting much from professional gay Carson but I was pleasantly surprised.  He may not have got all the technical points right on his dance but he was great fun to watch.  GREAT!  Talk about enthusiasm and showmanship.  Carson had it all.  BTW, what's with the lips Carson?  

 Another pleasant surprise, Chaz was good!  With all his weight, Chaz was surprisingly light on his feet and danced well.  Great job Chaz!

Chynna was very elegant.  She performed a delightful waltz.  She reminds me of last season's Petra Nemova.

David and Kym are my favorites to win the crystal ball.  David was sort of all over the place but still very watchable because of his vulnerability and boy-like enthusiasm.  He is focused and serious about winning. I'm prejudiced because I like David.  I think he's cute.  

 OMG, Max has a brother!?  Reminds me of the time I had the hots for this guy I used to work with years ago.  I didn't know he had an identical twin brother.  When I met his twin I got dizzy from over fantasy overload. Val and Elisabetta did very well.  Very watchable.  I'm looking forward to seeing more of Mak's little brother.

Oh Maks, His Hotness...my favorite.  Max was excellent as always.  Hope needs to feminize her moves more otherwise they both did well.  She looked like she wanted to drill a volley ball.

Talk about admiration.  What a great attitude J. R. has!  I am so impressed as I also was by his dancing.  J. R. will definitely be in the finals.  He is an inspiration.  This man is amazing!

Oh here we are.  I made a promise to myself that I won't bore my readers with my dislike of Showboat Mark Ballas.  Well, I can't help myself so I'm going to bitch a little bit about Mark.  His dancing was way over the top again last night.  Will someone take Mr. Ego aside and tell him that he should not overshadow his celebrity partner?  Please!  That said, I think Kristin did an absolutely superb job dancing in spite of her selfish partner Mark.  He is so annoying.  Vote him off, please.

I didn't realize that Nancy was so....uh...chunky.  That said, she had some great moves.  Her professional partner, while cute, wasn't up to par with the other professional dancers.  I think he will come around though.  I'm looking forward to seeing more of Nancy shaking those ample hips and her other "assets."

Mark Ballas could learn something from Derek Hough.  I never saw Derek Hough before.  Last year was the first year I started to follow "DWTS."  Derek took last year off.  Last night was the first time I saw him and learned that he has already won three mirrored balls.  I can see why.  Derek is perfection.  He is the perfect professional partner for his celebrity partner.  He makes them look good without overshadowing them with outrageous costumes, arms swinging, and sliding across the dance floor.  Rikki may do very well with Derek as her partner.  He is a pleasure to watch dancing.  

Rob Kardishian?  One word:  Boring.  He will probably be voted off tonight if Ron Artest isn't.

One word for Ron:  Disturbing.  What was with the red beard and hair?  Orange?  Whatever.  And all that sweat. What, was he on a basketball court?  He will probably be voted off tonight if Rob Kardashian isn't.  

Fun time last night.  This is the kind of reality show that I like!

Dancing With The Stars Season #13

The cast of the new season of "Dancing With the Stars" season 13 was announced last night!

"DWTS", the BEST show on TV!  I love it. This is my absolute favorite TV show, in spite of the annoying habit of some of the professional dance partners of the celebrities (think Mark Ballas) to ham it up and steal the spotlight for themselves.

This seasons cast is varied and interesting but still seems to follow a familiar formula.  There are the athletic and naturally agile sports stars (this time Ron Atest and Hope Solo).  My money is on Ron Atest to win the Revolving Disco Ball.

Then there are the klutzes who don't stand a chance because the ballet dancing hippos in "Fantasia" (think Nancy Grace, Chaz Bono and Ron Kardashian).  The producers put these sad souls on the show much like the Roman Emperors threw the Christians to the lions in the coliseum.  There are always those in the audience who like to see slaughter, no matter how predictable.

Then we have the beautiful damsels you just love to see move across the dance floor in barely there costumes being flung around by their professional partners that you excuse for not dancing well because just because they look so good (think Elisabetta Canalis and Kristin Cavalari).

Then there are the semi and has been celebrities that you don't think can dance but will surprise you by their smooth moves as a result of their hard work and dedication to do well (think Rikki Lake, J. R. Martinez and Chynna Phillips).

And of course there is the mandatory Celebrity Clown (notice, there is one per show) who have screwed up their careers and who won't dance well and don't care but we will still watch them because so many of us are addicted to schadenfruede (a German word meaning enjoying the misfortune of another).  Of course the celebrity who steps up to the plate to fill that role is none other than David Arquette, Mr. Courteny Cox.  Get ready for a LOT of David Giggles (he still thinks he's a cute little boy).

And that leaves one, Carson Kressley, he of the late "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy."  You all remember Carson don't you?  He was the one with the over the top, stereotypical gay mannerisms and actions that give all gays like me a bad name.  I don't know what to make of Carson being on the show.  I notice that he's not in the group cast picture of the Season 13 contestants.  I wonder why?  Perhaps his head was too big.  Carson strikes me as one of those quasi celebrities who think they are the Second Coming once they get a little exposure.  I doubt if he will last long on the show or that anyone will even care.

So there you are, Ron's first critique of "DWTS - Season 13".  I take no prisoners.

"Dancing With the Stars" Season 13

I just saw a notice of the possible participants in "Dancing With the Stars" Season 13.  Check out this list man!  Be still my heart!  Wow!  Hey, I am JUST DYING to see Chaz Bono tango.

Possible participants on DWTS - Season 13

Chris Jericho Voted Off DWTS

As  I predicted, Chis Jericho was voted of "Dancing With the Stars" last night.  Len Goodman was right when he said Chris danced "like a lump of granite".  


I liked Chris and I will miss him but I have to agree with Len, Chris wasn't the most graceful dancer.  I loved his attitude though.  


This morning while I was searching for a video clip of his elimination (I couldn't find any) to include on this posting I came across personal information including his real name (now you didn't think it was really "Chris Jericho" did you?) and his birthdate.  Guess what?  We have the same birthday November 9th.  Which is of no interest to anyone but me but I thought I would post that info anyway.  


We'll miss you Chris!


Next to go:  Ralph and Karina 

Dancing With the Stars Week 6

Okay folks, here we go with Week 6 of "Dancing With the Stars!"  Last night I watch the show with a handicap because I was in the throes of 'cleansing' by bowels (I apologize for putting this graphic image in your brain) for my colonoscopy procedure which is to take place in a few hours this morning.  I record and watch "DWTS" on my DVR because I can't stand all the commercials.  I did a lot of pausing of the DVR last night to make mad dashes to my bathroom.  Lots of those mad dashes last night too.  What a night!


Now to the show.  Another VERY entertaining night!

• Kirstie and Maks -  The lead off dancers and I thought they were MARVELOUS!  Kirstie is one of my favorites but by anyone's objective view they have to admit that she and Maks performed spectacularly last night.  No mishaps!  I like Maks new clean face look.  This man looks good with a beard or without!  Something I can't say for myself.  Kirstie obviously likes Maks too.  I enjoy seeing them together.

Maks and Kirstie have the BEST chemistry

• Chris and Cheryl - Chris was clunky last night.  I felt for him.  For one thing the music they danced to, "Journey" (which I DON'T like) was God awful.  Then Chris was CLUNKY.  Chris?  What happened?  You had so much potential.  You're getting voted off tonight Chris.  Bye.

Sorry Chris, just wasn't "there" last night.  We'll miss you

• Romeo and Chelsie - again, Romeo continues to be an unexpected pleasure with his mature and classy performances, unlike what one would expect from a 'up from the 'hood' rapper.  He and Chelsie have chemistry and danced well last night.  They received the first 10 score of the season.  Really?  Their dance was good but I don't think it rated a 10 but what do I know?

Romeo, Romeo - who knew?

• Chelsea and Mark - is it possible for Mark Ballas to dance without a prop or his face painted up over the top to take attention away from his dance partner?  One week he's got an oversize hat on, the next week he's got a giant teardrop on his eye.  I don't like this guy.  He is a good dancer, I'll give him that but he is too distracting from his partner who is SUPPOSED TO BE THE STAR. Mark, you're only supposed to COMPLIMENT your partner, YOU'RE NOT THE STAR.  So they get out there and dance and actually do quite well.  They also received a 10 which I didn't think was deserved but maybe that's because I dislike Mark so much.  He really doesn't belong on this show.  He wants his own reality show, that much is obvious because he's been auditioning for it ever since the season began.  I hope he's voted off but I fear he and Chelsea will be in the Final Three.

Yeah Mark, yet another another of one of your 'faces' - get over yourself man

One ugly dude - Troll in the making

• Kendra and Louis - I've changed my opinion on Louis.  Louis does compliment his partner Kendra who seems like she doesn't want to be on the show but I must admit she did VERY WELL last night shaking ALL OF HER ASSETS to Ricky Martin's "Livin' La Vida Loca".  YOU GO GIRL!  Kendra and Louis will be in the bottom three tonight but she won't be voted off.  She was just too good last night.  The audience loved her and I did too!

Kendra? WOW!

• Hines and Kym - I just can't get excited about this couple.  Hines continues to dance good but the magic just isn't there for me.  I need a little drama, a little tension, some interest.  Himes come out there with that Plastered Smile and I just can't get into it.  I'm actually bored.  He and Kym will probably be in the Final Three but I can't see them winning.

Technically competent but lacking FIRE!

• Ralph and Karina - on Ralph what happened?  Way too awkward. Klutzy.  Sorry Ralph, you'll be in the Bottom Three tonight.  If Chris and Cheryl don't get voted off, it will be you.  Too bad because you're a Nice Guy Ralph.  

NIce try Ralph, you may be gone tonight