Worst. Idea. Ever.

There's this concept that gets thrown around in creative circles. It's two little words. Easy to say, easy to remember.

Artistic integrity.

Two little words. They sound good together. They sound good apart. Artistic. Integrity.

I can't think of a person who would turn down artistic integrity if some guy was handing it out for free. "Want some artistic integrity? Won't cost a dime?" Sure. Hand it over. I would love some, thanks.

The trouble is artistic integrity does cost a dime. Often, more than a dime. And there are easier ways to make a buck than toiling over a personal vision.

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Weekday Matinee, Baby!

I just got home from my own private screening of the new Star Trek movie! That's right, a whole big theater entirely empty except for me and the hubby!

How did I manage that? Did I win a contest? Am I just that special? Nope. We just went to a Wednesday matinee and there was no one else there!

Perfect way to see a really phenomenal movie! We picked prime seats in the very center of the theater, got settled in and didn't even have to worry about talking during the movie or silencing our cell phones. Very cool.

What was even cooler was the movie itself. I had heard it was good, so it wasn't an entire surprise, but it was so much better than I expected!

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DWTS 8 Champions -- Shawn Johnson and Mark Ballas!

Not one or two, but three perfect scores! 30 for Shawn and Mark's cha cha cha, 30 for Melissa and Tony's samba, and 30 for Gilles and Cheryl's Argentine tango. Amazing!

With each of the couple's last dances I found myself thinking, "I want them to win!" They were all so fabulous.

But, in the closest vote in Dancing With the Stars history, the most mirrored trophy in America went to Shawn and Mark!!!

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Dancing With the Stars 8 - Finale!

The season finale has finally begun and with these finalists, the expectations were high for a really great show!

Tonight was the first of the two-day finale: the Paso Doble group dance and the long awaited and uber-hyped Freestyle round!

In the last group dance, the contestants competed together as teams. This time, though they shared in the group performance, each couple was in it for their own set of scores.

And apparently they were on their own in choosing costumes as well. Was it just me or did those costumes seem like they didn’t all belong in the same dance?

Group Paso Doble:

* Shawn Johnson and Mark Ballas
Score: 28

The Paso may not be Shawn’s best style of dance, but she and Mark had a strong performance. They delivered the powerful movements with strength and passion. I also didn’t think her youth kept Shawn from connecting to the dance. She attacked that dance and showed her dedication and determination to do well in this competition.

* Melissa Rycroft and Tony Dovolani
Score: 29

I like Melissa, but how did she score higher than Shawn on the Paso? Though she’s usually such a talented dancer, this performance had her stumbling and wobbling in several places. I really don’t understand Carrie Ann’s interpretation of the “emotional connection” to the dances. To me, Melissa seemed uncharacteristically nervous and flustered in this one.

* Gilles Marini and Cheryl Burke
Score: 30

Was there anyone who didn’t think that Giles would dominate the Paso Doble? He has the good looks, the impressive build, the confidence, and the acting experience. Plus, he and Cheryl have a chemistry that translates to a very passionate, exciting Paso.

On to the freestyle...

The freestyle round can make a big difference in the way the audience views each couple. (I think that was what Tom really meant when invoking the memory of Marie Osmand’s catastrophic demented-doll freestyle of Season 5.)

The great thing about the freestyle is that anything goes. The couple finally gets to choose the music and choreograph any moves they want -- which generally leads to lots of tricks and lifts.

Freestyle Round:

* Shawn Johnson and Mark Ballas
Score: 30

What a way to start the freestyles! I loved this dance. There were a lot of tricks and lifts, but they steered away from a lot of flashy gymnastics. I appreciated the fact that they wanted to leave the gymnastics at the Olympics and focus on dancing. (Even if it was really athletic, trick-laden dancing!) It all worked for them-- well, maybe I could have done without the freaky mime-looking costumes at the beginning, but they made an impression. What I really loved was that the dance was so high-octane without feeling hectic. Plus, it was just a really impressive performance!

* Melissa Rycroft and Tony Dovolani
Score: 27

I was a little let down by Melissa and Tony tonight. I liked their freestyle. It was fun and entertaining, but nowhere near as impressive as Shawn and Mark’s powerhouse performance. It did sort of have a cheerleader vibe and the choreography was a bit choppy. Although, if Melissa and Tony had decided to go with an elegant freestyle, the judges probably would have said that it was too balletic or too safe. I think they should have gone with a more party, carnival dance. (I really liked their recent samba!)

* Gilles Marini and Cheryl Burke
Score: 28

When Gilles and Cheryl showed up in those costumes, I tried to keep an open mind. When I recognized the first strains of What a Feeling from Flashdance, I really tried to keep an open mind. The dance was good, just not great. The cheesy music didn’t help. Sure, DWTS is on the cheesy side itself, but the song was too much for me. It didn’t feel retro, it felt dated. It wasn’t a bad dance, just not quite as good as expected. The judges seemed to agree.

Leaderboard:
58 -- Gilles and Cheryl (30 + 28)
58 -- Shawn and Mark (28 + 30)
56 -- Melissa and Tony (29 + 27)

Night one of the two-day finale is over. Melissa and Tony are trailing and I’m a little surprised. Shawn and Mark are good, but I didn’t see that top notch freestyle coming!

Tomorrow night we’ll find out which two couples are still in the running and watch the final dance competition of Season 8. I still expect Gilles will be the season champ, but it’s anyone’s guess as to who will end up in second place.

It's Dream Glow Barbie!

I was skimming the wacky ideas over at DVICE and came across this video showing a bride who rigged her wedding dress with LEDs so it would light up.

When I watched the video, all I could think was "It's Dream Glow Barbie!!!!"

I'm not sure if that's what the bride was going for, but it would be a pretty big coincidence if it wasn't. All she needs is a light up parasol and some pink dye to turn her wedding dress into a great Halloween costume!

Although maybe she'd need to carry a picture of Dream Glow Barbie around with her, because none of the YouTube or DVICE commenters mentioned the amazing similarity!

Dream Glow Barbie was one of my favorite Barbies, but her dress didn't glow anywhere near as well as it did in the commercial with its "special fabric for TV". Guess she just needed some LEDs.

See the similarity for yourself! Here's an old Dream Glow Barbie commercial followed by the LED wedding dress. Enjoy!

A Poem by Michael

My youngest, who is in the sixth grade, is studying poetry in his English class. Now, for those who don't know Michael, he is a typical 12-year-old boy who loves video games, Legos, D&D, and Nerf guns. He also belongs to the Mathletic Club, is a black belt in Taekwondo, and always has his nose buried in a book.

(Can you tell, I'm a bit proud of him?)

Last night, he let me read the poetry he has written for his school project and I was touched by his work. He had spent hours toiling over his poetry, trying to find just the right words. I think he succeeded.

My favorite might be Michael's I Am poem. If you are unfamiliar with the style, an I Am poem follows a particular format. The first two words of each line are given and the author completes each thought. It's a great project for kids, or for anyone experimenting with poetry.

Here is Michael's I Am poem (shared with his permission):

I Am

I am Smart, I am Creative
I wonder what else is there to learn
I hear the merry sound of laughter
I see the swords and shields of honor
I want to be trained with a sword
I am Smart, I am Creative

I pretend I am in the books right next to the characters
I feel sorrow to those who have died
I touch the soft steel of a blade
I worry about the lives of other people
I cry over unnecessary death
I am Smart, I am Creative

I understand what others think
I say Justice for all
I dream
I try for greatness
I hope for world peace
I am Smart, I am Creative

DWTS Results - Now I Have to Watch Rodeos

They made it to the semi-finals, but it was time for Ty and Chelsie to leave the ballroom.

Which means I'll have to become a PBR fan if I want to keep up with Ty Murray. Or just check out his PBR page. (How did I miss his blogging about being on DWTS?!?)

Ty knew it was time to go and that makes it easier. Here he is on Jimmy Kimmel talking about DWTS and his goal of bringing more attention to the sport of bull riding. (He certainly did that!):



Based on the dances we saw this week, next week's finals could be one of the best yet!

Dancing With the Stars - Week 10

Tonight we had a chance to look back at each couple’s “breakout” dances and see each of the celebrities’ hometowns.

Once I got over the fact that it would be a half-hour before we got to the new dances, I sort of liked the “breakout dance” segments. They showed each couple’s “breakout” (read: best) ballroom and latin dances. It was interesting to rewatch the dances with the couples’ commentary.

Visiting the celebrities’ hometowns taught us that Gilles used to emulate Michael Jackson, Ty has been riding bulls (calves) since he was 2 ½ years old, Shawn was a fearless child, and Melissa was on the drill team. I’m sure there were some other tidbits, but that’s about the extent that I got from it.

I think I tune out a little when there isn’t someone dancing.

Two dances again tonight: ballroom and Latin. And they were good ones!

Round 1: Ballroom

* Melissa Rycroft and Tony Dovolani
Quick Step: 28

Carrie Ann and Bruno need to check their judging priorities. While personality certainly plays a part, this is a dance competition. Melissa is not an actress. Don’t dock her a point because you didn’t feel some intangible “connection” to the dance. They were dancing a quick step, to a showtune. The smiling, light-hearted attitude was entirely appropriate. This quick step deserved three 10s.

* Gilles Marini and Cheryl Burke
Waltz: 30

Maybe I’m not a big waltz fan. It was a lovely, soft dance. I personally didn’t feel a connection to that dance. Gilles is an actor and the emotional component was touching, however, I’ve been less impressed with Cheryl’s choreography lately. I feel like I’m watching some of her more memorable moves too often lately. Like the end of this dance where she throws her arms across Gilles’ shoulders and he keeps walking, dragging her behind.

* Shawn Johnson and Mark Ballas
Argentine Tango: 30

Nothing like an Argentine tango to put me in a good mood, and this was a perfect one. The lifts, the ganchos, the attitude. Just perfect. I loved their costumes (Mark’s eyeliner was awesome) and the music. And those lifts! (again) Bruno was right, Shawn may have been channeling the Cell Block Tango (and, yes, that’s a good thing!).

* Ty Murray and Chelsie Hightower
Viennese Waltz: 25

I love watching Ty and Chelsie waltz! (Despite not being a big waltz fan.) Ty’s dancing skills clearly fall short of the other semi-finalists, but he has come so far! It’s tempting to throw out the dancing focus when Ty and Chelsie are on the floor and want to judge him on his effort and determination. Len’s defensiveness was adorable. He seems genuinely impressed with Ty’s effort to become a dancer, even if it doesn’t come naturally.

Round 2: Latin

* Melissa Rycroft and Tony Dovolani
Cha Cha Cha: 27

I want that skirt! Watching that material swish and the silver spangles catch the light makes me want to get back into belly dancing! Tony has really been wowing me with his choreography this season and they rocked this cha cha.

* Gilles Marini and Cheryl Burke
Salsa: 30

This one was a perfect 30 for me, too! Man, he can shake it! That was a hot salsa and Cheryl’s choreography was great, back to her best. I can’t wait to see their freestyle. I just hope fans don’t assume Gilles and Cheryl are a lock and throw their votes to others.

* Shawn Johnson and Mark Ballas
Jive: 26

The jive does seem a better fit for Shawn’s natural personality (and Mark’s!), but I didn’t love this as much as their Argentine tango. I can’t quite put my finger on it, but it felt just a little careless, or sloppy, or something along those lines.

* Ty Murray and Chelsie Hightower
Samba: 23

We all know the Latin dances are not Ty’s strong suit, but he has improved so much! Think back to his week one cha cha. Back then, I thought he’d be lucky to make it to week two! And I adored his puckish smile during that gratuitous butt shake!

Leaderboard:
60 -- Gilles and Cheryl (30 + 30)
56 -- Shawn and Mark (30 + 26)
55 -- Melissa and Tony (28 + 27)
48 -- Ty and Chelsie (25 + 23)

I loved having another week of Ty and Chelsie, but I really want to see the other three couples in the finals. I think it’s time for Ty to mosey back to the ranch.

DWTS Results - Goodbye Lil' Kim

It looks like quite a few viewers are rooting for the underdog.

I don't know whether Lil' Kim or Ty looked more stunned when the announcement was made, but the audience was audibly shocked by tonight's elimination.

Lil' Kim and Derek have been solid performers throughout the competition. They began in the high-middle of the pack and quickly rose to be one of the favorites, but it wasn't enough to get them into the semi-finals.

Over the past few weeks, I've been morphing into a Ty and Chelsie fan. It's fun to watch Ty's improvement and see the way Chelsie has brought him out of his shell. Ultimately, though, it's a dancing competition and Lil' Kim should have lasted at least one more week.

At least Lil' Kim and Derek lasted long enough to appear on Dance Center. I don't know quite what it is about the Dance Center segments, but I look forward to the cheesy, sparkly goodness of them each season.

The rest of the results show was a blur of Jamie Cullum and the remaining three potential DWTS pros competing in another round of dances -- this time while partnering former contestants Cody Linley, Lisa Rinna, and Maurice Greene.

It was good to see some old cast members return for a spin around the dance floor, but somehow I just can't seem to care about who becomes the next DWTS pro dancer. I'd be much more interested in viewer input for who next season's stars will be - though I doubt that would ever happen!

Dancing With the Stars 8 - Week 9

Five couples, two dances each. It’s time to step up the competition with two rounds of dances, one ballroom and one Latin.

I love this point in the competition. Most of the stars are stronger in either the ballroom or Latin dances and having one of each in the same night balances out the scores.

We’re one week from the semi-finals and quickly narrowing in on the four dancers that have been stand-outs since week one.

Round 1: Ballroom

* Shawn Johnson and Mark Ballas
Quick Step: 27

Great start with a slightly disappointing score. Thanks to Carrie Ann, we are all well aware that illegal lifts lose a point, but you can lose a point for breaking hold during a quick step?!? I had no idea. The dance was perfect in my eyes. I loved the dance, the dress, the music. Who knew the DWTS singers could do a fun genie voice?

* Ty Murray and Chelsie Hightower
Argentine Tango: 25

Power, strength, passion. I’m with Len, I loved Ty and Chelsie’s Argentine tango. Ty has so much strength, not just physical strength, but strength of character. I felt that this dance let him show the restrained passion that is behind that boyish grin. There was perhaps some nuance and fluidity lacking, but it felt like it wasn't entirely needed.

* Lil’ Kim and Derek Hough
Waltz: 25

“You tried to be a lady, but you’re more comfortable being a tramp.” Oh, Bruno. But he meant it in a nice way. This waltz was better than I expected. It sort of feels like Lil' Kim thinks she is more sassy than graceful and it keeps her from being as graceful as she could be.

* Gilles Marini and Cheryl Burke
Foxtrot: 29

I admit, I had high expectations for this foxtrot. Fortunately, Gilles and Cheryl did not disappoint. It had an outstanding entertainment value and, of course, the phenomenal music added to the magic. His technique may not be perfect, but Gilles is wonderful to watch.

* Melissa Rycroft and Tony Dovolani
Viennese Waltz: 27

Simply beautiful. Melissa’s much ballyhooed balletic quality fit the Viennese waltz (though I’m tired of hearing about it). I’m not sure what was up with Tony’s hair. Or down? It was rather short or matted? This waltz was a lovely dance that showed no visible signs of dancing through an injury.

Round 2: Latin

* Shawn Johnson and Mark Ballas
Paso Doble: 29

Despite her sweet smile, I think we all knew Shawn could bring the intensity when it was needed. She is an Olympic gold medalist after all and that has to take some serious determination. I’ve been just a little lukewarm on Shawn so far, but I really enjoyed this paso.

* Ty Murray and Chelsie Hightower
Rumba: 21

Ty has come so far and I loved watching this rhumba -- maybe not for the reasons I usually would love a rhumba, but it was sweet to watch. I loved his hip action; so unnatural, yet so endearing. And I loved his dance over to Jewel almost as much as I loved his saucy comment about it after the scoring!

* Lil’ Kim and Derek Hough
Salsa: 27

I’m with the judges on this one. It was great to watch and- Man! Can that girl shake it! But it did lose some control to the excitement. Another thing it did was make me think Lil' Kim and Derek could be really fun to watch in the finals.

* Gilles Marini and Cheryl Burke
Rumba: 27

I try to avoid the gossipy dance-partners-hooking-up speculation, but Cheryl could not control that Cheshire cat grin! It was there in the Foxtrot and back in full force in the Rhumba. I don’t think there’s anything sordid behind it. It’s just a “Wow my partner’s hot!” vibe. I do think it’s making her choreography a bit too over the top.

* Melissa Rycroft and Tony Dovolani
Samba: 30

This was my favorite dance of the night. Maybe of the season. It was a perfect dance, deserving the perfect score. Tony’s choreography was flawless. Melissa really has the technique, the musicality, the style. She’s just the whole package and I’m so glad her injury hasn’t kept her out of the competition.

Leaderboard:
57 -- Melissa and Tony (27 + 30)
56 -- Gilles and Cheryl (29 + 27)
56 -- Shawn and Mark (27 + 29)
52 -- Lil’ Kim and Derek (25 + 27)
46 -- Ty and Chelsie (25 + 21)

I do realize that Ty and Chelsie will probably be going home this week. And I will admit that, for dancing ability, it is only fair. But I hate the idea of Ty leaving after he’s come so far.

Whatever happens, tomorrow night (finally) brings us Dance Center! So it’s all good.

Manly Men Should Wear Skirts

Men and women alike fall along a continuum of what we label as masculine and feminine. Women embrace the various facets of their own personalities. Women can be tomboys or girlie-girls and still be considered women. Yet it seems like men are expected to stay within the narrow confines of "manliness".

Many men are threatened by behaviors that could be considered in any way feminine. TV commercials show men who would starve without the convenience of pre-made microwaveable dinners or men who can't figure out how to wipe up a spill until their wife comes in with the paper towels. Men are hassled for wearing pink, liking sentimental movies, or not watching sports.

But have you ever noticed all the excuses men find to wear women's clothing? I'm not talking about cross-dressers or drag queens. They are straight-forward enough to not look for excuses. I'm talking about the straight guys wearing dresses on Halloween, the fraternity pledges "forced" to wear dresses, or the guys who lose a bet and end up in drag.

That's not even mentioning the male actors on sitcoms who inevitably get themselves in some fix that requires a female disguise. Or take your pick of movies and TV shows centered around men in drag: Tootsie, Busom Buddies, Mrs. Doubtfire, Big Momma's House, White Chicks. Or The Rock hosting Nickelodeon's Kid Choice Awards. Even Bugs Bunny was known to put on a dress on more than one occasion.

So why not skip the subterfuge and just start selling skirts for men?

Skirts are comfortable. They are versatile. And there's absolutely no reason why men shouldn't wear them. Other cultures have masculine skirts or dresses. Kilts, sarongs, the djellaba, and kaftans are all considered normal men's wear. Why not an American or European skirt for men?

Men's skirts do hit the runway from time to time. Google "men in skirts" and you'll see that there are men who want to wear skirts. Check the images and you'll see that there are some men that look hot in them, too.

Maybe a revolution is not too far away. Maybe there will soon be a day when men can wear skirts without judgement or shame.

For women, wearing trousers in everyday life was a big step toward gender equality. Maybe it's time for men to put on their skirts and meet us halfway.