Sunday, October 16, 2011

The Big Day








It wasn't really a big day but seeing The Big Year yesterday inspired us to go on a bird sighting expedition today.  We headed south to a new wildlife preserve that recently opened.  It was a nice day with nice weather but not many birds were out and about.  We did manage to catch a few pics.  I was surprised to see the gators were still out. 

The first six pics were taken at the Pintail Wildlife Drive which is in the Cameron Prairie National Wildlife Refuge.  The last pic was taken last week at a Wetland Walkway.  This is all considered part of the Creole Nature Trail which circles the area where I live. 

183 comments:

jan said...

These are great wildlife pics Carol. I love the top one of the alligator. He is giving the "eagle eye."

jan said...

Sounds like a great day you and your sis had.

Carol said...

Got online this morning..part of my morning coffee routine..and saw on AOL that Paul McDonald..one of your favs Jan.. got married to Nikki Reed. Remember Paul from the last Idol? He was cute and had lots of charisma but I wasn't that crazy about his singing.

I didn't know who Nikki Reed was but it says she is a "Twilight" star. They met at some red carpet premiere while he was still competing on Idol.

The article said that Stefano..he was one that I liked..was suppose to sing at their wedding but weren't sure if he did because he had a gig in Vegas.

That was my first seasons to watch Idol. Not sure if it will attract my attention again. They did have lots of talent on that season. Seems several of them have albums out or coming out..Scotty..of course..also Alana..James Durbin..and several of the others have signed deals.

Carol said...

My tastes..it seems..are totally different from the mainstream. Like that movie Bridemaids..there were only two places in the movie that I thought were funny..the food poisoning scene and that was anxiety provoking funny..and the scene toward the end with the two girls trying to get the cop's attention. I really didn't care of any of the characters in the movie except the cop guy.

I can't even use movie reviews to tell me if I will like a movie since many that get bad reviews I like and those that get good reviews..I don't like. It seems that is the same with the singing and dancing on those shows.

Carol said...

If you wonder why I use those "..." often..I still don't have a working comma on this computer. I'm surprised this computer..my bedroom lappy is still alive. It's tried to crash many times..even recently but I got her up and running again..miracle or accident.

These PCs just aren't designed to work for very long. I think they put a self destruct mechanism in them so that we have to buy a new computer often. I guess if you know a lot about computers that you might be able to save them a little longer.

Carol said...

Big sis will be going home tomorrow. We had a very good visit. That's not always the case. We discussed that and some of our previous less pleasant visits. Some of the worst visits were years back when more members of the family got together.

I don't understand exactly why families have problems when they get together again to visit. I don't think that is just my family since I hear the same thing from other people and they have movies where the same thing happens.

Is it because we all share the same pathology and maybe think that since we are family we can get by with acting crappy and we will still be loved?? I don't know. I think we often don't try as hard to please our family as we do our friends.

Carol said...

Maggie..again..dumped me for sis. Every time she comes in Maggie attaches to her and treats me like I'm her enemy. I've never had a dog that did that before. And it's not like sis treats her better than I do. No one could treat Maggie better than I do. Maybe she likes a little more aloof relationship.

Carol said...

This is my last day of vacation then back to work tomorrow. Actually one was a holiday. I've taken 5 days off in the last two weeks which has made my days at work much harder.

Sis leaves tomorrow evening. We've had wonderful weather here and she will be going back to her cooler wetter weather.

I thank God and the Universe that we have been blessed with better weather/environmental conditions than many accross the country have had.

jan said...

Carol, thanks for info on the idol comings and goings and weddings, etc. I have seen Scotty several times on different shows -mostly the morning shows. I forget their names but don't forget their faces.

I do like the new show, the X factor. I do like the singing shows more than the dancing ones. The X Factor is a little different in that they are auditioning in front of a large live audience and with accompanyment of the singers. On this one the age limit is 12 years old and up - one guy is 60 years old. They also have singing groups. There are 4 judges - Simon, Paula, Nicole Shersinger (remember she won DWTS with Derek) and a Black guy. They narrowed the search down to 32 acts - 8 girls, 8 boys, 8 singers over 30 years old, and 8 groups. Each group is assigned to one of the judges and goes to their home to perform. Now the 32 acts will be cut down to 16 acts who will go back to Los Angeles to perform this or next week. I have enjoyed this.

I hope you join me in watching these. There are some amazing singers.

I have to say though that Simon picked out 2 women singers that the others did not care for but went along with him. Both women (under 20 years old) look and sound "off the wall" to me but he says he sees something in them that the others do not see. Both of the women are African American (I think) but are lighter skinned and both have really full lips. I have a theory that he is turned on my the really full lips.

jan said...

MIstake above. Both women were under 30 years old - and Simon got to judge the women singers (under 30).

other mistake " turned on by the really full lips." I have read that anthropologically - really full lips and painted red are a turn-on to men as they resemble women's labia.

Carol said...

OK Jan, my experience is somewhat limited but I've never heard anyone else, either, tell me that men spend much time looking at labia except maybe a gynecologist?? But I do understand that both can serve the same purpose. Well, I guess they might see pics in the men's magazines. Didn't think about that.

Carol said...

We brought back the rental car this morning and back to driving my truck..that I just spent a fortune to tune up. I'll have to say that even though it needs a bath and it has over 146 thou miles on it, it's a much smoother ride and drive than that Ford Focus rental car with only 26 thou miles. It was, even before I brought it in for a tuneup. Only thing I can tell that is different is that the breaks are tighter now. I did get new front brakes.

Sis said that her Toyota dealership will give her a voucher for a wash of her vehicle when she brings it in for every service, even just oil changes. My $2600+ service didn't even get me a window wash.

Anonymous said...

Can't leave you two alone for a couple of days..& what happens talk of red painted lips
& labia...

Carol your comment to Jan about it did make me
laugh....

Anonymous said...

And Carol, while I do enjoy the wildlife pics, those allys still make me nervous...I will never get used to them...& if they are a renmant of prehistoric times, thankfully I was
not around then....

Anonymous said...

LA Reid, the black guy on X factor is/was a very successful record/music producer/writer...well respected in the music industry (though I don't listen to most
of his finds or even know who they are)...but he produced 'end of the road' boys2men (which was a great song, a talented group...& on one of the early xfactor shows
they mentioned he 'found' Justin Beiber...again
way out of my interest level but what do I know..

Carol said...

Coreen, those allys were actually pretty small ones. The first guy was no more than 5 ft long and it was the biggest one we saw, those Swamp people woulda thrown it back.

Carol said...

Well..back to DWTS.

Hope is good but I still see too much athlete and not enough dancer.

Carson..what can I say..he's fun!

Nancy..she looked prettier this week and I liked her hair. Her costume was flattering and her dancing was her best so far. She just needs to shut her mouth and let someone else be in control for a change.

Carol said...

What can I say about JR...WOW WOW WOW! No one could do that better!

Carol said...

He better get all 10s.

Carol said...

Carrie Ann and Len screwed him. I just don't understand what's going on. That was the best dance I've ever seen on DWTS! No Shit!

Carol said...

I think JR's did as well as the pros.

And they'll probably give Rob 9s and he can't even walk well. Do those judges think we are blind?

Carol said...

Rob didn't do much except move around the room from place to place. Wasn't much dancing there at all. Didn't take much skill. Waiting to see what the judges give him. They certainly over praised him.

And they..again..overscored him. Carrie Ann and Len gave him the same score as JR. They should lose their paddles. Absolutely no cred! Fire those judges!

Carol said...

I don't think Rob did any better than Nancy and I think she did more dancing than he did. Do the Kardasians have some kind of clout with those judges????

Carol said...

That was Chaz's best dance. He actually did better than Rob..a lot more dancing involved.

Anonymous said...

Didn't see rob dance, but I did see jr...& he certainly rocked the samba...

I don't really have any feeling about Hope...she danced ok but she lacks something...it may be what you call athletic
I would say she is more masculine, she does not show enough feminine side...

Missed nancy & not sure who else...did see
chaz, much improved but really...time to go for him &/or nancy...

Carol said...

Can't believe they scored Chaz so much lower than Rob. He may be fat but he danced better than Rob.

Can you tell that I'm pissed?

Carol said...

Coreen..are you watching? I don't think you're watching BB...nor are many others. Maybe it's not on tonight.

Carol said...

David did well..will he do better than Rob?

Carol said...

Well..Len also gave him the same score as JR.

Anonymous said...

Now I really liked Derek & Ricki...enjoyed it...but I am so partial to Derek...

not sure what the judges are seeing, but I liked it...

& yes David is improving each week...he could
be the sleeper....

but you know JR is just the smoothest dancer in the pack...

I keep missing the scores though...

And no Carol, baseball is done for me til like
February...when they go to spring training...

Now its time for 5-0...my monday night date....

Carol said...

Ricki did well but no one, NO ONE, came close to JR tonight. He towered above the others.

As much as I like Ricki, I do find myself getting distracted by watching Derek.

Carol said...

Nite Coreen. Missing the scores is good. You wouldn't be happy.

jan said...

Carol, I too was pissed at Carrie Ann and Lynn for not giving JR 10's. I agree that was one of the best dances I have seen. Dog Gone it!

jan said...

Correen, I have been sitting here laughing so hard I almost peed myself at your comments about Carol and I talking about labia.

Ok now will go back and read some more comments.

Oh yes Coreen, you knew a lot about L.A. Reid. I had heard all that on the show but had forgotten. I do not remember details too well. I had never heard of LA Reid before this.

jan said...

You all are way ahead of me. We are just now watching DWTS.

Wow, interesting watching Lacey's dad dance.

jan said...

Hey, Chaz is having fun. I enjoyed his dance tonight. I think Lacey's dad helped him.

jan said...

Has anyone seen Pan Am. I watched it a week ago out of curiosity. It was kind of fun and took me back to the ideas and stereotypes of that era.

jan said...

I loved the dance Derek and Ricki did but it did not look like a foxtrot.

JR is the winner tonight - hands down or up or whatever.

jan said...

Carol, you were talking earlier about family and conflicts when family visits. I think we have certain expectations for family get to gethers especially when not seeing each other for a long time. I am not sure these functions ever meet our expectations.

jan said...

Well, time for beddie bye. Nite all.

Carol said...

I just have to realize that these shows have an agenda and it's not what I may think it should be. It's a business..like everything else..and they are doing what they think will keep an audience. They did include a diverse group of contestants to snag a diverse audience.

I did go back and watch Rob K again to see if I was just biased against him. I might be but I still can't see much skill or talent in his performance. He didn't have to do much..he spread his legs..stayed on and pointed his toes and that was just about it.

Don't know who will go home this week. I'm thinking it might be Hope. I don't know if she has as big a fan base as the others.

I still can't figure out why the judges are underscoring JR.

Carol said...

Do I really give a damn about DWTS? No. I'm just a person who thrieves on passion..on feeling passonate about something and I can't seem to find anything anymore to feel that way about. Politics and my job used to do it for me. Neither do it anymore.

Carol said...

Brought sis to the airport this afternoon. We had a cold front come in and the winds were sustained around 18 and gusting up to close to 40 mph. I hope my sis's flight went OK. She took a little plane from here to Houston. I would have been nervous about flying.

I'm already lonely. Maggie is sitting up on the back of the couch looking outside waiting for sis to come back here. I told her she had a long wait but I don't think she understood.

jan said...

It is nice to have a visit with someone and feel lonely after. It means it was a good time. I am sad you and Maggie are lonely, but happy for you both that you enjoyed your sis's visit.

jan said...

Hope was in the bottom 3 tonight. I was afraid your prediction was coming true. She is safe for another week. She has lots of potential but so little personality and charm. She is such a competitor and that makes it hard to have fun.

Carson is gone. I enjoyed him and his jokes and antics but he was not doing well with the dancing.

On X Factor, some of my favorites were saved and some went home. Simon made a mistake and sent one home that he regretted and he went after her - so there are 17 acts. The one he sent home and later went after was one of my favorites. So all's well that ends well.

Coreen, did you watch X factor? If so, what did you think. I think the judges went with the ones with personality as much as voice.

jan said...

Simon did go with one girl that I do not understand at all.

jan said...

X Factor is now on Tues and Sun nites.

Carol said...

Jan..I agree with your evaluation of DWTS outcome. Surprised?

I liked Carson also because he was so entertaining but he couldn't dance a lick. Thinking about it..he was sooo bad that I wonder if he wasn't practicing to be bad for it's comedy affect.

With all the practice they said he did you would think he would have danced better. And the routines his pro choreographed were always complicated and goofy. Do you think that could have been the plan??

I know he looked sad and disappointed at the end but that could have been part of the act also. Think about it. Some of this stuff might be scripted.

Carol said...

I also think the judges comments and scores are meant to manipulate us. That's why they are so goofy and inappropriate.

And I agree with what you said about Hope.

Carol said...

Got an email from sis and she did get home OK. I was worried about all that wind between here and her home base.

Carol said...

Most of what we see on TV is meant to manipulate whether it is entertainment or news!

jan said...

Good to hear your sis got home safe.

I agree about TV and manipulation.

Home for lunch. I had 2 meetings this morning and a health screening at 4 this afternoon so I have about 3 hours off. I like to come home for lunch. It breaks up my work day.

Anonymous said...

Carol, like Jan's perspective about your sister's visit & you & Maggie being lonely after she left...

Also happy to hear she made it home w/o any
disruptions...

Anonymous said...

Jan, no I did not watch xfactor...have not watched it since before baseball ended for me...seems it has been moved around so I don't remember when it's on...

what is the premise after the initial selections?...they were split between the 4 judges to work with them...how did they decide which judge the contestants were going to go to?...& now what is going to happen...at sosme point does the viewing audience get to choose between a certain # of them? it reminds me of the show that was on recently...I think a guy from CT won... but forgot its name already....

I seem to have too short an attention span for
these talent shows though...

& I have no real enthusiasm for DWTS...

jan said...

Coreen, it seems each judge was chosen at random to work with a specific group. The final 16 +1 girl have been selected and now they will all perform in front of an audience. Each judge will work specifically with his/her group. I don't know if the viewing audience will vote. There are some awesome singers.

jan said...

X Factor is on Tues and sun nights now.

Carol said...

Jan, I'm interested in the answers to all those questions also.

Cold front came thru yesterday just as sis was leaving. She really enjoyed the warmth we had down here because it's been really cool up her way this summer. She soaked it in.

It got down into the 40s last night and today I had a record low in my kitchen for a noon in October. It was 57 degree in there when I came home for lunch. Brrrr.

Carol said...

Jan, I also need to come home for lunch when I'm working. Don't even care if I eat, it's just to escape the insanity for a short while. I really needed that today. The catch up this week has been hell.

Carol said...

I'm starting to think my river is haunted. Remember when I kept hearing the "big splash"? I only heard it at night when I couldn't see what was making the sound. It sounded like a Orca was doing flips out there. Haven't heard that sound in a long while.

Last week when I was standing out on the deck enjoying the stars, I heard this tinking sound that seemed to be coming from up under the neighbors pontoon boat. Tink, tink, tink. I couldn't imagine what could be making that sound under the boat..at night. I heard it almost every time I went out after dark. Whatever was making the sound had to be submerged in the water.

Since it was cold and windy outside I didn't go out to enjoy the stars last night. I did go out to walk Maggie right before bedtime and while I was out there, a similar sound came from behind my boat. Tink, tink, tink..pause..tink, tink, tink. Something was knocking on the metal behind my boat. My boat is parked on that ramp and the back is in the water. Can't think of any critter that could or would want to make that sound. I thought..for a second..about going out with a flashlight to check it out. Decided not to. The only explanation I can come up with is...the river has to be haunted.

jan said...

Carol, so glad your sis enjoyed some warm weather while she was there. Hard to believe you are having such cool weather. Bet it will change and you still have some warm weather in your outlook.

I bet you are enjoying some cool weather too Coreen.

We are having cool mornings and nights and warm afternoons. It really cannot get much better than here right now - temp wise.

jan said...

Carol, there has to be something in the water causing those noises. Which makes you more nervous - something haunted in the water or something biological that could be dangerous?

jan said...

Carol, just looking back at your pictures here. Such amazing blues and greens - so brilliant.

jan said...

When I was younger I seldom went home for lunch. Always wanted to eat lunch with other people- more social. Like you Carol, coming home for lunch gives me a break from people. John sometimes is home but I don't have to talk to him LOL.

Carol said...

Have you ever noticed that cooler weather makes blues and greens seem more blue and green? The sky is always bluer when it's cooler. The color of a hot summer clear blue sky always looks washed out.

Carol said...

That story of that guy who committed suicide and let all his exotic animals out is sooo sad. After getting more of the story..I don't feel that bad about the guy who committed suicide but I feel horrible about the animals.

They had to kill all those animals because of the danger to the people in that Ohio town. There was no safe way to tranquilize the animals even though we all would have preferred that they would have. Too dangerous for all involved.

It's a miracle that there were no people injured.

Carol said...

One big problem with the exotic animal story is that those who should have weren't monitoring what was going on at that animal farm. The conditions where the animals were housed were horrible. And the Repubs want less government regulations.

Carol said...

And speaking of Repubs...comedians don't need to do any writing to get laughs at those nuts running for president. Just show clips from the debates and the candidates will provide the material for them.

Every time I see a news clip from one of the Repub debates..I think I'm watching SNL. Scary. Are these candidates the best they can scrape up?? Maybe..like last time..they really don't want to win. It's too easy to blame Obama for the mess that they created last time they were in office.

And all I can hope for is that IF Obama does win again..he will finally get to that hope and change he promised the first time he ran. I still believe that it's impossible to get funding to run for political office if you tell the truth about what needs to be done.

Carol said...

And..again..LiLo is making a joke out of the criminal justice system. They can't make her behave. There is no room in the jail for rich people..only poor people.

So...you poor people better behave!

jan said...

Carol, I have not noticed that temp makes a difference in colors in pictures. I will watch for that.

Gaddhafi is dead. Big news this morning.

jan said...

I too think the repubs are a laugh. I don't think any of them can beat Obama at this time. Elections are 1 year away. Lots can happen in a year.

jan said...

As to your pics - they are just GOOD. Any of these would make a great poster to hang. You just cannot improve on GOD and a good camera.

jan said...

Have you noticed how many spellings there are for Gadhafi. (Kaddifi, Gaddafi) I think the first one is correct.

jan said...

My DIL will have surgery for breast cancer tomorrow. At this moment they plan a lumpectomy but is not sure thing. They will do radiation after surgery. I read in yesterday's NY Times that a recent study which combined the results of many studies which made a total of over 10,000 women of european descent - radiation increases the chances the cancer will not spread and the life span of women with breast cancer. I will let you all know how it goes tomorrow. Her mother and 2 sisters have are here from another state and we will be with her to morrow also. All prayers are appreciated.

Carol said...

Will be glad to share the prayers Jan. When will they decide if it will just be a lumpectomy? Please do let us know how things go.

Carol said...

Thanks for your comments on the pics. I did use a little zoom and thought they were a little fuzzy. Anytime I use any zoom the focus is not as good. I've not been happy with my camera lately.

Carol said...

I looked to see what the temp was here this morning on Weather Underground. I keep up with everyone's weather on that site. It said it was 39 degrees. I thought they made a mistake so I went to our local TV website and it said the same thing. That's unusual for Oct.

jan said...

You are welcome on the pics. Every time I open the blog and see the pics I am aware of something I did not see before. Seeing your pics makes me appreciate the time I spent in Louisiana.

Wow! 39 degrees is colder than we have had in the mornings here. that is unusual. Do you have a down comforter? They are great for cold nights and mornings. John likes an elect blanket but I prefer a down comforter.

jan said...

My DIL said they will not know until they are in surgery if they will have to do a mastectomy rather than a lumpectomy. I have not talked with her today. Her mom and 2 sisters drove in from Montana. I want to give them time together and not bother her today with my calls.

jan said...

Off to bed.

Carol said...

Jan..is your DIL having her surgery in one of your local hospitals? We will keep her in our thoughts and prayers.

Anonymous said...

Yes Jan, prayers to you & yours...hope all goes well for your DIL...

In the meantime, thought of you when I read this in my NYT...
36 hours in Albuqueque

Anonymous said...

36 hours in
Albuquerque

jan said...

Carol & Coreen, thank you for the prayers for my DIL. Her surgery was late this afternoon. She was in surgery about 2 hours and they did a lumpectomy. The doc came out and talked to us after the surgery and said it went well. She has the kind of cancer that the doc kept saying is "sneaky" and she got all she saw but she said the pathology report would give more info. If they did not get it all and they have to do more surgery it will be a mastectomy. The doc sounded cautious in her remarks to us.

I am going to hope for the best, but will continue to pray.

Coreen, thanks for the link to the article about Albuq. That was good.

Carol said...

I know so little about breast cancer Jan. That "sneaky" description wouldn't make me comfortable either. Did they do pathology evaluation on that mass while your DIL was in surgery? If I had breast cancer..I think I would opt for a mastectomy..maybe a double one.

There was a lady I taught with who had two sisters who had breast cancer. At least one died. It was a type of breast cancer that is very hereditary and she opted to have both of her breasts removed just to prevent it.

jan said...

Carol, I did not like the sneaky description either. She kept using that word. It seems what she meant by that is that this type of cancer can show up in places not expected. I do not like the sound of that either.

My DIL is well endowed. She has been really in good spirits about the diagnosis and surgery, but my son said she will not even discuss the possibility of a mastectomy - he said she gets really emotional if someone even mentions the word.

The doc said the path report should be ready by Wed.

jan said...

I don't know anything about breast cancer either. Do you remember our maternity teacher - Marguerite died after having breast cancer. I had her as a patient our senior year - at St. Vincents. It was terrible. It had spread to her bones and she was in horrible pain. I had an English teacher die of breast cancer about a year later. She was a young woman in her 40's I think. Marguerite was still pretty young too.

jan said...

If I had a fam history of Br CA I would opt for a bilat mastectomy too. My maternal gr mo had breast Ca when she was 70- had surgery and died at 89. I don't know if she had radiation or chemo. She is only one I know of in terms of fam history. My mother died at 68 and no CA that I know of.

jan said...

What determines the treatment and expected outcome I think is the type of cancer

Carol said...

I woke up in a panic this morning at 6:30 thinking it was Monday and I had forgotten to set my alarm. I jumped up and called to Maggie to get her out before getting ready. She was acting strange..she must have known it wasn't Monday because she didn't act in any hurry to go out and she looked at me like I was nuts.

It wasn't until I got outside that I realized I hadn't seen the Saints play yet so it must only be Sunday. Whew!

Carol said...

How is your DIL doing today Jan? I'm sure she is worried about what she will learn this week.

Carol said...

It's been a boring day but better than having to rush to go to work like I was thinking when I got up. I did still have some chores to do.

Now I'm waiting for the Saint's game on Sunday Night football. Did you guys notice that they lost to Tampa Bay last week? Bummer. They play the Colts tonight who are 0-5. I hope they beat them.

Last game Sean, the couch, broke his leg when one of his players flew off the field and rolled into him. Pretty nasty break. He'll be coaching from upstairs.

jan said...

Funny, I just turned on my computer and saw your message Carol asking about my DIL. She and Bill were just here. She is doing very well. She has been napping a lot. She asked me to look at her incision. The doc told her to take off her bandage tonight and take a shower. I took her bandage loose and it all looks good. They just left. Her 22 year old son just came by also. John and I both can tell that he is a little "low" He has 2 part time jobs while he is finishing his last semester and one of them is a an accounting job with a cancer foundation. Kathy said when she went home fri evening. He fixed her a tray of food and iced tea and brought it to her on the couch and sat down by her while she ate. He had some vomiting this morning she said, so I think he is pretty stressed by this.

jan said...

Sorry to hear about your Saint's coach getting his leg broke. That is awful.

jan said...

That is so funny about your waking up this morning thinking you had to go to work. I have done that too but usually realize pretty quickly that its a weekend day. I think your having been off work while your sis was there that through you off.

jan said...

Animals are so funny that they know these things when we don't. How strange.

jan said...

I need another Sunday. Not ready for Monday morning yet.

Carol said...

Finally..the real Monday. Up on time and ready to rumble. I wasn't particularly ready for it today either Jan.

Carol said...

Now...DWTS.

Rob's up...still don't care for him. He's stiff. The judges were a little more accurate in their critique this evening. He'll still probably be overscored.

Well, well, well. Two of the judges didn't overscore him tonight or at least not as much as they usually do.

Maybe the judges will start being a little more realistic with their scores.

Carol said...

Nancy looks like she's losing some weight. The judges scores were all over the place. I thought she did pretty well.

I wonder if this experience will soften any of her rough edges?? Hope so.

Carol said...

I've come to really like David but I think he got off synch at times tonight. He also gets these really scared looks on his face.

Carol said...

Wow, that was a workout for Ricki and she survived. I think that only JR can beat her tonight...maybe.

Anonymous said...

Tuning in...

Ricki with Derek...loved their quick step...& she may be losing a few pounds too...Derek is
just so far above the rest of the pros...no
competition in all his ability...dance, choreography, style, everything about him is just so good, therefore his partners excel as well...

David...he's the leading man of the group...& since Grease is a fav movie...enjoyed it, though it was not nearly up to Ricki/Derek...

Nancy...thought the same thing, she is losing some weight...while improved, she should be one of those to leave very soon...

Rob...he's a bit stiff & well clunky...he should also be gone soon too...

Carol said...

Ricki said she thinks she lost 20 pounds. With all that workout she should have lost more than that unless she's gaining muscle weight.

Carol said...

Chaz had a little more movement in his dance than usual. He's hung in there longer than he should have. He might even be ready to be out of it.

Carol said...

I wonder if his fans can save him for another week?? I hope not. It's painful to watch.

Anonymous said...

You do know that Chaz is so far below the rest of them...really is not fair to keep him on the show...it is almost sad to watch...he just does not belong there...no matter how much improvement in efforts...

Carol said...

Agree Coreen. Do you think he realizes it?

Anonymous said...

Hope is just not likable...no matter how she executes the routines...she comes across as too much the athlete, not enough dancer....

Carol said...

Max could use a little more diplomacy. I haven't really cared much for his choreography for Hope.

Anonymous said...

Have no idea Carol, it is just becoming more & more difficult to watch him...maybe the judges need to mark him so low that no matter how many call in to vote it can't be overruled...

Carol said...

Hope is just too athletic to be graceful. And neither the dances nor the outfits have served her well. I blame Max for much of it. I think he might be undermining her.

Anonymous said...

Now JR could not have done that quickstep any better...he really knocked it out of the park...

Anonymous said...

Interesting that the men athletes who have danced & won have not had the same problem in transitioning as she has...may be a combination of her athleticism & just her attitude...but she does not come across well at all...

Carol said...

I can't say I've liked Hope much either but tonight my heart goes out to her.

There have been some interesting ego issues this season. More than usual. They have all had to deal with being vulnerable.

Carol said...

I'm behind tonight. Had to pause a few times. I haven't seen JR dance yet but can't wait.

Life has already tested hin pretty hard.

Carol said...

Why can't Len give JR a 10? How can he get any better?

Carol said...

Maybe Len is one of those people who thinks if he gives one of them a top score they won't try as hard later.

Carol said...

Tonight..for me..it was from top to bottom:

JR
Ricki
David
Rob/Nancy
Hope
Chaz

Carol said...

I like the older Broadway music. When we were kids, mom and dad brought us to the productions done here at the University and Little Theater.

Big sis was usually playing in the orchestra.

Anonymous said...

Not a bad ranking Carol...

& I did buy the car, I should pick it up the end of the week, the dealer had to get the color I wanted from another dealer...white diamond (a pearlized white) with tan intererior...& it has every bell & whistle
possible...

I have seen a couple broadway musicals...Smokey Joes Cafe, Mama Mia, Chorus Line & Cats...still trying to see Jersey Boys...soon
very soon...

Carol said...

They all looked good in the group dance.

Carol said...

Congrats on your new fine vehicle Coreen. I'll never own one. I read today, online, that some guy put over 1 million miles on his Honda. I'm hoping for at least 300 thou on my Toyota. It has to last long enough for them to perfect the smart car.

Carol said...

Now, time for ironing. That is..after I take the Magster out. There's some little critter getting into the bird feeders and Maggie been at the window barking at it. I think it's a possum.

Carol said...

I'm sure if you puruse the Web..you've seen something about that 51 y/o perv actor who married that 16 y/o going on 40.. slut puppy. There are men all over this country in jail who have done less than what this guy is doing and he has his own reality show. There is certainly something wrong with this country.

Saw a story on AOL tonight where they were both thrown out of a pumpkin patch for inappropriate behavior. I think they were filming for their reality show.

They say she is only 16 years old but she already looks like she was rode hard and put up wet.

jan said...

Just getting on here. Finished DWTS and just read all your comments. I liked JR and Ricki best. I call those 2 couples even tonight. I agree that Ricki is losing some weight.

JR is such a charmer and dancer. I predict he will win this season.

I felt Hope was vulnerable tonight. I think she was trying. If Derek was her pro, I think she would be doing much better. I think Max has too much of an ego to be a good teacher. He is a great dancer when he is dancing with the other pros. Just because someone is good at what they do does not make them a good teacher.

jan said...

I put in some votes for Hope. I want to see if she can do better next week I want Chaz to go home. It is painful to watch him.

jan said...

Watching their practice sessions, Nancy is so in charge with her pro. They should have put her with a more experienced pro. Tristan is getting pussy whipped. I know that is not the correct term but it is what best comes to mind when I watch their practice sessions.

jan said...

I love the Broadway shows and music so tonight was especially fun.

jan said...

I wish one of you watched Big Bang Theory. It is so funny.

jan said...

Coreen, I agree with you about the male athletes previously on DWTS in comparison with Hope. Kristy Yamaguchee (I just battered her name) did well because figure skating is so close to female-type movements in dance. I think the game (soccer) that Hope plays is such a masculine game. There is nothing feminine about how they play soccer.

jan said...

I just don't have any real feeling about either David or Rob. I don't care if they go.

Carol said...

I looked at that DWTS blog I read and our opinions were in line with most others. One of the more significant members of the blog suggested that Max and Derek may be leaving after this season. Hmmm. I'd prefer they lose some of the judges.

Carol said...

Last night I saw an ad that Crystal Bowersox is going to be on some crime drama tonight. I think it was Body of Evidence.

Carol said...

It's interesting that the only things I seem to be able to get excited about these days are trival things..ie DWTS. Years past I would have been critical of that attitude but the things I would have felt are worthy of my interest are just too distressing to keep it.

Anonymous said...

Jan, I watch Big Bang Theory...lately they started reruns on a couple of channels...it took a bit to get used to them, but they are
funny together...not sure who I like the 'best'...but I know I least like the 'romance' between Leonard & Raj's sister...that has played its course...it should
just end already...

Anonymous said...

Carol, don't be so hard on yourself...nothing wrong with kicking back & just enjoying whatever that may be...

Carol said...

Well...waiting for DWTS. I did my warm up by re watching some of the dancing from last night.

Jan, I also hope that Hope gets another chance. I think those boots, without much of a heel, they had her wear didn't help her. She didn't stay on her toes. Len was harsh but he was correct in what he said. Max was wrong in what he said..IMO.

Carol said...

Speaking of the dancer's outfits...Max hasn't worn anything that has showed off his body this season. I miss seeing his hot body in a hot outfit.

Carol said...

Max can be a jerk but stuff a bag in his mouth and we girls can appreciate the rest of him.

Carol said...

First time that Nancy looked like she was fairly confident that she would be safe. She got some good reviews on that DWTS blog so I knew she would most likely be safe tonight.

It just might be the week for Chaz to go but....

Carol said...

Let's see...who will have the biggest fan base to keep him or her alive this week..the son of a great singer/performer or the brother of reality TV stars or a great soccer player?

Carol said...

Please let it not be Hope!

Carol said...

Whew! Finally!

Carol said...

Chaz did do far better than I thought he would ever do. And this group of celebrities seems closer than any group before.

Carol said...

That Pure Dancing with the Stars blog is kinda fun to read. They have lots of interviews with the pros and the celebs. And you can read comments from others.

Check it out sometimes.

http://www.puredwts.com/

Carol said...

Bette Midler is on the Joy Behar show tonight. I just love her. I caught just a little of it. If you like her you can set your DVR to record the show when it repeats later. I'm gonna.

Carol said...

Can you believe that even Pat Robertson thinks that the current Repub candidates for Pres are talking too crazy and that they might scare people off?? I can't believe it either.

Carol said...

And if anyone knows crazy...it's Pat Robertson.

jan said...

Hi ya'all. Enjoyed your comments. I too was relieved when Hope didn't get kicked off tonight. I voted for her so John thinks I did it LOL.

I agree with Chaz that the judges are making some snide comparisons to him - penguins etc. I think that is uncalled for.

I do think that Max's remarks do make things more interesting. I got a big laugh over him saying it was his show. He was defending his partner and I liked that.

jan said...

Coreen, I am happy you watch Big Bang Theory. I think the characters are so funny.

jan said...

Max is the sexiest pro with his clothes on or off.

Derek is the best choreographer and no matter who his partner is, they do well.

jan said...

Getting sleepy. Thanks for posting the DWTS blog Carol. I will look at it tomorrow. I am so tired, my legs are getting antsy feeling.

Carol said...

If anyone wants a pretty reasonable Repub candidate..check out Buddy Roemer. I've been watching him. He has some interesting videos on his website:

http://www.buddyroemer.com/

Carol said...

This week I noticed some really ugly tattoos on some of the DWTS peps. I often look at tattoos and wonder...what were they thinking when they did that?

Have you ever seen "Love" or other words crudely tattooed on peoples knucles? I frequently see that on my clients where I work and I think...did these people make a decision early in their lives that they would never amount to anything later in life?

What kind of career can you imagine for someone with crap permenantly inked on their knucles?

Anonymous said...

While it certainly was the right move to finally let Chaz go from DWTS, apparently the
judges comments (Bruno's, in particular which I did not hear) did not sit well with Cher...

Don't think Cher will be singing on DWTS anytime in the future...& again Cher is one of my absolute fav entertainers...
Cher responds to DWTS judges
slamming Chaz

Anonymous said...

And what gives Max takes on Derek...now that is really dumb...Max may be sexy (well at least to you guys...again not my kinda guy at all)...but as far as the routines/dancing on this show...Derek is so far above any of the other pros in talent, Max should have just shut his mouth...sounds more & more like sour grapes that he has been paired with lesser
talented women...or is it that Derek just is a better teacher/partner....

Carol said...

I can't figure out those judges Coreen. Bruno was horribly nasty to Chaz. It was so unnecessary. I think he should have been praised for his effort considering he was never an appropriate choice to participate in a dancing contest. And the criticism seemed very personal and mean.

Actually his dancing has improved but wasn't close to some of the others nor could it have ever been.

I think Len's criticism was more directed to Max and should have been. I don't think Max has done a good job with Hope. That might be why Max got so defensive.

Carol said...

Max continues to gnaw on his foot. Did anyone see ET tonight? They were asking him about his little feud with Len and mentioned something about Derek and he said if he had...and he named the three last partners Derek had, who all did well..I wouldn't be fighting with the judges either.

That, in my opinion, was dumping the blame on his having to work with Hope. If I were Hope and heard that comment, I would be really pissed. The boy just has no dipomacy. Maybe it's his Russian heritage. Don't know.

I will have to say that I have also thought and made comments that Derek does seem to get the celebrities with the best potential and... like you guys said, it could be that Derek's a better teacher. I think it is safe to say that Derek is a better choreographer.

jan said...

Carol, I don't know how they match the pros with the stars but it does seem for a while that Derek got the more promising people in terms of their size, youth and potential for dancing. However, I think Max has also had some very high potential dancers and I believe he is just not that skilled in teaching. I will say it again, I think Derek sort of seduces his partners and they want to please him. He is kind to his partners too.

jan said...

I think Bruno was out of line in his comments to Chaz in saying he looked like a little penguin or Ewok (whatever that is).

jan said...

Coreen, I just read your comment about Max and Derek. We agree.

jan said...

Max is showing some sour grapes in his comment about "if I had the partners Derek had" - If I were Hope I would be pissed about that too.

Anonymous said...

Jan, Ewoks are little teddy bear like creatures from the 3rd Star Wars movie,
Star Wars VI, Return of the Jedi...they helped
Luke & Han & the Rebel Forces defeat the Empire...(Star Wars movies...at least the first 3 were really great scifi movies)....

Anonymous said...

And Jan, I did watch most of xfactor...I was
not overly impressed with most of those that judges selected for the 12...I did like the 3
'over 30' singers(hope someone gives them a chance when its over)& there was 1 female that Simon selected, the last one who sang on the show...her voice was really good...probably the best of all...can't remember her name though...if she keeps singing like she did, she could be the winner...there was only 1 young male singer (LA's choices)that I liked, think his name was marcus, the rest of them, not so much...

jan said...

Coreen, I liked the over 30 group best (showing my age). I liked the last girl singer and the young blonde one. I also liked Marcus and none of the other guys.

The 2 girls that Simon let go should never have been in the last group of 17.

jan said...

I have not been into the Star Wars movies but John is. He watches them every time one is on.

Carol said...

Coreen..I would never have figured you as a Star Wars fan. Interesting.

Carol said...

I had to chuckle this morning after reading this article about how the mother of that teenage slut puppy who married that 51 year old actor had to offer up her birth certificate to prove she really was a teenager because everyone thought she looked 40.

It was kinda amusing that they had to prove it really was an inappropriate relationship.

jan said...

Coreen, in regard to one of your earlier statements about Big Bang- Leonard and Raj's sister may be over.

jan said...

I am flying to OK sun afternoon and be back mon night - not taking computer. Have to see our atty about a property issue. Nothing good on tv sun night anyway.

Anonymous said...

Jan, not too soon for me...Hope the trip is
quick & successful...

Yes Carol, I like most sci fi shows...the 1st 3 Star Wars more than the last 3 though...

Independence Day was another good scifi movie,
great special effects...& even the little tip
to Elvis at the end when Jeff Goldblum says
'thank you very much' with his Elvis
tone on the way out of the aliens' mother ship...

And naturally add all 3 of the Godfather sagas to my fav list too...

& yes, I was a fan of the Sopranos
(except did not like the later seasons, the violence became more explicit, bloody & for my money not needed to make the point)...for those with Italian heritage there is a lot in both those sagas that rings true (& no not the violence, but the portrayal of family life hits home to just about everyone I know raised in Italian families (myself included)...

And the Indiana Jones movies were another fav...as well as Bruce Willis Die Hard series...& the Lethal Weapon franchise too...never liked Mel Gibson outside of the character in those films though...

I like 'action' movies...heavy body count, take no prisoners & the good guys/hero must win...

Oh & the Termanator franchise was pretty good as well...

But in the end, my #1 all time favorite movie
is still Casablanca...#2 is still Moonstruck
(Cher & Nicolas Cage were fantastic in that movie)....then #3 Godfather (all of them, but
#2 was the best)....

Anonymous said...

Weekend begins with warnings that CT is going to get hit with a snowstorm...my area between
3 - 6", wet snow after rain & the leaves are still on the trees so they are already saying the weight will in all likelihood cause extensive power outages & several days w/o elecricity again...here we go again...

And I just brought the new car home today...it is safely tucked in the garage, now when it will emerge will be interesting....

& I just contracted to have a whole house generator system installed in the next month or so!!...I wasn't going to get caught like the rest of the town after TS Irene, but never
expected the posssiblity of this happening quite so soon...was just hoping to get the gen.
installed before winter...

jan said...

Coreen, You just mentioned most of John's fav movies. I cannot count the number of times he has watched Indep Day and the 1st Star War movie. John's fav line in Ind Day is "I gotta get me one of these."

I am not much of a fan of action movies but usually find something to hand sew on while watching these with John.

jan said...

Coreen, you will have to post pic of your new car.

jan said...

Carol, what you doing this weekend?

Carol said...

I don't do any action flicks anymore or anything bloody or real scary. Can't take the stress. I even get winded watching DWTS.

I do like to watch the true crime drama programs. Cable TV is full of those programs. I like the scientific investigation of crime. Even though the stories are sometimes cruesome they don't show any blood and guts.

Saw Nancy Grace on her show yesterday and she's begging hard for votes. And on Showbiz Tonight they said that Kim K tweeted what she said was Justin Bieber's phone number and it was actually Rob's DWTS vote phone number. Dirty.

Carol said...

Jan..hope you have a successful trip.

And Coreen..sorry about your weather. How often do you get snow in Oct? It's getting down into the 30s here tonight and I'm not happy about that.

Glad you are investing in a gas powered generator because I won't have to worry about you. I hope you have better luck than your friend did. I see them advertised around here especially around hurricane season.

Anonymous said...

Good morning...

Not overjoyed about the forecast...I was hoping no snow until sometime in January!...

So far, no rain yet, just windy & cold
raw damp feeling...about 40...had to empty
the flower pots outside the garage, threw the impatiens in the woods (they were done anyway,
dragged the mums into the garage, just in case
the driveway has to be plowed, shut off the
outside water & brought the hose in (it was a little stiff already!) just in case....not much else to do, the only good thing is that whatever happens it can't stay on the ground for long, since it will warm up during the week,but if we lose power, well that is a whole
other story, I'll have my flashlights ready, but hope the reports are
exaggerated & it won't be nearly as bad as they
keep saying...

I don't like slasher movies at all...all the 'Halloween' type that spawned so many more...

Interesting how we remember certain movie
phrases...

Yes Jan, I can hear Will Smith saying 'gotta
get me one of these' when he was flying the
alien's spacecraft out of the hangar into space...

And like John, I will turn these certain movies on whenever they are on TV..even if they
are just background for whatever else I'm doing...they are fun movies...

Carol said...

Coreen..what do you think about CC wanting more money to stay with the Yankees? Do you think he is worth it? The guy on Sports Radio said they should lose him.

Carol said...

Looks like your snow is moving in Coreen?

Carol said...

Hope you have your B..M..and TP.

jan said...

Coreen, sorry to hear about your weather. Hope it is not too bad. I too will be glad when you get your generator.

jan said...

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