It's Baack! Tonight is the season premier of Dancing With The Stars. Again. My first reaction is, WHO are these people? And, don't their "attributes" sometimes get in the way of dancing?

I actually watched and even kinda paid attention last night (again, after a break for a season or two). I think I'm like most of the audience tends to be so far, already ... that "you annoy me when you're NOT dancing, so therefore you annoy me especially when you decide to" stage. That would notably apply to Denise Richards, who (and for all I know, she truly is a delightul woman ) I pretty much can't stand the sight of, no matter what sort of thing she's up to while doing it. Too bad for Maks, too. He is such an interesting dancer, and never gets paired up so well. That poor Steve Wozniak (sp.?) is a shameful excuse of grace-impairment, ain't he ? Good Lord, I truly felt sorry for him up there. I got the distinct impression, though, that he KNEW he tanked - and was too rich and indifferent to care very much. I'm sorry to be so bold as to say it outright, but that dude just personifies the word "nerd". In a mighty large way! So far, all that seems [sorta] clear is that the best way to get noticed on DWTS is to have once appeared butt naked in that "Sex and the City" movie? And then come out and dance like a pro (never minding that nobody in the audience is recognizing you with your clohes on). Yikes. I'd never even heard of that fellow before - but, if he keeps that up, he'll be the one to beat this year. "IF he keeps dancing at that level" being the key phrase there, I guess. And two final (unnecessary) observations . Since when is a former Dallas Cowboy Cheerleader (that never stood out as one, rumor has it) whose only claim to fame is getting dumped recently on that godawful show "The Bachelor" a star? A star of WHAT, exactly? And I was daunted as well to notice that a former Go-Go, the beguiling Belinda Carlisle, is effectively this year's Cloris Leachman . Jeesh. I remember when I used to be the same age as she. How'd she manage to get so, um, "old"? Sigh ....

It just seems to me the program is aiming at a particular audience. An audience that recognizes currently popular young 'uns, and included is a "nerdy" type person as well as an "age challenged" person (who you know are never going to win no matter how much they try -- and hopefully don't have a heart attack!). I don't see it as really people learning to "dance" as much as it has become an avenue to get ratings. Yes, yes, that is the object of all television programs, ratings, ads, and darn it, $$$$. I know all that, but I'd still like to enjoy the show I once enjoyed. It has somehow changed.

I didn't even get through the whole show -- I'd at least like to see someone I recognize! Call me an ol' fuddy duddy, but I think this show has reached, and passed, its prime.

Well Gats, I think it rather clever of Dancing With The Stars to ask Melissa (whatever her name is) to dance. I didn't watch the program but saw excerpts on the morning news. Looks to me like she is a terrific dancer. She has the sympathy of 3/4s of the women in America (and probably the world) right now as they think the bachelor gave her a raw deal, dumping her publicly as he did.
If ratings and $$$ is what it's all about, in my opinion this is a good move. Guess we'll see!

I think the most surprising person dancing, is Steve-O, from the Jackass series. I always thought he was 'creepy' and I feel sorry for the poor girl they've partnered him with!

Finally a season with 3-4 people who can actually dance and a couple more who might have the ability to sneak in.

The last couple of seasons you knew from week one who was going to win. At least there is a competition happening this year.

But the ones who are bad are REALLY bad. Hard to believe Denise Richards could actually top Steve Wosniak in the horrid department, but she did it.

It's baaack! Dancing With The Stars premiered tonight. And, holy cow, I actually heard of 4 out of the 16!

Those participating tonight are the men:

Donny Osmond (singer)
Mark Dacascos (foodie)
Tom DeLay (politician)
Chuck Liddell (martial arts)
Ashley Hamilton (son of George)
Aaron Carter (singer)
Michael Irvin (American football)
Louis Vito (snowboarder)

The one comment I can make so far is that Ashley Hamilton looks about as stiff as his father ! I was surprised that Mark Dacascos did as well as he did -- I didn't really expect a foodie (The Chairman, Iron Chef America) would do that well. Also discovered both his parents were martial arts champions. Ya just never know!

To add: Ashley's scores seem to reflect his dancing - 5, 6, and 4. Poor Edyta. Hope she can do something with him!

I hope this gets shown on Australian TV somewhere. The more dancing I can watch, the better.

Ashley was entirely stinky, wasn't he ? Most of the guys were, I thought --- but sometimes it takes them all a week or three to figure out how this works. It kills me every year, though ... they tend to come out there, stand still (maybe move and/or wiggle a little, but not much) and let the ladies do all the acrobatics. I'm thinking the best of 'em, last night, were Donny Osmond (), Aaron Carter, Mark Dacascos and [surprisingly] Louis Vito. I have a hunch Ashley won't be rehearsing next week, however. He was just not very good -- and showed little hope of getting much better, either. Never a good sign when a contestant pops up with a sob story at the gate . In his case he needs such a "wheelchair tale" to get votes, I realize. But, still ....

My goodness! Was Kelly Osbourne a completely (beautiful) revelation on that dance floor, or what ? I certainly wasn't expecting that, at all!

Why do I have a feeling Ashley Hamilton is about as proficient of "comedian" and "singer" and "actor" as he is as a "dancer". He won't be missed.

So what is up with Macy Grey? She is either totally lost, totally exhausted, or completely didn't care. I think Jonathan gets the short end of the partner stick, again. And he seems like such a nice guy. Anyway, Macy soons fades into oblivion, too. How can a pop star have absolutely NO rhythm? Quite bizarre.

And surprisingly, Kelly Osbourne went to to the top of my fav list, too. I certainly wasn't expecting that but she was very charming and seems to be having so much fun.

Oh dear, many husbands forced to watch along with the family will certainly regret the early exit of Edyta. We usually refer to as "naked girl" in discussions.

Edyta is so in love with herself. We have been so happy that she's been out 1st round.

Well, if I plan to keep watching (attentively, at least) I need to start keeping notes, or something. Too many of these twinkle toes at this point to remember right . I do recall this, though: I think I have the best AND the worst to say about one of the celeb dancers. Last night he gave (arguably) the best dance, I'll say that without much hesitation. He also, in my opinion, comes off as the most irksome individual to ever front a muppet ! Aaron Carter & Karina did a very nice job ... however, there's just something about him that bugs me. But, never mind. It's about dancing, right? And they did that part very well, indeed. Then there was Mya (she's good at this!) and Debi Mazar (w/ Maksim). They were pretty *hot* pairings last night, too. Bottom two in my humble 'o'? Had to be lovely, but about as dreary as a lecture on supply-side economics, Kathy Ireland -and- clunky, NON-funky conservative (and slippery in many ways) Tom DeLay. While he makes matters worse for the entire Republican party and their already dubious reputation, he'll probably make it through tonight's elimination, though. He pulled one of those "trooper" maneuvers last night: dancing in the face of allegedly agonizing foot pain, and so forth. Voters respond to such situations heartfully. I believe he said, through dramatically gritted teeth, that "he'd keep dancing until said foot fell off". All I could think? Dude, let's hope it falls off sometime between now and Sunday night, then .

I'm already finding myself edging into the *Osmond* trap that I had when Marie was competing before. I really didn't think that Donny did badly Monday night; in fact, I thought he was pretty good and nicely entertaining. But [here we go again ...] was that ballroom? I'd say "no!" --- but, whatever it was, it was notably fun to watch.

My prediction? If the general and/or regular audience watched and voted? Kathy Ireland will be sent packing. If all those peevish Democrats out there tuned in en masse? Especially the ones who could care less about damaged feet? It'll be "see ya, Tom ..."

Against my better judgement i watched the launch show last night, not for the dancing i hasten to add i just find Bruno so entertaining. Having said that last night i thought Donny Osmond did well even if criticised by Len.

Have to watch Fridays show now see scary Kelly Osbourne.

I watched part of the show last night and have just a few comments. Joanna - seems that she was so often just a tiny bit off - like maybe half or quarter step later than her partner. It seemed to me like she was always trying hard to keep up.

I've found my underdog though he won't make it far. Happened in his interview before he danced on the show. That ultimate fighter guy (Chuck) has two left feet it seems to me, as well as a bit bow legged. I don't think he did well at all - so flat-footed in his dancing. But, I liked the leading interview - he seems to be trying so hard! And he comes across (to me) like a nice guy. But I didn't like his music at all.

Debi is quite an actress I'd say. She has an expression both during and after the dance like she's "on." (Don't ask me 'what' she's on though -- hopefully it's the stage. ) Also didn't think she did half bad at her routine. There's something about her that makes me with she would ease up with the color black. But I'd say she will go far this season.

Aaron, the last person I could watch -- who in the world dreams up these costumes? Hated the green tux! And, well I think his attitude, too.

I'm so glad I missed DeLay.

I'm not sure if it was just me ... but I found the program especially odd last night . It's always kinda odd, o' course. But last night seemed a little moreso than usual? Maybe not. But a few observations I made from it:

1. That girl that Derek is dancing with has simply too much hair. It's quite distracting. And I'm pretty sure it makes giving a balanced consistent dance difficult, too. The poor woman is entirely top-heavy!
2. Message to Len: giving out poor scores (especially when the other two judges are giving out high ones) is only interesting when you do it once, maybe twice. Doing it almost every time, though? It gets peevish and dreary, is my summation.
3. I could live for the rest of my life feeling lucky to not have to gawk at Donny Osmond kissing anybody on the planet. If I EVER have to endure the view of him kissing Bruno, ever again, however? May I die quickly, and right then.
4. Despite Mya's great showings, week-after-week (so far)? I can't help it. I'm still proudly rooting for Kelly Osbourne.
5. Tom DeLay is shameless, and there's no other word for him. He went from one bad foot to two. Bucked the alleged advice of both doctors AND producers ... and danced his trooper-ish self out on the floor, anyway? I could honestly vomit with his Sylvester Stallone-ishness ! I'm pretty sure next week he'll have developed both leprosy and a possibly life-threatening hemorrhoid (or two). I find him a completely disturbing contestant this year . Note: but at least he hasn't resorted to kissing Bruno and/or dueting with Muppets. Yet?

And I'll shut up now.

Quote:

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. Message to Len: giving out poor scores (especially when the other two judges are giving out high ones) is only interesting when you do it once, maybe twice. Doing it almost every time, though? It gets peevish and dreary, is my summation.

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Frankly, in my opinion, I think Len is the one that is giving an honest (I mean really honest) critique. I'm sorta in agreement with him on most of the dancers.

All I can say about Tom DeLay is: Ugh! Ack! He needs to "get a life" and by that I mean there is no way that this show will keep him in a political arena. Personally, I think he is doing this only to keep his name in front of a national audience.

As far as Aaron goes this week, I think his performance deteriorated as compared to last week. He seemed very stiff, to me.

You are right Gats - Notes! I need to take notes!

Phew! At least Tom DeLay dropped out tonight. Honestly, it's just not smart to go out there and hoof it up if you're going to do irreparable damage to your (already nearing geriatric-ness) self! All that "strength in the face of adversity" business might work if you're facing a savage/hostile press conference or, better yet, storming the beach at Normandy. But to use it so much on your way out to face Carrie Ann Inaba?
But, now, I still feel guilty for saying snippy things about him . At least he wised up, though ...

Well, I have to say I don't feel snippy. He's just one person that I would not want on my team. Last night he was on Jimmy Kimmel Live and had this to say:
"'If you can't practice, you make a fool of yourself out here," DeLay said. 'I don't want to do that to [my dancing partner] Cheryl.'"

Carried out on wheelbarrow on 'Jimmy Kimmel Live' Tuesday night, DeLay appeared slightly embarrassed over the development: 'A boy from Texas breaking his feet dancing…' he said to laughter.

Still though, DeLay remained confident his skills could have carried him forward.

'Can you shake your booty like I can?' Delay asked a skeptical Kimmel.

Asked if he his performance will inspire other indicted politicians to dance, Delay — who was charged with criminal violations of state campaign finance laws but never convicted — said 'hey, it keeps you out of jail.'"

Puh-leeze! "Can you shake your booty like I can?" Egads! What booty! And "hey, it keeps you out of jail." His Lawyer (!) kept him out of jail!

But wait, I transgress - this is not a CI Forum, it's "Dancing With The Stars!"

Yay ! It helps that I flat-out love The Charleston (and am tickled purple that they're using it on the show this year) but how darned CUTE was this last night? While I've (snippily, once again ) referred to Melissa's dancing as reminiscent of her days on that TV show -- but with Sabrina's teen-aged broomstick lodged squarely up her backside -- I thought she did very well last night. Had some fun with it! AND seemed to nail all the steps and rhythms just right (not to mention the theatrics of the dance as well). My hunch is that'll be the "encore" tonight? Mya's Lambada was (ooh, sizzle sizzle) hot, hot, hot again last night too! Not exactly "cute", though. Too semi-dirty to be cute, I reckon.

Other random thoughts:
1. Seeing Derek Hough shirtless might have gotten Bruno all worked up, but I didn't think it was entirely necessary in the least . And his dance partner still has too much hair.
2. I was so (so) glad to hear the judges *label* what's been bothering me about Aaron Carter. I couldn't put my finger on it. The guy is simply "too much" on the dance floor. Very gymnastic, certainly driven and/or enthusiastic. Just too much!
3. The swimmer (who is still so unfamiliar to me that the name evades) is getting better weekly!
4. The footballer? Getting better weekly? Not so much ...

Crumb, wouldn'tcha know, 2 evening meetings in a row, last night and tonight!

I did watch the clip of Melissa and you're right Gats, the Charleston is just such a great dance, and timeless. Cute, indeed - but - how much cuter it might have been had Melissa been wearing white gloves and spats, too!

All this time I've been wondering, "Where in the world have I seen this woman!" After your comment about Sabrina it fell (ouch!) like a ton of bricks. It doesn't help that I've only seen Sabrina only a couple of times.

So, boo hoo, I'll miss tonight, too. Me thinks You Tube will get a workout tomorrow!

Dancing With The Stars is a stupid show.
The judges are crazy and annoying.

Well, there you have it, zarny! If that is, in fact, the qualifications for a DWTS judge? I think you'd make for a perfect one, then !