Archive for April, 2009

27 year old Douglas Tarry was killed on Sunday by a drunk driver. Doug was one of my best friend’s, Denise, older brother. He had celebrated his sister’s 25th birthday at her apartment in Oceanside. Doug had a great time with his sister and her friends that night and as a responsible adult, chose not to drive to his home in Moreno Valley and endanger his life and the life of others. Doug spent the night with his sister and decided to head home the next evening at 7 pm. Tragically, he was driving on a collision course. On the 15 freeway, a drunk driver was speeding. The unlicensed driver was pulled over for speeding but left alone by the officer for a second sped off. The cop began a high speed chase hitting speeds of over 100 miles an hour. When the driver turned on the 76 highway, he ran a red light and crashed right into Doug. Doug was medivacced to the hospital but passed away on April 20, shortly after midnight, with his beloved friends and family by his side. The driver? After losing his leg in the accident, he hopped along the highway for 50 feet before being captured. He is expected to make a full recovery.

Douglas Tarry had his whole life ahead of him. He had just graduated from California State Dominguez Hills with a bachelors degree in digital media arts, specializing in sound recording. He was a very talented guitarist and singer and was in a band named, Agrypnia. I met him several times. Doug was always willing to help out his friends and family. Though he barely knew me, he took care of my cats when I was stranded in Hawaii during the San Diego wildfires. He was always there for a shoulder to cry on for his sister.

His family and friends are beyond devastated. Doug was a handsome, bright, compassionate, gifted man. He will be sorely missed but never forgotten.

I love me some old school 90210! Have all episodes taped off Soap Net. So I was anxiously anticipating Donna Martin’s return to our favorite zip. When she appeared on Kelly’s door, I had tears in my eyes – seriously – I’m that much of a loser. My husband laughed at me. But Donna can not save this show. It is beyond redemption. From Dixon mugging holding a Dr. Pepper, to the lame fake Peyote scene, to Naomi acting like a kindergartner with a crush it was dreadful. And the Diablo Cody line was beyond lame. Like Donna or Kelly would be starstruck by Diablo – didn’t they have Christina Aguilera perform at the Peach Pit after dark or see a methed out Fergie as a part of Wild Orchid? And Donna is separating from the Notorious BAG (Brian Austin Greene) Come on – David needs a job now that Terminator is going to be cancelled. I will never watch this show again. UNLESS – they bring back Ray Pruit!!!

So I’ve decided to post weekly DWTS recaps on my blog. This is for my DCC friends. Each week, I’ll explain each dance using descriptions from my upcoming novel, Dancing under the Stars, what you should look for, and then give my thoughts on every celeb’s performance.

Jive: The Spin
Dancing by himself in the middle of the floor, he jumps, bounces, and spins. Annoyed at his arrogance, she slides beside him and matches his every flick and point. He grabs her by the waist and spins her around him. She runs from him and he snaps her back like a rubber band. He grasps her behind—she pulls away from him, he thrusts her back. He seizes her and sways her head toward the floor. When he’s ready, he snaps her up into his embrace. The music breaks and he releases his hold on her. She trots off the floor, smiles over her shoulder, and counts the minutes until they can boogie again.

What to look for – bounce action in the feet, high kicks and energy, connection with the partner

Rumba: The Longing
He seduces her with a glance. He pulls her towards him and just when he has her in his grasp, she retreats. She playfully teases him, caressing his chest and fondling his hips. He wraps her legs around his waist, pressing her against him. She leans into him, savoring his scent. She wants to give herself completely to him, but alas it can never be. She turns around, gives him a longing look, then walks slowly away.

What to look for – feet should trace the floor, seductive character of the dance,

Melissa – Love her but she is at a disadvantage because Tony’s choreography was no where near on par of Mark’s or Juliann’s. If you look closely, she did not keep her feet on the floor and had a problem getting into character. Her extension is gorgeous but Tony needs to work on technique.
Steve O – I love his commitment to character. I think it comes from his mime training. Technique not there but I just love Lacey’s dancing.
Shawn - Loved loved loved this dance! 1st Mark’s choreography is beyond brilliant. Big contrast between his and Julianne’s rumba. The rumba should convey longing and teasing and should not be overtly sexual.
Lil Kim – I loved this routine. I agree with Len, not enough traditional basic Jive movements but she really got into the character.
LT – So adorable. But why oh why does Edyta wear those ugly leg warmers. Great improvement over last week. Light on his feet.
Ty – I love Ty. He seems so honest and sincere and it comes across in his dancing. He’s a little stiff and he is better in the standard dances.
Gilles – My friend Cheryl is doing a brilliant job with him. He looks better than most pros. Amazing commitment to the character of each dance. Agree with Len though, seems a little frenzied.
Chuck – I found their routine to be raunchy, not passionate. Her outfit was atrocious. He was better than last week.
What do you all think? Who is your favorite dancer? Which judge do you agree with the most? (I agree with Len).

I am fostering this adorable pug mix. He was found in downtown Hemet dodging traffic. Please contact me if you are interested. He is sweet, loves to lick people. I would keep him but I have 4 dogs already.