It's that time of the year - new television season has started! Mr. Y and I are very excited. Here are some early impressions:
1) How I Met Your Mother. This is the last season, and they started off with a bang. I love the first week where they showed Ted and the Mother together a year after Robin's and Barney's wedding. Cristin Milioti and Josh Radnor had the perfect chemistry, and you can see how these two belong together. The creators have warned viewers that it will be rocky during the wedding weekend, and we still don't know what Ted is planning to do about the locket, but it's nice to know that there is a happy ending.
2) Castle. My favorite part of the first two episodes is when Castle told Beckett that he didn't propose because he wanted to keep Kate in New York, but because he was committed to figuring it out. It was a nice moment. It is also fun to see Beckett out of her element a bit in Washington, D.C., since she was always so together in New York. I hope that they will go back to New York soon, because I miss the interplay between Castle, Beckett, Esposito, Ryan, and Lanie.
3) Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. The only new show we are adding to our DVR list for now. So far so good - the show has really shown us a lot of action, and the cast is entertaining enough. My favorite is Ming-Na. I can't believe she is 49 years old - she looks amazing and is totally believable as a kick-ass agent. It's also great that they kept the humor from the movies in the show.
4) The Big Bang Theory. I've said it before and I will say it again - how does Leonard put up with Sheldon? He is such an annoying roommate, even if it can be funny sometimes. Most of the time it's just annoying. The best part of the first two episodes was when Howard and Raj started feeling each other's chests up after Howard accidentally obtained large doses of estrogen. Bernadette's silent reaction was priceless.
5) New Girl. I love how Jess's and Nick's relationship is not all smooth sailing, but they kept the sweetness and the romance. Poor Winston is still stuck with the C-plot, but the story about him trying to kill his girlfriend's cat was hilarious, especially since he ended up being very attached to it. I don't really like the subplot about Schmidt dating Cece and Elizabeth at the same time, but at least they didn't drag it out too long.
6) Glee. As fun as the Beatles are, the death of Cory Monteith hangs heavily over the show. I don't think I can properly judge this season until after the tribute episode.
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
Friday, September 27, 2013
Mariano Rivera's Last Game at Yankee Stadium
The greatest closer of all time, Mariano Rivera, pitched his last game at Yankee Stadium on September 26, 2013 in a game against the Tampa Bay Devil Rays.
I am a Dodgers fan, but I cheer for the Yankees while living in New York because I can't cheer for fellow National League competitor the Mets. Plus it gave me chills to go to the old Yankee stadium, which was steeped with so much tradition. The new Yankee Stadium is nice, but doesn't have quite the same feeling as the old one.
Rivera entered the last game in the eighth inning with one out and runners on first and second. The Yankees played longtime announcer Bob Sheppard's introduction of number 42 (Sheppard died in 2010), and the familiar "Enter the Sandman" by Metallica also accompanied Rivera's entrance.
Rivera retired four straight batters, and with two outs in the ninth inning, manager Joe Girardi sent long-time teammates Derek Jeter and Andy Pettitte to the mound to relieve Rivera. That was when the tears and cheers started. A great ending to an amazing career.
I had the pleasure of watching Rivera pitch several times, and it's great that he is able to do a farewell tour. Many clubs around the league have paid tribute to him. It's too bad that the Yankees have been eliminated from the playoffs and they also lost his last game 4-0. However, Rivera left with five World Series rings, 13 All-Star selections, the all-time save record at 652 saves, and numerous other accolades and awards. He is also for sure going into the Hall of Fame.
Goodbye, Mo. Thank you for the memories.
I am a Dodgers fan, but I cheer for the Yankees while living in New York because I can't cheer for fellow National League competitor the Mets. Plus it gave me chills to go to the old Yankee stadium, which was steeped with so much tradition. The new Yankee Stadium is nice, but doesn't have quite the same feeling as the old one.
Rivera entered the last game in the eighth inning with one out and runners on first and second. The Yankees played longtime announcer Bob Sheppard's introduction of number 42 (Sheppard died in 2010), and the familiar "Enter the Sandman" by Metallica also accompanied Rivera's entrance.
Rivera retired four straight batters, and with two outs in the ninth inning, manager Joe Girardi sent long-time teammates Derek Jeter and Andy Pettitte to the mound to relieve Rivera. That was when the tears and cheers started. A great ending to an amazing career.
I had the pleasure of watching Rivera pitch several times, and it's great that he is able to do a farewell tour. Many clubs around the league have paid tribute to him. It's too bad that the Yankees have been eliminated from the playoffs and they also lost his last game 4-0. However, Rivera left with five World Series rings, 13 All-Star selections, the all-time save record at 652 saves, and numerous other accolades and awards. He is also for sure going into the Hall of Fame.
Goodbye, Mo. Thank you for the memories.
Thursday, September 26, 2013
2013 Emmys Review and Fashion
It's the 65th Annual Emmy Awards! I enjoyed the show for the most part, especially NPH hosting. It is nice that the Emmys are usually held far away from the other award shows, so I can appreciate it without being sick of award shows already.
There were a lot of surprise winners, such as The Voice dethroning The Amazing Race for Best Reality Competition, Jeff Daniels winning Best Leading Actor in a Drama Series for The Newsroom, Tony Hale winning Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy for Veep, and Bobby Cannavale winning Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for Boardwalk Empire.
Best Parts
- I actually like NPH's opening with the past hosts. The best part was Kevin Spacey's speech and Tina Fey and Amy Poehler heckling NPH.
- Merritt Wever's very short speech. She did not do it intentionally, but it really became the best speech ever. Schmidt is dating an Emmy winner!
- Julia Louis-Dreyfus's speech with Tony Hale holding her purse and being her handler, just like in Veep. Anna Chlumsky also got into the action by texting during the speech.
- The bit about NPH suffering from Excessive Hosting Disorder (EHD). We love How I Met Your Mother, so it was fun to see the cast.
- Nathan Fillion in the "Number in the Middle of the Show"
- Oprah doing the introductions of Jimmy Kimmel writers.
- The dance portion choreographed by the nominees for Best Choreography. We are big So You Think You Can Dance fans, so this is a treat.
Worst Parts
- Jon Hamm's beard
- Melissa Leo's outfit
- Boring musical tributes from Elton John and Carrie Underwood.
Best Dressed
- Sofia Vergara in Vera Wang. She knows what works for her, and she looks amazing in this red, clingy dress.
- Christina Hendricks in Christian Siriano. Christina is another actress famous for her assets, and sometimes she can look as if she's about to pop out at any moment. But this dress is perfectly fitted and shows her curves without danger of over-exposure.
- Allison Williams in Ralph Lauren. The color is beautiful and the dress is very simple and elegant. She wears it with great hair and makeup, too.
- Tina Fey in Narciso Rodriguez. Another gorgeous blue dress. Tina looks sexier here than what she would normally wear.
- Kaley Cuoco in Vera Wang, Kaley has had some weird choices for red carpets, but this one is a winner.
- Mindy Kaling in Georges Chakra. I love the color and it hugs her curves nicely.
- Michelle Dockery in Prada. I love the color blocking on this dress, and she looks very modern and fresh.
- Kerry Washington in Marchesa. I think this is the best pastel of the night. It's very fashionable, but she makes it look so elegant.
- Alyson Hannigan in Marchesa. The eggplant color really complements her red hair, and the fit was beautiful without overwhelming her small frame.
- Cobie Smulders in J. Mendel. Another lovely HIMYM leading lady. She wears this dress so well and it's well-fitted.
- I just had to include Nathan Fillion and his date, Mikaela Hoover
Worst Dressed
- Emilia Clarke in Donna Karan Atelier. This dress looks wrinkled and makes her head looks so much bigger than her body.
- Claire Danes in Armani Prive. The bottom of this dress is fine, but the top looks ill-fitted and she doesn't quite have the assets to fill it up.
- Jessica Pare in Oscar de La Renta. The whole look is just messy, and the shoes are awful.
- Lena Dunham in Prada. It's great that she doesn't do anything conventional, but I wish the skirt was a bit smaller and the pattern not as busy.
- Julianne Hough in Jenny Packham. She looks like she's wearing a leotard with some sparkly covering, and the off-the-shoulders top looks horrible.
- Zosia Mamet in Honor. The dress would be lovely without that weird black bustier.
- Amanda Peet in Erdem. Another wrong move in a sheer dress.
- Robin Wright in Ralph Lauren. She looks like she's going to a funeral. Robin, you're not married to Sean Penn anymore - you are allowed to smile once in awhile.
Split Decision
- Linda Cardellini in Donna Karan Atelier. The dress is a touch too busy, but it has great color and she wears it well. I love the hair.
- Anna Faris in Monique Lhuillier. The color is beautiful and the dress is a nice change from the pastels on the red carpet, but her makeup makes her look 10 years older.
- Connie Britton in Naeem Khan. Connie always looks so pretty, but this dress is just on the wrong side of busy, and the velvet material doesn't help.
There were a lot of surprise winners, such as The Voice dethroning The Amazing Race for Best Reality Competition, Jeff Daniels winning Best Leading Actor in a Drama Series for The Newsroom, Tony Hale winning Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy for Veep, and Bobby Cannavale winning Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for Boardwalk Empire.
Best Parts
- I actually like NPH's opening with the past hosts. The best part was Kevin Spacey's speech and Tina Fey and Amy Poehler heckling NPH.
- Merritt Wever's very short speech. She did not do it intentionally, but it really became the best speech ever. Schmidt is dating an Emmy winner!
- Julia Louis-Dreyfus's speech with Tony Hale holding her purse and being her handler, just like in Veep. Anna Chlumsky also got into the action by texting during the speech.
- The bit about NPH suffering from Excessive Hosting Disorder (EHD). We love How I Met Your Mother, so it was fun to see the cast.
- Nathan Fillion in the "Number in the Middle of the Show"
- Oprah doing the introductions of Jimmy Kimmel writers.
- The dance portion choreographed by the nominees for Best Choreography. We are big So You Think You Can Dance fans, so this is a treat.
Worst Parts
- Jon Hamm's beard
- Melissa Leo's outfit
- Boring musical tributes from Elton John and Carrie Underwood.
Best Dressed
- Sofia Vergara in Vera Wang. She knows what works for her, and she looks amazing in this red, clingy dress.
- Christina Hendricks in Christian Siriano. Christina is another actress famous for her assets, and sometimes she can look as if she's about to pop out at any moment. But this dress is perfectly fitted and shows her curves without danger of over-exposure.
- Allison Williams in Ralph Lauren. The color is beautiful and the dress is very simple and elegant. She wears it with great hair and makeup, too.
- Tina Fey in Narciso Rodriguez. Another gorgeous blue dress. Tina looks sexier here than what she would normally wear.
- Kaley Cuoco in Vera Wang, Kaley has had some weird choices for red carpets, but this one is a winner.
- Mindy Kaling in Georges Chakra. I love the color and it hugs her curves nicely.
- Michelle Dockery in Prada. I love the color blocking on this dress, and she looks very modern and fresh.
- Kerry Washington in Marchesa. I think this is the best pastel of the night. It's very fashionable, but she makes it look so elegant.
- Alyson Hannigan in Marchesa. The eggplant color really complements her red hair, and the fit was beautiful without overwhelming her small frame.
- Cobie Smulders in J. Mendel. Another lovely HIMYM leading lady. She wears this dress so well and it's well-fitted.
- I just had to include Nathan Fillion and his date, Mikaela Hoover
Worst Dressed
- Emilia Clarke in Donna Karan Atelier. This dress looks wrinkled and makes her head looks so much bigger than her body.
- Claire Danes in Armani Prive. The bottom of this dress is fine, but the top looks ill-fitted and she doesn't quite have the assets to fill it up.
- Jessica Pare in Oscar de La Renta. The whole look is just messy, and the shoes are awful.
- Lena Dunham in Prada. It's great that she doesn't do anything conventional, but I wish the skirt was a bit smaller and the pattern not as busy.
- Julianne Hough in Jenny Packham. She looks like she's wearing a leotard with some sparkly covering, and the off-the-shoulders top looks horrible.
- Zosia Mamet in Honor. The dress would be lovely without that weird black bustier.
- Amanda Peet in Erdem. Another wrong move in a sheer dress.
- Robin Wright in Ralph Lauren. She looks like she's going to a funeral. Robin, you're not married to Sean Penn anymore - you are allowed to smile once in awhile.
Split Decision
- Linda Cardellini in Donna Karan Atelier. The dress is a touch too busy, but it has great color and she wears it well. I love the hair.
- Anna Faris in Monique Lhuillier. The color is beautiful and the dress is a nice change from the pastels on the red carpet, but her makeup makes her look 10 years older.
- Connie Britton in Naeem Khan. Connie always looks so pretty, but this dress is just on the wrong side of busy, and the velvet material doesn't help.
Wednesday, September 11, 2013
So You Think You Can Dance - Season Finale
Last night was the season finale of So You Think You Can Dance.
SPOILER ALERT!
The winners were Amy and Fik-Shun. Although I was cheering for Jasmine and Aaron, Amy and Fik-Shun are deserving winners. They have been consistent all season and have noticeably grown as dancers. Plus they are so cute with each other. I also got a feeling that Aaron and Jasmine will be just fine.
The judges, Cat, and the finalists picked favorite routines to re-do last night. I was especially happy to see the Top 20 group routine set to "Puttin' On the Ritz" and choreographed by NappyTab, Christopher Scott's Top 10 guys routine with sand, Mark Kanemura's crazy and wonderful jazz routine with Jenna, Paul and Makenzie's Mandy Moore routine set to Lady Gaga's "Edge of Glory," and Jasmine and Comfort's NappyTab hip hop routine set to Beyonce's "Run the World (Girls)." I would have loved to see more routines instead of the fillers. I especially could've lived without seeing Nigel and Mary dancing to "Let's Get In On" by Marvin Gaye. The only saving grace of that routine was Adam Shankman's cameo at the end.
The top 20 also danced a new group routine choreographed by season two's Ivan Koumaev, and the top 10 and the all-stars danced a fun, beach-themed routine choreographed by NappyTab near the end. Both routines were fun and reminded me how talented these dancers are.
The good news is that SYTYCD has been renewed for the eleventh season, so we'll definitely be doing this again next year!
Monday, September 9, 2013
So You Think You Can Dance - Performance Finale
Last Tuesday was the performance finale, and boy, it was jam-packed. Each dancer danced five routines - a group number, one with an all star, a solo, and three with each of the other finalists.
As a result, some of the routines felt rushed and not quite finished, but there was no question that these four deserve to be in the finals. Each of them bring something different to the table, and although I am rooting for Jasmine and Aaron to win, I wouldn't be upset if Amy and Fik-Shun win.
Most favorite routines
1) Jasmine and Comfort's hip hop from NappyTab. It was a surprise that contemporary dancer Jasmine chose hip-hop instead for her one chance to pick a style, but it was a risk that paid off. Jasmine was fierce in this routine and pulled off the attitude and the moves as well as Comfort. I think it was smart for Jasmine to do something different that will set her apart from Amy.
I am also glad that the show did not emphasize Jasmine's relationship with Cyrus since the beginning of the show. She deserved to be there on her own merits and not just because she was Cyrus's ex-girlfriend. It amazed me how SYTYCD can be so sensitive and on the point about stuff like this while American Idol usually pummels you over the head with this kind of story, and yet they shared the same executive producer in Nigel Lythgoe. Maybe it was Ken Warwick that was the problem on American Idol?
2) Aaron and Melinda's tap from Anthony Morigerato. It was fun to see something different on the SYTYCD stage like this tap routine. Both Aaron and Melinda danced well, and Anthony choreographed a great dance to a fun song. Annie Barrett from EW.com said it best when she said that this routine "really drove home the concept of tap as a conversation between two dancers (and between the tappers and the music) instead of just the necessary maintenance of a beat."
3) Fik Shun and tWitch's hip hop from Luther Brown. This routine looked like tWitch as the big brother teaching Fik-Shun the little brother. It was fun, fast-paced, and very well-danced.
Least favorite routines
1) Amy and Fik-Shun's tango/paso doble from Miriam Larici and Leonardo Barrionuevo. I think it was a mistake to show even that brief moment of Miriam and Leonardo dancing, because nothing Amy and Fik-Shun would do would measure up to that. Plus I still remember how amazing Leonardo was dancing with Hayley when he had to step in for the injured Curtis earlier in the season. Amy and Fik-Shun tried, but the routine did not have the snap and the spark it needed.
2) Aaron and Jasmine's samba from Dmitry Chaplin. This routine was just OK. The dancers did not look fully comfortable dancing it, and it was their weakest routine of the night.
3) Fik-Shun and Aaron's Broadway from Tyce Diorio. As far as a Tyce routine go, it wasn't bad. But it was still overstuffed with too much props and movements. I think Aaron outdanced Fik-Shun in this one.
As a result, some of the routines felt rushed and not quite finished, but there was no question that these four deserve to be in the finals. Each of them bring something different to the table, and although I am rooting for Jasmine and Aaron to win, I wouldn't be upset if Amy and Fik-Shun win.
Most favorite routines
1) Jasmine and Comfort's hip hop from NappyTab. It was a surprise that contemporary dancer Jasmine chose hip-hop instead for her one chance to pick a style, but it was a risk that paid off. Jasmine was fierce in this routine and pulled off the attitude and the moves as well as Comfort. I think it was smart for Jasmine to do something different that will set her apart from Amy.
I am also glad that the show did not emphasize Jasmine's relationship with Cyrus since the beginning of the show. She deserved to be there on her own merits and not just because she was Cyrus's ex-girlfriend. It amazed me how SYTYCD can be so sensitive and on the point about stuff like this while American Idol usually pummels you over the head with this kind of story, and yet they shared the same executive producer in Nigel Lythgoe. Maybe it was Ken Warwick that was the problem on American Idol?
2) Aaron and Melinda's tap from Anthony Morigerato. It was fun to see something different on the SYTYCD stage like this tap routine. Both Aaron and Melinda danced well, and Anthony choreographed a great dance to a fun song. Annie Barrett from EW.com said it best when she said that this routine "really drove home the concept of tap as a conversation between two dancers (and between the tappers and the music) instead of just the necessary maintenance of a beat."
3) Fik Shun and tWitch's hip hop from Luther Brown. This routine looked like tWitch as the big brother teaching Fik-Shun the little brother. It was fun, fast-paced, and very well-danced.
Least favorite routines
1) Amy and Fik-Shun's tango/paso doble from Miriam Larici and Leonardo Barrionuevo. I think it was a mistake to show even that brief moment of Miriam and Leonardo dancing, because nothing Amy and Fik-Shun would do would measure up to that. Plus I still remember how amazing Leonardo was dancing with Hayley when he had to step in for the injured Curtis earlier in the season. Amy and Fik-Shun tried, but the routine did not have the snap and the spark it needed.
2) Aaron and Jasmine's samba from Dmitry Chaplin. This routine was just OK. The dancers did not look fully comfortable dancing it, and it was their weakest routine of the night.
3) Fik-Shun and Aaron's Broadway from Tyce Diorio. As far as a Tyce routine go, it wasn't bad. But it was still overstuffed with too much props and movements. I think Aaron outdanced Fik-Shun in this one.
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
So You Think You Can Dance - Top 6
This is the first week that the judges and choreographers don't have any say in who goes home. I wanted Jasmine and Aaron to say, so as long as that happens I didn't care who left.
The group number was a fun, fast-paced jazz number from Sean Cheeseman. It was nice to get another upbeat routine. Jasmine and Aaron shined the most during this group dance.
Everyone also did solos this week. The most entertaining ones were from Fik-Shun and Aaron, although no one did a bad solo. In addition to dancing with the all-stars, the top 6 also paired with each other.
Most favorite routines
1) Amy and Alex's Bollywood from Nakul Dev Mahajan. The producers are really stacking the deck in Amy's favor. Travis Wall last week and Alex Wong this week? Lucky girl. This Bollywood number was fun and looks very difficult to execute. Plus it showcases Alex's abs, which is not a bad thing at all.
2) Aaron and Melanie's Broadway from Spencer Liff. Despite the one miscue that ended with Melanie on the floor, the routine was fun and danced well. Aaron actually kept up with Melanie, which is very difficult to do. And how sweet were his parents? Actually, it was great to hear from all of the parents and how supportive and proud they were of their children.
3) Jasmine and Aaron's jazz from Sean Cheeseman. I still cringed at the amazing stretch Jasmine did with her leg midway through the dance. This is my favorite couple and this was a great dance. It really played to their strengths.
Least favorite routines
1) Jasmine and Neil's contemporary from Tyce Diorio. I love Jasmine and Neil, but I hated Tyce's routine about hurricanes, tsunamis, and natural disasters. As typical of his big-statement pieces (like the breast cancer one), it's manipulative and annoying instead of being moving and touching. The voice-over at the end just put it even more over the top.
2) Paul and Kathryn's jazz from Tyce Diorio. It was boring and even Kathryn couldn't save it. I know I'm biased against Tyce, but his two routines tonight were just bad.
As an aside - what is more disturbing: Joshua's tiger shirt or Dave Scott's ratty bucket hat? I vote for the hat.
Eliminations
They didn't do the bottom twos this week. Hayley and Paul were eliminated, which I think was the right call. I'm just excited that Jasmine and Aaron made it to the finals, and I hope they win. It will be an exciting finale.
The group number was a fun, fast-paced jazz number from Sean Cheeseman. It was nice to get another upbeat routine. Jasmine and Aaron shined the most during this group dance.
Everyone also did solos this week. The most entertaining ones were from Fik-Shun and Aaron, although no one did a bad solo. In addition to dancing with the all-stars, the top 6 also paired with each other.
Most favorite routines
1) Amy and Alex's Bollywood from Nakul Dev Mahajan. The producers are really stacking the deck in Amy's favor. Travis Wall last week and Alex Wong this week? Lucky girl. This Bollywood number was fun and looks very difficult to execute. Plus it showcases Alex's abs, which is not a bad thing at all.
2) Aaron and Melanie's Broadway from Spencer Liff. Despite the one miscue that ended with Melanie on the floor, the routine was fun and danced well. Aaron actually kept up with Melanie, which is very difficult to do. And how sweet were his parents? Actually, it was great to hear from all of the parents and how supportive and proud they were of their children.
3) Jasmine and Aaron's jazz from Sean Cheeseman. I still cringed at the amazing stretch Jasmine did with her leg midway through the dance. This is my favorite couple and this was a great dance. It really played to their strengths.
Least favorite routines
1) Jasmine and Neil's contemporary from Tyce Diorio. I love Jasmine and Neil, but I hated Tyce's routine about hurricanes, tsunamis, and natural disasters. As typical of his big-statement pieces (like the breast cancer one), it's manipulative and annoying instead of being moving and touching. The voice-over at the end just put it even more over the top.
2) Paul and Kathryn's jazz from Tyce Diorio. It was boring and even Kathryn couldn't save it. I know I'm biased against Tyce, but his two routines tonight were just bad.
As an aside - what is more disturbing: Joshua's tiger shirt or Dave Scott's ratty bucket hat? I vote for the hat.
Eliminations
They didn't do the bottom twos this week. Hayley and Paul were eliminated, which I think was the right call. I'm just excited that Jasmine and Aaron made it to the finals, and I hope they win. It will be an exciting finale.
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
Battle of the Year
Mr. Y and I were watching So You Think You Can Dance tonight, and saw a preview for Battle of of the Year. As Mr. Y put it, it's like they took a typical martial arts or sports movie with all the cliches (underdogs triumphing, individuals learning how to become a team, down-on-his-luck coach getting a second chance, etc.), and applied it to the subject of dance.
The movie has a few familiar faces. My first reaction was wondering what Josh Holloway is doing in this movie. Definitely not an obvious choice for a dance movie. Some of the dancers also looked familiar, like Chris Brown (yes, THAT Chris Brown), SYTYCD dancers Dominic Sandoval and Jonathan "Legacy" Perez, and a bunch of dancers from LXD (the Legion of Extraordinary Dancers) like Luis Rosado, Ivan "Flipz" Perez, and Caity Lotz.
Trailer below:
The movie has a few familiar faces. My first reaction was wondering what Josh Holloway is doing in this movie. Definitely not an obvious choice for a dance movie. Some of the dancers also looked familiar, like Chris Brown (yes, THAT Chris Brown), SYTYCD dancers Dominic Sandoval and Jonathan "Legacy" Perez, and a bunch of dancers from LXD (the Legion of Extraordinary Dancers) like Luis Rosado, Ivan "Flipz" Perez, and Caity Lotz.
Trailer below:
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