Little Boy Meets the Avengers

The photograph below was going around the internet for awhile of a little boy carrying a Captain America shield sitting on the shoulders of Tom Hiddleston in full Loki outfit from The Avengers. 

The boy's name is Edison, and his dad wrote an amazing story about how the photograph happened.  It's definitely worth a read.  A short summary: Edison and his mom, Jill, saw The Avengers filming in Central Park, and were able to meet and get pictures with many of the cast members, including his favorite, Captain America (played by Chris Evans).  Edison had been carrying around his Captain America shield ever since he saw the movie, and he was lucky enough to have had it with him that day. 

There is also a cute update.  Lisa Evans, Chris's mom, who was helpful in getting Edison a picture with Chris at Central Park, was also able to get Chris to sign Edison's shield as well as the picture and a new shield.  Now all three items are hanging proudly in Edison's bedroom.

I know my son, who's around the same age, would have freaked if he gets to meet his superheroes.  Lucky Edison!

So You Think You Can Dance - Top 16

Our feed did not have sound in the beginning until it switched to the non-HD feed, but it was about halfway through the group number.  Unfortunately that affected how we viewed the group number - seemed interesting, but the impact was lessened because of lack of music.  The group number was choreographed by Stacey Tookey and Peter Chu.  Jasmine deservedly got the spotlight. 

Carly Rae Jepsen was the guest judge.  Not sure why she was there, and she didn't really add anything to the judging.

Most favorite routines

1) Amy and Fik-Shun's jazz from Tyce Diorio.  I can't believe I actually like this routine best, since it involved Tyce and a hobo theme, but it was actually cute and Amy and Fik-Shun looked awesome dancing it.  I credit the fact that Tyce let them be creative, and they really got into character.  I would be surprised if this couple didn't end up in the finale. 

2) Jasmine and Aaron's quickstep from Tony Meredith and Melanie LaPatin.  Ah, the dreaded quickstep.  Fortunately for Jasmine and Aaron, this one was gorgeous and they danced it well.  Jasmine's legs are just amazing, and both of them looked so elegant and glam. 

3) Makenzie and Paul's hip hop from Dave Scott.  Much better than Dave Scott's other routine with Malece and Alan (see below under Least Favorite Routines).  I thought the rehearsal footage was hilarious when Dave Scott outed Paul was being intimidated by the beauty that is Makenzie.  I can totally see them as a couple.  Makenzie looked great and both of them danced this one well. 

Least favorite routines

1) Mariah and BluPrint's jazz from Brian Friedman.  I didn't get this dance at all.  Nothing about the music or the dance invoked the goddess-falling-in-love-with-a-mortal-theme, and Mariah and BluPrint looked out of sync from the beginning. 

2) Alexis and Nico's jive from Tony Meredith and Melanie LaPatin.  The routine itself was fine, but Alexis was way out of her depth.  Nico started off pretty well, but deteriorated over time. 

3) Malece and Alan's hip hop from Dave Scott.  Malece did better than Alan in this number, which is not saying much because Alan was terrible.  Neither one of them hit the moves that hard, and the busy costumes didn't help. 

Eliminations

I was correct about the three guys in the bottom three, but did not expect Makenzie to end up in the bottom three instead of Alexis.  The judges saved Jenna immediately, which was when Mr. Y and I knew that Mariah was gone.  Makenzie had been doing better than Mariah in the competition, and her solo was better, too.  It also was not a surprise that BluPrint was eliminated.  He wasn't able to come up with the charisma and facial expressions to match his movements.  I will miss Mariah especially, since I feel like she hasn't really shown her full potential and has been saddled with bad routines. 

Predictions on who will be in trouble this week:

Boys: Alan, Curtis, and Nico

Girls: Jenna, Alexis, and Malece

Royal Baby Named

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge named their baby boy George Alexander Louis.  He will officially be known as His Royal Highness Prince George of Cambridge.

As expected, they went with very traditional names.  No Apple or Blue Ivy or North here. 

Prince of Cambridge

Unless you have been living under a rock, you would know that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge had their baby boy yesterday.  The Prince of Cambridge, who is not yet named, was born at 4:24 p.m. local time at St. Mary's Hospital in London.  He was 8 pounds 6 ounces.  The Duchess of Cambridge reportedly had about 14 hours of labor before delivering naturally.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge took their son home today.  They posed for photographers and answered questions on the same steps where Princess Diana and Prince Charles introduced William to the world 31 years ago. 

William stated that his son had "a good pair of lungs on him," and that he was "a big boy - he's quite heavy."  He also stated that his son had his mother's looks, to which Kate replied, "No, no, no."  William also joked that the baby "has way more than me, thank God."  Kate added that the whole experience was very emotional.  She said, "It's a moment that any parent having just given birth will know what this feeling feels like."  She also revealed that William has changed his first diaper. 

Congratulations to the new parents!

2013 Emmy Nominations

The 2013 Emmy nominations came out today, and American Horror Story: Asylum scored the most nominations with 17, with Game of Thrones closely behind with 16.   30 Rock scored 13 nominations, Modern Family has 12, and The Big Bang Theory has eight.  Netflix's House of Cards became the first online series to score Emmy nods, including stars Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright. 

1) I'm most upset about the following snubs: Simon Helberg for The Big Bang Theory and Jake Johnson for New Girl.  Both actors have done wonderful work this year, and have made what could have been very cartoonish characters seem vulnerable, funny, and grown-up. 

2) It's also a travesty that Phil Keoghan wasn't nominated again for the Amazing Race, even though the series was nominated.  I like Anthony Bourdain, but The Taste wasn't very good, and the Emmys must be somehow contractually required to include Betty White every year.

3) Yay for Carrie Prestron being nominated for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series for her work on The Good Wife.  Can't wait to see Michael Emerson and Preston on the red carpet - they are so cute together.

4) Only Jane Lynch and Dot-Marie Jones were nominated for Glee.  It is difficult to break through the ranks of the Modern Family crew in the supporting categories, all of them are again nominated except for Eric Stonestreet. 

5) Michelle Fairley, Nikolaj Coster Waldau, Charles Dance, and Gwendoline Christie also deserved nominations for Game of Thrones.  At least more than just Peter Dinklage is nominated this year.  Emilia Clarke and Diana Rigg also scored nods in the Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama and Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series, respectively, and the show is up for Outstanding Drama Series

6) No Taran Killam from Saturday Night Live?  He did a better job than Bill Hader.  Hopefully with Hader gone Taran will get his just due next year. 

7) It's great that Morena Baccarin and Mandy Patinkin got nods for Homeland, in addition to Claire Danes and Damian Lewis.

8) I don't watch Nashville, but anything that gets Connie Britton a nomination is fantastic. 

9) No love for The Office in its final season, except for a writing nod for Greg Daniels. 

10) Love the nominations for So You Think You Can Dance and Cat Deeley. 

Best reaction to getting an Emmy nomination so far comes from Don Cheadle, who released the following statement about his nomination in the Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy category for House of Lies: "Given all the hilarious film work I've done, from Traffic to Crash to Flight, it's nice to finally be recognized as the comic genius I am. Thank you, Academy members.”

Edited to add Emilia Clarke's statement about her nomination (in Dothraki!): “Yer chomoe anhaan. Jin ha Khalaan, shekh ma shieraki anni.” This translates to: “You do honor to me. This is for the Khal — my sun and stars.”

R.I.P. Cory Monteith

In a shocking news, Glee star Cory Monteith was found dead in his hotel room in Vancouver on Saturday.  He was 31 years old.  The Vancouver police released a statement saying that they had ruled out foul play, and will be conducting an autopsy today (Monday).  They also stated that Monteith had returned to his hotel room alone early Saturday morning, and his body was discovered by hotel staff when he failed to check out on Saturday. 

I have been a big fan of Glee since the beginning, and it was great to see Monteith grow as an actor, dancer, and singer as his character, Finn Hudson, also grew.  He was never the best actor, dancer, or singer, but he always came across as emotionally real and accessible.  The consensus around Hollywood is that he is also a very nice guy in real life.  Monteith just recently left rehab for a second time, and he had talked candidly about his struggles with drugs in the past, which led to him going into rehab the first time when he was 19 years old.  He seemed to be doing well recently, being out and about with his girlfriend and Glee co-star Lea Michele, and looking happy and healthy.  What a blow to his family, friends, co-workers, and fans. 

In honor of Monteith, here are my top five favorite Glee musical numbers featuring Monteith by himself or as the lead:

1) "Don't Stop Believin" by Journey, from the episode "Pilot."  The original that started it all.  Finn was the one who rallied the rag-tag Glee club members together to sing this song, and the result was pure gold.

2) "Man in the Mirror" by Michael Jackson, from the episode "Hold on to Sixteen."  Finn and the other boys look and sound amazing on this cover, and won Regionals despite Rachel's suspension after stuffing the ballot box in favor of Kurt for school president.

3) "I'll Stand by You" by the Pretenders, from the episode "Ballad."  One of the early Finn solos, and Monteith knocked it out of the park with his emotional performance after he found out that Quinn was expecting who he thought was his baby.

4) "We've Got Tonight" by Kenny Rogers and Sheena Easton, from the episode "I Do."  This duet between Finn and Rachel showed their amazing chemistry, especially since the co-stars were already dating in real life by this point.

5) "Faithfully" by Journey, from the episode "Journey."  Another great duet between Rachel and Finn, and the start of the Finchel phenomenon.  Glee producers had mentioned that they thought of Finchel as being the end game, so now it would be interesting to see how they would deal with Monteith's passing. 

So You Think You Can Dance - Top 18

The powers-that-be heard the protests, and decided to move the eliminations to the end of the show.  I think this was a good move and made the show much better instead of the downer it was last week.

The group number was choreographed by Sonya Tayeh and Christopher Scott, and it was an interesting mix of the two.  A nice change from their usual styles.

Paula Abdul and Erin Andrews were the guest judges.  Paula was her usual nonsensical self, although she makes more sense here than she did on American Idol.  I wouldn't want her as a permanent judge, but she is fine as a guest judge. 

Most favorite routines

1) Makenzie and Paul's contemporary from Lindsay Nelko.  Lindsay is a new choreographer, and I hope she comes back.  I like this piece, especially the music (Idina Menzel singing "No Day But Today" from Rent).  Makenzie looks ethereal and effortless, and Paul smartly played it subtle instead of over-the-top.

2) Jasmine Harper and Aaron's Broadway from Spencer Liff.  Another strong routine from my favorite couple.  Their facial expressions were perfect and they had great movements.

3) Amy and Fik-Shun's paso doble from Jean-Marc Genereaux.  Considering that this was far from either one of their genres, they did a great job.  Amy and Fik-Shun is definitely the pimped-out couple this season, and I would be surprised if they get eliminated before the top 10.

Least favorite routines

1) Jenna and Tucker's hip hop from Keone and Mari Madrid.  Another new set of choreographers.  I like the premise and the choreography wasn't bad, but Jenna's striped pants was very distracting and did not scream femme fatale at all.  As Mr. Y put it, she looked like she was auditioning for the Yankees.  I was also not feeling the chemistry between these two.

2) Alexis and Nico's jazz by Spencer Liff.  Again I felt like this couple was really lacking in chemistry, and the routine just fell flat to me. 

3) Hayley and Curtis's samba from Jean-Marc Generaux.  They looked good in the outfits, and that's about as nice as I can say about this samba. 

Eliminations

I was correct about the three guys in the bottom three, but only got one of the girls right, Alexis.  Since Jade had to leave the competition due to injury, BluPrint and Curtis were saved.  Alexis was joined in the bottom three by Jasmine Mason and Jenna.  I thought Alexis should have left, because Jasmine Mason had been a lot stronger during the performance shows. 

Predictions on who will be in trouble this week:

Boys: BluPrint, Curtis, Alan
Girls: Jenna, Alexis, Mariah

So You Think You Can Dance - Top 20

Last night was the first elimination show, and I really hate this new format of eliminating the dancers first before they had to dance with their partners.  It sucked the joy right out of the show.  It didn't help that Cat actually looked very odd for once - I did not like the outfit. 

The group routine was disjointed and overly fussy, so of course it was a Tyce number.  Both Mr. Y and I called it about 5 seconds into the routine.

Eliminations

The bottom three guys were Carlos, Jade, and Alan.  The bottom three girls were Mariah (no!!!), Brittany, and Makenzie.  The judges immediately saved Makenzie and Alan, which meant Mariah, Brittany, Jade, and Carlos had to dance for their lives.  I was right about two of the girls, and only one of the guys. 

The solos were OK - Jade had the best one.  I didn't like Nigel chastising them for not dancing hard enough.  I didn't think the problem was that they weren't dancing hard enough, but that their emotions were all over the place.  As much as the judges like to talk about these dancers being professionals, they are still young and being throw into a national stage like this must be tough.  Plus they had to do this in the beginning of the show!  No wonder they looked scared to death.

After the solos the judges didn't even deliberate before Nigel announced that Brittany and Carlos were leaving.  I am happy Mariah is staying. 

Most favorite routines

1) Jasmine Mason and Alan's tango from Miriam Larici and Leonardo Barrionuevo.  Alan was an amazing partner in this routine.  His looks and posture really fit the dance.  Jasmine started off a bit tentative, but once the music picked up she really got into it. 

2) Jasmine Harper and Aaron's lyrical hip hop from NappyTab.  This couple again proved they were one of the ones to beat.  Their chemistry was off the charts, and the routine was so athletic.  Probably the only couple in the competition who could have pulled off such a sexually-charged, mature piece. 

3) Mariah and Carlos's contemporary from Stacey Tookey.  Mariah and Carlos really stepped it up emotionally in this dance, most likely because Carlos was already eliminated.  It worked in Mariah's favor that she looked like she was on the verge of tears the entire time, which was her actual emotion.  Much better than the jive last week.  We'll see if Mariah can do better with BluPrint next week. 

Least favorite routines

1) Brittany and BluPrint's Broadway from Spencer Liff.  I love the song ("It's Oh So Quiet" by Bjork from the Ice Princess Original Soundtrack), but the routine was a mess.  Brittany looked like she was trying too hard, and Blu Print looked like he wasn't trying hard enough.  It didn't help that Brittany was already eliminated, so I couldn't help feeling sorry for her throughout the entire dance.

2) Hayley and Curtis's jazz from Ray Leeper.  Hayley looked super hot in the outfit, but the whole thing felt very cheesy and blah.  I didn't feel their chemistry as much as I did last week. 

3) Malece and Jade's Bollywood from Nakul Dev Mahajan.  Jade was behind from the beginning and was not hitting his moves.  Malece was OK, but was nothing special in this dance. 

Predictions on who will be in trouble next week:

Boys: BluPrint, Jade, Curtis
Girls: Hayley, Malece, Alexis

So You Think You Can Dance - Season 10

I have been very late in posting about So You Think You Can Dance, so I am combining my favorite dancers with my impression of the first performance show in one post.

This year the group is very eclectic, although as usual most of them are contemporary dancers.  Just like last year, there will be one male winner and one female winner this season. 

My Top 3 Women:

1) Mariah Spears - krump.  Mariah is the krumper who looks like the sweet girl next door.  I liked her last year and was disappointed when she didn't make it to the top 20, so I was excited when she made it this year.  She did not get featured at all during the auditions and Vegas week, and she got saddled with a horrible routine last week (more below), so I hope she will last longer. 

2) Jasmine Harper - contemporary.  She is also known as Cyrus's ex.  Jasmine and Cyrus broke up after he went on the show last season.  She didn't bad-mouth him, but it didn't sound like a good breakup.  She is very talented and has a compelling presence when she's dancing, and she's very good at connecting emotionally with the dances. 
3) Hayley Erbert - contemporary.  I was a bit turned off by Hayley during her initial audition when she talked about how her dancing just came across as sexy, but she ends up winning me over with her goofy personality.  She also has that "it" factor where you can't take your eyes away from her when she's dancing.  

My Top 3 Men:

1) Aaron Turner - tap.  Aaron was a last minute addition to the top 20 after hip hop dancer Emilio suffered an injury before the live show.  Mr. Y and I thought Aaron should have made it in anyway.  He is a great dancer, and actually comes across as a man among the boys.
2) Tucker Knox - contemporary.  Tucker's story about how he fought back from a terrible car accident is inspiring without being cloying, and he is an effortless dancer.  I wish he had kept the curls, though, instead of the really short hair he's sporting now. 
3) Curtis Holland - tap.  I like his low-key approach and personality off stage, while coming alive on stage.  He may not have the skills to go all the way, but it will be a pleasure to watch him grow week by week. 

Last week was the first performance show where viewers get to vote.  The night started with one of the amazing group routines I have ever seen - set to "Puttin' on the Ritz"by Herb Alpert feat. Lani Hall. and choreographed by NappyTab.  It really looked like it was one long shot, and I like the cameos by Nigel, Mary, Travis Wall, Christopher Scott, and NappyTab.  I think Tabitha made a much better animator than Nigel.  Their son London made an appearance in the audience at the live show with his parents, and he is so adorable!

Favorite routines:

1) Amy and Fik-Shun's contemporary from Sonya Tayeh.  This dance had everything - great music ("Elsa" by The Valerie Project", great choreography, great characters, and amazing dancing.  Fik-Shun lived up to the hype he was getting during the auditions/Vegas rounds and actually looked like a contemporary dancer.  Amy's dancing was so precise that every movement mattered, even the pauses.

2) Jasmine Harper and Aaron's jazz from Sonya Tayeh.  Sonya really hit it out of the park with her two numbers.  Both were very different, but very compelling in their own way.  Jasmine is the star here - her legs seemed to go on forever.  Aaron had unfortunate pants on, but he overcame that and was a true partner who kept up with Jasmine. 

3) Hayley and Curtis's hip hop from Christopher Scott.  I was surprised at the great chemistry between these two, especially so early in the season.  They were also hitting the moves hard and really getting into the story.  Definitely a couple to watch. 

Least favorite routines:

1) Alexis and Nico's hip hop from Christopher Scott.  I did not like this dance at all.  The two of them did not click and they looked out of place.  The sunglasses didn't help because we couldn't connect with them just with the movements. 

2) Mariah and Carlos's jive from Jason Gilkison.  I feel so bad for Mariah and Carlos.  Not only were they stuck with this dud, they also went first.  I pray that the viewers or the judges will give them another dance.  They just looked lost and frantic among the fast movements. 

3) Makenzie and Paul's viennese waltz by Jason Gilkison.  Jason really struck out with his two pieces tonight.  This one was just boring.  The most interesting thing on stage was that umbrella.  Plus they made Makenzie look dowdy and awful in that dress, hairstyle, and makeup, which I did not think was possible. 

Predictions on who will be in trouble tonight:

Boys: Paul, Carlos, Nico
Girls: Makenzie, Mariah, Alexis

Anthony Brodeur Drafted by the New Jersey Devils

This is a great story.  Martin Brodeur's son, Anthony Brodeur, was drafted in the seventh round of the NHL draft by the New Jersey Devils.  The proud dad and Devils legend got to announce the pick, and the big grin on his face was awesome, as well as the proud look he had when his son came to the table and put on the Devils jersey and hat. 

Anthony is 18 years old and is also a goalie like his dad.  He just finished his senior year at Shattuck-St. Mary's Prep in Minnesota, and will be playing for the Gatineau Olympiques of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League next season.

When asked about the moment, Anthony stated, "This is so surreal.  There's no other way to explain it. I've grown up watching the Devils, cheering on the Devils, cheering on my dad. So being in this jersey right now, in this arena, is awesome."

The seventh round is a far cry from the first round where Martin Brodeur was drafted by the Devils in 1990, but with pedigree like that, here's hoping another Brodeur will be a star in the NHL.