Dancing with the Stars: Who Should Win?

Maks should win. Well, I mean....Mel B. (AKA Scary Spice) and her professional partner Maksim Chmerskovkiy should win. I had a crush on Maks until I realized he is younger than my own son. Still, he is fun to watch, whether he shaves his chest or not. And I'm happy to see that he got paired with a celebrity who can dance, and can dance very well.

I've had fun watching Mel B., who is spirited and confident. Yet, she is modest and grateful--or would seem so. And, wow, has she lost some weight or what? She had a baby not long ago.

I was a bit disappointed in Mel and Maks last night. I voted for them because they still dominate the competition. There is something about both of their routines that did not flow smoothly. Does anyone know who selects the music? One of the professional dancers implied that they do not get to choose, and sometimes I wonder how anybody would want to dance to some of these music selections. For instance, last week Mel and Maks did the Pasa Doble--a Latin dance--to the song "Satisfaction."

I rewatched their free-style dance this morning on YouTube, and it truly was amazing, but not their best of the season.

I think that Maks and professional Julianne Hough are the two best choreographers on the show. And Julianne, who includes much humor in her choices, brings out the best in her celebrity partner Helio Castroneves (a professional race car driver). I voted for Mel, but won't be too hurt if Helio wins. He is very smooth for someone without dance experience. Not a large man, he did amazing lifts during last night's free-style. The lift sequences that Julianne choreographed, and that both of them executed, were great fun.

Helio does his best when a dance calls for a suave man who lets his partner glide around him. I have to say that even though he keeps up with the jive, he does not let the music carry his steps. In other words, he would let the beat lift and drive his feet if he really felt it, and I just don't see this.

Even entertainer Marie Osmond seems to feel the music when she dances. I have to love her for losing 30 pounds since the competition began, and at age 48, she let her partner Jonathan Roberts, toss her in the air and all over the place. Like the other two finalist couples, they did a great job executing their lifts, and those were fun to watch.

I've always enjoyed Marie as a TV personality. I simply admire positive people who never give up. Marie stayed in the competition perhaps longer than she should have. Her skill improved tremendously but she got publicity for things that had nothing to do with dancing. Since viewer votes can ultimately determine who wins the competition, a contestant's popularity counts.

And popularity seemed to affect this season's contest more than during other seasons. In previous seasons, Master P stayed in way longer than he should have. He refused to wear the right shoes, and he barely bothered to practice. Jerry Springer was a popular participant, but once he realized it was time for him to go, it actually pained him to stay in place of someone who actually deserved to remain.

Last week I saw Marie and her family on Oprah. She also appeared on Larry King, and Entertainment Tonight featured a weekend special about her and her family. When people say that Marie is a seasoned performer, it would seem that she knows how to get free publicity. She can elicit more votes than other contestants who are more focused on their dancing than making the show into a popularity contest.

Marie's beautiful smile won the hearts of many, but her dancing is not in the same league with Mel and Helio. Showmanship is appreciated but, as Jerry Springer knows, it doesn't take the place of executing a complicated routine--that involves dancing.

Last night, Marie played a windup doll in her free-style dance. Her partner Jonathan should have perhaps known better? It isn't their choice that upsets me so much. The idea that one contestant can win with personality, WITHOUT ACTUALLY DANCING, is very troubling. Marie had said on Larry King Live that each contestant brought something different to the table. It would seem that she forgot to actually dance.

I still admire Marie, but if she and Jonathan win the trophy over Mel and Maksim or Helio and Julianne, I may boycott the show next season. Perhaps the producers can take a look at the way contestants are eliminated to make the show somewhat fair. No one who watches thought that Sabrina, a definite contender for first place, should have been eliminated weeks ago.

Maybe a show based on popularity attracts more viewers. If so, why bother to have judges? The judges provide guidance and positive suggestions for the contestants. Otherwise, their titles are bogus.

Tonight is the final results show, airing at at 9:00 p.m. PST will determine what I have to say tomorrow.

Here's why I love Mel and Maks:

Feeling Very Thankful

I am thankful for the handful of readers who visit my blog. I took a short writing hiatus, and I'm ready to use this blog again as an opportunity to play with words and to express my thoughts.

I am thankful for my improving health; I once again see the world through clear eyes, and I can live in the NOW, appreciating many things, great and small.

I am thankful that my son used cancer as a gift, a wake up call to shed his boyhood and stand as a man. I recognize him as his mother's son (the son who learned the values I taught him), but SO MUCH MORE. He is strong, determined, and he has reached a place in his life where he admits his mistakes. He stands undefended. How many people can do this?

I am thankful for my brother who has become one of my best friends. In addition to common sense, he has a genius mind and a generous ear. He has listened to me whine ad nauseum. His loyalty does not waver.

I am thankful for the opportunity to do "sister" things with my older sister. During this sweet time of life we have found many common interests. We've taken cooking classes together at Sur La Table and Williams-Sonoma; we stroll through gardens, taking our time to photograph the beauty around us. I love to visit my sister's house to see what she has torn out and rebuilt.

I am thankful that my baby sister in Georgia is back online. She shares The Secret with my son and me. We speak the same language. All of our positive energy, especially together, knows no bounds. And we encourage each other to bask in the present and to follow our dreams.

I am thankful for my sister-in-law, who adapted to our crazy family long ago, without losing her own beautiful identity. She is a gentle and caring person whose honesty I can take for granted. I've never had to read between the lines with her.

I am thankful for the babies. Their innocence fills me up and makes my heart dance.

I am thankful for my friend Cathy who is loyal even when I'm difficult. We have stood trial together and those who truly love us have stepped forward. Cathy and I remind each other to breathe deeply. We will be dancing and doing yoga at retreats when our trial is only a vague memory.

I am thankful for my friend Dale. I watched in awe as she went through life-altering challenges while keeping her honor. I've known her forever, and she has grown and blossomed into a woman of beauty and character.

I am thankful for my French-Canadian friend Diane, who has made huge strides since we met. While adapting to her first bi-lingual position, she packed up her large house and found a new one that suits her. Diane's wisdom has inspired and comforted me during some difficult times.

I am thankful for my friend Shawn who is steadfast in supporting me, even when I've given her very little in return. Shawn is a wonderful example of why we should have friends of all ages. Her accomplishments and her maturity amaze me.

I am thankful for my dog Xena, who looks regal, yet soulful. She is a good, loyal girl, and a gentle pet. I love her so much.

I am thankful for my cat Karl, who is clever and scrappy. No one viewing that sweet face could ever imagine how many birds, mice, snakes, or lizards Karl has left as gifts on my door step.

I am grateful to Dr. Saputo, for treating my mind, as well as my body, and encouraging me to look toward good health, no matter how complicated my problems seemed.

I am grateful to Nirinjan, a gifted healer, for helping me become strong and flexible again.

I am thankful that I know what makes me happy at this stage of my life. I love cooking/baking and taking pictures. My friend Doug sent me a link to The Secret when the entire movie was free to view online. I embrace the law of attraction. Thank you, Doug. My friend Jo told me about the Nia Technique of dance. I am 100 percent alive when I dance. Thank you, Jo.

My biggest talent is probably the way that I write. Not necessarily the style of this blog. I'm an idea person who puts a unique spin on what I view as the truth. Stay tuned....

My other talent (gift, really) is to be able to see possibility and to know that miracles not only can happen, but miracles do happen.

I am thankful to God and to a universe that support me. I'm finally able to key into this reality and FEEL loved and supported, whether I'm alone or in a crowd. God, in his infinite wisdom, created our bodies with a propensity to heal. I feel this, and I know this. All we have to do is get out of the way and let our bodies do what they were meant to do. All we have to do is get out of the way and let our minds be happy, instead of clouding our truth with a bunch of muck.

I am feeling very thankful.