My latest article about the O’Neill, Nebraska hospital expansion project is featured in today’s Norfolk Daily News.
Archive for April, 2010
Great! I posted all the 2010 Nebraska-isms. And, I finished this little project four days ahead of schedule! Now, I’ll be able to add the new column on a weekly basis.
Not sure what a Nebraska-ism is? It’s a unique look at the Cornhusker state and what sets the landscape and people apart. Column topics include:
- The Lure of Friday Night Lights – High School Football
- Autumn in Nebraska
- Husker Football Fans
- The Kitchen-Family Connection
- Farm Safety
- Clotheslines
- Nebraska Literary Scene
- Popcorn
- FFA Emblem: Drawn in Nebraska
- WWI, Draft Cards, and Grandpa
- Hunting Widows
- Drama of One-Act
- Fruitcake
- Poinsettias
- Christmas Traditions
- Ice Fishing
- Symbolism of a State’s Culture
- I’m a 30.
- The Late Night TV Dilemma: What Would Johnny Think?
- Press Trips – Marketing Nebraska
- Unique Libraries
- Valentine’s Traditions from Nebraska
- Going for Olympic Gold: Nebraska Olympians
- Sandhill Cranes
- Happy Birthday, Nebraska!
- 4N6: What I Learned Competing in High School Speech and Coaching HS Forensics
- Nebraska’s Irish Roots
- Nebraska Tall Tales & Legends
- Husker Women’s Basketball
Interested in reading one of these weekly columns? All columns are included as PDF files on the Nebraska-isms page .
So the new season of DWTS kicked off two weeks ago, and the first elimination of the season was last Tuesday night. Shannon Doherty was sent home after a two-week total of 38/60. Her scores improved by two points from week 1, but the mean girl from 90210 was sent home. Was she the right choice? Nope. She should have been around for a few more weeks. She can dance. Must’ve been the power of the pop culture fan vote.
I agree with Len: you can’t criticize a hero. Buzz Aldrin is an inspiration and shows that anyone can dance. Bruno said the cha cha during week one looked like Buzz was still wearing his moon boots. Carrie said there were tender moments in the foxtrot. Emotions tug here because he is a hero of my generation. But can he dance? Sure, but not strong enough to take home a mirror ball. He gained 26/60 points.
Kate Gossling earned 31/60. She’s not a dancer. She’s not a performer. She looks nervous as hell. I imagine I would, too, but I agree with all three judges: you have to define personality. Does she have any?
Chad Ochocinco tallied 34/60. Week 1, Len said Chad came “out like a tiger” but week two brought a new tune. After the foxtrot, Len said “it’s like snow; you’re glad when its over.” Ouch! I like there’s potential in the NFL star and I hope he sticks around. Now, I know my sister disagrees with me, but I’m right on this one. DWTS is a family event. It’s the topic of phone conversations and Facebook wall posts after the show.
Soap star Aiden Turner and partner Edyta danced to 34/60 points. Len said there’s a dancer in there. Bruno saw a glimmer of hope. If a lot of soap fans watch, he may be around for awhile.
Comedian Niecy Nash is one of my favorites. Carrie said she had her booty going with her week one cha cha. And last week, Bruno said she looked like a strawberry milkshake. She earned 39/60. She’s funny and proves that big girls can dance and have fun.
Bachelor star Jake Pavelka totaled 40/60 points. Carrie said he’s a joy to watch. Len said he has potential. Sure, he’s cutesy with young ‘un Chelsie, but does he have what it takes? Any bachelor who ditches my former student, Elizabeth Kitt, and doesn’t hand her a rose makes me wonder. Just sayin….
Erin Andrews earned 41/60. Bruno said the ESPN star showed zest and vitality with her week one cha cha. Week 2, Len told her to follow her professional partner. She’s not bad. Now, those people or individual who are threatening her need to leave her alone.
Bombshell Pamela Anderson looked like Marilyn Monroe during week two. She and hottie Damian earned 43/60. Bruno said her week one cha cha made him think of “sex, sex, and more sex.” Len said it was a mess, but during week two’s foxtrot, Len said she had elegance and “cheeky charm.” She’s not a bad dancer. She brings some fun and lightheartedness to the floor. Hope she stays for a while.
Olympic gold medal winner Evan Lysaek scored 47 / 60. He’s good. Bruno said his Vienese Waltz had the grace of a swan Carrie likes the personality he brings. He’s a crowd favorite. He’ll be around for a while.
Pussycat Doll Nicole is fun to watch! She earned 53/60 points. In week two, she and partner Derek Hough earned the first 10′s of the season. But Len cautioned that he was ambivalent about her jive.
After tonight’s show, who should be sent home? My vote is for Kate to get back to her eight. Buzz may not be a strong dancer, but he adds a spark of personality.
Today at WOW!s daily blog, The Muffin, I talk about whether writers should specialize. I even offer a few tips for “experts” and writers who don’t want to be tied to one topic.
