Dancing with the Stars...

[redbird]

And now my 2 cents worth............

Maxs is too big for his britches. He is just too full of himself, just as Cheryl is now too. At least with Cheryl, she knows enough to keep her mouth shut - at least I've never seen any outburst from her in any show that I've watched. And Maxs obviously feels threatened by Derek. Slamming another dancer in any way, is totally uncalled for.

As for the judges - well - they're just judging! For me - half the fun of the show, is waiting to see what's going to come out of Len or Bruno's mouth next. Simon Cowell had it all over them.

I have never ever liked Cheryl, she thinks she is 'all that'. She's a good dancer but so are the rest of the pro's but she thinks she's better, I don't. I always hope she goes off early and I don't have any use for any of the Kardashions either.

[pomtzu]

I liked Cheryl up until the past few seasons. She had that pixie-ish personality that I thought was rather cute and charming. Yeah, no disputing that she's a great dancer, but she has just become too "Hollywood" now to suit me, and it's gone to her head.

[finn's mom]

I know I sound like a broken record, but Derek Hough is incredible. His choreography is so far above and beyond everyone else's. I really wish Ricki wouldn't pucker her mouth like she does, but other than that . . . she is fantastic to watch. I wasn't overly excited with any of the other dances, except for the Team Paso routine. THAT was awesome.

Gotta say this . . . Maks and Hope are quite possibly one of the worst pairings I've ever seen on the show. I just feel bad for her. She is not my favorite, anyway, but she just looks miserable with Maks.

[RobiLee]

I know I sound like a broken record, but Derek Hough is incredible. His choreography is so far above and beyond everyone else's. I really wish Ricki wouldn't pucker her mouth like she does, but other than that . . . she is fantastic to watch. I wasn't overly excited with any of the other dances, except for the Team Paso routine. THAT was awesome.

Gotta say this . . . Maks and Hope are quite possibly one of the worst pairings I've ever seen on the show. I just feel bad for her. She is not my favorite, anyway, but she just looks miserable with Maks.

I 100% agree with every statement you just posted.

[finn's mom]

I 100% agree with every statement you just posted.

Hope and Maks seriously seem to bring out the worst in each other. Did you watch the rehearsal package for their group routine? Maks walked out in frustration and Derek immediately went to Hope's side to help her. He's just a class act, all around. I know he has his breaking point, and I've seen him get testy just like everyone else, but overall, he truly seems to just want to help people be their best.

[Grace]

How cool is this

J.R. Martinez Named Rose Parade Grand Marshal

Pasadena - The grand marshal for Pasadena's 123rd Tournament of Roses is a certain crowd pleaser.

Leading the Jan. 2 procession of floats will be J.R. Martinez, the "Dancing With the Stars" contestant, "All My Children" daytime soap opera star and Iraq War veteran seriously burned when his Humvee hit a land mine.

He will also toss the coin before kickoff of the 98th Rose Bowl Game in honor of all wounded military personnel.

The Tournament of Roses Association announcement Tuesday says Martinez is a perfect fit for the "Just Imagine ..." parade theme.

Martinez says he's grateful for the opportunity to share his message of hope and possibility.

Tournament President Rick Jackson says Martinez is an inspiration because of his courage and dedication to helping all Americans facing challenges.

[RobiLee]

How cool is this

Very cool! I love JR. His spirit and personality are amazing. To me he is like a bright shiny star and anyone around him his going to glow. I mean look at Karina. I've always thought she was a beautiful dancer, but her personality seemed a little hard to me. This year with JR she seems a little softer and more fun.

[RobiLee]

Hope and Maks seriously seem to bring out the worst in each other. Did you watch the rehearsal package for their group routine? Maks walked out in frustration and Derek immediately went to Hope's side to help her. He's just a class act, all around. I know he has his breaking point, and I've seen him get testy just like everyone else, but overall, he truly seems to just want to help people be their best.

OMG...don't they, though?? Their relationship seems so volatile(?not sure if that is the right word). I actually thought Maks was a tad bit abusive in that last package. Definitley not a good pairing. I'm not sure but I think I had read somewhere that he actually pushed for her to be his partner. Not sure about that. LOVED the way Derek stepped in there. I do sometimes wonder how much the editing plays in all of this though. I mean, every show wants to have a bad guy. I've never disliked Maks. Always enjoyed watching him dance and he sure as heck isn't hard to look at and I've even giggled at his cocky attitude, but this year his arrogance is a little over the top for me.