Memories of Michael Jackson differ between Gen X and Y

The article I co-wrote about how Michael Jackson will be remembered by younger generations is now online. You can read it here. How will you remember him? As the entertainer or the eccentric? Some of my friends and I were talking about how he was the true definition of a celebrity. That's what he lived day in and day out—being a celebrity. I think that's an accurate description. 

I also found some interesting articles by Maureen Orth, a writer for Vanity Fair. Orth covered MJ's court appearances over the past 15 years. You can read her chronicled articles here.

(photo via VF)

Asuka, Jonathan depart SYTYCD

I can't say I'm surprised with the departure of Asuka and Jonathan from SYTYCD. Neither had impressed me much from the beginning of the show. As I wrote in a previous post, there are only a handful of dancers that I'm really rooting for. The rest can go home. To read a recap of last night's elimination show, click here.

The group dance was crazy! The water? It definitely reminded me of "Flashdance." Did you see Caitlin's solo? Gorgeous!

Michael Jackson's death

People from around the world are reacting in different ways to the death of Michael Jackson. He died on Thursday in California at the age of 50. I always enjoyed Jackson's music and I know I will for the rest of my life. He revolutionized pop music, and though he was a bit strange while I was alive, his music will live forever. Watching TV specials, reading articles and seeing the various reactions makes me think of the death of Elvis, and how much of a music legend Jackson is.

I just finished an article about what he meant to younger generations, you can read it here.

RIP MJ, 1958-2009. I will continue to blast your hits. He he.

(photo via EW.com)

SYTYCD Top 16

The Top 16 weren't as sweet as I was hoping they would be. Maybe it's something about chemistry, maybe not, but there were only a few dances I actually enjoyed last night.

With a return to partner choreography for the first time this season (as I hoped would happen), Mia Michaels created the best dance of the night—the "butt" dance for Randi and Evan. The dance was very creative and playful, but would not have worked without the confidence Randi and Evan have in each other—a chemistry that lacks in many of the other couples.

Melissa and Ade were absolutely gorgeous in their rumba. I loved it. My favorite girl of the Season 5, Kayla, was paired with Kupono for the first time this week, and honestly, my heart dropped when I heard they were going to be performing a waltz. I have this theory that America doesn't like waltzes because they are so slow, and because these two were in the bottom last week, I got suddenly nervous that this dance would place them in the bottom again. However, their dance was like a dream. It was beautiful and it made me wish I could dance like that with someone. Nigel said no one would stand up and cheer to it, but I was cheering on the inside after seeing it.

Janette and Brandon were great too in their Dave Scott hip-hop. All of the other couples could go home tonight and I wouldn't care.

For more commentary on the Top 16, check out the EW.com recap here, which actually has several of the same opinions as I did, and the Watch with Kristin recap here. Videos (as long as they're working) are below:

Larry David on last night's Daily Show

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SYTYCD Top 18 group dance

I found the video of the Mia Michaels-choreographed group dance. Was anyone else surprised it was her choreography? I thought it more resembled Wade Robson's style, but I enjoyed it very much. I really hope she is choreographing a partner dance this week. 

SYTYCD bottom six solos

Having not watched the SYTYCD elimination show on Thursday, I checked out the solos today to see if Ashley and Max really deserved to go home. Based on the rest of the bottom six, I would say these two were the right choice. I cannot believe that none of the dancers repeated in the bottom six this week (I won't name the two in particular that I was hoping would be in the bottom, and perhaps sent home). With all new dancers in the bottom six, a pair of more-deserving dancers, unfortunately, had to be cut. As much as I hate the thought of Kayla being in danger, it is such a joy to see her dance her solo. She is such a beautiful dancer, I don't think the judges will send her home unless she is a continuous repeat in the bottom. As we move into the Top 16 this week, Kupono and Kayla will be paired. Hopefully they'll get something that showcases both their talents.