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Hooray for Stump! And get ready for new “Dancing”
Hooray for Stump! The 10 year-old Sussex spaniel who won best-in-show at the “Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show” last night was a crowd favorite that prompted squeals and cheers similar to beagle-boy Uno’s victory last year.
USA’s coverage of the two-night canine extravaganza had its moments of glory, but, as usual, the cable net packed the six hours with so many of the same Pedigree commercials you want to boycott the brand forever.
Doggie expert and eloquent analyst David Frei did his usual fine job, paired this year with Westminster first-timer Mary Carillo. Loved her … she was clearly enjoying herself and reacted to some of the weirder looking dogs just like the rest of us.
“So what’s the hair-to-dog ratio on a Pekingese?” she chuckled as last night’s Peke waddled past the cameras.
Of course we watch the Westminster dog show to ooh and aah over the sleek and huge pure-breds, as well as the fluffy-cute toys and terriers. But we also watch for the odd-lookers, the ones with too much skin, too much hair and other humorous traits. We wonder, as Carillo did, what a Pekingese would look like shaved.
Unlike most awards shows, Westminster always finishes on time — and usually in a swirl of woof-woof excitement. Stump didn’t leap up and howl, as Uno did last year, but he carried his crown with dignity and distinction. Big woof.
Another strange bunch of stars heading for “Dancing with the Stars”
ABC announced its cast of hoofers yesterday for the new season that arrives March 9.
Don’t you think pro Julianne Hough and her singer-songwriter boyfriend Chuck Wicks have a bit of an unfair advantage? There are other couples in the mix, but none of them paired with each other.
Jewel and her bull-rider husband Ty Murray have signed on for Season 8, but they will compete against each other. And newly engaged professional dancers Maksim Chmerkovskiy and Karina Smirnoff are in the mix, but not paired together.
Athletes usually have an advantage. This time around we’ll have big ol’ NFL-er Lawrence Taylor and teensy-weensy Olympic gymnast Shawn Johnson. At 17, Shawn will be the youngest “Dancing” competitor ever … and the shortest.
B-list actor/reality stars include Denise Richards, Gilles Marini and Steve-O. And the list includes singers Belinda Carlisle and Lil’ Kim, “Access Hollywood” anchor Nancy O’Dell and computer wizard Steve Wozniak. The latter likely will be the first to go. He seems like stunt casting.
Last and definitely not least is film and TV actor/comedian David Alan Grier (currently on “Chocolate News”), who is my pick for the season’s surprise winner. I just have a feeling he’s going to hit the floor with a flourish and wipe out the competition. Two snaps.
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By austinights@aol.com
February 11, 2009 2:24 PM | Link to this
With Barack Oboring and doghair you've got to think there is something better to watch on TV. I say...Jack is back...24 and Heroes. And, if you haven't been watching Battlestar Galactica on Scifi, then you need to head over and catch up with this great scifi series. Its nothing like the old version. Watch it from the start and you'll be pleasantly surprising. Needing an axe - Knight Rider.