Fort De Soto Becomes Cuba for History Channel

Posted Apr 18, 2007 by Walt Belcher

Updated Apr 18, 2007 at 10:12 AM

  . Fort De Soto Park in Pinellas County became the island nation of Cuba for the filming of The History Channel’s program “First Intervention: The Spanish American War ” debuting May 8 on the network.  Scenes were filmed there in 2005.

Viewers may recognize not only the historic fort but also pristine woodlands, beaches, sand dunes and inlets that make up Mullet Key which is the main island of Fort De Soto Park. Just by coincidence the Pinellas County Parks department was performing a prescribed burn to dry underbrush on Mullet Key during the filming, which the filmmakers used to add to the realism of the program.

Even though the film has nothing to do with football, it was produced by NFL Films.

“First Intervention looks like a $10-million movie, but the actual budget was much less,” said Film Commissioner Jennifer Parramore. “We were able to help NFL Films (the production company) with short-cuts and volunteer interns to successfully create a beautiful and believable story.”

  NFL Films hired actors to recreate the 1898 conflict with Spain (fought in Cuba). The war that made Teddy Roosevelt famous lasted only 10 weeks.  It started following the mysterious sinking of the USS Maine.  A section of Fort De Soto park was turned into a period military camp that was authentic in every detail from the tents to the soldier’s canteens.

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Dancing with the Stars: The Results—- 04.17.07

Posted Apr 18, 2007 by Chris Kuhn

Updated Apr 18, 2007 at 05:59 AM

The evening starts with a recap of last night’s ballroom action but tonight is about results on Dancing with the Stars: The Results (ABC/Tuesdays). Oh, and it’s about lots and lots of performances to kill the remaining 55 minutes of the show.

Olympic speedskater Apolo Ohno and partner extraordinaire Julianne Houghs did a samba that stole the show last night, so not surprisingly, the judges request an encore and it is absolutely dazzling once again. Len is a bit off most of the time but last time, he was right on the money. This dance has everything going for it – the music, choreography and their interpretation. Everything just works together beautifully.

After a popping swing performance from the show’s talented dance partners, we get to hear what last night’s studio audience thought about the dancers. They agreed with me about the best and the worst, one even calling retired hoops giant Clyde Drexler “Frankenstein” on the dancefloor. But it’s time to find out a few couples who are safe and we learn that boxer Laila Ali and partner Maks and actor John Ratzenberger and Edyta are safe! Wow…I really thought John was vulnerable, but I’m happy about that…as long as Clyde or Billy Ray go home. If anyone else does, it will not be right.

With a few exceptions this season (like Josh Brogan…sigh), I usually dread the live performances on results night, often fast-forwarding right through them. Tonight, however, I can’t wait to see former Dancing competitor, actress Lisa Rinna do a number from “Chicago” as she’s pegged to be the next Roxy opposite hubby, actor Harry Hamlin in her Broadway debut. She does a nice job. Agreed, she’s not the best singer in the world, but she has an energy and natural sultriness about her that seems well-suited for the role and she’s a wonderful dancer. She was great during her season, awesome on the tour and now is tackling new turf. Good for her!

Sometimes funnyman Jimmy Kimmel and his partner in drag, security guard Guillermo are going to show us the basics of swing. But in a disturbing fall-out, Jimmy is abandoned by his best gal – er, dude – who runs into the arms of singer Joey Fatone in the ladies room, also still reeling from last night’s comments about being too feminine. It’s hilarious and clearly the highlight of tonight’s results show. Now, if only Clyde would go home – that would truly make the evening complete.

Remember Macy Gray? Yeah, I didn’t know what happened to her either, but she’s trying to sell records in of all places the ballroom. The song’s not bad (has a bit of a Diana Ross 70s or Bee Gees vibe a la How Can You Mend a Broken Heart?) But as usual, I want to clear my throat the whole time I’m listening to her sing. We get a behind-the-scenes look at the hair and makeup process (yawn) but it’s time for the point of tonight’s show – results. So, let’s see some. We learn that Apolo and Julianne are coming back next week, as are Joey and Kim. Hurrah! All three of my favorite couples are in the clear, and even my sentimental favorite John, so I really don’t care now.

The stars get their shot at hammering the judges. When the celebs go before the judges, Actor Ian Ziering feels like he just ate a bug. Joey channels his deer in headlights. Laila feels like it’s out of her hands. Charity fundraiser Heather Mills is amused when the judges bicker with each other. John wants constructive criticism. Apolo wants to reply back to them. Singer Billy Ray Cyrus knows the judges are simply communicating to the stars what they want to see. Clyde just thinks they stink. But let’s see who America and the judges think stink with more results. We learn that Clyde and partner Elena are in the bottom two, but Ian and Cheryl are safe. And Billy Ray and Karina are moving on but Heather and Jonathan are under the red lights tonight. Wow, Heather is by far a better dancer than Clyde. If he doesn’t go home, this will be a really bad call on the voters’ part.

It’s time for the bad news (or good news for us, if it’s Clyde) and hapless host Tom Bergeron makes the big announcement…it’s Clyde Drexler. Whew! That was a close one.

What did you think of the results? I certainly wasn’t surprised. He was by far the least impressive but he left graciously and the best part of all – we won’t have to watch his gawky, gangly moves anymore.

Next week, the couples will do their first group dance as the competition narrows down to seven celebs seeking that cheesy, sparkly disco ball trophy. Stay tuned…

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American Idol—- 04.17.07 (aka Goin’ Up The Country)

Posted Apr 17, 2007 by Chris Kuhn

Updated Apr 17, 2007 at 08:04 PM

This week, we’re going country on American Idol (FOX/Tuesdays) and crooner Martina McBride offers her words of wisdom to the singers. Hopefully, her words to Sanjaya are go home.

I’ll be blogging away and offering my take on the performances as I watch and of course, ragging on the judges (and why not?!). But don’t forget to share your thoughts here or at the American Idol Forum. That’s what this Idol Talk is all about.

So let’s get the wagon wheels rolling…

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Phil Stacey
”Where The Blacktop Ends”

I Say – He sounds surprisingly at home doing country. I wouldn’t have guessed it. And we all know country music is pretty accepting of bald male singers, right, Mr. Chesney? I still think he’s vulnerable but he at least he did what he can to stay in the game. Not bad, Phil.

Randy – Tells him he could have a career in country music.
Paula – Says she loved him from the beginning of the song and throughout.
Simon –  Tells him he loved the song choice, style of music and that he saw some personality.
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Jordin Sparks
”Broken Wing”

I Say – What a brave lady, crooning away a Martina McBride-sung tune. She starts out a little nervous but I can tell that she’ll hammer it as it builds, and I’m not disappointed. She sounds wonderful as always. I’m not sure if country is the best genre for her but I’m convinced she’s the only singer in the bunch who can sing anything. As usual, she’ll be getting all of my votes tonight.  Goosebumps, once again, for me. She is the best. Period.

Randy –  Says it was another great performance and she blows him away.
Paula –  Calls it a fantastic job and loves how she told the story.
Simon – Tells her it was the first time since he met her that he believes she could win American Idol (where were you earlier, Simon?)
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Sanjaya Malakar
”Something To Talk About”

I Say – Last time I checked, Bonnie Raitt was regarded as blues not country, but whatever. Sanjaya offers his usual bland take on a hip song. Yep, it’s lost its entire cool factor. And what’s with the doo-rag? He looks like Rhoda Morgenstern. Actually, now that I think of it, Valerie Harper would probably do a better rendition of this number. Please, somebody put us out of our misery and get this kid outta here.

Randy –  Calls it really bad karoake.
Paula –  She tells him he loves adversity (and I think she means controversy).
Simon –  Tells him it’s horrendous and that it was as bad as anything from the auditions.
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LaKisha Jones
“Jesus Take The Wheel”

I Say – Martina may love her voice but I don’t. I think it’s a bit pitchy and her tone doesn’t suit the song. She sounds sing-songy and breathy, not really keeping up with the tune. When she gets to the hardest part to sing – the high notes – she’s doomed. “Jesus, take the mike, take it from her hand.” It’s just bad and she should be in the bottom three with Sanjaya and there’s still room for one more. Anyone? Anyone?

Randy – Tells her it had some pitch problems (gee, you think?)
Paula – Agrees with Randy and says she was shouting.
Simon – Compares it to eating a hamburger for breakfast – it just didn’t go together.
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Chris Richardson
”Mayberry”

I Say – Opie, is that you? Man, I wish it were. It starts out rocky and I really like this kid and want him to do well. But ewww.  He gets better as he gets going. He does have a nice tone but I really do not like this song. I think he should have gone with Keith Urban rather than Rascal Flatts. Maybe “Memories of Us.” Can you imagine Justin Timberlake singing “Thank God, I’m a Country Boy?” Me neither, and there you have it. Chris, you are in bad shape tonight.

Randy –  Tells him he didn’t feel any connection or emotion.
Paula –  Says the joy and the love of being on stage didn’t come through tonight.
Simon –  Calls it a very non-descript, nasal, tinny vocal that made no impact.
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Melinda Doolittle
”Trouble Is A Woman”

I Say – I’ve never heard of this song and neither has Martina McBride (gulp – that would worry me, if I were Melinda). She seems like a different person up there this week and it’s not just the hair. There’s an attitude, a confidence that she’s sending tonight that is refreshing after all of these weeks of shy, meek Melinda. I think the judges will love it and she definitely is one of the two strongest performances tonight, along with Jordin. Now accept the compliments and stop shrugging them off. Lift your head up and be gracious.

Randy –  Calls her their resident pro.
Paula –  Says she liked it, I think (her feedback gets more and more forgettable every week)
Simon –  Asks her to lose the surprise when he complliments her and tells her she was fantastic.
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Blake Lewis
”When The Stars Go Blue”

I Say –  I’m glad that he doesn’t try to do this song country. This is the style he needs to stick with – Keane, Snow Patrol, maybe even a little Deathcab for Cutie. There’s no reggae riffs or beatboxing, just a soft, sweet sound and he’s doing a nice job. I don’t love the song, but I think his rendition is true to his own style. I still believe that he, Melinda and Jordin would make a nice final three. I don’t like him but I think he’s marketable and deserves to be in the finals.

Randy –  Loves that he knows who he is and stays true to that.
Paula –  Says it was a great song for him.
Simon –  Tells him he didn’t jump out of his chair but that it was okay
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What did you think of tonight’s performances? For me, it’s an easy choice. Jordin was the best and Melinda, second-best but I can understand Melinda fans staking claim that her solid rendition was tops. I was surprised by how well Phil did in the country genre and proud of Blake for not trying to be a country singer, which he isn’t. But LaKisha, Chris and Sanjaya—- you should be tomorrow night’s bottom three.

Tomorrow night, one of these young singers will be sent packing. Stay tuned…

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Dancing with the Stars—- 04.16.07 (aka Goin’ Latin)

Posted Apr 17, 2007 by Chris Kuhn

Updated Apr 18, 2007 at 06:00 AM

It’s time for more whirling and twirling in the ballroom on Dancing with the Stars (ABC/Mondays). I can’t believe we’re already halfway through the competition and only two female celebs are left in the competition. We get a sizzling sneak peek of the samba and a romantic recap of the rumba. I can’t wait. These are two of my favorite dances.

Goofy host Tom Bergeron announces that already they’ve had a technical error with incorrect phone numbers listed. Great way to start!

As usual, I’ll be blogging as I watch and speaking my mind. We’ll laugh together about the judges’ inane comments and gab about the delicious moves on the dancefloor and some of the not so tasty ones, too. So be sure to share with me what you think, too, okay?

Let’s get to the dancing…
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Ian Ziering & partner Cheryl Burke
Samba

The actor is still reeling from last week’s feedback that he was a bit stiff on the dance floor. This week, he’s not happy with the girly moves he must make and he lets partner Cheryl know this. He gets really mouthy, and she’s not amused. In her usual polite way, she makes the message clear. Just shut up and dance. (My sentiments exactly.)

I Say:
Yeah, that’s right. He’s doing the girlie moves but they’re doing a nice job capturing the mood of this dance. I still am not a fan of Ian. He feels very forced on the floor, like he’s desperate to win. I don’t get any pleasure watching him move, not as I do Laila Ali or Joey Fatone. He just tries to hard and I sense that. I think the judges will like it though. I give them a 7.

The Judges Say:
Len –  Says he wants them to get to the next level but calls tonight competent.
Bruno –  Tells him he went for it like a power tool.
Carrie –  Wants him to stop underestimating himself and be more confident.

Scores:
24 (8 across the board)

The Last Word:
I came close to giving them an 8 too for effort and for Cheryl. But Ian caused the 1 point deduction.
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Clyde Drexler & partner Elena Grinenko
Rumba

The former NBA hoopster was slammed last week for not practicing enough. So this week we get to watch Clyde travel to China and not do too much practice. I expect we’ll see the usual lackluster delivery from the tall one.

I Say:
Well, at least the song is good - Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Goin’ On.” He barely moves and Elena does all of the work. He walks across the dance floor and does little else than spin her and do multiple side-straddles. Whoopie. It’s absolutely forgettable. Clyde, you need to go home. I give them a 3.

The Judges Say:
Bruno –  Call it a rumba on an anaesthetic.
Carrie –  Tells him he’s the worst dancer in the competition.
Len –  Says he thought it was better than the other two but that he could tell he came out and tried. (I think Len is afraid Clyde might fall on him and crush him.)

Scores:
14 (Carrie and Bruno – 4, Len – 5)

The Last Word:
They were kind. Very kind.
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Heather Mills & partner Jonathan Roberts
Samba

The charity fundraiser loves the Latin dances and she can’t wait to do it. But the bigger issue is partner Jonathan’s grizzly bear chest hair. She makes him wax it off so he can show off his smooth chest during their performance. It’s sad that this is the only footage they have to show us of their practice. We don’t see one second of their rehearsals. Bummer.

I Say:
The dance starts out a bit schmaltzy with way too much emphasis on Jonathan’s pecs. This performance is a bit wooden (excuse the pun) and she’s not quite flexible enough to make the turns and even falls on her bum at the end. It’s good but not great. I give them a 7.

The Judges Say:
Carrie – Says she appreciates what she did but has to take a point off for the fall.
Len – Tells her she sold it and had great hip action. 
Bruno –  Spouts out Studio 54, limbo dancing – this man is simply not coherent but I think he likes it.

Scores:
21 (7 across the board)

The Last Word:
Well, obviously I agree. Everyone has a mediocre performance sometime. This was hers.
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Joey Fatone & partner Kym Johnson
Rumba

The actor and singer feels the pressure of the slow dance after scoring the first 10 of the season last week. Joey’s already making jokes about this serious, slow sultry saunter. If he can stay serious, he should still ace it. Friends Lance Bass and Alfonso Ribeiro show up at the studio to lend support and offer their advice. (Don’t listen to them, Joey. Just keep doing what you’re doing and you’ll be fine.)

I Say:
I absolutely love these two on the dance floor. They bring a fascinating flash and total class to any performance they do. I’m a little bothered by the song choice which is the same tune Sanjaya performed last week. It seems like a totally different Joey, subdued and controlled. It’s a terrific job as always. They get a solid 9 from me.

The Judges Say:
Len –  Calls him “Have A Go, Joe” and tells him he was a little too feminine tonight.
Bruno –  Tells Joey Len has it totally wrong and that it was masculine and strong.
Carrie –  Agrees with Len that it was overperformed and that it looked a bit like a caricature.

Scores:
25 (Carrie and Len – 8, Bruno – 9)

The Last Word:
Once again, the judges prove that they are insane in the membrane.
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John Ratzenberger & partner Edyta Sliwinska
Samba

The actor is ticked off about last week’s comments that he calls sheer taunting. His partner Edyta asks him to bring his drums to inspire him but she’s not knocked out by the kilt he’s wearing. She gets him dressed in traditional Carnivale garb and he’s ready to get inspired by his muse.

I Say:
I want this guy to do well and he keeps up with her pretty well with the fast footwork. He doesn’t have the greatest sense of rhythm to go with these moves but she keeps him in line with her. She’s by far one of the most patient and clever instructors. I give them a 7, if only for Edyta’s washboard abs and John’s endurance.

The Judges Say:
Bruno –  Calls it great fun but tells him messed up the footwork.
Carrie –  Applauds him for something different and having fun on the dancefloor.
Len –  Tells him he captured the mood of Carnivale and looked like he was having a ball.

Scores:
18 (6 across the board)

The Last Word:
Oh, man – throw the guy a bone. Come on, a 21 would have been kinder.
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Laila Ali & partner Maksim Chmerkovskiy
Samba

These are my other favorites and I can’t wait to see how they do. She wants to make this dance as erotic and passionate as possible, so she invites her fiance to see the moves and he is not too happy with the hands on the butt and closeness. I predict an awesome rumba and a return to greatness for this dazzling duo.

I Say:
The fiance must not be around because they’re getting down and dirty with this one. After a few going-through-the-motions spins, they ramp up the energy and glide together in sultry spins and teasing turns. By the end, they’re scorching, the audience loves the sexy moves, and I smell a high score. I give them a fiery red 9.

The Judges Say:
Carrie –  Calls her the comeback kid.
Len –  Tells her it was her best performance yet.
Bruno –  Says Luscious Laila is back smoldering and he needs a shower (at least he didn’t go overboard with the metaphors that time.)

Scores:
28 (Carrie and Bruno – 9, Len – 10)

The Last Word:
Awesome! She is back on top. I love it!
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Apolo Ohno & partner Julianne Hough
Samba

Here you go, my third favorite team. These two are magic in the ballroom and Julianne really pushes the Olympic speedskater to get those samba moves down right. She’s tough and he’s flexible. If he just listens to her and channels his inner tiger, they will make a big impression tonight.

I Say:
She twirls around him dressed in her best leopard and there’s energy and steam coming off the dancefloor. I love it! It’s fun, festive and a real crowd-pleaser. It doesn’t hurt that he can move better and more flexibly than any of the other male celebs in the competition. I predict this will be the encore performance requested tomorrow night if Laila doesn’t get that honor. The moves are fairly comples and he keeps up with her like a champ. I give it a 10!

The Judges Say:
Len – Says the music, choreography and the performance came together. 
Bruno –  Calls them devils and that the nation is stunned.
Carrie –  Tells them it was perfection.

Scores:
30 (10 across the board)

The Last Word:
I actually got goosebumps during the judges’ comments. Man, were they good!
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Billy Ray Cyrus & partner Karina Smirnoff
Rumba

The actor and country singer loves learning about passion from one of the most red-hot dance partners in the game. I don’t know how this girl has so much patience with this nit-wit. It’s going to be a miracle if she pulls it off. I’m not expecting any miracles.

I Say:
The singing is just horrible so I’m a little distracted as the band tries to pull off Tina Turner’s “What’s Love Got to Do with it.” And it doesn’t help that Billy Ray Cyrus is not all that interesting to watch, either. As usual, Karina is sultry on the dancefloor and does her best to sell it but for me, it just doesn’t work because there’s that minor detail of Billy Ray getting in the way. I give them a 6 and just about all of that is for Karina.

The Judges Say:
Bruno –  Says it was a dry rumba and it just didn’t happen for him.
Carrie – Tells him she liked his arms and effort but that it didn’t make it for him.
Len – Calls it a couple having hanky-panky in the back of a chevy and says it lacked romance.

Scores:
17 (Carrie and Len – 6, Bruno – 5)

The Last Word:
Karina looks crushed but frankly, that’s all they deserved for that performance.
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And there you have it…definitely the best in my book tonight were Apolo and Julianne, Laila and Maks, and Joey and Kim. What do you know? All three of my favorite teams. I think Clyde might finally hit the road this week, but I think John is vulnerable, too.
Tomorrow night, we’ll find out who’s checking in their dancing shoes. Stay tuned…

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Fox Pulls “Bones” for Virginia Tech

Posted Apr 17, 2007 by Walt Belcher

Updated Apr 17, 2007 at 09:03 AM

Because of the tragedy at Virginia Tech, Fox has pulled an episode of “Bones” in which a college basketball player is found dead on campus.

The episode which would have aired at 8 p.m. Wednesday has been postponed until later in the season. Fox will air a rerun of the crime/forensics drama

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