Jerry Macchia

So you wanted to meet the wizard
Let me tell you that you've come to the right place
Shall I make you a frog or a lizard?
You should see the strained expression on your face

If the way I come on is frightening
That's the way I felt like coming on today
Have you ever been kissed by lightning?
Let me tell you, that will make you go away
I fly

And the magic of my power takes me higher
To a level where the clouds turn into fire
In the warmness of the fire I feel fine
Just keep your eyes open and the magic you will see

It will whistle on the wind as it emanates from me
It's a strong and true vibration
You can feel it on your skin
So come and take my hand and we will dance upon the wind
Ahh

So you wanted to meet the wizard

Jerry Macchia died yesterday. He was 46 years old. But I will always remember him in his green cape with white stars, singing this song in our production of "The Wiz" in the spring of 1981. We were all kissed by the lightening that was this wonderful good man- he will be missed.

DWTS Season 19 Catching up to in Week Seven

So I was off the grid for a bit, along with Len, and both of us have returned for Week Seven.
(Betsey Johnson/Tony Dovolani and  Jonathan Bennett/Allison Holker were eliminated while I was away) Thank God we have no more "Guest" judges.


Individual Dances:
Tommy Chong and Peta Murgatroyd: Quickstep, “That Old Black Magic” Erin told Tommy he’s the oldest contestant to make it this far on “DWTS.” Peta become weepy with pride. He is on the short list to go home soon. Score: 28

Lea Thompson and Artem Chigvintsev:  Argentine Tango, “Necessary Evil” How can a tango be so BLAH? Lea is tired and it showed. And I think she was scored high for what was presented. Score: 34

Bethany Mota and  Derek Hough:  Paso Doble, “Run Boy Run” Len thinks the actual Paso got lost in the production. I miss Drew Lachey's Paso and cape work. Another case of an undeserved high score, in my opinion. Score: 39

Antonio Sabato Jr.and Cheryl Burke: Viennese waltz, “I Put a Spell on You” I feel like Antonio's shoulders were raised and his frame was off because of it. Score: 27 (and I would love to have heard what Cheryl said when she turned around to see the monster)

Michael Waltrip and Emma Slater: jive, “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” Poor Michael looked lost among the kicks and steps and Emma just dragged him through what was NOT a jive. Len states he’s surprised that Michael made it to Week 7. Julianne calls their dance "a nightmare". Score: 20

Janel Parrish and Valentin Chmerkovskiy: Viennese waltz, “Secrets” I wish there had been a smoother more traditional waltz tied into all the glitz. Score: 31

Alfonso Ribiero and Witney Carson: Rumba, “Ghost” Can I just say that Witney asking if he wanted a snack after accidentally hitting Alfonso's family jewels was my favorite moment of the night! Score: 36

Sadie Robertson and Mark Ballas: Paso Doble, “Come With Me Now” Too much on the theatrics and very little traditional Paso- did Mark not know Len was back this week? Can I say (AGAIN) how much I miss Drew Lachey's Paso?!? Score: 30

On to Team Dance, and of course Derek winning it is a foregone conclusion...

Team Itsy Bitsy: freestyle; “Black Widow” 
Bethany Mota and  Derek Hough 
Janel Parrish and Valentin Chmerkovskiy
Lea Thompson and Artem Chigvintsev
Michael Waltrip and Emma Slater

After the dance they get a 36 from the judges (it was good but I am not sure it was that good) and are all told they are safe- and that all of Team Creepy are in Jeopardy.

Team Creepy: freestyle; “Time Warp”
Alfonso Ribiero and Witney Carson
Sadie Robertson and Mark Ballas
Tommy Chong and Peta Murgatroyd 
Antonio Sabato Jr.and Cheryl Burke 

I do not think it was fair that they were told they were all in Jeopardy before they danced. The other team did not have that same pressure... And 32 seemed low in light of the other team being scored so high...

So the Leader board stood at:
Bethany/Derek: 39 + 36 = 75
Lea/Artem: 34 +36 = 70
Alfonso/Witney: 36 +32 = 68
Janel/Val: 31 +36 = 67
Sadie/Mark: 30 + 32 = 62
Tommy/Peta: 28 + 32 = 60
Antonio/Cheryl: 27 + 32 = 59
Michael/Emma: 20 + 36 = 56 ( the lowest score but Michael is already safe- clearly the whole NASCAR Nation is voting for him to stay)

In Jeopardy:
Tommy and Peta
Antonio and Cheryl

And Antonio goes home...

Martinsville 2014

NASCAR RaceDay remembered the individuals lost by the Hendrick family when a team plane crashed 10 years ago at Martinsville.

Jimmie Johnson was interviewed and talked about how his wife was meant to be on the plane, but didn't go because her mother was ill... That after he won the race they were informed that the plane was missing... the loss...

And on to the race...

It was a crazy day and the upset win went to non-chaser Dale Junior... I think with two red flags and more cautions than I could count the race was full of action. Kevin and Brad had a particularly rough time which is reflected in their finish, as did poor Jimmie...


So our championship contenders are now ranked as follows:

Jeff Gordon  finished            2nd
Ryan Newman  finished       3rd
Joey Logano  finished          5th
Matt Kenseth   finished        6th
Denny Hamlin finished        8th
Carl Edwards finished         20th
Brad Keselowski finished    31st
Kevin Harvick finished        33rd

NASCAR update

So when I left the country, the standing saw our bottom 4 as follows:

Kasey Kahne, -25 points
Brad Keselowski, -39 points

Dale Earnhardt Jr., -42 points

Jimmie Johnson, -44 points

And then we had Charlotte, with Bad Brad acting poorly and annoying Denny and Matt, after which Matt jumped Brad between the trailers for a few licks…

So everyone was likely pretty surprised to see Matt pushing Brad to the checkers Sunday at Talladega. In a must-win situation, Brad made the next round…

Junior and Jimmie- not so much- but both were in the same boat as Brad- they had to win. And they didn't (Jimmie did his best, leading the most laps but no #SE7EN for you, my friend) Kasey just needed to be a little better- he was out by 3 points.

But of our 4 drivers eliminated, I feel the worst for Kyle Busch, who was up better than 20 points going into Talladega. He was caught up in a wreck that ruined his chances.

In other NASCAR news, Terry Labonte, who will soon turn 58, retired after Talladega.

Our remaining Chase drivers are:

	Wins
Brad Keselowski	6
Jeff Gordon	4
Joey Logano	4
Kevin Harvick	3
Carl Edwards	2
Denny Hamlin	1
Matt Kenseth	0
Ryan Newman	0

So now who do I cheer for... Denny, Carl, Matt? All three have come so close and wouldn't it be great....

Ryan Newman, the underdog of the group?

That said, I would not be at all surprised to see the top for winners listed to be the final 4 at Homestead...

May the best man win...

Short stories

So I have written a couple of short stories and they are available on Amazon.

Teamwork : When a lost love is captured, a retired covert operative needs to revisit her old life to bring him home safely.

Shattered  : A love story between a Midwest girl and a Rock Star.

I let my aunt and cousin read them and both said they enjoyed them. If you get the chance, take a look and let me know what you think.

Ireland 2014