Awesome

These were the only words in the finale I found where she even referenced her roots: "With this freestyle, I get to incorporate my culture. So we are starting with Latin dances with some Paso, Tango vibes. And then, once that beat drops, I think you're going to see one the most hype freestyle dances you've seen on DWTS". I have to come to Xochitl's defense on this. As a Latina woman myself, I looved that she said that and cannot begrudge her for it. Since when should someone not discuss their heritage and lived experience and want to honor that? That's the choice she and Val made because it's close to her heart. Also, does the fact that Laurie won 7 years ago mean that no other Latina can highlight their heritage for a long time? And I did not even prefer Laurie in her season, I wanted James Hinchcliffe to win.

Um... anyone with common sense would have done a better job than those morons. Not a knock on Dateline, they really did a great job. Kudos to all of them. But Leah and her crew? Morons.

You take that back right now! Just kidding, I don't care since I won't pay to watch.

Pun intended? 😄

Should be required viewing for some lawmakers. I'm looking at you, Virginia.

Aww, poor widdle Vanessa Espinoza! Life is so hard for her! People think she's a horrible person! https://www.facebook.com/soldbyvanessaanderic Saw only two of her posts, but they come across as "don't judge me, I did not steal money". I have no idea whether or not she did, but at the very least she failed in her responsibilities to help these kids. It sounds to me like she treated them in a callous way. "Google it"? Does she have any clue about adverse childhood experiences or trauma informed care? A person in her (previous) position should. She makes sure to point out she was not fired from that job. Well, she should have been, in my opinion.

Thank you for the reply, I am sending best wishes your way for more strength for your days.

How so? Just curious.

Having been a fan of the original Broadway show, which I saw three times, I liked this well enough but still prefer the stage production/soundtrack. This felt a little slow for what I am used to listening to. Maybe they were trying to enunciate to be understood. But the pace of the songs felt a little... boring. Loved: Anthony Ramos as Usnavi, even from the moment his walk to work is timed to the music beats/clave. Sonny's quips to Usnavi, complete with facial expressions. The big production numbers, like the salon, the pool, the club. Nina and Benny on the side of the building. Nina's "Breathe" including childhood memories. I will never not love that song, especially the Spanish chorus. And a million bonus points to HBO for including a "Spanish" version, which is really "Spanglish". Some words/phrases just don't translate as well, so I was fine with them leaving some English in there. Piragua guy and Mr. Softee. That is all I need to say. Least liked: Unpopular opinion alert: I loved Andrea Burns as Daniela. And this is going to sound really mean, but whoever this new actress is, she went waaay overboard with the plastic surgery. My husband mentioned something about the joker, and that is all I saw after that comment. It was distracting. And her voice was just not as good as the og--for me it was at its worst in "Carnaval del barrio". Too breathy in certain spots, almost like if she was trying to sound like Marilyn Monroe. Ok, end of rant. Other than that, I really liked it.

Way late to the party here Maybe not. But the character did admit to voting for one-or at least someone who started a campaign based on intolerance and then refused to denounce them as the most powerful man in the world. "When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time". Maya Angelou

He was such a light. RIP.

GOOD. That was a very avoidable tragedy.

Off to google Martha Stewart fitted sheets.