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Olympic Trials, ‘House’ and ‘So You Think You Can Dance’

By Michael Barnes | Friday, July 4, 2008, 12:02 PM

Some readers know this: Kip was a competitive swimmer in his youth and still swims most days. So you can bet that we’ve been following the Olympic Trials closely, on the USA network at night, and online during the day. Of course, we’ve cheered the many Austinites who have made the Olympic team, but I reserve some extra good will for Eric Shanteau, the only qualifier whom I’ve interviewed. (I know competitors spend eight hours a day training, but a little social connection doesn’t hurt. And Eric was supporting a good cause: Swim clubs for disadvantaged kids.)

Despite its resolution months ago, the writers strike has only now affected our well-banked TiVo cache. I’m down to no more than two unseen episodes of my favorite shows. I squirreled away the two-part season finale of “House” until this week, and for those who missed the bus accident and its aftermath, I won’t spoil the drama. Suffice it to say that it remains among the best written, directed and performed series — ever. Loveable TV misanthropes abound these days, but Hugh Laurie’s Dr. House is almost literary in his substance.

I’ve resisted “So You Think You Can Dance.” Do we really need another bloated “American Idol”? Especially given the tiny minority of Americans who can actually dance well. But I’ve grown fond of some of this summer’s contestants and I’m learning a lot about styles I’d never really studied closely. The show actually may contribute to an increase in the general dance IQ, which can only help the major fine art with the smallest built-in audience.

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