Fresno's Jason Glover once again found himself in the Bottom 3 on "So You Think You Can Dance," which marks the second week in a row he's had to "dance for his life" on Thursday's live results show. Unlike last week, however, when his solo dance wowed the judges, he got a much more tentative vote of approval from them. He survived, but as he heads into next week's Top 14 show, he's going to have to up his game to stay in the competition.

The two dancers sent home were Jonathan Platero, whose dismal hip-hop routine cemented his fate; and Asuka Kondon, who didn't do well on her solo performance.

For the guys, joining Jonathan and Jason in the Bottom 3 was Vitolio Jeune. For the gals, joining Asuka were Caitlin Kinney (Jason's partner) and Karla Garcia. (Caitlin got the best reviews from the judges.)

When it came to announcing the results, judge Nigel Lythgoe had Jason step forward last. Here's what Nigel told him:

Last week, you really danced well. Your solo this week was full of desperation ... You looked like you were going to deliver seven pirouettes and did one. You have to be fully aware that when you dance for your life in this competition that is what you are doing. That was not strong enough to get you through ... (long pause) ... had you been against better boys. It did tonight. You can sit down."

Poor Jason looked pretty bleak up there as Nigel spoke, and, for a moment, I thought he might break into tears. But he managed to keep himself together.

After the jump: a clip of Caitlin and Jason's solo performances from the night.

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DONALD: Fresno's Jason Glover danced solidly -- but not spectacularly, according to the judges -- in last night's Top 16 competition of "So You Think You Can Dance." I think that what's emerging after three weeks is that Jason is a GREAT dancer and has an infectious stage chemistry when he's performing routines that call for warmth and personality. Where he seems to be falling short, however, is on the acting part of the equation. He's finding it a little difficult to portray characters that are out of his comfort zone -- whether they be a hip hop dude, like he did last week, or last night's Paso Doble number with partner Caitlin Kinney, in which he tried to be all stern and unshaven. (His bare-chested Roman gladiator-style costume was a little over the top; it was like watching a musical version of "Spartacus.") Can you set last night's scene for us, Kathy?

KATHY: Donald, I thought Jason did a pretty good job of portraying strength (I mean, really, with that beautifully chiseled body, he can't look weak). But he seems to have a hard time maintaining the character in his face and holding his posture. Last night's routine, set to the powerful O Fortuna, put the already strong Paso on steroids with big lifts, lots of turns and stomping. It showed, again, Jason's physical strength. But, the dance, along with the intro where the dancers talked about other careers they might be interested in, showed the lack of affection/connection this couple has. I get the feeling Jason isn't too fond of his partner Caitlin. They are both gorgeous people, who don't seem too shy, so they really need to sexy it up. Or, at least, ACT more like they like each other. The lack of chemistry is going to kill them if they make it past this week, especially when you look at the spark between competing couples Vitolio Jeune and Asuka Kondoh (who made people sigh with their genuine affection for each other) and Ade Obayomi and Melissa Sandvig (who are fearless in showing their sex appeal, including with a sizzling rumba last night).

Thomas Friedman is a busy guy, what with writing his New York Times columns (one appears in today's Bee), traveling the world researching major geopolitical issues and producing one best-selling book after another. (His latest is titled "Hot, Flat and Crowded.") But he's finding the time to come to Fresno's Warnors Theater today to give a fundraising lecture for the Fresno Metropolitan Museum. (Tickets are $40, $30 for museum members.) I'm certainly going to be there to listen.

Friedman is a remarkable writer in that he can take complex and murky, often contentious issues and examine them in a way that neither dumbs those issues down nor require you to be an economist or current-affairs expert to understand. In his newest book he discusses global warming, the stunning rise of middle class all over the world and how rapid population growth have converged in a way that could make our planet dangerously unstable.

Tickets are still available by phone (441-1444) or online (fresnomet.org) till 2 p.m., and then at the door after that.