Whine & Cheese

Express Lane: Issue 49

Flight of the Conchords Soar on U.S. Chart - The pseudo-fictional New Zealand folk duo debut at #3 with their debut album... guessing Ashlee Simpson at #4 is not amused. (4/30/08)

China Marks 100 Days Until Start of Beijing Olympics - Yikes!  It's coming up quick! (4/29/08)

Adam hedges on charity donation; James knew gay porn would come out - Finally some news about the two of the biggest "out of the house" stories from 'Big Brother 9.' (4/29/08)

'Idol' Singers Who Sing First May Not Last - Heck, I forget some of the early performances were from the same show... and now statistics show "kicking off" the show is the most frequent "kicked off" slot.  (4/21/08)

Express Lane: Issue 46

Will Fantasia Star in Film of 'The Color Purple' Musical? - Yes, according to Fantasia... who says the movie turned musical to be turned movie musical will get underway once she wraps a new album and tour. (3/7/08)

Mario Lopez Will Be A Chorus Line's Next Zach - This Broadway debut seems kinda of a waste -- particularly in the adorable dimple department -- as the role is described as "mostly-unseen god-like director (heard on mic for most of the show)." (3/4/08)

Phoenix Strip Club: 'Idol' Once Danced Here - Blogosphere rumblings of David Hernandez's 3-year stint as a stripper for "mostly male" clientèle hits the mainstream media today... will be interesting to see how Idol handles this one. (3/4/08)

Pascal and Rapp Will Tour in 'Rent' in 2009 - With the show soon ending its 12 year run on Broadway, the original (and film versions of) Roger & Mark are taking their act out on the road. (2/29/08)

NBC, ABC Tussle Over 'Scrubs' - Wasn't I just thinking the show wouldn't have a SERIES finale due to the writers' strike... now it seems the ratings-challenged show may have another season on a new network. (2/29/08)

Montecito Resort Closes Its Doors - There goes my steady Josh Duhamel fix!  NBC folds on any post-strike episodes for its kitschy "Las Vegas"... the show ends just short of 5 seasons and with a "to be continued" cliffhanger... I guess we'll never know the fate of Danny & Delinda's unborn baby. (2/27/08)

Photo Gives Face to Anne Frank's "one true love" - Definitely have renewed interest in Anne and her diary ahead of our trip to Amsterdam which will very, very likely include a visit to the Franks' house. (2/27/08)

Adam fired for "[causing] tremendous damage to" the United Autism Foundation - The Big Brother 9 contestant finds himself out of a job after telling his fellow hamsters (on Day 1 no less!) that he works with 'retards.' (2/26/08)

Express Lane: Issue 43

Broadway's 'The Color Purple' Will Close Feb. 24 - The show comes to an end after a 2 1/2 year run... guess Fantasia really was a big box office draw. (1/24/08)

Amazing Race 12's Jen and Nate are Still Together - Well, knock me me over with a feather!  After a post-Race break, the two say things have "never been better" (though that's was a pretty low bar). (1/16/08)

Clinton Chooses Dancing Over Singing - Asked by Tyra Banks what reality show she would prefer to compete on, Clinton chooses 'Dancing With the Stars' - now once I know where Obama and Edwards stand on this issue, I think I will finally be able to make up my mind. (1/15/08)

Oprah Winfrey Getting Her Own TV Network - Perhaps ticked that Ellen Replaced Her As Favorite TV Star the Discovery Health channel will become her OWN... OWN as in Oprah Winfrey Network.  Yes, that's the name... not making this stuff up! (1/15/08)

Woman Who Made Hillary Cry Votes Obama - A pretty funny footnote... ok, I'll give you "emotional moment," but frick sake she didn't cry! (1/9/08)

'Big Brother' Returns to Showtime - Wasn't sure 'After Dark' would return for the first non-summer BB edition... sinc the premium channels are hurting for programming like the networks, but the wildly addictive (and unedited) 3 hour nightly block returns to ShoToo. (1/8/08)

Express Lane: Issue 41

Osmonds Headed to Sin City? / Midler Names Show - Donny and Marie rumored to replace Toni Braxton in a multi-yr headliner gig at the Flamingo... while the Divine Miss M dubs her Caesars production "Bette Midler: The Showgirl Must Go On."  (12/6/07)

Will 'Color Purple' Return to the Screen as a Musical? - Oprah confirms that she's thinking about it, and I think it's a pretty good idea...  of course, would love to see Fantasia get the lead. (12/6/07)

Whatever happened to Melinda Doolittle? - Sadly one of the 'Idol' standouts from last season, Mindy Doo, still does not have a record contract... unlike... ummm... Phil Stacey?  Tragic. (12/4/07)

CBS Sets 'Jericho,' 'Big Brother' Returns - I guess CBS doesn't see an end in sight for the writers' strike.  A lot of new show news and  BBro, the summer's guiltiest pleasure, getting an extra edition and a Feb 12th premiere! (12/3/07)

Ballas injured during DWTS finale; Maks says he's "moving on" - Mark rushed to the hospital with a severe shoulder injury (torn labrum?) and Maks sulks that it may be time to pick up his toys and go home. (11/28/07)

DWTS Champ Calls Off Engagement - Helio may have won the mirror ball trophy, but the wedding is off... and I am quite sure the rumors have just begun! (11/28/07)

Maks says unlike Marie, DwtS cast did not "burden people with our personal issues" - Mel B's partner Maks is never one to mince words.  The truth or just sour grapes?  I'll go with a little bit of both. (11/26/07)

Express Lane: Issue 39

Laila Ali Steps in 'Gladiators' Ring - DWTS continues to get folks new jobs!   Last season's female dancing "star" stand-out is set to co-hosts (with Hulk Hogan), NBC's re-introduction of 'American Gladiators.' (11/9/07)

'24' Postpones Season 7 Due to Strike - And we have the first major casualty of the writers' strike!  With only 8 episodes in the can, Jack & Co. latest day has been postponed indefinitely until the show can provides its trademark uninterrupted run of 24 episodes. (11/8/07) 

ITF to investigate suspected poisoning of Tommy Haas before Davis Cup match - The German suspects the Russians of allegedly poisoning his 'dessert or a Latte macchiato' - with doping and match fixing allegations the tennis tour is sounding more like a spy novel everyday. (11/8/07)

Showtime Grows a Fourth Season of 'Weeds' - Though we're still waaay behind on Season 3 (and thinkin' it's not as good as S1 & 2), Mary Louise Parker & Co. will be back for another season (as will its 'partner' show David Duchovny's 'Californication). (11/5/07)

Sabrina Bryan Confirms 'DWTS' Romance - Although it seemed obvious and probably still will not squash folks wanting him to be gay, the Cheetah Girl confirmed that she is dating her dancing partner, Mark Ballas. (11/5/07)

Food Network's Giada Pregnant - Mamma Mia! Congrats to one of my FN faves (and her hubby Todd!) on their upcoming first child due in April... one thing's for sure the kid will eat good! (11/5/07)

HBO Sets Up 'Treatment' Program - Interesting premise and cast for this upcoming HBO series about therapy... but 45 half-hour episodes for 5 nights a week over 9 weeks seems like more than I (and our TiVo) would be able to keep up with.  (10/31/07)

Dovolani Takes on Dancing’s Inaba - Drama on the DWTS set as Carrie Ann Innaaaah-ba allegedly gives Tony the finger after he gives her a rulebook, highlighting what defines a "lift"... while I agree Inaba has been a bit cranky lately, sounds like Tony got what was coming to him. (10/29/07)

Big Brother 8's Eric and Jessica are still together - The show-mance lives on even outside the BB8 house, heck even Danielle & Nick still seemed cozy at the Fox Reality Awards. (10/29/07)

Viva Laughlin's cancellation moves Amazing Race 12's debut up to Nov. 4 - Well, that was a pretty easy prediction I (and many others!) made over a month ago. (10/22/07)

But First! BB8 Style!

This likely does not say a whole lot good about me, but one of things that I have most looked forward to the last couple of  Big Brother seasons is TVGasm's video montage of Julie Chen's trademark phrase "But First!"

I feared that there wouldn't be one this year... but alas, they've have come through again... and it still cracks me up to no end.  They have changed it up a bit and thrown in a surprise or two, including what had to be the guffaw-inducing Chenbot line of the season.

Don't think there's a way to embed the video here... so click the link below:
CLIPGASM: Say Goodbye To BB8.  But First. . .

BB8: Done-Ato

Now I wasn't thrilled with the Final 3 Big Brother 8 options... but things only got worse... let's just say by my Season Pass for ShoToo's Big Brother After Dark was quickly canceled!  How fast?  Well, faster than you can gloatfully shout "we won, we won, we won!!"... there is absolutely no way I can stomach five nights of father-daughter chit-chat or worse still, if they decide to not get along again.

There's no way around it, the Donatos will walk out with a total of $550k on Tuesday night.  Who will get how much is debatable, but I can't imagine that Daniele not taking home the big prize.  Unless the houseguests are masochists, I can't imagine Dick's vicious verbal attacks will win him any votes in the jury house.

And I can't blame them, Dick's behavior was as despicable as any I have seen on reality television.  What CBS aired was only a mere suggestion of how bad it was... the unedited BB: After Dark stuff was unwatchable at times... most recently, Part 1 of the Final ("Bunny Hop") HoH, where Dick mercilessly assaulted Zach for hours (at the time, I didn't know it was a Daniele's suggestion).  And while Jen was no angel, some of the stuff he said to her was downright heinous... pouring ice tea over her head was the nicest thing he could do since it didn't involve him speaking.

Ironically enough, Dick is going to get exactly what he wants... Danielle winning BB8.  He may be a jerk (Fox Reality and former BB-er, Marcellas, says... allegedly...  he's spoken to people who know Dick and they say this is not an act), but he genuinely would rather see her win... he's sacrificed himself before and I don't see the finale being much different...  and heck, a consolation prize of $50k ain't so bad either.

That said, I do give D&D credit for getting to the end.  They are deserving... any folks who get to the end of a reality show deserve to be there, even if they are accused of doing "nothing"... but that certainly isn't the case here... they won competitions and successfully schemed... and as Dick gleefully noted, it is amazing that the two of them made it to the finish line... even more so since the two other "existing relationship" pairs were broken up in the first two weeks of the season.

But I hope CBS and BB aren't feeling too warm and fuzzy about this father-daughter reconciliation.  By making it to th final, if anything, I think it gives them the illusion that everything is "fine."  I am sure there will be a nice honeymoon period, but I really hope they consider getting some counseling with the cash.  Otherwise and somewhat cynically, I can only predict that the line "Well, if it wasn't for me you wouldn't have made it to the Big Brother finals" is uttered by one of them someday.

BB8: The Final 4

After last night's double eviction, we're down to the Final 4 on Big Brother 8... and truthfully, I am not liking my options!   What could have been a blockbuster night ended up being a whimper as lovebirds Jessica and Eric were booted from the house.

Despite the annoying voice, over time I had grown fond of Jessica... and while Eric did start to get on my nerves (the raised eyebrow, not shutting up) he was handed a tough draw having to deal with the whims of America, which he not so eloquently voiced upon his exit. 

What could have made this a night to remember would have been Zach striking of a deal with Eric or Jameka and using the Power of Veto... automatically putting Danielle up on the block and getting her out... all under Daddy Dick's brief HoH reign.  How awesome would that have been?!?  Likewise, I think that move would have got Zach some serious respect from the jury.   But unless we missed some "wink and nudge" to the camera showing that Zach has some "master plan" he's just be a big dupe to the Donatos.

My personal "deserves to win" opinion, as much as I hate to say it, in order, it's Danielle, Dick, Jameka, and Zach.  Danielle has been the master manipulator... wooing the boys and masterfully walking the tightrope of working with and against her father.  While I don't agree with/condone his tactics, Dick did play the game while avoiding a couple of near misses, and engineering most of the evictions.  Jameka and Zach were the proverbial "fly under the radar"  folks.  Jameka survived largely thanks to her non-participation in the HoH competitions, but I give her the edge with her long-term loyalty to her alliance.  My only Jameka fear is the whole "pre-ordained by God" part.  I guess I should give Zach credit for hanging around, but I still think he pretty much fell/lucked into it.   Honestly, I don't think I have any "want to win" picks.

Granted there's still time for things to change, but here's how I see the jury votes right now (minority voters in parentheses):

Danielle vs. Dick -  Danielle wins 7-0
Danielle vs. Jameka - Jameka wins 5-2 (Dick, Zach)
Danielle vs. Zach - Danielle wins 5-2 (Jen, Jameka)
Dick vs. Zach  -  Dick wins 4-3 (Jen, Amber, Jameka)
Dick vs. Jameka - Jameka wins 5-2 (Danielle, Zach)
Jameka vs. Zach -  Jameka wins 5-2 (Danielle, Dick)

I have Jameka winning regardless of her opponent, she being the only person who changes it to something other than a "deserves to win" competition... viewed as the "good" person.  As I said above, and as not one of most well-liked houseguests, Zach needs to make some bold last-minute maneuvers to even have an iota of a chance... but heck, second place wouldn't be too  bad either. 

Friday Free For All

As occasionally happens, seems like there are a lot of little (and unrelated to each other) thoughts... so we'll just go with it.

Labor Day - Which in Arizona is kind of like Groundhog Day... only 6 more weeks of summer!  It usually takes to around mid-October for it not to feel like what most folks think of summertime... and it's been an extra hot one this year, Phoenix broke the record for most days over 110 degrees... 29 days (and counting).  The average is 10 days per year.

Plans - Not a whole lot planned for the holiday weekend, beyond sitting in front of the TV and watching hours (and hours) of tennis.  Let's hope there are more thrills like last night's Blake-Santoro match and less of Sharapova winning matches 6-0, 6-1.  On Monday, we get Lucy the Pug for a few weeks as Todd's parents are headed out for a big road trip of their own. 

Big Brother - Ah, the show will not be as fun without Amber.  Though even I was starting to feeling a tad uncomfortable that the folks behind the scenes were encouraging her (What do mean by "encourage"?)  to do things that would make us laugh at her (and not in a good way).  This also means no more prayers where she God blesses God.   My favorite line about that line was on Fox Reality's Reality Remix...  Kennedy pondering, "Well, what do you say to the Almighty when he sneezes?"   Easily the line of the night was the ChenBot's questioning aloud Eric's romance or "show-mance" with Jessica... "Is America's Player really America's Playa?"  Ah, Jules!

Blogs - It seems like there is a " back to basics" renovation trend on many blogs lately.  I have to admit to not being immune to it.  I am kind of tired of the look of my blog.  However, it took quite a bit to get this "design" to work... so not really wanting to go 100% back to a ready-to-go template, I am sticking with this one.  In the spirit of "simplifying," I have tried to de-clutter the sidebar.  Likewise, I am heavily considering deleting my Kiva blog.  I am thinking I bit off more than I wanted to chew with it.  Now this is pretty typical for me... a big initial burst of activity and interest about something (in this case... the blog, not the organization!) that trickles away.  Which only makes that fact that I will start my 5th year of blogging in a couple of weeks a truly amazing accomplishment.

Tags/Categories - In an act of blog un-simplification, I'm going to use categories more like "tags"... so you'll see things get a lot more specific, though I will try to make sure they have (or will) have more than a handful of mentions.  For example, some of my first new additions are things like:  Dancing With the Stars, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal.   Again, I'm not sure if it matters... but something a little new and different. Apologies in advance to Bloglines and other feed readers if these category changes make my older entries show up new/updated.  On a few posts I changed yesterday, some of them showed up while others did not... so who knows!

Hope everyone has a non-laborious Labor Day weekend!

Express Lane: Issue 34

'Conchords,' 'Entourage' Keep Flying - In the post-Sopranos world, no huge surprise that HBO renews these two critically acclaimed comedy series -- look for more "sometime next year." (8/17/07)

Derek to "Tales" and Chad to "Boyz" - Contestants from NBC's "Grease: You're The One That I Want" continue land some decent theater gigs. (8/16/07)

Casting: 'Housewives' Get New Neighbors - It was only a matter of time before Wisteria Lane had a gay couple, I can vouch for one half of the couple - Tuc Watkins - who is a quite fun actor to watch given his work on the ABC soap 'One Life To Live.' (8/15/07)

Dr. Will: ''I'm the P.T. Barnum of reality TV'' - An EW interview with the delightfully self-loving and original "Evil" of Big Brother... and find out which BB8 houseguest is a Chilltown plant.

Kelly Osbourne to join cast of `Chicago' - Has stunt casting on this show finally gone too far... even if it is for the London production?  But don't worry too much, she's not playing Roxie or Velma... but the admittedly more appropriate Mama Morton. (7/30/07)

Non-elimination legs dropped from Amazing Race 12 - It's going to be a more streamlined (aka shorter) TAR season with a "tough" and "younger" group of contestants.  TAR is NOT on the fall schedule, but will return mid-season (or more likely when a new show tanks). (7/25/07)

BB8: Banners A-Flyin'

Since I am saving up some non-time sensitive material for when we're away (well in my head, it's hasn't been quite typed in yet), it's another Big Brother post today (I'm saving up book posts, honest!).

As mentioned, this season I am doing a self-imposed BB black-out... just watching what's on TV (CBS and ShoToo)... but there has been a slip or two.

After last night's HoH cliffhanger (literally), I admit to tracking down who won HoH.  I won't give it away... but a very minor spoiler... I'm not too happy about it (now you just have to figure out who I like/don't like at this very moment...not so easy of a task!).

But one site I do read regularly is reality blurred... a one-stop shop on all things reality... and this morning's BB piece at a few juicy tidbits: BB8's Jen, Kail consider leaving because of Dick's abuse; Nick evicted.

As predicted, we saw the "ice tea dump" on last night's show, but only a very small part of Dick's nastiness to Jen.  Besides the Bible (or other books of worship), the only other reading material is the BB "rulebook" and both Jen and Kail were researching D.O.R. (yet another BB acronym "Departure on Request").  Needless to say, BB does not look too kindly upon this action.  While there is rarely a season where a houseguest does not consider it, a voluntary exit has yet to occur (one can only imagine the legal document that one has to sign beforehand!).

Another interesting part of this article, was the return of the flying banners.  Apparently, the houseguests were quickly ushered inside earlier in the week when a plane with a message flew over the house... but folks have smartened up... or just got plain (or plane!) lucky... flying one over the house last night during the HoH competition... which conveniently enough was an endurance competition requiring the hamsters to hang upside down (brilliant!)... despite being ordered not to look, many of them read the banner:

"We [heart] Nick!  Amber & Eric are Liars!  LNC = NH.”

First, Nick has fans and I'm in the minority who found him annoying and not that great of a player... though, I will say, he was a man of his word... though I still say, BB is not the bastion of honesty and integrity. BB is not about integrity and honesty.  Next, America is not too fond of Amber (not too much of a surprise), but Eric?!?   The last part translates to "Late Night Crew = Nerd Herd" ... a thought I wrote about last week..

"America's Player" was a primary target of an earlier banner as well: "We see the D.R. Trust Nick. Eric Lies."

So pretty interesting.  While I think the America's Player thing is pretty hokey, I thought it could be a bit problematic as well... and that seems to be the case.  You can't always trust public voting to do the right/strategic thing (i.e., American Idol, presidential elections)... but Eric seems like a likable enough guy, so I am a bit surprised by this banner backlash... which is only further supported by the last couple of "stick out like a sore thumb" eviction votes.

BB8: New Jeneration

Some more random thoughts about what's going on in the Big Brother 8 house this week... once again, my knowledge is limited to the CBS shows and chunks of the ShoToo nightly feeds... so no discussion boards, fansites, or Internet live feeds.

Jen is my new favorite.  What a difference a few weeks make, huh?  I am still trying to figure out if she is genuine jenuine or if it's just an act... I suspect it is somewhere in between, but leaning towards the "real"... a spoiled, but fairly sheltered, rich girl.  Now I'm not saying we would be best buds, but what I love about Jen the most is how she is standing up to Dick.  CBS will likely air the "ice tea incident" on tonight's episode.  Dick crossed the line there, but even more so (and I doubt that this will, or could, air) when he kept plugging away at Jen with some extremely mean-spirited taunts.  Jen's response?  Laughing, smiling, thanking him, and egging him on... it was very cool.  I am a happy camper whenever it looks like steam is about to come out of Dick's ears!  (Sidenote:  I have no idea when the picture to the left was taken, I'm guessing not this week)

I'm done with the Dick-Daniele-Nick drama.  This one just tires me out.  Daniele just needs to do some growing up... and that ain't happening in the BB house.  Any conflict that Daniele finds herself in... eventually she whines that it's just the other person "not understanding" her.  Likewise, I'm tired of Dick telling anyone who will listen (or pretend to listen) that Daniele has the hardest burden of anyone in the house... though even he realizes that she dug her own hole with the Nick situation.  I can't imagine she'll still have her boyfriend when she gets out of the house... but who knows, if Nick goes (which is probably the best thing for her) that "real world" relationship may be salvaged... and Nick is a bit frustrating too... either being a big lug by instantly falling into a reality "romance" or just toying with Daniele's fragile emotions via a show-mance, which would be pretty awful (if I had to put money on it, I would say it's the former... I don't think he can "act").

Jameka'n me crazy!  CBS hasn't given her much airtime, but Jameka is a quite enjoyable "character" on the ShoToo feed.  However, the whole God-Power of Veto and subsequent discussions (add God is gangsta, that’s what I love about him to the pantheon of "greatest lines ever uttered on a reality show") was a bit much.  I just love it when people interpret God's intentions.  Jameka viewed her ping-pong ball being selected in the POV competition as a sign from God to save Jen.  But what if God chose Jameka's ping-pong ball to prevent Jen from winning the POV?  Hmmm...

Watch out for Jessica.  I am starting to see the blond with the annoying voice (which tends to come and go) is playing a pretty good game.  During the whole Jen/Dick tension, she was non-committal but seeming quite supportive to the individual person she happened to be speaking to at the time.  After years of reality shows, the "flying under the radar" strategy still works... guess it's just human nature to give the attention to the "squeaky wheels."

Dustin the wind?  Speaking of not learning reality show lessons, what was Dustin thinking during the veto competition... winning luxury prizes, especially publicly, is never a good thing.   Granted with $5000, he can bring more than just two grey v-neck t-shirts the next time he's on a reality show.  On the plus side, it did make Amber cry... and whenever that happens you can pretty much guarantee I am ROFL.

Well, those are my latest thoughts... now, what would you do for a dollar?

BB8: The New Nerd Herd?

For the last couple of years (ok, probably not All-Stars), I think that I am not going to blog much about the latest Big Brother... but pretty much each year, without fail, it gets under my skin.... and into my head... literally!!  I don't know if I should confess this or not... but pretty much every summer, I have dreams that I am in either the Big Brother house or somehow interacting with these people.  Very strange, I know.

The funny thing is that this year I have cut back on my BB time.  I haven't subscribed to the live feeds, visited discussion boards and other fan sites, or even watched "House Calls" (yet).  The big culprit this year has been the nightly 3-hour ShoToo feed.  Now I don't watch it "live" from Midnight-3am (the feeds are at the fairly lively hours of 9pm-midnight, BB local time), but usually at least part of it the next day.

So yes, I am hooked once again... and this post will likely ramble on... but W&C is very much my water cooler, so if you watch BB I hope you enjoy the post... if not, have a nice weekend!

(Potential Spoilers Ahead... Maybe... I Guess... Probably Not)

Last night on ShoToo (which would make it Wednesday night), I saw signs of the "Nerd Herd" reforming itself.  You may remember the Season 6 Maggie/Ivette/April/etc. self-dubbed "The Friendship" alliance.  They thought they were "good ones" and America's sweethearts... but ultimately, were fairly reviled by viewers.  Right now,  Amber, Dustin, Jameka, and Daniele seem to be headed in this direction. 

Amber is easily the most deluded of the bunch. She was just floored to learn that she was the original first week target.  Amber interpreted being the target meant: (a) she's the nicest person, (b) everyone in the house likes her best (why else would it be a 10-1 vote?!), (c) that she's the most "deserving" of the cash being a single-ish mother.  Amber also vocalized that she thinks she's America's favorite player and expects to win America's Choice prizes.  Yeesh!

In this conversation, Jameka was just shocked (shocked!!) that people would be so selfish as to think that way and target Amber... Argh!   I just hate when people view a reality competition show as charity... or when .. ahem!... playing the game is seen as a negative.  Huh?!?

This new Nerd Herd might be a God Squad.  I thought for a second that the BB ShoToo feed had turned into The Daily Show's "This Week in God" segment.  Amber expressed her happiness of having Jameka in the house... "I feel like God is here, and you're him" Amber said, I kid you not.   

A potential chink in this alliance?  Amber expressing concern over Dustin's alleged non-belief... given all I've gone through in my life, how can you not believe in God... Amber pondered, Jameka nodding in agreement.
   
Continuing on, Amber worried that she had potentially offended Eric by mentioning God in a conversation... since, you know, Eric is Jewish.  Thankfully Jameka had passed Religion 101 and was able to fill Amber in the Jews do believe in God and that it's just the whole Jesus Christ as Savior thing that is the sticking point... oooooooh, Amber responds in a light bulb moment.  Oy Vey!

While that conversation continued on ShoToo, God was elsewhere in da house!.  For some reason, Dick invited Kail up to the HoH room for a pre-eviction chat... why, why, why???  (Kudos to Lynette Rice at EW in this week's EW BB recap calling Dick "a self-righteous bully... behind all that tattooed bluster is an insecure guy who feels incredibly left out when people strategize without him.")

Every single time, he does nothing but ripping Kail a new one... thankfully the former Mrs. Robinson was tired of groveling and played the cool, calm, collected "whatever" card.  My favorite part was when she was telling Dick... I'm fine with whatever happens, it is in God's hands and whatever his plan is for me is fine with me... blah, blah, blah!  Dick looked like he might spontaneously combust... for that alone, the God talk was worth it. 

Re: last night's episode.  I'm not terribly thrilled that Dustin is the new HoH... the group will no doubt get more self-righteous (any bets that Dustin's win will be see as an act of divine intervention?)... but then again, maybe it'll force this group to expose their hand, but I don't see them shaking things up.

Also, should be interesting to see if Eric can deflect being one of the two votes to evict Kail.  America likely thought they were helping their player... Kail was certainly the no-brainer eviction at the time of polling. I'm thinking they shouldn't force Eric to vote what America says... sure, don't give him an "accomplished" check-mark... but not giving him the flexibility to adjust to the whims of the house could make him a target or get him voted out.

Train Wreck TV

A bit of TV rubberneckin' ...that's putting the guilt into guilty pleasure...

First up, Daniele and Dick... the estranged father-daughter and part of this year's "twist" with 3 pairs of "enemies" were brought together in the Big Brother 8 house.  Dick says Daniele hasn't spoken to him for 5 of the last 7 years... a good chunk of Daniele's almost 21 years on the planet.  After just two evictions, D&D are the only of these pairs to still in the house.  I'm not sure this is such a good thing.  Two conversations this week, conveniently -- or not -- timed during ShoToo's three-hour live feed block, were very uncomfortable, but equally as compelling to watch.   

At first, I was thinking (hoping!) the two would work things out.  But the more I see, the less I think that will be the case... particularly being in an environment that is prone (heck, encourages!) mental breakdowns. I think BB might have crossed the line on this one.  The other of this season's "enemies" were pretty weak.  The high school rivals barely had a pulse and while there were some fireworks between the ex-boyfriends, they only had dated for a year.   But at least in those instances... and even the Ex-Factor twist a few years back you were dealing with two adults (at least biologically).

Not the case here... D&D have some serious baggage... Daniele is obviously very hurt and not quite mature enough to vocalize those feelings beyond cries of "you don't understand"... which does little to move the situation forward.  While certainly having good intentions, Dick doesn't quite know how to deal with his daughter either... I almost feel like smacking him through the TV screen when he just won't shut up... and I am guessing his nickname of "Evil" is there for a reason.  I guess we can just hope for the best... but I'm not counting on it...

Now being an adult, doesn't explain Paula Abdul and her Bravo reality series Hey Paula!   C'mon now, you didn't think I wasn't watching this?!! 

Call me silly... naive... or even call me crazy... but I was thinking Paula signed on to this to show she's not bat sh&t crazy!   Well, hold off on that "Mission Accomplished" banner.  Halfway through the last episode, I turned to Todd and said that the show has only increased my opinion that there is something really wrong with her.  Todd thought her behavior was so over-the-top that she had to be playing it up for the cameras.  I "get" that inthe algebra of reality TV "crazy = good"... but I still questioned Paula's motivation... at minimum, it had to be a bit of image repairing, with hopefully a bit of image enhancing along the way.

Ok, there's been some explanation for the incoherence and general mental fragility (at least once an episode she melts into emotional puddle)... Paula doesn't sleep or eat all that much.  This is due to a constant cycle of activity that includes (at the time of filming) obligations to American Idol, hawking jewelry on a home shopping network, charity work, media appearances, etc.  Based on the previews for this week, we'll get some insight into the chronic pain she suffers due to a plane accident several years ago.  I say, Dear Paula... slow down!   Though she can't really do that with her entourage of at least a dozen... with that kind of payroll, she likely can't afford to rest.

Finally, and who would think in this post, it would be CNN that I would not be watching... but has Larry King become (even) more of a bottom-feeder these days?!   I realize, given its nature and network, Larry's show is that very fuzzy line of news-tainment.  One night it's a politician, author, or other valid newsmaker... the next it's Paris or Tammy Faye or Papa Lohan.  Now this might get me into some hot water (especially with Tammy Faye who has apparently been elevated into the patron saint of gay folk), but you start wondering who's worse... the "dealer" providing the TV air time or the "addict" who craves it?!?   Just something to think about...

Weekend Update: Sicko, Borders, and BB8

Instead of rambling on, I will try some brief-ish commentary on a few things from the weekend.

On Saturday night, we caught Michael Moore's latest Sicko (thanks, Scott... and I will just leave it at that... hee hee!).  As always, Moore does a bang-up job, this time on the American health care system, that manages to be (and at times, simultaneously) entertaining, infuriating, funny, heart-breaking, and embarrassing.  I still think Moore is a master manipulator and a tad bit of a sensationalist... but, if you tend to agree with his politics, it is easier to swallow (though this is far less partisan than his past few films).  But whatever you think of Moore, it is clear that our country's health-care system is FUBAR.  I dare any (American) viewer not to have to pick their jaw up off the floor after seeing examples of evil socialized health care systems in other democratic (and even one quite autocratic) nations.

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We "rented" our first movie to our TiVo via Amazon Unbox.  It felt quite like "the future is now" moment, to be able to download a movie right from our TiVo box... and for only 99 cents.  Each weekend (Fri-Sun ony), Unbox gives you 5 of these "special deals"... so for under $1, it seemed worth a try/experiment.  We are curious to see what the picture quality will be... the 2 hour, 10 minute movie (ok, it's Dreamgirls... haha!) takes up less disk space than a 30 minute program in HD.... so this has us slightly concerned, especially since we have officially turned into HD snobs (official word is that it is better than "Best" TiVo quality).  Why haven't we checked it out?  In a Big-Brother-ish way, rentals are deleted off your TiVo after 30 days or 24 hours after you start watching... whichever comes first... so since we decided on Sicko this weekend, we'll catch this one some other time.

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On Saturday, we were also stereotypical gay Democrats... a trip to Borders to pick up a couple of new book.  Even though I have four recently purchased books sitting on my shelf, I had to finally get the latest Armistead Maupin book, Micheal Tolliver Lives... and Todd picked up Al Gore's The Assault on Reason.  Even at lunchtime ("the morning after"), the store was still in a Harry Potter frenzy.  I was the only person in the checkout line who did not have a Harry Potter book (and nearly everyone walking around the store seemed to have a copy in hand as well).  I asked the cashier if I would be able to leave the store without a Potter book... she laughed and said she wasn't sure about that...

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Finally, Big Brother 8!  I am having some movement in my unofficial favorite houseguest list.  Dick is on the slide for me.  As often happens, a player gets HoH and their head swells beyond recognition.  We watched some of the ShoToo BB After Dark  show this weekend, and Dick pretty much thinks he's the best player ever to be in the BB house.  We lapsed into a coma listening to Dick drone on to Kail telling her all the ways she's messed up... which granted she did... but shut the f&ck up already... and I don't know why they even talking to each other since Dick would tell Kail approximately every 10 minutes that she was not going to be in the house next week. 

I still like Eric, but his America's Choice shtick with the raised eyebrow and the rubbing hands in preparation  "okay, America!" is getting old... fast!  Though I realize, he is probably coached by BB to address the camera in that manner.

Jen is on the rise.  Now, I still don't like her... but I do recognize her entertainment value.  Her line last night over "being bad about feeling bad" for the folks on slop was classic.  She's no Janelle, but there is some of that sass that makes her preferable to some of those personality-challenged hamsters.

Oh, we finally had a Showtime moment. BB After Dark promises us uncensored feeds... it usually doesn't take long for the F-bombs to start dropping... but we saw our first case of "real" nudity... i.e. something other than Jen almost wearing her bikini.  We're innocently watching Kail, Mike, and Jen talking around the hot tub... when suddenly there's a full-monty frontal shot of Amber drying off in the HoH bathroom.  The nudity wasn't the shock per se... it was just the sudden camera switch and that we had yet to see Amber (bathing or otherwise) prior to that on this session of the televised feeds... and it really was a very quick flash as she wrapped a towel around herself... but they caught it and we got to see everything... and let's just say it appears Amber maintains her nether regions pretty darn well.  I'm guessing most of the camera people (and decision-making feed producers) are men... so I have my doubts we'd ever see equal treatment when it comes to the guys... but who knows!

BB8: Separated At Birth

I have done this in the past... and thought it would be fun to try to come up with some celebrity "separated at birth" pix for current crop of hamsters on Big Brother 8.  I haven't been reading any of the boards, so these are pretty much my own ideas... and I realize that many of them are insulting to the celebrity counterpart.

Carol & America Ferrera

Dick & Tommy Lee

Eric & Jerry Seinfeld

Mike & Andy Roddick (esp. w/ the fake big arms)... Jeff offers up Mike & A Young(er) Harry Hamlin and I do say, I have to agree with that as well!

Nick & Brady Quinn (with non-fake arms)

Dustin & Jude Law

Jen & Cher (circa 1974)

Again, I know some of these are not terribly flattering to the celebrity... any better ones that you can think of... and how about the houseguests I missed... Amber, Daniele, Jameka, Jessica, Joe, Kail, and Zach? 

BB8: Jen-uinely Annoying

Tonight is the first eviction on Big Brother 8... can't say any personal favorites have emerged quite yet, but there are few gals I wouldn't mind meeting the Chenbot sooner rather than later.

Disclosure on my viewing... just the couple of episodes that have aired thus far on CBS and some of the ShoToo's nightly 3-hour block of the live feed.  I have yet to sit through the entire 3 hours... sometimes I think I've been watching for an hour an hour and it ends up being just 20 minutes!  Great having it on TiVo, skipping through the silence or too much rambling (Joe [cough, cough]).  The Showtime addition has been nice... but it's more than enough hamster time for me, so I am not even considering getting the live Internet feed.

Ok, onto my annoying trio!

#1 - Amber

One of our first nominees for eviction... but, going on absolutely no inside information (the house seemed split the last I saw/hear), I am guessing Carol will go home tonight.  Primarily there are two things that annoy me about Amber. 

First, she was upset (see above) about being nominated by Kail, my "first impression" annoying houseguest.  Amber felt that for the sole reason of popping out a baby, she should have been given a free pass from the only other Mom in the house... after all, Amber is doing this for her family... which leads me to two of my reality tv pet peeves..  a) reality tv is not a charity and b) don't cry about your kid(s) when you voluntarily left them behind for months to appear on a reality show.

Next, was last episode's talking aloud monologue to God asking for the strength to continue on... and, oh not to get evicted.   Amber seems to believe God is on her side and will do the right thing and keep her in the house... or something like that, I was too busy retrieving my jaw off the floor when people seem to believe they have the undivided attention of the Almighty.  I would also like to put a word in... now, only after securing Amber's place in the Big Brother house for another week, that God gives just a little attention to the genocide in Darfur.  Thanks in advance!

# 2 - Jessica

Still have some lingering annoyance that Jessica is in the house only because of a high-school spat with Carol over a $5 unpaid loan ... and that has only been exacerbated with Jess not budging a centimeter on that issue.  They may just not be showing it (or I'm missing it), but Carol seems to have let it go... granted she still wants Jessica to go... but who can blame her for that!   I thought former-BB houseguest Holly had an annoying voice, but Jessica is giving even her a run for the money.   The pitch is pretty ear-splitting... but do people really talk like this intonation-wise... or is just a unfortunate consequence of living in a post-Paris Hilton world!?!

If that's not enough for you, her BB bio lists "jump on trampoline" as one of her favorite outdoor activities... oy!

#3 - Jen

If you are watching BB8, you know it is sadistic and with great glee that I post the above picture.  In just the second episode of the season, Jen had a classic reality show meltdown (or else she's just smart and knows what will give her screen time)... all over her official BB picture in the house... apparently she never takes a bad picture... well, except this one time.  Here is what the beauty normally looks like and her attempts to deal with the picture:

If delusions of gorgeousness isn't enough... there's her custom-made t-shirt collection (Jenth Degree, I Am A Jenius) that provided the inspiration for the title of this post... however, that's when she is wearing clothes!   One thing that you probably won't see in its entirety on CBS (but on ShoToo and the live feeds) is Jen's ass... she wears the tiniest of bikinis, particularly the bottoms.  She bends over and I pretty much know what it's like to be an OBGYN for a split second.

Oh, thanks to YouTube I guess I should just go ahead and post the Jen meltdown... though hat tip to DeAnn/TV Goddess via OregonLive.com for being the place I saw it first.

So my fellow BB fans... anyone else you lovin' to hate... or hatin' to love?!

Big Brother 8

Couldn't let the day go by without a few words about the debut of one of the "featured" shows here at W&C... Big Brother 8 is on... hard to believe it's Year 8... it makes me feel pretty old to think that some of this year's hamsters were not even in high school when that first season aired.

So here are our hamsters for the summer...

I am guessing the season can't be too bad when the first episode introduces us to a guy who refers to himself as Evil Dick (one hopes that BB make the Chenbot say "evil Dick" over and over again!) and another wasting no time shouting out that they allegedly got gonorrhea from someone they were only assuming was coming into the house.  How funny would it have been if the ex-boyfriend didn't show up?   But alas huge-nippled Joe's own version of Evil Dick, Dustin did walk into the room... and I suspect any hope of shattering gay stereotypes this summer took several steps back.

... while the first Head of Household Kail doesn't have an "enemy" in the house, I suspect being trapped with two catty gay guys is just as bad.  I tried to reserve judgment re: Kail during her "intro" piece where she was just in a quandary of which of her bibles to bring along... but BB made sure to let us know she was the resident conservative bigot of the season when she mentioned she would be heartbroken if one of her kids ended up being gay (or something to that effect).  Maybe she'll learn and grow, but with Unambiguously Gay Duo as her mentors I am not sure that will be the case.

As for the other "enemies," I sense Evil Dick and Evil Dick's Daughter (Daniele) might be able to work things out... and I am really hoping that there's more to the Carol & Jessica feud than a default on a $5 at 14 years of age.

There seems to be the usual eye candy regardless of what gender turns you on... ex-footballer Nick seems to be the obvious stud of the season, but he's a bit too bulky for my taste... so I'm thinking Mike is man this season.

The "America's Player" twist should be interesting, but we'll have to wait until Sunday to see how it all works. Thankfully Eric seems like a likable enough guy to support... now we'll just see how much America screws with him.

Will be checking out the ShoToo's BB After Dark show later today, though I can't imagine keeping up with 3 hours day worth of that... but there's always the fast-forward button.

I guess that's it for now... anyone else watching summer's guiltiest pleasure?! 

Journey's End

Just a mixed bag of TV stuff from over the weekend... including a little bit about The Sopranos finale, so if you are somehow managing to dodge all the talk about the finale skip the end of this post.

Over a month after our margarita-heavy Cinco de Mayo viewing of the first half of PBS' The Mormons, we finally got around to part two... c'mon, it's pretty tough for us to block out two hours of non-commercial television and be in documentary mode.  As in any religion, I know there are varying degrees and you can't put everyone in the same box... but I still think it's pretty odd... from shedding it's racist and polygamist past, now it seems like they just have to be enlightened about gays and women, the latter who seemed to be trapped in 1950s subservient housewife role (of course, woman are allowed to have jobs... but must keep up with the family and church duties).  The overall secrecy, schoolyard-like "must be accepted" to gain entry to the temple, missionary life, and financial and time commitments to the church... among other things, all continue to be a bit headscratching to me as well.... different strokes!

Interesting Big Brother news.... Live Big Brother 8 feed will air on Showtime.   Whille there has always been the live Internet feed, I always thought it would be cool if there was a PPV channel... which, go ahead and judge, I would probably subscribe to... but now, we'll get that (sorta) via Showtime.  ShoToo will air 3 hours a night of the live feeds... what feed you will see is at a producer's discretion, but nudity (doubtful) and foul language (very likely) will be part of Big Brother: After Dark.  Julie Chen and a new gang of houseguests return July 5th... which shows airing Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday.

Okay... onto two of the reasons for the title of this post...

Watched a bit of the Tonys last night ... the recently closed Journey's End did win Best Revival of a Play, otherwise it just seemed like Spring Awakening and The Coast of Utopia were taking turns winning awards.   While I do enjoy watching the performances, I have to admit that even being a theater lover it is hard to get really get into the show since the nominees are for performances I'll never see.   This morning one of the local TV morning guys said he watched a bit of the show and that it was "pretty flamboyant"... which was his nice way of saying "gay"... at first I was a bit offended, but then I kind of had to agree.  Todd noted that he didn't think there was a straight guy in the house... and I certainly questioned a time or two when someone thanked his wife... huh?!

*** SOPRANOS SPOILER ALERT ***

Finally... onto that Sopranos season finale.  We decided to forgo the HD and watch the East Coast HBO feed "live" since we knew it was likely there was no way we can avoid it today... and boy were we right!  Whatever your thoughts, the final episode is certainly the buzz this morning

... however, it will likely forever make me skip Don't Stop Believin' by Journey (Journey's End and a Tony too!) any time it should happen to come up on my iPod.  After reading every one and their mama's (or guma's?!) guesses on what would happen, I was preparing myself for lack of closure... and after the action-packed previous episode, it didn't take too long into the finale to gather we were headed into some foggy territory.  Again, I could have lived with it, but the abruptness just ticked us (and apparently quite a few others) off. 

I think David Chase was laughing his ass off thinking of all the folks reaching for their remotes to figure out what had gone "wrong" with the screen... and that made it just too cute-sy of a technique to end the series.  But there are plenty in the "David Chase is god" camp, he can do no wrong... our local newspaper critic, who is nothing less than masturbatory about the show, admitted it wasn't a satisfying conclusion but ultimately give it his blessing... but continuing on that theme, I thought the last scene in the diner was masterful... the increasing tension making me literally squirm... I just wish it didn't leave me with a case of figurative blue balls! 

BB7: Iraqi Pitted Peach

WARNING:  Big Brother spoiler ahead ... if you want to remain purely unspoiled before Sunday's episode, best avoid reading this post.

Well, it was quite an eviction episode on Big Brother All Stars last night.  Kaysar did not quite have the happiest birthday with Julie's cruel unveiling of the "Legion of Doom"... though I have to admit I love it when the writers have her say stuff like "stupid bitch" on national television.

I honestly felt bad for the guy. Chenbot was really in "kill mode" last night... she almost got Danielle, who already looked unhinged during the entire live portion from last night, to cry over the missed family phone call... and she brought Kaysar down to his knees.  Though I still cracked a smile at Will's goodbye speech opener  "I hate to say this, but somehow 'I told you so' just doesn't cut it."   So Kaysar leaves the house for the third... and safe to say, last time... there's no way he's coming back after he's been exposed to the news of BB's version of the axis of evil.  The king is dead, long live the king. 

The return of the ghosts of houseguest past had its amusing moments... to see Erica and Janelle jump and scream at the initial mirror images was pretty darn funny... but the "seance" was a pure cheese-fest... only saved by Alison's meow-y opener "Don't worry, Erika and Janelle. I'm not real -- just like you're... well, I think we all know!"   Bunky, who has pretty much taken over for Marcellas on the BB Internet talk show House Calls, returned... as did an pretty unrecognizable Josh from BB3...  followed by the unwelcome reappearances of screechy Holly and Crappy, who obviously is still a big 'ole stick in the mud... delivering his lines without an iota of fun or levity. 

Jumping ahead... destroying any remaining credibility that she'll ever land a "real" news job despite being married to the president of CBS, Jules introduces us to the "coup d 'etat" twist.  So from what I understand, someone will win this new "power" and, hopefully during the live Thursday broadcast, be able to replace the nominees on the spot and prior to the live vote.  Interesting...

The hamsters have to guess a phrase... and the first clue was a sheep that was in the house... again, a classic BB moment as the houseguests stalked the poor thing around the living room.  Since the animal had a little pink bow on... I am guessing it is a female sheep... a "ewe"... so the general consensus on the 'net this morning is that the phrase begins with "You"...

Uh oh... the Chenbot looks concerned.... do we have a problem?

Ok, here is where the spoiling begins. 

I will put this "after the jump"... but I know you Bloglines, etc. readers don't have that option, so proceed with caution.

Aug 4/5: This Day in W&C Big Brother History

Didn't really have much of a clue what to blog about today... which means I just shouldn't... but can't let that happen... so I decided to use one of my fallbacks and check out what I was blogging about around this date for the past two years... and suprise, surprise... both entries were Big Brother related!

One Year Ago: The entry was Vote Kaysar! as I was all excited about having everyone's favorite Iraqi Muslim American voted back into the house... little did I know back then that I would still be blogging about Kaysar being in the BB house one year later!

Two Years Ago: It was  Wonder Twin Powers Activate! as I was all atwitter about the Project DNA twist... with twins Adria & Natalie revealing that they had been swapping spots during the first month or so of the show.

I can't say that I am as excited about anything right at this very moment about Big Brother All Stars... perhaps next week's HoH "coup d 'etat" twist will fix that. 

Now, I do know the results of this week's HoH competition... I won't spoil it.  I will say that I was a little surprised it was over by the time the show ended here on the West Coast.  We immediately signed onto the live feeds after Jules signed off... just to find everyone sitting inside around the table instead of out in the backyard.  I really thought this was going to be one of those all-nighter competitions!

Regardless of the new HoH, I think Jedi Janey is in some deep trouble.  She was probably right in thinking she should have "thrown" last week's HoH to Marcellas.  I figure the only chance she has was if the new HoH is Kaysar or Howie... perhaps Will & Boogie (though I doubt that's terribly "safe")... or maybe Marcellas (but who can figure him out?!?  Depends on the minute of the day!).  Other than those shaky propositions, I think Janelle will be up and likely to get the boot... but how to get her out?  Would you want to put her up immediately and have her play for the Veto or risk the "backdoor" approach?

James' anger is pretty annoying... it just cracks me up that the real reason why he's so mad is that Janelle was screwing up his "Plan B" alliance... and he's mad about Chilltown not going up on the block, but now he's in an alliance with them via Danielle?  So that doubly doesn't make any sense... though props to Will & Boogie, who seem to be sitting pretty darn pretty at the moment... regardless of the new HoH.  So we shall see!

BB7: Playing Chicken With The Game

A Big Brother episode that finally got all All-Star on our ass!   While they often get criticized for leaving out all the "good stuff" from the live feeds, the BB editores definitely offered up the best episode of the season last night... and a perfect mix of humor and (humorous) drama!

First up, we learn that Kaysar has B.O.... but this is a good thing... as it is some magical and sensual olfactory elixir for Marcellas.  In a somewhat cringe-worthy diary room montage, Marci orgasmically describes the stank of the 'Iraqi Peach' is something best be described as "better than banana muffins." But at least it was a brief respite from Marci only referrring to himself as the most "beautiful boy" in the world... and at least we were treated to this hunky shot of Kaysar:

... and at least a memory of what K looks like with a full head of hair... but something tells me it is going to grow back pretty quickly (I'm totally jealous!).

But the funniest segment of the episode, was Jase Face... as Danielle with a little help from Chilltown mocked Jase's "mirror face" as he does his hair.

I am so glad Danielle has stuck around (and doesn't appear to be on the radar anymore), because she has the best diary room entries.

UPDATE: The folks over at TVGasm put up a clip of this segment... hurray!  Clipgasm: Primp-Slapped Edition... the Jase Face... do it America!

My last photo tribute has to go to Will... who gave a truly classic bullshit veto speech...

The houseguests had sly smiles on their face as Dr. Will Evil started his straight-faced putdown... but by the end, I have a feeling that they were buying into it.  Half man, Half Amazing.  Indeed!   We had to watch it twice last night ... and I enjoyed seeing it again this morning. 

I love a smart-ass and it was much better than the syrupy drip that Chicken George followed this up with... second chances?  You're on a frickin' reality show ... eating slop, bathing in blueberries, and fighting for something called the "golden power of veto"... not exactly stuff to get all philosophical over!

But the Chicken's win certainly caused the fan to start whirling out some sh&t... and for that I was thankful.   We got to see James pouting about all his hard work being thrown down the drain.  I guess the first time HoH now knows what it feels like when someone wins a veto and takes themselves off the block like he did up-teenth times last season!

Then, not a moment too soon, we had the return of "Season 5 Jase"... which is a good thing, since I was starting to actually like the guy this season.  His hissy fit at being put up on the block was pretty laughable.  He has this conversation with James about how their each other's biggest competition... and doesn't expect James to act on that?   And someone needs to remind Jase what "back-dooring" is... it is the intentional stacking of the veto competition (which is virtually impossible now with the participants being chosen randomly) and then putting that person on the block.  If James or Kaysar won the veto, then put Jase up... that would be a back-door.  So Jase blew it in the veto competition... though you know there was NO way he was going to have his hair shaved off!

So we'll see what happens... Jase seems to be a goner, but who knows that has probably changed 52 times since the veto ceremony wrapped up.

BTW, I did/do subscribe to the live feeds... but whenever I am watching them I am mercilessly "treated" to conversations between Marcellas and Boogie about who knows more people in Hollywood... or Erica's implants (she said they cost $700?!?!  did she get them at "The Bargain Breast Store"?).

BB7: Bad Strategy?

Ok, a little BB7 Wednesday morning quarterbacking... debating Kaysar's nominees and the result (or the lack thereof) of this week's Veto competition.

I am certainly not alone in thinking that King Kaysar didn't play his hand very well this week... and I am willing to put money down that he'll be heading out the door next week.  So what do I think should have been done?

Well, I find it very humorous that Kaysar and the S6 alliance think that only certain people in the house are gunning for them.  Heck, it didn't take even a minute after they entered the house that they were the primary targets... with some luck, they were in power for these first two weeks... but it is only a matter of time.  Somehow they think 4 is a majority in a house of 13 or 14.

Going into this week, I think they should have attempted to increase their numbers.  Get 4 other people on their side to form a true majority... and then have at it when it gets down to the 8 of them.   I think "smart" players like Diane and Nakomis would have been open to it... as Nakomis said their "alliance of two" wasn't exactly powerful on their own.  Throw in Danielle, who knows she has to tread lightly now and, after last week's escape, is looking for any way to stay in the house would have been another good candidate for this plan.  And round it out with someone like Erika (the only one left from her season) or Marcellas... and the targets are the not so terrible evictions of Jase, Boogie, Will, and George.

But now it's too late.  I gather the rest of the house is pretty committed to the elimination of the S6... so the four of them will just be buying time each time "the power is up for grabs." 

BB7: Junk in the Trunks

I don't plan on blogging about every BB7 episode this season... but heck, if I am a little slow in the idea or inspiration department, it is certainly a good fallback.

As with the the start of most reality shows, I have to say that I am overwhelmed with the number of contestants.  You would think things would be a little different since I am familiar with all these hamsters... but when we much of the camera time on Danielle and Alison... I found myself thinking... oh yeah, Diane is in the house... and prior to the veto competition, I had even forgot all about Kaysar.  Good thing these professional reality "stars," are not aware of what little air time they are getting.

My gut tells me that Alison will be the first eviction.  As she has shown in the past, she is a threat in competitions... so I think it is the right thing to do... and heck, since she landed on The Amazing Race, you'd think she'd get the boot for hogging up all that reality tv time (We'll just repress that Will and Boogie's appearance on Bravo's pathetic Battle of Network Reality Stars ever happened).  But I think Danielle worked it good enough to hang in there... but who knows, no doubts that she'll never be under the radar this time around.  And can Marcellas please just dig deep and get over getting the boot on BB3?

So, onto the inspiration for my post title... and the most eye-popping moment of last night's show... no, I am not talking about Chicken George "riding" Howie on the slip-and-slide... or even Howie's fatal attraction to Will... but ahem... Jase's choice of attire during the BB Junkyard Veto competition...

If the U.S. government wants to shoot down missiles flying across the ocean at 17,000 miles/hour, they should try to harness what made the eyes of many a BB viewer immediately zoom in on Jase's crotch.  Yowza!  Hopefully the FCC isn't watching a silly summer reality show or else CBS is in for another heavy indecency fine... though Jase's wardrobe functioned just fine.

BB7: It's On

Big Brother 7: All Stars is officially underway... and it didn't take long for the drama to begin.  "Subtle" is not a word that seems to jump to mind with most of these re-cast reality "stars."

But first (geez, is Jules ever going to say her catchphrase ever again?), let's look at the cast.

America showed its short-term memory by voting in last season's Kaysar, James, and Howie... and, much to my surprise, Jase rounded out the popular vote quartet.  For some reason, I don't believe he out-polled Will... but I guess it doesn't really matter.  The Evil Doctor along with his still pathetic co-hort Mike "Boogie" (how old are we?) were among the producer selections... with Marcellas and Chicken George rounding out the male cast.  I think George just got in there as the sole representative of BB1... but, just in case, put Cowboy and Bunky on suicide alert.

With the ladies, America voted in Janelle (loved how she gleefully expected it), Nakomis and Diane.  The shocker here was Erika - who just seemed to much of a vanilla selection to have gained any serious public support.  While Janey and Diane can be bitchy, they are likeable... so the producers wisely rounded out the ladies with the capital-B Bitches... Danielle and Alison, who I think needed to be part of All-Stars but certainly no surprise that they weren't audience faves.  The inclusion of Dani and Ali pretty much guaranteed that Ivette and Dana were left on the door-step... the same for "nice" girl Lisa with Erika... and dare I be politically incorrect and offer that Dani and Marcellas likely took Monica out of the running.

So onto the show... the scheming starts almost immediate with the focus on eliminating the four BB6 hamsters (already dubbed online as the "Sixers").   The majority of non-Sixers are in agreement, but still 4 vs. 10 doesn't seem like a numbers game that needs to be addressed immediately... though it is probably still smart to get their numbers down... however, my heart did sink when it appeared that Jedi Janey was the first target.  But alas, that did not happen ... and the pot-stirring Dani & Ali were the first ones put up on the nomination block.  Granted we don't know what will happen with the veto... but if Alison is the first to go, mark this as Danielle's first success.

Also it is a female that goes, the battle of the sexes should begin... with the guys already coming in with an 8-6 advantage... the numbers would really be in their favor.  But we know that strategy usually never works.

Speaking of the guys, not quite up to Survivor standards, but the stud factor is still not too bad.  The guys that we want to see lose the shirts did in last night's episode (sorry George, Boogie, and Marcellas... actually take that back, not sorry).  Though some didn't quite look as in quite as good shape as they did in their original seasons. The BB6 guys (Howie, James, Kaysar), in particular, seemed slightly chunkier.  Hate to say it, Jase had the nicest build... though there was something freakishly unnatural about it... and Will... umm, I know you are a dermatologist and you know the dangers of the sun, but I think he set a new bar for "pasty"... I was blinded by the white!   And likewise, no doubts that he is still believes in absolutely, positively in no body hair.

It's looking to be an interesting season...

Oh, I created a new W&C banner for BB7 All Stars... if you visit often enough it'll pop up eventually, but if you can't wait to see it you can always check it (at all my others) in the W&C Banner Gallery.

BB7 Candidate Analysis

Well, what a group of characters candidates to chose from on last night's BB7 All Stars show...

Here's how I see everyone's chances:

Sure Things

Without a doubt, last season's Kaysar and Janelle will win the audience vote... though Kaysar might just be the most over-hyped player in BB history (c'mon he got evicted twice already).  I am reading some of the same sentiment this morning... interesting!  Dr. Will is another shoe-in... the evil genius is as synonymous to BB as Richard Hatch is to Survivor.  It wouldn't be an All-Stars without him!  Lastly, I think Nakomis will sneak in and win an audience spot as well.  Like Janelle, Nakomis was someone you never thought you'd like when they came into the door... but they won us over.  Beyond this quartet, I don't have a real feel for who will round out the audience voting.

High Probabilties

Of this crew, I think most will benefit from the Producer Picks for "entertainment value."  Certainly fitting that bill, I would say Howie is the most likely to grab an audience slot.

Runner-ups Alison, Danielle, and Diane all should have won their season... so on that basis alone I think they deserve to return.  Diane was pretty screwed by Drew so she may get some audience sympathy... but I suspect two of the most reviled female BB contestants ever, Alison & Danielle, will need the producers assistance to get back in... and I don't think that will be an issue.

Jase and Mike "Boogie" would not be my first choices, but again "entertainment value" will prevail and I suspect at least one of them will get into the house... being a much more intense version of Boogie, if it's just one of them, I'd go with Jase.

Marcellas easily whomps Bunky in the battle for the gay guy spot... he was responsible for one of the most memorable BB moments ever and he works inside the BB family (as co-host of the Internet talk show "House Calls")... so I say he's in.

James, even more than Kaysar, deserves to come back... especially since he won't be saddled down with his girlfriend... but his chances are a bit dodgy given the abundance of quality BB6 and (if there is an 50/50 gender split) male candidates.

On The Fence

All these ladies pretty much fit the same bill... angry emotional and screechy loud.  I suspect one of them will make it in.  Hands down, my choice would be Monica.  To this day, I have still been know to quote her "It's Aaaaawnnn!" from time to time.  I like the idea of runner-up back in the game, so that is one reason to root for Ivette... but again, we can't have all the BB6 nominees come back.  And well, Dana is a definite dark horse, there's more than enough ladies to play that role.

Don't Think So

This final group is fairly personality challenged.  Lisa and Erika are pretty to look at (and would fill their bikinis well), but their game "style" is... well... boring.  Chicken George will only make it in if they want a BB1 person and/or someone older (though the show has stopped worrying about that).  Bunky's chances are hurt by the precense of the more popular Marcellas and there being far too many more colorful characters.  And, Cowboy... this was just a joke right?!  I think it is a pretty safe call that he'll be put out to pasture.

If I was casting, assuming a 50/50 gender split, this is who I would put in (in no particular order):

Guys:  Will, Marcellas, Jase, Kaysar, Howie, James
Gals: Monica, Danielle, Alison, Nakomis, Diane, Janelle

I think my list is a little too BB6 top heavy (3 guys + Janey), but... ooooh, that female line-up would be gooooood!

Reality Blurred/TVgasm are endorsing: Danielle, Ivette, James, Janelle, Jase, and Will.

Voting is open thru next Wednesday, June 28th.

Thoughts?  Your picks?!

BB7 Casting Show

I had to admit how stoked I am about tonight's Big Brother 7: All-Stars casting show.  BB is probably my guiltiest pleasure... and, given some of the stuff I watch, that's certainly saying something. 

As I have mentioned, the TiVos are pretty low... so I am excited for something new... somewhat intentionally, I haven't paid much attention this summer's TV offerings... and much of what I did see, didn't really appeal to me.  So, thus far I have only tuned in to the return of HBO's Entourage and (of course!) Kathy Griffin's My Life on the D-List.  I am watching Last Comic Standing for the very first time (due to it popping up on the TiVo thanks to a Kathy Griffin wishlist - Kath was one of the judges in the early rounds).  I am enjoying it thus far, and playing TV executive, have "picked it up" for the rest of the season.

Back to BB... even though the show doesn't get underway until July 6th.. tonight's show will certainly give us a good indication of what to expect this summer.  I am really curious to see who is putting themselves back up for public scorn and ridicule.  There have been some "leaks" of who is coming back... so we'll see how that pans out.

So, just to review there will be 12 houseguests.  America will vote in 6 (3 men, 3 women) with the rest of the spots filled by the producers.  I assume the producers will wait until after the vote, so they can maximize conflict entertainment value. My guess is that the nominees will be more heavily stacked from later seasons (hopefully, the BB season 1-3 folks have a life now!)... so maybe the producers will try to spread the wealth over the seasons.

Now this all could be a bust... Survivor: All Stars didn't exactly live up to the hype.  In this weird little alumni club, I suspect a lot of ex-hamsters know each even if they weren't together in the same BB house.  Likewise, I am not sure how many new viewers this will generate... pretty much this is a "gift" to long-time/regular BB viewers.

So, you know I'll be all over this tomorrow.  Who I would like to see back in the house ... who I predict will make it (America and producer)... and if I am surprised by any of the nominees.

BB7 All Stars - Candidates?

(Okay going to try and go along with "business as usual"... no new news on the car, but the bureaucratic/red-tape insurance stuff .. and the waiting... I think has begun)

Anyhow, we had a nice surprise during last night's Survivor finale... a commercial for Big Brother 7: All-Stars!   Chen-bot informed us to mark down Wednesday, June 21st on our calendars.. the 20 candidates will be announced, with America voting on who makes it back into the BB house.  The official CBS BB7 website is now online, with the season premiere set for Thursday, July 6th.

However, RealityBlurred notes "America's Choice" does have its conditions/limitations ... only six (top 3 men and women) of the 12 returning hampsters will be voted in by America.  The remaining six will be chosen by the producers to ensure ... "‘the right balance’ of contestants... we’re looking for a showdown. You’ve got your ‘Big Brother’ heroes and villains, and that’s what’s going to make for the best drama.”

I think that makes sense... as the very first edition of BB proved (when America voted out houseguests), it is not really wise to put all the decisions in America's hands.

This morning, I took another look at the BB commercial last night which contained a fast and furious look at past BB contestants.  I am assuming these were the folks that have agreed to put themselves back in the running... but, again, this is only a guess on my part based on who showed up in the commercial.

BB1: Chicken George? (it could have been Howie)
BB2: Bunky, Mike "Boogie", Monica, Shannon, Will
BB3: Danielle, Marcellas
BB4: Erica, Jun
BB5: Diane, Holly, Jase, Scott
BB6: Howie, Ivette, James, Janelle, Michael