Surviving Survivor: A CBS Recap Before Heroes Vs. Villains Kicks Off

Next week starts the 20th season (and 10th year) of the hit CBS reality TV show Survivor. This season will be another all-stars game titled Survivor: Heroes Vs. Villains. There has been fair share of both on the show over the years.

Richard Hatch, straight out of federal prison for tax evasion after winning the million dollar prize in the first season of Survivor, is the ultimate Villain. The one guy that set the standard for mind games for every season of the game. Richard "Naked Ass" Hatch approached the game like a bully in a schoolyard. It paid off big for him, no other players even knew how to react to his antics. I actually think he's pretty funny and was glad he won.

Arguing for his place in hell... er, Survivor history, is Russell "Evil Russell" Hanz. Last season's Lucifer and truly the most arrogant person I've ever heard speak. He is so egotistical it makes me giggle. Maybe that's part of the game. Russell Hanz stood over Richard Hatch until the final scenes of Surviving Survivor, when Hatch stood up to show the Hanz did not even come to his shoulders (not even close). I almost fell down laughing. Evil Russell said he is still the greatest Survivor player ever, Richard finished "that never won." Though producer made us think the devils would face each other, it's not to be. Hatch applied for early release from home confinement on his tax evasion sentence and was denied.

Premier of Here Come the Newlyweds

Here Come the Newlyweds
ABC Monday 10/9c

I did not want to like this show...I did not even want to watch it, but there it was. Nothing else on. So I gave it a shot, and was pleasantly surprised!

Not much different from every other reality show. Newlywed couples sequestered in a beautiful house to compete in competitions and survive elimination. Sound familiar?

The funny thing about this is watching the couples. Since they are newlyweds there is plenty of drama and small arguments (that will probably turn into fights as the show moves forward).

The players:
Marlo and Mark Corliss
Ashley and Matt Cox
Sarin and Jed Hinkins
Brendan and Bridget Huffman
Michael and Sonarak Ieng
Makayla and Kenny McMorris
Audra and Rich Newbery
Andrea and Matt Smith

The first night of competition started with a Q&A ala the old Newlywed Game. The teams were asked questions about the other teams and both answers had to match. The Smith's (the youngest couple) won. They had a choice of taking $10,000 or immunity... they chose the money.

Never take the money.

The decision (and youth/strength) of the Smith team was enough to get them eliminated from the show.

I don't know if the show will survive or return for a 3rd season (I had never heard of the 1st season), but it's not a horrific way to spend an hour. The drama that is promised may be a turn off to some.

Young couples could learn (and laugh) at the fighting between the newlywed couples. Most of the arguments start so small it is amazing how out of proportion they quickly grow.

Check out Here Come the Newlyweds on ABC Mondays at 10/9c.

Hell's Kitchen Final Four Again...With a Wedding Proposal

Ben Gets Eliminated from Hell's Kitchen
FOX Thursday 9/8c 4/23/2009

Danny is shaping up as the leader of this season's Hell's Kitchen. Though none of the contestants have as much kitchen savvy as past seasons. After a poor showing from Andrea and Ben last week, both were given a second chance. Chef Ramsay had the obligatory harsh warnings for both. Gordon Ramsay is turning out to be all bark and no bite this season.

Danny pulled ahead and showed his taste ability in the 'Taste it Cook it" reward challenge. It came down to Paula and Danny. Chef Ramsay chose Danny's merely based on the fact that he used fish stock. Gordon Ramsay took Danny on a bi-plane adventure.

The night service was again a rough one. Though there was a wedding proposal (and acceptance, Yay!), we were not even treated to what had to be a great Chef Ramsay meltdown. Cut to the closed kitchen where Chef berates them all and tells them to come up with the person they thought should leave tonight. It won't matter, he will do what he wants, he just wants to see how ugly it will get. These people have no drive to win.

It came down to Andrea and Ben again. Ben was let go with a nice pep talk from Chef Ramsay. The top three left in Hell's Kitchen are: Danny, Paula and Andrea. I'm not sure any of them are ready to run a kitchen, let alone a 5 star restaurant.

Next week will separate the chefs from the cooks as each finalist takes a turn at the past. Don't miss Hell's Kitchen , FOX Thursday 9/8c.

BB10: Jerry Wins POV 8/05/08

Jessie Stirs the Pot
Fighting For the Little Guy
CBS Tuesday 8/7c 8/05/08

Jerry finally proved that he may be an old Colonel, but he's got some game in him. The POV Competition was an easy game of hitting a nerf ball with a hockey stick and trying to be the closest to the center. Jerry did not actually win the competition, Libra did (even more shocking). As each player was eliminated they won a prize they could keep or trade.

Memphis was the first BB10 player out, and opened the POV. He knew he wouldn't have it long. Michelle lost next and won a trip to Hawaii, and evidentally thought no one would dare take it from her - wrong! Jessie quickly followed Michelle and won a slop pass/surprise. Jessie traded Memphis for the POV knowing neither would end up with it.

April was the next out, and got a new prize - $10,000 in BB10 money. To buy her way out of a problem in the Big Brother house. Jerry finished second and won a letter from home. He talked April into splitting the 10 grand if he took the POV from Jessie. (Jessie explained to Jerry that he just let April take money out of his pocket, nice try Jessie - you really are smart.)

Libra won and opened her prize - the used red leotard from the previous Big Brother episodes of yore. Yuck! She immediately swapped for--letter from home, nope. The trip to Hawaii. Michelle was floored, and proceeded to go to the diary room and proclaim Libra to be a "fucking slut, whore, skank" . Very classy Michelle. She then continued to cry and piss and moan about having to wear the leotard on live national TV. Um, did you forget there was a camera in the diary room when you showed your true colors?

I was a little confused by Libra's prize choice too. With two babies at home under 1 year old, you don't want a letter? I can't believe you would leave them for 3 months in the first place, but Big Brother doesn't draw the classiest or smartest players.

Jessie continues to stir the pot with the girls, running and telling every chance he gets. They have got to get him out. He's not a bad person, but a big idiot. And I am tired of hearing him say "...point being", we know your point Jessie - you aren't that deep!

Jerry kept his word to April and left the nominations where they were: Memphis and Jessie. Memphis is the target for Eviction.

America's player Dan got to earn another bonus. He had to hug Jessie for at least 10 seconds, not a problem. In fact, Dan tried pulling away but Jessie just kept hugging and comforting him. (Dan told a sob story about missing his girlfriend). Now America can vote for who they want Dan to vote off, who really cares?


For more Big Brother 10, click here!


BB10 SPOILERS!! BB10 SPOILERS!! BB10 SPOILERS!!

BB10: April Wins HOH 8/03/08

April Nominates Jessie and Memphis for Eviction
CBS Sunday 8/7c 8/03/08

When last we saw our Big Brother 10 House Guests, they were standing on the ledge of a fake building hanging on to a rail. The wind would blow trash, water sprayed and the building shook dirt on their heads.

Jerry was the first to go, no big surprise. Jessie, however, showed that muscles don't always equal endurance. With more weight to hold up there(though it is obvious now that he has lost quite a bit), he soon fell.

Dan, chosen as America's Player last week in the BB10 twist, decided he should throw the HOH Competition. Dan you are an idiot. America has been begging to control the HOH so you throw the comp., nice job! He thinks he did a good job at hiding it, so good in fact that Libra and Keesha figured it out before his feet touched the ground.

Ollie and Memphis followed shortly after, leaving Renny (yep), April and Michelle on the wall. The best part of the HOH competition was Dan's motivational speeches, they were hilarious!

April finally won after promising Michelle she was completely safe for the week. Michelle also made April promise that Jessie was safe. April said Memphis was the target, not Jessie. Michelle dropped and cried.

We saw April's HOH room, and Michelle cried.

We have a winner of the BB10 Whamber Award...Michelle!

In the end Jessie and Memphis are the nominees for this week, will Jessie dig another hole? I think Keesha is going to try to talk the House Guests into voting out Jessie.

Dan has another assignment, "Who should Dan hug for 10 seconds?"

Well, you just know this answer is going to be Memphis. How tough is that going to be, I think Dan will just pass.


Need more Big Brother 10, click here!


BB10 SPOILERS! BB10 SPOILERS! BB10 SPOILERS! BB10 SPOILERS!

Greatest American Dog 7/30/08

Ron and Tillman Get Expelled
Who'd of Thought Lazy is Tough!
CBS Wednesday 8/7c 7/30/08

Tillman, the lovable gassy bulldog, and his guy's guy owner Ron were eliminated tonight on The Greatest American Dog. It was a shock seeing as the other bottom 2 dogs, Beacon and Leroy, really had issues with their owners on the task. This was all on Ron and he knew it. The show and all of us will miss them both, and I would put any picture of Tillman on my dog blog anyday!

The Reward Competition was a bit of a goofy endeavor, the show was all geared toward showing a dog's personality. Each owner had to 'know' their own dog's personality by guessing if they would take what was offered to them off a plate. My dog would have won this hands down as he is terrified of inanimate objects that bare treats or toys. I have no idea why! Anyway, Galaxy and J.D. of course won the challenge, Tillman even refused the steak offered (I think it was too high for him).

J.D. chose his closest competitors to sleep in the Dog House, Travis and Presley.

The Show Competition was a photo shoot depicting a theme (word) picked out of a hat.

J.D. and Galaxy chose 'sneaky', tough word. They more than pulled it off, Galaxy is one of those 'once in a lifetime' pets. She just does exactly what she is told and is happy about work. J.D. does a great job training her. The judges, as always, were impressed with training and the picture.

Travis and Presley got 'joyous', the perfect word for a happy boxer puppy! Presley jumped for joy alright, but the picture was a bit generic. The judges noted that the jump picture is a dime a dozen.

Bill and Star had to show 'stubborn'. Man, that seemed impossible to me, but they worked it out perfectly. With Star sitting her ground with a leash pulling at her collar to walk, she wasn't budging. Perfect! Sensing Bill's apprehension with the contest, the judges assured him he is creative.

Laurie and Andrew chose 'curious'. This seemed the hardest of all, but Laurie really pulled it out with Andrew 'looking' through a telescope. The judges were torn, but it was a great picture!

Brandy and Beacon got the word 'love'. Should be easy enough for a white Schnauzer, right? Brandy stressed so bad during the shoot that poor Beacon had no idea what to do. She was photographed with white background and no props simply looking up in profile. It was okay. But only earned bottom 3 status with the judges.

Beth Joy and Bella Starlet got 'mischievious'. Bella star, and more notably Beth Joy, finally got to glam it up for the camera. This little mixed breed did excellent in stealing treats from a jar and looking genuinely naughty. Even the judges finally came around for the team.

Laura and Preston had to pose for 'regal'. It seemed so easy a word for the little lion cut Pomeranium. The picture concept was good with a royal purple background and gold step stool, but a poor pose with his head cocked cost them the praise of the judges. Regal is more formal and a straight up and down pose was called for. Preston is still adorable, and a good boy!

Teresa and Leroy were to depict 'angry' which I thought was out of line in the first place. Not outrageous, I know they use trained dogs for this pose. This show is for families though, and I just don't think they needed to show a dog with teeth bared. Teresa resorted to a trick that Laura showed her from movie sets. Using what is known as a 'bite band' or 'snarl band', it is a rubber band that fits tightly around the upper jowl of the dog to hold the lips up. DO NOT USE A RUBBER BAND OR ANYTHING ELSE (BESIDES A DOG MUZZLE) AROUND THE MOUTH OR MUZZLE OF A DOG. This did not sit well at all with the judges and earned them a spot in the bottom 3.

Then came Ron and Tillman, the word was 'lazy'. Never were a word and a dog so made for each other. Every single time Tillman is on camera he is laying on his side farting the room full. Ron chose a bad picture that showed nothing but Tillman's face. The judges said it was "the worst picture of a Bulldog ever", pretty harsh. One of the judges suggested Tillman lay on his back for a lazy pose. Ron explained that was too much stress on the Bulldog's breathing, but they did not seem to care. Maybe because Ron said it made him snort, not like the judge that snorts when she laughs, but seriously snort.

So with the bottom 3 Tillman, Beacon and Leroy, I thought sure Teresa and Leroy would be the ones to go. The judges booted Ron and Tillman causing the whole house to gasp.

As they walked out the door Tillman left everyone something to remember them by, a very special Air Biscuit! Good boy!

For more Greatest American Dog, click here!


For dog training tips, toys and dog 'stuff' click here! DogsRuleIowa

The Greatest American Dog -"Elvis has left the building" 7/24/08

"Showmance" and Baring Teeth
CBS Thursday 8/7c 7/24/08

Poor Elvis, can't a Terrier just be a Terrier! Every other dog gets props for being exactly what they are; Border Collie = herding, Bulldog = brutish. But Elvis gets chastised for causing trouble. Look up Terrier. It says Terrier = trouble! You have to love this dog! Elvis was finally accepted by the other dogs (if not their owners),and was allowed to play off leash with those who would have it.

I like this show because it shows how quickly any dog can learn any trick. The owners are not given long to work on the new tricks, so it proves that short intense training does wonders. Dogs only like to work for short periods (though some breeds will literally work till they drop, ie. Dalmatians), but they will do it often.

The Reward Challenge was very hard. The owners/dogs were split into teams of two and dogs were tied to knotted ropes. The owners had to lure the dogs through the ropes to untangle them! Wow, my dog would have just chewed his way out!

Presley, the 18 month old Boxer is just phenomenal. I am willing to bet we see him in the movies when this is over! Travis (Presley's owner) and Laura (Preston the Pom's owner) are the 'shomance'. They are both single and the dogs like each other, so what the heck?

The Elimination Challenge was an agility course. They were split into two teams and had to do both individual and team parts on the course. I was really impressed by both teams. Elvis had the most difficulty, but he appears to be the least trained.

The judges chose David/Elvis, Laurie/Andrew and Ron/Tillman for the bottom three contestants. Elvis had his troubles and Laurie was quick to throw him to the judges stating that he had bitten a couple of the other dogs. Laurie made Andrews trick easier on their part of the course winding up in the bottom. And Ron was not the boss of Tillman (that's Elvis' job!) so they landed there too.

In the end it was time for David to take Elvis home. A terrier takes a strong willed owner. At the door David gave the obligatory, "Elvis has left the building!"


Need more Greatest American Dog, click here!

BB10 Jessie Nominates 2 House Guests For Eviction 7/20/08

Jessie Loves Jessie
Big Brother 10
CBS Sunday 8/7c 7/20/08

After his big win in the Head of Household competition last Wednesday, we get to know the real Jessie. Man, I wish he would stop saying he's from Iowa! (Ollie can stop too!) As stated by many of the House Guests, Jessie loves Jessie! He loves everything about himself, most of all his muscles. Yes, we see them... yes, they are big... yes, they are natural looking, sort of.

Jessie can also hold a grudge, still wanting like mad to get Renny out of the house. I hope that he is embarassed when he sees that she did apologize to him (over and over) in her 'Renny way'. Jessie's group had different plans for his nominations. Libra, April and Michelle have one plan (eliminate Dan/Steven); while Keesha and Angie are getting tired of April's "Barbie Doll" act.

One decent thing that hopefully will come out of BB10 is that people like Dan will realize that not all gay men act like Dustin and Marselis. In fact, most gay men prefer to keep their sexual habits to themselves, as do most straight men and women. I am so glad that Big Brother finally has invited a gay person to be on BB as a person! Dan got enlightened last night with a Q & A between he and Steven. Dan as a Catholic school teacher asked Steven some personal questions about choices he had made, and got good honest answers from Steven. Thank you Steven and Big Brother. (I wish you would have shown more!) See, no one wants to know what anyone else does in the bedroom, so don't bother wearing it on your sleeve!

In the end, Steven made himself the perfect target. Showing zero interest in Jessie's HOH room (he didn't even go up to look), and zero interest in Jessie. Renny got a slight reprieve when Jessie nominated Dan and Steven for Eviction this week. Dan did his best for damage control and probably bought himself another week in the BB10 House with his loyalty to Brian last week. Neither guy has made any real enemies in the House, they just got caught on the wrong side of the fence!

For more Big Brother 10 click here!


For BB10 SPOILERS click here!

Greatest American Dog Reality Show Week 2

Elan and Kenji Are Eliminated From
Greatest American Dog Competition
CBS 8/7c 7/17/08

It was an eventful week in the house full canine reality show contestants. After last week's embarrassment for Tillman, the bulldog would not be bullied (sorry!) and got into a tiff with Elvis (imagine a Jack Russell in a dog fight, nah couldn't happen!). Anyway, Tillman got the worst of it with a nip or claw to the eye area. Poor Tillman! Elvis and owner David were banished to the dog house for the afternoon.

Later a scare with Star. Apparently out running in the yard, she got wrapped up in wire or bit by an animal or snake (it was never clarified and no wire or anything was found) but the poor old girl had to have stitches in the wound on her ear. Star's owner Bill was mess, missing his wife and family and now Star injured. The old girl came through in the end though and won the honors of the night. Good Girl Star!

Kenji the Giant Schnauzer and owner Elan had the worst of the night in the dog show competition. Kenji is a very young dog at 1 year, Elan has good control over her for that age and should be proud of that. The judges don't need to be so nasty in tone (at least the one that said Elan was annoying her) every show does not need a Simon Cowell. Kenji got away at one point and went into full puppy play mode, kudos to the production department at CBS for the banjo music background (it started in my head at the same time!) The lesson to learn from Elan's training style is not to over correct your dog. The dog is still listening and on command even if it is not looking directly at you.

The drama award goes to (and we can probably safely award this for the season now) Beth Joy and Bella Starlet, imagine that. Beth Joy has continually reminded us that she always dresses her dog in dog clothes matching her own. Tonight Bella Star (the dog) was dressed in a lime green sundress with purple piping (I think I sell the dress on Dogs Rule Iowa) anyway, I was surprised it was such a cheap outfit for TV. At least make something fancy. The judges let her have it, they couldn't judge the grooming of the dog blah, blah, blah. Beth Joy would not let it go and cried and plead her case that the dog is shaved down and just had surgery so she only dressed her to cover her shaved parts. Bella Starlet did very well with her command following tonight, and that was all that mattered. Most people don't like dogs wearing clothing, they don't get it and they don't like it. Never dress your dog in dog clothes if you are going to a competition.

To watch full episodes of Greatest American Dog, click here!

BB10 Veto Competition - Honey and Feathers 7/15/08

Whose is really in charge of the BB10 House?
Jessie Wins the Power of Veto
CBS Tuesday 9/8c 7/15/08

With Dan, Brian and Ollie thinking they are in charge of the Big Brother 10 House, things are going to get nasty fast. Telling everyone in the BB10 House (mostly power hungry Brian) that they are in control of Jerry and his nominations. They decided to leave Renny alone and evict Jessie as a strength threat (duh!) Jessie changed that by winning the Golden Power of Veto.

The POV Competition was hilarious, with a race through honey into a bed of feather pillows to be ripped open looking for a bear to bring back through the honey to a jar. Jessie showed his raw strength as he started far behind, then got serious and won, assuring his safety for another week. He is a baby though, but so pretty!

Brian continued to go throughout the house, Dan in tow like a puppy, now campaigning to evict Memphis. Libra was the first to call attention to Brian's mind control game and rallied the entire house, with the help of blooming love.

April and Ollie have the BB10 House romance. Libra told April that Brian, Dan, Ollie and Jerry have an alliance so she is being played. Upset at being looked as the 'dumb blond' (no, we don't think that. We think you are the 'dumb Hooter's girl') April confronted Ollie and turned his allegiance toward their affair.

In the first BB10 Mutiny, the 8 now united House Guests confronted Jerry in the HOH bedroom. He was told point blank, put Brian up or go home next week (which they can't really guarantee). Jerry went for it, surprising me though I was glad since Brian is using him too.

Jerry felt bad and wore no military accessories to the Veto Ceremony since he was breaking his word. Jerry got stuck, as I feared, being used by the young whipper-snappers of the BB10 House. He should have stayed true to the alliance (he picked the wrong group, but he picked them) and waited out next week. Jerry is proving that he is in the game to win in true Big Brother form.

A stunned Brian took Jessie's seat as the other nominee (with Renny looking completely out of the loop). Jerry explained exactly how things went down, but that won't help the wrath he is about to receive. Good luck Colonel!

Watch Big Brother 10 tomorrow for the first Eviction and stop in for the gossip!

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SPOILERS! SPOILERS! SPOILERS! CLICK HERE!

Big Brother 10 Season Premiere - Intro to Renny 7/13/08

Meet Renny and the House Guests of BB10
CBS Sunday 9/8c 7/13/08

Big Brother 10 kicked off its regular season tonight with the usual meet and greet. I can never tell from the first show if the season is going to be a success, this group is no different. It is funny to see how ill at ease the contestants are, not knowing when the first BB10 Twist will hit. The first thing I wonder about is the number of House Guests, there are only thirteen when the norm is sixteen. Knowing Big Brother, they may very well add more players at different intervals of the game. While many fans wanted a Fans vs. Faves (ala Survivor), what what we get is another eclectic group of grassroots Americans. There are no obvious psychos yet, give the BB10 House Guests a few weeks with nothing but that grating voice you hate to cut through the silence of the day. It never fails, someone on Big Brother goes berserk, and it's fun to watch. I'm not proud of it, but I truly enjoy Big Brother.

Without further ado, here are the Big Brother 10 House Guests:

Brian - (27) Telecommunication Account Mgr. (cell phone salesman)

Angie - (29) Pharmaceutical Rep.(expense account princess)

Memphis - (25) Bartender (he calls himself a 'Mixologist', whatever.)

April - (30) Financial Manager (for a car dealership)

Ollie - (27) Marketing Sales Representative (son of a Pentecostal preacher, an honest salesman?)

Michelle - (28) Real Estate Agent (says she is Portuguese and loud)

Jerry - (75) Retired Marketing Executive (looks like the sweet great-grandfather type, doesn't he...)

Libra - (31) Human Resources Representative (Obama backing hard core Liberal, did I mention she's an HR Rep.?)

Steven - (35) Rodeo Competitor (Gay rodeo Champion, whatever... still very hot!)

Renny - (53) Beauty Salon Owner (did you ever hear the song Beauty School Drop Out? BB10 needs to make it her signature background music.)

Dan - (24) Catholic School Teacher (firmly believes all will be forgiven in the confessional.)

Keesha - (29) Hooters Waitress (a shoe in for First Shaving Cream Bathing Suit Award of BB10)

Jessie - (22) Professional Body Builder (natural, so he's not huge... thank you Big Brother!)

Tonight started with a twist, each House Guest had to vote for a Head of Household before entering the BB10 House. As a bold (not!) start six House Guests voted for Jerry, winning him the firstHOH Competition of BB10. Don't sell Jerry short, he actually won three competitions tonight: Oldest Big Brother House Guest, Head of Household, and First Booby Honk of BB10! OK, the last one I made up, but he did honk April's boobies. April went around the circle to prove to all the women that they were real (like any good Nebraska girl would do!) and Jerry was next in line. "They are very, very real" Jerry was later quoted saying in the diary room.

We also have a winner for BB10 Most Annoying House Guest, easily taken by Renny. If she stays in the BB10 House, Renny will quickly drive us all round the bend. Notice I said if she stays, Jerry nominated Renny and Jessie for Eviction because they had a "conflict". Renny woke Jessie up (and everyone else in the BB10 House), and Jessie called her out (it was a kitten fight). Jerry correctly used it to his advantage and has already made an alliance. He will be true to the end, his alliance (Brian and Dan) will have to prove themselves.

There was a great Reward Challenge, the winner receiving a vintage mint condition classic car. With thirteen House Guests someone had to sit out to form even teams, Jessie volunteered (prior to finding out the prize). The reward was also for food, and for sitting out Jessie gets to eat. That should make him feel better! Memphis won the classic car in a game where the other player had to choose to give up the car to win the race, it was kind of cool.

This season of Big Brother looks to be very competitive. While everyone has seen the game enough to know how it generally works, this group of House Guest appear to be more mature. Which will make watching the mental breakdowns that much more humorous to me. Tune in to CBS Tuesday, Wednesday and Sunday nights to catch the fun of BB10.


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Leave a comment below to tell me who you want to win!



BB10 Spoilers - DON'T CLICK IF YOU DON'T WANT TO KNOW!

CBS' Big Brother 10 Set to Rip Into Summer

Meet the House Guests of BB10
The Good, the Bad and the Evil!
Premieres Sunday CBS 8/7c 7/13/08

Here we go, the show that I swear I am never watching again is back. This show reminds me of sitting at someone's house everyday during summer break. Nothing to do, anything fun was always ruined by the same spoilers. Kids clumping in packs to survive the ride of puberty, this pretty much describes the Big Brother House at any given moment.

Lets look at the House Guests of BB10 individually. Hmmm... age before beauty?

(Click on House Guest name for full bio.)
Jerry - the oldest of the BB10 dysfunctional family, and the oldest contestant in Big Brother history at 75. He looks like such a sweet old guy, I will be deeply hurt if he does not play the grandpa role open to him. I have high hopes that Jerry can bring forth some ethics and morals, if not it will be fun to chant, "Jerry, Jerry, Jerry!" Jerry is from Magnolia, TX.

Renny - another first, an elder 'couple'. What will happen when the oldest is not a sitting duck (or Chicken George) for the others to use and evict at their will? Renny is a 53 year old from New Orleans, this year's Sheila. Here is Renny's pedigree: "studied" at UNO, studied at Vidal Sassoon Academy in London, and
the Jingles International Hair Academy in New York, and the Paul Mitchell Institute in Costa Mesa, CA. Um... Renny is a hairdresser!

Okay, time for the eye candy offered by BB10. You know you have to look! Big Brother is always good about serving up the pretty, the problem is that we get to know them... way too much of them.

Memphis is a 25 year old from Los Angeles, CA (originally from Collierville, TN... thank god!) He is a bartender, putting to good use an Associate Degree from Florida State University. Memphis refers to himself as a 'Mixologist', but that may just be college pride for knowing how to spell it. Can't find fault in any of his pretty, but he does have a live-in girlfriend on the 'outside'.

Jesse is a 22 year old out of Huntington Beach, CA (most likely discovered trying to get a gig on the soap Bold & Beautiful) originally from Rudd, IA. Oh God, don't embarrass the state ala Chelsea of BB9. As a natural body builder, Jesse is just pure pretty. Let us take a moment and ponder ... Jesse.

Dan is a 24 year old Catholic School teacher from Dearborn, MI. Dan may need CPR after only a few days of not listening to the 'Sean Hannity Tea'. Not so much a staunch Republican, as a pure Liberal despiser. This could get very, very hot as it appears that BB10 has purposely thrown some opposing political views in the pot. Either way, Dan is pretty.

Ollie is a 27 year old from Minneapolis, MN (originally from Des Moines, IA. OH GOD, there are 2 of them!) Whew! Ollie's bio looks cool, college grad. (ISU), son of a Pentacostal preacher, no drinking, no smoking... very, very pretty! Why do I fear the worst when a Big Brother House Guest looks so charming?

Brian, 27, from San Francisco, CA (originally Elk Grove,CA) is a former military man. Don't know how that will play out in the BB10 House, bet he takes control right off the bat. Bad, bad haircut for your bio picture dude. That much gel should not be happening... ever! I almost had to put you in an 'other' category. Brian has a sort of Rob Lowe look to him, I had to look to see what was familiar... it is his smile.

Steven is a 35 years old from Dallas,TX (originally Opelousas, LA). He is a Champion bull rider in the gay rodeo curcuit... crap! Still, so pretty... and Steven does not act feminine in any way (well, you know what I mean). He says all of his women friends are always trying to 'convert him', why not? Steven is also a college graduate, great a triple threat... pretty, smart and gay!

Ladies, don't get too attached to the guys. Here are the sl...girls of BB10: Angie, April, Michelle, Libra, and Keesha. That's all we need to know about that. Oh, OK! Here are the BB10 beauties.

Angie is a 29 year old from Orlando, FL. Her list of commendations include graduating college and be a beer chugging champ. She has a great job, big bucks, Pharm. Rep.

April is a 30 year old from Higley, AZ (originally Arlington, NE). This is the boob girl for BB10, sorry probably should have listed her first. April is OCD, so we will again get to see enhanced mental anxiety and quirks. Any bets on how long before she is wearing a shaving cream bikini?

Michelle is 28 years old from Cumberland, RI. She may just be the party girl to watch out for.

Libra is a married 31 year old Human Resources Representative from Spring, TX. As a staunch Obama backer she will no doubt go to war (or go insane) with Dan. Her biggest claim to fame is a medical rarity; giving birth to twin boys, one white and one black.

Keesha, the blond-tastic, 29, haling from Burbank,CA (via Sterling, OH). Oh Keesha, her bio should be posted in every girl's high school locker room. She graduated high school and moved to LA to pursue a modeling career, she now works for Hooters. Let the guys have the picture, girls... read this bio. We may have a new front runner in the 'boobs out first' category. A Hooters girl with her top off, wuh?

Well that is all that CBS has posted, anyone else see something wrong with this picture? There are only 13 bios posted. Who will the rest of the Big Brother 10 House Guests be? Guess we will find out Sunday! See you then!


I will post spoiler links as they become available, I will not post spoiler video on this blog.

The Greatest American Dog Reality Show 7/10/08

Twelve Dogs and Their Owners Compete
In a Dog-Gone Reality Show
CBS 8/7c 7/11/08

Do dogs really deserve to be pulled into the quagmire of Reality TV shows? This group of trick performing canines does. Finally another show that small children can watch and parents don't have to be a watch dog (Home Makeover being the other show). I'm not even sure of the Grand Prize on Greatest American Dog, does it matter? There will probably be more tears for the losers who get eliminated on this show than there are for American Idol.

The 12 contestants living in the dog house (one punishment is actually living in a large dog house outside) are:
Tillman (Bulldog) and Ron, Leroy (Border Collie) and Teresa, Galaxy (Border Collie Mix) and J.D., Preston (Pom) and Laura, Presley (Boxer) and Travis, Beacon (Schnauzer) and Brandi, Kenji (Giant Schnauzer) and Elan, Star (Brittany Spaniel) and Bill, Ezzie (Boston Terrier) and Michael, Andrew (Maltese) and Laurie, Bella Star (Shih Tsu mix) and Beth Joy, Elvis (Parson Russell Terrier) and David.

I love the names, I love the dogs, I even like a few of the owners. This should be a good show for teaching 'regular' people how to correctly train a dog. There is no way I could be on the show, even though I am a dog owner, you would have to remove the people from the house to get me in there. That is the problem with 'dog-people', we usually don't care for humans as much as canines. It might make for good tension TV, but I wouldn't want to stress my pet out over me not liking our roommate.

All of the dogs had to pass tests to get on the show, I don't think the rules for owners was nearly as stringent. Most of the dog owners seem fine, others are... well, different.

Getting to the first show, last night. It was obvious from the start that Galaxy is the most talented dog as far as command following. This dog looks like it came straight out of field training for the show. It will be amazing if any of the others can truly keep up as the show goes on.

The first meeting of the group gave Presley (the youngest dog of the group at 16 months) followed another dog right into the swimming pool. Presley's first swim was precarious and made me fear that this might not be a good idea. He did okay, and his owner Travis handled the situation very well (fishing the dog out saying, "You had to learn to swim sometime!")

The most adorable of the group is Preston the Pomeranian. Yeah, I used to have a Pom (that I kept in a lion clip), but mine would never mind the way Preston does.

The first competition was a Reward Challenge based on the game Musical Chairs. The owners had to lead the dogs around a group of stands, when the music stopped the dog had to pick a stand and SIT on it to move on. One less stand per round. It was funny as some of the small dogs jumped up under the larger breeds and sat under them, stealing their spot. Galaxy and J.D. were the winners, and got to sleep in the Master (get it?) bedroom, they also had to choose one dog/owner to sleep outside in the doghouse (which is as big as my home).
J.D. sent David and Elvis to the dog house for the night, yes Elvis had left the building (I tried to stop myself, but it had to be said!)

The final challenge was judged by professional dog trainers and judges. The problem with this is that they have no tact with the human couterparts. That will have to change soon if CBS wants to hang on to a young viewership. More than once they told overbearing owners that they did not see any connection between the dog and the person. Them's fighting words! I'm telling you CBS, you do not insult a doting dog owner this way (without finding flaming dog poop on your step!) So lets stop with the personal bashing and stick with the dog tricks, this is not the AKC show in Madison Square Garden, for crying out loud. We know professional dog trainers can tell what dogs are thinking (or at least they think they can), but the judges need to remember that none of these people are professional dog trainers. Bottom line, judges don't tell me that I don't have a good relationship with my dog!

The Elimination Challenge was a team competition, but each owner and dog was judged individually. After the above mentioned sternness with some of the contestants, the judges chose to eliminate Ezzie and Michael. Michael had problems controlling Ezzie from the start (though it was hilarious when Ezzie stole Tillman's skateboard. The look on the big Bulldog's face as the Boston Terrier attacked his ride was priceless.)

Whether the show is a ratings hit or not is still to be seen, I will continue to watch for the entertainment value. Hopefully, I can pick up some dog training tips as well!

For more dog training tips go to DogsRuleIowa!



For more on Americas Greatest Dog click here!

Christina Wins Hell's Kitchen Season 4

Christina Takes the Cake and Prize Job
On Hell's Kitchen Season 4 Finale
FOX Tuesday 9/8c 7/08/08

While Petrozza seemed to be the shoe in for the finale prize of Executive Chef for Gordon Ramsay's new L.A. restaurant, Christina showed him up in the end. After all she had won 9 individual Reward Challenges in a row to get to the finale.

Petrozza is, without a doubt, the nicest and hardest working contestant to be part of Hell's Kitchen since Season 1 (the winner, I think his name is Michael, in particular). Working hard, and getting people to work hard for you, are two entirely different things. I don't think Christina will actually be put in charge as the Executive Chef (maybe on a relief position), but she will win the money and get an extraordinary position as a sous chef under some of the best in the world.

Christina appeared to be a hard worker as well, and she has the...um...language skills to be a great chef.

The teams for the final service were:
Red Team:
Christina - Corey, LouRoss, and... Matt (dum,dum,duuuuuummmm!)

Blue Team:
Petrozza - Bobby, Ben, and... Jen (eek!)

This was not a great service for either team and Gordon Ramsay had to be thinking, "What the f--k have I done!" But they somehow managed to finish the dinner (I think because they had to).

Both finalist let the kitchens run them, of course both were dealing with attitudes. Welcome to the kitchen of any restaurant. Matt proved that he is emotionally underdeveloped, and Jen is just a bitch. Both pouted and stomped their way through a sloppy service doing only enough to make things...interesting! Matt kept telling Chef Ramsay to shut up, knowing he could no longer be fired, that was pretty funny.

In the end Gordon Ramsay made the only decision he could, take a piece of clay and mold it into a great chef. Petrozza simply didn't offer this option. While Petrozza is a great chef, I don't see him running a Five Star restaurant kitchen (he doesn't even seem comfortable).

Christina may have a lot of learning to do considering she told he mom that the hard part is over now. She also mentioned several times on the diary camera that this would be her last stressful service (I hope she meant in Hell's Kitchen). Oh man, has she ever worked in a real restaurant, there are usually utensils flying at some point - every night!

Good luck Christina and Petrozza, it was a fun season in Hell's Kitchen.

Chef Gordon Ramsay, we will see you later in the summer on Kitchen Nightmares!


Stay tuned for videos as they become available.

Hell's Kitchen Season 4 - Elimination Night 6/17/08

Chef Gordon Ramsay Sends Jen
and Her Attitude Home From Hell's Kitchen
FOX 9/8c Tuesday 6/17/08

The final four contestants on Hell's Kitchen Season 4 were Jen, Christina, Corey and Petrozza. A rather motley crew for Gordon Ramsay's normally ultra high standards, but this is reality TV. My guess would be that many talented chefs have seen the tantrums and don't want to be the brunt. Though every kitchen in the world has at least one chef with the same temper as Chef Ramsay, and a better guess would be that they could not tolerate being out tantrumed by the best.

Christina continues to surprise as she managed to win yet another Reward Challenge and did not have to spend the day cleaning and setting the kitchen and dining room with the other contestants. As it comes down to it, Petrozza is trapped in a world of estrogen. He is the last man standing in the kitchen, which is not the place to be if you are faint of heart. Thus far, he has befriended all and made very few mistakes in the dinner services. Petrozza has got to be the front runner for the Executive Chef position in Gordon Ramsay's newest restaurant. His biggest drawback is his utter 'piggy-ness' in the kitchen. Tonight he proved that even this poor trait can be overlooked if your skills are above par.

The final four contestants had the best dinner service of the season tonight. Finishing the service in record time, with only a few glitches and rants from Chef Ramsay. No one gave up or was overcome with emotion (though Corey had me worried a few times).

Christina placed a hot handled pan up for Chef Ramsay without warning him and burned his palm enough to force him to run cold water on it. He screamed at her to warn a person when the pan handle has been over a burner so no one gets injured. Christina promised not to let it happen again. Then did the exact same thing again, really causing a fit from Chef Ramsay. He accused her of intentionally burning him as he again ran his burned palm under cold water. To illustrate how hot the pan handle was, Gordon poured water on the handle which sizzled and steamed immediately.

Jen was on appetizers and doing a fairly good job. Her first few dishes were great, then the inconsistencies started. Inconsistency is the bane of the 5 star kitchen. Jen got her act together and regained control of her food quickly, but when help was called for she would have nothing to do with it. Chef Ramsay took notice of the fact that Corey was begging for help and Christina was the only one to jump in. Jen stood and told them she was busy stirring rizotto and refused to help.

After the successful dinner service, Chef Ramsay actually gave the team a high-five. He told them he was very impressed, but someone still had to leave. They were sent to the dorms to decide between themselves who the two nominees would be. The contestants decided to vote for who the two would be, but Jen cheated and voted for Christina twice.

It came down to Jen and Corey as the nominees to face Chef Ramsay. After not much time at all, Gordon chose to eliminate Jen from Hell's Kitchen with a heartfelt good-bye. He told her to keep cooking and learning, it was definitely her teamwork skills that did her in. I don't think Jen was anywhere near the chef that some of the other contestants were, but he gave her the opportunity to go further for the experience since there can only be one winner anyway.

I still think that the winner, hands down, will be Petrozza. Though the previews for next week's Hell's Kitchen show him going nuts with anger when put in charge of the kitchen. Not sure if it is a problem for him or if Chef Ramsay will appreciate his stepping up to be the boss.

See you next week in Hell's Kitchen!



Here are the videos, enjoy!

Hell's Kitchen Season 4 - General Bobby Gets Demoted 6/10/08

Chef Ramsay Fires Bobby
FOX Tuesday 9/8c 6/10/08

Tonight Chef Gordon Ramsay expected a full, excellent dinner service from the Top 5 Chefs-to-be. He, of course, did not get it. Not even close. The contestants were told of a party of 12 coming in late in the dinner service, to prepare them for the late rush. The warning was not heeded and the kitchen fell behind.

The Reward Challenge winner was Christina, to the rest of the contestants chagrin. Christina has quite the attitude already and won time with 3 true chefs. She got the opportunity to pick their brains, watch them prepare meals and eat the finished product. The losing contestants had to clean both kitchens.

At the dinner service, there was little if any communication in the kitchen. This seems to be the worst season for contestants not working together. Don't think that Chef Ramsay hasn't noticed, he continually tells (or screams) at them to talk to each other. The consistently worst communicator in the kitchen has been Bobby. At crunch time, the 12 top walked in. Christina and Cory worked well together, regardless of their hatred of each other. Jen, Bobby and Petrozza fell apart until Chef Ramsay threatened to shut them all down. For once, Petrozza had a bad night, but he knew and acknowledged it. Jen is just awful, and such an attitude! Bobby is only willing to help himself, never will he offer assistance to anyone.

At the end of the night, Chef Ramsay was thoroughly disgusted with all of them except Christina. He advised Christina to go back to the dorms and choose two people for the cut. After a lot of consideration, the choice was clear the Jen and Bobby were the weakest links in Hell's Kitchen. Chef Ramsay wholly agreed with Christina's choices and called the two contestants out. He asked Jen why she should stay in Hell's Kitchen, she said she works hard. He asked Bobby why he got an attitude when Chef Ramsay yelled at him during service and Bobby replied, " I didn't think you were mad at me, I thought you were saving me." Chef Ramsay asked him if he was running for office. Bobby has never once assisted anyone else in Hell's Kitchen during dinner service, and that is unacceptable in a restaurant.

Chef Ramsay fired "General" Bobby (as he calls himself) without much hesitation.

The Final Four contestants on Hell's Kitchen Season 4 are: Christina, Cory, Petrozza, and Jen

Here are the videos, enjoy!

Hell's Kitchen Season 4 6/03/08

Crazy Matt Leaves the Hell's Kitchen Forever
FOX Tuesday 9/8c 6/03/08

It's been brewing since Season 4 of Hell's Kitchen started, and last night Matt finally went around the bend. Something is obviously wrong with this guy! This is without a doubt the worst group of chef wanna-be's ever on the show. I can't imagine Chef Gordon Ramsay entrusting a 5 Star restaurant with any of these cooks. It seems the talent has really gone down hill since Season 1, when Chef Ramsay rescinded his offer of a new restaurant to the winner and instead allowed him to work "at" on of his. Sad, since that was undoubtedly the most talented chef group Ramsay has had to choose from.

From this group of yaw-hoos, Matt was the worst (or seemingly the least sane). The Top 6 remaining "chefs" were: Bobby, Jen, Petrozza, Corey, Christina, and Matt. Now forming one team for the first time, the Black team, had to do twice the amount of work they have barely gotten done on two teams.

The Reward Challenge was to make and present to Chef Ramsay a signature dish given the single ingredient by Gordon. Matt actually got praise during this task, but almost cried (or maybe he did) when he did not win. Bobby's dish was a complete failure, yet he still believes he is head and shoulders above the rest of the chefs.

The winner was a pleading, begging, rubbing her hands with her face while she cried and prayed, Jen. To the horror of the rest of the group. The prize was a trip to Las Vegas, and Jen picked Corey to accompany her (because she had to pick someone). While in Vegas, the ladies had a meeting with Roc, last season's winner of Hell's Kitchen. Rock looked a little surprised, as neither of these women appear to be Executive Chef material.

The other players had punishment of unloading all freight for the restaurant for the night. Matt whined and cried the whole time, and Christina got sick of it first. She and Matt started picking at each other, which continued all afternoon.

At dinner service, Chef Gordon Ramsay assigned stations to each contestant. Pairing Christina and Matt at the meat section to ensure a volatile night in Hell's Kitchen. The fireworks started with the first entree order for meat, and continued all night. Bobby just laughed, which is all he ever does, apparently not knowing that part of being an Executive Chef is gaining control of the kitchen.

Matt and Christina served plate after plate of poorly cooked meat before Matt really lost it stating that he had a migraine he was working through so he could not remember ticket orders. Chef Ramsay told him to leave the kitchen, Matt refused. So Gordon Ramsay took him by the hand, literally, and lead him to the door. "Go lay down in the dorms", screamed Chef Ramsay. So Matt did, he thought that Chef Ramsay understood.

Corey had a horrible night on veggies, and wound up burning her hand. The burn was not severe enough to warrant leaving, but made her cry. This really frustrated Chef Ramsay, and he finally shut down the whole kitchen after getting into it with Jen.

What a disaster. I don't think half of the diners got served. Gordon Ramsay appointed no winner (ya think?) and told them to go to the dorms and come up with two people to face him for elimination.

The group chose: Matt and Christina, Corey volunteered herself.

Chef Ramsay agreed with the nominations and told Corey to step up with Christina and Matt. The questions were just a formality as it was a foregone conclusion that Matt would be the one leaving Hell's Kitchen tonight. At least that was apparent to all except Matt, who still thought that Chef Ramsay understood him. Nope!

Matt was eliminated, but I do think Gordon Ramsay thinks something is mentally wrong with this guy.

So the Top 5 on Hell's Kitchen are: Christina, Corey, Jen, Bobby and Petrozza.

I have to assume that it will come down to Bobby or Petrozza, but can you imagine either as an Executive Chef at a 5 star restaurant? Me neither! Good luck Gordon.

Here is how the night went down, enjoy!

Hell's Kitchen Season 4 - LouRoss Gets The Knife 5/27/08

Chef Gordon Ramsay Offers Matthew A Diaper
Fox Tuesday 9/8c 5/27/08

After firing Roseanne last week, Chef Gordon Ramsay warned the remaining 7 chef wanna-bes that they were all on thin ice. As always.

It is pretty obvious that Hell's Kitchen 4 come down to Corey, Bobby, and Petrozza. All 3 show cooking talent, though Bobby shows no effort to work as a team player. Chef Ramsay is letting him slide on it for now, but just you wait Bobby it's coming!

Tonight the Hell's Kitchen recruits had to race against time to bring Chef Ramsay 3 courses fully prepared for his tasting. The Red team (Christina, Corey, and Matthew) won barely. Jen, from the Blue team, forgot to put the sauces on the dishes as the final step. Chef Ramsay told her they would have won had she finished the sauces.

Jen would not be put off, she continued to boss and domineer the Blue team throughout the dinner service. Especially targeting LouRoss.

Each team got to plan their own dinner menu for tonight's service in Hell's Kitchen. The Red team did well planning, but Matt fell apart during the dinner service. Corey and Christina finished alone after Chef Ramsay screamed at Matt for sweating into the food, causing it to be too salty! Yuck!

Then Chef Ramsay asked Matt if he wanted a diaper since he was acting like such a big baby. Matt looked like he was crying.

The Blue team did barely better, LouRoss completely fell apart on the meat station. It was hard to watch as he ruined Filet Mignon after Fitet Mignon. Too raw, so he throws them in a frying pan and sears them! OMG!

In the end, Chef Ramsay chose the Blue team as the winners of a bad night, and Petrozza as the "best of the pigs". Petrozza is covered with food and his station is always a mess.

Petrozza nominated Jen and LouRoss to be fired. Then Chef Ramsay asked Petrozza who should take off their jacket and leave, LouRoss was the answer. Chef Ramsay completely agreed, saying LouRoss was all speed and no knowledge.

Gordon Ramsay then called out Jen and Matt and told both to take off their jackets. Both thought they were going home... he told them to switch back to their original teams... and we are back to women vs. men.

The final 6 Hell's Kitchen contestants are:
Corey, Christina, Jen, Bobby, Petrozza, and Matt

Matt will surely go home next week, the previews show him totally losing his mind. Would you trust him with sharp knives?

Stay tuned for the video!

So You Think You Can Dance Season 4 Starts Tonight

So You Think You Can Dance Season 4 Preview
Fox 8/7c Thursday 5/22/08

Finally the best reality on TV is back! This is a talent show, nothing but! There are no Sanjayas allowed. While the premise may be the same, the producers are even the same (Nigel Lithgow), that is where the similarities to American Idol end. So You Think You Can Dance even has trouble finding bad auditions. Well OK, they don't have trouble, but we are not subjected to night after night of idiots.

Here is a preview of the show tonight!



And remember to start those dancers young!



For the animal lover!



And for those who can't imagine dancing in real life:



See you tonight on So You Think You Can Dance!


For more So You Think You Can Dance! Click Here!

Dancing With The Stars - Elimination Night 5/6/08

A Bit Of A Surprise Tonight On DWTS 100th Episode
ABC Tuesday 9/8c 5/6/08

After an eternal hour of fluff, the bottom two couples were finally announced on DWTS. Tonight, Jason and Edyta were joined by Mario and Karina under the red spot lights of possible elimination.

Mario and Karina bid a somewhat early farewell to this seasons Dancing With The Stars.

See last night performances here!