Coming Up: Interview with Kyle the Outdoorsman (I actually spoke to him!)

As part of my new gig with TVBR/RBR, I was able to participate in a conference call with Kyle the mountain/fishing man.  I will post some highlights from the call, but quickly - I'd like to say that he really does seem like a genuinely nice guy, even if he does slaughter animals and hangs them on his wall.  My mother refers to him as the murderer.  Yikes! 

Craig vs. McDreamy

Shooters and Hunters and Wrestlers, Oh My: The Bachelorette Season 6 Has Begun!

Season 6 of The Bachelorette kicked off last night to a highly anticipated new crop of 25 competitors seeking the heart of Ali Fedotowsky, the 25 year old adorable blonde from the Bay area (originally from New England).  I found myself getting immediately sucked in to the Bachelorette formula:  the arrival of the limos, the back stories of a promising few and Ali’s proclamations that she is there to find her husband.  Will she find true love?  What will the scandals this season be?  First impressions of Ali’s season: there are about 4-5 guys who are good candidates for Ali.  The rest are just there to make fun of.

Let’s first discuss Ali herself.  While still a very attractive girl, there seemed to be something different about Ali’s looks last night.  There was way too much make-up, way too much hair and way too much dress.  What the viewers liked about Ali last season was her down to earth style.  Ali looks best after hiking in the woods all day, wearing a simple yellow t-shirt and jeans.  We want to see more “Soccer Ali,” showing off her athletic skills, being a guy’s gal – not some prom Barbie.  She doesn’t need hair extensions that make her hair have a slightly “Cousin It,” static-like look to it.  Also, the dress she was wearing did not do her any justice.  Black was such a morbid color for her – she’s about to meet the love of her life and yellow is her favorite color – why couldn’t she have worn something that didn’t look like she was heading to a black tie funeral or piano concert?  It should have reflected her outgoing, carefree and fun personality. Bad job, Stylists.

Ali was wearing a long chain diamond necklace that choked her around the neck and dangled down her back.  I didn’t really get it.  Maybe that’s the style now, but it was just a bit odd.  It looked a bit like she had a diamond leash on or that her necklace simply fell down her back and needed to be yanked back into place.  Her giggling was getting a bit much, but now I'm getting nit picky and let's be honest - she does have a lot to be giddy about at this point.

Later on in the show, Ali started to look better.  Maybe the make-up melted off, or maybe the lighting she stumbled into was a happy accident, but she started to look (at least her face), like the old Ali.  As predicted, ABC portrayed her as the heartbroken girl who chose her job over love, the biggest regret of her life.  I started a count meter on how many times Ali used the expression “I gave up everything to be here. My job. My apartment.”  I lost count after the sixth time.  I’m guessing this will be a repeated phrase this season.  It’s already overused.  For some reason, I didn’t feel much sympathy for Ali when she said this.  Perhaps it’s because she didn’t really lose her apartment – she moved into a mansion and from what last night’s preview showed us, she will be taken on first class trips around the world to date some really cute dudes.  And as for her job, I am sure she’s getting paid something to be on the show.  So it’s not like she’s living in the street, with only her Converse sneakers and a dream.

Let’s talk about these guys.  Right off the bat, I have a few favorites.  I absolutely loved Roberto.  Amazing dimples.  He was a true sexy type, seems genuinely interested in Ali and I liked his personality.  When Ali gave him the first impression rose, you could see some early fireworks taking off between these two.  He seems to come from a great family with parents who are still in love.  It was kind of cute how nervous Ali was when she gave her little speech to Robert about how he made her feel comfortable.  He just rubbed her arm as if to say, “Have no fear. I’d like to stay in this mansion for at least a week.”  I found myself smiling at the TV watching these two interact.  A sure fire sign that I am under the spell of this crazy show.

The stretched out McDreamy from Grey’s Anatomy, Craig, was instantly annoying.  Actually maybe it was his hair and loud tie that were annoying.  He talked too much.  He looked older than the rest of these guys and I’m not sure what Ali found attractive in him.  I also didn’t like how he says, at age 33, that he still hits the clubs in Toronto but that he’d “be willing to give all that up” for Ali.  What a sacrifice.  I loved Hunter’s comments about Craig and how he’s only on the show for the hair products.

Speaking of Hunter, his song on the ukulele was both cute and funny.  That along with his sort of deer in headlights look pass as adorable for now.  I still like that his ears stick out just a little bit, if only because it makes him look earnest and sincere.  His first impression gesture out of the limo was to tell Ali he had to hit the bathroom.  Was he drunk already when he showed up?  Couldn’t he have waited the 30 seconds until he was safely inside the mansion to take care of this issue?  No reason for Ali to have this information.  He had some sharp words to say about the other guys which, although true, may paint him as an angry type down the road if he keeps it up.  As any successful Bachelorette competitor knows – to stay in the game long term, you have to just go with the flow, and put blinders on to the annoying losers around you.  Head in the game!

My favorite right now is Chris L.  They gave him some great air time on his background – and how he was a public school teacher but went back home to be with his mother before she died.  He’s now a landscaper and can get a job anywhere (read: wherever Ali is).  I mean, who couldn’t respect that?  Not to mention, Chris L is pretty damn easy on the eyes.  When Ali had her alone time with this Chris, she asked him whether his parents were still happily together and he decided to answer “yes,” noting that it wasn’t the time to get into his mother’s death.  I respect that decision and think it shows tact.  He was confident enough to let Ali get to know him without playing the sympathy card.  He’s confident and mature.  I like him.

My favorite before last night was Chris H (not to be confused with Chris Harrison, the Host) based purely on his headshot.  He still wins “Best Head Shot,” but they didn’t give him much air time.  Ali still picked him, so hopefully we will get to see more of him, although I didn’t see him in any of the previews of the season (too bad).  There was another Chris with dark hair who Ali also chose.  I wonder how confusing it will be to have 3 Chris’s running around.

Then there was Shooter.  Shooter.  Seriously?   Did anyone else think he looked like a drunk Woody Harrelson?  I don’t want to spend any more time on this guy.

One guy who I think people will either love or hate: Frank.  His glasses may bother you, but it’s probably his talkative and intense personality that’s behind it all. Yes, it’s great that he quit the Big Bad Business world to pursue his dream of becoming a screen writer and he seems to be immediately obsessed with Ali, but his outgoingness already feels a bit overbearing.  And in the real world, he’s a 30 year old dude who lives with his parents.  That’s going to get old real fast for Ali.

As for Justin (aka “Rated-R”), the entertainment wrestler, when almost everybody votes for you to go home it’s either because (1) you are the biggest competition or (2) you’re the biggest loser.  Justin’s repeated claims that he’s there for the right reasons conflict majorly with his “wrestling personality.”  If you’re 26 years old and have aspirations for being in the entertainment industry, how could going on The Bachelorette not be a chance to further his career?  This should always be a concern for Ali. It would be for me.  To Justin’s credit, I did like his grandmother and family.  They seemed like a nice bunch.  I also have a bet with a friend that his crutches are for a fake injury.  Just for attention.

Jay the 29 year old from Rhode Island who does personal injury law with his dad and brother could potentially look cute if he got a haircut.  Without the haircut, he has that personal injury lawyer look.  Also the suit he wore was very court room like.  It looked like he was ready to go to trial.  Although he seemed like a mature and decent person, Ali would be bored to tears.  Evidently she thought so too and sent him home.  Probably what killed it the most is that he kept referring to her as “Sweetie.”  That’s like fingernails on a blackboard to me.  Don’t Sweetie her.  She’s not a lollipop.

Did anybody else really like Phil the investment banker who trained for a triathlon as a way to heal after his brother’s death?  From his photo, Phil looked very square and probably too straight arrow for Ali.  But I loved the background interview we saw on him at the beginning of the show and he was one that I was pulling for.  I don’t think Ali got to know him enough – I bet she would have liked him.  He was really cute too with an incredibly fit physique.

Kyle the “Outdoorsman” from Colorado who spends 90% of his day outside never had a chance.  This guy was a modern day caveman.  It would have been awesome to see Ali arrive at his home where he stuffs and hangs on his wall everything he hunts.  Kyle seemed bummed when he got the boot, saying he thought Ali claimed to like fishing.  That’s true, Kyle, but I think for Ali, it’s more of a hobby rather than a way to survive.

They say if you don’t know who the jerk in the room is, it’s you.  That’s kind of how I feel about Jonathan the Weatherman.  He’s another one who didn’t know when to stop talking and oozed a bit of dorkiness.  That said, I have a friend who knows this guy, so having an indirect personal connection with him, I will reserve further judgment until we get to know him a bit better.

Another one of my favorites was Ty from Tennessee with the sideburns.  He had beautiful big brown eyes and a kind smile.  He seems genuinely nice and I loved his Southern accent.  The fact that he’s only been divorced for a couple of months (we’re talking weeks!), however, is a major red flag. This guy is about as ready to get married as a newborn.  We’ll need to learn more about why he got divorced to determine whether he can possibly be in the right mindset to meet somebody new.

Jesse’s whole, “How do you feel about dating a peculiar man?” speech he gave Ali upon meeting her didn’t instantly click with Ali.  Even after he told her that he was from Peculiar, MO, she was kind of like – Um, ok.  He’s 24 years old.  This turkey needs time to cook.  Ali seemed to like the wood heart necklace he made for her.  Jesse seems like a player to me based on the amount of hair gel he uses.  I am not into this guy.

My mother called to tell me that Kasey, the 27 year old man who vows he will always be able to protect Ali’s heart, has marbles in his mouth.  She said she couldn’t understand a word he said and wished he would stop mumbling.  I agree with this assessment.  This guy was way too intense for a first meeting. He’s like the male Michelle from last season with Jake.  It’s nice that him and Ali were able to bond over their parents’ divorces at age 12, but the additional information that his father cheated on his mother could have waited.  That may have been the alcohol talking. The previews hint that Kasey may be involved in one of the upcoming “shocking” episodes.  Perhaps involving an ambulance and Kasey having a bandage over his wrists.  Is this guy fatal attraction?  Suicidal?  We’ll have to wait.

John C’s gift and proposal using a cubic zirconia ring was cheesy, but original.

Not sure what to make of Craig R, the lawyer from Chicago.  On the one hand, I liked his yellow Converse key chain that he gave Ali.  On the other hand, he is already warning Ali that some of the guys may not be there for the right reasons.  These whistleblowers never make it long term on this show.  Their paranoia is their own demise.
 
Tyler M made me laugh.  This guy totally thought long and hard about how to impress Ali out of the limo.  The best thing he could come up with was to wear cowboy boots with his suit because, as he tells Ali, she was wearing them when she came out of the limo on Jake’s season.  This would have been somewhat thoughtful had Ali in fact been wearing boots. But she didn’t.  Mission failed.  She should have booted him right there.

Jason’s backflip off the limo was the most original greeting in bachelor/bachelorette history.  Unfortunately, I don’t think he really stood out after that point.  He did manage, however, to excite Chris Harrison.  I think Chris was ready to give him a rose.

The last person I’ll mention is Kirk. He’s a brave soul for not only making a scrapbook for Ali, but for actually admitting it to any other human being.  Especially his competitors.  The guys must have had a field day making fun of him for it (all the while secretly wishing they had thought to do the same thing).  Ali didn’t think it was cheesy – she gave him a rose in the end.

And so the first rose ceremony was upon us.  Ali walks into the room of eager men and has this continued habit of fastening her arms to her sides and hunching up her shoulders to her ears.  Maybe she’s freezing, nervous or she’s hiding a hickey.  In any event she begins the ceremony with a speech saying the typical, “This was really difficult” and that if somebody does not receive a rose, it’s nothing personal.  How could it not be personal?  Basically, Ali met everybody, had the whole night to chat these men up, and then decides who she’s just not that into.  Of course it’s personal.

Roses go to: Jesse, Ty, Craig R (lawyer, who is looking a little like Toby from The Office, according to The Husband), Tyler V, Frank, Steve (who looks remarkably like Adam Kendall, Mary Ingalls’s husband from Little House on the Prairie), Chris L (my favorite), Kirk (Scrapbook), John C, Chris N, Chris H (also cute), Hunter, Craig M (stretched out McDreamy), the Weatherman (Jonathan), and  Marble Mouth (Kasey).

Can she just choose Chris L right now?  I’m guessing there will be a lot of drama before that happens.  My favorites are him, Chris H, Roberto, Ty and Tyler.  I’m ready to send the rest home.  I miss Phil already.  Best of luck to him and the rest of the first round rejects.  Til next week, Bachelorette fans.  Who are your favorites?  Who did you hate?  What did you think of Ali as the Bachelorette?

Can't keep track of all of these guys?  Use this cheat sheet to track your comments:

 http://cdn.media.abc.go.com/m/pdf/shows/the-bachelorette/cheat_sheet.pdf

Ali is “Very Happy,” but Not Ready For Kids

With just a couple days until we get to watch Ali Fedotowsky’s journey on The Bachelorette unfold on ABC (Monday, May 24^th, 9-11 PM EST/PST), I find myself in a very tough position.  Deadlines and meetings are creeping up all over me at work, the weather is turning nicer and summer is amost upon us.  I have to wonder – will this season of The Bachelorette have enough interest to lull me out of my competing obligations?  If there is a choice between happy hour, dinner with friends on a balmy summer evening, a run in Central Park or a movie with The Husband, will I be able to commit Monday after Monday to Ali’s adventures?  Especially when the outdoor seating in the restaurants of various New York City neighborhoods are calling my name?  The jury is out for now.

This week, I had the opportunity to get access to a teleconference transcript that Ali F participated in this past Wednesday and learned some interesting things about her.  In the future, I hope to join these teleconferences and ask Ali questions directly.   There are some things that I’d really like to know – like does she get to keep the clothes, jewelry and shoes that she wears on the show and if so, is she taxed for that (isn’t it considered income?)?  What kind of personal training or physical exercise/dieting did she do to get in shape for her time on The Bachelorette?  Does she miss carbs? 

And really what I’d like to know – (and what we’ll never really get a clear answer to) – isn’t the goal of every woman coming on to The Bachelor to become the next Bachelorette?  Did this thought ever enter Ali’s mind?  I mean, yes, they should all be there trying to win the love of The Bachelor.  But knowing that there will only be one “winner,” wouldn’t the A+ backup plan be to figure out how to get the next best thing – having your own show on national TV where a group of people dress you up, send you out on fantasy dates and introduce you to 25 men who you get to flirt, make out with, go on trips with and possibly fall in love with?  Doesn’t sound too bad to me.  Ali said that after she left Jake’s season, she had to go back to work the following Monday (Ali’s employer at Facebook told her that either she comes back to her job or she loses it while she was one of the 4 finalists on The Bachelor’s season with Jake Pavelka).  The show approached her to be the next Bachelorette after she was already off the show as it aired, so it was not during her time on the show.

As for Ali’s teleconference – I give her an A+ in keeping it vague. She wouldn’t give anything away about the rumors about her season except to say, “rumors are rumors and whether there’s truth to them not, I cannot say.” 

Some of the more interesting things I learned about Ali:  She went out to San Fran and left the New England area because she was following a boyfriend out there.  She was in a long distance relationship with a guy who had a Ph.D at Stanford.  Not bad, Ali!  She likes the smart dudes.  They did long distance for two years, and then she moved out there to give it a shot after college.  That relationship didn’t work out, but she fell in love with the Bay area and has been there ever since.

It also seems, she doesn’t really have plans to go back to Facebook at this point.  Could this be because she’s moving somewhere? Or because she’s got to do the Bachelorette media circuit and ride the wave over the next 6 months?  Perhaps.  As for whether she’s found love, she said this, “You know, I’m happy right now, and I’m really confident with…the decisions that I made all along the way and whether it was the third or fifth rose ceremony…or the last one…I don’t have any regrets, and I’m super confident with each decision along the way, and I’m really happy right now.”  Ugh. This still doesn’t tell me much. 

Ali noted she had spoken to Jillian Harris, the last Bachelorette, whose advice to Ali was to have a lot of travel hairspray while on the road.  That sounds like Jillian.  Very practical advice. 

Ali was asked about her behavior toward Vienna last season. Background: Ali was a clear front runner to win Jake’s heart and loved by most fans after her first date with Jake last season, however, she had a clear distaste for Vienna, which she wasn’t afraid to hide.  Many have criticized Ali for her harsh words and behavior toward Vienna, who eventually went on to “win” Jake’s heart and get the final rose.   Her response was this: “I cannot apologize enough for my behavior then.  I lost my cool, and I am glad that I was able to see that on the show because I wonder a lot about myself and how I should treat others…”

Ali also cleared up some misinformation that came out recently in the press.  There was an article suggesting that she wants children right away.  Ali stated, “So am I ready to have kids? Absolutely not.  I still have a career that I want to build and things that I need to accomplish before I’m ready to start a family.”

And if any of the Canadian guys on Ali’s upcoming season caught your eye, this information is for you.  Ali has never been to Canada before, though her father was born there.  When asked about whether Ali would consider moving to another country if the guy she chose was Canadian, Ali responded, “I have not actually been to Canada and I’d love to.”  I wonder if this is present tense, or whether she meant to say that she HAD never been to Canada, because if she chose a Canadian, wouldn’t she have gone there for a hometown visit?   Which leads me to believe that the Canucks are out.

Some other interesting tidbits of info: Ali applied for the show after seeing the Jason Mesnick season.  This was the first season she ever saw and he inspired her to apply because according to Ali, “I thought he was such a great guy and I remember thinking to myself, ‘Oh, if I could only find a man like that.’”  Of course, there’s no mention as to what Ali thought after seeing what transpired between him and Melissa and Molly.  Background: Jason the Bachelor chose bachelorette. Melissa Rycroft at the end of his season, got engaged, then realized he had a mistake, dumped Melissa on the reunion show, got back together with Molly and married her on national TV in early March of this year.  I’m not sure Ali wants a guy EXACTLY like Jason.

Probably the most telling of Ali’s remarks was about her confidence in finding “the one.”  Ali’s responds, “I was absolutely confident from night one that my husband was going to be in that room and I’d like to think I kept that confidence.”

Sounds like she found herself someone, if you ask me.  Based on how she so easily got swept up in her attraction for Jake last season, I’d be shocked if she didn’t fall in love hard and fast with someone, and be ready for a marriage proposal. 

All in all, I’m keeping my fingers crossed for an exciting season (and summer).  Ali will be doing some crazy traveling all over the world, which should be a nice change from past seasons.  And we’re always promised at least some drama. 

What are your questions for Ali?  Is there anything you would like to know?  I may have the chance to interview her in the future, so tell me what you’re curious about and I’ll see what I can do.  Enjoy your last Bachelorette-free weekend for a while!  

Ali's 25 Dudes: Whaddya Think?

Ok, Bachelorette fans.  I have done my homework.  After studying the 25 men who will be pursuing our Bachelorette to be, Ali Fedotowsky, I have some observations to share.  These judgments are not based on anything other than pure looks and the basic information provided by ABC.  In other words, I am judging the bachelor by his cover.  Here are my thoughts: 

Of note about Ali’s pool of potential husbands is the following (you may want to look at the pictures/info of each of these guys at the ABC website when reviewing these thoughts (http://abc.go.com/shows/the-bachelorette/bachelor-announcement/ThemeGallery/):

1.     We’ve got three Canadians this season.  As there were no Canadians for Jake’s season, our neighbors up north are going to be very happy.  Especially, because at least one of them is absolutely adorable.

2.     Not one of the dudes is from New York, New Jersey or Connecticut.  Maybe Ali had a bad experience with a tri-state area jerk or has something against the Yankees, the Mets, etc.  Either way, there will be no Gia accents on this season.

3.     The bachelors range in age from 24 to 34, with 13 of them being 27 years old or younger.  As a wise woman in my 30s, I can now look back and say that this does not bode well for our girl Ali.  In my experience, single guys who have been single for quite some time that are 24 and 25 years old like their freedom.  This is not to say that there aren’t some young bucks out there who are looking to settle down and have dinner parties at home with their newly purchased Kitchen Aids off their wedding registries, but it’s most likely the exception.

4.     At least 6 out of the 25 contestants this season are employed as some sort of salesman.  It will be interesting to see whether they can sell themselves to Ali. 

5.     With the exception of one Latin man, minorities are non-existent in this pool of men. No African Americans/Canadians, no Asians, no Indians, no Native Americans, Pacific Islanders nor Eskimos.  I wonder if this is because minorities do not audition to be on the show or whether they just don’t make the cut.  Regardless, there are certainly minorities who watch the show, and it would be nice to have some diversity in the mix.

I already have my favorites and a few comments about some of the rest.  I won’t speculate on every single person and I’ve ready the rumors out there and refuse to spoil it for anyone in case they are not true. 

My top 5 choices for Ali F:

1.    Hunter.  There’s a YouTube video of him floating around the web singing a hilarious song at one of his friend’s weddings.  Apparently this is what the guy does – he makes up funny lyrics and sings them while playing a ukulele.  I think Hunter is adorable.  I love how his ears stick out just a little and he’s got nice big eyes, which make him seem earnest and sincere.  I’ll take sincere over seductive any day.

2.    Chris H.  I think he’s my favorite just based on his headshot alone.  He’s gorgeous.  He lives in Vancouver (fun town for Ali to visit) and he’s a real estate developer.  He’s got the All-American boyish look to him which I think Ali found appealing in Jake, and I like his conservative, Banana Republic type button down shirt.  I hope he has a cute Canadian accent like Jillian.  So long as he’s not 5 foot 3, we may have a winner here. 

3.    Jesse.  Yes he’s 24, which normally would spell disaster, but he’s cute in a frat boy kind of way and may have the Michael Stagliano twin boyish charm factor from Jillian’s season.  I feel like the grandmothers watching this show will love him and want to pinch his cheeks.  He’s got the potential to grow a little puppy love for Ali.

4.    Kirk.  “Big Red” just has a nice, warm smile and I don’t think we’ve ever seen any successful red heads on the show, so I’m hoping he does well.  He’s also from Wisconsin, which means he’ll have a cool accent and since he’s a sales consultant, I feel like he may have a great personality.

5.    Chris L.  I liked his t-shirt featuring the periodic chart of the elements.  He may be a bit quirky, which Ali will like.  Also, he’s 33, which is definitely at the right age to meet someone and settle down and I hope we get to see Cape Cod on a hometown visit. 

Some other brief comments:

Did anyone else think that Craig M, the guy with the hair that looks like it got blown through a wind tunnel, has a slight Patrick Dempsey resemblance?   Craig is 34, which is 9 years older than Ali. Not sure this is going to happen, but since he’s in dental sales, I’m sure he’ll have nice white teeth.

I’m thinking that Craig R from Philly may be a nice Jewish boy.  He’s going to fall head over heals for a gorgeous blonde like Ali, but not sure his mother will approve.  He seems too nice to be a lawyer and this could be a nice guys finish last situation.  We’ll see.

Derek is Frodo from Lord of the Rings.  Also he lives in Los Angeles, which may mean he has a potential Hollywood agenda for coming on the show.  Red flag. 

Ugh, I am not a fan of Justin the “Entertainment Wrestler.”  Haven’t even heard the guy speak a word and I don’t like him.  Anyone in the entertainment industry who comes on this show has no interest in finding true love. Huge red flag.

Kyle the “Outdoorsman” needs a new job.  And a brush. This is a wandering soul and Ali should not get caught up in this.

I like Phil the Investment Manager.  He’s the guy your mother and grandmother urge you to meet and marry.  If he went spray tanning and smiled more, you might forget he was a finance guy.  But if you need someone dependable, I’d count on Phil.

Roberto, our token diverse Bachelor, will sadly be ousted quickly. I’d be surprised if he makes it past the second round.

Ty Brown has country music career aspirations.  He was in Kelly Pickler’s music video and I hope he doesn’t turn out to be the next Wes from Jillian’s season.

John N and Jay the lawyer seem metro sexual to me.  They are a bit too polished looking.  But maybe Ali likes that.  I guess we’ll see. 

What are your impressions of these guys?  Any early predictions?  Let’s hear it!

First Ali Bachelorette Podcast of Season is Up

The season premiere of The Bachelorette is just days away!  Stacey B and The Husband have just posted the first podcast of the new season (which also happens to be their first podcast as a married couple).  Here's the link where the audio file is posted:

http://www.knottheone.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderfiles/bachelorettepodcast1.mp3

Enjoy!

Former Bachelorette, Jen Schefft has bun in the oven

Congrats to Jen Schefft, former "winner" of the Andrew Firestone Bachelor season, then single girl, then Bachelorette, then single girl again - now wife and soon to be mother.  Here's the article

http://www.usmagazine.com/momsbabies/news/bachelorette-jen-schefft-is-pregnant-2010125

Hilarious Interview of Ali on Jimmy Kimmel

This is from a while back, but it's actually quite funny.  Jimmy's comments are great.

Star Wars Night With My Nephews

Almost as insane as my love for The Bachelor/Bachelorette, is The Husband's love of the Star Wars movies.  The original movies, obviously - not the more recent ones.  We have been waiting for my older nephews to be of an appropriate age where we could show them these movies and they would make it through without a) crying b) falling asleep c) telling us they are bored and begging for us to watch something else. That time came this past Saturday night.  We dressed up in costume, made our Wookie Cookies (actually, my sister made them) and we watched the original first movie.  To our complete delight, both boys loved it.  Ryan, the 7 year old, actually started sweating during the last 30 minutes of the movie - that's how into it he got.  Jonah, the 8 year old, also was into it, asking no less than 75 questions, but still enjoying the whole experience.  Both can not wait to see "The Empire Strikes Back."   Jonah and Ryan's younger twin brothers, also enjoyed the experience, though they were put to bed before the movie started. 

Here are some pictures from the night:

My New Gig at RBR/TVBR

Happy weekend, Bach fans!!! The Husband and I are about to head out to Connecticut for Star Wars night with my nephews.  I will be dressing up as Princess Leia (practiced my side braided buns last night) and The Husband will be Darth Vader.  We are going to make food from our "Star Wars Cook Book" which will include Wookie Cookies, etc.  Then we are going to induct the two older nephews, Jonah (age 8) and Ryan (age 7) into the Star Wars Club by showing them the original Star Wars movie, "Star Wars, A New Hope."

I'll let you know how it goes.

Also, I am the new "Critic at Large" for this season of The Bachelorette at RBR.com  / TVBR.com.  This means I will be published there several times a week to discuss our favorite show!!!

Please check it out and tell your friends: http://www.rbr.com/tv-cable/tv-programming/23996.html

Ali's Background

A little about Ali's background in case you're interested.  This is straight from ABC's website:

Ali grew up in Williamstown, Massachusetts, with one sister, one brother and their parents. Although she gave up her chance at a future with Jake, she has set her sights on a reliable, funny and humble guy who can challenge her. Even though this Bachelorette is known more for her work ethic, she loves to play. She enjoys hiking, wake boarding and playing soccer, but also takes pleasure in going to wine tastings.

After attending Mount Greylock Regional High School, where she played varsity soccer for four years, she graduated Summa Cum Laude with a degree in psychology from Clark University in New England. She also was a member of Phi Beta Kappa. Ali moved to California after graduation in 2006 and most recently was employed as an account manager in online advertising.

 So we learn that Ali was a soccer athlete in high school. The guys are going to love that.  We also learn that she was an account manager at Facebook.  Hiking and wake boarding dates are forthcoming.  Interesting?  Not so much.

10 Things to Look for in This Season of The Bachelorette

In less than 3 weeks, the new season of The Bachelorette will begin. If you can block out all of the spoilers and teasers that have circulated over the past few weeks, it may just make for a somewhat interesting season. Not that those spoilers and teasers tell us every single thing that happens, but still, if you’re like me, you watch this show to be entertained, not to solve a riddle.  Some of your are skeptical that Ali will be remotely interesting. I must say that I have my doubts, but I'm willing to give it a shot.  If the season is less than satisfying, I will hope to have my other blog up and running, so at least you can read about some funny things going on around us. 

In any event, here’s what I think will be interesting to look for in the upcoming season:

1. Signs of yellow. As we know from last season, Ali loves wearing cute adorable yellow dresses and acting in a sunny mood whenever she wears them. Let’s watch the bubbly pour out of her as she is pursued by 25 guys.

2. The makeover. Clearly every Bachelor or Bachelorette that comes on this show gets a head to toe makeover, and I am sure Ali will be no exception. She’s a beautiful girl to begin with, so it will be interesting to see how they mold her. Personal trainer, check. Spray tan, check. Highlights done, check. Stylish wardrobe added, check. Scenes of her running on the beach wearing tiny little shorts, check.

3. Additional apologies for her mean behavior last season. For all of the Ali nay-sayers out there who couldn’t get over how mean she was to Vienna, I am sure you are not alone. I think the majority of fans found Ali cute and charming during week one, especially on her first one on one date with Jake when they went frolicking in the grass only to turn up at a live, private concert of the Chicago band. Then it was like a switch went off, and this other Ali came out and said some pretty nasty things about Vienna. Given, she did apologize already for this behavior on both The Women Tell All and on the finale when they announced her as The Bachelorette, however, not sure all is forgiven. For that reason, it is almost unavoidable that in the first hour of the season premiere, Ali will be forced to apologize once again and make excuses about it being a competitive environment or something like that.

4. Happy Go Lucky is BACK. In addition, some of you complained that Ali was too whiny and wishy washy when deciding whether to stay and pursue Jake or keep her job. You cringed when she sat in the middle of the hotel hallway lobby and broke down in sobs. I hear you. I highly doubt that we’re going to see this side of Ali, though. She will be portrayed as a confident, smiley, down to earth, happy human being. One that does not bring boyfriends to dead grandmothers’ houses.

5. Helicopters, Bungee Jumping and Hot Tubs, Oh My! There will be plenty of these activities going on throughout Ali’s dates. She definitely seems like the adventurous type.

6. Facebook. You have to believe that Facebook is going to milk the fact that one of its former employees is starring in highly rated, highly viewed reality tv dating show for all it’s worth. Ali is free advertising for them. So long as they hire her back after the show. Be prepared to get bombarded with new Facebook fan pages rooting for Ali. I wouldn’t be surprised if they created special contests, incentives, etc. all having to do with the show.

7. Tenley town. You can bet her former bestie, Tenley the Disney character, who dreams in cartoon, will be back to help Ali pick out some winners. If Tenley is nice, maybe Ali will share.

8. The Scandal. Last season it was Roz having a secret affair with a producer. The season before it was Wes having a girlfriend. The season before that it was Jason doing the switcheroo with Molly and Melissa. I am wondering what can top these things. One of the guys is gay? One of the guys is secretly dating Roz? One of the guys has 5 wives and thinks Ali should be his next?

9. Blonde vs. Brunette. Earlier pictures of Ali reveal that she is naturally a brunette. I wonder if she will show this side of her at all. I definitely like her as a blonde, though.  Check out her high school pic here.

10. The WOW Factor. What new tricks will the Bachelorette have up its sleeve this season? Will it be the same format? Will they live in the Malibu mansion? Will there be a “first impression” rose and several dates where Ali has to kick somebody off right there and then? Or will they shake it up a bit?  Are you bored before the season has even started?

I hope they mix it up a bit this season.  Maybe plant a mole in the men’s shack and record what goes on there? I never understood why they don’t do that. It would give so much more direct insight to the Bachelor/Bachelorette. Michelle from last season wouldn’t have lasted beyond the first round.

So there you have it. What are you most looking forward to this season? Do you like Ali or are you not a fan? Undecided? Do you think she will find her true love and will it last? I sure hope it's interesting!