CONFIRMED - Justin's Injury HAS to be Fake!

After my team of investigators went back to the online video: http://abc.go.com/watch/the-bachelorette/SH5556990/VD5570292/week-3-part-1?cid=fullepisodeaccess  of last week's episode, I have come to the following conclusion:

Justin's injury MUST be fake.  When Justin is hiking to Ali's house on crutches, it is clearly his LEFT foot that has a protective boot on, and which he does not walk with.  This indicates that it is his left foot that is injured.  We then see Ali being videotaped at her house. She is discussing her upcoming date with Hunter and why she chose him.  For a second, we see a clip of Justin right before he approaches Ali (it's in the last clip of Episode 3, Part I).  This time, however, his RIGHT foot is in the boot, with his sneaker on his left foot.  Unless ABC is playing mirror camera tricks with us, Justin has SWITCHED his injured foot. I repeat: JUSTIN has SWITCHED his injured foot from left to right. 

A moment later, in the next shot, Justin's injured foot is back tp being his his LEFT foot.  This is at the point where Ali sees him.  This shocking mistake can only mean one of the following:

1. Justin's injury is fake and ABC knows about it.  How could they not have captured him taking off his foot boot cast thing and changing it to the opposite foot?  Perhaps they missed it or didn't realize what he was doing when he switched the cast to the wrong foot.

2.  The clip we see of Justin with this foot boot on the "wrong" foot is really being taped in a mirror somehow, and therefore it is really on the same foot the whole time.

3.  Justin's foot cast switcheroo went unnoticed by anybody somehow, even Justin - he wasn't smart enough to keep the hoax up the entire time. This would mean that he stopped to rest at some point and "air out" his foot.  We didn't see him rest.  But a mile's hike on crutches on a highway may have required some rest.  Even a 5 minute break would be enough for him to have taken his cast off and then, "Oops!" put it back on the wrong foot.

1 and 3 above are most likely.  Gotcha, Justin!  What do you all think?

Wrestler-Gate: Is Justin Faking It??!!

There has been some speculation as to whether Justin "Rated-R" is faking his foot injury.  I, for one, think this would certainly be a way for him to earn some extra TLC and sympathy from Ali.  After Hunter's antics from last week in lying to Hunter about his whereabouts during the hours before Hunter's date (according to Hunter, Justin claimed to be sleeping), I don't trust Justin.  In my opinion, Being an Entertainment Wrestler + knowlingly being followed by cameras for the mile hike to Ali's house + Lying about his trip to Ali's house = ULTERIOR MOTIVE.

As a keen reader of this blog noted to me by email earlier today,

"Did you notice last week when Justin was "hiking" to Ali's house that his left foot was in the cast/boot and when he got to Ali's house, more specifically coming around the corner where she is doing an interview it is Justin's right foot in the cast/boot - check out the episode (end of part I).  His whole broken foot thing is a ruse!!!!!"

A complete investigation by my operational team will be conducted to get to the botton of this scandalous accusation.  Is Justin really injured?  Stay tuned while an analysis is performed...

Is Ali Copying Me?

First it was my rehearsal dinner dress, now it's my wedding gown and bridal hair style. Ali is invading my personal style!  Actually, Ali looks completely stunning in this picture compared to me, but  I couldn't help and notice the similar styling.

BTW, the photo of me below was taken at my grandmother's apartment recently.  Grandma Lillian could not make the trip to Puerto Rico for our destination wedding. She is 102 years old and can't get around too well, so instead, we brought the wedding to her.  My parents came to my grandmother's apartment in their original wedding clothes, my uncle was the videographer, my cousin wore a vest and a bow tie (which is very fancy for him) and my aunt brought me flowers and performed the ceremony.  The Husband wore a tie over a t-shirt.  It was about 102 degrees in NYC that day and probably hotter in her apartment. I put on my full gown, jewelry, shoes and tried my best at my own hair and makeup and got married to The Husband right there and then in my grandmother's living room - again. 

The look on Grandma L's face when she opened the door to her apartment and saw her granddaughter, the bride, standing there - was well worth the effort.  She even dressed up for the occasion and put on her own makeup!  How many 102 year olds dress up for a wedding reenactment?  She is truly incredible.  Look at her standing on her tippy toes to try to be as tall as me.  What an amazingly modern woman!  Now I know why she's lived so long - she is able to go with the flow and run with any ridiculous situation that crosses her path - even a makeshift wedding!

The other picture below is of my Aunt, Uncle, Cousin and Grandma Lil with me, moments before the wedding ceremony.  I started to walk the 11 blocks to my grandmother's apartment (in my gown), but it was hot, and people were staring at me, so The Husband and I jumped into a cab.  I was thinking that if we could reenact our wedding once a week from now on, then the following might happen: (1) in about 600 years, I could get my money's worth for my dress and (2) it would force me to stay in shape to be able to fit into that dress.  To all of you former or soon to be or eventually to be brides out there, people are so much nicer to you when you're wearing a wedding gown!  I remember the moment our wedding ceremony overlooking the beach of our San Juan hotel ended, The Husband and I made our escape back toward the main building and on our way we passed a restaurant full of patrons who were eating outside.  As we approached, they all started applauding.  It was so nice.  Then I got to thinking - wouldn't it be nice to walk the streets of New York City with people applauding you all along the way?  If I wore my bridal gown to work, I might get some support on my daily commute. I might not mind waking up at 6 AM and traveling 90 minutes each day.  I might even look forward to it.  Of course, I'd probably get some strange looks and most likely lose my job, but I'd be applauded on the way to the unemployment line.  

Anyhow, the wedding re-enactment turned out to be a big success. We are looking into a repeat performance when some of my French cousins come to visit New York this summer or fall. There was cake, there was poetry and lots of kissing - all signs of a great wedding. 

In between these weddings, I'm contemplating become "The Brunch Bride." This is somewhat similar to the concept of The Naked Cowboy, except I wouldn't be naked - I'd be wearing my wedding gown.  And I don't play guitar in my underwear and really I'm not a cowboy.  But like the Naked Cowboy, I'd bring joy to the people on the street that I pass while making them wonder whether I was completely insane for wearing a wedding gown when it was not my wedding day.  Truthfully, I can't bare to say goodbye to this dress.  I spent close to a year searching for it, trying it on and making sure it fit perfectly. I also spent more money on this dress than any single article of clothing that I have ever purchased in my life and yet I will wear it less than anything I ever bought before.  Does this make any sense?  How can I just store it away and hope that in 25-40 years from now, a future daughter of mine might possibly want to wear it?  Nah, I'd rather wear it myself.  As the Brunch Bride, I'd put on my gown, wear my wedding jewelry and hair pins, do my makeup, and pick a nice spot on the Upper East Side to have brunch in once a week.  I just hope The Husband is willing to go along with this.  To mix things up a bit, perhaps I'll take to grocery shopping or dropping in to a Duane Reade or CVS Pharmacy before or after brunch.  The Brunch Bride is both elegant and practical: fancy enough to eat anywhere in Manhattan, but determined to get her money's worth for her bridal gown. 

Justin vs. Young Richard Gere?

I finally figured out who Justin reminds me of - it's Richard Gere, but Richard Gere, about 25 years ago.  It's mostly the eyes and the smile.  I think that's maybe why I was trying to give Justin the benefit of the doubt, because I like Richard Gere.  But I'm still not sure about him.

Making a Weatherman and a Professional Wrestler Cry

I am impressed with Ali’s abilities. Men weep over her. They risk their lives on highways to hike miles on crutches just to spend alone time with her. Others are willing to stay at home, clean, cook burgers for her on a grill while wearing an apron and raise her babies while she goes to work. The actual dates this week were less exciting than the action which unfolded. If Rated-R’s rogue trip to Ali’s forbidden house on crutches did not get you, then watching Frank be seconds away from a nervous breakdown while being forced to watch Ali make out with his competition had to have gotten your attention. If those two things failed, the Weatherman’s performance while working up the courage to kiss Ali in a music video earned him an Emmy in awkwardness. The fact that he cried (and I don’t even think any alcohol was involved at his point in the date) makes this episode one of the best in Bachelorette history. We also saw waterworks (though I’m not sure how genuine they were) from Rated-R. I am not keeping stats, but this may be a record for the amount of men who cried in one single episode of The Bachelorette.

We got to see Roberto’s adorable dimples and great smile on his first one on one date with Ali. This was simply awesome. Almost as awesome as when he kissed Ali for the first time, while suspended 20 stories in the air between two LA high rise buildings on a wire. Did somebody tell him to do that? It was a bit theatrical. Am I the only one who thought that this dare devil tight rope walking was one big advertisement for Converse sneakers? They were both wearing them.  Also, at night, I was a bit confused as to where both of them managed to change their clothes before dinner and how much time passed in between tight rope walking and dining under the stars.  Regardless, Ali is so smitten with this guy – he is clearly the front runner at this point. When Ali ditched their “formal” table with chairs on the rooftop to dive into blankets and test Roberto’s cuddling skills, she might as well have told the rest of the guys to go home. Ali was so clearly drunk at this point in the night – she had a hard time speaking in straight sentences. She has such a big crush on this guy.

Though in Ali’s defense, Roberto seems great. FINALLY – a man who takes the bait and has the brain cells to show affection and capitalize on the opportunity to hug and comfort her on the helicopter, unlike Jesse from last week. I like that he got right in there. Ali needs affection. Even The Husband is smiling while watching them fondle each other. For somebody who has a fear of flying, Ali certainly gets herself involved in traveling by means of a lot of planes and helicopters. She didn’t look too terrified last night as she was leaning over her new Latin lover peeping out the window. Now if only they could have a conversation that went past how cute Ali is or how good looking Roberto is, they might have something substantive here. I will say – I loved when Ali told Roberto in Spanish to give her a kiss. Not just because she said it in Spanish – but because she learned it in a rap video. Now that’s funny!

The group date was way too reminiscent of previous Bachelor/Bachelorette seasons where trips to a soap opera set took place. I distinctly remember Jason Mesnick’s season where the girls were fighting left and right to have a chance at a fake kiss with him. What made Ali’s group date a little bit cooler was the fact that the Bare Naked Ladies were part of this production. I am a huge BNL fan and it was fun to see Ali dance like a lunatic in front of them. Side note: I liked Ali’s casual outfits this week. I have said this all along – Ali looks a million times better when she is dressed casually – jeans and a tank top – that’s her best look. To quote one of my most brilliant friends concerning Ali's wardrobe from last night:

The dress she was in last night (at the rose ceremony) was the most horrid shade of gray I’ve ever seen, and her hair looked greasy and matted. And it looks like a cheap color job. Get that girl some good highlights! She’s such a cute girl, but I just don’t think she’s looking her finest, at least for the very little I’ve seen.

I agree - it was a bit too princessy for Ali.  She doesn't need to wear a ball gown (she kind of looked like someone dressed up for Disney parade). OK, back to the action now.

The Weatherman, who changed from his white Michael Jackson 80s jacket from last week (Craig M's comments got to him) to the same exact jacket in green this week (though obviously Craig M did not do enough), completely loses any sense of coolness when he learns that he has to kiss Ali during his music video scene. At least he knew better than to wear his white rimmed sunglasses into the music video shoot (did you catch those in the earlier part of the episode? Go back – it’s worth the search. Completely hideous). Watching Jonathan mentally prepare for this was one of the most entertaining aspects of last night’s show. Watching the other guys coach him was equally entertaining.

Kirk seems to have scored the most fresh points last night. Big Red wasted no time getting down and dirty with Ali. It seems to be pure lust between them because we didn’t see an actual conversation about anything other than the fact that he wanted to make sure his music video kiss felt “real” to Ali.

I could not stop laughing when Frank and Craig R were trying to personalize the Bare Naked Ladies’ lyrics to “You Run Away.”

Frank: “The lyrics are the situation that we are all in with Ali. They are very relevant.”

Craig R: "Love is escaping us. Love is running away from us."

When Frank gets to have the first scene with Ali, he can’t stop smiling. He does have an amazing toned chest and abdominal region – I will give him that. But I found myself applauding as Ali got to hit him in the face over and over. Smack some sense into that guy, Ali!

If reality TV had a recap show like what Sportscenter is to sports, then the Weatherman’s kissing scene with Ali would be the highlight. The fact that he was shaking and Ali knew it, combined with the fact that he asked Ali’s permission to kiss her and gave her an “out” in case she didn’t feel comfortable (not to worry, Weatherman, in case you hadn’t noticed, Ali will kiss anything within 100 feet) were priceless. Despite his awkwardness, Ali was a pro. She really just got right in there and planted it on him. Is there any way that Ali is actually attracted to this guy? Or is she just being kind in keeping him around? I guess dorky is better than conniving any day. The highlight of this kissing scene for me was watching The Weatherman’s confidence go from zero to hero in a matter of seconds. He’s got this satisfied look on his face, like he’s trying to hold back the smile of the century. In his own words, he describes the kiss as being “like a rocket ship…it blew up.” I loved Chris L’s comment here, “It’s the Weatherman’s first kiss ever.” Seriously – it really could have been. Ah well, good for him. He's harmless.

Jesse was almost non-existent in last night’s episode. Does Jess have anything to offer other than looking pretty? Frank looked like he was going to throw up when he had to watch Kirk’s kissing scene with Ali. I loved how all of the guys evacuated the area while the two of them rolled around in the bed together. Go Big Red!

At the post party, her conversation with Chris L heated up. I can’t wait to see these two on a one on one. I think he is hands down – along with Roberto – the greatest guy there. I am glad he was able to open up a little about his mother. They are not showing much of Ali’s feelings on him at this point – and I’m wondering whether this is edited. When the Weatherman appeared to take her away from Chris L, I felt myself getting nauseous. I wanted to flick him away. Of course, watching Weatherman ask Ali for a more private kiss and then having Craig R interrupt before Ali could give an answer was priceless.

Ali looked great in a bikini – so much more flattering than that dress the first night – you would never think she had such a toned body based on how they dressed her! Good for her! Once again Big Red seduces Ali in the water. The Weatherman is hurt by having to watch Big Red make out with his lady. Frank’s hair is growing in crazy directions and is getting increasingly more dishoveled having to watch his girlfriend make out with Big Red. I thought Chris L might get the rose on this date for revealing a bit more about himself, but Ali gives it to Big Red.

So then we have the Justin/Rated-R scandal of the week: he secretly goes to Ali’s house, to have extra time with Ali. He thinks his crutches are holding him back (they are) and that if he doesn’t get that extra time, he’s going home fast. On the one hand, hiking miles on crutches in warm weather does seem like a very romantic gesture. Are the guys just jealous that they hadn't thought of doing something like this?  This would have been a noble gesture, had it not cut into Hunter’s date time. Ali didn’t seem to mind Justin’s visit and found his dangerous hike to her house noble. She says it’s “the nicest thing any guy has ever done for her.” Really Ali? The nicest thing a guy has done for you has been to throw all his other housemates under the bus, sneak off to your house, never mention it and do this all while being filmed? And where exactly did he stick those baby pictures of himself? Couldn’t one of the film crew given him a ride? Perhaps if he didn't know he'd have a camera following him and documenting his tough journey this would have been more believable.  Or maybe if he hadn't hid it from his housemates.  He could have said, "You know what guys? I went to Ali's house.  Game on."  No wonder Ali is so smitten with all of these guys. Low standards. Once Justin got back and started making comments about how lucky Hunter was to spend time in Ali’s house, etc., the red flags really came out. I don’t trust this guy. The Husband was calling him another Vienna for the entire episode – so when Ali made that comparison, he felt very excited. All I could think of was how bad he must have smelled after hiking up a highway on crutches for miles. Especially when she cuddled with him on the couch.

So Justin returns, telling the guys he was sleeping. Hunter is getting ready for the date and seems nervous. He knows this is a big chance. The Husband made a good point here. These other guy get flown to Vegas, get picked up in helicopters, etc. What does poor Hunter get? A trip up the road, where one of his bunkmates has already been moments earlier, to grill for Ali in an apron. Not exactly the best deal. Of course, this is probably the most normal way to get to know somebody. Fantasy dates don’t exactly seem to be the best way to know if someone is made to be your life long companion. In any event, it was terrible that Justin stole Hunter’s thunder here. Hunter seems like a great, normal guy. To me, it seems perfectly sane that with only a couple of hours together, he may not have wanted to just jump into make-out mode. He’s a gentleman. What was Ali expecting? They seemed to be getting along just fine – Ali was giggling like always. Hunter was making jokes. Just because he didn’t put the moves on her in the hot tub, doesn’t make him a bad person. Perhaps he should have taken his ukulele out again. Oh well. I wonder what would have happened if they had a more interesting date (an activity other than just staring at each other while grilling meat may have been a better first date) – like bowling or mini golf.  Maybe it wouldn't have mattered.   But surely, I would keep Hunter around over Weatherman, Kasey or Craig R any day.  I wonder whether Justin having spent that time with Ali immediately before her time with Hunter affected the outcome. I would love to hear what Hunter has to say – having seen what happened immediately before his date.

When Justin started getting emotional poolside with the other guys, this is where any ounce of his integrity is lost on me. According to Rated-R, he’d give up all the professional wrestling stuff for a wife and family. He’s so passionate about this statement that he starts crying. I wanted to slap him. He’s all drama this guy. There is absolutely nothing to cry about on this show. If you like Ali, go for it. I don’t like his sneaky antics and his woe is me act. There’s also something strange about him being the outcast in the house.  We see Ty really have a strong opinion about Justin.  Awesome moment of the night: Justin inching up on the male pack while Ty is going full steam Justin bashing but doesn't see Justin.  It is very clear that the guys see two different sides to Justin.  Kasey calls Justin creepy.  Craig R, the bulls!!! detector thinks Justin is all about gaining attention.  So Kyle the Outdoorsman may have had it right from the beginning: http://bachelorlove.blogspot.com/2010/06/rated-r-justin-has-split-personality.html

Chris L’s comments this weeks were awesome. I love that he’s good at flip cup and that Ali is into this. I loved the outtake of him and John C hunting a mouse down in the house. Chris L seems sincere and funny. He’s the guy you want to hang out with. Plus he’s adorable. I hope we get to see more of him!

Steve (Adam Kendall from Little House as you can see in my last posting), wins best last ditch effort in trying to establish a mini one on one date.  Although his lack of ability in champagne bottle opening didn't win him many points.  A for effort though.  It always amazes me when guys like this are shocked that they don't receive a rose.

Roses go to Chris L (yes!), Chris N (Who on earth is this guy??), Ty, Kasey, Craig R, Frank, Weatherman and Justin.  Kirk and Roberto already got theirs. 

Next week begins Ali's travels around the world, starting with New York.  We finally get to see whether Kasey is suicidal and what the mystery is behind his "guarding Ali's heart." I hope that doesn't mean literally.

Holy Smokes: Millions Have Nothing to Do on Mondays!

Just when your officemate makes fun of you for watching the "filth" and "trash" of The Bachelorette (such horrible words), you can tell this person you are not alone.

According to http://www.rbr.com/ , last night's "The Bachelorette" ranked No. 1 in its 2-hour time period for the 2nd week in a row.  Total viewers = 7.9 MILLION!!! 

And in case you are already wondering what on earth you will do once Ali has chosen her Prince Charming. Don't fear!  ABC announced that Melissa Rycroft (former "winner" and then ex-fiance of Bachelor Jason Mesnick who went on to success in Dancing With the Stars and then got married anyway) and Chris Harrison have teamed up to host Bachelor Pad, an all-stars collection of previous Bachelor/Bachelorette seasons.  The show starts in early August 2010: http://tvwatch.people.com/2010/06/08/bachelor-pad-melissa-rycroft-chris-harrison/  Melissa tends to get on my nerves, so not sure whether this Bachelor Pad spinoff is such a great idea considering the original show is still enjoying major popularity.

And if Bachelor Pad doesn't excite you, I got an email yesterday on Facebook that Reid Rosenthal (Jillian Harris's rejected suitor who came back and proposed to her on the finale) is hosting a cruise with a few former Bachelor candidates.  For all of you nice single Jewish (or gentile) ladies who vowed that Reid was your future husband - now is your chance!  Go to http://www.reidandfriendscruise.com/ for more details!  This is not a joke! This exciting trip will feature cocktail parties, sun, fun and probably roses.  A $250 deposit secures your booking and you can pay the rest later.  If you are solo, they will find you a roommate through their Cabin Mate Assignment Program.  If you do go, please send photos and tell us your stories.

Steve vs Adam Kendall

My comments from last night's episode will be posted this evening, but until then - does anybody else think that Steve looks like Adam Kendall (Linwood Boomer) from Little House on the Prairie?? This was the best picture of Mr. Kendall that I could find - apologies that it's dark.  If they ever remake Little House, Adam is a shoe-in for the part.  Did you know that Linwood Boomer was the producer for Malcolm in the Middle?  Who knew??  Tenley would make a great Mary Ingalls.  Til later...