IT'S WISE TO SHUT UP WHILE YOU'RE AHEAD. NY Post

From the NY Post:

Omarosa Manigault- Stallworth: REALITY-TV STAR. MercuryNews.com

Unlikely 'Apprentice' got MBA on the streets - Five questions for Bill Rancic San Francisco Chronicle

Hey, Jenn C made the cover of Vogue! (Just kidding...)

I never fail to love Sam's commentaries. Particularly this line from this week's:



The man's a lunatic, but he's a fun lunatic, unlike this season's crop of unlikeable weirdos.

My mother is a huge Apprentice fan and I send her lots of links, but those photos of Pamazon at the Girls Gone Wild Party? I think I'll spare her aging eyes! Wow, who knew Pam had such a pair -- and would show it in public?

In contrast to TA1, the outfits that the women of TA2 wear haven't been the kind that allow for sneak peaks (although it is clear that they demonstrate a fashion-sense deficiency, e.g. Sandy R. in a jean skirt and heels.)

Once booted, however, we've seen horrible displays of both bootie and boobie by Jen C. (and now Pam D in the Halloween pix above). Let's hope it stops with these two.

Pamela Day and Bradford Cohen at AMA Forum in Chicago

Three “Apprentice” Contestants—Entrepreneurs All—Discuss Leadership at AMA Forum in Chicago


Carolyn Kepcher and Pamela Day share business lessons from "The Apprentice"

Pamela, it's Amy calling with the number for Maxim.

This seems to be the most appropriate thread to ask this:

Did anyone watch My Big Fat Obnoxious Boss on Fox tonight? It's a parody of The Apprentice. They even have a blonde Carolyn-like character.

Hey, thanks BlueSkies for the pics of Pam! It doesn't suprise me that she dwarfs Troy. He's only about 5'7" and she's about 6'2", about the same height as John Wallenberg(it figures the doofus would dress as a priest).

O.K., what work (other than the obvious) has Pamela had done? Simple Botox or an actual face lift? Although she is still far from pretty she certainly looks a lot better.

YES!! Hilarious.

Three comments:
*Donald Trump commented favorably on MY BIG FAT OBNOXIOUS BOSS. He said that he knew it was a parody and he thought the idea was funny. I only saw a little of the show last night but what I saw had me laughing out loud.
*Maybe John was dressed as a priest and Pamela...wasn't, because it was some kind of Las Vegas variation on the "Tarts & Vicars" party. Remember that from BRIDGET JONES' DIARY?
*Everyone from TA2 looks a lot better in interviews and party pics than they did on the show. Know why? THEY ARE FINALLY GETTING MORE THAN 2-3 HOURS OF SLEEP A NIGHT!

I agree that a good night's sleep does a world of wonders but Pamela's definitely had more than sleep to help her drastically improved looks.

Pamela has ended her marriage.

Of course- she looks better now. She's free and happy.

All I ever remember her saying of her husband was that he is a great guy. I think she even used the term "quite a catch", although that of course would be a bit of a feather in her cap. Free doesn't necessarily = happy. Divorce is anything but relaxing. Personally I'd be a lot less happy without my husband. Surgical enhancement on some level can be the only explaination for her improved looks.

Edited because spelling matters, even when discussing famewhores.

WinCan, there were some gossip articles several weeks ago (either E! or NY Post, don't recall) hinting that Pam had a little post-TA2 surgery.

Yup, and now she's got a hot young stud like John to keep her warm at night. Pretty good upgrade, if you ask me. That might account for her sudden "glow". Never underestimate the power of good sex.

Amy also mentioned last year that she was happier after her divorce. Nick was okay in a roguish way, but John is most definitely HAWT. Lucky girl!

So Raj is telling people he HAS a date with Robin now. I'll believe it when I see the pictures...and even then will be looking closely to be sure it isn't a blow-up doll with a wig...that he named "Robin".

In his dreams, maybe... According to Robin, it's not gonna happen:


Seriously. This tool is too deluded.

Well, what do you know!?! Robin was impressed by his "charm" the way most of us were. What a dickhead!

Quite a haul for a Tuesday. Some leftovers from yesterday that I didn't get around to posting. Don't forget to have a spreadsheet or somesuch handy in case your boss comes by.

Heidi's commentary for Episode 9.

Business lessons learned from Episode 9 of "The Apprentice." Richmond Times-Dispatch

BigLaw Associate Emerges as Cold and Conniving on "The Associate" [sic] NY Lawyer

Nick's commentary for Episode 9 at Inside Pulse. Meh, although his disdain for Ivana is reiterated. He's done much better. It reads as if he was very tired when he wrote it. It lacks spark.

Riding Coattails: A Formal Caning For Raj. Inside Pulse Much better than that Armand eejit's recaps - for whatever that's worth.

Typing of that Armand eejit, here's his contribution in re: Episode 9. Inside Pulse. Please remove all sharp objects from your immediate vicinity if you choose to read this recap. I do NOT want you poking your eyeballs out. Really. That would be bad. I ripped my cornea once and it's the worst pain I've ever experienced, so eyeball poking is a no go. Okay?

Bit of a SPOILER from the NY Daily News but it doesn't give anything away but the name of an upcoming guest.

Tycoon tells S.D. crowd, 'I fired him' San Diego Union-Tribune.

Carolyn Kepcher's book talks about remaining 'a lady,' and offers advice on work-related issues. Detroit Journal News. PHOTO.

Bid on Kwame's handprint for charity on eBay. PR Newswire.

A loser from the Apprentice is a winner to these students. Providence Journal. Free registration may be required. Nick in Rhode Island.

And in other Nick news, courtesy of TV Gal at Zap2it:
MOGUL MADNESS NY Post.

TV styles of the real and fake bosses. USA Today

There are beaucoups of reviews/commentaries/etc. about the Branson show and the Obnoxious one, but I don't wish to stray too far afield from TA and TA-related topics. If you're determined, I suggest tossing a stick at the internet and you'll find many. Really. They're everywhere.

(From Nick's commentary at Inside Pulse.)



Hee! Nick brings the snark! Thanks for the link, goobaletta.

Robin Himmler? Man, that's something to overcome. You'd think a couple generations back her family would have changed that.

....tick, tick, tick.

Black Enterprise's review of task 9 is up - blackenterprise.com

The Apprentice: The E! True Hollywood Story, premiering Sun., Nov. 14, at 8 p.m.

How Brains, Drama and a Dose of Reality Made the Show a Sensation

She's only 35 but still talks about being a lady. This phrase always gets my hackles up. She is as outdated as her hairstyle!

There's an absolutely compelling story at Salon.com about the choosing of contestants for reality shows. It has plenty of information about The Apprentice and the new show with Richard Branson, but what's best about it is the breakdown on how potential contestants are vetted for maximum TV drama. Take a look:

http://www.salon.com/ent/feature/2004/11/09/billionaire/

You have to be a Salon.com subscriber (well worth the money, IMO) to read it, but you can also access it by watching a short ad first. Here are some excerpts:

I've never been insulted to be called a lady. I consider it a compliment. I don't cut my hair according to the latest styles. I wear what looks good on me and how easy it is to take care of. I suspect Carolyn wears her way the way she does because she likes it and, with 2 small children, it's an easy style.

Wow, pocha. That Salon story is a great find. The quote you cited really is the key point:



This to me pretty much sums up the underlying flaw in The Apprentice, and I presume Branson's show, too. The producers swear they want people who really want to work for Trump or Branson, yet the casting process ensures that only a couple will be professionally and emotionally qualified -- and maybe none at all. That is why all of the Apprenti seem somehow deficient as people. Anyone who is level-headed, well-adjusted and low-key will be weeded out. Personally, I believe the ability to provide drama on demand is not, repeat not, a good quality in a boss, an employee, or a carbon-based life form in general.

So now I know why I dislike all of these people.

At least, based on Bill Rancic's workload, The Apprentice job is essentially a public relations role. The only damage he can do to Trump is if he gets caught in some kind of personal scandal. Branson claims he's actually going to make the winner on his show president of his company. Is he insane? What do the stockholders think about this?

And on a totally different note:


They did. It used to be Robin Stalin.

'Apprentice' contestant visits BHS. Barrington Times. PHOTO of Nick signing autographs. Okay, look at the guy in the white shirt behind Nick. Does he remind y'all of anyone?

Lil' Andy? Maybe he is a Nick fanboy.

Thanks, pocha! That article was terrific. It's only confirmed what I've long suspected anyways, but still a very interesting and well-written read. Incidentally, I checked out Branson's show after reading that, and I think I may be hooked...it's actually better than TA.

ETA:
Some interesting Raj&Smeagol gossip from Page Six:


Eww... Raj and Smeagol making out... Bwahahaha.... Let's just hope these two don't procreate. Could you imagine the offspring? A brood of stumpy obnoxious bow-tie wearing rugrats named Dreadnought.

Xackly, clp. That guy is totally Andy's doppelgänger. Weirded me right out, that did.

AXED APPRENTICE A LOVE STUD. NY Post. Dear heaven. Raj is the lead story for Page Six today. Stacy Rotten and Jen C. are also mentioned. You may wish to have your brain bleach handy. Seriously. Also, put down your coffee. JIC.

Raj and Jen C., Raj and Stacy R.---hmm. The thing is that it's kind of hard to actually imagine Raj getting busy with ANYONE. And that's not because I think he's gay, it's 100% clear he's straight, but....well, it's sort of like imagining Winston Churchill or Tucker Carlson having sex or something, and that's not a place my mind is really able to go.

wordslinger:



For most companies I know of, the President is a figurehead position. I mean, yeah, they normally have votes in the board of directors, etc., but it tends to be nominal. The heir of the founder of the company will be the President - they attend the corporate parties and other things.

The CEO is the one that actually runs the company. They normally are the ones that figure out the various projects to focus on (well, not at all levels, but at least a strategy for the corporation). So often people see the title "President & CEO." Branson is giving a figurehead position (albeit, better than Trump's PR-type position) to the winner of his show. It's unlikely that the "winner" will really have too much say in the company.

Topic? Raj and Stacey R? I didn't know Smeagols could mate. Eww.

Edited: darn quote tags. Ha! I got it now!

The Apprentice Suite must be copiously supplied with blindfolds[/tm Blackadder].

Thank you for the clarification, Algae. In my personal experience, combining the president and CEO roles has been the norm, but it's good to know Branson has left himself an out. So there's no immediate need to sell Virgin Group stock...

Jaded Cat: I worried after I posted my comment about Carolyn that it may have sounded too harsh. My point really is that "behaving like a lady" tends to conjure up (for me) the notion that a woman ought to behave in the antiquated ideal to which women used to be upheld. Mildly mannered, soft-spoken, etc. I believe probably these are traits to which everyone, male or female, should aspire. Anyway, I'm not a fan of Carolyn's--I think she made an impression on us last season that she was tough as nails and cool as a cucumber and really she seems to me to be a total yes-"man" to Donald, which I don't respect. I find her to be very old-fashioned, I guess.

Anyway, my hair looks like crap just about every day, so definitely no offense intended and I'm sorry if it was taken that way!

p.s. Saw Raj interviewed on Fox News this morning. I think it's his ruby red lips that have all the girls swooning. He also said that he actually succeeded in getting Robin's phone number but that she's been too busy with work to go out with him yet. Uh-huh.

Argh! So tired of this "I/he/she was playing a character" comment. Is he saying that Omarosa was playing a role and isn't really the Omarosa we saw on the show?

With Carolyn and the word "lady" - well, the word conjures up a certain image of politeness, grace and dignity that other words just don't. If she were to talk about being a woman...well, what does that mean? The word itself is pretty vague. No one would argue over what "lady" means, though - it's pretty clear. There is also the distinction between men and gentlemen in the workplace; I work with both.

Thanks, Jaded Cat & archer, for jumping in before I did. I've been taught to act like a "lady" since I was 3 yrs old and IMHO it is certainly not an "antiquated" behaviour here in the South. Being "ladylike" no matter how others act shows you have that "grace and dignity" along with a maturity (no matter what your age) to handle a situation in the best possible way. It certainly isn't a put-down, but one of the highest compliments you can get.

I agree that Carolyn is very "ladylike" whether she is laughing, listening, praising, or giving someone a smackdown. It's one of her best qualities, IMHO.

Being a "lady" means not "getting into the sandbox" with a bitch.

FWIW, I, too, have been taught to behave with grace and dignity, humor and charm. I have been taught to be polite and careful. My only point was that these are qualities to which all people should aspire. It's okay if Carolyn wants to label it ladylike, however it really reminds me how little she protected Pamela (who I'm sure Carolyn believed did NOT act ladylike) when Pamela continues, in my opinion, to have been the best candidate, man or woman, on that show.

In business, it's really a tough, fine line a woman has to walk to be treated with respect as well as be liked. It's more complicated, IMO, for women than men. I think instructing us to be ladylike oversimplifies it.

BUT, Back On Topic: The Salon article is killer. It is absolutely amazing how finely-tuned contestant selection is for reality shows now that they've become so uber-popular. I wish I had that job!

Word to that "Ewwww!" I could at least understand him going after Jenn C., but Stacy! Yikes! Raj, get thee to an optometrist!

How could someone who's so particular about the way he dresses be so uncaring about whom he gets intimate with?

Making out with Stacy is the last straw, Raj. I just lost all respect for you!

You're dead to me now.

I bet Stacy needed a stepladder. Dear Lord, I hope somebody reams them out about that at the inevitable reunion. An audience chatting "Raj-kisser! Raj-kisser"? Hilarious.

Nick in PA. Daily Courier. His speaking tour is in full swing now. Funny, good PHOTO.

Raj and Smeagol sitting in a tree. K-I-S-S-I-N-G. First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes Raj with a troll carriage...


Raj seems to hit on anything that resembles a female. I suppose he ordered Smeagol to "Pony up!" and she took him up on it.

Remember, she did pack birth control pills in her suitcase. And apparently, she's been giving talks on "Dating Lessons Learned from the Apprentice." *snerk*

Longer blurb about tomorrow night's episode from NBCUMV. Not spoilery but for mention of where he intro's the task. Everything else is pretty much a rehash of the previews.

Thanks once again, darling goobaletta for the links.

When you noted the article on Nick was "funny" I'm assuming you meant the writer's saying Nick was "movie star handsome"!?! Cute, I'll give him...but he's no George Clooney.

And, regarding Raj hitting on anything with a pulse....why the surprise? The man is a walking Sexual Harrassment Suit WITH a bowtie.

Hard to prove--it'd be very rude for the cameras to look under the desk to show us if she's wearing platform shoes. </Raj-ish joke>

I kinda have a theory of "Why Smeagol?!", and it's not pretty. Maybe it's because standing up, she's just at the right height to suck the hairy bird. One stop-shop, I think.

Anyway, carry on with the EWWWs!

powderyblue, I just barfed in my mouth.



Right on. It's amazing that he, who proclaims to be such a great businessman, isn't a little more discreet given today's workplace environment.

Apprentice Star to visit River Rat game on November 19th. OurSports Central. This amuses me way more than it ought.

Chicago area Bill fans make a note: