Reality Check By Gina

A Reality Check With ... Kail Harbick (CBS's "Big Brother 8")

2007-08-12T09:01:00.000-04:00

RC: Are you a fan of previous Big Brother seasons?
Kail: I watched BB since season 1 & have not missed a season since. I had a fascination since & kept watching it every year. I said, "I think I can do that. I would like to try that." I started to apply in season 5 and finally made it in season 8.

RC: Who are your favorite players of all time?
Kail: Lisa is one of my favorites and Jason.

RC: Did you feel that revealing that you are a business owner would hurt you in the game?
Kail: Yes, I did think there would be a lot of judgement being a multi-business owner. Evel already felt like I was a strong player, I don't know why. I didn't wanna field all the questions & talk about it all the time. I didn't wanna go there. If I was blessed to make it to final 2, I didn't want that held against me.

RC: Any opinion on Jen turning down half her winnings? She did say that she wasn't here for the money.
Kail: I think they think that she's quirky enough that they probably believe her. She is there just for the experience. It's not beyond her by any means.

RC: Your husband said you weren't yourself in the game. Was it hard to hide some of who you are for so long?
Kail: For the most part, I was myself. Maybe what he's talking about was that I didn't laugh as smile as much as I really do. That was for a couple reasons: I was homesick & I was on the block. And I was walking around eggshells around Evel.

RC: Do you feel someone like Evel Dick should be allowed to play the game the way he is?
Kail: He definitely robbed me from my experiene of having an enoyable time. I felt that he twisted all my words and basically, ruined me.

RC: What happened between Amber's outburst at Eric at the vote that turned things around and kept him in the house?
Kail: I don't know what happened, I would like to know what happened. I don't know what the thought was behind that. Dustin told me clear up to the live show that I had his vote. So, he lied.

RC: Do you think the housemates used your early alliance as a reason to get rid of you?
Kail: Yes, I do. That's correct. They all had alliances, they just called them their best friends.

RC: What was the hardest part of being in the BB8 house?
Kail: Eating slop and I was surprised by how homesick I really was. I don't know if that's because I had Evel always on me but that surprised me. I was always mad at myself, saying to myself to get over it. I am still thankful that I got to experience it.

RC: What's it been like since being out of the house?
Kail: They take you to a motel and you're still secluded and not in the world. I kind of feel like I'm still in the house so I haven't felt like I've left yet.

RC: Anxious to get home?
Kail: I'm kind of getting word back to me that there will be a lot of people at the airport and I'm looking forward to that. Being in the house, I don't know my days or times and haven't been on schedule. I think I'm gonna live life like that for a while.

A new episode of Big Brother airs tonight on CBS

Get your Big Brother links at sirlinksalot.net

A Reality Check With ... Rocco DiSpirito (BRAVO's "Top Chef")

2007-08-01T20:32:00.000-04:00

RealityCheckByGina chats with Rocco DiSpirito, tonight's special guest judge on Bravo's Top Chfef.

RC: When did your interest in cooking begin? Is it something that you were always passionate about?

Rocco: I started when I was 11, I wanted a summer job & a little more money in my pocket. I asked my mom for an increase, she told me to get a job. My job was in a pizzeria, I fell in love with the industry right away.

RC: Where did your training begin?

Rocco: When I was 14, I started working at a pretty serious restaurant. It wasn’t a 3 star restaurant but they were very serious & very busy so everyone needed to be on point. That was one of the most intense experiences of my life

RC: There are so many chefs out there. How do you separate yourself from the pack and get noticed?

Rocco: I think what’s interesting about any art or craft is that: if you have a point of view as a craftsman, you can become an artist. You start to discover that you’re feeling things innately. There’s a sincere point of view & it starts to come out if you free it instead of saying, “Well, it has to be like this.” If you go with your gut, all of a sudden, you stand out.

RC: What has been the highlight of your career so far?

Rocco: There have been a lot of highlights, epiphanies, and great moments: getting 3 stars from the NY Times, being on magazine covers & television. I never imagined I’d author a book. There are a lot of moments I’ve felt very fortunate for.

RC: You have done a reality show yourself before (NBC’s “The Restaurant”). How difficult is it to focus on what you’re doing when you have lights, sound, and cameras following your every move?

Rocco: It’s very difficult, I won’t say it was fine & easy. There were an enormous amount of challenges. I’m grateful for the experience. What’s interesting about Top Chef was that it’s very structured & my role was very defined. It’s fun to be part of something that was so different.

RC: Have you watched the previous seasons of Top Chef before?

Rocco: I’ve seen a few episodes, especially this season.

RC: What do you feel separates Top Chef as the superior cooking show?

Rocco: Well, I’m pretty sure in the ratings, it’s the number one cooking show. What makes it superior is the credibility that Tom lends to the show. Sure, there’s drama but the cooking is taken very seriously. There’s no need to amp it up. You look at the other cooking shows out there, and there tends to be a lot more drama than cooking.

RC: What is your involvement in this upcoming episode of Top Chef?

Rocco: It’s a supersized episode & I’ll be the guest judge. I’ll help with the quickfire challenge where they deal with frozen food. It’s very unexpected & surprising. When you mention frozen, most chefs go, “Ugh!” But that’s a reality for home cooks.

RC: What is next for you?

Rocco: I just finished my 4th book, Rocco’s Real Life Recipes, which is getting the home cook to find fresh food, cook it, and get it on the table. In real life, we don’t have any time but we want to eat well. It’s a shame when people order out five nights a week. It will be out in November.

Top Chef airs tonight at 10pm EST on BRAVO

Get your Top Chef links on sirlinksalot.net

A Reality Check With ... Alonzo Bodden (NBC's "Last Comic Standing")

2007-08-01T20:04:00.000-04:00

RealityCheckByGina talks to Alonzo Bodden, the former winner of Last Comic Standing, and this season's judge.

RC: Where did your stand-up career begin and how old were you?
Alonzo: I started in L.A. and I didn't know you weren't supposed to start there. I did open mic nights anywhere I could - bowling alleys, coffee houses. I started late, I was 30. I used to fix airplanes ... before they started drug testing.

RC: What was the biggest struggle on your way to the top?
Alonzo: I don't know if there was a struggle because I always loved doing it but the hustle of it was trying to make a living. I was a truck driver for the Power Rangers, which was cool because I ended up doing monster voices. I installed televisions. I would take any gig.

RC: What was the experience like when you were a contestant on "Last Comic Standing"?
Alonzo: It's stressful. Imagine going to work and every Tuesday, someone's gettin' fired. I look back and see the enormity of it, though. I just focused on the room that night, otherwise you go crazy. I would just try to kill every time.

RC: What's the biggest perk of being the winner of season 3 & doing extremely well in season 2?

Alonzo: Besides the money? The money was great but I'd have to say becoming a household name. There's job security: the jobs come a lot easier. People recognize you, sometimes you get to go to the front of the line. Last week, I went to a motorcycle race in Monterey, CA and I got to sit in the Michael Jordan Hospitality Tent. That was pretty cool. I'm still waiting for my date with Halle Berry.

RC: What made you want to come back as a judge for season 5?
Alonzo: It was a great gig to be back on tv every week. We're all trying to make this season better than ours was. Working with Kathleen is great and Ant ... well, being Ant must be a 24 hour job. He cracks me up.

RC: You seem like the toughest judge to make laugh. What are you looking for in a good comic?
Alonzo: Well, I'm looking for someone who's funny, of course, and originality. I want someone who has a different take on things. It's hard to explain, some people just have it. Sometimes, there's good comics who choose the wrong material for auditions and it's such a mistake. I need someone who's sustainable, not the same jokes we've heard.

RC: This show is now on it's third host. What does Bill Bellamy offer that sets him apart?
Alonzo: Bill is phenomenal. He's so enthusiastic about the show. Jay Mohr was a smartass. I liked it but a lot of people didn't. Anthony Clark didn't seem too into it. The funniest thing Bill would do was tell the comics we cut, "I wanted you to make it!" Man, Bill, don't be blamin' it on us!

RC: Who are your comedic influences, past & present?
Alonzo: My all-time favorite is Bill Cosby. Now, I love Louis Black. The highest compliment I ever got was I got written up in Playboy as a modern George Carlin.

RC: You are someone who always gets out on the road. Where can your fans find you?
Alonzo: This month, I'll be in Ontario, Miami, and Omaha. My fans can always find my on my website & MySpace. My agent wears a furry hat & drives a Cadillac!

A new episode of Last Comic Standing airs tonight on NBC!

Get your LCS links at sirlinksalot.net

Exciting Changes For Gina!

2007-07-31T16:01:00.000-04:00

Hi everyone. I want to thank everyone who has been reading this site since it started earlier this year. I've been given the opportunity to write full-time for BuddyTV (BuddyTV ID: BuddyTVGina) & therefore, will not have the time to maintain my site as much as I once did. For those of you who enjoy the interviews with your favorite reality stars, you'll still be able to see them here & on RealityWanted! Check back each week to hear from contestants from: Big Brother, So You Think You Can Dance, Hell's Kitchen, Top Chef, Last Comic Standing, Age of Love, and more! I hope you'll stick with me & keep reading! I'm so grateful for all the opportunities I've been given & am very excited to embark on this new journey!

Sincerely,
Gina

A Reality Check With ... Jen Yemola (FOX's "Hell's Kitchen")

2007-07-31T14:21:00.000-04:00

On last night's Hell's Kitchen, Chef Gordon Ramsay got rid of Jen Yemola, leaving her out of the finals. Now, Bonnie Muirhead and Rock Harper are left to battle it out. A 26-year-old pastry chef from Pennsylvania, Jen became infamous for pulling pasta out of the garbage to serve to patrons during one dinner service. She bounced back and made it to the final 3. Jen is here with RealityCheckByGina to talk about her time in Hell.

RC: Have you always had an interest in cooking?
Jen: Oh my God, yeah! I started washing dishes when I was 14. I loved the excitement & I just moved up from there.

RC: What is your formal training?
Jen: I went to culinary school for 2 years & took some courses in pastry.

RC: Did you always want to be on Hell's Kitchen or is this something you did on a whim?
Jen: It's so weird. I wasn't anything in high school but I always knew I was going to be something someday. I watched Hell's Kitchen last season & just knew I belonged there. I had to be there. I feel so blessed, I had a goal & I accomplished it.

RC: What was the hardest part of being on a reality show?
Jen: The schedule! I had no idea how grueling it would be. You don't get any sleep, you're not eating properly and I just wasn't used to it.

RC: Did Chef Ramsay intimated you with his screaming & swearing?

Jen: No, it's just words. I was never worried. It was just motivation to keep going.

RC: Are you surprised Bonnie & Rock are the final 2?

Jen: I'm not gonna lie, I am surprised. They have their reasons for choosing them though. Maybe I didn't have something they were looking for.

RC: Chef Ramsay was extremely complimentary to both you & Julia when you were eliminated. That had to feel good to go out that way.

Jen: He was so good to me! There were times I felt like he hated me. He knew I had a love for food. He was great.

RC: What was your proudest moment on the show?
Jen: Last night's episode when I won the challenge unanimously. I was so nervous! Last night was my favorite episode.

RC: You got a nice shopping spree as a prize for winning that challenge. Did you go nuts in the store?
Jen: I did! They didn't show it but the first thing I did was buy Bonnie & Rock a set of knives each. I bought tons of cake pans. I had so much fun!

RC: Do you think you'll get away from being "the girl who picked pasta out of the trash to serve"?

Jen: You know, I think I have. I was really remorseful for that. A lot of people didn't recognize their mistakes when they were on the show. I felt huge pressure, he wanted it now, but I'm not going to make excuses. I don't want people to associate bad food with me. I still feel crappy about it.

RC: What was the most shocking elimination to you?
Jen: I think when Brad got voted off. I was shocked, he was really good. I love Bonnie but I was really shocked.

RC: What's next for Jen?
Jen: I want to start my own business doing cake design for weddings & events. I still have a lot to accomplish. I have goals, dreams, and aspirations.

Watch the final two battle it out on Hell's Kitchen next Monday at 9pm EST on FOX

Get your Hell's Kitchen links while they're hot at sirlinksalot.net!

Hell's Kitchen: From Three To The Final Two (7/30/07)

2007-07-30T22:37:00.000-04:00

At last week’s surprising nomination ceremony, Bonnie put up Rock & Julia. Chef Ramsay chose Julia to leave Hell’s Kitchen but promised to personally send her to culinary school. No one expected Julia to leave and everyone takes the news hard. There are tears all around – even from Rock!

It’s time for the chefs to dry their tears because a challenge is coming their way. He brought his mom for this special challenge. For tonight’s challenge, they’ll have to take comfort food and turn it into fine dining. Bonnie is given franks & beans, Jen chooses fried chicken, and Rock must do a take on spaghetti & meatballs. Their mothers are brought in as surprise judges and without knowing whose dish they tasted, Jen’s dish was unanimously chosen as the favorite. For her prize, Jen & her mom get a meal with Chef Ramsay & his mom.

At dinner service, each chef must take a turn running the kitchen. Before they start cooking, the chefs take a turn going through a quick training in being assertive. Apparently, swearing makes you assertive. The sous chefs are sent in at service to fill the gaps and must purposely mess up to see if the contestants catch it. Jen misses her first quality control test but quickly catches on, picking up on other mistakes.

Rock passes Chef Ramsay’s quality control test but does not do well with time management. With half the restaurant left to be fed, Bonnie steps up to the quality control challenge. She does well maintaining the standards while Jen screws up by overcooking the risotto. However, they manage to finish dinner service and now, Chef Ramsay has the tough task of eliminating someone, thereby choosing the final two.

Chef Ramsay is faced with a tough decision and first, chooses Rock to go to the finals. He chooses Jen to leave Hell’s Kitchen, moving Bonnie into the finals along with Rock. Chef Ramsay commends Jen on a job well done and sends her on her way. Who will win Hell’s Kitchen? Find out next Monday at 9pm EST on FOX.

Get your Hell’s Kitchen links while they’re hot at sirlinksalot.net

"Pirate Master" Contestant Found Dead

2007-07-30T13:09:00.000-04:00

Pirate Master cast member Cheryl Kosewicz was found dead in her home this past Friday from an apparent suicide. According to KOLO-TV in Reno, NV, the death is still under investigation but cast members have stated on various websites that it was suicide. Cheryl had been troubled by the death of her boyfriend two months ago and was upset over the cancellation of Pirate Master. She was the fourth person eliminated on the show. Her interview, following her departure from the show, can be found HERE. A funeral service is schedule for tomorrow in her home state of Nevada. People may leave condolences for the family at: www.waltonsfuneralhome.com

Big Brother 8: An In-Jen-ius Nomination (7/29/07)

2007-07-29T23:17:00.000-04:00

Dick is convinced that Jen went against him, attempting to vote out Kail. Actually, it was Eric but as America's Player, he has to keep that under wraps. Nick and Amber speculate that it was Jessica who went against the house. Amber really thinks it's Nick. Paranoia is spreading throughout the house. Lucky for Eric, his name hasn't been mentioned once. Dick decides it must have been Nick and is now gunning for him.

As Head Of Household, Dustin is after Jen, Kail, Zach, and Nick. Amber is so excited for Dustin and, not surprisingly, can't contain her emotions about it. In his HOH room, Dustin is so happy to see all his pictures of his family and receives a letter from his brother. Dustin breaks down and he very much misses his family. It must be hard for their families to see them on tv but for them not to see their families and be so out of touch with the rest of the world.

At dinner, Dick and Amber get into a huge fight because Amber says that her dog is like her child. Amber continuously says, "Love is love" and defends herself while Dick won't drop it. He continues his reign of terror in the house by playing practical jokes in the middle of the night. Also running against Dick in the unpopularity contest is Zach, who doesn't appear to have many fans in the house. Daniele sums it up by saying: "I would rather eat slop for a month than have to sit with Zach for an hour." Ouch.

When Dick tries once again to talk things out with Daniele, it doesn't go well. Daniele is frustrated and emotional and doesn't feel like being in the house is worth it anymore. She doesn't want someone putting her down and his words over the years have really damaged her. Dick goes back and forth between trying to be understanding and getting very defensive. He ends the conversation, consoling her and vowing that things will never go back to the way they are.

It's time for the food competition and of course, everyone is looking to steer clear of slop. The houseguests partner up and while some are happy with their partnerships (i.e. Jen & Amber, Nick & Daniele), some are less than thrilled (i.e. Dick & Kail, Eric & Zach). Partners must find pieces of a puzzle to put Humpty Dumpty back together again. Jameka & Jessica, partners, have been on slop for 2 weeks and look to finally have some real food. They end up winning and couldn't be more excited.

As the winners, Jameka & Jessica must choose five people to put on slop for the rest of the week. Dick was chosen first, since he hasn't been on slop before. They put Zach on slop next and then Kail, Nick, and Jen. Jen is actually happy to be on slop because it will help control her indulgence in food and perhaps she'll shed a few pounds. That's a new way to look at it!

Kail goes to Dustin, asking to be put on the block as a pawn to get someone else out of the house. She's fully aware it could backfire but she takes that risk. When Jen goes running to Dustin in order to save herself, he calls her out, thinking that she was the one who voted for Kail. She at least gets him thinking of putting up Zach.

Let's check in with America's Player, Eric, to see what he has to pull tonight. He needs to try to get Jen nominated for eviction, which he's happy about. Dustin tries to figure out who he should put up: Jen, Nick, or Kail. Everyone is on board for Nick & Kail but Eric keeps pushing for Jen. At the nomination ceremy, Eric gets his wish as Jen & Kail are nominated for eviction. Both are worried but it seems only Kail needs to be, as Dustin lets us know Kail is no pawn. She's the one the house wants out.

Who will win Power of Veto? And who will leave the Big Brother house? Find out this week on Big Brother 8 on CBS.

Get your Big Brother links on sirlinksalot.net!

A Reality Check With ... Mike Dutz (CBS's "Big Brother 8")

2007-07-27T14:32:00.000-04:00

Mike Dutz is a 26-year-old painting contractor from Wisconsin and became the 3rd houseguest evicted from the Big Brother House in last night's live episode. His alliance to Kail and his refusal to be anything other than himself cost him the game. Mike takes time to talk to RealityCheckByGina about "the dumbest move in Big Brother history" & the Mrs. Robinson Alliance.

RC: Were you a fan of previous seasons of Big Brother? Who were your favorite players?
Mike: Yeah, the first season I watched was season 6. In season 6 which led right into All-Stars, my favorite players were Janelle & Kaysar.

RC: What made you want to participate in Big Brother 8?
Mike: I thought it would be a very unique challenge. Being that I am the person that I am & holding the values that I do, I thought it would be an awesome reward to go through the game without manipulating & lying.

RC: In the exit tapes last night, Dustin said he really didn’t know you. Can you tell us a little more about yourself?
Mike: I’m a guy who’s very intellectual. I like to have conversation that have depth & meaning to them. I like to talk about politics, religion, science, math, history – the boring stuff that people don’t talk about. That’s why it was hard with some of the people in the house. They watned to scheme or talk strategy

RC: In the first episode, when host Julie Chen mentioned there would be rivals, did you think perhaps you could have one in the house?
Mike: I knew 100% there wouldn’t be a rival showing up.

RC: Did you feel it threw off the game to have people in the house with such animosity towards each other?
Mike: Yeah, it threw off the game. The strategy I had coming into the game was immediately thrown off when people had a history together. I had to take a different approach.

RC: What made you decide to align yourself with Kail so quickly?
Mike: The reason why was more pressure than anything. She became HOH the first week, sought me out, and asked me to be in an alliance with her. I felt pressure to do so because if I didn’t, she’d view me as a threat. It was an effort to save myself but it just so happened to work out where we align ourselves with the same values. It wasn’t my immediate choice.

RC: How soon after the “Mrs. Robinson Alliance” was formed did you realize it wasn’t going to work out?
Mike: It was probably sometime in week 2. The communication levels were dropping immensely. I started having trust issues with Nick. I thought he was playing both sides. There were some occurrences I’d ask Nick a question & I’d get a different response than what was told to me by another person. The other person was Jen & I don’t think she had any reason to lie. The trust factor was getting real low. Nick never talked to Kail so she felt out of the loop. The paranoia took over and communication broke down.

RC: Julie told you last night your move to get Dick out of the POV competition has been called the dumbest in Big Brother history. How do you respond to that?
Mike: I think people are overreacting in that aspect. I think the dumbest move would have been compromising my own character & hiding behind the shadows of others, floating through. I took the opportunity to show my values in that I was a man true to my word in hopes that people would truly see what I was doing.

RC: Why do people go along with Dick’s every move despite how confrontational & argumentative he can be?
Mike: I’m not exactly sure why people are going along with it. It might coincidental because he was HOH in the third week so people went along with it. He flies off the handle pretty easily. Nobody wants outbursts or to feel uncomfortable. I think it was a matter of the scenario at hand.

RC: Were you surprised to learn that Eric is America’s Player & must do everything they say? Do you think that could be his demise?
Mike: I was really surprised. I certainly wouldn’t have found that out until later on in the game when the votes couldn’t be hidden as easily. Thinking back, Eric was acting peculiar. I think it very well could be his demise. If anything were to make him crumble, that would be it.

RC: Who is the best player in the house right now? Who’s got the most game?
Mike: Honestly, going back to Eric, I think he has the most potential in the house. He has everyone from all sides liking him. He has that in his favor where I don’t think anyone would really consider putting him on the block.

RC: What’s in the future for you now that you’re out of the Big Brother house?
Mike: I’ll be going back to everyday life before the Big Brother house. If some opportunity comes along & sweeps me off my feet, I’ll consider that.

The next episode of Big Brother airs Sunday night on CBS

Get your Big Brother links at sirlinksalot.net

A Reality Check With ... Jaimie Goodwin & Kameron Bink (FOX's "So You Think You Can Dance")

2007-07-27T13:42:00.000-04:00

On last night's "So You Think You Can Dance", America chose to eliminate contemporary dancers Jaimie Goodwin & Kameron Bink. Jaimie was no stranger to the bottom group, having landed there before but Kameron was a first-timers. Along with Lauren & Dominic, the bottom 4 danced solos but their fate had already been decided by America. Jaimie & Kameron have made the tour and are here with RealityCheckByGina to talk about their time on the show.

RC: What is your dance training & background?
Jaimie: I have been doing ballet, tap, & jazz since I was 7. When I was 12, I went into lyrics & pointe work as well as musical theater & contemporary. I did flamenco, too!
Kameron: My sister started dancing & I wanted to do it too. I started off in acrobatics & tap, actually, when I was six. I got into jazz, ballet, and more recently, I’ve been concentrating on contemporary & hip-hop. I grew up in a dance studio until I was 16

RC: Jaimie, Hok was so apologetic, feeling that he was responsible for you landing in the bottom 3 a few times. What is your response to that?
Jaimie: My response to Hok is, I tell him this all the time: He takes so much responsibility but it takes two in a partnership. If he messed up, it wouldn’t have put us in the bottom 3 just because of him. My fans slacked off & his did, too! I’m totally kidding. It’s not like he was responsible, though.

RC: Kameron, you’ve never been in the bottom before. What was that like for you?
Kameron: It was definitely a new experience. I didn’t realize how much pressure I was feeling. I knew that the solos wouldn’t make a difference on the outcome but, for some reason, I still had nerves going out there. I knew I was on a national stage at that point & it was very nervewracking but it was exciting, too.

RC: Were you proud of the solos you performed last night?
Jaimie: I feel that I was happy with it. I mean, it’s always different on stage than you feel in rehearsal. We all feel really confident in rehearsal. There’s so much adrenaline that you do things you never thoughts you’d do. I think it’s important to always be happy with what you did & you shouldn’t regret anything.
Kameron: I really wasn’t completely prepared to do my solo last night. I’m really happy how far I’ve come in the competition so I make no apologies.

RC: Kameron, set the record straight. Is there a romance between you & Lacey?
Kameron: There is no romance! We had a little bit of chemistry on stage & when you’re with your partner 24/7, you’re going to naturally have chemistry together. When it is put out on stage, people like to play with things they see or hear or think they see & hear. No, there is no real romance. I had a showmance.

RC: Jaimie, I heard from some of the other dancers that everyone got really competitive when it got down to the top 14 and 12. Did you notice a change in the atmosphere?
Jaimie: I honestly didn’t feel a change. I was very close with the top five girls & we were really close & relaxed. Once we got to top 10, I felt like there was less competition. We all said to each other that we were so satisfied once we had made top 10.

RC: What does the future hold for both of you?
Jaimie: I fell in love with California the last few months but my original plan was to move to New York. I would love to be in a company for contemporary. I mainly found the ones I’m interested in out in New York & Chicago. I do love California, though. I’m hoping to be able to hit all those bases.
Kameron: Obviously for the next few months, we’ll be on tour. After seeing the country, I want to move out here to L.A. to see what opportunities are here in the commercial dance world. I want to see where things take me & do what I love to do.

So You Think You Can Dance airs Wednesdays & Thursdays on FOX

Get your dancin' links at sirlinksalot.net

So You Think You Can Dance: The Top 10 (7/25/07)

2007-07-25T22:11:00.001-04:00

Here they are, America, your top 10 dancers. You helped put them there & they’ll be heading out on a nationwide tour this fall. Tonight’s dancers are judged by Nigel, Mary, and contemporary dancer Mia Michaels. It’s out of their hands though and from here on out, America calls the shots. You no longer vote for couples, each dancer is judged individually.

The top 10 will now be voted for individually by America but will choose new partners each week to dance with. Here’s how it all went down:

Lauren/Pasha – Hip Hop choreographed by Shane Sparks (“Fuego” by Pitbull): Nigel thought the routine was great, Mary thought it was a great partnership, and Mia is impressed by Pasha & feels Lauren is blowin up!

Sabra/Kameron – Contemporary choreographed by Tyce Diorio (“Amazing Grace” by Crystal Lewis): Nigel said it was well danced but didn’t believe Kameron’s emotion, Mary agrees with Nigel, not seeing the magic. Mia says Kameron has been exposed tonight as an immature dancer and says Sabra is full of grace.

Lacey/Danny – Samba choreographed by Dmitry Chaplin (“Hip Hip Chin Chin” by Club Des Belugas): Nigel thought Lacey didn’t connect with Danny as well as she could have. Mary doesn’t think it was her favorite of Danny’s performances but says Lacey was fabulous and Mia calls it the sexiest dance this season.

Jaimie/Dominic – Viennese Waltz choreographed by Toni Redpath (“Man of La Mancha” by Linda Eder): Nigel feels it’s the first time he’s been disappointed with Dominic, May called it over the top and said the technique wasn’t very good. Mia tells Dominic to stop apologizing to Jaimie for one bad week because he’s been great throughout.

Sara/Neil – Disco choreographed by Doriana Sanchez (“Knock On Wood” by Rachel Stevens): Nigel said, “When it’s like that, I love disco.” Mary said it was lots of fun & Mia calls them dorks (in a good way) and said she loved it.

The top 10 also dance the same piece choreographed by Wade Robson. Each contestant performs to John Mayer’s “Waiting On The World To Change” which means we had to hear it 10 times. Not sure that worked but never the less…

To vote for Jaimie, call 1-888-TEMPO-01
To vote for Dominic, call 1-888-TEMPO-02
To vote for Sara, call 1-888-TEMPO-03
To vote for Pasha, call 1-888-TEMPO-04
To vote for Lauren, call 1-888-TEMPO-05
To vote for Neil, call 1-888-TEMPO-06
To vote for Sabra, call 1-888-TEMPO-07
To vote for Kameron, call 1-888-TEMPO-08
To vote for Lacey, call 1-888-TEMPO-09
To vote for Danny, call 1-888-TEMPO-10

Get to voting then find out who’s going home on tomorrow night’s live episode of So You Think You Can Dance on FOX

Get your dancing links at sirlinksalot.net

Big Brother 8: Dick's On A Power Trip (7/24/07)

2007-07-24T21:56:00.000-04:00

Dick continues his vendetta against Kail & Jen continues as he vows to get one of them out of the house, preferably Kail. She tries her best to start thinking up a game plan to save herself but it might be a long shot. The two nominees plot together to stay in the house but Kail feels like Dick will get his way. She doesn’t want any of her former alliance members competing in the Power of Veto competition but Mike swears that, if he wins, he’ll take one of them off the block.

Let’s check in with Eric, America’s Player, to see what his next assignment will be. His next task is to vandalize the property of Jen. He executes this by putting mustard all over one of her “Jen” shirts when she steps outside for a minute. Jen’s reaction was the following: “It was just like, kinda like, Are you serious? Like…” Like. Jen overlooks Eric & immediately goes for Dick & Daniele as the culprits.

Before the Power of Veto competition, players must be selected. Besides Dick, Kail, and Jen competing, Zach, Nick, and Jessica will also play. This is Kail’s worst nightmare & Dick continues to stir the pot by getting inside her head before the game. Suddenly, the competitors are wearing silly Mad Hatter outfits & the backyard has been set up like a tea party. The houseguests must stand on a pedestal with a glass balanced on their hat. Whoever lasts the longest, wins.

Kail goes out first and it looks like her chances are staying in the house are gone. The houseguests not competing get to come out in ridiculous outfits to try to distract the others. Jessica, not being able to control her laughter, goes out next. She is followed by Nick & Zach. The last two standing are Jen & Dick, who tries to convince Jen to step down but she won’t hear of it. Dustin jumps in to distract her by putting on the unitard & dancing around. Kail notes that everyone works to get rid of Jen while only Mike goes after Dick.
Mike steps up with his loyalty to Kail by helping her get Dick off the pedestal. Dick responds by threatening to put Mike up and Mike rattles his cage so much that he actually steps down! The day does not continue to go Dick’s way as he finds out Zach, Nick, and Jen were in the HOH room without his permission. He doesn’t want Jen in the room & he flips on Nick for letting her in. Dick gets paranoid thinking Nick was in an alliance with Jen & Zach, talking game in his room.

Dick confronts Nick who swears he’s not in any alliance. The only alliance he has is with Daniele because he likes her so much. Daniele pulls Dick aside to tell him that he’s pissing everyone in the house off by going on a power trip & talking down to everyone. Dick calls her out because her relationship with Nick is complicating the game. Nick has gotten in the way enough that makes Dick want to maybe get rid of him now. Hear that? Hope for Kail!

At the veto meeting, Jen (of course) uses the Power of Veto on herself. This leaves Dick to choose a new nominee, and he chooses Mike, sticking to his original plan. Who will go home? And who will America ask Eric to try to get eliminated? Find out on Thursday’s all new episode of Big Brother 8 on CBS!

Get your Big Brother links at sirlinksalot.net

A Reality Check With ... Brad Miller (FOX's "Hell's Kitchen")

2007-07-22T22:23:00.001-04:00

25-year-old Brad Miller is the latest casualty on FOX's Hell's Kitchen. A sous chef from Arizona, he was let go by Chef Gordon Ramsay for working with "back and not his brain". Brad takes time to talk with RealityCheckByGina, responding to Ramsay's comments & letting you know why he should have won Hell's Kitchen.

RC: Can you tell us a little bit about your cooking background?
Brad: My whole life, my dad owned a butcher shop. I’ve been working with him since I was a little kid until I was 15. In high school, I took a home ec/cooking class. After that, I moved to Scottsdale, AZ and worked there for 2 years. My friends & I started a catering company. I had an internship at a place called Michael’s Catering. I worked in a fine dining restaurant for a while. From there, I went to work in Seattle & worked there for a while. Then, I went to The Latilla at The Boulders – the only 5 star, 5 diamond hotel in Arizona.

RC: There are so many cooking shows out there. What made you choose Hell’s Kitchen?
Brad: I was going out to L.A. to apply for Top Chef because I felt that was more suited for me. Everyone kept saying, “Do Hell’s Kitchen!” And I was like, “That’s the last thing I wanna do.” I didn’t want someone yelling at me. I knew about it but I had never watched it. They were saying, “You can win this!” So I decided to try out for it.

RC: What were you unprepared for once you started the show? Brad: I wasn’t really ready for the whole tv show aspect of it. I was thinking that this would be more of a true cooking competition & I was going to win. Fine dining is my specialty, I’m all about that.

RC: Were you cut off from the rest of the world while you were filming?
Brad: There was no tv, no clocks, no alarms, no phone, no nothing. No family and no friends.

RC: How do remain calm in a constantly stressful environment?
Brad: I don’t let things get to me. It was a month & a half. You’re on a tv show, you’re having fun, don’t complain about it. People would kill for this chance.

RC: How would you rate yourself against the competition?
Brad: No disrespect to any of them but my cooking & my knowledge is far superior to any of them … at least, this season.

RC: Just when it looked like Josh was going to be put up for elimination, he & Roc turn around, putting you up. How surprised were you?
Brad: It was very surprising! I felt that it was really weird because Josh was saying he wasn’t gonna go because he’s been up there so many times. Roc was saying he wasn’t gonna go because he didn’t deserve it. I was thinking, “What did I do? I made a menu when you were guys were too lazy to do it!” Maybe I should’ve been a little nicer.

RC: Why do you think Bonnie ended up staying? Brad: As soon as I found out Bonnie was up against me, I knew I was going to go. I know enough about tv. That’s all I’m going to say about it.

RC: Gordon said you work with your back & not your brain. How do you respond to that?
Brad: Well I saw at the end of the episode that he said that. That didn’t make any sense whatsoever. When you look back and watch the episodes, I really didn’t do anything wrong. So I was surprised I got kicked off. A lot of people on the forums were saying, “That didn’t make any sense!” I’m the one who wrote the menu, I’m the one who told people how to do things so I really didn’t understand that comment.

RC: What does the future look like for you?
Brad: I’ve had a lot of really great offers. They did show me in a positive life. I took a month off of work, they’re really cool, letting me take time. I go back August 1st. I’ve been taking it easy, hanging out, partying a little too much with friends. I have a MySpace where fans can write to me & I'll answer them.

A new episode of Hell's Kitchen airs Monday night at 9pm EST on FOX

Get your Hell's Kitchen links while they're hot at sirlinksalot.net!

Big Brother 8: America's Player Accomplishes His Mission (7/22/07)

2007-07-22T21:10:00.001-04:00

The house is full of mixed emotions as Dick became Head of Household on the last episode of Big Brother 8. This spells trouble for people like Kail & Jen while keeping others like Amber & Daniele safe. Kail put herself in the line of fire by being the only vote on Thursday to evict Dick. Her alliance betrayed her, leaving her all alone & emotional.

Kail gives up her alliance to Dick, in hopes to save herself. He calls her “retarded” for trusting people she doesn’t even know and says she’s not a “smart player”. She therefore feels that she isn’t a threat but Dick’s nominations for Jen & Kail are pretty set. However, he’s thinking of flipping to Zach for his shady dealings in the house.

Boredom in the house leads to a wrestling match between Eric & Jen. Place your bets. Eric slams Jen on the ground … more than once. Jen evokes a little a revenge by hittin’ some sensitive spots! Jen was declared the winner … Jen-ius! The guys, meanwhile, make a list of celebrities they think are hot. Nick says he’d do Ryan Reynolds (from “Van Wilder”) which freaks Zach & Dick out a little. Nick’s got a top 5 list of guys & girls. Also on his list, for those interested: Matthew McConaghey, Hugh Jackman, and Brad Pitt.

Dick & Daniele meet up in the hammock for a heart to heart. She’s upset over Nick’s feelings for her because it puts her in an uncomfortable situation. Her boyfriend is the only one who has been there for her the last 2 years & she doesn’t want to jeopardize that. Dick provides an ear & a shoulder to cry on. He is quite fatherly at this moment to her.

Jameka is looking to get off slop. She is so miserable eating it that Amber is brought to tears – for the second time this episode! While she drools over the food that the others eat, Dick says he feels like he’s eating a hamburger in front of starving Africans. Jameka takes offense & stands up for herself, feeling the pressure of trying to represent her race well.

At the food challenge, the houseguests take a ride down a slide into a giant bowl of pasta in pairs. They had to find giant meatballs with food written on it that matched. They had to make the most pairs they could in 5 minutes because whatever they matched is all they could eat for the week. Beer, cucumbers, lobster, chips, cereal, & sweet breads were just a few of the foods they would get to enjoy.

Eric’s assignment this week as America’s Player is to try to get Jen nominated. Dick seems set now on Kail & Zach but Eric uses his power of persuasion to try to change his mind. At the nomination ceremony, Jameka is called out as being safe first followed by Jessica & Amber. Eric is the next to receive a key as well as Daniele, Dustin, Nick, Zach, and Mike. No surprises there: Kail & Jen are up for eviction this week.

Who will go home? But first, who will win the Power of Veto? Find out on Tuesday’s all new episode of Big Brother 8 on CBS.

Get your Big Brother links on sirlinksalot.net

A Reality Check With ... Anya Garris and Hok Konishi (FOX's "So You Think You Can Dance")

2007-07-20T17:17:00.000-04:00

Last night may just be the worst night to get eliminated from "So You Think You Can Dance" and no one knows that better than Anya Garris & Hok Kinishi. Leaving the competition in 11th & 12th place, they narrowly missed making it onto the national tour. One was surprised at the elimination while one saw it coming. Find out which is which as Anya & Hok sit down with RealityCheckByGina to discuss their time on the show.

RC: Can you tell me a little about your dance training & background?

Anya: I’ve been dancing for 15 years, doing ballroom dancing. Along the way, I took ballet. Most of the time, I was concentrating on ballroom.

Hok: I started dancing when I was 15, I believe. Back then, I was in school & doing judo & violin. I just knew dance was what I wanted to do. I went to a hip hop studio & started learning dancing once a week for an hour, that was it! I went to that studio for 2 years but then, I felt like I should just practice by myself and do whatever I want. I went on by myself, started doing movements, and whatever I felt.

RC: When did you come to the United States & what was that experience like for you?
Anya: It was in 2001 & it was a very different experience, coming here with no family. I was a teenager & I didn’t know the language. It was definitely a challenge! I was fortunate that people brought me out here to represent them in dance.

Hok: I went to a college in Japan and they had a foreign exchange program. I decided to do 2 semesters out here in 2004. After doing those 2 semesters, I realized that going back would be pointless. I decided to quit my school and transferred to a school out here. It was a hard decision but I really wanted to live in a different country and see how far my dancing could take me.

RC: Anya, is this your first year trying out for SYTYCD & what has the experience been like for you?

Anya: Yes, it went by so fast and then you wait and then you wait. You don’t know what’s going on because you’re always running somewhere. You had to stay focused & have your concentration.

RC: Hok, we’ve seen you try out before. How was it to finally make the top 20 dancers?

Hok: It felt really good & it was such a blessing. Last year, I was still debating if I should take my career as an artist or as a dancer. But after last year’s experience, I cried and that was the first time I had ever cried with dancing. I saw that it was really what I want to focus on. When I’m way older, like 50, and my body doesn’t function right, I might start painting.

RC: What have the judges consistently critiqued about you throughout the competition?

Anya: My solos but they can understand why because being a ballroom girl, it’s hard to dance well on your own.

Hok: They always told me how I’m not technical compared to the contemporary dancers and so-called trained dancers.

RC: Were you surprised that you ended up going home last night?

Anya: I’m not going to hide it, yes I was surprised. I felt through the competition, I always got really good feedback from the judges. I thought I brought everything to my performances. Hok: I actually did see it coming, as sad as it is. I was doing the math and from what the judges were saying to me this week and the previous week, you could see the picture and see what they’re going for.

RC: Do you have any words for your former partners on the show?

Anya: Being a ballroom girl, I was nervous to have a new partner, because I danced with Pasha for nine years. Danny was the one person I met in New York when I auditioned. We’ve known each other since day one. Danny is such an amazing & talented dancer. We had really great chemistry. It was magical to perform together.

Hok: I feel a little sorry that Jaimie had to work with me because it must have been really hard for her. She’s really used to working with partners. For the guys, you do have to be confident and she’s used to working with guys like that. Compared to those people, I think I lacked with a lot of stuff. I do feel a little sorry. At the same time, I had a great experience.

RC: Will Jaimie & Danny be dancing together next week?

Hok: No, next week, they’re changing up the partners.

RC: Did the judges speak to you last night & what was said?

Anya: I honestly & unfortunately did not have the chance to talk to any of them. Usually, we have time but last night was the night of people making it into the top 10 so it was a very important night.
Hok: Nigel & Mary said their regular stuff: “Sorry, you were good,” and things like that. Wade said, “We’ll be seeing each other pretty soon”. I respect him so much

RC: What are your future plans? Will you keep training & pursuing this professionally?

Anya: I have been pursuing this for the last 5 years. Pasha & I have performed in competitions & teaching in NYC. I truly don’t know because I think I really want to use this experience. I truly believe I’ve grown as a performer & changed as a person. It was such an amazing time.

Hok: Definitely, this is just the beginning! I’m just going to work harder than ever & if possible, I want to travel the world. It’s really nice to show my dancing on tv but I would want to show people what my dancing really is & inspire people. That’s why I started dancing.

So You Think You Can Dance airs Wednesdays & Thursdays on FOX

Get your dancin' links at sirlinksalot.net

A Reality Check With ... Joe Barber (CBS's "Big Brother 8")

2007-07-20T15:02:00.000-04:00

23-year-old Joe Barber was looking to make waves when he entered the Big Brother 8 house. What he got was a wave of his own when he found out his ex-boyfriend, Dustin, would be joining him. Daniele & Dick were on the chopping block this week so it seemed Joe was safe until Daniele won the Power of Veto. She took herself down & Jen (as Head Of Household) put Joe up, where he met his demise. Joe takes time to talk with RealityCheckByGina about his time in the Big Brother house.

RC: You are a fan of previous Big Brother seasons. What did you think you would bring to the table in season 8?
Joe: Being such a fan of the show, I felt that I had a lot of the same strengths as Dr. Will & Janelle combined. I really could’ve worked it. I had that whole manipulation aspect going on & I thought if I had more time, I could’ve built some strong alliances.

RC: How did you end up becoming a part of the new season of Big Brother?
Joe: I never applied before & I applied on the last day. I decided that this year needed to be about me after going through the breakup. The first thing I decided to do was apply for the show.

RC: Your game needed to change when you found out your ex-boyfriend, Dustin, was in the house. What adjustments did you make to your strategy?
Joe: The whole game went out the window. I didn’t want to be there. It took me about a week & a half to get back into game mode. It’s like being in a race and they’re like, “Ready, Set” and before they say “Go”, the guy shoots you in the leg. I tried to focus on the positive aspects of being there.

RC: Did you think you’d have a rival?
Joe: The second they announced the rival, I knew it was me. Dustin’s a very charismatic guy… it’s not until you’ve known him that you see what a jerk & how self-centered he can be. I knew he was charismatic and he’d get on the show.

RC: Was it more important to you to stay in the house or to make sure everyone knew the things Dustin has done to you?
Joe: By the second week, Dustin & I were able to tolerate each other & not trash each other. I wanted him to give me the opportunity to apologize. I took all his friends & his best friend. When he needed his best friend the most, I took him. At the time, I was like, “Wow I’m awesome, I did this” but then I felt guilty. I wanted to apologize & I did.

RC: I have a conspiracy theory that Daniele & Dick are working together. Do you have any thoughts on that?
Joe: I agree! It’s not a conspiracy theory, it’s the truth! For not talking for so long, they sure talk a lot now. Daniele does a good job saying, “I’m so disgusted by my dad”. I can’t imagine how uncomfortable it is to sit with your dad & listen to his sexcapades. But blood is thicker than water.

RC: How do you feel when you found out Eric was America’s Player?
Joe: I thought that was brilliant. I think that’s the best twist they’ve done in any season. They’re really set the bar high. It helps the viewers be part of the show every week. They have an effect on situations and what they can get Eric to do. It’s a brilliant twist and someone deserves a promotion.

RC: Nate (Dustin’s best friend) said some harsh things about you last night in his interview. How did you react to that?
Joe: Actually I didn’t get a chance to watch the episode. It’s been a busy day. The way I need to apologize for what I did to Dustin, Nate should apologize too. Nate was his best friend. But Nate’s a theater kid and he needed to get his 2 seconds in. If he wants to piggyback off me, that’s fine.

RC: Did you form genuine friendships in the house?
Joe: I’m very close to Eric & looking forward to spending time with him in NY once this is over. I love Jessica, she’s as sweet as pie. Nick is awesome, even though he screwed me in the end. I won’t hold it against him, he’s a great guy.

RC: The vote was 9-1 last night to evict you. That had to hurt a little.
Joe: It hurt a little bit that I got the one vote. But I had told Jameka & Jessica not to vote for me if they didn’t have the votes. Dick could’ve put them up this week saying, “You guys tried to evict me.”

RC: With Dick being the new Head Of Household, that has to be a nightmare for some people.
Joe: I would say for Jen, Mike, and Kail it definitely is. Dick & Zach are getting along better. Dick is an extremist, he’s going to go one way or the other. He could put up Jen & Kail or he could do something crazy & turn the house upside down.

RC: Do you have a way that fans can contact you?
Joe: I’m gonna have a MySpace set up for myself. I’m getting back to Chicago. I’m looking forward to the opportunities the show has give me. I like putting my Joe spin on things.

A new episode of Big Brother 8 airs Sunday night on CBS

Get your Big Brother links at sirlinksalot.net

A Reality Check With ... Jupiter Mendoza (CBS's "Pirate Master")

2007-07-19T14:25:00.000-04:00

Jupiter Mendoza was born and raised in Santa Rosa, CA. She publicly acknowledged that she is a lesbian when she was 16 years old and is very proud that she had the strength to do so. She has been working in the service industry for the last 11 years. Her hobbies include dancing, spinning poi (fire), swimming and writing. She describes herself as a caretaker who is vivacious, outgoing and spiritual. Jupiter was cut adrift on this week's Pirate Master after being deemed an ungrateful crew member. She's here to talk with RealityCheckByGina about her time on the show.

RC: Were you a tomboy growing up?
Jupiter: I was absolutely a tomboy & still am! I grew up with all boys. We jumped off rocks, rode dirtbikes, and played hard. You had to be competitive. I grew up on the Russian River, too, so I was always fishing & swimming.

RC: Would you consider yourself athletic?
Jupiter: I don't consider myself as athletic as I was when I was younger. Now, I dance 2-3 times a week & that keeps me a little more lean.

RC: Is there ever going to be a mutiny on this ship?
Jupiter: My concern for the crew is getting Jay on board to mutiny. Thought he may say he's willing, he may just be saying that. But there is a possibility there.

RC: What was your reaction when the "ghosts" (previous players cut adrift) showed up to compete against you?
Jupiter: It was interesting. Half of me was like, "Oh my God, what are we in for?" Some of those pirates cut adrift were cut because they were athletic. But the other half of me was happy to see the pirates I had grown fond of. In the big scheme of things, I wanted the ghosts to win in the treasure hunt because we were over Azmyth being our captain. I was nervous & excited.

RC: When did the big turnaround start with Azmyth? He was popular in the beginning.

Jupiter: I saw Azmyth in a different perspective when I got the black spot. He was greedy - not how I had envisioned him. It was disappointing. He was definitely power tripping.

RC: Were you upset that you were called ungrateful after trying to go to bat for the crew to the captain & his officers?
Jupiter: I was disappointed about that. Here I was, standing up & being the voice and I suffered the consequences. I considered them my crew as much as the captain. I was sticking up for them & they made me seem like a fool. It was hard watching the show back & hearing what they had to say.

RC: You seem like someone who just is who she is. Would you have played it any other way?
Jupiter: No, I wouldn't change it. Honestly, I don't live my life with regrets.

RC: Did you form any genuine friendships out there?
Jupiter: Someone on the ship said to me, "Stop getting so attached." But I'm the caretaker. I bonded with Cheryl, she was really there for me. I got a little attached to her. And, of course, Sean because we were in the galley together day after day. As time went on, I formed a friendship with Laurel too.

RC: Do you want to stay in the entertainment industry?

Jupiter: I will hopefully continue planning events, which is what I do now. I would love to continue doing reality, be a personality. I'm not sure how to go about doing that.

A new episode of Pirate Master airs Tuesdays at 10pm EST on CBS

Get your Pirate Master links, matey, at sirlinksalot.net

So You Think You Can Dance: The Top 12 (7/18/07)

2007-07-18T22:00:00.000-04:00

This week may be the toughest one yet for the dancers on FOX’s “So You Think You Can Dance”. The top 10 dancers make the national tour which means the two eliminated tomorrow night just missed it. Tonight’s top 12 will be judged by Nigel, Mary, and guest judge Wade Robson. Let’s see who does enough to make the tour.

Sabra/Dominic – Jive choreographed by Tony Meridith (“I Do The Jerk” by Ryan Shaw): If you didn’t know Dominic wasn’t a ballroom dancer, you might be fooled tonight! The pair come out swingin’ exhibiting great energy & chemistry. Wade says that from week to week, they give 100% commitment, Mary thought they were terrific, and Nigel calls them the best two partners he’s ever seen work together (with the exception of perhaps Benji & Heidi). To vote for Sabra & Dominic, call 1-888-TEMPO-01.

Jaimie/Hok – Broadway choreographed by Tyce Diorio (“Mister Bojangles” from Fosse): Tyce creates a piece about an old man who is visited by a spirit and is able to dance the way he could when he was young. Though it seems to feature Jaimie for most of the time, it’s still a solidly danced routine. Wade feels that Jaimie has stepped out from the pack but didn’t get Hok’s character, Mary didn’t feel it did a lot for her, and Nigel felt Tyce played to Jaimie’s strenghts. To vote for Jaimie & Hok, call 1-888-TEMPO-02.

Sara/Pasha – Jazz choreographed by Mandy Moore (“Body Language” by Queen): Do yourself a favor and find a picture of the costumes these two wore tonight. It’s worth a good laugh, in a good way. Mandy choreographs a brilliant, 80s jazz piece for these two to work with and they give it all they’ve got. Wade liked it a lot, Mary wasn’t sure if it was a top number, and Nigel hopes they did enough to connect with the audience. To vote for Sara & Pasha, call 1-888-TEMPO-03.

Lauren/Neil – Contemporary choreographed by Mia Michaels (“Let The Drummer Kick” by Citizen Cope): Mia choreographs a piece that is unique and unlike what one might expect from her. They dance it well and they’re mostly together but I’m not sure I understand what they were going for. In fact, I’m lost. Let’s see if the judges have a clue. Wade loves a twisted mind & gives props to Mia, Mary’s with me & totally confused but she liked it, and Nigel isn’t sure he enjoyed it because he didn’t get it. To vote for Lauren & Neil, call 1-888-TEMPO-04.

Anya/Danny – Fox Trot choreographed by Jean-Marc Genereux (“It Had To Be You” by Brian Evans): Anya & Danny are looking to fight their way out of the bottom three & get on to the tour. Despite being a contemporary dancer, Danny actually impresses more when doing ballroom & of course, Anya is in her element. Perhaps they’ve done enough. Wade says he finally believes Danny’s emotions on stage, Mary has loved them since the beginning & felt they did not disappoint tonight, and Nigel calls it the best fox trot he’s ever seen. To vote for Anya & Danny, call 1-888-TEMPO-05.

Lacey/Kameron – Hip Hop choreographed by Dan Karaty (“Here I Come” by Fergie): I don’t think anyone has to worry about these two making the tour. The two dance well together & do all they can to pull off Dan’s vision. Wade wants to see Kameron a little lighter on his feet & says Lacey’s performance is more professional than personal. Mary & Nigel agree with Dan with Nigel feeling in particular that Kameron didn’t bring it. To vote for Lacey & Kameron, call 1-888-TEMPO-06.

Time to vote! The live elimination will air tomorrow night on FOX at 9pm EST. Don’t forget I’ll be talking to the eliminated couple this Friday on RealityCheckByGina!

Get your dancin’ links at sirlinksalot.net

Big Brother 8: Jen-uinely Pissing Off The House (7/17/07)

2007-07-18T19:41:00.000-04:00

Jen made waves when, as Head of Household, she nominated father & daughter Dick & Daniele for elimination. She said they both gave off negative energy but Joe calls her out for having negative energy herself. Dick says that Jen never liked him from the beginning while Daniele says this is all about jealousy over flirtations with Nick. Once again, Amber is crying over the nominations … and she isn’t even on the chopping block!

Nick makes the dumb move of sharing his alliance with Kail, Zach, and Mike with Daniele. A pretty girl can make you do strange things. He vows to keep her in the game, even taking the fall for her if he has to … all because he’s developed feelings for her. And, thus, we have our first BB8 showmance! Meanwhile, Zach & Mike spend some man hammock time together, debating over whether Nick can still be trusted. They conclude that he can. Silly boys. Nick is playing you all the way to the end.

Let’s check in with America’s Player, Eric, who’s received a new assignment. He has to sleepwalk into a housemate’s bed and America chooses Joe. Amazing. Thank you, America. Eric carried out America’s orders and cuddled up with Joe’s leg. Since he didn’t wait for Joe to kick him out, Eric failed his mission as America’s Player and banks nothing.

It’s time for the Power of Veto competition. Jen, Dick, and Daniele will be competing along with Mike, Joe, and Amber. Dustin is chosen as host. Before the game can start, Amber stops for a quick cry break, crumbling under the pressure. Of a veto challenge. On a reality show. Jen threatens Amber, saying that if she changes the nominations, she’ll put up her closest friend in the house, Dustin, as payback. Jen’s behavior officially pisses everyone in the house off.

For the POV competition, the backyard has been turned into a cut throat Christmas party. There are 6 packages under the packages and one contains the veto. To determine the picking order, houseguests will be playing curling, a winter sport. Once everyone has a gift, people can switch gifts until the person who did the best in curling gets the last pick. Amber throws the competition and Daniele ends up coming in first, winning the Power of Veto.

At the veto meeting, Daniele decides to use the veto to save herself. This leaves Jen to choose a replacement and she throws Joe on the block. Who will go home? Find out on Thursday’s elimination episode of Big Brother 8 on CBS.

Get your Big Brother links at sirlinksalot.net

A Reality Check With ... Camille Becerra (Bravo's "Top Chef")

2007-07-18T12:20:00.001-04:00

Camille Becerra hails from Puerto Rico, and is the proud owner of Paloma Restaurant in Brooklyn, New York. She incorporates Latin spice into her kitchen, and is all business when it comes to her cooking. She has worked in all aspects of the restaurant business, and often surprises people by her occupation. Her fellow chefs were surprised and upset when she was eliminated on last week's episode of "Top Chef". Camille sits down with RealityCheckByGina to dish about her time on the show.

RC: I don't feel the viewers at home really got to know you during your time on Top Chef. Can you tell us a little more about yourself?

Camille: Sure. I'm originally from Puerto Rico but I grew up in New Jersey. I went to culinary school right after high school. I moved to New York and did everything in the restaurant/bar industry. I worked at clubs, I promoted, I worked in kitchens, I bartended. Eventually, I went to Brooklyn and opened a restaurant and this fall, I'll be opening a new one.

RC: Has cooking always been something you've been passionate about?
Camille: Cooking has definitely always been something I'm passionate about. I love having people over for dinner parties and hanging out. It all stemmed from that.

RC: What made you want to be part of Top Chef?
Camille: Owning my own restaurant and having a daughter ... I don't have time to watch tv. People had been saying that I should be on the show. A friend of mine works at Marquis in New York City and one day, people from Top Chef came in there for a nightcap. She said to them, "Shut up! I have the perfect person for you!" They called me the next day and it all kind of went from there. I had never seen the show but I met a lot of wonderful people. The day I left, I was in awe of the respond I got from my fellow chefs.

RC: Yeah, I was going to say that you and Sandee were both very popular and received a nice response when it was time for you to go. That had to make you feel good.

Camille: It was very nice, I was floored by that! I'm so busy here in New York and, in a sense, I was looking forward to coming back. I was a little in shock when I was on the show because I had no communication with the outside world. I couldn't talk to my daughter, even on her birthday. I had no idea how the business was doing, what sales we made, etc.

RC: What chefs really impressed you?
Camille: I learned a lot from Dale. He's completely creative and a well-rounded chef. I loved Sara (from Jamaica). I loved her passion and she knows everything about every ingredient.

RC: How do you stay focused in a very chaotic & stressful situation like a cooking competition?
Camille: You just do it. Cooking is a very meditative kind of work. It's easy to close everything out. You make a plan and stick to it ... that's enough for me.

RC: Dale really blamed himself for your exit. How do you feel about what he said on the last episode?
Camille: That's sweet but not the case. I was ready to come back. No one there owned a restaurant and it's hard to understand what that is. To me, it made all the sense in the world to leave.

RC: Do you feel you learned something from being on the show?
Camille: Oh yeah! It completely reinspired me. When you do something too long, it starts to become not as interesting as it was. The show refueled that for me. I learned so much from the creativity of others. There's no way of not learning there.

RC: Tell us a little about the new restaurant you're planning on opening.

Camille: Well, it will still be in Brooklyn. Brooklyn is great - it's an artist community for people who can't afford Manhattan prices. It's what Manhattan was in the 70s. The new restaurant will be a notch up from my first restaurant. It will be open later. It will be like a bistro but with a Brooklyn edge.

A new episode of Top Chef airs tonight at 10pm EST on Bravo!

Get your Top Chef links at sirlinksalot.net

Age of Love: The Town Crier Is Asked To Leave (7/16/107)

2007-07-17T20:59:00.000-04:00

Bachelor Mark Philippoussis is now dating six beautiful women in their 20s and their 40s. Host Mark Consuelos lets Bachelor Mark know that he must choose three women to spend a day at the beach with. Mark will get the opportunity to take the women to do the things he likes – one of those things is surfing. He chooses Megan, Maria, and Mary to join him. Amanda was immediately jealous and disappointed she wasn’t invited.

None of the girls are any good at surfing, especially Megan, who gets smacked in the head a bunch of times with the board. Meanwhile, Amanda stresses & paces the apartment, trying to keep her mind off the date. She’s also feels alienated from the remaining women in the apartment, Jen & Jayanna. Jayanna says that she feels Amanda’s feelings are much stronger than Mark’s and she’s probably right.

When Megan is chosen for a private walk with Mark, Mary then becomes jealous. Maria tries to ease her nerves but Mary’s emotions (as usual) get the best of her. Maria feels at this stage in her life, she doesn’t need to chase a man so she takes a secondary role. While Mary continues to try to get Mark’s attention, he rudely doesn’t pay attention & interrupts as her has during each interaction they’ve had.

Amanda is chosen to go on the 2nd date along with Jayanna. Mark takes the two women to a movie night with him but before the movie starts, he pulls Jayanna for a drink alone. You know Amanda does not like that! During the movie, Jaynna felt Mark’s body language was directed towards her, not Amanda. Amanda doesn’t take it lying down, and holds Mark’s hand under the blanket. Looks like Mark is caught between two women!

Finally, Mark gets one woman all to himself – Jen. He shows up at the apartment to take Jen on a motorcycle ride and jealousy rules the house. What a surprise, Mary is crying. The 40s don’t seem to mind as much as the 20s do that Mark is dating so many women. Maybe they’re more secure with themselves. Jen has a romantic date with Mark while Mary cries the day away.

The elimination moves from the apartment back to outside by the pool. Mark calls down Jen first, saying he had an incredible time & asks her to stay. He also asks Megan, Jayanna, and Amanda to stay. When he calls Maria down, she calls him out saying that he didn’t take the opportunity to get to know her better. Once again, Maria had told the women she was going and once again, Maria decides to stay. This leaves Mary to take the fall and she is sent home.

Stay tuned as I’ll be talking to Mary this week on RealityCheckByGina

Age of Love airs Mondays at 9pm EST on NBC

Get your Age of Love links on sirlinksalot.net

Hell's Kitchen: Can't We All Just Get Along? (7/16/07)

2007-07-16T22:41:00.000-04:00

It’s down to three men against three women and the game is on. Chef Ramsay wants them to take their skills to the next level by creating one appetizer and two entrees using only leftovers. Both teams are given the same ingredients to work with and are given thirty minutes. While the men get right to work, the women stall (mostly because of Bonnie) trying to decide what dishes to make. While Bonnie & Brad shine, Josh & Jen fail to impress. It comes down to Julia & Rock to get a win for their team. Rock pulls off a win for his team with a higher quality dish.

The women’s punishment will be dull just like their performance in today’s challenge. They’ll spend the day cleaning the restaurant & unloading the deliveries for the restaurant. The men, on the other hand, get the opportunity to evoke a little revenge on Chef Ramsay by way of paintball. It’ll be the three guys against Chef Ramsay and they’re pretty excited about it. Like Josh said, “Any employee would love to shoot their boss … not real shooting!”

The men go into paintball a cocky trio but Chef Ramsay is a bit of a paintball pro and takes them out one by one. Meanwhile, Bonnie screwed up the entire delivery by not checking it before the trucks left. Tonight’s service must go on, though, and both teams will come up with their own menus: three appetizers, three entrees, and three desserts. The teams only have an hour to prepare their menu and get back for dinner service.

Customers will be able to choose from both the blue and the red menu. Right off the bat, the women have orders pouring in while the men wait around for someone to choose their menu. Thirty minutes into service, the men begin getting orders but appetizers are served and sent back as quickly as they went. The women move ahead, serving their entrees first and despite her team’s resistance to her ideas, Julia’s strip steak is the most popular item ordered.

Chef Ramsay screams in Josh’s ear that he can’t cook & his team leaves him in the weeds while he tries to get some lamb out to his customers. He gets it together & manages to catch up with his entrees. However, dishes continue to get sent back on the blue side while Bonnie tries to cook in the red kitchen without the gas on. Wow.

Not surprisingly, there is no winning team but Julia is called out as the one person who was consistent and impressive. She will be safe tonight and can put up one member of her team for elimination. The men will have to agree on someone to put up. Julia chooses to nominate Bonnie while the men agree to put up Brad and NOT Josh. In the end, Bonnie is asked to stay while Brad leaves Hell’s Kitchen.

Stay tuned as I’ll be talking to Brad this week about his time in Hell.

Hell's Kitchen airs Monday nights at 9pm EST on FOX

Get your Hell's Kitchen links at sirlinksalot.net

A Reality Check With ... Tessa Walker (NBC's "Age of Love")

2007-07-16T12:32:00.000-04:00

23-year-old Tessa Walker doesn't care what people think of her. She can't stand pushover guys and because of her headstrong attitude she insists she won't get along with anyone in the house. An executive assistant from Peoria, AZ, Tessa enjoys being pretty and well kept, but knows that she is more than just a pretty face. She sits down with RealityCheckByGina to talk about why she wanted out of Age of Love.

RC: How would you describe yourself?

Tessa: I would say I’m an intelligent, fun woman.

RC: What made you want to be part of Age of Love?

Tessa: It was an exciting new concept. I thought it would be an opportunity to meet someone I wouldn’t normally get to meet. I was very excited about meeting Mark – he was society standard.

RC: Were you in the dark as much as the women in their 40s about the twists?

Tessa: Yeah, we didn’t even know about the 40s until elimination night. We were told for a whole week that we were the only ones there for him. We were shocked & pissed off actually. The 40s had extra time with him. We only had 5 minutes before the first elimination.

RC: Some of the older women I interviewed from the show felt you 20s got a bad rap. Do you agree?

Tessa: They absolutely stereotyped it to make it interesting. They asked us ahead of time, “Are you going to be upset if we make you look bad?” It’s to be expected, though. It’s reality tv.

RC: Your bio states that you didn’t expect to get along with any of the women. What did you mean by that?

Tessa: What I actually said was that I don’t get along with women. I don’t care about gossip and I don’t have time for drama. The women that were in the house were amazing, though, and I was really fortunate to meet them. If I was stuck with typical 20-year-olds, I would’ve pulled my hair out! I formed good relationships with all the women in their 20s. We could not listen to music, we could not go out the front door, so there was forced interaction with these women.

RC: Did you form bonds with any of the women in their 40s?
Tessa: I had the most in common with Jen. We had the same outlooks, values, and morals. Kelli was my roommate & she was just a breath of fresh air. It took me a little while to get to know Maria but she has a lot of depth and really listens to people when they talk. Jayanna was just classless & tactless the way she was against the 20s but she later apologized.

RC: I heard that you were saying you wanted to leave on the night you were eliminated. What happened?

Tessa: I told him on the date how I felt & I compared my feelings to his connection with Amanda. He understood what I was saying. There wasn’t any romantic connection but we had a lot in common & he’s a great guy.

RC: Do you have any regrets or are you glad you did the show?

Tessa: No, I’m glad I did it. It was a great opportunity & I left with five great girlfriends.

RC: Are you planning on staying in the entertainment industry or are you back to your life in Arizona?

Tessa: I’m in Arizona now. I was contacted by my agent to do the show so there’s definitely interest there. But it nothing comes my way, I’m happy with my life & my career.

A new episode of Age of Love airs tonight on NBC at 9pm EST

Get your Age of Love links at sirlinksalot.net

Big Brother 8: A Nasty Nomination (7/15/07)

2007-07-15T21:30:00.000-04:00

To everyone’s dismay, Jen became Head of Household on the last episode of Big Brother & it looks like some unpredictable nominations are coming our way. Since her housemates feel she’s an idiot, they figure strategy will play no part in her decisions and she will rely purely on emotion. That probably means Dick is in trouble. And that probably means Daniele (for jealous reasons) will be nominated. Ooh, father pitted against daughter. Can you say drama?

Despite their disdain for Jen, most of the houseguests suck it up & kiss up. Dick decides not to give her any of the attention she so desperately seeks. Spoiled Jen complains about her HOH room, saying she doesn’t like the pictures. What is it with Jen & issues with pictures? Joe makes a play to get rid of the rivals (Dick, Jessica, and of course, Dustin) but Jen’s not buyin’ it. She turns to Kail for advice and when Jen guns for Nick, Kail steers Jen in a new direction.

Before nominations can be doled out, the houseguests must compete in their weekly food competition. It’s men against women (with Joe playing for the women) in a game show style challenge, where they must identify ingredients in various pies. The teams are neck & neck, eating disgusting combinations such as hot dog & strawberry pie and tuna & jelly beans pie. Yuck! The women (and Joe) end up losing, leaving them on slop for the week.

It’s time to check in with America’s Player, Eric, to see who America wants him to try to get nominated. Seems America wants him to get rid of Jessica, an unlikely target in Eric’s mind. But, in the spirit of the game, he’ll do as he’s told so he immediately heads for Jen to plant the seed. It seems like Dick may have avoided being nominated until he starts calling Jen a “bitch” & verbally assaulting her. Well, apparently Dick won’t be receiving a key tonight.

America’s Player has a new challenge. Eric must develop a sleepwalking disorder and sleepwalk his way into a housemate’s bed. To get in on the action and tell Eric whose bed to jump into, go to cbs.com/big brother.

At the nomination ceremony, Jameka’s name is called first for being safe followed by Kail. After that, her alliance Mike, Zach, and Nick are deemed safe. Jessica follows along with Amber, Dustin, Eric, and Joe. It’s father against daughter in a nasty nomination ceremony. Jen says the house will be happier without them. We’ll find out if they can save themselves on the next episode of Big Brother.

A new episode of Big Brother airs Tuesday night at 9pm EST

Get your Big Brother links at sirlinksalot.net

A Reality Check With ... Shauna Noland & Cedric Gardner (FOX's "So You Think You Can Dance")

2007-07-13T22:31:00.000-04:00

On last night's live elimination episode of "So You Think You Can Dance", we said goodbye to a couple who had its ups & downs since coming on the show. 18-year-old contemporary dancer Shauna Noland and her partner, 23-year-old hip hop dancer Cedric Gardner danced for their lives but it wasn't enough to save them. The duo sits down with RealityCheckByGina to talk about their experience on the show & why they weren't surprised it was their time to go.

RC: Shauna, can you tell me a little about your dance training & background?

Shauna: I got started dancing when I was, like, three. My mom put me in a little combo class. Of course, I loved it so I continued. It grew on me since that age and I never really stopped.

RC: Cedric, you have no dance training. Where did you learn your dancing abilities?
Cedric: I copied people, learned how my body moved, and tried to understand how I move as an individual … and watching cartoons.

RC: Was it intimidating coming into this competition without the training?

Cedric: A little bit, because everyone is really good. Even the dancers that people think don’t have training do. I was the only one that I felt had no training.

RC: Is this your first year trying out for “So You Think You Can Dance”?

Shauna: Yes, I was finally old enough!

Cedric: Yes, it is.

RC: What was the audition process like for you? How were you received by the judges early on?

Shauna: When I first auditioned in L.A., I got cut before my solo round. I went to Atlanta and ended up making it through there. In Atlanta, they said positive stuff but they also said they weren’t sure if I was what they were looking for but they wanted to see what I had to give in Vegas. I felt, in Vegas, it was really hard to make yourself seen. I danced for my life in Vegas & I felt that was the first time the judges really noticed me.

Cedric: Mary Murphy screamed at my audition. To date, Hok & I are the only people she screamed for in auditions. The actual audition process was a lot of fun.

RC: It has been a roller coaster of a journey for both of you since making the top 20. How did you stay positive throughout your time on the show?

Shauna: I try to think of everything in a positive way. The times I got down or stressed, I would stop and think: the reality of it is that I’m on a television show. This could eventually open up more doors for me.

Cedric: First of all, roller coasters are fun! The way I look at it is like a teacher being hard on a student. People think the judges were mean to me but they saw I could take it. They knew I could handle it. When you see something in someone, you really want to bring it out.

RC: Shauna, were you surprised that you went home?
Shauna: Actually, not really, to tell you the truth. I had a feeling earlier that day that it might be me. I have no idea why but the vision was blurry & it didn’t seem like this was supposed to happen.

RC: Cedric, Nigel said the judges saved you twice. They wouldn’t save you a third time. How do you go out there & dance for your life, knowing it probably is you going home no matter what you do?
Cedric: I looked at it like this: I said, “Well, I know I’m going home because Nigel told me that & he told the nation that”. To go out there & just stand there … that would be stupid.

RC: Is there a competitive spirit among the dancers or would you say it’s more supportive of one another?

Shauna: Everyone is so supportive of each other. Of course, everyone wants to do well but at the same time, it’s our little family.

Cedric: The competitiveness just kicked in last week. Before that, everybody was just like, “Oh I’ll help you” but now it’s competitive. They’ll support but it’s like playin’ your cousin on the basketball court. You love him but you wanna beat him.

RC: Shauna, Lacey in particular looked upset that you were leaving last night. Were you two close?
Shauna: Lacey was my roommate so that was hard because we’ve roomed together since day 1. That’s the saddest part of leaving: not being involved in their lives anymore at this point.

RC: Which dance piece did you find the most challenging to pull off?

Shauna: Definitely the mambo was the most challenging for me because I’ve never done it before but I’m so happy I got to experience that.

Cedric: All of them were difficult. I’d say Mia’s piece was the hardest. The real choreography was the most difficult thing, the most physical. It wasn’t a usual Mia Michaels piece.

RC: Do you have a favorite piece that another couple performed?

Shauna: I liked so many of them! I really liked Lauren/Neil’s piece that they did with Wade. I liked the contemporary by Mandy that she did for Dom & Sabra.
Cedric: Hok & Jaimie’s piece – the hummingbird. It was very innovative the way Wade put that together. I like different things instead of things that are normal.

RC: Will you look to pursue dance professionally?

Shauna: Yeah, definitely. Before this, I had done some professional jobs & I’d like to continue pursuing that & training.

Cedric: I was dancing professionally before I joined the show but in my genre. I just want to learn a lot more & be confident in doing that.

So You Think You Can Dance airs Wednesdays & Thursdays on FOX

Get your dancin' links on sirlinksalot.net

A Reality Check With ... Carol Journey (CBS's "Big Brother 8")

2007-07-13T15:33:00.000-04:00

On last night’s Big Brother 8, 21-year-old Carol Journey became the first houseguest to be evicted from the house. She attends University of Kansas and is the daughter of Kansas Senator Phil Journey. When Carol arrived at the big brother house, she found that her high school rival, Jessica Hughbanks, was also in the house. Carol spends time with RealityCheckByGina to talk about old rivals & new housemates.

RC: What made you want to be a part of Big Brother? Were you a fan of previous seasons?
Carol: Honestly, I had never watched a season before the whole audition process. To be frank, I had no intention of ever being on a reality show. I just wanted to finish my degree, get on with my whole, and be an adult. This was never something I intended to do.

RC: Was it hard to adjust to being confined to a house & cut off from the rest of the world?
Carol: It wasn’t necessarily being confined that was hard. It was being followed by cameras, having no privacy, and being paranoid the entire time

RC: When you heard housemates had rivals in the house, did you think you would be the one to have a rival?
Carol: I had no idea that I would be one of the ones to have a rival. I couldn’t think of anything that would be entertaining, in my opinion, about a conflict in my life. I really did not think it would be me.
RC: What is the main problem between you & Jessica, besides you once owed her five dollars?
Carol: I have no idea what the cause of the conflict would be. We were best of friends in middle school. In 8th grade, we got into a fight about I don’t know what. Apparently, five dollars. It was 7 years ago, I was 13. It had to be something so pathetic & petty that it wasn’t even significant. I just remember a fight on my front porch, we were yelling at each other, and I went in the house & slammed the door. We went to school the next day & ignored each other.

RC: You handled yourself well sitting with host Julie Chen last night watching the nasty things Jessica said about you. What was going through your mind?
Carol: When I saw the things that Jessica said about me, at first, I was angry. I was like, “Are you kidding me?” I never said one thing about her while I was in the house. I gave her the benefit of the doubt. I felt bad for her, she showed America how immature she is, and that’s sad that that’s how she wants to show herself.

RC: What friendships did you form in the house during your time on Big Brother?Carol: I had a great time with Jen & with Kail. I think those two girls are amazing & I wish them the best of luck. I’m so excited that Jen is HOH. I hope she kicks Jessica outta there! The boys were sketchy though, not so much friend-types.

RC: You only received 1 vote to stay in the house. Were you hurt or were you just up against a tougher competitor, Amber?
Carol: I did not think that Amber was a tough competitor at all! Nobody wants to be the odd man out, nobody wants to cause that vote that would make them a target for next week. Everyone wanted to vote me out because they didn’t want to stir up competition or make it a close vote, like a 5-6.

RC: What do you think contributed to you being the first one evicted from the Big Brother house?
Carol: It was simply the fact that, to the other players, I was willing & able to go home & okay with it. Amber was crying every 5 minutes saying, “Please, please, I can’t go home” where as I was saying I was homesick. I was ready to go home the minute I walked out my front door. It’s okay, I didn’t go for the money, I went because I thought it would be fun.

RC: Have you watched any of the show yet & were you surprised to learn anything once leaving the house?
Carol: I have not been able to watch any of the shows until after my interviews. You can call me back after I watch them & I’ll tell you what I think!

RC: What are your future plans?
Carol: I am going back to college. I’m on summer vacation so I didn’t have to take a break. I’m going back to University of Kansas, then I’ll get a job, and be an adult. I’m a business/marketing major. I have a dream of becoming an executive CEO of a marketing firm & dominating!

A new episode of Big Brother airs this Sunday on CBS

Get your Big Brother links at sirlinksalot.net

A Reality Check With ... Kelli Brook (NBC's "Age of Love")

2007-07-12T22:16:00.000-04:00

On the last episode of NBC's Age of Love, bachelor Mark Philippoussis eliminated one kitten and one cougar. That one cougar was 40-year-old Kelli Brook, a former Los Angeles Raiderette. She sits down with RealityCheckByGina to talk about her tumultuous ride on Age of Love.

RC: Can you remind the readers how old you are?

Kelli: Yes, I’m Kelli & I’m 40.

RC: Do you feel your age? You certainly don’t look it!

Kelli: I don’t know how I’m supposed to feel. When I was a kid, I thought you should be doing certain things by the time you were 40 but no. I feel young, energetic, I’m outside all the time, I’m athletic. I’m not ready to hang up my hat yet.

RC: What was your first impression when you met Mark?

Kelli: Of course he was gorgeous: tall, dark, and handsome. I didn’t know he had never dated an older woman. He was shy & obviously a little shocked. I felt bad for him!

RC: Were there real feelings there for him?

Kelli: He’s a sweet guy, he’s a real gentleman. When we were all together, he never tried to show favoritism. Yeah, you start to feel like, “This guy is really great & I would love to date him”. I was not head over heels but I wanted to see where it would go.

RC: Did you mind all the unexpected twists that came your way during your time on the show?

Kelli: I predicted every single thing that came. The producers kept saying, “Kelli, I know you know what’s going on & figured things out but that’s not good television”! I predicted the 20 year olds would be coming. NBC is not stupid. They set him up dating an older woman he’s not used to dating. They want him to fall for SOMEONE. I was saying, “Yeah those 20-somethings are coming!”

RC: Did you feel like the 20s were portrayed very one-dimensional?
Kelli: Who knows what they were told before they met us? That’s one thing that comes with maturity. Some of the thing that the producers caught them saying, they didn’t catch us saying. We’re older, wiser. I feel bad for them, they’re being portrayed negatively.

RC: Have you talked to the other women or can you not speak to each other until the show is over?
Kelli: We can’t talk until we’re eliminated. I talked to Lynn, I talked to Angela. I’m dying to talk to Maria.

RC: The women in their 40s seem really close.
Kelli: We were, we definitely were, especially when we were put in this position of the underdog. We were set up to possibly fail. I like the idea that Mark opened up to us. He really had fun with us.

RC: What was it like to watch yourself back on tv & what did your family & friends think?

Kelli: There were some moments that I was like, “Ooh God, I smiled way too big!” and you can see my wrinkles. I made the mistake of going on NBC’s website & reading the posts about me. Most were nice, but some were just cruel. I think I came across well, I was honest & I was true. My friends, of course, are giving me glowing reviews. I had fun being on there and I had no regrets!

RC: Were you surprised how forward everyone was? Mark got a lot of kisses on the last episode!
Kelli: I wasn’t surprised. The show was all about making twists, turns and changes. That outside elimination was really impersonal. It was hard because you end up standing out there and it was really cold. Some of those reaction shots were just of us freezing. I like the apartment elimination way better, it was more intimate. I wish I had said a few more things, though.

RC: You seemed surprised at the fact that you were eliminated. Did you feel someone else would go instead of you?

Kelli: Yeah, I don’t know specifically who. I jut wasn’t ready for it to be me. I can’t say who I thought it would be because I love all those other girls. Tessa said she wanted to go, she was sick of being there, and didn’t feel a connection with Mark. So we all knew Tessa was going. We didn’t think it would be Jen because he had a connection with her so I guess I thought it would be between Jayanna & Maria. Jayanna felt he had no connection with her and was more into Amanda when they were on the boat.

RC: What are your future plans now that the ride is over?

Kelli: Who knows what the show will lead to? I used to do acting & modeling so those feelings come back up. Who knows? I would love to get back into some kind of entertainment thing. I’m testing the waters.

Age of Love airs Mondays on NBC at 9pm EST

Get your Age of Love links at sirlinksalot.net!

A Reality Check With ... Jeff Ballard (Bravo's "Hey Paula")

2007-07-12T12:16:00.000-04:00

Just out of high school, Jeff Ballard formed Jeff Ballard Public Relations in 1982. JBPR has handled public relations for both new and established actors and actresses, not only from motion pictures and television, but in the recording industry and on the Broadway stage as well. RealityCheckByGina sits down with Paula Abdul's publicist, Jeff Ballard, one of the stars of the new Bravo reality show, "Hey Paula".

RC: How does someone become a publicist?
Jeff: I started out, when I was in high school, I started interviewing people on television shows for my high school paper. Back in the day, you could just pick up the phone & call Robert Wagner or Angie Dickinson & they’d come to the phone! I sucked those people in, they didn’t have agents! I’d go interview them & then hang out to wander the studios. I ended up on the show “Eight is Enough” as their publicist. I was still in high school! Everything kind of snowballed from there.

RC: When did your working relationship begin with Paula?
Jeff: I met Paula when I was in high school. She was dating a friend of mine. When she did her album, she had a publicist. I think that publicist left to go do something else. She called me saying, “You’re the only publicist I know!” I’m not a music publicist, that’s a very specialized thing. We’ve worked together for 6 months & then, when American Idol came around, I was handling Ryan Seacrest & she hired me for Idol.

RC: Have you or do you currently represent other celebrities?
Jeff: I’ve worked with Charlie Sheen, Martin Sheen, Matthew Perry, Forrest Whitaker, Zach Efron, different soap opera stars … quite an eclectic bunch.

RC: A publicist isn’t used to being the one at the center of attention. How did you adjust when the camera crews came in for “Hey Paula”?
Jeff: It was very awkward to me because, as a publicist, you have a peripheral vision where you see the cameras. You’re more about keeping the cameras away. I’m not an actor & there’s a reason why I’m behind the camera. But I’ve improved since the first episode. After a while, you get used to them. It’s hard when you’re in a limo with a camera, light person, sound person there in your face. But when you’re walking around, you get used to them.

RC: Is the show accurate?
Jeff: Reality isn’t real, bottom line. It’s all scripted. What they did with her show was shoot for 3 or 4 months before they knew what each episode was going to be. They look over all the footage & say, “Oh here’s a good storyline!” There’s stuff that I did in January or April & it looks like it’s the same day. I wanted to cut my hair for the summer & they said I couldn’t. It had to match. But the show pretty much accurately portrays here. There’s always drama & they tie it up really nicely at the end with a bow on it.

RC: Whose idea was doing “Hey Paula”?
Jeff: I think that she had a producing partner & came up with the idea. They thought it would be a good forum to show Paula other than the judge on American Idol. It shows her enterprises & endeavors: her jewelry line, her perfume, her clothing line. This was her chance to show people, “I’m more than just that image on American Idol”. It also gave her a chance to explain why people think she’s a little whacky. This girl goes 24 hours a day.

RC: I imagine with someone like Paula, that’s this is a 24 hour a day job for you as well.
Jeff: It is at times! For dramatic purposes, it looks like I’m much busier than I am. But she lives 2 miles up the street so I can be at her house in 5 minutes. We have a very good relationship. We fire each other every other week but at the end of the day, I really like her. It’s not about a check. I can make plenty of money handling not nice people. I choose to work for nice people.

RC: Paula has a new season of Idol coming up – what else can we expect from her?
Jeff: She’s got a whole new line of jewelry. She’s in London working on that & selling it over there on their version on QVC. She’s got her new perfume called Sexy Thoughts. Idol starts in a few days starting with the auditions in San Diego. She’s got some other shows coming up. Next week, she’s got Letterman, and she’s co-hosting The View.

A new episode of Hey Paula airs tonight on Bravo at 10pm EST

Get your Paula links at sirlinksalot.net!

So You Think You Can Dance: The Top 14 (7/11/07)

2007-07-11T22:42:00.000-04:00

As the old saying goes: the show must go on! After the firestorm over Jessi’s exit last week, the top 14 dance on along with judges Nigel Lythgoe, Mary Murphy, and guest judge Adam Shankman (director of “Hairspray” the movie). It’s also Nigel’s birthday today so happy birthday, Nigel! He was asked about Jessi’s exit and mentioned the petition, signed by over a thousand fans. He dances around the issue, saying it wasn’t easy but someone had to go. And so, we dance on…

Lacey/Kameron – Hustle choreographed by Maria Torres (“Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” by Inner Life): Lacey & Kameron keep the chemistry alive with their sassy routine. Usually, disco routines don’t do it for me on this show but I thought they pulled it off nicely, showing a lot of personality & getting the crowd excited. Adam loved their showmanship, Mary was a fan of the choreography, and Nigel worries that Lacey is outshining her partner. To vote for Lacey & Kameron, call 1-888-TEMPO-01.

Shauna/Cedric – Mambo choreographed by Alex Da Silva (“Flauta Y Timbal” by Tito Puente): Cedric has a lot to prove after Mary’s harsh words to him two weeks ago saying she wanted him O-U-T! It almost looks, though, as if Shauna is dancing around him. Cedric has shown some growth but a leading partner he is not. Adam felt Cedric stepped up, Mary comes around & wants Cedric to stay, and Nigel was proud of the pair. To vote for Shauna & Cedric, call 1-888-TEMPO-02.

Anya/Danny – Contemporary choreographed by Tyce Diorio (“Apologize” by One Republic): While Danny is excited to be dancing in his comfort zone, Anya is nervous. Though it’s danced well, I’m not sure the emotion is believable. These two definitely need to win America over to get themselves out of the bottom three, despite being brilliant dancers in their own right. Adam felt Danny was slightly disconnected, May called it “tremendous”, and Nigel says that they have to find a way to get America to vote for them. To vote for Anya & Danny, call 1-888-TEMPO-03.

Sara/Pasha – West Coast Swing choreographed by Benji Schwimmer (“The Rockafeller Skank” by Fat Boy Slim): It was great to see Benji on the show as a choregrapher this season along with Heidi (also from season 2). Sara & Pasha have to form a quick bond as this is their first week dancing together now. Sara continues to show growth each week & Pasha is, of course, a perfect partner. Nigel calls their routine “the magic”, Adam says they’d have a job with him, and Mary loved Benji’s choreography. To vote for Sara & Pasha, call 1-888-TEMPO-04.

Sabra/Dominic – Hip Hop choreographed by Shane Sparks (“Make It Work” by Ne-Yo): Not gonna lie, I was REALLY looking forward to this dance. Sabra & Dominic deliver, showing off their dance skills & their chemistry together. Adam loved that Shane made the dance about story & emotion, Mary says (once again) that they’re a force to be reckoned with, and Nigel thought it was terrible … that it only lasted a short time! To vote for Sabra & Dominic, call 1-888-TEMPO-05.

Jaimie/Hok – Waltz choreographed by Toni Redpath (“Angel” by Sarah McLachlan): This is definitely not what I would expect from the two but I was really interested to see what they’d bring to the table with a waltz. Being the strong couple that they are, it’s difficult to imagine they’re going anywhere but it’s not their strongest routine to date. However, they danced it well. Adam was really pleased with Hok, especially being so far out of his element. Mary was looking for a better quality of movement in Hok, and Nigel feels they’ll just scrape through. To vote for Jaimie & Hok, call 1-888-TEMPO-06.

Lauren/Neil – Jazz choreographed by Wade Robson (“Night of the Dancing Flame” by Roisin Murphy): Neil & Lauren work to climb their way out of the bottom three with this fun routine about a villain & an innocent girl. The show some chemistry, which was something they lacked in the early episodes, and the piece is very interesting! Adam says they’re what this competition is about, Mary was happy that Neil pulled off the villainous character, and Nigel felt it was beautifully executed. To vote for Lauren & Neil, call 1-888-TEMPO-07.

Time to vote, America!

The results will be revealed tomorrow night at 9pm EST on FOX.

Get your dancing links on sirlinksalot.net!

Big Brother 8: The House Gets Trashed (7/10/07)

2007-07-11T19:34:00.000-04:00

It’s Day 5 in the Big Brother house & eviction nominations have just been handed to Amber & Carol. Kail, the Head of Household, nominated the two for performing poorly in the HOH competition. Amber is upset because she & Kail are both mothers & felt they should look out for each other. She also feels that God put her on the block to teach her something. Carol feels guilty campaigning against Amber … but does it anyway.

Different strategies start to creep up throughout the house. Dick uses his sensitive parental side to bond with Kail while Nick uses his body & “inviting smile” (as he puts it) to romance the ladies of the Big Brother house. Jen tells the housemates that Nick tried to make out with her, which is apparently a big lie. Joe stirs the pot & causes a big fight between the two. I smell a plot to get rid of Jen ASAP.

It’s time for the Power of Veto competition. The HOH, two nominees, and three random housemates will compete for immunity. Danielle, Nick, and Jameka are also selected to participate. If a houseguest wins Power of Veto, they have the opportunity to change the nominations or keep them as they are. The houseguests competing are each given a veto to hide throughout the house. The object of the game is to have your veto found last. Once your veto is found, you are out of the game.

While the players ransack the house, the remaining houseguests have to sit in the HOH room & tensions run high quickly between Jen & Dick. The house is completely trashed but someone did the best job hiding their veto. Daniele’s veto (hidden in the slop) was the hardest to find & she wins Power of Veto in the Big Brother house. Amber jumps on Daniele right away, trying to get Daniele to save her & put up Jen instead.

America’s Player, Eric, has been given his first assignment. He must make up a traumatic story from his past and tell it to Kail. Eric, the new actor of the house, threw some Visine in his eyes and ran to the HOH room to share his sob story. I have to say: the story was a little lame. He said his high school girlfriend, who reminded him of Daniele, had a serious eating disorder and broke up with him. Ummmm … no death? Disease? Is it just me? Eric, you gotta get a little dirty here, buddy.

The boys continue Amber’s mission to get Jen out of the house by getting in Daniele’s ear about it. However, Daniele stays strong and keeps the nominations the same. Who will be the first houseguest evicted? Which nominee do you want Eric to vote out? Check out cbs.com/bigbrother for all the details on how you can play a part in the game!

Big Brother is back Thursday night at 8pm EST on CBS

Get your Big Brother links at sirlinksalot.net

Checking In On ... Jessi Peralta (FOX's "So You Think You Can Dance")

2007-07-11T12:23:00.000-04:00

Since being eliminated 2 weeks ago, Jessi Peralta has created a firestorm on the internet. Fans (and critics) have come out by the thousands to voice their opinions and try to learn more about the dancer whose time on "So You Think You Can Dance" was cut abruptly short. Readers submitted questions & Jessi made a stop back at RealityCheckByGina to answer them & clear up those nasty internet rumors.

RC: How much have you read of the fan reactions and what are your thoughts on it?

Jessi: I’m kind of embarrassed to say this because the people from the show encourage us not to see them but I’ve probably read most of the comments. I’ve read 70-80% of them – the good and bad. I’m grateful people even took the time to give their opinion. Even some of the bad comments were coming from a place of concern, for my health. Hey, any publicity is good publicity!

RC: What has the last 2 weeks been like for you?

Jessi: They’ve been boring! I had this dream job, this opportunity to dance every day of the week. I suck at being bored & I pull my hair out at not having anything to do. If you need a dancer who can type, let me know because I need a job!

RC: Did any of the judges speak to you after your elimination that night?

Jessi: Unfortunately, I didn’t get to talk to them. Mary & Nigel didn’t approach me & I’m sure they have their reasons for that. Debbie Allen was the only judge to come up to me & give her condolences. She said, “Girl, I was pullin’ for you!” I knew then that she was the one judge that was the other vote. I really appreciated her support.

RC: Many people want to know how your health is. Are you back to being 100%?

Jessi: Yeah, absolutely. I just want to say: I did not have a pre-existing heart condition, I do not do drugs, I’m definitely not pregnant. A lot of people were dogging me saying I should have kept myself hydrated. No matter how much Gatorade I drink, it’s hard to keep up. I went from sitting at a day job 8 hours a day to dancing 8 hours a day. I’m totally fine, I was fine that day. I kept saying I didn’t need to go to the hospital but it was taken out of my hands. It’s protocol to take someone to the hospital if they complain of chest pains.

RC: We asked fans to submit questions & chose some for you to answer. Carmel from Alberta, Canada wants to know if you’ll be attending any tapings of SYTYCD?
Jessi: Good question! I’ve been asked that question so much. Right now, my main focus, not to take away any enthusiasm for the rest of the dancers, is finding a job. I have to pay my rent & keep living out in LA before I can go back & be a fan for the rest of the kids. As soon as I take care of my business, absolutely! If fans don’t see me the first few weeks, it’s because I’m hittin’ the pavement. I’m a single girl, I don’t live with my parents & I have to make my living.

RC: Sarah from California wants to know what’s currently playing on your Ipod?

Jessi: I would say right now, just because it’s summertime, I’m listening to a lot of Bob Marley. Summertime & Bob Marley go together … with a pina colada! Of course, Lauryn Hill, I’m a big fan! I’m a huge fan of reggae in general. I love Akon right now, too!

RC: Autumn from Washington DC asks, “What is your ethnic background?” and says you’re stunning!
Jessi: My dad is Spanish, his family is from Spain. My mom is good Southern girl, from Georgia. If people think I’m pretty, they should see my unbelievably beautiful sister. She looks like Jasmine from Aladdin!

RC: Ideanna from Orlando wants to know what 3 things you would take with you if you were stuck on a desert island?

Jessi: My bible, a toothbrush because I’m particular about my dental hygiene, and my Ipod. But I’m gonna need battery power. As long as I have music around me, I’m a happy girl!

RC: Emmie from Alabama asks, “Do you have a webpage or MySpace where your fans can contact you or see what you’re up to”?
Jessi: Yes, I do! I’m new to the whole technology thing because I can’t really afford a computer. But there are some people working on that for me. I do have jessiperalta.com. It’s nothing right now, it just leads them to a MySpace page. I read all of the messages & comments & I’m learning how to respond, I promise. The full website will be up soon.

RC: Our featured reader is Linda from Alberta, Canada who wants to know if you’re going to go back to your day job or if you’re going to pursue dance full-time.
Jessi: My day job was something I had to resort to. I’ve always pursued dancing professionally sine I was a teenager. Living on my own in LA is expensive. They replaced me at my day job, so there isn’t a job available. I’m absolutely pursuing dance with more fervor than I ever have in my life. I have a springboard to jump off of, a really small one, but I’m going to use it as best I can. I’m going to do the Vagina Monologues in Toronto in March of 2008. I need a job before then though! I have auditions for movies coming up. No more day job!

A very big THANK YOU to Jessi Peralta who took the time to stop back & answer fan questions.

An all-new episode of So You Think You Can Dance airs tonight on FOX at 8pm EST

Get your dancin' links at sirlinksalot.net!

Pirate Master: No Ballots For Mutiny (7/10/07)

2007-07-10T23:03:00.000-04:00

The pirates are hungry … for food & for gold! At their next treasure hunt, the crews are once again split into black and red. On the black crew along with Captain Azmyth, Ben, and Jay are Laurel & Jupiter. Opposing them are Louie, Kendra, Nessa, Joe Don, & Christa. Crews must row to the western tip of the island looking for a floating marker which will lead them to a map. As usual, the black crew gets a nice head start but the red crew is hungry for a shift in power.

Now that they have a map, they must row to Skull’s Point and search for a cannon with two hidden ropes. The crews must now find a X with the key to the treasure hidden below it. The red crew figures out where to go first while the dirty black crew follows. After uncovering their keys, they must find the treasure then use a dial to figure out the combination to open that treasure. The crews are neck & neck, but the black crew once again pulls off a victory.

The black crew returns with a nice sized pot & Azmyth decides to keep his officers in tact. Their next task is to hand out black spots and Nessa, Louie, and Joe Don are all put up for elimination. Their best plan for survival is a mutiny but the idea is shot down quickly by Christa & Jupiter. Joe Don & Nessa, the showmancers, are caught in a bad situation as one of them may be cut adrift tonight.

At pirates court, Azmyth must explain why each of the pirates were nominated. Nessa has been nominated for her dissatisfaction with her time on the ship, Louie is nominated as a “place holder” with Azmyth hoping he won’t be the one to go, and Joe Don is once again put up for being a fierce competitor. Before the results can be announced, we first find out who will now hold the royal pardon. Since Joe Don is the seller, he is ineligible. With a bid of $5000, Nessa buys a royal pardon she didn’t need. The pirates decide to cut Joe Don adrift.

Check back as Joe Don will be talking to RealityCheckByGina about his time on Pirate Master

Pirate Master airs at its new time, Tuesdays at 10pm EST, on CBS

Get your Pirate Master links, matey, at sirlinksalot.net.

A Reality Check With ... Melissa Firpo (FOX's "Hell's Kitchen")

2007-07-10T22:09:00.000-04:00

29-year-old Melissa Firpo is a line cook from New York City. She was spared elimination last week and was moved to the men's team by Chef Ramsay. This week, she ran out of chances, becoming the latest chef to get the boot. She sits down with RealityCheckByGina to talk about her time in Hell.

RC: What is your cooking training & background?
Melissa: I graduated culinary school in ’95 & worked for different catering companies after that. I opened a gourmet deli in Long Island and ran that for 4 ½ years then worked with many Michelin star chefs at different restaurants. After that, I moved to NYC to work.

RC: There are so many cooking shows out there. What drew you to Hell’s Kitchen?
Melissa: I was actually on Craig’s List trying to send out my resume for Chef Ramsay’s restaurant, London NYC. I saw something that said to apply for the show. My mom watches the show & loves it. I decided to try & see what happened but I never thought I would make it!

RC: Is the show, with the drama & yelling, a lot more stressful than you anticipated?
Melissa: The yelling didn’t affect me so much as only getting 3 hours of sleep & being filmed 24 hours a day. That took some getting used to.

RC: You had a strong start in the competition. Did you think you’d go all the way?
Melissa: I thought, in the beginning, I had a good start. I thought my background would really help me. I just know how to do this. I know how to book customers, order food, do payroll & taxes, I had my own business.

RC: Do you generally get along better with men or women in the workplace?
Melissa: In 13 years, I’ve only worked with one female. I haven’t really worked with girls and I can see why. It’s 130 degrees in the kitchen, 6 days a week, working 16-18 hour days. You get burned, you get cut, and you can’t cry about it. I think women are more emotional and tend to take things more personally. I was trained in New York – you yell, you scream, but then the night is over and it’s a new day.

RC: Your dismissal from Hell’s Kitchen was pretty abrupt. Do you wish you got to respond?
Melissa: I think I’m actually the first contestant that didn’t get to say something. That’s probably for one of two reasons. One, because I was so horrible that I didn’t deserve to explain myself or two, I’d have a LOT to say and I’d be able to redeem myself. I wish I got to say something, I would’ve had a lot to say!

RC: Do you have a signature dish you make?
Melissa: Yes, it’s duck actually! My whole family likes it. Meat is really my forte. I like making sauces as well.

RC: What’s in the future for you? Are you back in New York?
Melissa: I’m back in New York working at a culinary school and pursuing opportunities. I’m very open to anything. I didn’t win Hell’s Kitchen but I’m hoping that it opened some avenues for me!

Hell's Kitchen airs Monday nights on FOX at 9pm EST

Get your Hell's Kitchen links while they're hot at sirlinksalot.net!

Hell's Kitchen: Melissa Runs Out Of Chances (7/10/07)

2007-07-10T11:34:00.000-04:00

When we last left the chefs, Gordon Ramsay shocked everyone by sending Melissa to the blue team with the men. Rock is not thrilled with the new addition and looks to get rid of her quickly. The other women are more than happy to see Melissa off the team and try to rally to pull of a win the next day. We learn that Jen is not who she says she is. She tried to play it off to her competitors as a small town pastry chef but she accidentally lets it slip that she's cooked in major cities.

First things first though, it's time for one of Chef Ramsay's challenges. They competitors will be working with lobster, which immediately freaks Bonnie out. Because Josh couldn't identify scallops from lobster in a previous challenge, Chef Ramsay sits him out. The teams have one hour to complete three lobster dishes that will impress Chef Ramsay. Both teams pull off decent dishes and the red team is chosen as the winners. The three girls (Jen, Bonnie, and Julia) receive a photo shoot and interview with In Touch Magazine.

For their punishment, the blue team must recycle everything out of every garbage can throughout the restaurant. Rock was so angry that he began throwing things around the kitchen, while his team tried to calm him down. After his blowout, both teams begin prepping for dinner service and are equally happy to have Melissa and not have her on their respective teams.

The blue kitchen gets off to a slow start while the red crew works harmoniously. The red team's customers love their appetizers while the blue team's customers just wish they had any food at all. Just when it seems nothing can go wrong, something does. Bonnie starts a fire in her kitchen but her minor setback in nothing compared to the mess in the blue kitchen. Chef Ramsay finally gets fed up, shutting down the kitchen.

As the losing team, the men (and Melissa) must decide as a group which two people will be up for elimination. After debating, the blue team is ready to give Chef Ramsay their decision but he makes one for them, getting rid of Melissa before anyone can say anything. Chef Ramsay isn't done yet though, calling Brad & Josh forward, sparing Rock. Both are given another chance to stay.

Stay tuned as I'll be talking to Melissa this week on RealityCheckByGina!

Hell's Kitchen airs Mondays on FOX at 9pm EST

Get your Hell's Kitchen links at sirlinksalot.net.

So You Think You Can Dance: Jessi Peralta Responds To Her Fans

2007-07-09T18:21:00.000-04:00

The fans have cried out for an explanation & Jessi Peralta is responding. Thousands of fans have posted on forums such as Fox's official site & Television Without Pity, venting their frustration over Jessi's sudden dismissal. Tomorrow, I will be interviewing Jessi a second time, asking her to respond to her fans ... and her critics. Please post your fan questions in the comment section of this story & be sure to include your name & home state. If you want, you can also email me a photo of yourself along with a question & you may be featured on RealityCheckByGina. The interview will appear on the site Wednesday, July 11.

Get your dancin' links on sirlinksalot.net

Big Brother 8: When Hating Your Picture Is The Worst Of Your Problems... (7/8/07)

2007-07-08T22:17:00.001-04:00

When we check in on the houseguests, they're still reeling from the news that some of them will have rivals in the house. Carol & Jessica are former high school rivals, Daniele & Dick are an estranged father & daughter, and Dustin & Joe are bitter ex-boyfriends. Daniele takes the news the hardest, having a very shaky relationship with her dad. She hasn't spoken to him in years but she won't be able to avoid him anymore. Dick tries to smooth things over but Daniele isn't ready yet. Dustin & Joe are also unable to talk things out & Joe campaigns to have Dustin immediately removed. Carol attempts to put high school behind her but it looks like Jessica is still roamin' the halls!

Kail is HOH (Head of Household) and will have a tough decision to make in putting up people for eviction. First, the housemates' pictures go up on the wall, making Jen very emotional. She's never taken a worse picture! We should all have such problems. Joe provides some comedy, saying she acted like someone died & then throwing in that he loved his own picture!

Back to strategizing: Kail & Mike form a quick alliance and try to pull in 2 more. Zach is pulled in to the group as well as Nick. Before nominations are thrown down, a veto competition must take place. The housemates are split into two teams who must transfer as much butter from a pump into a giant bucket of popcorn by scraping it off each other. Winners get food for the weeks, losers get Big Brother slop (which may just be the nastiest food created in a lab). The red team creams the blue team, very much earning their food for the week.

Time to check in with America's Player, Eric, and see what assignment America has given him this week. Eric's got to tell a traumatic story from his past & America will decide which houseguest he will tell that story to. You can vote free online at www.cbs.com/bigbrother.

Speaking of America's Player, Eric is the first to be called out as being safe at the nomination ceremony. Joe, Zach, Daniele, Jen, Mike, Jameka, and Nick are also safe. Dick, Jessica, and Dustin all have immunity this week so that leaves Carol & Amber without keys to safety. Kail calls out Carol & Amber for being the first ones out in the HOH competition, therefore being weak players.

Who will win the Power of Veto? How will Eric's first task as "America's Player" go down? Check out Big Brother's next episode, Tuesday at 9pm EST.

Don't forget I'll be talking to the first evicted houseguest this Friday!

Get your Big Brother links at sirlinksalot.net.

A Reality Check With ... Joy McElveen (CBS's "Pirate Master")

2007-07-06T14:50:00.001-04:00

Born and raised in West Columbia, S.C., Jocelyn "Joy" McElveen has always been a tomboy even though she has also competed in beauty pageants. Her mother raised her alone while also serving in the South Carolina Army National Guard during the Gulf War. At 19, she made history in South Carolina for being the first African-American to win the Miss Sun Fun USA crown. Her hobbies include basketball, singing, board games and motivational speaking at high schools and elementary schools. She describes herself as driven, vibrant and energetic. Despite her athletic background, her weakness in challenges got her cut adrift & she's here to talk to RealityCheckByGina about her time on "Pirate Master".

RC: What was it about “Pirate Master” that interested you?
Joy: I looked at is as an opportunity to live out your childhood fantasy. Growing up, I loved to be a pirate & when this show came about, and it was going to be created by Mark Burnett, I was like, “Wow, this is going to be an adventure!” When they first came to me, I was hesitant but then I though, “Why not?” You get to set sail, go on vacation, live like a pirate, and of course, the money – everybody wants that!

RC: Did you have a lot of experience on the water before coming on the show?
Joy: No, before coming onto the show, we knew there would be a lot of swimming. I swim in a pool but I knew I’d have to become more comfortable in the water. I tried to become one with the water. I was proud of myself for it, I did good!

RC: Did you train in other ways in preparation for “Pirate Master”?
Joy: Yes, I played basketball and that was 4 years ago. I kind of wish that I stayed with it because training with basketball helps build up endurance. I traded my basketball shoes in for high heels to model. I needed to get back on the treadmill & run. Looking back, I was training but now I wish I went running in the heels or climbed stadiums!

RC: The pirates have said many times that you are an athlete. What is your athletic background?
Joy: Besides basketball, my mom’s in the military. While in high school I did, junior ROTC. You go do basic training & I did what my mom got to do. I ran obstacle courses & did rope bridges, repelled, climbed towers. I’ve always had fight, determination, and a little daredevil in me. I can take everything I’ve done & apply it to the show. I wasn’t afraid to do anything. I might not have been the best but I wasn’t afraid of it.

RC: You said that the blue coat changes people, referring to the captain & his officers. How did you see greed take over?
Joy: There must be something in that blue coat, a curse or something, because when you put it on, you become something … I don’t want to say evil but … you become greedy and your whole mindset changes. You forget where you come from. I hate that! It would bother me because it was like, just a few minutes ago, you were one of us. Maybe you’re captain but you have to make sure your crew is happy too.

RC: You got some pretty harsh comments from your fellow male pirates regarding your weaknesses. How do you respond to that?
Joy: I prepared myself but when I heard the comments, they were harsh. What bothered me the most was that everything was centered around me asking for water. Never once did I stop. Even though I asked for water, I didn’t get it. I thought, “If it doesn’t kill me, it can only make me stronger.” I don’t hold grudges, I don’t lose sleep over it. I’m glad it’s over!

RC: You were very well-liked on the ship, which is more than we can say for some pirates. That had to make you feel good.
Joy: You know, it really did. Everyone came on for a different purpose and got different things out of it. I can walk away & say I don’t have any enemies. I am Joy, that’s what my mom named me. I’m glad America got to see that last night, what Jupiter said about me, that I have a personality and that I’m a good person. That’s my pirate family and they’re stuck with me for life now!

RC: Did you feel you could go all the way and win this thing?
Joy: My first mindset was like, “Yeah I can do this! I can be the Pirate Master!” and then when I got there, I really started to think deep in myself that I wasn’t sure about it. My whole objective was to stay true to myself & to be Pirate Master, you have to be someone you’re not. You have to lie, you have to manipulate, and that’s not me. I wasn’t gonna give up & fight to the very end. That’s what I did. I was proud of myself the way I left the ship.

RC: What are your goals now that you’re off the ship? Will you continue to pursue modeling?
Joy: It’s funny that you asked. I had a career before & I was doing well. This can only help me. I will be moving to L.A. this month with some doors opening up. As they say, when one doors closes, another one opens. I truly believe that

Pirate Master airs Thursdays on CBS!

Get your Pirate Master links, matey, at sirlinksalot.net.

Pirate Master: It's A Man's World (7/5/07)

2007-07-05T22:55:00.000-04:00

Louie & Joy vow to win Nessa back the $9,000 she unnecessarily spent on the last episode, trying to get a royal pardon. What they don’t know is that a good chunk of that was loaned to her by Joe Don, so she is not as broke as she says. The women worry that then men have too much power and look to make a change in power. At least some things never change, and Captain Azmyth’s fake accent is one of them. Good to know we have some constants aboard the ship.

When it’s time for their next treasure hunt, the women are looking to take it all. Captain Azmyth, Jay, and Ben will be on the black crew along with Laurel, Christa, and Joy. Facing them, on the red crew, is Louie, Joe Don, Nessa, Kendra, and Jupiter. The pirates must swim to shore from their ship and locate a hidden letter which gives them their next set of clues. The crews are neck & neck but the black crew makes a slight advance.

The pirates must carry ladders up a steep path to their next clue. Joy slows her crew down by failing to stay at the front of the group to read the map and give direction. Despite Joy, the black crew maintains their lead as they press on. The crews will continue into the jungle until they find masts in a tree. They’ll use their ladders to climb the tree & retrieve a key which is tied up.

At the tree, the crews catch up but Louie’s inability to find the key costs the red crew precious time. The crews run to a footbridge containing clues leading them to the treasure and the black crew maintains the power and their fortune. The red crew is miserable while the red crew enjoys a $40,000 treasure. Azmyth’s crew is unhappy that he & his officers take a bigger cut of the treasure, leaving their fellow crewmates with less money.

When it’s time to hand out black spots, Joy, Kendra, and Joe Don are up for elimination. The men are gunning to get rid of Joy, and try to strong arm the women to vote their way. At pirates court, Azmyth lists the reasons why the three have been given black spots: Kendra & Joy are nominated for their weakness in physical challenges while Joe Don has been put up for being a dangerous & strong competitor.

It’s time to count the votes but before we find out the results, we get to see who won the royal pardon. Joe Don blows the other bids away by throwing down $12,000 to stay aboard the ship. However, he didn’t need it as he didn’t receive a single ballot & by a vote of 3-2, Joy is the one cut adrift.

Stay tuned as I'll be talking to Joy about her time on "Pirate Master"!

Pirate Master airs Thursdays on CBS

Get your Pirate Master links, matey, on sirlinksalot.net

Big Brother 8: New Season, New Twists (7/5/07)

2007-07-05T21:33:00.000-04:00

It’s time for a new season of Big Brother and we’ve got a new crop of 14 houseguests. There’s a new twist and some houseguests will find themselves with unwelcome roommates – an estranged father & daughter, bitter ex-boyfriends, and former high school best friends. The drama meter just hit 10! First, let’s meet the new houseguests:

Amber, 27, Cocktail Waitress
Carol, 21, Student
Daniele, 20, Waitress
Dick, 44, Bar Manager
Dustin, 22, Shoe Salesman
Eric, 27, Talent Management Assistant
Jameka, 28, School Counselor
Jen, 23, Nanny
Jessica, 21, College Student
Joe, 23, Receptionist
Kail, 37, Business Owner
Mike, 26, Painting Contractor
Nick, 25, Former Pro Football Player
Zach, 30, Graphic Designer

The new houseguests settle in to get to know one another and just as they do, they learn that there are actually two separate groups (a group of 11 & a group of 3) in the house & they'll meet up soon. First, the group of 11 will compete in the first Head of Household competition. They head to the backyard, choose partners, and go stand in front of one of the giant mushrooms set up. Houseguests seated on the mushrooms will be asked true & false questions about their partner. Each false answer causes the mushroom to spin faster. Whoever can stay on their mushroom the longest, wins.

Amber cannot seem to get one answer right and her partner Carol goes down first. Zach & Jen are eliminated next followed by Daniele & Mike. Eric tries to throw the competition but he inevitably keeps getting answers correct, leaving him & Kail in the final two against Joe & Jameka. Despite Eric's efforts to sabotage his duo, he & Kail end up winning but only one can be Head of Household. The group of 3 who have been watching the group of 11's every move will decide who becomes HOH. They choose Kail, much to Eric's relief.

It's time to meet the group of 3 who have been waiting to join the remaining housemates. The first to join the group is Carol's high school rival, Jessica. The next is Daniele's estranged father, Dick. Finally, Joe's ex-boyfriend Dustin joins the housemates. There's one more twist before tonight's episode comes to an end. For the first time, one of the housemates is "America's Player" and throughout the game, play the way the viewers want him to. Eric has been chosen as that player and the houseguests have no idea! Viewers can give directions to Eric at cbs.com so start dictating.

The next episode of Big Brother airs Sunday night at 8pm EST

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A Reality Check With ... Lynn Borges (NBC's "Age of Love")

2007-07-03T22:04:00.000-04:00

Lynn Borges grew up in Hawaii, but has yet to catch a wave into the right man's heart. When it comes to dating, Lynn takes things much slower the older she gets. She often dates men who are ten years younger than her, though her last relationship only lasted for three months. Pickup lines are a major turnoff, which is no surprise coming from a gal who is a bit of a homemaker who loves to cook and bake. Lynn was surprisingly eliminated on Monday night's episode of "Age of Love". She's here to talk to RealityCheckByGina & dishes on why she's glad she got out when she did!

RC: Can you reminder the readers how old you are?

Lynn: I’m 40.

RC: What made you want to participate in “Age of Love”?

Lynn: It came at the right time. I happened to be on Craig’s List & came across an ad that said, “Are you in your 40s & haven’t found Mr. Right yet?” I thought, “Yeah, that’s me.” I did the audition tape & I never thought I would get as far as I did!

RC: What was your first impression of Mark when you first met him?
Lynn: He’s very quiet! I think everyone would agree with that. I’m quiet too so it was really hard trying to get to know him. He’s very attractive though, very sweet, polite.

RC: How did you adjust to the twists in the game such as you’d be competing against a group of 20-year-olds?

Lynn: That one was a little tough because, actually, before I even left for Nashville, I asked if there were going to be 20 year olds because I said I didn’t want to do it if that was the case. When they were thrown in, I was definitely shocked. Then I thought, “It is what it is. I’ll keep going being myself.” If Mark is going to be attracted to a 20-year-old, there’s nothing I could have done.

RC: Are you glad you got out before both groups of women moved in together?
Lynn: Yes, I felt like I had some guardian angels on that one. I was definitely relieved that I got eliminated when I did. It was a situation I never wanted to be in. I wanted to make sure I stayed true to myself, staying mature.

RC: What has the reaction been by your friends & family since being on the show?
Lynn: My mom loved it & had all her friends watch. She said, “You look so good, I’m so proud of you,” so that was a really good feeling. I was really cautious about how some of the things I might’ve said. I always wanted to make sure that my family & friends would be proud of.

RC: Were you bothered that Maria said she was going to walk and then decided to stay once she got to the elimination?
Lynn: Well, I was shocked because Maria & I were in separate bedrooms so I had no idea she was even planning that. I didn’t even know ‘til I watched the show last night. I was like, “What?! I had no idea she was planning on walking.” I couldn’t even hear at the elimination when they were talking by the pool. I was wondering why she was down there so long. I had no idea.

RC: Did you understand why you were eliminated?

Lynn: As far as understanding, it’s because we probably didn’t have a connection. We never had time to talk to each other. I think he was finding that the other girls were more fun & upbeat, crazy & wild.

RC: Do the 40s offer something the 20s can’t?

Lynn: Absolutely! From watching the episodes too, Mark has more interaction with the 40-year-olds. They can keep his attention a little more. I hope Mark does choose one of the 40 year olds.

RC: Have you ever dated a younger man? What worked about it & what didn’t?
Lynn: My last boyfriend was 29. Well, what didn’t work was the timing. He was going through a divorce & he needed space. What worked was that we met through my best friend who is his sister. We had this common bond, already knew each other, and it was very comfortable.

RC: Do you have a favorite memory or friendship from your time on “Age of Love”?
Lynn: All the girls in the 40s group really did bond & we had a great time. My favorite experience was repelling down the side of the building. That’s something I never would’ve dreamed of doing! Out of all the girls, I probably got closest to Angela so when she left, I was feeling sad. I was worried about being the outsider.

RC: What’s the secret to looking so good at 40?
Lynn: I think a positive attitude. That came through all my experiences in my 20s & 30s. You go through a bad experience or traumatic experience, you grow from it & it makes you stronger. You put things in perspective & you let little things go. I used to stress over everything in my 20s. Everything was huge & dramatic! Now, in my 40s, I say, “Is it really worth it?” You choose your battles. As far as maintaining looks, it’s just health. Exercise, eating right – taking care of yourself, stuff that everyone knows about. I’m really trying to take care of myself.

RC: Did the show change your perspective on dating?
Lynn: The show was a really positive thing for me. I came back thinking, “Wow, there is so much to do.” I’m a lot more active. I spend more time with my friends, taking ballroom dancing lessons, going to church more regularly, a lot of great things. I haven’t dated since I got back from the show. I don’t need to be dating. I’m really happy with how things are & if it’s gonna happen, it’s gonna happen.

Age of Love airs Mondays on NBC at 9pm EST

Get your Age of Love links at sirlinksalot.net

Age Of Love: The Surprises Keep On Comin'! (7/2/07)

2007-07-02T22:23:00.000-04:00

On the 40th floor, the women still can't believe they're competing against women half their age for Mark’s heart. Meanwhile, the 20-year-olds try to figure out what Mark would want with women older than their mothers. Speaking of Mark, he needs to decide who he’s going to spend more time with and he chooses Kelli & Amanda. He’ll be having lunch with both. What Kelli & Amanda don’t know is that they’ll both be joining him on the date and what Mark doesn’t know is that they’ll be sitting at two different tables across the restaurant. Nothing like awkward surprises to set the mood…

Mark has an hour with each of the women & he can choose to spend that time as he wants. When the hour is up, he must have dessert with the woman whose table he is sitting at. Kelli takes control, making sure that Mark ends the date at her table. Mark, however, was trying to get back with Amanda. When he walks her out of the restaurant, he shares a first kiss with her and it seems that, perhaps, the Kittens will prevail.

Back at the hotel, the remaining women receive a text message to meet host Mark Consuelos at the pool. They learn that they’ll get the opportunity to create the perfect date … for each other. The 20-year-olds will decide where the 40-year-olds will go with Mark & vice versa. Both groups take the opportunity to have a little fun with the other. The Cougars first send the Kittens to play with 20 children at a birthday party. Standing out in the crowd is Adelaide, who seems generally comfortable & happy around the children. At the other end of the spectrum is Mary, who makes such a little impression that he walks away in mid-conversation. Oof. Mark takes Adelaide home in the limo & she also gets a kiss with him.

The Kittens get their revenge sending the Cougars to a water aerobics class … for the elderly. They take the whole thing in stride & have fun with it. Mark focuses more on their bodies than on the aerobics class. On the way home, he chooses Maria to come in the limo & up to his room to get to know her a little better. The connection wasn’t there, and Maria started to worry she was wasting her time. Before the elimination, she told the other women she was thinking of walking.

The women arrive at the elimination, all nervous about what Mark is looking for & who he will send home. Of the 20-year-olds, Tessa, Amanda, Mary, and Megan are asked to stay. Surprisingly, Mark sends Adelaide home, saying he didn’t feel anything when he kissed her. When it’s time to eliminate one of the women in their 40s, Maria goes back on her word & decides to stay after Mark puts himself out there for her. This doesn’t sit well with other women, as it means now one of them has to go. Jen, Jayanna, and Kelli are asked to stay and Mark pulls another surprise, asking Lynn to leave.

Before the women can head up to their rooms, Mark Consuelos has just one more twist: the women will now all be living together. This show just keeps getting better! I’ll be talking to Lynn & Adelaide tomorrow, so check back to hear what they have to say.

Age of Love airs Mondays at NBC at 9pm EST
Get your Age of Love links at sirlinksalot.net

A Reality Check With ... Sean Twomey (CBS's "Pirate Master")

2007-07-02T09:51:00.000-04:00

Sean Twomey is originally from Pensacola, FL, but moved around a lot because his father was a captain in the United States Navy. In high school, he participated in varsity football, wrestling, backyard boxing, and theater. His mother died suddenly when he was 20 years old, which still impacts him today. He once lived in New York, pursuing acting, and appeared in many off- Broadway shows. He is currently a bartender. On last week's Pirate Master, Sean was voted out for going back on his word to the pirates. He sits down with RealityCheckByGina to give the REAL reason he thinks he was cut adrift.

RC: What drew you to the show Pirate Master?

Sean: It’s a good question but a long story I’ll try to make short. I applied for it on a whim. My father gave me an old edition of “Treasure Island” & I try to read it once a year. It’s one of my favorite books. I came home one night after drinking too much rum & saw the application online & between my hiccups, decided I’d give it a shot. It was very whimsical, I had no idea it would go as far as it did.

RC: Did you prepare for the physical aspect of the show (the work, the challenges, etc)?
Sean: I did nothing BUT prepare. I’m naturally athletic in my everyday life. I’m a jogger, surfer, swimmer, and a few other things. I put myself through a really grueling exercise routine. I didn’t have a 9-5 job so I had the luxury of training, studying maps & pirate lore, etc.

RC: Which captain did you think did the best job while you were aboard the ship?

Sean: Well, you know, I think Joe Don gets a lot of flack that’s undeserved. In his defense, he was the first captain. None of us knew the rules or what you could or couldn’t do. It was explained to us as we went along. He was a little arrogant and drunk a lot of times. I wouldn’t say he’s my favorite captain … I’d say Louie was. He’s just one of my favorite pirates – an amazing man, hard worker, always jovial. Azmyth was just a flake!

RC: I notice Azmyth didn’t use the accent so much the 2nd time around as captain.
Sean: I, myself, being trained as an actor being trained in dialects … look, if you’re going to do an accent, do it right! It was a terrible accent. I didn’t know why he was doing it.

RC: Of all the pirates, who did you really connect & form friendships with?

Sean: While on the ship, obviously, people are going to feign relationships. I had no plan to make real friends because this was a game. Ironically, after I got off the ship, that’s when some friendships did blossom. That’s when you can look at people and say, “We had this experience & now we’re not competing … who are you?” That has spawned a few good relationships. Probably my favorite friend has been Ben. He’s just a great guy. Honestly, I’m friends with all of them … except Jay. He’s just a dirtbag in real life. I have no interest in seeing that guy again. Everyone else – they’re really good people.

RC: Is Jay running the show?

Sean: As much as I hate to admit it, I think you’re right on the dot with that one. Jay’s a total pr---, pardon my French. He’s playing 10 different sides, 10 different ways. Nothing that comes out of his mouth is true. I came there to compete & I guess my main downfall was honesty. Jay’s got a lot of dirty little fingers in a lot of dirty little pots.

RC: What was your issue with Nessa? What didn’t her flirtations work on you?
Sean: I told myself, “You’re going in, it’s a competition. Don’t get sidetracked by immense lies or by a female’s ability to flirt.” I knew there would be the staple flirt. It is a great attribute to have because a lot of men fall subject to that. To be honest, I didn’t find any of the women attractive. Not to toot my own horn, but I can get women off the boat. I do okay in my every day life so I wasn’t gonna fall victim.

RC: Were you surprised Nessa wasn’t given a black spot?

Sean: Actually, I was. I remember, that day, she paid out of her ass to get that pardon because she thought she was going. I think it boiled down to Jay who had a bad taste in his mouth with me. Also, Jay was trying to get rid of the strongest players – Christian, I mean, the guy was an NFL running back.

RC: Do you think Azmyth, Jay, & Ben used the fact that you switched votes as an excuse to get rid of a really strong player & competitor?

Sean: Oh completely! Honestly, I didn’t catch this episode yet but I remember it. I know why I left. These challenges require physical traits you need to succeed. You kind of want the strongest people to be on your team but if you get there first, you have more time to think. To get there first, you need to be the strongest & fastest. I didn’t see any reason to get rid of Cheryl & I burned some bridges with Nessa & Jay. They used that against me. The stronger people go first, that’s just how it is.

RC: What are your future plans?

Sean: I’m more of a theater actor which is my one true love. I did a lot of theater in New York. I know reality people think it’s a jump off point as an acting career when, in reality, it kills your acting career. A lot of my friends are successful actors & I was at one point in New York. I knew doing a reality show could only hurt my career. I’ll always be known as that pirate guy. I’m going back to school for my business degree & getting into a different line of work & grow up a bit.

Pirate Master airs Thursday nights on CBS at 8pm EST

Get your pirate links, matey, at sirlinksalot.net

So You Think You Can Dance: No Sympathy From FOX

2007-06-30T19:48:00.000-04:00

Over the last 48 hours, there has been quite an uproar over the elimination of hip hop dancer Jessi Peralta. Peralta had been hospitalized twice in the last two weeks for dehydration, causing her to miss Wednesday night's dance show. Executive Producer Nigel Lythgoe announced that if she were healthy enough to dance Thursday, she would have to dance for her life, regardless of her partner Pasha Kovalev's reults. Jessi did return, able to perform her cha cha with her partner, and dance for her life. Yet, without any explanation, Lythgoe abruptly dismissed her on Thursday's live results show despite disappointing performances from other female dancers. Outraged by the results, viewers took to the message boards such as Television Without Pity & FOX's official site. A petition was started, receiving thousands of signatures. FOX had only the following response: on their main page, they simply state: "You knew two more would get cut. Keep it together." Ouch.

CLICK HERE to read RealityCheckByGina's interview with Jessi Peralta & Jesus Solorio below.

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A Reality Check With ... Jessi Peralta & Jesus Solorio (FOX's "So You Think You Can Dance")

2007-06-29T14:51:00.001-04:00

This season of FOX's So You Think You Can Dance has proved to have shocking elimination results and last night was no exception as hip hop dancer Jessi Peralta & contemporary dancer Jesus Solorio were sent home. What seemed like an easy ride to the top 10 ended abruptly for the two & they're here to talk to RealityCheckByGina about their experience.

RC: Jessi, first of all, how is your health?
Jessi: I’m feeling as good as can be expected after just being kicked off the show.

RC: I spoke to Faina last week who said you had suffered from dehydration then. Was your illness this week in part because of that?
Jessi: Last week, I did get really dehydrated again & I was admitted to the hospital. It wasn’t on show day so the cameras weren’t following me around. I had the same symptoms this week but the doctors were focusing on my dehydration. There’s not enough time for me to take care of myself. Everyone is on schedules and the show has to run like a machine otherwise, the viewers will be disappointed.

RC: Can you both tell me about your dance background?
Jessi: I started dancing at the age of 2 & have been taking classes ever since. I was on scholarship at Broadway Dance Center in New York. You name it, I’ve tried it. I’ve gone to street battles & tried to hang with the boys. I just love every single form of dancing so anything I could get my hands on, I’ve tried to do.
Jesus: I actually, when I was smaller, I started break dancing, believe it or not. I went into jazz then to lyrical then to training when I was 12.

RC: Was this your first year trying out for So You Think You Can Dance?
Jessi: I actually had never even seen the show & this was my first year. I haven’t been able to afford television. All I knew was that it was about dancers from different backgrounds.
Jesus: This was my second year trying out for the show. The first time I auditioned was unorganized. It felt very unorganized & was harder than this year. I didn’t know the process but this year, because I knew the process, I made it through. It was stressful to a certain degree but not to the point where I wanted to collapse & faint & cry, feeling I wanna go home.

RC: Jesus, you said something last night about getting a phone call saying you had helped kids. Can you elaborate?
Jesus: I got a call from my rec center that I grew up in, a non-profit organization in Oak Park. They said I had inspired all these kids to pursue their dreams & that no dreams are too big for them even if they don’t have money because I was poor & homeless at one point. There’s a lot of that going on in Oak Park. Hearing that was the greatest thing for me.

RC: So there is time to communicate with your family & friends while on the show?
Jesus: Yes, totally there is. It’s not a lot of time & I decide not to talk too much so that I can focus on my dance & rehearsals. I don’t want to stay out of touch & I don’t wanna be an ass. But it’s because that’s how focused I am.
Jessi: Yes & if that were not the case, I would’ve been eliminated sooner. There was a lot of pressure on me & drama. They keep reminding me that I’ll overcome anything.

RC: Jesus, you received great reviews for your krumping dance with Sara. Were you surprised to be in the bottom? What do you think happened?
Jesus: It did come as a surprise because I thought America liked us & the dance. We got good reviews from the judges. That’s what confused me a little but I understand that it’s a show & it’s all good.

RC: Jessi, was it difficult to be cleared by your doctors to dance last night?

Jessi: It was frustrating because I could overcome everything in my mind so my mind is saying, “You’re fine, you can dance”, My body is yelling at me to slow down a little. My mind is saying to the doctors, “I’m fine, please let me go” and the doctors are looking at the monitors saying, “No way”. I kept thinking of Pasha, I didn’t want to leave him to dance alone. I’m glad he was safe. That’s my guy.

RC: Jessi, your elimination in particular was very abrupt. Why do you think Nigel chose to do it that way?
Jessi: I would assume they were going for the shock of it. As a businessperson, he has to make a good television show. As a dancer, we’re in the background a lot so we’re taught to be poised. He was probably trying to pull that out of me. I don’t know, I felt like … that was rough. It was a little harsh. I don’t think he was taking into consideration all the other crap I had gone through that week. Giving me that last blow, I was in round 10 after being knocked down so many times & that was it.

RC: What do you think of the new pair Sara & Pasha?
Jessi: I’m jealous! I really feel like what Pasha & I had was special, it was more than the show, it was more than the performance. You know, girls, let’s be honest. It’s hard not to have a crush on that guy. I felt like our chemistry was more than a performance. That’s why I was so inclined to tell that to the country last night.
Jesus: Well, I was talking over the situation with Sara. I think they’ll be good. Pasha is a strong lead & Sara is a good follower & hard worker. She takes notes to heart & makes it professional. It’s a good mix & they’re both entertaining! I don’t know if he’ll be good as me because nobody can replace me for her but, all jokes aside, I think they’ll do well.

RC: What was the reaction from fellow contestants that you would be leaving?
Jessi: They were sad, they were sad. But it’s a competition, they want the good people out. It makes it easier for them. Not to pat myself on the back, but I feel like they lost a good person last night. I felt like they lost a big player.

RC: Mary Murphy, in particular, was extremely harsh with Cedric. Did you think he & Shauna would be in the bottom 3?
Jessi: Cedric had kind of been their “risk”, they were taking a risk on him letting him in the top 20. He knows exactly who he is & what he’s capable of. He agrees with everyone’s opinion that he needs more training & education. That’s the beautiful thing about America being in control – they love the underdog. I think it’s great!
Jesus: I kinda had a feeling that they wouldn’t because of sympathy votes. Cedric is my friend but the judges were trying so hard to kick him off that it backfired. They need a new strategy: don’t antagonize, find another tactic.

RC: Do you have a favorite dance performed by your fellow contestants so far?
Jessi: I would say … Wade’s piece for Hok & Jaimie. But ... honestly? I love my performances with Pasha. What you see us doing on stage, that’s the real thing. I look at him & I say, “This is the truth!”
Jesus: That would be Sabra & Dominic’s lyrical dance. I helped Dominic with it while trying to learn my own routine & he’s so passionate about what he does. They both are, so it really touched me.

RC: Jessi, how was it to say goodbye to Pasha?

Jessi: That was tough but Pasha is a very centered human being. He said, “I’m sorry, you’ll get through this.” After this, will there be something between us? I hope. But I can’t expect his head to be anywhere else but the show. I think he feels the same way I do.

RC: Jesus, do you have a favorite moment of being on the show?
Jesus: The pasa doble with Sara.

RC: What are your plans for the future?
Jessi: I have been pursuing this professionally since I was 16. The office job, the day job, was something I had to resort to. The pursuit of dance wasn’t taking care of me financially. Hopefully I won’t have to dance at bar mitzvahs again. I would rather dance at a bar mitzvah for $100 than spend another day in the office. I do have some opportunities coming up with some movies. I don’t think this was a bad thing.
Jesus: I’m not going to stay here, I want to do professional work & I have been doing so since I was 17. I did Hannah Montana & the Latin awards. I wasn’t sure if people were looking at me so that’s why I did this show. I’m hoping I did inspire people. I’ve been doing acting as well so I’ll be working on acting & singing.

So You Think You Can Dance airs Wednesdays & Thursdays on FOX

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Pirate Master: The Return Of Azmyth (6/29/07)

2007-06-29T10:19:00.000-04:00

Joe Don does not regret his decision to bid on the pardon, which he did not end up needing. Ben was disappointed that Cheryl ended up being the one to go last week. It seems like the pirates are gunning for Nessa this week - no one seems to appreciate her flirtatious methods of getting ahead ... except the guys she's flirting wtih! She won't take it lying down & calls out Sean for flipping his vote in pirate's court, ultimately getting rid of Cheryl.

Once again, the pirates split into two crews to compete for treasure. Louie will lead the black crew along with his officers Nessa & Sean, as well as Joe Don, Christa, and Joy. Opposing them will be: Azmyth, Jupiter, Laurel, Kendra, Ben, and Jay. Jay is hoping for a win so he can orchestrate Nessa's ousting but with Kendra & Laurel on his team, he's not too optimistic.

The pirates will paddle to the anchor on the beach, then head west to the voodoo forest where they must search for playing cards to make 21. The black crew arrives first & hits a booby trap, narrowing the gap between the two teams. Joe Don, Sean & the remaining black crew find their card first. They now head back to the anchor to find a heart which leads them to a graveyard which leads them to their next clue.
Louie got the black crew's spyglass wet, making it very difficult to search the horizon for a heart however they reach their next clue first, maintaining their lead. For the last part of their treasure hunt, the pirates must search for a palm tree where their treasure will be buried. Both crews are neck & neck but it is the red crew that comes from behind to win! This week's pot is $40,000 & Azmyth is re-elected as captain after Louie's loss on the black crew. He chooses Jay & Ben as his officers.

Once again, Azmyth is a fair captain, spreading the wealth as much as he can & trying his best to keep his pirate crew happy. Meanwhile, Jupiter & Sean plot to get rid of Nessa but she overhears their plan & devises one of her own to save herself. She attempts to bid on the royal pardon but, not wanting to see her go, Joe Don kicks her a couple thousand so that she will have the highest bid.

When it is time to hand out black spots, Louie, Laurel, and Sean are all marked for elimination. Nessa is surprisingly spared this week but that's because Jay & the other men don't mind that the women are fighting so much - it takes the heat off of them! At pirate's court, Azmyth explains why all 3 have beem marked: Louie, because he asked to be after becoming captain, Laurel, for having no particular allegience, and Sean, for switching up votes & viewed as untrustworthy. Though Sean makes a convincing argument to stay, he is cut adrift as Nessa paid the most for a royal pardon she didn't need.

An all-new episode of Pirate Master airs Thursday at 8pm EST on CBS

Get your Pirate Master links, matey, at sirlinksalot.net!

A Reality Check With ... Lauren Bryant (NBC's "Age Of Love")

2007-06-27T22:37:00.000-04:00

27 year old Lauren Bryant is a lighting consultant from Studio City, CA. She loves to win and is always trying to improve herself; in fact, she once traveled in Cost Rica all alone for a month! One of her favorite things to do is indoor rock climbing so a potential mate would also have be into adventurous activities. Age doesn't really matter to her. Sometimes, she dates men who are 17 years older then herself. Lauren was eliminated on Monday's episode of Age of Love but she's got her sights set on bigger things.

RC: How would you describe yourself?
Lauren: I would describe myself as a very well rounded young lady. I’m silly, I like to go out with my friends, I like to travel… I really like to try new things.

RC: What made you want to do “Age of Love”?
Lauren: There were multiple reasons. I just came out here to California. I drove across the country from CT. I wanted to get my feet wet in entertainment industry. One of the many things I submitted myself to was this show. They made the guy seem like he was a really nice, interesting person we’d want to meet.

RC: So your goal is to get into acting?

Lauren: I want to get into commercials. I’m looking for a commercial agent and taking some classes. That’s what I’m focused on.

RC: How did you feel when you found out you would be competing against a group of women in their 40s?
Lauren: It really wasn’t such an issue. I can be competitive person but I’ve gotta be given a good reason, otherwise it’s not worth it. It didn’t really occur to me that there would be a problem.

RC: Did you feel bad the Cougars were deceived into thinking they were the only ones there to compete for Mark’s heart?

Lauren: We didn’t know either. Neither group knew that there was another group but I felt like they should’ve had an inclination. He’s 30 & they’re in their 40s. He has always dated younger women so they probably should have been a little afraid.

RC: What can a 20 offer over a 40?
Lauren: I think just a positive, fresh attitude. You know, the more you live your life, the more jaded you become. You have more baggage. Having youth on our side, we’re able to see things for the first time in a fresh new light. It’s like when you’re a kid & you do something for the first time & it’s amazing! I’m not saying the other ladies didn’t have that but most of them had already been married & it’s not as exciting the second time around. He’s looking to start a family and there’s something to be said for doing it the first time around.

RC: Did you think that the 20 year olds were portrayed accurately?
Lauren: I would say there was a bit of editing. I haven’t played with a hula hoop … I can’t even tell you! I was one of the girls who was hula hooping but it’s not something I would do on a Saturday night.

RC: What was your first impression of Mark?

Lauren: We all really loved the video of Mark. He came across as really sincere. When I met him the first time at the pool, quick introduction, he seemed like a nice guy.

RC: If you could choose, what age group do you think Mark should be dating?
Lauren: That’s a hard question because I don’t know the 40 year olds. I know the 20 year olds have a lot going for them. I can think of one girl in particular who’s in school, who has a career, a house of her own, all of these ambitions & dreams. Just because she’s young doesn’t mean she doesn’t have a plan for your life. I would say the 20 year olds have a lot to offer. We are new, we are young. The 40 year olds had their chance to have a plan & live their life.

RC: Did it hurt when Mark said he couldn’t feel a romantic connection with you?
Lauren: Oh absolutely not! In this instance, I did not take it personally & I wasn’t surprised. There just wasn’t that spark.

RC: What kind of guy would you normally go for?
Lauren: Well … let’s see … you know, it’s hard for me to pick a specific type of guy. I like a nice guy who doesn’t wanna play around. I don’t want a whole song & dance. I want someone who wants to spend time with me, do things, add to my life. I’m looking for someone to have a mutual exchange with … someone who’s going to bring me up & vice versa.

RC: What was the reaction like from your family & friends?
Lauren: Well, let’s just say that everyone was not happy. My personality did not come across – time didn’t allow to show everything & it wasn’t part of the story. I had a lot of fun while I was there for the week & it just wasn’t shown. I’m very bubbly & always trying to make everyone feel good, and it just didn’t come across.

RC: Are you glad you got out before the drama ensued?
Lauren: You better believe it! I’m happy for the time I had there, it was a good experience, but I’m glad that I did get out when I did. Editing’s a bitch, let’s just say that.

A new episode of Age of Love airs Monday night on NBC at 9pm EST

Get your Age of Love links at sirlinksalot.net

So You Think You Can Dance: The Top 18 (6/27/07)

2007-06-27T21:40:00.000-04:00

Tonight’s episode of So You Think You Can Dance features our top 16 dancers. The group will be judged by the usuals Nigel Lythgoe & Mary Murphy as well as guest judge (and legend) Debbie Allen. Debbie is a director, producer, multiple award winner, and the perfect person to judge these up & coming dancers. Mary is asked who stands out for her, and she chooses Dominic, who has come a long way since his first audition. Nigel expresses how happy he is with the season but also, how much abuse he took for eliminating Jimmy & Faina last week. Time to see how the top 16 measure up:

Sara & Jesus – Krumping choreographed by Lil’C (“It’s Okay” by The Game): Sara is right at home in a hip hop style of dance but for Jesus, he’s ventured into new & unfamiliar territory. Suddenly, this contemporary dancer has a bit of a street edge to him! The dance packs a big punch with high energy. Debbie felt the energy & praised Jesus for committing to the dance fully. Mary was happy to see Sara’s transition from last week’s pasa doble back to her roots this week. Nigels calls Sarah “gangsta” & comments how together the duo was. To vote for Sara & Jesus, call 1-888-TEMPO-01.

Shauna & Cedric – Contemporary choreographed by Mia Michaels (“I Thought We Had” by The Family Stand): Both dancers need to impress tonight as both were in last week’s bottom 2. Nigel told Cedric if he ended up there again this week, he would not save him. There’s lots of the line & both leave it all out on the dance floor in an emotional performance. Debbie says Shauna is wonderful & that Cedric touches her every time he dances. Mary felt both danced their heart out but it’s still not good enough & she harshly tells him she doesn’t want him in the competition anymore. Nigel agrees with both Debbie & Mary & feels the choreography was skewed towards Cedric. To vote for Shauna & Cedric, call 1-888-TEMPO-02.

Lacey & Kameron – Quick Step choreographed by Tony Meredith (“Big & Bad” by Big Bad Voodoo Daddy): Arguably one of the most popular couples in the competition, the duo takes on an energetic quick step. Lacey & Kameron have great chemistry, high energy, and always put on an entertaining performance. Debbie felt the number was classic & fun, Mary says Lacey was amazing & Kameron was a great partner, and though Nigel wishes they covered more area on the stage, the number was very entertaining. To vote for Lacey & Kameron, call 1-888-TEMPO-03.

Anya & Danny – Hip Hop choreographed by Dan Karaty (“Oh Timbaland” by Timbaland): It’s hard to picture these two pulling off a successful hip hop routine, as their strengths are ballroom & contemporary, respectively. The only problem with this routine is that it looks like a ballroom dancer & contemporary dancer trying to do hip hop. They have the steps but not the attitude. Debbie calls them the dream team & says there’s nothing they can’t do. Mary loved the choreography for the two & Nigel felt that they didn’t look comfortable in the style. To vote from Anya & Danny, call 1-888-TEMPO-04.

Sabra & Dominic – Rumba choreographed by Jean-Marc Genereux (“Stickwithu” by Pussycat Dolls): It wouldn’t be a song you’d expect for a rumba but this show is full of constant surprises. Dominic lives up to Mary’s praise, show versatility while Sabra shines again. The couple is quickly gaining popularity & this number should help keep the alive in tomorrow night’s elimination. Debbie calls the routine “hot” & says the two are beautiful together. Mary says Dominic really pulled off the routine & calls Sabra’s dancing effortless. After Mary delivers a blood curdling scream of joy in his ear, Nigel congratulates the duo on a wonderful performance. To vote for Sabra & Dominic, call 1-888-TEMPO-05.

Lauren & Neil – Tango choreographed by Jean-Marc Genereux (“Tanguera” by Sexteto Mayor): Once criticized for having a lack of chemistry, Lauren & Neil try to turn up the heat tonight with their tango routine. Lauren’s energy outshines Neil’s & I find myself watching her most of the time. They pull off the steps but the crowd seems underwhelmed. Debbie felt it wasn’t as smooth as she wanted it to be, Mary felt some chemistry in the beginning but not as the routine went on, and Nigel actually felt Neil overperformed. To vote for Lauren & Neil, call 1-888-TEMPO-06.

Jaimie & Hok – Jazz choreographed by Wade Robson (“The Chairman’s Waltz” from Memoirs of a Geisha soundtrack): Wade does a phenomenal job playing up the strengths of both Jaimie & Hok. They give an incredibly strong & connected performance. This is one of those routines you’ll definitely want to try to find on YouTube. Debbie says the routine is “brilliant” & “genius”. Mary says it’s a step up from last week, praising the routine, and Nigel says there is no critique to give because this is their essence as dancers. To vote for Jaimie & Hok, call 1-888-TEMPO-07.

Jessi & Pasha – Cha Cha choreographed by Tony Meredith (“Let’s Get Loud” by Jennifer Lopez): Unexpected things happen during the show & a video is shown of Jessi in an ambulance. She left rehearsal feeling weak, unable to breathe, with chest pains. Her doctors have not cleared her to dance but the show must go on. Pasha must do the routine with Tony’s assistant & you will be voting only for Pasha on this routine. Pasha does the best he can with the routine, shining in his element, but obviously lacking the chemistry he had with his partner, Jessi. Debbie says Pasha deserves an Oscar for the passion he portrayed towards his partner and Mary felt he brought the house down. Nigel informs the audience that Jessi is still having tests and her EKG has come back as abnormal but he feels Pasha will make it through to next week. However, if he’s in the bottom 3, he will be there with Jessi as well. To vote for just Pasha, call 1-888-TEMPO-08.

Time to vote!

Tune in tomorrow night for the live results show at 9pm EST on FOX

Get your dancin’ links at sirlinksalot.net

A Reality Check With ... Sandee Birdsong (Bravo's "Top Chef")

2007-06-27T10:20:00.000-04:00

A Georgia native, Sandee Birdsong specializes in southern soul food. Her signature dish is grilled hamachi collar with southern collard greens and soy sherry reduction with jalapeño corn bread. Strong and independent, she is not a pushover. Sandee is aware that everyone will underestimate her, but she is adamant that while her opponents are playing it safe, she will work harder because she doesn't know any other way. She lives by the motto, "Dream as if you'll live forever; live as if you'll die today." Last week, viewers as well her fellow competitors were shocked that she was the 2nd chef eliminated on "Top Chef". Sandee steps out of the kitchen to chat with RealityCheckByGina about what went wrong.

RC: You have not been a chef very long. What made you decide to try it?
Sandee: Well, you know, the whole cheesy thing: passion, food, all that, has made me want to do something I loved instead of something that just made me money. I had the priviledge of taking a year off from work to figure out what I wanted to do with the rest of my life. I didn’t want to keep doing something I didn’t have a lot of passion for. I went to Restaurant in Miami, knocked on the door, and asked if I could work there. The chef put me on the line in between 2 guys. Two weeks later, I became kitchen manager. Two months later, the owner of Tantra came in, gave the chef the boot, and I've been there ever since.

RC: What were you doing before becoming a chef?

Sandee: I own a magazine, called She magazine (a lesbian publication). I do a lot of promotion & events. I’ve owned some websites, been all over the board, anything that came my way. I went to college for business management & jumped on any money-making scheme out there.

RC: There are lots of cooking shows out there. What drew you to Top Chef?
Sandee: Top Chef seems to be the most respected show, it’s not about screaming at somebody in the kitchen. They really concentrate on the food & not so much on the drama. Over all as a reality show, Top Chef seems to be the one to work into your career. You get to meet a lot of wonderful chefs & work with a lot of wonderful food.

RC: You got some flack in quickfire challenge for putting a flower in your mohito. What do you have to say to that?

Sandee: One guy in the top 3 had a seed in his salad yet the judge took the flower out of my drink. I guess you like seeds in your salad but not flowers in your drink! One girl had food that wasn’t even citrus, one girl had shells on the plate, so when things like that happen, you start questioning the judges’ abilities.

RC: Do you always agree with the feedback you're given by the judges?
Sandee: Never! The episode where I was told to pack my knives & leave was the most shocking episode I’ve ever seen on Top Chef. I wondered if I had missed something but now that the show has aired & everyone (friends, family, people on the street) says how shocked they are, I don’t agree with all the judges’ decisions.

RC: What went wrong for you in the barbecue elimination challenge?

Sandee: The judges said my dish was gourmet but not barbecue enough. To determine what made it barbecue, I really wasn’t on board with that. I was like, “What? Do you just want barbecue sauce?” The top 3 didn’t have barbecue sauce. Then, the judges turned it into, “Well it just wasn’t barbecue”. Howie’s dish wasn’t gourmet or barbecue & Joey made a chicken leg which is not gourmet. It’s weird because you wonder how you missed the mark since it doesn’t make sense. But it is what it is, I went out with people loving me.

RC: What did you think of all the drama? That’s not something that happens too often.
Sandee: The drama that happened between Joey & Howie started the previous episode where Howie did not complete his dish. He was allowed to stay when he did not complete his plate and another guy was sent home. The other contestants thought, “Even though Clay was not up to standards, Howie did not finish that challenge & Howie should have gone home.” We went to this next challenge & Howie’s pork was way dry – it looks like a 2 year old had cut it with a butter knife. Nobody ate it, literally, his pork was almost in the same condition as when it started. For him to get up there in the bottom again & be allowed to stay just ripped everybody the wrong way. Obviously, Joey came out & said what he felt but it was warranted. We all thought it, Joey just said it.

RC: Your fellow competitors were surprised you were sent home. That had to make you feel good.
Sandee: It made me feel amazing. We're at the judges’ table & we turn to walk out & as I walk down the hall, I hear them chanting my name because they know we’re coming. As we get into the room, they stand up & yell, “Yeah!” & I had to tell them no. I had had a great day, everyone loved my food at the event. I had to take food off other people’s tables because I had served all of mine.

RC: Where can we find you cooking these days?

Sandee: I’m the chef as Tantra restaurant in South Beach, Miami. I’m going to start doing events, promotions, catering, and just having fun.

A new episode of Top Chef airs tonight on Bravo at 10pm EST

Get your Top Chef links on sirlinksalot.net

A Reality Check With ... Vinnie Fama (FOX's "Hell's Kitchen")

2007-06-26T19:41:00.000-04:00

Last night, Chef Ramsay kicked 29-year-old night club chef Vinnie Fama out of Hell’s Kitchen, crushing his dreams of running his own Vegas restaurant. A New Jersey native, he couldn’t get his Beef Wellingtons out to customers in last night’s episode & was named the weakest performer. Vinnie is here to talk to RealityCheckByGina about his time spent in Hell.

RC: When did you interest in cooking begin?

Vinnie: I started cooking ever bit of 15 years ago. My first job was at a pizzeria. From college, I went on to work at many 4 star locations.

RC: How did you land a role on Hell's Kitchen?

Vinnie: I stumbled into it. Two women came up to me at a nightclub I worked in. I was the executive chef. They cast people for shows and saw me working on the dining room floor. They liked me and wanted me to try out.

RC: How did you remain calm when Chef Ramsay slammed food into your chest?

Vinnie: If you read my lips, you can see I wasn’t cool. I actually dropped the F bomb. I knew it was coming since I saw him hit Aaron with something. If you wanted to win, you just had to take it. Josh also took a hit as well off that same plate but it didn’t make the show.

RC: Was it hard to focus when Chef Ramsay was hand feeding you food for the taste challenge?

Vinnie: At 5am in the morning, it was a tough challenge. You don’t see me get the first 2 right. You only see me with the tuna. I had two other tastes prior, one was basil and I knew right away.

RC: Who was the biggest distraction on the blue team?

Vinnie: Um, I don’t know. We had one. I mean, Aaron was to other people. I didn’t find anyone on the team a distraction. I knew what I need to do and get done.

RC: Why is it so hard for the chefs to get the customers served in Hell’s Kitchen?

Vinnie: Its an edit thing. I told Ramsay one day, “You sabotaged service for me”. It was up to him to send things out and at times, he wanted to get under your skin.

RC: Why did Rock originally nominate Josh last night?

Vinnie: I don’t know, Josh doesn’t ever make it through service. Josh has all the know-how but when it comes down to the service end, he cannot handle the plating. He overcooked it all, could not get it out on time. Since Josh could not get appetizers out, it affected my Wellingtons. He can prep anything but when it came down to service it was too much for him to handle.

RC: What was your first though when Chef Ramsay decided to overrule the nominations?

Vinnie: I think he knew that I was borderline ready to attack him and he pushed me far enough to a possible throw down.

RC: Where can we find you cooking now?

Vinnie: You can check out my website & you can place catering orders online.

An all-new episode of Hell's Kitchen airs Monday at 9pm EST

Get your Hell's Kitchen links while they're hot at sirlinksalot.net

* Contributing writer: Mark Yawitz

Age Of Love: Things Gets Interesting (6/25/07)

2007-06-26T00:34:00.000-04:00

We pick up where last week’s premiere left off, with the news that Mark will now have a wider variety to choose from. Thus, we are introduced to the Kittens, a group of women in their 20s. Mark seems pretty excited to get to know them, as one by one they come off the elevator to introduce themselves. Adelaide forms a quick connection, as not only is she good looking, but she & Mark are both natives of Australia. We don’t see much panic on Mark’s face throughout these introduction, as we saw when he first met the Cougars. In fact, he can barely maintain eye contact with the woman … up here, Mark! Look up here!

Mark enjoys a barbecue with the Kittens, giving him a chance to get to know them each a little better. First up is Tessa, who says her personality is just like her dog, a maltipoo (maltese & mini poodle mix). Jealous, the other girls convince Mark to get away from Tessa & get in the pool with them. It seems exciting to get in the pool with 6 beautiful girls in their 20s until they realize they all have absolutely nothing to talk about, leaving Mark wondering with the 40 year olds are doing. This leaves Mark to desperately ask, “Does someone wanna pull me aside & talk to me?” The girls agree and Mark ends up finding out that none of the girls have any solid career paths or goals – none of them seem to know what they want. Thankfully, there’s down to earth Adelaide, who is able to maintain a conversation with Mark, even if it was all flirtation and no substance.

It’s time for host Mark Consuelos to break up the party. He lets bachelor Mark head back to his room while the girls are informed that only some of them will go on dates while the rest won’t see Mark until the elimination. First, though, the women in their 40s will get a group date with Mark roller skating. Mark is immediately happy to see them – they’re enthusiastic & full of life! The 40 year olds lack something that the 20s have plenty of: drama. Back on the 20th floor, Mary can’t stop crying over what she felt was a bad first impression with Mark. No tears at the roller rink, though. A limbo contest has ensued & the winner gets some 1-on-1 time with Mark. Angela wins but her time is cut short when Jen jumps in. All seems to be going well between Jen & Mark until Jen talks about her 25-year-old son … who is 5 years younger than Mark. He went a little pale upon learning that!

Back at the hotel, Mark gives the Kittens a call to invite Megan, Amanda, and Adelaide over to his place to get to know them better. When they get there, they find Dance Dance Revolution set up to play. No one is very good at the game but they at least get to show off their sexy dances. Afterwards, Adelaide pulls Mark aside to speak to him alone and confess that (yes, already) she has feelings for him. He’s willing to take that journey & we probably don’t have to worry about her going anywhere anytime soon. Leading up to the elimination, the claws come out on the 20th floor as they mercilessly make fun of the women in their 40s … who they haven’t even met yet.

It’s time for the two groups of women to come face to face at the elimination. The 40s stand below as the 20s descend from the elevator to meet their competition. Not surprisingly, the Cougars are upset. Lynn expresses that this is not what she signed up for & perhaps, she should be sent home. Host Mark Consuelos explains to both groups of women that they’re here to see if age really does play a factor when it comes to falling in love. Kitten Tessa is called forward first by bachelor Mark, who asks her to come out of her shell a little more but still wants to get to know her. Mark keeps around fellow Kittens Mary, Amanda, Megan, and Adelaide as well as Cougars Maria, Jayana, Lynn, Kelli, and Angela. 40-year-old Angela & 27-year old Lauren are asked to leave, as Mark doesn’t feel the romantic connection with either of them. While Lauren takes the news well, Angela is particularly hurt by the rejection.

I’ll be talking to the eliminated women this week so make sure you check back!

You can read Mark’s exclusive thoughts on his blog HERE.

Get your Age of Love links on sirlinksalot.net!

Hell's Kitchen: He's Gone As Far As He Can Go (6/25/07)

2007-06-25T22:03:00.000-04:00

Jen kicks off tonight’s episode still reeling from her awful decision to pull food out of the garbage to serve to customers. Vinnie shows no sensitivity, telling Jen that he would never hire her in the kitchen & she’ll always be known as the girl who pulled food out of the garbage. He’s right – she’s definitely THAT girl for the remainder of the show. Chef Ramsay feels no one pushes their palette so he’s got the perfect challenge for them: a taste test. Each chef must identify 3 different foods. The team with the most correct answers wins. The strange part of the competition is that Chef Ramsay feeds each of the chefs by hand. Creepy.

Julia gets the team off to a strong start, identifying 2 of her 3 ingredients. Brad struggles, unable to identify american cheese or carrots & Melissa can’t identify hard boiled egg yolk. Neither Bonnie nor Josh can identify scallops but Bonnie pulls her team ahead, knowing the flavors of bok choy & pear. The last pair to face off are Jen & Vinnie. Vinnie will need to identify all 3 & Jen will have to miss all 3 in order for the men to pull off their first victory challenge. Unable to identify tuna, Vinnie costs the blue team the challenge.

Once again, the men suffer another loss & must prep both kitchens for dinner service. That’s not the worst part, though. Chef Ramsay feels that since their palette needs work, they should eat everything on a platter he sets before them containing beef liver, tongue, pig’s feet, & kidneys. The men feel that Bonnie cheated, since she said multiple times during the challenge that she could hear Chef Ramsay. When confronted, she denies it & calls the blue team out for making excuses.

The women, for their prize, receive a unique dining experience with Chef Ramsay, eating in the complete darkness. Bonnie takes the opportunity to flirt with Chef, perhaps giving credibility to the men’s conspiracy theories about her. Meanwhile, the men struggle to get their food on their plates down. Once done with part 1 of their punishment, the blue team begins part 2: prepping & working through exhaustion (and stomachaches). Tonight’s customers in Hell’s Kitchen will hand in comment cards, ultimately deciding the winner.

The blue team immediately gets off to a weak start, unable to cook risotto properly. Julia overcooks her scallops, slowing down the red kitchen. Perhaps worse than doing things wrong, is doing nothing at all. Josh has nothing going on in his station, his burners are literally off. Rock steps up & gets his appetizers out to customers, moving the blue team on to entrees. However, Bonnie & Vinnie struggle with the meats for their entrées & once again, the kitchens are at a standstill. Too many dishes sent back by the customers forces Chef Ramsay to shut down the restaurant for the evening, making sure to smash a plate of food on the ground before throwing everyone out.

The customers’ comments were so bad, he couldn’t declare a winner. Over 65% of them said they wouldn’t come back because it took too long for service though a majority of them enjoyed the food they were served. Jen & Rock must each choose someone from their respective teams to put up for elimination. Rock puts up Josh, saying he’s not an asset to the team while Jen puts up Melissa, saying she didn’t see her leadership. Chef Ramsay is disappointed & decides to overrule the nominations. He instead puts up Bonnie & Vinnie as the worst performers of the night. Vinnie is sent packing by Chef Ramsay, who says he can’t get him any further.

I’ll be talking to Vinnie tomorrow about his time in Hell’s Kitchen – make sure you check back to hear what he has to say!

Get your Hell’s Kitchen links while they’re hot at sirlinksalot.net

A Reality Check With ... Cheryl Kosewicz (CBS's "Pirate Master")

2007-06-25T16:33:00.000-04:00

Cheryl Kosewicz was born and raised on a 22-acre farm in Grand Couler, WA, where she and her family literally lived off the land-their only store purchases were paper products. Growing up, she would fish, hunt, garden, sew her own clothes, work with animals and make things for the farm. Cheryl received her bachelor's degree in English from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, where she was on the dean's list, on a basketball scholarship and continued on for her master's degree. She then attended law school at Northwestern School of Law in Portland, where she received her Doctorate of Law. Last week, Cheryl was cut adrift on Pirate Master for being too much of a physical threat & not fitting in with the rest of the pirates. Cheryl sits down with RealityCheckByGina to talk about her time on Pirate Master.

RC: What made you want to be a part of Pirate Master?
Cheryl: I had actually tried out for Survivor 3 years ago. Somebody had pushed me to do it. I made it quite a ways through, all the way to the last interviews. When Pirate Master came around, they called me and said, “This is way more up your alley.”

RC: Isn’t it dangerous to be climbing up a pirate ship?
Cheryl: Our training was on the ship & it was scary! Those masts are high. I remember the first time I crawled up there, I got halfway up & was like, “Nuh-uh” and climbed back down. It’s difficult being tall because you have to go on a tight wire up there You have nothing up there but the sails & the seats.

RC: How do you feel you performed in the physical challenges? Were you proud of how you did?
Cheryl: Oh absolutely! That’s where I excelled was in the physical challenges. I trained really hard for that part. That’s just me. I’m very physical in every sport there is.

RC: In the last 3 episodes, there have been 3 different captains. How do you adjust each time there is someone new in command?
Cheryl: You know, that was really difficult, from my perspective. As one of the first officers to JD, I got thrown in. We had to make a lot of rules & changes & we got a lot of grief for that. As the other captains went along, they got to see what the crew wanted & needed & they were more well-liked. As things went along, it was more like a booze cruise than a pirate ship. We’re not there for a booze cruise.
RC: If you could go back, would you change anything about being one of Joe Don’s officers?
Cheryl: If I had to do it again, I don’t think I’d want to be an officer. I’d want to be with the crew & get in with them & learn with them because the crew really had it out for JD, Ben, and I.

RC: Are Ben’s days numbered or was he able to blend back in with the other pirates?
Cheryl: When we went back, he was definitely blending. I tried to in the end & it was a little too late.

RC: Did you feel there was anything you could have done to change the minds of the pirates in court?
Cheryl: Absolutely not! The girls had it out for me, they were jealous of my physical abilities. Jay, who is the mastermind, knew he couldn’t turn me so he wanted to keep the weaker ones.

RC: Did you at least get to take home a decent amount of money before being booted off?
Cheryl: Absolutely! The time that I was on there, I spent a lot of time & did a lot of things. Did it crush me that I went early? Yeah, no doubt about it. That’s my competitive

RC: When you are cut adrift, are you sent home or do you hang around?
Cheryl: We’re there.

RC: What pirates are you rooting for?
Cheryl: Ummm … well … my ties right now are with JD & Ben. We had the pact from the beginning. I know them the best. So from my perspective, I’m with them.

RC: What’s in the future for you?
Cheryl: I love my job as a district attorney, that’s what I’ll continue to do but I’ll also continue to do this to help with community service & working with kids.

Pirate Master airs Thursday nights at 8pm EST on CBS

Get your Pirate Master links, matey, at sirlinksalot.net

A Reality Check With ... Jodie Fisher (NBC's "Age Of Love")

2007-06-25T13:01:00.000-04:00

Jodie is a successful businesswoman who used to work on the committee of Narcotics Abuse and Control for the government and now she feels that her responsibilities to her son make her not the ideal catch. But as long as a man is confident, takes care of himself, and isn't hung up on age (Jodie once dated a man who was 22!), she is ready to find a new partner who is as spontaneous and wild as she is. Unfortunately, that dream didn't become reality as she was the first eliminated on last week's "Age Of Love".

RC: Can you remind the readers how old you are?
Jodie: Must I? (laughs) I'm 46.

RC: Why did you want to do a show like "Age Of Love"?
Jodie: I'm beginning to wonder! I wanted to do it for the adventure of it. I had gotten emails from friends simultaneously saying, "This show would be perfect for you!" I had dated a younger man before.

RC: Yes, I see you dated a man who was 22 years old. Tell me how the relationship worked for you & how it didn't.
Jodie: He's still in my life, I've known him for a few years. He's a great guy & the relationship is very lighthearted. He said that he loves that there's no drama with me.

RC: What was your first impression of Mark when you saw him?
Jodie: Well, when I first saw Mark, he had his hands in front of him & he looked so nervous. I said to myself, "I'm going to be as sweet & as as nice as I can be." But on the video, the part that was so endearing was when he was playing with his puppy.

RC: Would you say the show picked stereotypical things to show - for example, the women in their 40s doing needlepoint while the women in their 20s played with hula hoops?
Jodie: Oh for sure! They slanted it that way & wanted to polarize the two groups.

RC: Speaking of the women in their 20s, they arrived after you left. When did you actually find out that twist?
Jodie: I found out 3 days later when I went to a publicity photo shoot for NBC. Someone called me & said, "Oh by the way, there's going to be 6 women in their 20s there!"

RC: Would you rather have gone out first or later in the game?
Jodie: I think I'm lucky because I came out relatively unscathed. I was relieved when I was eliminated but I wish I could have stayed longer. I loved hanging out with the other 40 year olds. My feelings definitely would've been hurt if I stayed longer but I talked to him less than 2 minutes so I can't really take it personally.

RC: Would you say the show was looking for party girls in their 20s? I'm in my 20s & I definitely do NOT act like that!
Jodie: That's a great question. I have a 21-year-old stepdaughter. She's beautiful & has a great spark about her. She is nothing at all like those women. I think they were looking for edgy quality, for lack of a better word. They just have no awareness that in a few years, they're going to be 40!

RC: Do you think that the fact that you have young children may have affected Mark's decision to eliminate you first?
Jodie: I would love to know the answer to that. I did say something quickly about having an 8-year-old and maybe that was too much for him but I'm not interested in someone who's not interested in my kids.

RC: Who's going to take it here - the women in their 40s or the women in their 20s?
Jodie: In the promos, he does say that he misses the older women as he begins to spend time with the 20s. Ultimately, though, he's a guy who wants to get married & have kids. I think he'll go with someone younger.

RC: You're 46 & look amazing! What's your secret?
Jodie: I'm young at heart & my parents are the same way. I have a son who keeps me young - we go pogosticking & play all kinds of sports. I wish I could say I ate well & exercised but it's just not true!

RC: Good! I'd like to think that I can continue eating junk food & not exercising & look that good in my 40s!
Jodie: (laughs) Yes!

RC: So you're back to your life in California now?
Jodie: Yes, I'm actually getting ready to go on a cruise to the Caribbean. I'm leaving in an hour! There's 28 of us going, my whole family.

A new episode of Age Of Love airs tonight on NBC at 9pm EST.

Get your Age Of Love links at sirlinksalot.net

A Reality Check With ... Jimmy Arguello & Faina Savich (FOX's "So You Think You Can Dance"

2007-06-22T15:03:00.001-04:00

Last night, the journey ended for two more dancers: contemporary dancer Jimmy Arguello & Latin ballroom dancer Faina Savich. They’re here to talk to RealityCheckByGina about their time on the show, their advice for the partners they left behind, and what the future holds for these two talented dancers.

RC: Can you each tell me about your dance background & training?
Jimmy: I started dancing when I was 12 in middle school then went to get formal training: hip hop, ballet, modern, lyrical, samba. I trained for the last 8 years. I’ve now moved on to another studio where I teach.
Faina: I started to dance in Russia when I was 9. First, it started out as Russian folk dancing which was part of a school program. My brother started & then my mom took me to the same thing. We had a teacher who was a ballroom dancer & he started to do something different with us. We also continued to dance outside of school.

RC: What was the experience like of trying out for So You Think You Can Dance?
Jimmy: This is my second year trying out. Last year, I made it to Vegas. When they were picking the top 20, they told me my samba wasn’t good enough & it wasn’t ready. I had to go back & I really made sure I was taking these classes so when I came back this year, I was ready! Look at me now, it definitely paid off.

Faina: The audition process was really, really stressful. It was just because I was nervous & excited with a mix of emotions. It’s very, very intense. You don’t see that on tv but the way the audition process is going – you have to dance, then wait, then people are eliminated – and you never know who’s going to be next. You’re trying to do your best & use every minute to practice so you can show more. It’s so stressful so because of that, I had difficulties. I forgot to drink water, I was dehydrated. My brother told me, “Don’t forget to drink water!”

RC: I heard that Jessi also suffered from dehydration this week. Is she ok?

Faina: Yeah you can’t forget to take care of yourself. Jessi … she’s ok now.

RC: Jimmy, were you surprised that another trained dancer was sent home in favor of uniqueness?

Jimmy: I really was surprised because the past two seasons, they were always sticking up for the all-around dancers. For some reason, this season, they’ve changed & they’re looking for uniqueness. I’m unique, I think everybody is unique! It was hard especially since it was his second time in the bottom three. I love Cedric but I had gotten such great feedback from the judges & I was never in the bottom 3.

RC: Faina, did you think you would have an advantage with the fans because you are Stanislav’s sister?

Faina: I didn’t know. I think he did a great job & he has fans but I don’t wanna be considered JUST his sister. The first time I was on the show, that’s what I was called. I don’t know if it’s an advantage or not. Every dancer, we had a chance to show ourselves & people started to see me as me.

RC: You were both very emotional at the end of last night’s episode. Was this a great experience for you?
Jimmy: It has been! Getting to know all these dancers & getting so close to them … I think that’s why I was getting emotional. The other hard part was watching Mary cry because I know she was behind me & supported me.
Faina: It has been amazing, just an amazing experience. I don’t even know where to start! We learned so much just being around these people & being on the show. It still freaks me out, the idea of the show. The judges were very supportive & the choreographers & contestants. We spent a lot of time together but quite a short amount of time.

RC: Are there any choreographers you wish you got to work with on the show?
Jimmy: Brian Freedman, definitely Brian Freedman. I’ve taken class with him but I would’ve loved to have worked with him. He’s amazing, amazing, amazing at what he does.

Faina: Yeah, Mia Michaels. Yeah, of course…

RC: What dancers in this competition really impressed you?

Jimmy: They’re all so good! Everyone has worked so hard. I loved everybody! It’s so early in the competition, you don’t know yet…

Faina: Honestly, every single one is stand out for me because they’re all very different & for each dancer, I can tell you why they’re great for me.

RC: There are stories all over the internet & in magazines calling “So You Think You Can Dance” the hottest show of the summer. Why do you think the show is so successful?

Jimmy: I think everybody is so drawn to it because it’s so hard to be exposed as a dancer in this industry. To have this show support dancing & the community … and to watch people on the show, see the choreographers … you’re drawn to it. I was hooked on it last year seeing the people I knew.
Faina: I think the show is so successful because everyone, no matter what you do or who you are, can relate to it. Every person loves to dance whether they do it or not or know about it or not. It’s in us, it’s really in us! The show is so educational & it’s for kids, teenagers, adults. It’s fun & entertaining & they have the best choreographers, dancers, everything!

RC: Do you have any words for your partners who are still on the show?

Jimmy: Oh my gosh! I was blessed to be partnered with her. I had such a great time with her, I really wish her the best. I want her to keep her head up & keep doing what she does.

Faina: I would say that Cedric is really, really unique. Working with him & being with him for these 2 weeks, I would advise him to try different things & learn from anyone. He really has the talent, as the judges say.

RC: We see former season 2 contestants coming back to watch tapings – will we see you two in the audience?
Jimmy: Oh most definitely, I’ll be here next week supporting. You’ll see my goofy face. I want people to recognize who Jimmy was.

Faina: Yeah, yesterday I was so sad because I had to leave. Today, I was like, “Okay, I’m going to stay another week.” And then I decided to stay until the end of the show. I’ll probably go to New York for a week and then come back.

RC: Did you get a chance to watch back last night’s episode?
Jimmy: No I did not yet.
Faina: No no, not yet.

RC: What is the experience like after you are voted off? Do you have much time to say your goodbyes?
Jimmy: Everything is really rushed because they have to go do interviews & the dancers have to get ready for the next week. They still have to keep on going & I have their numbers so I can get in contact with them. But the show must go on!
Faina: It ended so quick! I can’t say I was really surprised or disappointed. You never know & someone always has to go. I was just sad I would be leaving. I’m not as upset anymore.

RC: What do you plan to pursue now that you are done with the show?
Jimmy: Well, I do have to go back home & see my family & friends. I’ll be moving out here to L.A. & working with some choreographers. Hopefully I’ll be getting some jobs going on tour. That would be great! You’ll see more from me.

Faina: When the show will be over, I’ll go back to New York. I don’t know… my parents & grandparents are there. I don’t think I’ll move anywhere. I don’t want to compete anymore so I’ll pursue a career in dancing no matter what it is.

Another exciting episode of So You Think You Can Dance airs Wednesday night on FOX

Get your dancing links at sirlinksalot.net!

Pirate Master: Revenge Is The Name Of The Game (6/21/07)

2007-06-21T21:10:00.001-04:00

The pirates are back tonight in an all-new episode of Pirate Master along with Azmyth, who brings along his ridiculous accent. Last week, Jay bribed Sean to vote for Cheryl instead of Alexis at pirates court. We learn that Sean went back on his word and now, Jay is out for revenge. Revenge also motivates Louie to continue to gun for Joe Don. While the men are hell bent on ousting each other, the women are fed up with Nessa, who uses her flirtations to win over the opposite sex.

As usual, the pirates will be split into two crews for tonight’s treasure hunt: the captain & his officers will be part of the black crew while the red crew opposes. The black crew will be Azmyth, Jay, Jupiter, Laurel, Christa, Cheryl, and Joe Don while the opposing red crew is comprised of Louie, Ben, Joy, Kendra, Nessa, and Sean. The pirates must row to shore to find a trail into the jungle where they will find the opportunity to sabotage. From there, they head to the croc’s head landmark where they’ll find their next clue. The seemingly weaker red crew is surprisingly keeping a good pace with the black crew but the black crew gets to the sabotage first.

With the black crew maintaining a good lead, they head to the next part of the hunt, leading them back to a nearby canyon to find the treasure. The red crew is behind but stays positive, in hopes that the black crew has made a mistake. Their prayers are answered & Azmyth has led the team on a wild goose chase all over the island, costing the black crew the money … and the power. Once again, a new captain must be voted on & I couldn’t be happier that Louie is unanimously chosen. Sean & Nessa are chosen as Louie’s officers & Louie receives a bonus, a pardon from pirate’s court. The other pirates may bid on it before he marks the others for elimination.

When it’s time for the officers to hand out black spots, Azmyth, Cheryl, & Joe Don have been marked for elimination. All of those marked have been so for personal reasons which doesn’t sit well with all the pirates. Azmyth is chosen to stand in front of pirates and be judged as a former captain, Cheryl has been picked for her association with Joe Don, and we all know why Louie has chosen Joe Don: for his selfish actions as the first captain. Before a pirate can be cut adrift, the highest bidder of the pardon is named: Joe Don, who spent $7,000. His money is wasted and before the next elimination, he must sell it. Cheryl (who didn't bid on the pardon) receives the most votes & is cut adrift.

Check back tomorrow on RealityCheckByGina, I’ll be talking to Cheryl about her time on Pirate Master.

A new episode of Pirate Master airs Thursdays at 8pm EST on CBS.

Get your Pirate Master links, matey, at sirlinksalot.net

So You Think You Can Dance: The Top 18 (6/20/07)

2007-06-20T21:44:00.000-04:00

Last week, we witnessed the departures of contemporary dancers Ashlee Langas & Ricky Palomino. Which pair will be the next to go? It’s up to you to keep your favorite dancers in the competition. Tonight’s Top 18 will be judged by Nigel, Mary, and contemporary choreographer Mia Michaels, who voiced her upset at Ricky & Ashlee’s dismissal last week. Nigel encouraged the viewers to vote for dancers regardless of training or background. We’ll see who earns our votes tonight. I received many emails last week from readers asking me for the names of songs featured on the episodes so … ask & ye shall receive!

Lauren & Neil – Hip-Hop choreographed by Dave Scott (“The Way I Are” by Timbaland): This piece is right up Lauren’s alley & sends Neil into uncharted waters. Though it’s danced well, it mostly fails to capture my interest until Neil starts showing off his bag o’ tricks. It’s a shame since I think they’re both brilliant when they dance solo in their style. Mia feels there was a big improvement from last week & said she could’ve done without Lauren, Mary felt the chemistry that was missing last week, and Nigel loved them both. To vote for Lauren & Neil, call 1-888-TEMPO-01.

Jessi & Pasha – Jazz choreographed by Tyce Diorio (“Stiff Jazz” by dZihan & Kamien): Who can forget Heidi & Travis’s African-inspired piece last season? Tonight’s pair are very in sync with one another & put on a very entertaining performance. The two just have the charisma it takes to make it far in this competition. Mia went from not feelin’ Pasha in Vegas to being very proud of him, Mary thought it was terrific, and Nigel praises both for showing range in their dancing abilities. To vote for Jessi & Pasha, call 1-888-TEMPO-02.

Jaimie & Hok – Samba choreographed by Jean-Marc Genereux (“Bang Bang To The Rock n Roll” by Gabin): If you didn’t know Hok was a hip-hop dancer, you’d think ballroom was his forte. The guy is by far my favorite in the competition – he can do anything! He & Jaimie have great chemistry & work extremely well together. Mia found it amazing especially since neither have ever danced samba, Mary has to disagree & said it didn’t “cut the mustard”, Nigel felt it was a great performance with some technical things that need work. To vote for Jaimie & Hok, call 1-888-TEMPO-03.

Sabra & Dominic – Contemporary choreographed by Mandy Moore (“I’ll Stand By You” by The Pretenders): Sabra is fittingly a contemporary dancer but Dominic is a b-boy so this is quite a stretch for him. The piece is about men & women shown through animals & it’s pulled off with flying colors. Hopefully, they’ve done enough to pull them out of the bottom groups. Mia tells Dominic that he is what this competition is about, Mary felt the partnering was really there & loved the piece, and Nigel commends Dominic for taking this competition so seriously … so seriously he shaved his toes for this piece! To vote for Sabra & Dominic, call 1-888-TEMPO-04.

Faina & Cedric – Fox Trot choreographed by Hunter Johnson (“You’re The Boss” by Elvis Presley & Ann-Margret): With no formal training, it will be interesting to see how Cedric will fare in this very technical style of dance. Faina, on the other hand, is right at home with a ballroom style. Cedric looks good & is a solid partner for Faina but technically, has things to work on. The judges are harsh: Mia says that while Cedric is brilliant but expected more, Mary criticizes Cedric’s technique & tells him to pick it up, and Nigel fears these two will find them in the bottom 3 again this week. To vote for Faina & Cedric, call 1-888-TEMPO-05.

Lacey & Kameron – Broadway choreographed by Tyce Diorio (“All That Jazz” from the Chicago soundtrack): Lacey & Kameron are my favorite pair in the competition & they’ve got the dancing chops to go all the way this season. The two have amazing chemistry on & off the dance floor. Their routine is fun, energetic, and is a hit with the audience! Mia calls them the sexiest couple but wanted more pizzazz, Mary loved it, and Nigel said it looks like they’ve been dancing together for years. To vote for Lacey & Kameron, call 1-888-TEMPO-06.

Anya & Danny – Viennese Waltz choreographed by Hunter Johnson (“You & Me” by Lifehouse): Both dancers admit they have no idea what the Viennese Waltz is so tonight should be interesting for the pair. They have much to live up to as Jessi & Pasha really nailed this genre last week. Technically, these two are pretty flawless & though I could’ve done with a different costume/hairstyle for Anya, they give the audience a strong, romantic performance. Mia found the piece gorgeous & stunning, Mary calls it absolutely beautiful & lets out her signature scream, and Nigel says it’s the routine of the night. To vote for Anya & Danny, call 1-888-TEMPO-07.

Shauna & Jimmy – Hip-Hop choreographed by Dave Scott (“U Sexy Girl” by Fat Man Scoop): Dave Scott incorporates stepping in tonight’s routine with the rookie hip-hop dancers. The two give it all they got & dance to impress. I’m surprised at how well they pull off the routine. I wish they didn’t mic the stepping – because of the delay, it sounded like they were off the music when they were not. Mia wants to see Shauna let go a little more, Mary feels the pair stepped up from last week, and Nigel calls it the f word: “fun”. To vote for Shauna & Jimmy, call 1-888-TEMPO-08.

Sara & Jesus – Pasa Doble choreographed by Jean-Marc Genereux (“We Will Rock You” remix by Queen): I’m not sure I like the combination of song & choreography but there’s no denying the talent that Sara & Jesus bring to the table. However, the dance doesn’t deliver the way last week’s Broadway routine did. They definitely set the bar high for themselves in week 1. Mia found the routine awkward, Mary liked the choreography & praises both dancers, and Nigel was glad the duo stuck to the style of the dance. To vote for Sara & Jesus, call 1-888-TEMPO-09.

Time to vote!
Tune in tomorrow night for the live results show at 9pm EST on FOX
Get your dancin’ links at sirlinksalot.net

So You Think You Can Dance: Preview

2007-06-20T13:17:00.000-04:00

Idol Thoughts has revealed which dancers will be dancing in which styles tonight. If you want to get a sneak peek at tonight's episode, you can read it HERE.

Also, TV Guide is calling So You Think You Can Dance THE hot show of the summer - and it just keeps getting better. Check out the story!

Don't forget to check back here tomorrow for a recap of tonight's hot, hot, hot episode & Friday, I'll be talking to the eliminated dancers.

A Reality Check With ... Clay Bowen (Bravo's "Top Chef")

2007-06-20T09:49:00.001-04:00

Clay Bowen says he is just a good ol’ boy from Southern Mississippi. Not a culinary graduate, Clay has learned all his skills from working his way up in various kitchens and has no doubt he has an innate talent. He says it is about time the South gets represented and he wants to be the one to do it. It's never easy to be the first one to go on a reality show but Clay sits down with RealityCheckByGina to discuss his experience on Bravo's Top Chef.

RC: Tell us a little bit about your cooking background.
Clay: I actually started cooking when I was 18 before going into college. I start cooking at an italian deli & eventually at City Grocery, which is fine dining restaurant in Mississippi. I worked my way up the ladder & eventually became a sous chef at University Club in Santa Barbara.

RC: There are a lot of cooking shows out there. What drew you to Top Chef?
Clay: I had seen the previous seasons & thought, "I can do that!" I tried out at the open call in L.A. & kept getting called back for interviews. I liked the situations the chefs were put in & the spontaneity of the show. There was such intense competition & I really liked the caliber of the contestants & judges.

RC: How did you feel you stacked up against your competition?
Clay: I feel I stacked up just fine & I still stack up. I think I stack up 100%.

RC: In the surf & turf challenge, you chose wild boar & scorpion fish to work with. What was your initial reaction to those ingredients?
Clay: I wasn't sweatin' the wild boar, I had worked with it before. I hadn't worked with scorpion fish but I've worked with enough fish & it was fine.

RC: Howie doesn't get his full dish plated & Dale chooses ingredients he's never tasted. Were you surprised you were the one to go home?
Clay: In all honesty, yeah. Yeah, I was. I was floored. I read the rules & that's all I'm gonna say.

RC: Did you feel the judges were too hard on you?
Clay: That's their job to be judgemental - they're judges! I know it sounds childish but ... sticks & stones, you know? They're just words.

RC: You didn't get to stay very long but did you have the time to establish relationships?
Clay: Yeah, very much so. It was amazing how well I got along with everyone.

RC: What chefs impress you? Who should we keep our eye on this season?
Clay: Hung seems to be the one to keep his eye on. My boy Brian seems to be bringin' it too even though he was in the bottom 4 last week.

RC: What have you been doing since you got home?
Clay: I've been right back to work. It's our busy time now, starting right when I got off the show. I have some business endeavors back home. I'm going to be headed there after Christmas.

RC: What's the reaction been like from your family & friends since you've been on the show?
Clay: Nothin' but full support ... and outrage! Let's just say Howie shouldn't go to Mississippi anytime soon! I like the guy but ... he shouldn't go to Mississippi.

A new episode of Top Chef airs tonight on Bravo at 10pm EST

Get your Top Chef links while they're hot at sirlinksalot.net!

A Reality Check With ... Joanna Dunn (FOX's "Hell's Kitchen")

2007-06-19T10:19:00.000-04:00

Joanna Dunn, 22, is a chef's assitant from Detroit. She was sent home last night for attempting to serve rancid crab (unbeknownst to her). She takes some time to tell the readers of RealityCheckByGina why she shouldn't have been the one to go & why the customers of Hell's Kitchen can't get a meal to save their life.

RC: What is your background in cooking?
Joanna: When I was in high school, I graudated a year early. There was an odd year before college so I took ProStart which is a culinary program offered in high schools. I got certified & moved to Louisiana to start my career. I had experience - my dad was a regional produce manager & my grandmother owned a produce store.

RC: What made you a good candidate to win Hell's Kitchen?
Joanna: I have a really non-traditional background working for Viking Appliances. I've had exposure to different cooking techniques & styles. When you work in a restaurant, you see the same menu every day & work with the same people every day. I have experience with working with a wider variety of foods & that gives me a 1-up on people. I've worked with all different kinds of chefs, including celebrity chefs, and people.

RC: I've asked Eddie, I've asked Tiffany, now I'll ask you. What was Aaron's deal?

Joanna: Aaron is a really good person with good intentions. I think he was overconfident in his skills & what he could do. You have to take care of yourself or you can't succeed. You have to live what you do - put good food in your body, stay hydrated. You have to live it or not do it.

RC: You ultimately were sent home for almost serving rancid crab? How does rancid crab make its way into the kitchen? Don't you trust the ingredients you're given to work with?
Joanna: You have to go in & do quality control. On the shows I've worked on, when the chefs come in, it better be right. It's my fault for not double checking, though.

RC: What's worse: serving rancid crab or picking spaghetti out of the garbage to serve to customers?
Joanna: The rancid crab was an unconscious thing. I didn't realize. Jen consciously threw out the spaghetti & consciously washed it off. You can't pull a Paris Hilton & say you were psychologically impaired! I didn't think I was going home.

RC: What does the women's team need to do in order to continue winning?
Joanna: They need to make a team effort. They need to have communication, confidence, and get it done. The best experience I had was learning to work as a team.

RC: Why can't anybody get a dish out in Hell's Kitchen?
Joanna: It's quality controlled. Chef Ramsay tastes every dish that goes out to customers. In a restaurant, they're not doing quality control of every plate. If they did, imagine how long it would take you to get served!

RC: What chefs are you rooting for?
Joanna: I like everybody! You'll have to tune in to see who wins. This is the who's who of the culinary world, the best of the best.

RC: What does the future hold for you?
Joanna: I'm shopping around, there are some people who want me to come in about my own cooking show. I'm still teaching in Atlanta.

A new episode of Hell's Kitchen airs Monday nights on FOX at 9pm EST

Get your Hell's Kitchen links, you (bleep), at sirlinksalot.net!

Hell's Kitchen: Why Can't Anybody Cook? (6/18/07)

2007-06-18T22:20:00.000-04:00

The dust hasn’t settled from the last elimination & Josh is still upset that his name is called. Meanwhile, the women continue to enjoy their last win, vowing to keep the streak going. Both teams head to bed for a good night of sleep … but a good night of sleep is not what they get. They are woken up at 6am by Reveille and must be get dressed quickly to head downstairs so they can make a proper military breakfast. What a surprise – there’s work to be done & Aaron doesn’t feel well. In fact, he moves so slow that two of the guys have to dress him! Only in Hell’s Kitchen.

The red team will be cooking for the Army while the blue team cooks for the Navy. The first team to serve all 50 people wins the challenge. The women seem very organized with Julia leading the team while Aaron tries to step up on the blue team to make omelets. 17 minutes into breakfast, the women have served 20 of their guests while the blue team has served no one, thanks to Aaron. Josh & Brad pick up the slack & start moving food out of the kitchen to the tables.

The women’s strong start slows down quickly as they start producing raw & undercooked food. The men are even worse & Julia is sent over to get some food to the Navy. Julia can’t save them & once again, the blue team suffers a loss. Their punishment is to prep food for an entire military base … over 1000 pounds worth of produce! The women, on the other hand, get to take a helicopter ride to an aircraft carrier where they receive a tour & earn quality time with Chef Ramsay.

It’s around that time in the blue kitchen. There’s work to be done. Cue Aaron, who goes down for the count the minute it’s time to prep. Paramedics are called in & he is rushed to the hospital. The remaining men continue to argue & once again, no leader emerges. Once the prepping is over, the men have a meeting to try to determine a leader. The only problem is – EVERYONE wants to be a leader. Finally, Brad is voted as the team leader & hopefully, he can get the team a needed victory.

In the hospital, Aaron receives a phone call from Chef Ramsay but the news is not good. On doctors’ orders, he is too ill & may not return to the kitchen to compete any further. Dinner service, and life, must go on without Aaron, who provided lots of drama in Hell’s Kitchen. We’ll miss you, Aaron.

At dinner service, the blue team begins to turn it around while the red team can’t seem to get one appetizer out. The red team feels the wrath of Chef Ramsay: Bonnie serves raw food while Joanna serves rancid crab. I’m not sure I want a table in Hell’s Kitchen anymore! On the other side, when the blue team serves a raw egg, Chef Ramsay slams it right into Vinnie, who needs to be held back by Rock. However, perhaps the worst act is committed by Jen who picks spaghetti out of the trash, washes it off, and attempts to serve it to customers. Julia catches it but does not tell Chef Ramsay. Yeah, I definitely don’t want a table in Hell’s Kitchen.

When customers begin walking out, Chef shuts down Hell’s Kitchen. He feels there is no winning team but since he must name a loser, he chooses the red team for their embarrassing mistakes. The red team has to decide which 2 will be nominated for elimination as opposed to one person choosing. Joanna suggested herself & Jen but much of the team guns for Julia because they feel she doesn’t know the products enough to run a top-notch restaurant. Joanna announces to Chef Ramsay that she is the first nominee & that the team has chosen Julia as the second nominee but Jen steps in to nominate herself as well. Julia is immediately sent back to the group & Chef Ramsay ends up sending home Joanna.

Though Aaron is unavailable for interviews, I WILL be speaking to Joanna tomorrow so make sure you check back to get the whole story!

A new episode of Hell's Kitchen airs Monday at 9pm EST on FOX

Get your Hell's Kitchen links while they're hot on sirlinksalot.net

A Reality Check With ... JD Roth (NBC's "Age Of Love")

2007-06-18T11:29:00.000-04:00

JD Roth’s career began as an actor at the age of 10. Throughout his childhood and early teens, he reached millions of viewers in more than 250 national on-camera and voiceover commercials. At 19, Roth became the youngest game show host in television history on the hit syndicated show, Fun House. Roth founded 3 Ball Productions with partners John Foy and Todd Nelson in March of 2002. In his career, Roth has been directly involved and responsible for over 1,000 episodes of reality television. In the past few years alone, his successes include NBC’s For Love or Money & Discovery Kids’ Endurance. Tonight, his unveils his latest project, NBC’s Age of Love, which he executive produces. JD sits down with RealityCheckByGina to discuss his television career & dish on his hot new show.

RC: You are a television veteran. When did your career begin?
JD: This is almost my 30th year in showbiz. It’s all I know how to do. I have no fall back plan & I think that’s the way to be successful. I have no plan to do anything else.

RC: When did you start to make the transition from game show host to reality tv producer?
JD: It was luck really! The first show I pitched was bought. I had no idea it would turn into the monster that it is. I’ve produced shows like Biggest Loser and Beauty & The Geek. I’m grateful that it has turned out the way it has. All I wanted was to make shows I liked & would watch.

RC: Your latest project, Age of Love, premieres tonight on NBC. Tell us a little about how you came up with the concept.
JD: Coming up with the concept was interesting. You know if you have kids, you get one weekend night out with the other couples. The men would sit on one side of the table talking & the women would sit on the other. I usually sat with the women, which my wife could never figure out. But women read the magazines & cry on the phone with their friends about Grey’s Anatomy. They’re part of pop culture. They were talking about how famous older women were dating younger men & I said that they couldn’t get a younger guy. They attacked me! I thought, “Ok I have something here, I don’t know what it is but I have something.”

RC: How much was your bachelor, tennis star Mark Philippousis, told going into filming of Age Of Love?
JD: Nothing. He was told he was going to meet young, beautiful women. That was a half-lie, some of them weren’t young. You could see the panic on his face when he started to meet the older women. I told the crew, “Nobody stops taping.” I didn’t want to stop & give him time to panic.

RC: Were the women also in the dark?
JD: The women were told that this was a show about empowerment & strength & also, to show how amazing they are.

RC: Was anyone upset after finding out the whole story? Do you try to pick people who are more like to go with the flow?

JD: We try to make good tv with great characters. I couldn't predict how people are going to react.

RC: All My Children’s (and Mr. Ripa) Mark Consuelos will be our host for Age Of Love. What does he bring to the table as a host?
JD: Mark’s a great guy, great charisma, positive energy … I can’t believe nobody snatched him up yet to host. People feel very relaxed & at ease around him.

RC: Do you prefer to be in front of the camera or behind?
JD: Endurance is in its 6th year and been nominated the last 4 for Best Kids Show. I love the show & this is my 20th straight year hosting. On the other hand, when producing, you dno’t have to worry about how you look or what you’re going to say. You get lost in the story. If I could do both forever, I would.

RC: What can we look forward to on tonight’s premiere episode of Age of Love?
JD: I think the best part of the show is the comedy. Yes, it’s a love story but in this genre, there’s usually not a lot of comedy. We have 2 different age groups pitted against each other. Tonight you’ll see Mark meet the 40 year olds & the panic he goes through. He’ll start to date them & just as he begins to have an open mind, we bring in the 20 year olds.

RC: Have you learned any lessons from working on this show?

JD: Yes, definitely. These 20 year olds can’t imagine what Mark would want with a bunch of 40 year olds and the 40 year olds can’t imagine what he’d want with a group of 20 year olds! I guess if I wasn’t doing this, I’d be a therapist or study social behavior because I just find this so interesting.

Age of Love debuts tonight on NBC at 9pm EST

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A Reality Check With ... Ashlee Langas & Ricky Palomino (FOX'S "So You Think You Can Dance")

2007-06-15T14:27:00.000-04:00

Last night's first live elimination of season 3's "So You Think You Can Dance" ended the journey for contemporary dancers Ashlee Langas & Ricky Palomino. Named two of Mia Michael's favorite dancers, their time on the show was cut short after their performance of the Argentine Tango. The dancers sit down with RealityCheckByGina to talk about their time on the show & what the future holds for them.

RC: Can you each tell me a little bit about your dance background?

Ashlee: I started dancing the typical situation – when I was 2, my mom put me in tap & ballet. I started getting more serious competing as I got older.

Ricky: I was trained very unconventially. I had 3 simultaneous mentors starting when I was 16.

RC: Ashlee, does it frustrate you when someone advances without as much training?
Ashlee: I don’t think I’m frustrated because I’m so blessed to even be classified with that group of people. I think I had a lot more to learn just from the show & all the choreographers.

RC: Ricky, you started late in life. What peaked your interest about dance when

you were a teenager?
Ricky: It was just an innate thing. I was almost a mover & once I got with my first mentor, it came so naturally. I just went right through it. When I took my first class in high school, I didn’t know what a plie or tondue was. But once I was talked through it, it was like I already knew. I was lucky to have the unconvential path.

RC: Was this your first year trying out for So You Think You Can Dance? What was the experience like?
Ashlee: Yes, it was. It just seemed to work & I was never thinking, “I don’t feel good about myself.” There were definitely moments I had to lift myself back up but the judges liked me all the way through.

Ricky: Yes, it was. I had lots of success on the way through & enjoyed every minute of it. The most frustrating part was the waiting.

RC: What is the rehearsal process like for the first episode?
Ashlee: We had a few practices with the choreographer learning & perfecting the dance. It was pretty strenuous! They expect a lot out of you which is good because otherwise, there would be no challenge & no growth.

Ricky: The rehearsal process isn’t that long. To learn one piece, you get three hours one day, two hours the next, and one hour the last day which is the day you perform.

RC: Mia Michaels gave you both very high praises during the audition process – she must be devastated you’re gone. Did you talk to her last night?
Ashlee: I did! I was thinking, “I’m not going to cry or anything” But when I saw her, that’s when I broke down. It was very upsetting that I wouldn't have the opportunity to work with her.

Ricky: I did, I did. She was devastated and I was too because I didn’t get the opportunity to actually work a piece with her. I think together we would’ve created some crazy, amazing movement. I said goodbye to everyone, the producers, and she was the very last person. When I talked to her, I lost it. I shed a couple of tears, I’ll admit it.

RC: Nigel felt it was perhaps bad luck that you drew the Argentine Tango first. Were you worried when you were given that dance?

Ashlee: I really wasn’t worried and I fell in love with it immediately. It’s totally different than anything else I’ve done. I was nervous learning it but we felt really good right before we performed it.

Ricky: We felt so good about it, I thought they’d take into consideration the height difference since they paired us up together. We felt we pulled it off, we were in line, but it wasn’t enough.

RC: Do you feel that people like Faina, Danny, and Lacey have an advantage since they have family ties to previous contestants?

Ashlee: I don’t really think they have an advantage. I think maybe it gives them a little more of an interesting story but it’s not an advantage with the judges.

Ricky: Absolutely! It’s just an inheritance of fans & viewers.

RC: I saw many season 2 contestants in the crowd this week. Did you get a chance to talk to them?
Ashlee: Yeah, a little bit. I knew Jason from last season (we took lessons at the same studio) and he started right after I left so we had never formally been introduced. It was great to finally meet him & be in the same shoes as him. Last night, I met Benji & he was really nice!

Ricky: Yeah, we conversed & got to meet. They were nice & humble kids.

RC: What dancers in the competition really impress you?

Ashlee: Oh my gosh, there’s just so many of them. They did an amazing job casting the show. Everybody is just phenomenal.

Ricky: All of them! They’re all so crazy! The top 20 should be the touring company, that would be an amazing show.

RC: Will we see you on any of the future episodes?
Ashlee: We’ll be able to come back to any of the shows we want to so I’m planning on coming back to watch!
Ricky: Oh absolutely! I’ll be there for some tapings & to watch as well.

RC: What are your plans now that you’re out of the competition?

Ashlee: Only the Top 10 tour so unfortunately I will not be able to be a part of that but I am planning on staying here in L.A. & getting an agent, continuing to dance, and maybe even modeling.

Ricky: I’m super busy! I’m getting signed with a dance agency, I have nationals in Vegas in a month, and I’m releasing my 2nd recording album on ITunes in September.

An all new episode of So You Think You Can Dance airs Wednesday night on FOX with the live results show airing on Thursday.

Get your dancing links on sirlinksalot.net.

A Reality Check With ... Alexis Shubin (CBS's "Pirate Master")

2007-06-15T12:19:00.001-04:00

Alexis Shubin was born in Fountain Valley, CA, and raised primarily in Laguna Hills, in South Orange County. While in high school, she was on the swim team and played water polo for four years. She then received her bachelor's degree in Communications/English from the University of Arizona in Tucson, where she was also an All-American water polo player. Alexis previously worked as an assistant editor for Lemonade magazine, Lucky magazine and Harper's Bazaar magazine. Her no-holds-barred attitude got her cut adrift on last night's Pirate Master & she sits down with RealityCheckByGina to tell it like it is.

RC: What drew you to the show Pirate Master?
Alexis: Casting kind of found me, I didn’t try out for the show. It was almost too perfect. I’ve always kind of been a little bit of the bad guy, I had a reputation. For me, I had a fascination with pirates & it seemed too perfect to turn down! I’m 26 & to go live in the Caribbean for 2 months ... it was great.

RC: Was the show physically more challenging that you anticipated?
Alexis: Yeah, I think it was, for sure. We didn’t really know what to expect. They gave us a heads up that it would be physical but I think that all any of us had to refer to was Survivor where their challenges were a lot more stationary.

RC: It seemed there would be a shift when Azmyth replaced Joe Don as captain. Did you feel a positive change once Azmyth took over?

Alexis: Yeah, I think everybody exhaled a little bit. Nobody liked Joe Don at that point - he was completely non-verbal with us. He would just stand up there & watch us & not do anything. There was a huge division. I think everybody gave a sigh of relief that the reign of terror was over.

RC: Why do people act so strange when they become captain? Are they told to do that or do they just act bizarre all on their own?

Alexis: Joe Don was just playing the part because he’s actually way cooler than that. Azmyth is such a drama queen & performer … the accent & the whole thing … he just wanted to be the good guy pirate.

RC: Did you think that you would receive a black spot on last night’s episode?
Alexis: I was expecting it completely. People would be like, “Let’s clean the heads” & I’d be like, “I want a suntan!” The last few days on the ship were hard & I got super cranky. You really can’t get away from anyone & have a minute. My attitude certainly changed the last few days.

RC: I like that at pirates court last night you said that you just are who you are: take it or leave it. Did you find people to be fake on the ship?

Alexis: Yeah, I think a lot of the people going into it had a bigger plan & a bigger agenda. There were musicians & actors & actresses. I think in the beginning, people were being extremely politically correct. I wasn’t trying to protect myself on the ship. I was just like, “This is me & this is what I think about you & that’s how it is.” The crew had a lot more respect for me & appreciated that. I thought I’d end up being the bitch but Cheryl ended up really being the bitch. I was just abrasive & didn’t hold back.

RC: Do you read what people on the websites & blogs say about you?

Alexis: You know, I have run across a few things. It’s funny … going into the show, my friends said, “Are you going to care what people say about you?” I’m used to people reacting to me. There’s been some blogs from people I went to college with like 7 years ago of people saying things & I’m like, “Woah, I’m sorry, who are you?” That upset me, I felt like Paris Hilton all of a sudden. I wasn’t expecting personal attacks from people I supposedly knew back in the day. I was upset for a minute & then I was like, “Do I really care?”

RC: Did you make friends while you were on the show?

Alexis: There’s people you click with & people that you don’t. At the end of the day, I was fairly close with everyone. I’m friends with Joy & Sean. It’s weird getting to know them in that environment & then, off camera. It’s a different interaction & more authentic.

RC: What was the toughest part of being on the ship?
Alexis: I think just the circumstances, it got really smothering. You couldn’t run away, have a moment, or feel like you weren't on camera. But it is what it is & it took some getting used to.

RC: When you’re cut adrift, does someone row out there & come get you afterwards?
Alexis: That’s the magic of tv! There’s all kinds of stuff that would blow your mind.

RC: What are you up to now?
Alexis: I’m back in Laguna. It took me a while to get adjusted. I wasn’t prepared for how hard of an adjustment it would be. I’m getting back to life, work, friends & family.

Pirate Master airs Thursday nights on CBS at 8pm EST

Get your Pirate Master links, matey, at sirlinksalot.net

Pirate Master: An End To The Reign Of Terror (6/14/07)

2007-06-15T00:47:00.000-04:00

When we last left the pirates, Christian was cut adrift and now, his pal Louie is out for revenge. Will he be able to pull off a mutiny on Joe Don? If Louie has his way, JD will be following in Christian’s footsteps. The ladies, however, don’t seem too concerned with strategizing. Jupiter spends the morning putting makeup on all the pirates. After the fun (and the work), the pirates set sail for their next expedition.

For their next competition, the pirates will once again split into crews. The black crew is comprised of: Joe Don, Cheryl, Ben, Sean, Joy, Alexis, & Laurel. Opposing them, on the red crew, will be Kendra, Jupiter, Christa, Nessa, Azmyth, Louie, and Jay. The pirates must paddle to shore where they follow a trail and have the opportunity to sabotage the other crew. The red crew, led by Azmyth, arrived at the top of the trail first and, of course, took the opportunity to sabotage.

The red team’s attempt didn’t hold the black crew off for long & they are neck and neck as they approach a river which will lead them to the treasure. Both teams search the water for the skull that will give them the key to the treasure. Lo & behold, Louie pops out of the water with the key & the red crew enjoys their first victory. This spells trouble for the black crew, especially Joe Don. A new captain must now be chosen & Louie couldn’t be happier. Cheryl, Ben, & Joe Don must clean out their rooms and bunk with the rest of the pirates.
Azmyth is unanimously voted the new captain of the ship and he chooses Jupiter & Jay as his officers. He surprisingly took his share of the win instead of splitting it among the pirates. However, he suggests giving more money to the pirates & begins speaking in a fake English accent. Jay seems ready to commit Azymyth to the loony bin! The captain & his two officers also must decide which pirates they’ll mark with a black spot for elimination. Alexis, Cheryl, and Laurel all find black spots on their notes – what? No Joe Don?! Silly pirates…

At pirates court, host Cameron Daddo calls out Azmyth on his fake accent & I couldn’t be happier. Somebody had to call him out to his face. Alexis has been marked because of her bad attitude, Laurel is marked for flying under the radar, and Cheryl receives a black spot for not attempting to fit in with the rest of the crew. Laurel is safe but a tie ensues between Alexis & Cheryl. This means, as captain, Azmyth must decide who will leave & he cuts Alexis adrift for her weak physical performance throughout this game.

More drama ensues on the high seas as a new episode of Pirate Master airs next Thursday at 8pm EST on CBS.

Get your Pirate Master links, matey, at sirlinksalot.net!

Top Chef: No Love For The South (6/13/07)

2007-06-14T19:24:00.000-04:00

Top Chef returned last night with its 3rd installment, a new city, and 15 new chefs. Everyone has their eye on the prize: a feature in Food & Wine magazine, a showcase at the annual Food & Wine Classic in Aspen, a trip to the French Alps, and of course, $100,000 to help make their dream of opening their own restaurant a reality. This season promises to be bigger & better with the best chefs we’ve seen yet!

The chefs arrive at Casa Casuarina, Miami Beach’s historic mansion, for a meet-and-greet buffet complete with champagne. Padma & Tom stop by to greet the chefs but it’s not just pleasure, it’s business too. Their first quickfire challenge starts right here, right now. The chefs must use what is remaining on the table to create an amuse bouche, which is a dish that comes first & sets the tone for the entire meal. The only utensils they were allowed to use were the plastic ones set out for the buffet. Tom gets right to business judging & deems the least favorites: Dale, Clay, & Tre. On the other hand, the 3 favorites were: Micah, Sara, & Hung. Micah’s “Tuscan Sushi Revisited” dish earns her the win & she has immunity from elimination.

The chefs arrive at the elimination challenge to find a table full of unusual proteins laid out before them. They must use these ingredients to create a surf & turf entrée & show that they can stand out in a crowd. The chefs draw knives to determine the order in which they will choose their protein. They are allotted 30 minutes & $30 to buy the rest of their ingredients as well as 2 hours to prep & cook their entree. Anthony Bourdain will serve as the special guest judge on this elimination challenge.

The contestants are split into 2 groups of 8. The first group will prep, cook, and present to the judges followed by the second group. In the first group, Howie commits a huge error by not getting his frogs legs on the plate in time – he serves an incomplete dish. Dale makes his own mistake in the second group, choosing ingredients he’s never even tasted! At the judges’ table, Hung & Tre are called in as the strongest chefs in this challenge. The winner of the first elimination challenge is Tre, thanks to his superb dish: ostrich fillet with tomato risotto & abalone sauce.

The judges then call in Howie, Brian, Clay, and Dale as the weaker performers. The judges felt that southern chef Clay overcooked his wild boar & made stuffing that they found inedible. However, their main problem was his constant excuses for his sub-par dish & in the end, he was asked to pack up his knives & go.

A new episode of Top Chef will air on Bravo Wednesday night at 10pm EST

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