Entertainment To Me!

In case you didn’t know, I’m following the latest season of Hell’s Kitchen . My last blog entry was about it. I really love the show itself, and have even gotten my hubby hooked on it!

But a lot of the drive behind my interest is the head chef, Gordon Ramsay. The man is not only a genius, but puts the chefs in the competition through their paces. I bet some of the most amazing chefs come out of his show, because I think if a person can work under the pressure of having him in their face–they could probably run any kind of kitchen and work under any type of heat.

Since my last blog, the final group had been under some rocky situtions. Last episode there was a closing of Hell’s Kitchen, and the group of 5 got to go to see the Borgatta, where one of them will win a restaurant/top position. They had a blast–except towards the end, when Robert excused himself from an important meal. He had secretly called the medics, and was experiencing chest pain, etc. So he went rushed to the hospital.

The remaining 4 contestants didn’t know anything about his condition till after they returned to H.K., where Robert did show up, but only to tell the group he couldn’t return to the competition. He has some instance of heart disease.

It was tough, because the group really liked him, and none of them seemed happy to see him go–even if it is a competition. That says a lot for his personality, me thinks.

But the show must go on. So the remaining 4 had a challenge–they had a short amount of time to create a signature dish, and whoever’s was best would win immunity from being eliminated at the end of next dinner service.

Ben was overly-cocky, as usual, sure his dish was the bomb. Turns out he was told the “definitly wasn’t safe” and didn’t win, heh. The other 3 had really great dishes. Andrea’s won, though, which I was glad about. So she was safe.

But then that night dinner service was pretty bad, especially for Ben and Andrea. She lost her focus, and screwed up the fish station pretty bad.

Paula got props, and then the 4 of them had to choose who went up on the block. Because she was safe, Andrea couldn’t be nominated–but they wanted to. So she put up Ben and Paula. Chef Ramsay almost immediately put Paula back in line, because she obviously didn’t deserve to be up on the block. Then he called Andrea forward for her crappy service.

In the end, he said she was worse than Ben, but because he was a man of his word, Gordon Ramsay didn’t send her home. And because he wanted a clear conscience–he couldn’t send Ben either. So no one left.

The latest episode saw a really nifty challenge for the 4 remaining contestants of Hell’s Kitchen; Chef Ramsay showed them 3 dishes from his own restaurants, and had them taste them, and decide which one of the three they enjoyed the most. They chose a Fish chowder dish. Then he said ‘ok, you have 30 minutes to recreate this dish’. It was cool. They had no other hints! So in the end, they all had some componants close, but Danny won. Which was nice, since he’s come so close to winnin challenges, but hasn’t really won anything.

He got to go with Chef Ramsay flying in a bi-plane! It looked like a blast, and once again, Gordon showed he’s just a normal guy by enjoying himself and being blown away, heh.

The other 3 had to clean Hell’s Kitchen, polish all the crystal, AND prepare for dinner service that night. Andrea was a bit whiney…

Before dinner service that night, Chef Ramsay gave the 4 contestants free sets of cookware from his own personal line. Stainless steel awesomeness, it looked like to me! I was jealous, heh. They were all happy, and started out the best dinner service the show had seen this season, I believe. Everyone was on point.

Except towards the end–Andrea came up 2 beef wellingtons short, and screwed up some. Also, Ben had made–as usual–some stupid mistakes. Things like putting spaghetti in water that’s not boiling…!

So Gordon was frustrated with that result. In the end, they had to pick one amongst themselves that went up on the block. But the vote was split–guys chose Andrea, girls chose Ben.

In the end, Chef sent Ben home. I was glad. The guy seems ok, but he’s pretty cocky, over-confident, and for some reason–makes stupid mistakes all the time. And once he starts to slip, he screws up bad.

Andrea can screw up too, but I don’t think she’s as cocky as Ben was.

So now it’s down to the final 3! I’m really rooting for Paula. She’s got great character, skill, and hasn’t really screwed up anything major. She’s not alwaze most talkative, but she’s quick, consistant, and a good team player. Danny is good too, but a bit out of it.

So we shall see what happens! I really enjoy Hell’s Kitchen—have I said?!

I’d forgotten how much I loved Fox’s chef competition show, Hell’s Kitchen (which airs on Thursday nights)! The show is led by world-class chef Gordan Ramsay, who has quite a list of accomplishments. The often VERY vocal head chef takes a group of competitor chefs (this season started with 16) through a series of challenges and evening dinner services, splitting the group into the male and female teams. Each show, a contestant (sometimes 2) is eliminated, depending on who was put up on the “chopping block”.

Chef Ramsay is an amazing character, and always hysterical to watch. He knows how to break a person down, though, and doesn’t take any kind of crappy service in his kitchen–which has led to many people being told to “piss off” and leave the show in the middle of dinner service, right from the kitchen!

In the end, 1 contestant remains, and gets the prize–this season consisting of $250, 000, and the head chef position at Atlantic City’s new hotel and casino-the Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa.

The competition has been a great fun to catch up on this season, because of all the different personalities. I love how the chefs have to mix teamwork with trying to win individually.

There were some really bad characters this season–who seemed like they’d never even stepped into a kitchen before (like Colleen, who swore she was a cooking school instructor, and who Chef Ramsay said had great attitude, but who seemed clueless in the kitchen, and waay below par)…Or who snuck through eliminations–but who everyone hated and wanted gone (Lacey–who whined and complained and tried to play the victim on every episode. She was traded to the men’s team, and they ended up hating her too! They kept having to pick up her slack. Finally, when she had no idea how to cook meat, and screwed up the dinner service one episode, Chef Ramsay finally screamed her out of the kitchen, to everyone’s happines!).

Now, there are only 5 contestants left: Andrea , Ben, Robert, Danny and Paula. I am currently rooting for either Danny or Paula–both of whom haven’t screwed up really too much, and neither of whom runs their mouth or is cocky. They both have been more of the silent strong type, and seem to let things roll off their backs. Andrea is good too, but she’s had some screwed up services, which have cost the team. Robert is cute and does pretty well, but he has a bit of an attitude. And Ben just talks too much, heh. He’s screwed up pretty bad as well, though he can obviously cook. But I think he’s one of those people that thinks they’re better than they are.

The main reason I love this show so much is chef Ramsay. He’s a wonder. What makes him a great TV personality for the show as well, is that when you watch him screaming and cursing in someone’s face at their mistakes, you would never think he’s the kindhearted guy he is in real life. That’s why I love seeing him on challenge rewards, when he’s out of Hell’s Kitchen, and enjoying himself. Or when he deals with children, or a serious problem of a contestent. Then he’s all heart, and soft spoken. A nifty guy.

There have been some great rewards on this season so far, and some ridiculous loser “prizes”! I look forward to seeing what happens with the Final 5, and who comes out on top!

Animal Planet is a wonderful place to learn–along with such others as the Science Channel, Discovery, NASA  channel, TLC (another Discovery channel offspring)–and I  had been missing it for a while, due to being sick, etc. But I recently discovered my family has it on their dish network as well!  I watched CATS 101 , the later edition (second time it played that night), and decided I really love the show, and it’s another example of why I love the channel in general.

Dogs 101 , a sister show, is awesome–going through 4 or 5 breeds a show, telling their histories, stats, and a short inspiring story about a specific dog of each breed that did something heroic, or unique, or has some sort of other amazing story–and I love watching it, learning all the stats about some of my favorite breeds, and the lesser known ones as well!

But I never figured there was enough breeds of cats to do a Cat version of such a show. But it turns out, there are at least 49 that I’m sure most of us couldn’t name if we tried. Of course most of us could pin the names of breeds we know well–Persian, Siamese, Himalayan….But without research, I don’t think most normal people could peg an Oriental, Korat, Chartreux, or Devon Rex!

This is where Cats 101 comes in. The show highlights several breeds a show, and quickly, colorfully, and informativly fills you in on stuff you never knew. When people ask me what kind of cat I have, I tell them he’s a…uh…housecat?! He’s not of pure breed, but it’s impressive how many cats are. Did you know the Savannah  is huge, and almost a wildcat? And is banned in some states? Did you know the Maine Coon holds the record for the world’s longest cat? These are the types of of cool things you learn when watching this show.

Also, Cats 101 informs you of the important facts, as well as the off-the-wall-unique-facts. Like how well a breed adapts to family life, and children, or how easy its coat is to keep up, and how healthy the breed is.

If you’re interested in all things cat, or just want to learn something new, or are looking for animal show you’ve not seen, Cats 101 may just be the “cat’s meow” for you (I know, lame pun, but oh well!)!

The Hallmark channel has been running their terrible Christmas movies every night, usually 2 of them in a row, and because my Mother insists on watching “Walker, Texas Ranger”, and I usually happen to be around (oddly enough, since I HATE that show) the living room at that time—I end up hanging out and semi-watching some of the movies.  But then I heard that they were playing “Ebbie ,” with Susan Lucci.

I don’t watch Soap Operas, but I really like Susan Lucci, and her acting ability. She was on Dancing With The Stars this season, and I really enjoyed wataching her, though she wasn’t the best dancer of all time. But she’s so sweet and cute to see, and can change herself so well from her real self to her characters, a person must be impressed.

“Ebbie” is a modern retelling of a classic Dickens tale, A Christmas Carol. Susan plays Elizabeth Scrooge, and she does a  great job with her character. The movie came out in December ‘95, but was done very well.

I’m glad Hallmark decided to show the great Christmas re-telling, and anyone who wants a good watch for the season, this is a movie for you!

Today I was just thinking about how totally distracted and into my cable TV I became/was while I was living about 2000 miles away from where I am right now. My hubby and myself had our little apartment, newly married, and our 32″ plasma widescreen TV, and even with our basic 70 channels still had enough reality TV channels to keep me into it!

Now, we live with family, and are getting ourselves on our feet again. Annnd, family only has basic dish-family-package-something-or-other. It has 3 Nickelodean channels, so gets tons of SpongeBob Squarepants (which is totally cool with me!!), but no TLC, so no “Little People, Big World,”, and no Bravo, so no “Top Design.” And I missed the ending of “Dancing With the Stars” even! And no “Top Model” either!

They have Food Network, but I’ve not caught up on my shows on there yet..but there’s alwaze watching them online (thank God for the net, eh?!).

I guess I got caught up in the Reality TV hype, and miss my cable! But I guess I’ll have to find some other form of entertainment than 20 reality TV shows…Board games anyone?!

Our local Library here in Amarillo, TX (where I currently reside), has a great DVD/VHS collection. But better than that is the inter-Library Loan System , where you can order anything, and they will check tons of other Libraries to see if any of them have what you’re looking for; if so, it’ll get sent to your Library for you to pick up!

I usually use the ILLS quite often, usually ordering tons of DVDs/Books, at one shot. The only problem with this method is I never know how long it’ll take for my things to arrive. And often, I get a huge load of things at one time. Which wouldn’t be so bad, except the policy here in the great public Library system of Amarillo, TX, is that you can only keep your movies for 2 days!!

So Thursday, when I went to the Library to drop off some movies, a book, and pick up whatever was waiting for me, I wasn’t surprised to find 7 DVDs waiting…Thank God for internet renewals!

My collection of weekend movies is as follows:

PECKER, the 1998 John Waters odd-one-out movie. I have seen it before, but it’s been years, and since I’m on a Christina Ricci kick lately, I figured I’d re-watch it and see how it really was. Hopefully it doesn’t end up as one of my “movie misses!” Anyway, it stars that kid who was in T2:Judgement Day , so that’s interesting. Everything in it seems dysfunctional, as he runs around taking odd pictures that make him a near-overnight sensation, on his little camera.

Also on a Johnny Depp kick lately, and THE LIBERTINE one of his I’ve never seen, that’s also in my new “collection” of movies. Depp plays the 2nd Earl of Rochester, who writes a play, scandalizes the king, and dies from syphilis at around 33. Sounds like a dark drama–kind of like Johnny’s character in FROM HELL.

The newer film 21 from Robert Luketic, and starring Kevin Spacey, Jim Sturgess, Kate Bosworth, and Laurence Fishburne is a welcome one. I didn’t think it’d be in the Library systems so soon, but am glad it was, since I missed it in theatres. The movie, about a group of MIT students who engage in a spectacular card-counting scheme to break Vegas (based on a true story), seemed (of course, you can never tell with previews) to be right up my adventure-loving alley!

Another Christina Ricci great, also starring Samuel L Jackson, is BLACK SNAKE MOAN, which I saw almost all of not too long ago. I was intrigued by this dark drama about an abused girl, a seemingly crazy Southerner, and their seeking of salvation that seems just out of both of their reach. Plus, I believe Christina Ricci is amazing the way she can flow in and out of so many different types of dark characters. She has such an outstanding ability. Definitely one of my most favorite actresses…

UNLEASHED is a movie starring Jet Li, and Morgan Freeman (another favorite of mine), in a story that seems totally strange, but I am hoping is a worthwhile watch. The premis is that Jet Li is an awesome, pretty un-natural martial artist, trained and raised like a dog, to attack when, well, “unleashed.” Morgan Freeman is the blind man who finds Li’s character when he finally tries to break from his hellish “owner” (Bob Hoskins), and tries to help him on his path to freedom. Which of course is perilous, and his past haunts him.

The last movie on my list is MUPPET TREASURE ISLAND, 

  which I have seen countless times. I don’t know why I don’t own it yet…It is undoubtedly one of my all time faves. I love the Muppets, I love the R.L.Stevenson novel, I love Tim Curry–how can I go wrong?! This musical romp in search for treasure has an of-course-Muppet-twist    , headed by Gonzo and Rizzo following Jim Hawkins around the tale. They crack me up! The only downside is the mullet-wielding Kevin Bishop , who plays Jim Hawkins (and who is, I guess, not as unknown as I thought)…But overall, this movie is great, and Tim Curry singing adds to it being as such!

And finally, I received from my local Library the second part of the 3rd Season of one of the greater lost causes of TV Series–The 4400 . I discovered this show on the Sci-Fi shelf, and got instantly hooked. It has a GREAT theme song  

, and some really cool characters. Plus, there’s a guy in it with the name “Mahershalalhashbaz Ali“–how do you go wrong with that??! How do you even pronounce that?!! The show is about a group of (you guessed it) 4400 people who disappeared at various times over about a 60 year span, then are suddenly returned one day all at the same time with no memory of anything, and not having aged a day. Over time, of course there are sneaky government officials and schemes, but there are basically messages from the future that say The 4400 were sent back to save humanity. They’re infused with abilities, ranging from plagues to future visions to messing with electricity (no, they’re NOT X-men!). The show started out weak, in ‘04, but as it went on (at least I thought), it got better..then the USA Network dropped it after the 4th Season. Which would’ve been alright, except it leaves everything unanswered and the show in mid-story. Which sucks. I am NOT looking forward to being left hanging!

So, Big Brother 10 has ended finally (Tuesday, Sept. 16th, ‘08)! I’ve been watching the last couple of shows with more interest than I went through most of this season, merely because the battle was pretty close in the end, and I was really curious to see who would pull of winning the half a million $.

At the pinicle of everything this season–or at least towards the end–was Dan, the Catholic school teacher. A week ago, he won a luxury competition, and picked Michelle to take on the trip. He was an amazingly smooth player, though often over-the-top. The choice he made to take Michelle was sort of a love/hate thing for me; loved that he was so strategic, but hated him for lieing to her about everything, and backdooring her.

His constant manipulation of his “Catholic-ness” annoyed me, but everyone gets their just rewards eventually…

It was funny to see, a week ago, on the Tuesday (Sept.9th) show, when Dan was throwing the Veto competition, how flabbergasted Jerry was at what was all going on between Dan and Memphis!

Then on Thursday (Sept.11th), the HoH competition between the three guys was quite a tough one, though at first it looked easy

. I enjoy watching the competitions on Big Brother–there is such a varied spectrum of things the players must do/know! I really like the ones where they have to know their housemates, or remember things from as far back as the first week (such as the veto towards the end, where they had to remember who was HoH each week, and who was up on the block, in order!). You can bet if I was ever in the B.B. house, I’d be keeping a journal of everything that went on each day!

Dan won the final HoH, thereby getting to evict Jerry in one fell swoop. It was funny to see clips of those in the jury house at that time–Ollie, April, Renny, Michelle, Keesha, Jesse–suddenly start to turn their mindsets from anti-Dan, to thinking his sneakiness was an asset, and that he was a hell-of-a-player! Everyone disliked him, it seemed, but then, as Memphis had gone through the whole game kind of under-radar, and not winning much of anything–the jury saw him as a weaker, less deserving player…

Sunday’s (Sept. 14th) show was all about re-capping, and showing stuff that went on in the house that wasn’t to that point shown on the normal CBS show.

The Renny impersonations were fun to watch–she really is impressive! And Dan trying to teach Renny and Ollie to swim, in his “Swim Club” , was really silly. And you can’t beat Jerry’s rapping!!It was a cute show, and fun to watch.

Finally, tonight (September 16th), the final show! It came down to Memphis and Dan (of course), and listening to the jury talk about the two, you kind of could tell who was going to come out on top, I mean, how could he not?! Dan nailed it, winning not just the 4-needed votes, but all 7 of them!

I think Memphis really thought he played it “straight,” through most of the show, but I don’t think the jurors saw it that way, or that he really did. Perhaps he just deluded himself. Either way, though, walking away with $50,000 isn’t that bad! That’s more money than most people make a year in this Country, I’m sure, and much more than the majority will ever see in one shot! So he shouldn’t feel too bad. Obviously, it’s not half a million $, but still..

Watching the jurors ask the two nominees questions, and debate the answers/outcome of the show, I realized yet again how annoying I thought April was. Goodness gracious! I mean, what kind of girl runs around first day, making sure everyone knows her boobs are real, and then proceeds to let everyone grab them? I was most disgusted that she was offering them to Jerry, and encouraging him to grab them 

. And of course that he did doesn’t say much for his character…

When the jurors finally made their way to the live set area, I was impressed that Julie Chen actually had on a nifty-looking dress, as I think (which I’ve stated before) that she usually has terrible clothes. As added notes: April’s dress was ugly, and Renny’s curtsy before she went to her jury seat was cute.

In the end, there was also a “favorite juror”, prize of $25,000. I was glad that my votes had been the same as the majority of America; Jerry came in second place, but Keesha won it. When I’d voted (via text message), that’s how I did, fancy that

All around, besides some elements–Dan, Renny, some fights, some backdooring, the earthquake, Ollie’s fear of birds, etc.–season 10 of Big Brother wasn’t all that entertaining, though I did really enjoy watching Dan win in the end (at least up against Memphis). I’m not sure he was my favorite, though…

I do look forward to next season, and now just have to find another way to fill in that hour every Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday night!

The U.S.A.’s Big Brother 9 was the first season of this crazy reality show I actually ever watched. I discovered it one evening on my laptop, checking out the CBS.com line up for that season, to see which shows were online to watch. Never having been too big on reality TV before–after watching the very different characters come into play that season, and after seeing what the show was all about–I was hooked on Big Brother, instantly becoming a lifelong fan, I am sure, as long as the “house” continues to fill up with interesting characters and insane drama!

After all, isn’t that what reality TV is all about?!

Another aspect of Big Brother that I really enjoy is  the competitions. They’re always so unique and often ridiculous. It brings a fun aspect to the show, which is a big thing to keep this blogger watching.

And finally, my favorite thing about Big Brother–that no matter how many seasons a person has watched, and no matter how much they brag about strategy going into the house, there is NO way for anyone to predict what will happen, because everyone is scheming to win, and as a random person, you have no control over what any other random person may do/choose/say! So the housemates go into the house bragging and planning, and 3 weeks in–are already turned on their heads. I like that, because the random factor makes it more realistic. You can only play for yourself, because you have no idea what others are thinking.

The current season of Big Brother hasn’t been as interesting, as far as characters go, to me. But it has still been fun to watch, and there have been some all around interesting developments–such as Renny, who is from New Orleans, wearing ridiculous wigs

, and many times ridiculous outfits, making people love her or hate her in the end. Or Julie Chen finally having some decent outfits; I usually abhor her clothes, thinking she makes some of the worst fashion choices of any famous person I’ve ever seen–not to mention her hair looks like it weighs more than she does…                                                                                                                                     All in all, this season has been moving along normally. Not too many surprises, though in the beginning, there were a series of backdoor-ing schemes that had some of the players flabbergasted.

Now it’s in the home-stretch of the season, with only a couple more shows left. At this point, as of this evening (9/7/08), Dan was HoH, won the Luxury competition, and is once again choosing to make a move that may alter the game.

Dan’s been quite a player to watch, actually. Being Catholic, I didn’t enjoy his portrayal of the faith, and his lack of regard for his Church as he went into the house, admitting to making moves that he’ll just go to Confession for later (as if that’s how it works). But as I watched more of the season, and some of the risky moves he’s taken, I’ve realized that if nothing else,  Dan is an amazing house player. And still charming and likable to boot, which is unusual. He’s been America’s player, he’s duped all kinds of people, he’s backdoored and lied to others–and yet people in the house still don’t know what to make of him! And yet, there he is, playing with a fighting spirit, and reeling the finish line in.

The only major setback I see for him right now is that because of the lack of trust and his scheming, no one in the jury house (the ones that will ultimately decide who of the last two standing wins the top prize) likes Dan, or wants to vote for him. Though that may change slightly, since the prize he won is a trip out of the house, to an island for a day. He got to choose to bring either one of the 3 remaining house-guests–Keesha, Jerry, or Memphis–with him, or one of the jury house members. He choose Michelle, from the jury, hoping to swing her vote in his favor, should he be one of the remaining two.

Dan, as HoH (Head of Household), nominated Memphis–to keep down rumors that he has an allience with him–and Jerry–just cause, heh. The plan is for Jerry to go, but the upcoming competition will be important to see who wins PoV (Power of Veto), because they could save someone/themselves from the block, and alter the end game again. Then comes the all important last HoH competition, in which the winner will be the sole vote to decide which person is going home of the two on the block.

Next upcoming show is Tues., 9/8pm Central, and I look forward to seeing how the end of this Season all unfolds; Dan is my pick, though I think if Keesha came through and pulled something off, that’d be cool to see as well. Or Jerry, but I doubt it. Dan seems determined to bring Memphis to the end, and vice versa, but I don’t know if that was such a great move on Dan’s part, because Memphis seems like a strong competitor. However, Dan has proven he can win both physical, and mental challenges, and he is fiercely determined, so he may just have a strong shot. But as I said before, he then faces the fact that all the members of the jury like everyone else currently in the house more than him, so I am not sure how he’d win.

But I wonder how much people can actually predict who will win Big Brother 10 , considering the “random” factor!