I could not believe that they sent 9 people home already.  I thought that was so odd!  But, after doing the math - it doesn’t really shorten the season.  It just makes the season a bit more interesting as some of the couples are doing it from home.  And, if their “partner” in the game is still in the game in a few weeks, they get to come back to the ranch. 

I wished the heaviest woman (Carla) stayed on the show.  She opted to let her friend stay.  Carla is a spit-fire and she really needs this show.  I’m not sure how well she’ll do on her own at home.  If her friend stays, then she’ll be back.  I hope.

I am already making opinions and I already dislike the green team (Laura & Tara, former plus sized models).  I don’t know what it is about them.  First impression is dislike.  Maybe I’ll like them better as the weeks go on.

I totally LOVE Daniel.  the 18 year old who is the heaviest person ever to be on the show.  He is so sweet and so cute.  I hope he stays long and does well.  He lost 30 lbs in the first week and I was so happy for him.  If he stays, ratings will be good because America will love this kid.

I really want my husband to do this show with my mother.  They dislike each other - A LOT.  I keep saying it to him and he keeps grunting at me.  HA!  I mean it.  It would be FABULOUS TV!  HA HA HA HA!  If he reads this, I’m gonna hear it when I get home.

My friend at work is doing the Biggest Loser program online.  In 4 days, she already lost 3 lbs. and she said the program makes her eat A LOT.  It’s not how much you eat.  It’s the kinds of foods you eat.  She comes to work with a shopping bag full of lunch and snacks.  She’s been making me laugh.  Sounds like it’s a pretty good program.  I don’t think I really need the program.  But I DEFINITELY need a personal trainer to MOVE MY BUTT.  I have to get moving!!  I would much rather watch TiVo with a glass of wine than get on the treadmill.  I have been saving my pennies so I can get a personal trainer for me, my husband and my daughter.  We need to get our cardio going!

Great season is upon us!  If you don’t watch it, check it out.  NBC10 Tuesdays at 8pm!

So - the big week is ahead.  Here’s what you can expect to find in my Season Pass Manager on my TiVo:

I’ve been watching a show called Intervention on A&E.  This show is so random.  People addicted to drugs let cameras follow them around.  So sad and yet so sobering.

The Bachelor Season 13 starts 1/5 on ABC - I haven’t been a huge fan of this show, but I think I’ll check it out since I have extra hard drive space now.

BIGGEST LOSER starts 1/6 on NBC - YAHOO! - Promises to be a great season with one of the largest contestants ever.

Homeland Security USA airs on ABC starting on 1/6.  Looks interesting.

Howie Do It airs on NBC starting on 1/9 - looks similar to Candid Camera starring Howie Mandel.

American Idol Season 8 starts on 1/13 on FOX - as if the contestants didn’t get enough criticism, now that have four judges.

Sober House starts 1/15 on VH1 - this is a follow-up to the stars who appeared on Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew.  This is how they are doing now.  Should be interesting viewing.

Hell’s Kitchen Season 5 starts 1/29 on FOX - SHUT IT DOWN!  HA!  Can’t wait!

Survivor: Tocantis starts 2/12 on CBS - should be good.

Amazing Race 14 starts on 2/15 on CBS - make sure you set your TiVo to record longer so that the end doesn’t cut off like last season.  Due to sports, it always causes the show to run late and I always miss the end of each episode.

Celebrity Apprentice Season 2 - YAHOO!!  NBC is keeping the cast hush/hush, but I heard that Andrew Dice Clay, Joan & Melissa Rivers and Kloe Kardasian will be on the show.

Dancing with the Stars: Season 8 starts on 3/8 on ABC.  For me, this show is way overkill.  Too many nights and too many hours.  I think this needs to go down to 1 night a week.  I don’t know if I can stick it out for the entire season.

And, the really exciting things is that Big Love is coming back to HBO starting January 18th.  It’s not a reality TV show, but it’s definitely a show I love to watch!  The TiVo is ready to roll, the seasons have been added and life is GOOD! 

Have a great holiday week!  I’m on vacation, but I’ll be checking in from time-to-time.  Be well!

P.S. I also got a 500 gig external hard drive for my TiVo for Christmas which means MORE MORE MORE shows to record. {Insert evil laugh here - rubbing hands together}.  Coming up in January we’ll be seeing another season of Idol with FOUR judges.  We’ll be seeing Celebrity Apprentice.  We’ll also see Sober House with Dr. Drew on VH1.  Biggest Loser comes back on Jan. 6th!  Hell’s Kitchen, Gone Country and Survivor are all coming back in early Feb.  And many more!  That TiVo will be whirring!

I also heard that a former Biggest Loser winner gained all of his weight back and then some.  Does anyone know who that is? 

Well - it’s a great Wednesday.  No more Vicky.  There was a promo on during the show that the next season of Biggest Loser starts on January 9th.  Already??? WOW!  And there’s a 19 year old who weighs more than 450 pounds.  OUCH!  It should be an interesting season.  TiVo is ready to roll!!!

Last week, viewers were asked to call a 1-888 number to vote for Heba or Ed (husband/wife team) to see which one of them stays and which one goes.  At first, I wanted Heba to leave because I think she will do so much better than Ed and I really want Michelle to win.  But, after thinking about it, I said to myself, “Self.  Vote to KEEP Heba.  That way, there’s a much better chance of Vicky losing.“  HA!  So, that’s what I did.

I CANNOT STAND VICKY!  I truly mean that.  She’s just not a nice person.  She’s coniving, vindictive and just plain cruel.  And I don’t want to hear that she was “playing the game”.  Baloney!  She was out to get people and I hope she is the worst one tonight.

Tonight, NBC10, 8pm.  Wrap up in a fleece blanky, grab your cup of tea (or glass of wine - whatever floats your boat) and get ready for a great show!!!!

At the end, the cast came out to bow and they did a Grease montage of songs.  Taylor sang quite a bit during the montage. 

I was talking to a friend of mine who works at the theatre and he said that Taylor was a great guy.  He had the opportunity to talk to him a few times and I guess Taylor wears a hat so that people don’t recognize him.  His hair gives him away.  HA!  That kind of makes sense.

We had a great time at the show.  The cast was very talented.  And - I’m not just saying this - I voted for Taylor.  Glad he won!  He’s so unique.  They announced that he has an album coming out soon too.  Taylor really hasn’t been one of the more popular American Idol winners.  I would say, in order of popularlity, it was Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Clay Aiken (and he wasn’t even the winner that year), Jennifer Hudson (not one of the winners), Kellie Pickler (again - not a winner), Chris Daughtry (not a winner), Taylor Hicks, Fantasia, Bo Bice (not one of the winners), Ruben Studdard, David Cook, David Archuletta, Josh Gracin (not a winner), Blake Lewis (beat boxer, not a winner), Bucky Covington (popular among country fans, not one of the winners), and who could forget SANJAYA???  HA!  I would say that these are the most popular ones (in order) from all 7 seasons combined.  An season 8 is about to start and they’ll have FOUR judges this year!  WOW!

Hey Kim, I just wanted to say thank you for giving all of us who traveled down the path of the show for “America’s Got Talent” the publicity.  I know some of us were your favorites and others were not but without press good or bad it is difficult to be noticed for our hard work as artists.  I and my family appreciate all you did for all of us who were finalists and if I’m in your neck of the woods for performances please contact me so I can get you a ticket.  God Bless You,  Respectfully,  Donald Braswell - P.S. Visit my Myspace so you can see the kind of music that they would not let me sing on the show which I am not allowed to discuss the reasons for.

  Donald Braswell’s MySpace.

I was shocked!  I thought it had to be a joke!  I figured that it was a fake email from a friend saying that they were really Donald Braswell just to get my goat.  So, I did some research and found that the email address originated from the Texas area (which is where Braswell is from).  WHAT??!!  Donald Braswell from America’s Got Talent sent me an email???  If it were a joke, that person had to go through great pains to get a Texas email address, which is doubtful.

Oh geez!!!!  So I went back to my earlier blogs and found that I didn’t hold back.  I didn’t like him on the show and I clearly kept saying it - week after week.

I responded to his email as follows:

Dear Donald:  Due to anonymity through email, I’m not certain that this is really you.  BUT – if it is, I truly appreciate your email.  My blog is simply my opinion and, being a Reality TV lover, I sometimes get passionate about my favorites (and least favorites).  Thanks for your note!  I’m sure “America’s Got Talent” helped to boost your visibility.  I hope you do well!  Kim

To which he responded with:

It is me and thank you for the reply.  It has created some wonderful opportunities.  Passion is a good thing.  Something to be proud of!  Have a Happy Holiday!  I wish you the best.  Donald

So it got me thinking.  Should I stop being honest?  Should I tame my blog?  Should I stop blogging all together>?  And, after a week of pondering I have decided that my opinion is my opinion.  Good or bad - happy or sad.  My opinion is my opinion.  I don’t wish harm on anyone.  I just have faves and - well - not so faves. 

So, Donald - you weren’t my favorite.  But I do wish you well.  And maybe I’d like you better in person or at a live concert (which is what happened to me when I met Coffey from Nashville Star).  For now, I simply await an email from Vicky (Biggest Loser) - because I still despise her. 

But seriously - I think she is a fabulous performer and I enjoy her immensely.

So, I’ve been waiting anxiously for her show ever since I heard about it.  I frequently visit her Rosie.com blog and try to keep updated on all of her appearances.  Just before the show began, I was making apple pies for TGiving.  It was 7:50pm and I only had 10 minutes to finish those darn pies before the show started.  Yes, I have a TIVO, but I didn’t want to watch it after the fact.  I wanted to watch it LIVE.  So I finished the pies, popped them in the oven and grabbed some snacks.  I ran to the couch, wrapped in a fleece blanket, flipped on the TV, switched on the sound surround and waited for the show to begin.  Suddenly, the opening music began and I got butterflies in my stomach (before you ask - yes, I’m weird).

The opening music ended and Rosie started her monologue.  WHAT???!!!  I couldn’t believe what I was seeing!!!!  The audio didn’t match up with the video!!!  That’s right.  When she talked there was a slight delay.  Like one of those old Japanese movies where someone dubbed English voices over the Japanese video.  It was HORRID!!  When I closed my eyes, it sounded fine.  But when I opened my eyes it was so distracting.

I tried several TV’s with the same result.  As I ran through the house screaming like an idiot, my family just sat there and stared at the lunatic.  I hoped that they would fix the problem after the first commercial break - no LUCK!  The commercials were in sync.  It was only the show.  I don’t know if it was the live feed out of NYC or if it was Cox Cable.  All I know is that it was so distracting and I was so upset!!  I couldn’t truly enjoy the show out of frustration.

The show was campy but cute.  It was basically her Rosie O’Donnell Show without the interview set.  She had stars and performers.  She had prizes and confetti.  I hope the ratings were great and I hope they decide to run it again.  I think it will get into a groove and I think it will be a good show.  She should just do it like her original Rosie O’Donnell Show - instead of daily during daytime, it would be weekly during primetime.

I’m still upset over the audio and I will be googling some sites to see what happened.

As for my TIVO - yes - it is JAM PACKED!  I have Amazing Race, Dancing with the Stars, Ghost Hunters, Project Runway, America’s Next Top Model (from many, many weeks ago).  Not to mention that I also have Desperate Housewives, ER, Grey’s Anatomy and those kinds of scripted shows.  I’m feeling stressed.  I need a rainy Sunday so I can catch up before the holidays hit me square in the face.

I can’t WAIT for next Wednesday.  Rosie O’Donnell LIVE on NBC!!!  WOWEE!!!  I’m a HUGE HUGE HUGE Rosie fan!  I wish I could get tickets.  I entered to win some on Rosie.com.  Who knows?  Maybe I’ll get lucky. 

By the way - did I mention I HATE VICKY????!!!

In either event - we had some awesome judges! Doreen Collins from Rhode Bytes; Sandra Burke-Medeiros from Wedding Style Magazine, Wedding Style New England, The Grand Bridal Show; Maureen Conroy, Attorney from Jessop and Conroy; Chris & Alison Derham, bride/groom from last year’s NBC10 Free Wedding; Susan Zwirblis from Nordstrom.  They cared so much about their decision and, as I watched their deliberations, I was so impressed with how much they cared about their decision.  After 90 minutes, they picked their winner.  So exciting!!

One couple was so nervous that they walked the halls of the hotel for 2 hours before they decided to come inside.  It must have been so nerve racking for everyone.  I can’t even imagine it.  I had a blast seeing everyone.  The Crowne Plaza hosted our event and it was A++!!  The entire day went so smoothly and they really gave the contestants the royal treatment. 

This year’s contestants were so great!  They all had fabulous stories and some great personalities.  To see videos of each contestant’s one minute video entry, Click here.  You’ll find some very interesting videos for sure!

Be sure to watch NBC10 every morning during the week of November 3rd at 11:25am where WJAR will announce the four finalists.  And then, on Friday, November 7, 2008, NBC10 will announce the grand prize winner at 11:25am!!!  This couple will win a wedding valued at more than $54,000!!!  I can’t wait!  Our very own reality show wedding!!  Such fun!

To meet the contestants and send in your comments and opinions on who you think should win, Click here.

Coffey - great entertainer!  Brought the crowd to their feet.  Lots of fun!

Shawn Mayer - Better in person than she was on the show.  I don’t know if it was nerves or what.  But she ROCKED THE HOUSE!  She was really great! 

Gabe Garcia - He’s got the country sound, most definitely.  It sounds so natural.  Kind of shy on stage, but that man can sing.

Melissa Lawson - the definite winner.  Her vocal range was unbelievable!!!  She gave me chills.

If you get a chance to catch them in concert, do it!  It’s well worth it!

Pictured (left to right): Melissa Valliquette (WJAR), Melissa Lawson, Kim Reis (me), Coffey, ZIta Nelson (WJAR)

If you are going to be in the Warwick area on Friday around 12:30pm, stop in and say HEY!!  Grab the gals from the office and head over for lunch!  NYLO has an awesome restaurant!!!  And, to top it off, you can meet Melissa Lawson and Coffey.  Cool huh???  Not only will you meet them, but you can also win some awesome prizes like NBC10 sweatshirts/hats, prizes from Cat Country 98.1, a $100 gas card and tickets with backstage passes to see the Nashville Star Concert at the Plymouth Memorial Hall in Plymouth, MA.  WAY COOL!!

So, fellow reality TV bloggers - don’t let me down.  Give Melissa and Coffey their 15 minutes of fame.  I hope to see you on Friday at NYLO!!!

In my blog, dated 9/24, here’s how I called it.
5th place: Donald Braswell
4th place: Neal E. Boyd
3rd place: Queen Emily
2nd place: Eli Mattson
1st place: Nuttin’ But Stringz

I still think this will be the case, but I’m so worked up.  Why am I so nervous?  You’d think that one of the winners were going to share their prize winnings with me for goodness sake.  NOT!  I just get so nervous for these people. This kind of contest could change someone’s life.

The show started with the sweetest little montage of the top 10 finalists who sang “ A Moment Like This”.  Little Kaitlyn started the song with some little “oooo’s”.  She’s so darn sweet!  Would someone please scoop her up into a movie?  Please?  For me?  (Like I have any clout at all)  This song was so emotional for the judges too.  You could see genuine tears in their eyes.

Just like in Dancing with the Stars, they had a pop star perform.  Well, DWTS had Jessica Simpson.  ICK!  At least AGT had Leanna Lewis sing - the British singer who has made it big. Don’t get me wrong, she’s totally talented.  But I’m dying to find out who won.  Get on with it already.  Drag, drag, drag it on to fill an hour.  I hate that!  Even my cat is bored.

Side note: Why don’t British singers sound British when they sing? 

Back to the show…

When the true stars talked directly to the final five, I got chills.  Andrew Lloyd Weber talked directly to Donald Braswell.  Wyclef Jean talked to “Nuttin’ But Stringz”.  Brian McKnight talked to Queen Emily.  The looks on their faces was unbelievable surprise, shock and awe.  That was awesome.  And then they had to ruin it by putting the most horrible acts into a skit.  The cast offs had the chance to perform on tonight’s finale.  I felt so bad for these people because they didn’t even realize they were being laughed at.  The whistlers.  The woman with big boobs.  The Ozzy Osbourne wanna-be’s.  The old lady dancer.  The belly roller. They were all here - in true form. 

Then they recapped the auditions from the top 10 performers and I was bawling my eyes out.  So touching.  And, they had to play the graduation march.  That makes me cry even without the emotional auditions.  I don’t know why I cry when I hear that song.

So - was I right???  Fifth place is….QUEEN EMILY!!  What???  Repeat that.  (I just rewound the TiVo).  Yup!  I heard that right!  Queen Emily was FIFTH!!!  Although she will have a recording contract, that’s totally ridiculous.  Creepy Mr. Braswell needed to go bye bye.  Well, that means that my prediction was wrong.  Braswell had better go home next or I have totally lost faith in America.

Fourth place - Donald Braswell.  THANK YOU GOD!!!  I think Neal will be next.  Let’s see if I’m right….

Third place - Nuttin’ But Stringz.  My mouth is hanging open.  I’m catchin’ flies.  Don’t get me wrong - I really want Eli to win.  But I thought FOR SURE that Nuttin’ But Stringz would win because their act was so different.  I stink at guessing the finals.  I think Neal will get second place with Eli taking the prize.  Come on man!!  Do it!!  You deserve it!! 

Second place - drum roll please - oh yes.  Please drag it out.  I love that.  NOT!  They recapped Neal and Eli’s journey—AGAIN.  Holy moly.  Talk about turning 60 minutes into a painful hour that felt like two days.  And, in case you were wondering - Neal cried.  I know, you’re surprised.

Come on Jerry Springer, announce it already.  Second place is…(my stomach is in knots)...Eli Mattson.  That means NEAL WINS the MILLION DOLLARS and a contract to perform in Vegas.  He was bawling like an infant.  I think I heard him yell, “I did this for you MAMA!“  Eli had better get a recording contract or I’ll spit.  Jerry called Eli a “cry baby”.  HA!!  That was great!

Placido Domingo sent a message to Neal at the end of the show and that was so amazing.  WOW!  This show has changed someone’s life.  This life insurance agent just became a star.  CONGRATS NEAL! 

Tonight’s show was too damn long.  I mean, they dragged it out to an hour.  They followed the judges to London and - oh - how sweet.  They let Jessica sing a SECOND song.  Badoop, badoop, badoop (that would be the sound of my TiVo hitting fast forward).  Then they followed the dancers to the freakin’ bathroom.  I mean, they didn’t have to fill a whole hour.  That is 60 minutes I’ll never get back.

Anyway - My favorites were spared.  Susan Lucci, Cody Linley (the kid from Hannah Montana) and Lance Bass.  The teeny boppers are voting for Cody Linley like crazy and the ones who are “old, wed and almost dead” are loving Cloris Leachman. 

Lil ole Kim Kardasian went home this week.  I think part of the reason she went home was because no one knew who she was because she wasn’t all that bad.  There is no clear front-runner this year like in previous years.  Like, last year, Kristy Yamaguchi was a definite front-runner last year and towered over the rest.  This year, there really isn’t someone who is dancing circles around the rest.