Monthly Archives: June 2011

Events Random Fun

My Experience Auditioning for The Bachelor

June 29, 2011 – 7:57 pm

In the name of “investigative journalism,” I auditioned for the Bachelor a couple of weeks ago here in Chicago and forced 3 of my closest friends to come with me. 

Where does such an event take place? Well, ABC chose the celebrity-friendly bar RockIt for the casting call, which happens to be right in the middle of Wrigleyville here in Chicago. Here’s a photo of the inside of RockIt:

Now imagine that 10 times darker and packed full of aspiring reality tv actresses.

So immediately when we get there a couple of super intimidating women at the door shove these 200-question surveys in our hands and tell us not to talk to them until those are complete. We grab their 3-inch long pencils and get to work. Here’s a quick sampling of some of the questions that we had to answer (as you can probably tell, I didn’t take this thing very seriously):

  • Please describe your ideal mate in terms of physical attraction: Roberto
  • Please describe your ideal mate in terms of personality: Ben C
  • What are some of your hobbies? watching the Bachelor, farmers markets, sodoku, skee ball, ziplining/rappelling/bungee jumping, dancing in knee high socks alone in my bedroom
  • List the 3 adjectives that best describe you: sensual, sexy, slippery
  • Do you drink alcoholic beverages: Hell yeah!
  • Have you ever had a temporary restraining order issued against you? Would that increase my chances of getting on this show?
  • Why do you want to be on this show? To get on DWTS or Bachelor Pad 3.       

….as well as a few basics too (age, height, weight, kids, previous marriage, criminal record, tattoos)

So then after turning over our surveys, the waiting begins. I had some time to take in the crowd, and ask a few girls some questions. I met one who had called in sick to work that day and traveled from St. Louis just to be there for the audition. There were others with photo collages of themselves and resume books to submit – obviously desperate to be famous on the show.

There was even 1 toolbag guy who had shown up to audition for THE Bachelor. Seriously, man. Little do you know, ABC is just joking when they encourage everyone to audition to be the next Bachelor, and Bentley or Blake or some other clown from Ashley’s season will get the job.

Here’s a quick shot of the scene downstairs:

So an hour and 3 Blue Moons later into this waiting game, they finally called our names to go upstairs to the interrogation chamber. It looked a little creepy up there, and we knew we were in ABC territory.

It was just missing the signature Pier 1 decor and some spooky candles on the walls.

So then the actual fun started. We had to hold a white board up to our chest with our name and phone number and get photographed in multiple directions, criminal style. We were then escorted over to a couch for a one-on-one interview with a “producer” – who, in my case, was just a sloppy, half-asleep dude eating some stale RockIt pizza.

Questions this time around were a little more personal, and based on topics like family, friends, work history, relationship history, and in general, why do we want to be on the show and are we genuinely looking to get married (in 6 weeks to a guy that we’ve just met). In the spirit of undercover research, I played along and said absolutely.

And that was it! After a few more quick body shots (literally panning my body up and down with his home video camera from all angles, how awkward), I was done! Their final instructions were that they’d follow up with me by the end of June, but I’m not holding my breath, considering it’s June 29 already and I totally forgot to submit my bikini photo collage that night.

Big thanks to my friends Toccara, Brittany, and Jen who were my accomplices that night, and are faithful ATR readers!

If any of you guys get casted, you know AcceptThisRose will be there to cover the whole thing.

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If anyone else has tried out for the Bachelor, let us know! We’d love hear about your experience.

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Bachelorette Season 7 Fantasy League

Fantasy Bachelorette League, Week 6

June 28, 2011 – 11:50 am

Congrats to Lizzy P. and Amber H. for guessing Mickey and Blake would go home last night!

Amber H. has now slid into the #1 spot, tied with reigning champ, Lily P/V at 11 points.

In second place is Ethan S. with 10 points.

In third place, Lizzy P. is holding on with 9 points.

Good luck to everyone next time!

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Bachelorette Season 7

Bachelorette Episode 5 Recap

June 21, 2011 – 9:34 pm

I don’t know about you guys, but in my opinion, this is the worst season of The Bachelor or Bachelorette I’ve ever watched. Last week I was bored, and this week I was officially annoyed. That being said, I definitely LOLzed a few times this week, and that’s what we should focus on.

This week starts off with a new location – another new chance for Ashley to forget about Bentley – Chiang Mai, Thailand.

Ben F. gets the first 1-on-1 date card and Ashley takes him to explore the city. They do lots of arts and crafts and get a chance YET AGAIN to talk about what a brilliant artist he is. They speculate if the professional umbrella painter can paint elephants – probably not as good as you, Ben.

They talk about placing his fine works of art on their mantle one day and make a bunch of cheesy proposal jokes that aren’t worthy of being noted on this blog. At this point, my anger level is at about a level 3.

Then the couple visits this ancient temple where they pretend make out in their heads. So hot. Anger level is at a 6 now…

Next the conversation gets more serious and Ben F. brings up his father who passed away just 4 and a half years ago and how hard it was to deal with. Ashley asked what finally “snapped him out of it?”

They “make out” (which is really just 1 totally lame kiss being looped with shots of fireworks in between) and we all fall asleep.

Back at the house, William is REALLY letting himself go.

Lucas – maybe keep your shirt on.

Next up on the group date, the guys are going boxing!! This is going to be SO MUCH FUN! During the warm-up, Ames gives himself a mild concussion which he will later blame on Ryan P.

Then the guys get to fight each other. Blake kicks Lucas in the ribs and wins, Mickey kicks JP’s ass round 1, but JP comes back to seal the deal in round 2. Ryan P. barely beats the already concussed Ames in pink shorts. Constantine somehow beats Nick, and now Ames doesn’t feel like himself.

Everyone is really concerned, especially JP and Constantine.

Ames is rushed to the hospital to get his head checked, and the guys put on a change of clothes and grab some champagne to celebrate.

Here is my favorite quote of the night – right before Ames returns from the hospital – “If anyone could wear pink shorts… oh hey Ames!”

During some one-on-one time, Blake tells Ashley that love is a marathon, not a sprint. He tells her he’s feeling a little insecure (or Ashley tells him he’s feeling insecure) and they totally connect on that level so he gets a pity rose.

Lucas – God bless him – asks Ashley what her type is, and before she can give a thoughtful answer, he says Bentley. “Oh my God, how did you know that?” Anger. Rising…

The look on Ames’ face during the toast makes me wonder if he should be drinking right now…

Now to the dreaded 2-on-1 date. Ashley, William and Ben C. are going river rafting. Er, Ben C. and Ashley are going river rafting, and William’s just steering the boat and checking in on them occasionally. So William decides to throw Ben C. under the bus and tell Ashley he’s ready to go home because he’s looking forward to dating sites.

She immediately goes to Ben and sends him home without even giving him an opportunity to explain.

Anger. Level 10.

First of all, why does Ashley think people go on The Bachelorette? I’ve got a few reasons.
1) To promote themselves or something.
2) To become the next Bachelor/Bachelorette.
3) To possibly find love, but if not, at least they’ll be the hottest single Bachelor/ette in their hometown.

NO ONE GOES ON THE BACHELOR ACTUALLY THINKING THEY ARE GOING TO WIN. NO ONE. NOT ASHLEY, NOT BEN C., NOT WILLIAM – NOT ANYONE ELSE.

For God’s sake Ashley, Ben C. was a nice guy and was the most romantic of the bunch. If anyone were to really think they were going to fall in love with someone on national TV, it would be Ben. He probably made a joke in passing that if he doesn’t win, at least he could date whoever he wanted back in New Orleans. I’m sure the other guys feel the same way.

Dear Ben: You have been my favorite since Day 1 and although I’m the cynical, sarcastic point of view on this blog, I actually thought your hopeless romanticism was a little cute. I hope you find the girl of your dreams back in New Orleans or on OK Cupid or whatever you were imagining, but listen to me – you have dodged a bullet my friend. God has spared you.

Prince William didn’t stand a chance either, and he was sent home for being too childish. Duh. His parting words were really creepy and disturbing. He’s obviously an emotional rollercoaster – maybe they were right for each other all along.

I finally came out of my anger daze to hear Ashley babbling again about her damn insecurities and just in time to see her toss the rose into the fire.

Okay, I’m settling down. Time for the cocktail party. Ashley says just one more time she totally understands if no one will ever fall in love with her. Ryan P. is the first to jump in and reassure her. Guess what Ryan? Your time is short-lived. The little swoop in and save me bit only gets you so far. No way she’s keeping you around ’til the end.

Constantine is soaking wet and says he’s more into the guys than Ashley.

JP is totally jealous. She loves that.

Before Ashley can do the rose ceremony, she has another intervention sit down with Chris Harrison. Chris, please talk some sense into her. Ashley tells Chris that she knows he’s going to be mad at her, but she still can’t stop thinking about – guess who – Bentley. “That’s not normal,” she says. “No,” Chris replies. He currently has his lawyers looking into his contract to see how he can get out of this mess.

But Chris tells her he’ll see if he can get Bentley to fly out to check in on her. With new found hope, Ashley sends Nick home.

I give up.

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Bachelorette Season 7 Fantasy League

Fantasy Bachelorette League Results, Week 5

June 21, 2011 – 7:46 am

Last night, Ashley sent home Ben C., William and Nick. Congrats to the following winners this week who selected TWO guys correctly:

Ethan S., Amber H., Heather L. and Lily P/V!

Here is the entire leader board so far this season – there’s still plenty of time (and don’t forget about that 5 point bonus question from earlier in the season):

Lily P/V – 10
Ethan S. – 9
Amber H. – 9
Heather L. – 8
Tammy H. – 7
Lizzy P. – 7
Britta V. – 6
Matthew J. – 5
Cammie L. – 5
Amanda H. – 5
Ben B. – 5
Chrystal Z. – 5
Cheryl B. – 5
Erika P. – 4
Kerrie G. – 4
Ashley R. – 4
Heidi K. – 4
Kristin V. – 3
Ali T. – 3
Molly R. – 3
Nick T. – 3
Mike M. – 3
Carisa D. – 3
Nicki C. – 3
Elena T. – 2
Kati S. – 2
Victoria – 2
Chris K. – 1
Dawn B. – 1
Ann M. – 0
Edwina P. – 0
Alesandra – 0

If you don’t see your name or you think your score may be incorrect, please feel free to contact hello [@] acceptthisrose.com

 

 

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Random Fun

Bachelorette Season 7 Lookalikes

June 17, 2011 – 8:52 am

I had so much fun laughing at the similarities between Quasimodo and Ames in Episode 4, I couldn’t stop.

Here are some of my favorite Season 7 Lookalikes. Did I miss any?

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Bachelorette Season 7

Bachelorette Episode 4 Recap

June 17, 2011 – 1:01 am

Episode 4 begins in the Bachelor Mansion, with all men wearing their typical morning attire of blue and gray sweats on the sunken living room couches– except for Ryan, who of course is fully dressed, caffeinated, and perched with anticipation.

Chris Harrison enters the living room to say the exact same 5 sentences that he has said for the past 21 seasons of this show: “Fellas, Good Morning. 3 dates: Two 1-on-1 date and one group date. Roses up for grabs on all the dates. As for who’s going, you’ll find out more as the date cards arrive….”

And then he ends with a curveball, telling the guys that their time in Villa de la Vina has come to a close – they need to get out now so that the cleaning crews can flip and sterilize this place for Bachelor Pad 2.

So why not? We’re going to Thailand.

After countless seasons in Europe and last season in Africa, I think ABC is running out of options. Plus, I’m sure the Thailand department of tourism was totally on board with this. (Side note: did anyone catch the foreshadowing of the Asian living room décor??)

IMMEDIATELY upon the destination announcement, all guys jump up in a masculine display of excitement complete with grabbing, punching, and chest bumping like some sort of backyard frat bash.

It was getting so violent that all I could get were blurry screenshots:

So onto Thailand. We arrive in Thailand to find Ashley wandering around the Phuket beaches alone, wearing a see-through wife beater and some children’s shorts. I hate to say it, but ABC IS succeeding in keeping our eyes off of her face. She is reminiscing about – what else? Bentley.

“I think it’s obvious that I’m really affected by Bentley leaving. So as much as I’m trying to put my best food forward, I think the other guys probably feel neglected, like they don’t matter, and if I were in their shoes I’d be upset.”

It’s obvious that Ashley needs some time away to realize that she has 12 dudes here that actually like her, and don’t talk like they’re stoned. I mean, I know “Bachelor time” feel like years, but you seriously only knew him for a week and half, Ashley. How was he “the one”?

Because she has somehow forgotten that the producers have planned every minute, rose, drink, kiss, date, and outfit for her for the next 6 weeks, Ashley wanders up to the hotel “navigator”, Annie, to get some advice about what to do when you’re bored in Thailand. Annie is probably appalled at Ashley’s inappropriate spring break attire but politely declines from commenting.

Meanwhile, the guys arrive in Thailand. We catch some of their travels via the flipcams that the producers gave them. In the background, we hear Asian music, flutes, and tribal drums.

ABC even threw one of their classic cartoon maps in there – I seriously love these things.

Once they arrive and check in, the men stretch shoulder to shoulder across the resort balcony, stick out their chests, and survey their new bachelor pad together in a ceremonial gesture.

The Bens are looking good. Constantine is not. Ames is bored because he’s been here 5 times and knows everything. Ryan is twitching. Lucas actually says something.

And with that, we enter into one of the most boring one-on-one dates in Bachelor history:

Date #1, Constantine: Let’s Sea Phuket Together.”

There are so many things I’m wondering about this less-attractive Josh Groban look-a-like. Why Is he still on the show? What is with that name? WHY is he wearing bright orange shorts and 90’s Adidas slides?!?!

And WHERE is Nick’s 1-on-1 date?!?

Constantine meets Ashley down on the docks, where she explains that their date will be on a private island and they will get there via a tiny boat in a category 4 hurricane and it was be TOTALLY FUN!!!!

Constantine, being the big immature ogre that he is, replies: “Are you kidding me right now?! Let’s DO this! Hell yeah!”

A small native fisherman approaches and breaks the news to them that this will not, in fact, be happening today. ABC has bribed Mother Nature to crash Ashley’s party once again, this time, with torrential rain and “big wave.” The best part about this is that the guy speaks absolutely no English, which is no problem for Ashley because she’s fluent in hand gestures.

So instead of the island, we’re taken to a local marketplace for the day to shop and booze it up.

Ashley tells us that there’s “definite chemistry” between her and Constantine and they talk a lot about love being not just about winning. Did we forget that we’re on a competitive reality show where the POINT is to win the girl? Those roses are like touchdowns to these guys, it’s definitely about winning.

Back @ the resort, we catch a glimpse of JP, Ben F, and Blake giggling like 12 year old girls at a slumber party over who has and has not kissed Ashley.

They also prank call Chris Harrison and Navigator Annie.

Unfortunately, we’re taken back to the nighttime portion of the Ashley and Constantine’s date, which is just as boring as the daytime portion.

I did like how Ashley’s beach dress perfectly matched the Pier 1 magenta-and-tangerine beach cabana, and Constantine came forward with some pretty thoughtful comments to make Ashley feel better. I started to think that maybe these two would be good together – he seems like a sweet guy, and more realistic than some of the flawless types (i.e. Mickey) back @ the resort.

Long story short, Constantine got a rose, Ashley leaped onto his Goliath body, and they frocklicked in the ocean waves together, Ashley shrieking.

Date #2, Group Date: “Let’s Make the World a Better Place.”

Ben F, JP, Blake, Mickey, West, Ben C, Nic, Lucas, William, and Ryan

Today the group will be visiting a local orphanage to clean and fix the place up for the kids that live there. Not only a great thing to do, but also smart – guys doing manual labor for charity is hot. Aaaaaand it’s raining, again. I love it.

Immediately all of the guys praise Ashley for her generous choice of activities for today, but we all know that she doesn’t make any decisions on this journey. That’s up to Mark Fleiss. We also find out quickly that the guys are starting to hate Ryan, as he takes charge and bosses everyone around all day, yelling random annoying things like “Peace and Productivity” and looking around frantically for more people to micromanage. For a minute it was like an episode of The Apprentice and the project tension was great.

Meanwhile, Ben F is still being awesome and hipster, painting a mural in a stocking hat in another room.

+5 points for Ben F.

And then the kids arrived to see their new digs and it was really cute:

Later that night, Ashley hosts a pool party for all the dudes but unfortunately we don’t get any good hot tub or pool scenes out of it. We have to find out from DELETED SCENES that Nick’s body is unreal. WTF ABC – what part of the ACTUAL footage was interesting?

Ben F finally gets a good makeout sesh in with Ashley, only to ruin it with his now-infamous “Ruh Roh” line. Ryan continues to be annoying and calls Ashley “freakin’ rad.” Cool, Ryan.

Ashley is wearing some sort of see-through fishing net over a purple bikini, and it’s falling off all over the place.

So finally, in an act of pure masculinity, JP show all the other guys how it’s done by stealing Ashley, taking her out to the beach in the rain, making out with her, and then carrying her, dripping, back to the party. The other guys are shocked and silenced with shame.

Ashley also says she loves his bald head. I think every woman in America loves his bald head by this point.

Back at the party, Ashley is ready to give out the date rose, but WAIT. Ryan wants to talk to her again. And here was my favorite moment of the episode. Are you ready?

The interruption, the awkwardness, the death glares, were all to just SAY…………basically nothing:

“Just wanted to………..you know……just say that uh, I just, uh, look forward to having more conversations with you. That’s all. Yeah. Looking forward to uh, seeing you soon.”

AS IN: 5 seconds later back @ the party?! LOLOLOL.

And then Lucas calls him a Goober. The man that doesn’t speak WOULD come up with that gem.

Date #3, Ames: “It’s More Romantic in the Rain”

Ok so first off, before we get to the date, I have to say this: Ames totally looks like the Hunchback of Notre Dame. Does anyone else see this?

Had to get that off my chest. More on season lookalikes soon….

Ok so Ames and Ashley are going to be kayaking through some amazing looking caves today.

Ames literally prances barefoot down the boardwalk in his white shorts to meet Ashley, and they are wearing complimentary blue shirts.

Ames uses the initial boat ride to let Ashley know that he’s been to Thailand before, twice. And 69 other countries. He’s taken more classes, has more degrees, and knows more languages than she’ll ever be familiar with, all by the age of 31. I can’t tell if he’s funny or cocky. TBD….

So then they jump in a kayak and row through some amazing looking caves, and Ames throws a metaphor out there : “navigating these caves is exactly like navigating a relationship.” Which Ivy League degree was in prose?

So then they settle down for some gossip and ice cream and I realize that Ames is really just her gay BFF, only funny and with a hot bod. There is no chemistry at all between the 2 of them.

So then they move onto dinner, and again things don’t really progress romantically. Overall, there’s a lot of thought-provoking Q&A, some big words out of Ames, giggling, and Ashley’s comments on their twinsie outfits. This may be the most boring episode of The Bachelor(ette) ever.

My favorite moment of the dinner is when Ashley compares herself to Ames – intellectually. I wonder if he was offended that she was basically insinuating that her dental assistant’s certificate is equal to his 3 Ivy League degrees?

In the end, Ames gets a rose, but Ashley doesn’t kiss him. (Sidenote: you might want to wonder if something’s up if Ashley hasn’t kissed you – she’s generous with those.)

Rose Ceremony

So the post-ceremony cocktail party was pretty uneventful, except for a couple of small side conversations:

  • West tries to convince Ashley that yes, she can fill the shoes of his deceased wife
  • Lucas is divorced and wants to get back in the game again
  • Blake tells Ryan that everyone hates him and Ryan has some thoughts on it:

“It’s ridiculous, it’s preposterous. I mean ok, what? You can’t hang with the fact that I’m freakin’ happy a lot? What? I’m sorry. I’m sorry I’m not grumpy. My bad. I guess I should just be grumpy. It has been raining a lot – maybe I should be grumpy? But sorry. I’m in Phuket, Thailand. It’s kind of nice.”

At that point Chris Harrison finally saves the day and enters the room, just off of his long flight from LA , without a trace of jet lag. He looks stunning in his fitted gray suit and skinny red tie as he advises Ashley and makes a few announcements to his “fellas”.

Ashley decides to *break the rules* and add 1 rose back in – giving her 11 choices. Of course, Chris agrees, because there are no rules in this twisted game of love.

Rose Ceremony Begins

Roses go to:

  • Lucas: why?
  • Ryan: can’t eliminate now, too much drama
  • JP: Obviously. Hot. Bald.
  • Nick: Under recognized, one of my favs this entire season. More shirtless scenes please!
  • Mickey: He’s got a free pass to the final 4, too good to be true
  • Blake: Annoying, paranoid
  • William: Hasn’t said a word since the roast

…………………and the final rose………………………

  • Ben C

    • 

West goes home. Really Ashley? Save the final 2 for the guy you just expressed concern about, and the hot, funny, successful guy we already know you like? Not suspenseful at all.

A better outcome would have been for Ashley to send WILLIAM home, after dragging him all the way to Thailand, forcing him to do manual labor, and ignoring him all week for punishment. That would’ve been fantastic.

So next week we find out 2 things: we’ll get to see more of Thailand, and Chris Harrison personally invites Bentley back to crash the show and confuse Ashley even more. Can’t wait.

Did we really think we could get rid of him that fast?

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Tell us: are you excited to see Bentley back?

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Bachelorette Season 7

Danielle’s Favoritist Most Awkwardest Moment of Bachelorette Season 7

June 14, 2011 – 10:37 am

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Bachelorette Season 7 Fantasy League

Fantasy Bachelorette League Results, Week 4

June 14, 2011 – 10:29 am

Last night, Ashley sent West home because she either suspected he wasn’t ready to commit to a new relationship – or the police asked he be extradited back to the US since he is still a suspect in an ongoing homicide investigation.

Anyway, congrats to Ethan S., Amber H., and Britta V. for guessing West would be sent home!

Here is the current leaderboard:

Holding on in 1st place with 8 points is Lily P/V

Right behind her, tied for 2nd with 7 points are Ethan S., Amber H., and Lizzy P.

There’s still time to join in on the fun. Check out our fantasy league page for more info.

 

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Bachelorette Season 7

Natalie Getz Talks Bachelorette Fashion

June 10, 2011 – 10:53 am

I had the chance to sit down with Natalie and talk about the fashion highlights from this week’s episode. What did you think of JP’s PJ look? What about Ben F’s sloppy suit?

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Bachelorette Season 7

Deleted Scene: Ashley Roasts the Guys

June 9, 2011 – 8:56 pm

I can’t watch…

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