Themeless Randoms

So after watching the season finale of “I survived a Japanese game show,” where Justin Wood from Trussville Alabama won and walked away with $250,000, I started to wonder, “Who actually paid for this show?”

At first I thought it was simply a new idea for a show from ABC, but after putting more thought into it, I think that it was paid for by the Japan National Tourist Organization or a similar group over in Japan. Possibly even the government itself, considering a minister made an appearance in the final episode.

I discussed it with the girlfriend who was doubtful at first, but after asking her if she now wanted to go to Japan after watching the show and seeing the sights, she responded, “Hell Yah!”

Kudos to whoever paid for this show over in Japan… I’m sure its going to pay off bigtime.

Last week I said, “This is the fakest bitch act I’ve seen in all my reality TV watching. I hope you are second-next to go… You’d be next on my wish list, but Cathy is slightly more annoying than you.”

Looks like I somewhat got my wish as my #2 choice got the boot from I Survived a Japanese Game show. Olga tried to hang in there up to the last minute, trying to wheel and deal with the other players, but ultimately she went to the elimination round and lost.

Anyway, this episode was quite entertaining. The Pachinko parlour was quite entertaining, and I kind of felt sorry for Donnell and Meaghan having to clean the tiny little balls. I really dont think that thats an actual job, but still it made for good punishment.

Mary handing out the tissue was a real job though, as people handing that stuff out are everywhere. I remember when I was in Japan I’d usually loathe those guys trying to shove pack after pack of tissue on you, but it must have been karma as when I really needed some, I couldn’t find a tissue person anywhere!

Found this thing while cruising YouTube last night, and found it to be quite funny. With my post about I Survived a Japanese Game Show yesterday, I decided to see if I could track down the real thing.

This shows people that are actually famous in Japan, and are doing a typical skit based on my kinda (and apparently most Japanese people’s) humor. Gotta love that slapping machine!!

Somehow I didn’t hear about this show being filmed or anything, but holy crap am I glad that I caught the premiere of “I Survived a Japanese Game Show”! This show features 10 Americans, caught in the world of a wacky Japanese game show. Of course what makes this seem WAY better than a lot of the seeminly scripted reality shows as of late, is that none of the contestants knew what they were getting in to! No idea they were going to Japan, no idea at all, right up till the point when they were live on the set of “Majide!”! What a beauty set-up!

The premiere was about all 10 of them arriving in Japan, being shouted at by a typical oba-san, who they called mama-san in the show, and trying to get used to where they were. No time to get over the jet lag at all here folks, just a big Japanese slap in the face, and a wil to fight for the grand prize of $250,000.

Let’s meet our contestants:

MARY GREENAWALT (23)
Matthews, North Carolina

ABC says: With her bright red hair and devil-may-care attitude, Mary is the epitome of a fireball. Admittedly vain, this vixen has a healthy love of herself and a low opinion of others. She’s incredibly silly and relies on her pixieish charm to get by, and even gets paid for being a “party motivator” — a job tailor made for this wild child.
I say: Very cute and spunky… she also has her own website and blog at http://www.marygreenawalt.com/

ANDREW KELLY-HAYES (28)
Boston, Massachusetts

ABC says: With his hilarious stories and off-the-wall energy, this flip flop-wearing funnyman could be a long-lost Belushi brother. Whether he’s schmoozing old ladies at Bingo, harassing strangers while on “Smile Patrol” or joining his college cheerleading team to meet hot girls, Andrew has a reputation for being a nut.
I say: Gotta love the Boston accent… Who knows how this guys skills will develop, but he put in a good effort in episode one, and was one of the stronger characters.

BILENDA MADISON (38)
Charlotte, North Carolina

ABC says: This independent, career focused woman is a feisty veterinarian who puts making money and friends before any romantic relationships. Bilenda’s confidence is evident in her vivacious and spunky — yet poised — persona.
I say: Looks like she has natural attitude, not fake like some of the others that should have been sent to the elimination round.

CATHY NARDONE (21)
Staten Island, New York

ABC says: Happily born and raised in Staten Island, New York, Cathy is “Staten Island for life” with no plans or desires to ever leave. This brutally honest tough chick has a mouth like a sailor and will “swear to God” she’s not to be messed with in the slightest.
I say: This one thinks she is WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY hotter than she actually is. Here is a tip, loose the 14 year old, trying out eye makeup for the first time look, and try to keep both eyes equally open. Oh wait a minute, I forgot you are still “Cathy from the block”… or Jenny from the block… whoever you think you are.

DARCY SLETAGER (31)
Sandpoint, Idaho

ABC says: This small town, single mom is in desperate need of an escape from her lackluster life of the cubicles and from the dating scene of Sandpoint, Idaho. Always putting her kids first, Darcy feels it’s time to take herself off the back burner and get back to the fiery blonde she used to be.
I say: She was absolute garbage during the first game, and deservedly got sent to the elimination round and then given the boot off the show. It would suck to go first, but someone has to do it.

DONNELL PITMAN (32)
Chicago, Illinois

ABC says: Although Donnell is usually loud and energetic, this “All American” dad is struggling to provide for his family and fulfill his shattered dreams of playing pro football. Donnell has competition coursing through his veins and would love the opportunity to prove to his family that he can be greater than what they’ve seen so far.
I say: Looks like he is going to be a good competitor, and will probably go far, unless this show turns into a (lets make teams, and gang up and kick people off) kinda thing. Doubt it though as they still have to compete to get kicked off, instead of just being voted off.

JUSTIN WOOD (24)
Trussville, Alabama

ABC says: Charming and good looking, Justin describes himself as a “divine, fine and genuine-grade-A piece of southern beast.” A true southern gentleman, complete with the “twang,” Justin is a fish-loving, hunting, girl-chasing guru at heart.
I say: Can’t help but notice how shocked he looked to be in Japan and to be dealing with everything being thrown at him during the game show. Seems like the quiet type that may be able to hang in there for the long haul.

MEAGHAN COOPER (22)
San Antonio, Texas

ABC says: Despite being born and raised in San Antonio, Meaghan is the spitting image of a blonde California Valley girl. Hot, ditzy and free-spirited, she uses her sex appeal to her advantage in both her work and personal life. And, of course, she loves to be the center of attention.
I say: For some reason I have zero recollection of this one… I’ll have to pay closer attention next time.

OLGA MEDVEDEV (26)
Medford, Massachusetts

ABC says: Olga’s “don’t-mess-with-me attitude” comes off quite abrasive, if you’re not ready for it, but who can blame her, coming from a Russian family with eight brothers? Not easily forgotten, this opinionated waitress is hilarious and comical with her “tell it like it is” way of life.
I say: This is the fakest bitch act I’ve seen in all my reality TV watching. I hope you are second-next to go… You’d be next on my wish list, but Cathy is slightly more annoying than you.

BEN HUGHES (44)
Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania

ABC says: He’s lovable, he’s comical, admittedly in the midst of a mid-life crisis, and he’s the official handler of Punxsutawney Phil, the ground hog. Who wouldn’t fall in love with this modest, cheerful and quirky character?
I say: Seems like the odd one out, but if he plays his cards right he may be the sleeper in this game.

Yeah I’m a huge fan of the cop dramas, and was rabid about The Shield, until I blew through all the episodes and have been stuck waiting for the new (last?) season to start. I’m not sure if the writers strike is to blame for the delay in getting the next season going, but whatever it is, the boys at the Farm need to move on and get this thing rolling. The way they left us hanging during the final episode to date is enough to make me twist.

I guess one advantage of The Shield not being shown is my discovery of The Wire. I had friends saying that The Wire was far better than The Shield was from day one, but I never gave wire a chance since I was so involved in the shield. Now that I have some non shield time to play with, the wire has grabbed my attention and kept it. I’m almost done season 3, and itching for more. I know this series is over, but I still feel like I have plenty to watch as there are still more than 2 seasons for me to enjoy.

Anyway, does anyone have another recommendation for me? Once I finish the wire, and if the shield isn’t back, I’ll be itching for something else.

After a few weeks of resigning to the fact that David Archuleta was the run away favorite to win American Idol, I was very pleased to see that the real star got 56% of the votes, and we have a winner that is not just the cookie cutter result of being cute in the eyes of screaming text-message-fanatic 15 year old girls across the country.

David Cook was far and away the best singer and performer in this years show, and that I can remember for a long time. Carrie Underwood, who I’ll reference later, is still the best, but Cook showed originality and presence that the karaoke kid could only dream to match one day.

On the Tuesday night final performance show, Simon was pretty blatant in stating that the karaoke kid was his favorite, and slammed Cook. Cook was able to say with a straight face that he performed the songs that he wanted to and the confidence spilled over into the voting audience. From what I’ve read the voters nation wide banded together to ensure a victory for the real star, and not to be outdone by the text-mania of the 15 year olds cheering for the karaoke kid. 90 some million votes, 56% of them for Cook… Congrats to Cook and best of luck in the future… To the dad of the karaoke kid, who has been counting on his meal ticket son ever since the star search days… better keep your day job!

On a side note, the show was actually pretty good, with some really good performances from ZZ Top, Bryan Adams, One Republic, George Michael, etc, but the show was stolen by past idol winner Carrie Underwood.

If you watched the show, saw that outfit, and heard the voice, you know why she is the most popular idol ever. Not to mention the top female vocalist at the ACM awards show.

Awesome show last night!

Link: American Idol

Link: Carrie Underwood

Well congratulations to the one that I didn’t pick to win. His googley eyes and non stop trash talk put me off, but low and behold he was voted the winner. If I was there I would have voted Ryan, but when it really comes down to it, Adam played the game the best and deserved to win.

Also congratulations to James who was voted America’s favorite juror! If I was somehow able to get through the flash on my iPhone I would have cast my vote for him as well. He battled hard, and stuck around way longer than anyone thought or wanted. Good job to both of you, bigger pat on the back to James for being the ultimate favorite.

Ok I admit it, the girlfriend and I are huge fans of American Idol. I never thought that I’d get into a show like this because I’ve always had the “if there isn’t guitar, I’m not listening” mentality, but this season I’ve started watching and now I’m hooked.

Anyway the big news from last night is that Carly Smithson got the boot. After watching the Tuesday night performances I’d say that she was hardly the worst one of the group. While Brooke White is still my favorite, she was hands down the worst and many thought for sure that she would get the boot last night.

Judges guessed that good looks and popularity kept certain people alive this week, and caused Carly and Syesha to end up in the bottom two. Syesha had hands down the best performance on Tuesday night, but the voters placed her in the bottom two. How she got there is still beyond me, but I don’t vote so I guess I can’t complain that much.

Till next week…