tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70397889159513556132024-03-19T16:01:09.788-07:00a lil bit of mea nw girl taking on nyAli Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05781772854867881917noreply@blogger.comBlogger59125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039788915951355613.post-42948488355741883972012-01-24T08:11:00.000-08:002012-01-24T08:11:54.016-08:00Recapping BachelorThe editing this season has been really interesting. They are trying REALLY hard to make it dramatic and fuel certain fires. You can almost see the producers creating conversations, bringing people together to address certain subjects, etc. Also, knowing how the spoilers say this plays out, it has been interesting to watch how the “would-be soul mates” are portrayed. <br />
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In the past couple months, ABC filed suit against <a target-blank href="http://realitysteve.com/">Reality Steve</a>, the guy who broke the Jason Mesnick news and has been an all-star of a spoiler since… so that’ is going on right now – concurrent to this season airing. An interesting lens through which to watch the season.<br />
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Kacie B bothers me more and more every episode. News flash – You are on a reality show in which dozens of girls are dating the same guy. And kiss him. And you all live in the same house. And you never eat. And you drink a lot. Of alcohol. Deal…Ali Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05781772854867881917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039788915951355613.post-3356694904398469502012-01-02T23:05:00.001-08:002012-01-02T23:10:28.476-08:00She's baaaaaaaaaaaackAnd so is the Bachelor.<br />
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Oh hello Ben. Oh hello Chris. So great to have the most dramatic rose ceremony ever and the most shocking cocktail party ever back in my life.<br />
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Disclaimer – I have read the spoilers for this season, I will be making no predictions as they would not be uninformed. I have integrity. I will not lie to both of my blog readers. SO – we’ll just make fun of the best love fake emotions can buy.<br />
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Can we stop referring to the Bachelor as Ben F? Last time I checked, he was the only guy on the show, let alone the only Ben. Come on… let’s let the guy have his moment in the spotlight of 25 adoring women (well, if the previews are to be believed, then 24 girls and an old lady).<br />
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I really love me a skinny tie. The awkward zipping up the pants and tightening the belt montage? Well, let’s say the feelings are far from love for that little gem.<br />
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“The worst has happened to me.” -Ben (not F)<br />
“Yes. Well, we hope.” -Chris<br />
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Let the games begin!<br />
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A quick sampling of the best one-liners on the night:<br />
“You live and you learn, right? Next time sash, hat and the grandma.”<br />
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“Tell us about your hat.”<br />
“Well, I rode a horse in.”<br />
“A girl rode in on a horse. How am I supposed to beat that?”<br />
“Screw you and the horse you rode in on.”<br />
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“I am the most fortunate man on the planet…This is going to be ridiculous.”<br />
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“See this, this is my heart. And this is the key to my heart.” Wait, did he she say “Guide and protect my heart?” No, it said love is patient, love is kind. <br />
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“It was really hard to have a conversation with him obviously when he was blindfolded. And being fed different sorts of candy. From a…garbage sack.” <br />
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“I’m…better than them.”<br />
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“How do you maintain sanity?” I wouldn’t ever come to you, Jenna, for that answer.Ali Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05781772854867881917noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039788915951355613.post-51797252184313779272011-01-03T14:38:00.000-08:002011-01-03T14:38:53.959-08:00Pre-Gaming the Bachelor 1/3I hate Mondays for a lot of reasons. An unusually full inbox. An eager alarm clock. A hangover from late-night Sunday shows (Mad Men and Brothers and Sisters anyone?). A five-day wait for the next weekend.<br />
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Today, I loathe them less. Today, the umpteenth season of The Bachelor franchise begins. Today, Brad Womack <strike>begins</strike> resumes his quest for true love via fame-seeking twenty-somethings. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaTyXoRTuH-j7Z_kpAwo-CWsphgXeleaCIozoCbber8ea6vddG2wA8IajwwPTZVntGCbE65G0HFZ793d2xW-8rCUA146IvDTclcOTzL7IN-5H00yEqzGPAJnHTrT7ny3vaWYMUcmFCSzDV/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-01-03+at+5.36.34+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="107" width="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaTyXoRTuH-j7Z_kpAwo-CWsphgXeleaCIozoCbber8ea6vddG2wA8IajwwPTZVntGCbE65G0HFZ793d2xW-8rCUA146IvDTclcOTzL7IN-5H00yEqzGPAJnHTrT7ny3vaWYMUcmFCSzDV/s200/Screen+shot+2011-01-03+at+5.36.34+PM.png" /></a></div><br />
Am I excited? In a word - YES. I was out of the country for Brad's first go at love, and will only get the therapy-laden version of the forty-something and all the artificial drama ABC can create. You know where I'll be every Monday night. I hope you join...<br />
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<i>Disclaimer: Last season I showed incredible promise in the business of predictions. Please keep your expectations in check. I'm not sure I have what it takes to make a repeat performance. But I'll sure try.</i>Ali Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05781772854867881917noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039788915951355613.post-54506727159135026932010-08-16T14:23:00.001-07:002010-08-16T14:30:06.631-07:00a [nearly] momentous occasiontoday at about 3:48, i stepped away from my desk and realized that i had gone the whole day without eating cake, candy or cookies - the three c's of death at hunter pr. our kitchen is commonly filled with confectionary masterpieces, or just really yummy and fattening foods. hence, i can no longer wear the skirt i wore while interviewed. note to self, stop woofing down the crap.<br /><br />so, i congratulated myself for making it through [nearly] the whole day without a sugar-filled snack. then, i ate a cookie. then, i ate another. congrats, ali?Ali Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05781772854867881917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039788915951355613.post-49675785575159063212010-08-02T20:48:00.000-07:002010-08-02T20:55:38.940-07:00A Bachelorette retrospectiveOne word: <span style="font-weight:bold;">epic</span>. <br /><br />Of all the seasons, I think Ali has the best two guys left. Two guys who are legit men. Good guys. Would be attractive outside the context of the show. Well done, Ali. Props to you… you’ve done our name proud.<br /><br />I was a little too emotionally invested in this episode to blog while it was happening! So you left-coasters, be warned. This is a retrospective.<br /><br />I must say, Ali and Roberto are my favorite couple since Andrew and Jen Schefft (she’s pregnant!). I’ve waited a long time since Season 3. Naively, I think these two will beat the Bachelor odds. <br /><br />And, for a girl who has an insatiable appetite for all things celebrity and social media, I was surprisingly pleased that Reality Steve got it wrong this season! Who is Reality Steve? He became a household name when he accurately leaked the Jason Mesnick-Melissa Rycroft (she’s pregnant!)-Molly Malaney story. And he’s been full of spoilers ever since. ABC reportedly hired private investigators to find the moles and this season it proved to be a success since weeks ago Steve claimed Ali picked no one. His sources said our Bachelorette stayed, well, as a bachelorette. He was wrong. And I smile. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">W</span><span style="font-weight:bold;">hat we learned about Ali tonight</span><br />She has balls, she’s sincere and not a single guy she sent home can say anything bad about her. That’s commendable. I think she was maybe the best Bachelorette we ever had. I appreciated that she gave each guy individual reasons for leaving or staying, and that she would rather be barefoot than in heels. Letting Chris go a day early was the most genuine thing she did all season. She didn’t let him look at rings, and prepare to propose when she clearly was in love with another guy. Girl’s got balls. Seeing Chris reunited with Ali after the rose, he was still vulnerable and boyishly in love with her. He posed a great question when he asked Ali what she learned from their relationship. In true Ali form, her answer is not as good as the question – she was clearly unprepared for that! <br /><br />Her family clearly loved both guys, and her parents were great. While talking to R about her impressions of their relationship, Mama F. cried. And then he grabbed her hand. And she melted. And I melted. Then she spoke awful, awful Spanish. And America melted. To a certain extent, though, I always feel bad for the parents on these shows. They didn’t sign up for a TV show, and yet they get plastered on HD screens across America. <br /><br />Tonight we learned Ali is genuinely happy. That she found security and safety in a relationship. That she has supremely good taste in men!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">What we learned about Chris tonight</span><br />He loved Ali. He was confident in his relationship with her. But Chris was thankful for the opportunity to find love and is hopeful to find it again. The next Bachelor? Remember, you heard it here first. That was my prediction since day 1. Literally. Let’s see if his shattered mirror of a broken heart can mend in time. Come on, Chris. We need more of you in High-Def.<br /><br />I feel the rainbow deserves a moment of it’s own. Chris’s experience with the rainbow was touching. Uninhibited. Pure. Raw. Genuine. I can’t lie – I may have teared up a little bit. That was such an intimate moment he was able to share that was perfectly hopeful in a moment when he was perfectly broken. Beautiful. <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />What we learned about Roberto tonight</span><br />He is every bit as attractive as I thought he was all season. That last scene, in the suit, in which he proposed to Ali, he might have been the best looking guy on the planet. I was floored. Home boy is hot! He makes Ali giddy, and that beat out a solid friendship/relationship. Can’t say I blame her.<br /><br />R drives fast enough to fulfill Ali’s sense of adventure! She likes that about him. She doesn’t like that about Chris and his Driving Miss Daisy moped skills. <br /><br />I was most impressed by R when he asked her mom how he can make Ali happy for the rest of her life. He really loves that girl and the fact that Ali is so secure in that love says a lot. <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />What we learned about Ali tonight</span><br />No, not THAT Ali, THIS Ali! I want to go to Tahiti. And Bora Bora. And Tahiti. And Bora Bora. Yesterday. It’s a little cost prohibitive right now, but it’s something to look forward to. Saving. My. Pennies. <br /><br />Apparently, I not only hate when I’m vulnerable, I also hate when other people are vulnerable! I hate vulnerability in all of it's vulnerable forms. I was physically nervous for Chris. Every time he talked about his future with Ali, and proposing to her, my chest tightened up. My stomach was in knots. I felt like I needed to warn him and lock up his heart again so it wouldn’t shatter. I guess I still need to work on those vulnerability and control issues!<br /><br />Don’t agree with me? Sound off below. I know not everyone like Ali as much as this Ali liked her…Ali Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05781772854867881917noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039788915951355613.post-81204771702285786432010-07-26T21:55:00.000-07:002010-07-26T23:46:53.279-07:00Breaking Down the Bachelorette: The Men Tell AllWelcome to my point system. Please add your points in the comments... I would love to hear what you think.<br /><br />Chris Harrison<br />+45 The tie! Dark purple with black flowers? Yes please. Me like.<br />+56 “You’re on a glacier in Iceland…” to preface the Kasey tattoo fiasco. So. Fantastic. <br />+17 If Kasey had only known, the scrapbook was the key to Ali’s heart.<br />+28 in response to Kasey saying he’s not a singer, “I know! That’s what I was trying to tell you!”<br /><br />Ali<br />+33 For looking hot in her (first) interview with Chris.<br />+87 For the way she confronted Justin. It never gets old.<br />+62 For not remembering the details of her date with Kasey. Color me surprised.<br />-18 For apparently not firing her hair dresser and stylist. <br /><br />Frank’s dad’s<br />+88 for this toast:<br /><blockquote>From and among the greater<br />To then now and until here<br />As it was in front of before<br />Such as beyond past, presently <br />And victorious should the little ant dianetically (idk) <br />rise to Frank now and forever</blockquote><br />+43 for being the only non-series person on my list. He earned this mention!<br /><br />Jesse<br />+14 For just looking chiseled and hot. I mean, wow. And I don’t normally like white guys.<br /><br />Hunter<br />-2 For showing up when people didn’t remember him in the first place.<br /><br />Mountain Man<br />+17 One point for every word he said on this show, more than he said all season – err, one episode.<br /><br />Tyler<br />+8 For that vest – apparently I’m a sucker for vests with a shiny purple back.<br /><br />Craig R.<br />+7 For being the best interview, besides Chris L.<br />+2 For coming in with a “Hard and Fast Rule” to not say anything bad about anyone in the house.<br />+9 For breaking his “Hard and Fast Rule.” After five seconds.<br />+6 “Kase, you’re crazy.”<br />+3 For just seeming like a friend to the guys and a friend to Ali and a voice of reason.<br />+15 For calling his profession as a lawyer a “s**t detector.” Any lawyers want to weigh in on the veracity of this claim? I kind of like it.<br /><br />John C<br />-6 For Botox.<br /><br />Derrick<br />+1 For doing something memorable to merit an invitation, I just don’t remember what it was.<br /><br />Jason<br />-2 For coming on national television with a black eye.<br /><br />Steve<br />+3 For being from Cleveland. They need some love right now.<br /><br />Chris N. <br />-12 Two words: Spray. Tan.<br />+43 For wearing a “Phantom” shirt.<br />-6 For explaining said “Phantom” shirt.<br />-16 “Self promote himself.” It’s redundant. It’s repetitive.<br />-16 “Self promote himself.” (see above)<br /><br />Kirk<br />+8 For taking care of Ali when she was sick. I still think that was cute! He deserves retroactive points.<br />-4 For the way his jeans fit. <br />-64 For the death stare. I didn’t need to see that again. Ever.<br />+44 “This sucks.” One of my fav phrases.<br /><br />Weatherman<br />-189 “She was almost mystical.” The man is still single. Shocking.<br />-17 For wearing that jacket.<br />-33 For the tongue-sticking-out incident.<br />+2 For the fake Rated-R voicemails in the credit. Hi-Larious. (should be more, but I can’t bring myself to it)<br /><br />Kasey<br />-100 For his voice.<br />-21 “You look imaginary.”<br />-77 (x3) It’s just my heart – jump in, stay a while. <br />+53 for his song! That was fantastic! The only time he should’ve sung. Ever. In his life. <br /><br />Ty<br />+12 For basically calling Kasey a stalker and knowing all the details about the show that a dude isn’t supposed to know.<br />-3 For saying “Looney Tune.” Twice.<br /><br />Justin<br />-999 For existing.<br /><br />Frank<br />Deserves no points. Boo.<br />But I must wonder, why will he be there next week on “After the Final Rose” and not this week…<br /><br />Roberto<br />+9 For not killing Ali with a champagne cork! <br />+37 For how bad he felt about “not” killing Ali. So glad we got to see this moment!<br />+123 For being Roberto. Yum.<br /><br />Chris L.<br />+83 For being hilarious. Again. He will be a great Bachelor!<br />+76 For walking out of the shower.<br /><br />ABC<br />-1467 for trying to make this a two-hour show. Stretched. Too. Thin. <br /><br />Bachelor Pad<br />+9836 For bringing Kiptyn and Tenley together. The only two sane people in that house. So excited to watch this comedic train wreck. You know where I’ll be.Ali Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05781772854867881917noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039788915951355613.post-76848167956689278202010-07-19T20:20:00.000-07:002010-08-02T10:53:08.530-07:00The Bachelorette 7/19Prediction: I think Frank is going home tonight. It’s the easy conclusion to make, but this isn't a copout. ABC has built up this plot and I'm buying it. Frank goes. Chris and Roberto in the finale. <br /><br />And here we go. I may or may not have butterflies in my stomach. Don’t judge.<br /><br />In moments like these monologues and voiceovers I wonder what the director/producer says as they are pensive, concerned, in love?<br /><br />Chris looks off into the LA sky. <br />-1 point, Chris followed a cliché with a cliché. I am going to put my cards on the table, so to speak. Fail! Please don’t do that. Ever. Again.<br /><br />Roberto spinning a baseball on his bed. Frank, brooding Frank. Welcome back and goodbye. The end. <br /><br />“As I’ve fallen in love with Ali, I’m beginning to realize I might still be in love with Nicole.”<br /><br />“I’ve been an emotional wreck.” No, really Frank? I never saw that one coming. Wool over eyes. Successful.<br /><br />Frank standing at a crossroads, an intersection if you will, in Chicago. Foreshadowing? I’m voting for yes. Well played, ABC. Well played.<br /><br />“A lifetime of love is coming to a point, right here.” Frank has been consistently underplaying his emotions for the past 8 weeks on this show, so I’m glad this is no different. Keep it subtle, Frank. Keep it subtle.<br /><br />I want to know how long they dated, how long before the show they broke up, and how long until they break up next. Curiosity peaked. Frank is in love, that’s exactly what he came on this show to do. Not quite the success story ABC was looking for, but if Frank and Nicole work out I wonder if the Bachelor franchise will take the credit. We all know they need to improve their track record…<br /><br />I’ve seen more uncomfortable, silent moments with Frank thinking and breathing to last me two more seasons. See ya, bub.<br /><br />I don’t know if Tahiti is the perfect place to fall in love, but I am falling in love with Tahiti. Not so in love with her swan dive into the water and her head flip coming out… ABC doesn’t cut short on the dramatic.<br /><br />ABC is a bit misleading in their show descriptions. They say there is an audition process prior to choosing the 25 eligible bachelors. Really, this is the audition episode. The bedroom audition. Between Chris and Roberto my vote goes for the Latin. Just a hunch. We’ll see if I’m right.<br /><br />Date 1: Roberto<br />And the string of realistic dates are over. I mean, I go on picnics. In Central Park. With MILLIONS of other New Yorkers. No uninhabited heart shaped lagoons in real life. Not. Normal. And they made out. All day. Theoretically, I might do the same thing if given the opportunity.<br /><br />I love how much Roberto struggled to tell Ali he was falling in love with her. He was genuinely uncomfortable. And his reward? The fantasy suite card. How are people surprised by this 13 seasons into this show? It happens EVERY TIME! <br /><br />Ali: “What do you think?” Followed by a seductive lip bite…<br /><br />Candidate number 1 in the sack. I mean bag. I mean… I can’t get myself out of this. Moving on.<br /><br />Date 2: Chris<br />This is the longest walk ever, Chris? THEN RUN! It really is a simple solution. <br /><br />The fact that Chris gave the bracelet, good sign. The fact that Chris got a hometown date with Ali, better sign. The fact that Frank is about to drop a loveless bomb on Ali’s heart, best sign. See you next week, Chris.<br /><br />Headlines we could have heard after this date: “Bachelorette contestant drowns in Tahiti after sought-after bachelorette tried to straddle him in the ocean.” Hi-larious.<br /><br />And then they found pearls. Right, like that wasn’t staged. I wonder what they were eating around the writer’s table when they came up with the idea of the pearl analogy for Ali and Chris’s relationship. So they’ve been a moped and pearls. I’d say they’re definitely moving up on the quality scale.<br /><br />Shout out to the Gap for providing Ali’s tank top for the night. Once again, ABC spares no expense.<br /><br />The most painful part of watching them kiss is watching Ali try to train Chris to kiss. It’s like she’s trying to keep him in and prevent him from his in and out kissing habits. Ick. <br /><br />Chris: “Yes, I love this girl. 100%. I just don’t know how to verbalize it.” So, I’ll just show her. All night. And so Chris starts talking about their post-show life. I’m getting kind of worried about his recently-repaired heart. She’s going to crush him! It’s ok, he’ll get his fix as the Bachelor when he kisses 23 of the 25 girls and ends up with no one in the end.<br /><br />Candidate number 2? Check.<br /><br />Date 3: Frank<br />I’m glad he was last. I’m glad she was able to enjoy her first couple dates Brooding Frank-free. AND, I’m uber glad Chris Harrison makes an earlier appearance on the episode. Chris = silver lining. Frank = dark cloud.<br /><br />Frank is full of revelations tonight! Really? You over think? No way! Frank looks like an absolute disaster. I wish I knew what was going through Chris Harrison’s head right now. I guess I’ll have to read his blog tomorrow. You can check it out here (popwatch.ew.com)<br /><br />Ali’s string of hideous outfits continues. Her stylist should be fired. Hair stylist. Fired. Wardrobe consultant. Fired. <br /><br />Frank exuded all the eloquence of an aspiring screen writer. Or of a guy who has been over thinking and playing out situations in his head for weeks. Or of a guy who meandered into the most twisted way to validate feelings for an old relationship. I give the guy credit for being sincere. But he hit so many bumps along this road to confessions. Cue Usher. “These are my confessions, just when I thought I said all I could say…”<br /><br />Had. Was crazy about you. Was falling for you. BUT. <br /><br />Frank’s biggest understatement of the day, “Ali, I’m sorry.”<br /><br />I might start calling Ali Mary Poppins because that’s twice in the episode that she’s called perfect in every way. Wait, that means she’s better than Mary Poppins, MP was only practically perfect in every way. Mad ups for Ali.<br /><br />I feel like we’re almost watching raw footage, I feel kind of uncomfortable watching this super personal conversation between this couple breaking up. Yes folks, those are real tears. Ali’s tears confirm she liked Frank best. I think she would’ve chosen him. I think Frank knew it, too. Single isn’t looking so bad right about now. It seems like Ali constantly having to reassure Frank of her feelings for him solidified her feelings for him all along. <br /><br />“Apparently not everything.” Ohhhh snap. Ali comes out on top.<br /><br />I wonder if bad extensions make crying headaches worse. Ali will soon find out. I feel so bad for her. Eeeeek. The music is a bit over the top but oh so appropriate at the same time. <br /><br />This is not the first dramatic story on the final three dates. There was Wes. Before Wes was Jason. That’s all this Bachelor buff can come up with off the top of my head. <br /><br />Again, this is a call to fire the whole wardrobe staff. That upgraded moo moo is a boo boo.<br /><br />Chris Harrison asks a fantastic question here, is it Frank or is it what Frank did to you? Far better than the answer that ensued, but I can’t blame the girl, her heart was just shattered into millions of little pieces.<br /><br />“I have high hopes right now that my future husband is still here.” So not convincing. The quote her camp leaked that she may end up single is definitely spinning a web with tonight’s episode. But it could very well be a ploy. I'm intrigued.<br /><br />While Ali wouldn’t throw Frank under the bus when she explained why he wasn’t there, she did clock him a couple times when she said her man needs honor and respect for other people, intimating Frank doesn’t have them. <br /><br />The best part of this rose ceremony, both the guys are so giddy and smiley! No more death stare, no more please pick me eyes. Their happy laughing is happy-making. <br /><br />I think she picks Roberto. I need to stick to my Chris as the next Bachelor prediction. If it comes true, I’m taking my Bachelor-watching skills to Vegas. <br /><br />The Men Tell All is going to be a fantastic hour (or two?) of television. It appears Frank will not be appearing next week. Justin and Kasey are going to be the bulk of the drama. Not looking forward to hearing Kasey's voice again. At all.<br /><br />Sorry no theory on love. The more I thought about it, the more convoluted and inarticulate it became. Sorry for the build up. Lame.Ali Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05781772854867881917noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039788915951355613.post-84208999175856782172010-07-13T12:40:00.000-07:002010-07-13T15:42:45.725-07:00Belated Bachelorette BloggingFirst, let me offer my sincerest apologies. My deviant and lax behavior in watching the Bachelorette late is unacceptable and I take full responsibility for my life choices. <br /><br />It’s been a hard process for me, but I brought you all together to say that I’m taking my talents to South Beach…<br /><br />Oh wait, wrong reality fiasco (but I still got nothing but love for LBJ)! My three favorite teams in the NBA remain 1 – Blazers 2- Lebron 3- Celtics. That hasn’t changed – team Lebron just now wears a different jersey. But, I digress.<br /><br />Now back to the (belated) matter at hand.<br />Predictions:<br /><br />Kirk goes home. It’s been fun. His time has come.<br />We will like Chris even more – he’s going to build off the bracelet momentum.<br />Frank and Ali will be strong. She looks forward to seeing him the most.<br />I will wish even harder that Roberto and THIS Ali were hanging out instead of THAT Ali. Alas, let’s just assume he’s really short. I think that will help. Me. <br /><br />Cue intro and ensuing smiles:<br /><br />R is for Roberto<br />Of course Roberto is from Miami. Of course he looks smoking in a baseball uniform. And, once again to his credit, they do a normal-person activity on a date. <br /><br />Point of clarification – R’s dad called him a big “prize,” not “price” as it sounded with his accent. In addition to Jer’s Ebonics translation service, I’ll augment that with Latin-accent translations. They are dear to my heart. <br /><br />Adorable. R’s dad is the epitome of a proud father. How do I feel about Ali and Roberto “teaming up” for a business venture? I think it was a smart choice of words considering they were seated in front of a hall of Roberto sports fame. R wants to propose and wants his parents’ blessing. My. Heart. Melted.<br /><br />Ali: “He’s always been the guy I thought I could be with and end up with in the end.”<br />It’s clear she is the most physically attracted to Roberto and her tomboy-hood feels most comfortable with him. And then, as Roberto said in his convo with Mami, there’s that “feeling.” I see potential. <br /><br />C is for Chris <br />Chris has never been more attractive. I think he will benefit the most by the hometown. He’s been the most awkward of the four remaining. Ali is good with C’s dog. She doesn’t care about getting her boots all sandy. And C never disappoints on the entertainment front with the whales having sex comment. Thanks goes to you, C.<br /><br />The role-playing on the porch was hilarious. C and Ali took huge steps forward this afternoon. I’m still holding on to the Chris as Bachelor prediction, but he’s trying hard to prove me wrong. But I still can’t get over the eat-her-face kissing. Must improve.<br /><br />I am offering myself as the executive producer, or maybe just the publicist, for the new ABC dating show for C’s dad. I love this family. Maybe one day I’ll come up with my own family slogan, but for now I’ll stick with “Love is the only reality.” I think I’ll put it on a bracelet. Great, original ideas. I shall copyright.<br /><br />And, ABC just ran a fake ID story in prime time television. Love happens in a bar with a fake ID. Now I know why I’m still single. I’ve lost touch with the known ID makers from the high school days... wait. I mean, I’ve never met a fake ID maker. Any volunteers out there? Anyone? Bueller? Oh, you don’t need a fake ID at 25? Oh, single Mormons usually don’t meet other single Mormons in bars? There goes my chance.<br /><br />C: “I want her to not just pick me, but fall for me.”<br />That might be the best line delivered on Bachelor/Bachelorette history. Try to defy me. Try. Do it. I still win.<br /><br /><br />K is for Kirk<br />Kirk: “Well, here we go.” ‘Nuff said.<br /><br />Holy Cow tracker: Twice. In 30 seconds. Welcome to the land of cheese (and the “holy cows” that make it).<br /><br />The editing on this segment was fantastic. It appeared as if the first thing Father of K said was the creepy, “Hey Ali, do you want to see my basement?” I’m glad he spins his work as “bringing animals back to life.” I think he may have a future in the PR business. Then again, maybe not. Please, no. I have respect for my industry of choice. Dead animals next to frozen snacks is a deal breaker. Done-zo. Game over. Gross.<br /><br />The day went well, Dad got less crazy, K talking to his little sister was adorable. Ali’s time with K’s mom was a bit unremarkable. Cute, but unremarkable. Are my opinions being colored by my prediction that he’s going home tonight? Yes. Most definitely. But Ali doesn’t light up the same way, isn’t giddy the same way. And she likes giddy. Love likes lights. Bye, K. <br /><br />F is for Frank<br />With his love insecurities, F could be any Mormon guy. <br /><br />“Is what I have the forever type thing, or is it just another amazing relationship that ultimately we decide, this might not be the best?”<br /><br />The what if attitude. The possibility of something better attitude. The looking to the future with uncertainty attitude. All male Mormon characteristics. Not the most redeeming quality. I’m kind of over F…<br /><br />That said, I’m glad to see that despite being back to a full closet of clothing choices F insists on wearing his same green jacket and brown sweater. Continuity is great, right? Right? <br /><br />Pleasantly, F is back to being sarcastic and funny. So much better than Brooding Frank. He doesn’t need to come back, but I’m thinking he makes an extended appearance in Tahiti. <br /><br />Ali: “I would do anything to be with the (sideward glance toward the house in which F is sitting) the right person.” <br />Yes, she likes F. A lot. I feel like she wants F’s mom’s approval more than any other parent. She is afraid of losing him and getting hurt by him. With the exception of R’s hotness – and let’s be honest, that is a bit over-the-top – she hasn’t expressed this fear with the other guys. That tells me she is most vulnerable with F because she likes him the most. Cue the Tahiti previews (in my head). Argh. <br /><br />And, sigh, we see Chris Harrison. Always a bright spot. The biggest believer in the Bachelor franchise and the closest set of eyes to the train wreck. Not sure how that works, but it fascinates and happy-ates me nonetheless.<br /><br />Water works! Chris Harrison just has that kind of an effect of people. <br /><br />I feel like the only drama is the order in which the names will be called. Cue K’s death stare. At least it’s the last time we’ll see it. Here’s my vote:<br />R<br />C<br />F<br /><br />And I’m 1 for 1. R is called first.<br />And I’m 2 for 2. C is called second.<br />And I’m 3 for 3. K is sporting the (unbecoming) death stare.<br />And I’m 4 for 4. F is the final name called.<br /><br />In a moment of pure articulation rivaled only by my sentiments after a playoff soccer loss, K says “This sucks.” K, just wait for my mom to tell you that you’re in big trouble. But I agree, sometimes there’s no better way to say it. Some things just suck!<br /><br />Be excited to hear a developing theory I’m working on. I feel it might be better suited for next week’s “dramatic” episode. Be. Sincerely. Excited. With really low expectations, please! ☺Ali Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05781772854867881917noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039788915951355613.post-13258218426643180342010-07-05T20:18:00.000-07:002010-07-05T20:19:08.671-07:00The Bachelorette 7/5The Bacheloretttttttttttte! I’m so excited. Maybe being with Jenny all weekend talking about the comedy that is the Bachelorette got me more excited than normal. <br /><br />Before we begin, let me thank ABC for the best comedy show on television. And now, you’re going to give me The Bachelor Pad. Joyful. I’m smiling. Now, let’s go. Brace yourselves, this is going to be a long one…<br /><br />I want to go to Portugal. I speak Pork-a-cheese. Ergo, I need to go to Portugal. Maybe I can find love there, too. If it’s all in a name, from one Ali to another…<br /><br />Oh wow, Ali just butchered the Pork-a-cheese. Ugly. All she tried to say is welcome to Portugal. Does Roberto pick up on that? Is that a turn off. Ugh. <br /><br />Roberto. Sucks. At. Taking. Pictures.<br /><br />“Worse photographer ever.” Yes, Roberto you are. But you have so many other things going for you.<br /><br />And, I love this date. It’s real. It’s what non-show people would do. Then, they dance in the street. Oh those Latin boys. Where do I get me one? Brasilian? Please?<br /><br />“You’re a mystery to me a little bit right now.” So instead of letting him talk, I’m just going to kiss you. Hey, If I was staring at those dimples I would find it hard to resist, too. <br /><br />But I like Roberto. Probably because he is one of the few guys on this show who is less feminine than I am. Good. News. But I like what bro-in-law Jer said, too. Roberto is the only guy who won’t feel like a total idiot watching this season back. He hasn’t said anything ridiculous on camera. He is a dude. Who likes a girl. Props. <br /><br />2-on-1 date. Chris was so smug about not getting the two-on-one. He is reading that card with the happiest heart thinking… wow- sucks to be you guys!<br /><br />Let the awkwardness begin. Two-on-ones are BRUTAL.<br /><br />This is the second two-on-one in which she’s taken a helicopter. I’m a little sad this trip won’t end with Mr. “guard and protect your heart” abandoned on a glacier. Ahh, nuts. Kasey, how we miss you.<br /><br />“It tickles me to death.” Oh Ty, how far away from the South we are. “It tickles you.” I don’t know if that was sincere or patronizing. Jury’s still out.<br /><br />“My smiling face and funny demeanor.” Chris L. is fantastic – such a bundle of entertainment.<br /><br />Frank made such a big deal out of living with his parents! I love how he segwayed (I might have made that word up) into it: “One thing that has brought us even closer together…” HILARIOUS!<br /><br />Small observation – Ali leans into her kisses with Frank like she doesn’t lean in with any of the other guys. Another observation – I freaking LOVE how Ali is slouched and boyish in her interview. Epic Episode.<br /><br />I never saw it coming… Ali and her date end up at a castle. Really? How unique. There’s apparently nothing else in Portugal other than old castles. In reality, these palaces, as Kirk likes to call them, are the only attractions ABC could get for free. Hey, it’s a tough economy. Ad dollars are down. We all need to cut somewhere.<br /><br />It’s at about this point in the episode that I wish I had a counter for a certain catch phrase. Tonight, I wish I had counted all the “I just have a lot on my mind” mentions tonight. All you left-coasters, maybe run a tally and send me the final numbers? Thanks, I appreciate it.<br /><br />Elated. That’s a good word. <br /> <br />“I can’t be the dude that killed the Bachelorette; that wouldn’t look good.” Well said, Chris. Well said.<br /><br />“Chris is going pretty slow on the scooter. Kind of like our relationship.” Wow, Ali. Now take the driver’s seat and take off. Chris is a “Yes Dear” man. And it works.<br /><br />My vote is still on Chris for the next Bachelor. My predictions haven’t gone wrong yet – stay on this bandwagon with me.<br /><br />“We finally have been able to pick up the speed.” Ali just can’t let go of this moped analogy. Come on Ali, get a little more creative here.<br /><br />Let me jus say it, Chris is an awful conversationalist. Ali is always searching. He answers yes, no, or the far more intelligent, “Oh ya. Ya, ya. G-- ya.” Such great fodder for love.<br /><br />And, he is the worst kisser in the world. So painful to watch. Maybe I want to renig (did I make that on up, too?) my Bachelor call. A whole season of this face eating? Eek. <br /><br />“You make me feel all warm inside.” No, Chris, that’s the copious amounts of wine you drank. <br /><br />Rose ceremony…<br /><br />I really like Ali’s dress. It seems so Portugal. <br /><br />Why can’t Chris just wear a suit? At least he has all-black shoes on. And Ty is pointed out in a ballet stance. Hi-Larious. <br /><br />Kirk is still giving the death stare from last week. It’s back and it’s definitely not his best look. And he’s the last name called again. Not boding well for his hometown date! <br /><br />Did Ty just call Ali letting him go a fault? “You had your faults and you have the reason that you do what you did.” That was an interesting choice of words. <br /><br />And, in case you forgot, let me remind you all that the final four that I called THE FIRST NIGHT is still in tact. Yes, call me a Bachelorette ringer. Maybe I should be a bookie. But seriously, can we take a moment to commemorate this?<br /><br />Now we have Jake and Vienna in a “hopeful attempt to find closure.” Hope is fleeting, apparently. We are about to witness in 40 minutes what all of America saw coming. Am I the only one who was NOT surprised? At all?<br /><br />Childish. Petty. Selfish. Dysfunctional.<br /><br />“You are a fame whore.” Truer and more hypocritical words have never been spoken.<br /><br />Highlight? “We don’t care about the dog.” You’ve never been more correct, Chris. <br /><br />I appreciate you being here tonight… and fulfilling your contract. <br /><br />‘It is what it is.” Couldn’t have said it better myself, Chris!<br /><br />A glimpse ahead to the hometown dates – <br />With all the plaid Kirk has been wearing, it’s no wonder his dad’s shed is full of dead animals. Imagination? Not needed. At all. So much to look forward to!<br /><br />Roberto in a uniform. Yum.<br /><br />Chris and Ali appearing to have romantic chemistry. This is a step in the right direction.<br /><br />And Frank going to see his ex-girlfriend. And the demise of the cute “connection” with Ali. <br /><br />Best two hours of television EVER. Well, at least since last Monday when Justin was hobbling around…<br /><br />“Justin you’re going to regret this.”<br />“You’re going to regret this Justin.”<br /><br />I don’t regret these two hours I just spent watching this show. And typing all of this. Hope you don’t regret reading this.Ali Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05781772854867881917noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039788915951355613.post-39815998466827912602010-06-28T21:25:00.000-07:002010-06-28T21:26:34.672-07:00The Bachelorette 6/28Let’s call this one, “The Phone Call.”<br /><br />Chris Harrison’s face is tragic. Ali’s face when she heard the news is almost authentic. And the sad camera work on the other end of the phone call set this up as a great episode. Justin’s girlfriend, Jessica looks exactly like you wish she would. But there’s a twist, she is one of TWO girlfriends Justin left at home. Shocked? No. Entertained? Absolutely. And we’ve only seen the first segment. Get yourselves ready, folks.<br /><br />“I’m just pissed.” <br />-Couldn’t have said it better myself, Ali.<br /><br />Chris Harrison at his finest: “Just be strong and let him have it.” <br /><br />The guys come together – just look at Frank. He’s shell-shocked. Ty had a smug smile. Justin feigns disgust and walks out, and Ali goes after him. This couldn’t get any better. He’s going to great heights (literally) to get off camera. Now you want to see Ali off camera? Justin kind of melted my heart when he was speaking Portuguese in the first episode. Not my best moment of judgment. He will have some questions to answer in “After the Final Rose.” This typecast never quite gets old…<br /><br />TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES! Our Time Warner timed out and we jump from Ali cursing at Justin to Frank running up behind Ali and their 1-on-1 date. Sadness… What did I miss?<br /><br />Frank highlight: “I feel like I’m in a movie right now.” Well, you are in a 2-hour TV show. What’s the difference?<br /><br />Frank is legitimately falling for Ali and she is scared that Frank could break her heart… I think it’s far more likely she could break his heart. He’s such a female about this process. I feel like he’s vulnerable.<br /><br />What? No cocktail party? That seems to happen about once a season. Ali knows what she wants to do; the guys have no idea. They are visibly stressed! Drama at it’s finest. <br /><br />They really tried to play up Kirk’s anxiety of going home tonight, but I wasn’t buying it. That said, Kirk’s final look was almost threatening. He did not like being the last name called. Craig was legit dumbfounded and it’s always hard to see a grown, respectable man like that. Probably because as an adult woman I don’t let myself get anywhere vulnerable like that. Final six and crying? That’s pretty early for the dudes.<br /><br />All I have to say is my final four is in tact. Ty goes away next week and call me a prophetess. Or don’t, but that’s pretty good. <br /><br />HOLY SCENES!! If I wasn’t hooked on this season, and this blog clearly suggests that fact, the scenes for the rest of the season opened my eyes right up. So Frank does break Ali’s heart. This is intoxicating. I can’t get enough.<br /><br />Dissecting the scenes:<br /><br />Portugal: <br />Roberto? check.<br />Chris? Check<br />Kirk? Check<br />Ty? Check.<br />Frank? Check.<br /><br />Hometown:<br />Frank<br />Roberto<br /><br />Tahiti:<br />Roberto<br />Ty<br />Frank<br /><br />Hold on kids, this is going to be "The Most Dramatic Finale Ever!"Ali Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05781772854867881917noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039788915951355613.post-18314449251625446742010-06-26T14:17:00.000-07:002010-06-26T14:18:05.481-07:00The pain of fandom...It hurts. It guts. It deflates. It paralyzes.<br /><br />The thing about being a fan is you remain hopeful. You try to stay optimistic. But realism and optimism aren’t always aligned. And incongruity breeds pain.Ali Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05781772854867881917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039788915951355613.post-76746071538394582482010-06-21T20:49:00.000-07:002010-06-21T21:09:17.854-07:00a lil bit of Bachelorette live-bloggingHello family, and anyone else who happens to stumble across my blog,<br /><br />I live far away from my Bachelor and Bachelorette-watching family. This travesty is somewhat mitigated by our family website that receives a dramatic spike in participation (almost as dramatic as the most dramatic rose ceremony ever) about every Monday after 10 p.m. no matter the time zone. Our love of The Bachelor saga knows no age, no gender, no geography. We are sprawled across this great nation and love to talk about the Bachelor. Our belief in this institution for conversation fodder is topped only by Chris Harrison’s sincere belief in this institution as a marriage starter.<br /><br />Before I dive into my thoughts of tonight’s episode, I just want to get one thing out there, I called the Final Four after the first episode and I stand by my choices… Chris L., Roberto, Kirk, Frank. <br /><br />Preface: I just want Kasey to know that my heart is guarded and protected. On that note, I will be doing a running “heart tracker” and trying to count how many times Kasey says heart. I claim no accuracy; I only claim effort.<br /><br />Heart tracker: 111111111111111111111<br /><br />These are actual thoughts, while actually watching an actual episode of actual television. I feel like that needed to be clarified!<br /><br />And to start things off we are heading to Iceland. Ideal. Showing off these hard economic times, ABC puts these guys in coach, back row, middle seat. Spare no expense.<br /><br />And right away we have a poem-writing contest for a 1-on-1 date. These have always been a crowd pleaser. I can’t help but wonder, what will Kasey write? I think it goes something like this:<br /><br /><blockquote>Oh my love, Ali where do I start?<br />How about talking about guarding and protecting your heart.</blockquote><br /><br />Wait, how do I say "guard and protect your heart" in Icelandic?<br /><br />Not surprisingly, the highlight of Kasey's poem was Chris L’s impersonation. I’m 100% confident he won’t be getting that 1-on-1 date.<br /><br />Fact… Chris N. has a voice beyond “Absolutely.” Who knew? As for the poem? It hurt. 3 months later and thousands of miles away I wanted to save him from himself…<br /><br />Oh, good move by Kirk getting close to Ali. Did no one learn from Roberto last time? (I promise I said that before Ali did… two names think alike, I guess!)<br /><br />Thanks to his smooth moves, Kirk gets the 1-on-1 date with Ali and gets the chance to tell his sob story. When hearing Kirk talk about his illness, I feel like I’m watching an episode of “House.” Duh, it always comes back to the molds. Not exactly what I was expecting with the teaser of his fear of sharing his past, but a near-death story was not what I anticipated. Shocking? That said, these two are legitimately cute. <br /><br />The episode stealers today were Kasey and Justin. My favorite moments?<br /><br />Kasey: “I’m not just trying to stick around, I’m trying to be the man of her dreams.” <br /><br />Justin: “One small step for Justin, one giant leap for Rated R”<br /><br />Favorite Ali moment of the night, while in Iceland: “Now we get to go to a place that the guys have never seen before.”<br />-Ya, Iceland.<br /><br />Brooding Frank. Emotionally disastrous, brooding Frank. I’m not a fan of that situation. I am, however, a fan of Ali calling Frank out and asking him to be less of a female on their group dates. Step up buddy.<br /><br />I'm really taking advantage of this last commercial break before the 2-on-1 date. Deep breaths – this will be painful. The previous two 2-on-1 dates (Jillian and Jake's seasons) sent home both dates, I’m hoping this trend continues! <br /><br />Sadly I was wrong, but the image of Justin and Ali leaving Kasey alone on this mountain is priceless. <br /><br />And Ali cuts Chris N. and all’s right in the world. Next week SPOILER ALERT, Justin’s girlfriend at home is exposed and Ali shows some fire in her. Love the drama. I’m 14 seasons strong in this…<br /><br />You heard it here first.Ali Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05781772854867881917noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039788915951355613.post-39560671319263947702010-06-19T23:26:00.000-07:002010-06-19T23:32:22.169-07:00a lil bit of scripture studyI'm doing my favorite thing in the whole world. On the joy-inducing scale, it surpasses speaking Portuguese, playing, watching or coaching soccer and being in Brazil. I'm studying the scriptures preparing to teach.<br /><br />For 19 months this was a daily ritual. For 19 months I woke up every morning with the singular purpose to study the scriptures with the hope in God and faith in his inspiration that I might be prepared to teach his children effectively, recall information quickly and discern spiritual needs accurately (not necessarily in that order).<br /><br />I'm now studying the story of Saul and David in the Old Testament, hoping to sense what God wants his children to learn, those children who will be attending my Sunday School class tomorrow and this child, who will be teaching the Sunday School class.<br /><br />And I am joyful.Ali Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05781772854867881917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039788915951355613.post-3354618114587490802010-05-26T09:12:00.000-07:002010-05-26T09:15:39.772-07:00a lil bit of claritysometimes, i complicate life.<br /><br />sometimes, i think too hard about what is, what isn't, what could be and what should be.<br /><br />call me a "should-er."<br /><br />then, God simplifies it for me. it's usually quiet, passing, unremarkable. and therein lies the wonder.<br /><br />last night, all it took was walking in the city i love. looking at the skyline i've adopted as home. thinking about the innumerable possibilities the future holds.<br /><br />then, there was clarity.Ali Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05781772854867881917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039788915951355613.post-71823611285333597712009-10-21T19:00:00.000-07:002009-10-21T19:13:10.639-07:00a lil bit of taxi triviadid you know...<br /><br />there are two ways to swim upstream, err drive uptown, in manhattan. <br /><br />way one: float the green stream. sometimes, just sometimes you catch the green lights just right and can follow them all the way in. very few stops. ideal. avg cost: $11.50<br /><br />way two: get caught at a red light. that means you can travel seven blocks before you stop at the next red light. more than a few stops (7 since you are traveling exactly 70 block uptown). not so ideal. avg cost: $14.00<br /><br />That's your cab lesson for the day. give my best to park and madison avenues.Ali Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05781772854867881917noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039788915951355613.post-78753314017895335232009-10-14T15:52:00.000-07:002009-10-14T15:54:42.094-07:00A lil bit of pet peeve rantingReally... if you need to say "it goes without saying" and then proceed to say that which, by your own admission, "goes without saying," then just leave it without being said.<br /><br />It's like using a cliche and then immediately following it with "so to speak." Really, you're following one cliche with another? Really?Ali Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05781772854867881917noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039788915951355613.post-72202207212980930622009-09-11T08:52:00.001-07:002009-09-11T08:53:06.125-07:00a lil bit of remembranceToday is 9/11. It's a bit different spending this day in New York City.<br /><br />I was touched by this man's story of survival. He was on the 85th floor of the North Tower. He survived the initial tragedy of the day, but like so many others he struggled with feelings of guilt and sadness for years. He is a survivor. He, like so many others who didn't make it, is worth remembering.<br /><br />May we always remember with hope.<br /><br />http://bit.ly/4AOSMTAli Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05781772854867881917noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039788915951355613.post-22427871325399485332009-07-27T19:06:00.000-07:002009-07-27T19:24:06.369-07:00a lil bit of bettingso we just finished watching the bachelorette season finale... no worries, no spoilers here, but we know what happens. jill's happily ever after is now common knowledge--at least here on the east coast.<br /><br />so, as soon as we turned the TV off we started speculating on how long this relationship will last... because the really, we were only waiting all these weeks just to find out who she would break up with in a matter of time.<br /><br />here are the terms: each person had two months--either together or separate-- to determine when the inevitable breakup would happen. the person closest to the correct time would get something from the two LOSERS. in the case that they stay together, we all will donate time or otherwise to a charitable cause.<br /><br />here are the guesses (with coded names of course!):<br /><br />Gooch (okay, maybe not so coded): 8 or 14 months<br />dancing queen: 3-4 months (and she liked the chosen guy... that's a bit pessimistic)<br />sassy ballerina: 9-10 months<br /><br />cheersAli Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05781772854867881917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039788915951355613.post-21722056355378487402009-07-05T21:53:00.000-07:002009-07-05T21:59:07.060-07:00a lil bit of freedomin light of the iranian protests and other conflicts going on around the world, i was/am especially grateful for the freedom i enjoy and all too often take for granted. <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kkTKQsYWBxc">this video</a> says it well.Ali Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05781772854867881917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039788915951355613.post-66737363560033424972009-06-24T17:08:00.000-07:002009-07-16T12:37:08.499-07:00a lil bit of coaching points<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJZZZrNMIR30nqbBMJ06Mox9uCSN5pktSe48UYal3-9PWuP_L6dAPJX_u2A16Z1g061e9-tPyvjJoR4P0Y9fqUb-0VEinakboVD5cNjCQlc_YvfmCWJr_KjUHgyCXcWgJNvoM-UjaYzSSR/s1600-h/soccer"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 280px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJZZZrNMIR30nqbBMJ06Mox9uCSN5pktSe48UYal3-9PWuP_L6dAPJX_u2A16Z1g061e9-tPyvjJoR4P0Y9fqUb-0VEinakboVD5cNjCQlc_YvfmCWJr_KjUHgyCXcWgJNvoM-UjaYzSSR/s400/soccer" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351051417789378834" /></a><br />Okay, so I had to be a coach for a minute and record my thoughts on the US Men’s National Team thus far. I’ve missed coaching since I left Utah, don’t tell Skyler, so I’m getting my fix on the blog…<br /><br />Direct play: All too often, when we win the ball as a team we look like Jo-Jo the idiot circus boy with a pretty new pet (yes, that’s a Tommy Boy reference). We get the ball and we just want to go. Our midfielders run forward before running wide and creating space. Our forwards put their head down and their backs to the ball and just go. That makes it hard to keep the ball and you saw the effects of that in the second half of today’s game and for most of the first two games.<br /><br />Onyewu: How good has Guc been for two straight games? He wins everything. His instincts are incredible. It’s been out of form for a while – weeks into months - and all of a sudden he found his form against Egypt and was phenomenal against Spain. If anyone knows anyone who knows Onyewu, please introduce me. He is perhaps the sexiest man alive in my book currently… <br /><br />Bocanegra: I’m impressed with the way he performed against Spain. There’s no saying how difficult it is to be out of game action with an injury and then have your first game back against none other than the best and hottest team in the world, Spain with a mobile, creative and tactically and technically superior attacking side. His touch was impressive, his fitness good, his decision making up to par. I’m pleased with our skipper.<br /><br />Red cards: How ridiculous is it that we feel the need to challenge for unwinnable balls? I don’t get it. Stupid. Dumb. Unnecessary. You can say all you want about the decisions of the referees but three different refs in three different games on three different occasions gave straight reds… not even two yellows, but straight reds. Ridiculous. Our central midfielders need to figure themselves out.<br /><br />Final: Who do we put on the field instead of Bradley? That hurts. If Sacha gets the start, I call a 3-0 loss (you heard it first here) with his poor decisions/touch directly responsible for at least two Brasilian goals. Just saying… give Feilhaber a shot. He’s earned it. Please, PLEASE, puh-lease leave Beasley and Sacha off the field… only if you want to chance to win.<br /><br />Onyewu: Can I just mention how attractive his scruff is? Yes, I like that.<br /><br />Donovan: I’ve always admired his work rate, but I’ve never seen him work so tirelessly as he has this tournament. In the first couple games he resorted back to not taking enough responsibility in the final third and passed opportunities he should have taken himself. That said, he is the most important player on the US squad. Our best will almost always be our keeper, but he is the most important and he wore the captain’s armband well. In the second half of the Spain game he played endline to endline, LITERALLY. He was on the end of crosses in both of the final thirds. That’s work. Also, his set pieces were almost always dangerous. His services had great pace and gave our guys a chance. Not much more you can ask.<br /><br />Dempsey: After not defending for basically three games, he came out and had a great all-around game. He came back and defended well and obviously went forward well. He created some good chances on goal and finished one. It’s good to have him back with a chip on his shoulder and playing with his team. Let’s hope that stays.<br /><br />Casey: As a second half sub in the Italy game Connor came on and was lazy. Really? You’ve been watching your teammates cover the field with 10 for most of the game and are put up front to direct the opponent’s flow of play and make them predictable so the defense behind you can get a bit of shape and you walk? You walk? Then jog and walk more? So unimpressed by him. There has to be another striker in this great country that is willing to work when playing against some of the best teams in the world. Just a hunch. In the Spain game he was better, but not much. Just write his name on the seats next to Beasley and Sacha. <br /><br />Whining: I’m sick of our reactions. In our first two games let’s be honest, we made millions of mistakes- that much was all too clear. What I don’t want to see is the DeMarcus Beasley hand slap on the ground before he decides to get back. I understand that you have to sppeal calls, just do it as you work, don’t stop working to turn and talk to the ref. if you think a forward is offsides, throw your hand up, scream like mad, and GET BACK. I expect to see us make mistakes, I don’t ever want to see a reaction to the mistake. Seriously, so sick of this.<br /><br />Spector: He did well for himself this tournament. He’s no Steve Cherundolo (cue University of Portland and Clive Charles love), but he was close to solid. His GLARING weakness, defendin the cross on the far post. He was nearly always beaten to the ball by his mark to the cross on the backside and it cost us at least one goal I can think of right now and multiple other chances. Ya, he should work on that.<br /><br />Onyewu: And that body…really? Um, that’s nice too. Let’s just say I like him. A lot.<br /><br />Harkes: Worst. Announcer. Ever. (Skyler, those periods are for you since I know you might be the only one who reads this!) He is unabashedly biased, and adds absolutely nothing to the commentary. He says nothing that makes you think, nothing that opens your eyes. Basically, he says nothing, and yet he says it over, and over and over again. Just for fun I think I’m going to count how many times he says “again” in the final.<br /><br />Guts: who knew we had them??? This performance is exactly the result you knew we could have as a group, but for so long, with the exception of the 2002 World Cup, the whole has been less than the sum of all the parts. We’ve always boasted some of the best pure athletes in the world, but we’ve lacked the tactical and technical greatness that the best in the world possess—outside of our keepers. That can be attributed a lot of factors that I won’t go into here, but finally in these last two games we’ve decided to grow a pair, take a bit of pride in our work, scrap a bit and leave something on the field. I remember back in the day when April Heinrich was the coach of the WNT and she addressed the regional teams at a tournament in Boca Raton and she said she was worried that soccer was becoming elitist, prima donna, like we were owed something. It wasn’t about being dirty and getting the job done, it was about looking good and doing it “right.” I think she’s mostly right. For two games, the MNT proved her wrong.<br /><br />Bradley: After the first two losses in this tournament in which the team forgot that this game is played best when passion and heart are involved, his job was in question. Actually, doubts started in a stadium in Costa Rica and were reaffirmed for the most part of the game against Honduras in Chicago. But, he was resilient and made some great personnel decision in the Egypt and Spain games. His decision to put Dempsey upfront was HUGE. Let’s be honest, it saved his job. Well done Bob, well done.<br /><br />Onyewu: It’s official. I would have his children.<br /><br />Go USA.Ali Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05781772854867881917noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039788915951355613.post-3573999850899861152009-06-21T15:50:00.000-07:002009-07-16T12:07:56.749-07:00a lil bit of dadthere are so many things to say on this day, but i decided to just say one thing- say one reason why my dad is special. basically, one reason why i am crazy about this man...<br /><br />last summer the abc series wipe out was all the rage in my household. i never missed an episode. so when i saw the previews for season 2, i was anticipatory! but, to be honest, i don't think i'll watch a single episode. why? because i realized that when i watched wipe out my head was not toward the tv and my ears were not tuned into the sound-- i was fixated on the high-pitch squeal of a laugh coming from my papa bear. i looked forward to seeing that forehead vein rear it's protruding face (shocking, i know!). the joy behind that laugh was pure. it was real. it was childlike in its sincerity. and that big kid is my dad, a father in every meaning of the title and the role. and i'm grateful that i get to hear that laugh for a very long time in this life- modern medicine is a miracle- and forever as an eternal bond in an eternal family!<br /><br />that's just a lil bit of dad... but it comes with a lot of bit of love!Ali Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05781772854867881917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039788915951355613.post-37982602000611311542009-06-09T20:23:00.000-07:002009-06-09T20:58:16.785-07:00a lil bit of thieverybrand positioning: the place a product occupies in the mind of the consumer that both defines the brand and differentiates it from others.<br /><br />certain fashion brands, namely <br /><blockquote>u r b a n o u t f i t t e r s & a n t h r o p o l o g y</blockquote> <br />have positioned themselves, or set themselves apart, as being fashion forward and unique. they are chains that have more of a boutique feel than the large department stores. you can imagine my shock when i learned this week that these VERY stores shamelessly and repeatedly rip off the designs of working artists.<br /><br />my dearest friends Heather and Heidi Palmer are entrepreneurial spirits to the very core. they've been developing businesses since they could walk... literally! their latest venture is <a href="http://www.truebirds.com">True Birds</a>. These glammed-up accessories have donned the pages of the hottest fashion mags out there and have been picked up by some major stores including N O R D S T R O M and F R E D S E G A L!! But they're always looking for more... so they sent look books and physical samples to both of the aforementioned stores (the mean ones!). months later, the boxes returned with very few samples and NO look book. hmmmm, interesting.<br /><br />so, last weekend i was looking for the perfect shawl/cardigan/unique piece to pair with a black sundress. naturally, one of the first places i thought to go was the aforementioned a store. while there, i was looking at their accessories (a guilty pleasure, i know) and i saw a bunch of pieces that looked almost exactly like True Birds pieces. so much so, in fact, that i picked up the head bands and looked for the brand tag... nope, not TB. now, just to be clear- this was not one similar styles- it was SEVERAL.<br /><br />now, sunday night i'm gabbing with hp (read: heather) and she told me about how she was looking on certain stores' web sites and they were featuring literally almost exact replicas of the birds' designs. then i told her of the rest of the designs that i had seen during my jaunt at the mean store... and the fight was on.<br /><br />ya know, it's just sad that a store that has set itself apart for originality hides behind the corporate face while two real and personal designers put their face on their designs and make it personal. i'm mad. designs belong to the designers and their kitchen table, late night sewing sessions. how do you fight the giant? <br /><br />anyone know erin brockovich?Ali Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05781772854867881917noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039788915951355613.post-17166185108518142282009-06-03T20:19:00.000-07:002009-06-09T20:21:42.436-07:00a lil bit of separation anxietyi hate when shows end. i hate when movies end. i hate when things in general end...<br /><blockquote>[think soccer, london, mission et al]</blockquote><br />i think that's why i was able to watch chasing liberty three times in one night once... <br /><br />i think that's why i can only stomach watching the first act of camelot - i know eventually everything goes to pot in the second act... but king arthur's dream can't really end, can it? and his love?<br /><br />i think that's why bonus features are my favorite part of every dvd - when the movie ends i get to watch at least two more hours of footage! it keeps going, and going, and going<br /><br />i think that's why i cheer extra loud at the end of a show- thinking i'll make the difference, we'll be the exceptional audience, we'll get an encore<br /><blockquote>has "he's just not that into you" taught us nothing? we are not the exception... we are the rule. i am the rule. it's over. it ends. done.</blockquote><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLP1SrrlZuOPAh9lx9CDZqvg4bK2ZHrothMjxCcu4pFNMnv0C406i08ukukcOITbxM3RXG0AvtCT9whzlVy7pioFTxcwB_BD7nPgHyBKTGVx3Ur1RZRT3BcfJPstrRKLg4c3TmS1KO9NiQ/s1600-h/mary-poppins-sm-736828.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 324px; height: 243px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLP1SrrlZuOPAh9lx9CDZqvg4bK2ZHrothMjxCcu4pFNMnv0C406i08ukukcOITbxM3RXG0AvtCT9whzlVy7pioFTxcwB_BD7nPgHyBKTGVx3Ur1RZRT3BcfJPstrRKLg4c3TmS1KO9NiQ/s400/mary-poppins-sm-736828.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343308868717583778" /></a><br /><br />p.s. i l-o-v-e-d mary poppins tonight. absolutely FABULOUS! laugh out loud funny, if i were the crying type i may have even shed a tear... and great family values and message. <br /><br />cheers to disney. <br />cheers to broadway.<br /><br />cheers to disney on broadway.Ali Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05781772854867881917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039788915951355613.post-4943849795808567062009-05-10T16:00:00.000-07:002009-05-18T17:41:45.175-07:00my mom always, but so much more!<blockquote>"I love my mother as the trees love water and sunshine - she helps me grow, prosper, and reach great heights." ~Adabella Radici</blockquote><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt2KGxI8ICjNUF73zTk9429gvh0mD3MaAWpH-7i-ikblHWHUkx1bQiGC0r1wn-VtTJ58ucqBk_dkzy25Qce8DB04TmuAqMAbsomXflfKm72YOW1Nohylr9dK4wi6xSapHR0XSVu_ehjxFC/s1600-h/sister+williams+243.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt2KGxI8ICjNUF73zTk9429gvh0mD3MaAWpH-7i-ikblHWHUkx1bQiGC0r1wn-VtTJ58ucqBk_dkzy25Qce8DB04TmuAqMAbsomXflfKm72YOW1Nohylr9dK4wi6xSapHR0XSVu_ehjxFC/s400/sister+williams+243.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334334751794567650" /></a><br /><br />one day, these words, don't begin to be enough. <br /><br />i guess the idea of honoring someone with 24 hours devoted to appreciation for their life-long service is a good gesture. brilliant, even. insufficient at best. dreadfully insufficient.<br /><br />to quote mr. lincoln who said, "all that i am, i owe to my angel mother" would be accurate. but, lacking.<br /><br />to amend his words and say, "all i am and can potentially be that's any good i owe to my angel mother" is better. still lacking.<br /><br />to say, "all that i am, the best possible version of myself, the self that loves, feels, serves and cares, i owe to my angel mother" is even better. still lacking.<br /><br />so, while insufficient, i'd like to say that my mom, best friend, confidant and mentor is special for a plethora of reasons... but i would only like to name a few.<br /><br />1- as a daughter, i ALWAYS knew my mom loved me. there was never any doubt. now, maybe being the baby girl in the family, i positioned that love in such a way that i could get what i wanted (my sisters would read [spoiled]), but she will never be found guilty of not loving me enough. that love has saved me at times.<br /><br /><blockquote>"Mother's love is peace. It need not be acquired, it need not be deserved." ~Erich Fromm</blockquote><br />2-she's always been available. if i needed her, my mom was available. now, that's not to say that she's not busy. raising six kids, often on six teams at a time, making dinner, lunches, keeping the house together, and working to help out (what family can live on one income these days?) meant my mom probably felt more like hired service on many days. i'm sure the thank yous were few and the hours were long. and yet, she was ALWAYS there. i always felt a priority. she was never too busy for me. i, on the other hand, often convinced myself that i was too busy for her, but the inverse was never true. <br /><br /><blockquote>"Mother - that was the bank where we deposited all our hurts and worries." ~T. DeWitt Talmage</blockquote><br />3-she sure does know how to listen. for someone who has a famed reputation of loving to talk on the phone, my aunt sharon is also endowed with this talent (which comes first, the talent then the daily conversations, or does the daily conversations develop the talent? this chicken/egg idea merits a later look), my mom knows when all i need is a shoulder, an ear, a hug, a "ohhhh honey, i'm sorry." when she does offer her nuggets of wisdom... she always seems to be right and right on time. but mostly, she lets me talk, lets me think, lets me vent. she's good at that.<br /><br /><blockquote>"Mother is the name for God in the lips and hearts of little children." ~William Makepeace Thackeray</blockquote><br />4-she lets me fly. and sometimes, i fly far away. and sometimes, she knows when i'll be back. and sometimes, she doesn't. and yet, like every loving mother, she'll help me strengthen my wings, and let me plunge out of the nest. and then when she sees me soar, a feat for which she is almost entirely responsible, she seems simultaneously awed and unsurprised. her faith in me is limitless. it's an anchor.<br /><br /><blockquote>"My mother is a poem<br />I'll never be able to write,<br />though everything I write<br />is a poem to my mother."<br />~Sharon Doubiago</blockquote><br />5-she sees with celestial eyes and offers that view to others. in general conference in october 2008, president eyring spoke of people in our lives who see us much more like the savior than we see ourselves. he was talking about my mom. now, i would be remiss to say that she is the only person in my life that fits this bill, but i say with full confidence that she has most consistently seen me with the savior's eyes. and, far more often than i probably want to admit, sorrowed that her little girl couldn't see herself through that same lens. the first time i felt that yearning i was in the beach community of caraguatatuba, brasil. we were teaching jessica. jessica was 14. jessica had no idea who she was. she shied away from looking into the reality of her own worth. i prayed. i fasted. i prayed. i pleaded. i prayed. i wept. i prayed... hoping that jessica would awaken to understand her divine nature, her innate deity, her value as a daughter of God. and then, in that little beach town, i thought back to the time i came home from high school to find my room clean (and we <span style="font-style:italic;">know</span> that's not how i left it in the morning) with a book on my bed "daughter of a king." she wanted so badly for me to see it, to know it, to feel it, to trust it. she might like to know... she's rubbing off. even if it's still hard.<br /><br /><blockquote>"Mother love is the fuel that enables a normal human being to do the impossible." ~Marion C. Garretty</blockquote>Ali Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05781772854867881917noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039788915951355613.post-71966058862691076252009-05-06T16:07:00.000-07:002009-06-09T20:21:11.294-07:00a lil bit of a detourhave you ever taken the long way home, just so you had more time to read?<br /><br />ya, me neither... i was just wondering.<br /><br />on an unrelated note, i finished my book today.<br />i bought it monday...night.Ali Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05781772854867881917noreply@blogger.com5