Bachelor Pad Bombed But I Still Watched

Oh Bachelor Pad! What an absolutely horrific and degrading waste of good lookin' 20 somethings. Bachelor Pad failed every single litmus test when it comes to reality television programming. Not as if there were ever any true standards, but Bachelor Pad stretched the boundaries and then some with pie eating contests, water balloon throwing a very sickening pop quiz during the very short but interesting season.

If there was ever a guilty pleasure that made me ashamed of what I watched, it was Bachelor Pad.
Who won the overall competition? Dave and Natalie. David was the guy who originated the "Man Code"...and nearly felt up Jillian on a very drunk night on The Bachelorette. He redeemed himself quite well on Bachelor Pad by becoming the "best kisser" in a kissing contest and finally claiming half of the $250,000 grand prize. The Bachelor Pad winners weren't exactly good role models for the young kids at home. Natalie seemed like she liked to hook up more than play the game at times. David was ready to fight with Wes at one point. In short, the people who seemed the most shallow wound up winning the big prize. David and Natalie probably are just fine human beings--reality television has a way of making average people look a bit catty or mean. The Bachelor Pad winners are probably normal everyday people outside of the realm of this very trashy but somehow lovable reality television show. Did the show work?
Besides failing on an 8th grade level at some points, Bachelor Pad did offer some tense and electrifying moments during its brief existence. The show served as a decent "watch" during the normally boring summer hours. But I could have done without the degrading of women in the process. I guess as long as Elizabeth doesn't care she was voted on having the worst boob job then we shouldn't either. But the show might have set a rather horrible precedent in terms of what can and will be done during future reality television shows.
It's supposed to be juicy--not filthy. Although as this summer show raged on, I continued to tape it on my DVR with interest as to who would win it. These former Bachelor and Bachelorette contestants were interesting to watch despite being put through some 7th grade shanigans by the producers of the show.
I felt like the couples would eventually be forced to play "six minutes in the closet". Spin the bottle, kissing contests, water balloons and truth or dare certainly filled that void.

In the end, the show was entertaining-as it was supposed to be. It wasn't probably supposed to provide any redeeming moments--although it did in the end when the two remaining contestants decided to share the big prize. The Bachelor Pad winners David and Natalie certainly ended the show on an ethical high note--if that can be said at all.

Big Brother 12 Rules

I hate to say it but Big Brother 12 rules. Reality television is at its absolute best in a show like Big Brother 12. Why? Live evictions certainly don't hurt Big Brother 12. That way we don't have Big Brother 12 spoilers and Big Brother 12 shocking developments that can be reported weeks before it happens like we have seen in Bachelor and The Bachelorette. Let's just say guys like Reality Steve have been so on the money that we already knew what was going to unfold weeks before the Bachelor franchise finales. Reality television fans probably couldn't avoid reading the spoilers before it happened. Either you heard about it or dug for it--but one way or another you knew what was going down well in advance. That's not always the case for Big Brother. There are things that unfold on Showtime and on Big Brother online well in advance of the episode that airs each week. But no Big Brother 12 spoilers that would absolutely blow you away. You might know who won the head of household and who is on the block--but we all witness the live eviction together. That's one thing that separates this reality show from others.

I think CBS has the absolute best reality television show in the Big Brother franchise. Big Brother 12 has provided so much drama through the first several weeks that it's hard to imagine it can get any better.
Rachael and Brendon(Spell check please) have been the highlight of a fantastic start for Big Brother 12. The two already seem married and Rachael already got the boot last week. Now a very bitter Brendon is gunning for everyone on the show. It has made for some pretty terrific television. Brendon has seemingly lost his mind and grunts and groans to a recent head of household victory. Now he is out for revenge but yet he nominates two people in Lane and Ragan that weren't really pivotal in getting his girl Rachael evicted. I find it horribly unpredictable and that's what typically makes Big Brother 12 the best reality show on network television.

I wish there were Big Brother 12 spoilers out there to report on--but that also makes it a little bit more interesting to make my normal predictions and odds for the show. I had Matt as an early favorite to win the show. I still think he is way up there-considering he has double alliances(with Enzo, Lane and Hayden) and a separate alliance with Ragan. I think Matt is the one wild card who could dramatically flip sides closer to the finale. In fact, if he is still around I would almost guarantee he would work a deal with some of the so-called floaters to oust his own alliance with Lane, Enzo and Hayden. It's going to happen and it won't be pretty.

As for Big Brother 12's Ragan. What an interesting position he has found himself in. He is not really in a true alliance-unless you count his alliance with Matt that appears to be a complete fraud. Now he is throwing the house upside down by playing the role of the saboteur. Ragan could definitely be on the chopping block sooner or later and I believe many of the smarter people remaining on the show have to view him as a potential big time threat. Ragan always seems to be in the top two or three in Head of Household competitions. It also seems like he may back off just a bit just in time not to win HOH. Ragan is probably the sneaky guy people need to watch out for. I think if he is underestimated for the next several weeks--look out! The only problem is he'll need to get off the block because he probably won't beat out Lane in a vote!
This could be the end of the line for Ragan unless he wins a Veto competition. With that said, Ragan is a strong competitor so it wouldn't be a complete shock. Then Brendon would have to put up Brittney in all likelyhood.

What about others on Big Brother 12? Enzo hasn't really provided any amazing moments in competition. For that reason, I would be shocked if he is still around in the final two. And if he is, there is probably no way Enzo could win the overall prize unless he is up against somebody like Kathy. Who else would he beat in terms of respect as a competitor?

I think Lane could be viewed as going home sooner than later. But Lane has his alliance with Matt, Hayden and Enzo. He also has Brittney on his side. It seems unlikely that he would be going home anytime soon unless someone flips(Matt). That would obviously stir the house up quite a bit.

Does Brendon have a chance to win Big Brother 12? It seems like Brendon could float by for a few episodes if he wins HOH or if the others deem him as already gone. That could be a huge mistake considering his athletic ability. I doubt the other houseguests will allow Brendon to remain in the house for very much longer than 2 weeks. If he does, he could also be a factor if the floaters figure out the hidden alliance of Matt, Lane, Hayden and Enzo.

It will be interesting to see what happens next. I think this show is just getting cranked up and interesting.

House Democrats Consider Unemployment Extension As Single Item

According to an AP story late tonight, the House Democrats are considering a single item Unemployment Extension that could be introduced next week. Unfortunately, it would need to passed by the House and then sent to the Senate for further approval and then back to the President to sign it into law. What's horrible is that the Senate has another Holiday, a July 4th recess coming up. I know, I know! If this single item Unemployment Extension is introduced I hope it passes very quickly for the 1.2 million directly affected by a loss of benefits. If Americans have to wait until after July 4th, that means some will have gone without paychecks for an entire month.
That lack of benefits will have a devastating effect on so many people. Let's hope that isn't the case. You can read more on my latest story about the single issue Unemployment Extension being proposed possibly by Democrats here on Associated Content!!

Senate Needs To Go Back To Books After Unemployment Vote

Maybe the United States Senate does need to go back to the books after a disheartening unemployment extension vote this evening. I wonder if any of our United States Senators actually ever even read? The entire debacle that is currently taking place makes me wonder if the Senate even comprehends much at all-specifically in the art of compassion.

Look- I don't know much about rules, regulations or legislation. But I didn't miss the class on the power of the people. I also never needed to have an education on helping a fellow human being during a time of need.
That's exactly why I think the Senate ought to rethink their off-based position on this whole Unemployment Extension issue in the next day or two and come to a rational decision based on the needs of the people who pay their salary and voted them into office so they could have such a cushy job.

Why must I have to vent every single day for, what 22 days now, about the Senate lack of urgency on the unemployment extension issue? Is that really necessary? It wouldn't be if the Senate just took care of business to begin with. I hate to throw the term "the senate" out there as if they are one collective entity. Afterall, collective entities learn to act like a collective entity. A group effort much like a team. Despite the vast differences, a good collective entity learns how to to be successful regardless of the obstacles presented to them. The Senate probably shouldn't be referred to as anything similar to a "team". They have not figured out how to put away their differences and give the jobless Americans an unemployment extension during a crucial moment in time. What will historians look back and refer to these decisions as? Will these decisions be the ones that put us into a different Great Depression era?  Will this group of Senators be referred to in 50 years in school books(although those won't exist) as the group that propelled this era of Americans into the worst economic era in the history of this great country?


 The members of the Senate don't disagree on the fact that there should be a 2010 Unemployment Extension from what I have heard. At least there doesn't seem to be too many who have the nerve to come out and just say it. In other words, does anyone say "Tough cookie, get a job you unemployed lazy people?" No, but can't we read between the lines by the actions? Actions do speak louder than words. In this case, the actions tell us several things about what the Senate does believe. First off--the actions or lack therof in passing this unemployment extension bill tells us this bill is not seen as urgent in their eyes. A 10 day holiday with the item already passed by the House told me that about a month ago. You really shouldn't worry as U.S. citizens because Joe and Bob Senator did get a chance to work on the old golf swing during those 10 days at a beach golf resort.
 
The actions also tell us that they are failing the people who put them in office miserably. Never before has this unemployment provision been stripped away during a horrible emergency like economic crisis. Yet this group of politicians believe 2010 is the time to set the precedent of having no concern for their fellow Americans. Remember, it is the "ME" generation.

I will continue to post, rant and rave about this Unemployment Benefits Extension until something happens. It's not just for me. I was one of the fortunate people who has been able to muster some kind of savings despite losing my job through no fault of my own. There are way many more jobless Americans out there who will run out of benefits and not have any savings to fall back on. Houses will be lost. Cars will be repossessed. Really bad things will happen from this unemployment extension fallout. It won't be pretty.
Our Senate should pick up a copy of this book below on the left while they are at it. It's only fitting that our Senators should be just as prepared as we are for what inevitably lies ahead for many Americans.

The economy will probably tank and our heads, which would have been coming out of the recession, will be pointing directly down into deeper despair if a solution doesn't come. The road to recovery was expected to be filled with obstacles. It wasn't expected to be filled with ruin placed down by our own United States Senate. I want to say "You too, Brutus?" But much like the Senators, I haven't read any Shakespeare either.

The bickering and finger pointing is just wasting time, plain and simple. Party lines or non-party lines should be irrelevant in what should be this moment of opportunity. Instead, we have a moment of inopportunity for 1.2 million jobless Americans. It will be hard to persevere and find the American Dream with the current circumstances many jobless Americans are going through. The American Dream, remember that bit of propoganda and idealism we learned when we were in school. What is becoming of the American dream for 1.2 million jobless Americans who have lost benefits thanks to indifference, a lack of empathy or a political stalemate? It makes little difference or consolation to those of us who are waiting for income what the reason is. It absolutely doesn't.

 All that matters is that we can sleep at night and know that we are protected safely by the people who love us the most. The Senate sent out a huge collective note tonight that they don't apparently love their fellow Americans. Hey, strike it up for the collective entity who managed to do something together for once!

There will be greater trust issues that many Americans will never be able to get over from what the United States Senate is shamefully doing to those who put them into office. There are already great trust issues from the lack of urgency and empathy toward our fellow Americans by the Senate. What the Senate is doing is slowly changing the mindset of many Americans who already had reason to doubt this country was going in the right direction. Let's just say with their indifference they are only further illustrating that it's time for the "me" era to offiically begin.

No more worrying about your neighbor-because we don't believe in that any more. Now, when the going gets tough and our backs are against the wall-we turn our backs on those who need us dearly to make sure we take care of our own and our own alone. These lessons are being learned slowly over time while American citizens learn to lower their expectations of what to expect from the same people they elected.
You learn slowly by the actions of others. I, along with 1.2 million of my bestest buddies, am learning how the "Me" generation has finally conquered the "We" that is so symbolic of many idealistic sayings that belong to America. In God, "WE" trust. The Senate is proposing legislation at this very hour that would change that to In God, "ME" trust.


Seriously, there is a poem I often refer to that speaks volumes about life and the lessons we learn. You can view it here as inspiration to hopefully overcome any odds.  Many of you have probably already read or heard it at some point. If you haven't, I thought I would share because it has always been a pain blocker during times when I was so hurt or mad I couldn't think straight.

I particularly love the lines about planting your own garden and decorating your own soul instead of waiting for someone to bring you flowers. The Senate is not bringing us any flowers these days so it is our duty to do our own thing-even if that means somehow surviving in a horrible economy without aid and no real optimism that even half of the 1.2 million people will find jobs. I pray that happens but it doesn't seem likely or even remotely possible. The poem goes on to say that you learn that you really can endure and you really are strong. I think these words are about as uplifting as I can give to anyone reading this article on a night when the Senate has completely ignored the needs of the American people. We are strong and we will endure. That certainly doesn't make what the Senate is doing to so many people right. But keep this poem in mind as we move forward and we will survive through these challenges together. Even if the government does not help us and even if the lack of empathy leaves a scalding impression of politics in our minds forever. You do learn after a while. I have learned. Have you?

Senate Votes NO to 2010 Unemployment Extension

The truth hurts and tonight the United States Senate laid  very hard truth on 1.2 million jobless Americans. The 2010 Unemployment Benefits Extension failed for a third time in the U.S. Senate. CNN is reporting the tally was 57-41-so it wasn't even that close. You can read more about my thoughts on my Associated Content story here.

It's an awful situation that 1.2 million of us will be without extended benefits by the end of this week and 1.6 million by July 4. I guess that means we need to all get back to work and secure that 1 out of 6 chance to land a job. The other 5 people are SOL. I find it hard to believe that 100 people can determine the fate for 1.2 million people--yet it's happening. The United States President needs to step in and do something-emeregency situations call for emergency action--and unfortunately spending. This is a huge crisis and we will begin to see dire consequences from the lack of urgency and decision making on the part of our United States Senate. They have completely dropped the ball on this occassion. Heck, they have had almost one month to come to a consensus at this point. It's not bordering on ridiculous-it's just ridiculous. Insane.

The Government is not earning any trust that they have the best interest of the people. We still have to be patient and hope things can turn around despite our suffering and the inability to land a job. My hope is that a short term solution is presented soon before more people continue to be devastated by this horrible lack of leadership, empathy and urgency on the part of our United States Senate. We should be outraged.
What we need is a collective mainstream media effort to push for the legislation. It would probably do justice if the mainstream media begins to interview the people who are directly being affected. The people who are losing their houses, cars and not being able to afford food. We need more politicians behind this effort, too. From our President to the Governors and the Mayors of every city. This is a country wide issue. It isn't just refined to several states. Every state has an extremely alarming number of individuals who are going to be crushed by this news. Let's just hope the political process will somehow work this mess out-that's all we have. That and continuing to write, speak and have our voices heard.

Republican Filibuster Killing 2010 Unemployment Benefits Extension Vote?

Is a Republican Filibuster killing the 2010 Unemployment Benefits Extension vote? One Associated Press story indicated that Republicans are stalling the broader jobs bill which would include the 2010 Unemployment Benefits Extension this afternoon.

The emotional roller coaster ride continues. I almost don't have the heart to watch the ups and downs of the United States Senate decision making process. So many people are going to be affected if the issue never comes to a vote. So many people will be affected with a vote of no if it ever does come to the table for a vote. The numbers are staggering. 1.2 million jobless Americans will be without benefits at the end of this week. By July 4, that number will have increased to an unbelievable 1.6 million. Each week the Senate continues to delay on this issue brings a new pool of jobless Americans who have run out of benefits because they reached Tier 1, Tier 2, Tier 3 or even Tier 4.

The Democrats in the Senate have been cutting and cutting to try and make this issue happen or so it seems. You can't give the Democrats complete credit because they are providing this bill under a broad umbrella of a larger bill that includes other items. That makes the decision not completely about the 2010 Unemployment Benefits Decision. That, in other words, gives the Senators a way to disguise their approval or disapproval of the 2010 Unemployment benefits decision. Not many Republicans will come out and say that these 1.2 million jobless Americans need to find a job or else. Instead, all we here is rhetoric about a growing deficit and the costs of the broad bill.

It's agonizing to watch the whole thing unfold and I blame the Democrats as much as the Republicans for taking so much time and not actually putting up a fight to help their fellow Americans. Never before has such a bill been allowed to slip away and die during a time of economic crisis. Yet, it seems like 2010 is the magic number. 2010 is the year we turn our back on the people who elected us. Because there is this mythical number of idiots out there who believe the deficit is more important than 1.2 million people and their families. The 1.2 million of unemployed people will magically find a job when there are still 6 people for every one position. This situation needs a remedy now. Not tomorrow and certainly not 3 weeks from now. Good people are hurting. When will the Senate realize this and push this legislation through--whether it be as one item or included with 6?

New York Times Pens Another Great Unemployment Benefits Extension Editorial

The New York Times has penned yet another great unemployment benefits extension editorial. I would like to say kudos to The New York Times for this is at least the second such editorial in the fight to get the 2010 Unemployment Benefits Extension for what will soon be 1.2 million people.

I want to make sure people visit The New York Times and read this story on the delay from the Senate on a 2010 Unemployment Benefits Extension. It's apparent they are on the side of the 1 million plus people who will be without benefits after reaching a certain Tier of the Unemployment Compensation process. You can read the second editorial here--it's fittingly titled "Cutting off the unemployed".
I think the 1.2 million of us who are collectively sinking in this horrible boat while the Senate plays an awful game of tug of war are very grateful. Will that gratitude lead to money in our pockets? Maybe not. But it sure won't hurt. I think it's important in the political process for newspapers to still follow the checks and balances and further check and balance. That's why I have been writing story after story and sounding like a completely broken record player-because it is crucial to so many people and our voices need to collectively be heard. This New York Times editorial is the second great editorial that readers will have to look at--even if they are on the opposite side of the fence. The Mainstream Media has certainly not put up a large fight for those of us jobless Americans as a whole-but the New York Times might be the paper to thank if enough pressure is finally put on the Senate to get this bill through.
Like I have said before, it has certainly been an emotional roller coaster ride for those of us who have families and are still trying to find jobs in this horrible economic climate.

I don't need to tell anyone in this situation just how important the passage of this bill, whether it includes giving 1 gazillion bucks to each of the Senators favorite lobbyists, is vital to the economy as a whole. I don't believe the majority of the United States Senate has thought this through. What could happen is the economy could tank even worse than it is now. It's horrible now if the unemployment rate is still hovering well above 9% on the national average. Now a good percentage of those people will not have money? What's going to happen? It's quite predictable actually(I say in my best Simon Cowell voice). Foreclosures, bankruptcies and more people leaning on welfare. It's going to be a vicious cycle that might just kill small businesses no matter what further incentives are added. Let's think about 1.2 million people-which is kind of false number in this situation because of all the family members who will also be affected--will be out of at least 1 income and will have to reduce spending even more dramatically the day they lost their respective job. What will spending be like across the board once that happens? And how will those people manage to survive.
I am extremely elated that The New York Times is on the side of the people--as the other collective media should be and for some reason hasn't. If they have, they don't practice search engine optimization very well because those stories have yet to pop up in my daily search(with the exception of The Sun Sentinel, The Norwalk Reflector, The LA Times and several other various business related sites).

I wonder how many people it will take before the media stands up as a whole and realizes what the New York Times realized a long time ago? That jobless Americans who have reached a certain Tier are SOL?
SOL? The Senate has a major responsibility to figure it out-whether it means dropping the whole broad bill and just passing Unemployment Legislation as one item. They have to get their act together before the devastation gets worse. We are already talking about 900,000 people who have been without income for 1-3 weeks. Now we will see 1.2 million people on the verge of that frightening scenario.
How can this happen? How can our political system allow 100 people, regardless of stature, decide the fate of 1.2 million? It's insane. It's wrong. It's blatant lack of respect for your fellow human being.

I don't care if you can't find a way to fund the bill. Yes, in the scheme of things that is important. But it's not the most important factor in this situation. The most important factor in this situation is that jobless Americans are going to collectively face huge crisis situations in massive numbers that we haven't probably seen since the Great Depression if they keep this up. I am tired of excuses. I am also tired of now hearing that the Senate has been weighing the issue for 3 weeks. No crap. I can't believe a Senator has the nerve to say that when it's jobless Americans who have been without pay during that stretch. It's your job to look at issues for whatever length of time it takes-so please don't act as if you are working hard when you are the ones who actually have a job. A fortunate job through the election of the very same people you are failing to represent.