The Bachelor is Back Filed under ( ABC, Brad Womack, The Bachelor )

Finally, at long last, ABC is letting go of some information on the new season of The Bachelor. Brad Womack was born in Atlanta, but grew up in Texas and is 34 years old. is ABC's newest Bachelor, the network has announced. Living in Austin, he owns four bars with his two brothers and is a twin. You won't have to wait much longer to get to know him. The eleventh season of the show is set to premiere with a 90-minute special on Monday, September 24th at 9:30 pm. Given ABC is already calling him the show's "McSteamy," it sounds like we're in for a treat.

Photo from ABC.

Shayne Lamas Shows Off Big New Boobs! Filed under ( Botox, Lorenzo Lamaz, Matt Grant, Nik Richie, Shayne Lamas, The Bachelor )

Reality TV star Shayne Lamas proved she really is larger than life when she showed off her bouncing new breast implants in a skimpy bikini on Thursday.

The blonde bombshell appears to have gotten plastic surgery to boost her modest cleavage to an eye-popping DD and seemed happy to flaunt her fuller-figure as she walked along the beach with new husband, Nik Richie.

Richie certainly got more than he bargained when he eloped with Lamas, 24, in Las Vegas last April after knowing her for less than a week, but the web entrepreneur looked more than satisfied with his new-look wife as he strolled hand-in-hand with her.

The marriage is more successful than Lamas’s previous high-profile relationship. As the winner of the 12th season of The Bachelor, Shayne was engaged to British hunk Matt Grant for two weeks before their not-so-shocking split.

Shayne is far from the first member of her family rumored to have gone under the knife. Dad and Leave It To Lamas co-star Lorenzo is thought to have had liposuction and Botox to fight back the years.

Credit: Radar Online

It's Official: Jerry O'Connell and Rebecca Romijn Finally Wed Filed under ( ABC, Carpoolers, Charlie O'Connell, Jerry O'Connell, John Stamos, Rebecca Romijn, The Bachelor, Ugly Betty )

In what has to be the longest engagement in Hollywood history (or it at least certainly felt like it!), actress/model Rebecca Romijn finally walked down the aisle and wed actor Jerry O'Connell this weekend in LA. Jerry, brother of The Bachelor Charlie, actually proposed nearly two years ago, in September 2005. Given Rebecca already has one divorce under her belt (to actor John Stamos), caution and time probably wasn't such a bad idea.

The two married in an "intimate ceremony." I love when they say "intimate" ceremony. This "intimate" one had 100 family and friends of the couple. Intimate? Yeah, not so much, unless it's by Hollywood standards.

The duo's two pups, Taco and Better, were also part of the festivities, decked out in black bow ties.

Rebecca can be seen in ABC's comedy Ugly Betty, and Jerry goes back to work this fall, starring in a new comedy from ABC - Carpoolers.

Photo from People.

Rewind: The Bachelor, Officer and a Gentleman, After the Final Rose Filed under ( Andy Baldwin, Tessa Horst, The Bachelor, The Bachelor: Officer and a Gentleman )

I had a tough choice on Tuesday night. I mean, a really really tough choice. The Veronica Mars finale, the American Idol sort of finale, and The Bachelor: After the Final Rose were all on at the same time. What's a girl to do? Well, I have not been as emotionally invested in AI this year, so it got the ATFR commercial time while Veronica Mars was being recorded on the other tuner. Thank God for TiVo.

I'm glad After the Final Rose got priority because it was a treat. Waaay more interesting than in the past and I think it was because Andy told both women he loved them, so he had some 'splaining to do.

The show began with some great news about previous Bachelor couples. Byron and Mary currently own a lakeside resort in Texas and are planning a Fall wedding. Charlie and Sarah, despite all rumors to the contrary, are living together in LA. And the sweethearts of The Bachelor/Bachelorette franchise, Trista and Ryan are still married and Trista is6 months pregnant.

Amber spoke first. She said she felt mislead by Andy (not compared to Bevin!) and was convinced she'd be part of the final 3. But, she was brave and said she had no regrets. I have to say that her repetitive remarks about being mature made her seem immature.

I also learned that Bevin and I are so on the same page. I remember thinking that they were going to be into each other during the pool scene on the first group date. Bevin says that was first time she knew there was a connection between them. She said there "a sparkle in his eye and undeniable chemistry." It's really hard being right all the time.

Oddly enough, Bevin says she knew Andy didn't pick her when she got in the limo and was on her way to go see him. She had an intuition that Andy picked Tessa and when she said "I can't believe this is happening" on the way there that was what she was talking about.

Andy came out and a succession of awkward moments followed. He said there's a reason Bevin made it to the final two, that she's a fantastic woman, and that who ever ends up with her is a lucky man.

Bevin was very classy, thanking Andy for a wonderful experience, and telling him that she will never forget the time they spent together. Bevin didn't regret the experience because Andy taught her how to take a risk. so all the hurt was worth it in the end. I almost got choked up! Well, until Andy told her she would always have a piece of her heart and they stared awkwardly at each other for a couple seconds too long. He put his hand on her knee. I thought they might start making out.

Andy told Bevin that his decision was made when Tessa really opened up on their last date. That simply made him feel stronger towards her. Then he finally opened up and started cracking some jokes. This show was turning into a major downer, so I was proud of Andy!

Tessa joined Andy (and Bevin was shuffled off to a dark corner somewhere) and they both got all teary eyed when watching their proposal again. Tessa says (I'm still skeptical) that she'll be moving to Hawaii in a few months. They don't have a wedding date yet, but they are optimistic. Tessa said the beginning of their relationship was so fast, so they thought they'd slow down for a bit. Good thinking, girl!

It was nice to hear a couple say that their time together since the show ended has been getting better and better. You don't hear that as often as you hear that it was really tough for them. I'm hoping that's a good sign?

We also finally got the answer to the dog tag mystery. Andy and Tessa made the dog tags at the Air and Space Museum during their hometown visit to Washington DC. Made them during hometown visit to dc to the air and space museum. He made hers and it says T-Bone, Don't Mess with Tess. She meekly admitted that his said Bach-man, Sizzling Hot.

My overall impression from the After the Final Rose show? Andy and Tessa are just adorable dorks. And for that reason, they seem just perfect for each other. We wish them all the best and will keep an eye out for any Andy and Tessa updates!

So It Is Andy and Tessa 4Ever! Filed under ( Andy and Tessa, Andy Baldwin, Tessa, The Bachelor, The Bachelor: Officer and a Gentleman )

Well, I hate to admit when Annie is right, but she did call it. On the season finale of the Bachelor, Andy dumped Bevin and proposed to Tessa. So, when did you figure out who he would pick? For me, it was when Bevin came home with Andy. Between the libido research, the Baha'i faith and the discussion about how he was really attracted to her and wondered if it was long-term, poor Bevin's fate was sealed.

Now, with Tessa on the other hand, things were light-hearted and fun. Her parents live 20 minutes away from Andy's, she was Catholic, and she was brutally honest when questioned about her behavior throughout the show. After that visit to PA, I thought all Tessa had to do was seal the deal with a big honest discussion with Andy on their last date and she'd be marching down the aisle. And when she did do exactly that in Hawaii, all the suspense was gone for me.

Here's the video of the proposal and my thoughts about the episode are below.

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• I think we had another first in Bachelor history on this show. The Bachelor told both women that he loved them. Now, the Bachelor is usually all coy with the women, saying things like "I wish I could open up to you, but I just can't." I always thought the producers wanted to keep it mysterious. Seems like they just let Andy say whatever he wanted this season, with a great payoff - a real love story.
• You could also tell Tessa was the one when you compared the two "I love you" scenes. Now, maybe it was just editing, I'll grant that. But it sure seemed like Bevin tells Andy she loves him. Then Andy hugs her and hugs her. She says it again. He finally whispers it in response. With Tessa, she said it, then he responded right back and said it like 3 more times. Game over, Tessa wins.
• I also don't think I've ever seen a Bachelorette castoff be completely silent. Bevin just looked stunned and had little or nothing to say to Andy during her dumping. And the poor girl's hair kept blowing in her face. Sigh. I felt bad for her, but really, Andy seems to have more in common with Tessa. With Bevin, it seemed like a fire that could easily fizzle. For once, the Bachelor was smart enough to figure that out and picked the right girl!
• Why, why, why are they wearing those dog tags! Good Lord, ABC. Help us out here!
• The proposal with Tessa seemed very sincere, didn't you think? And they seemed so cute and giddy right afterwards. We'll have to see what kind of vibe we get during tonight's After the Final Rose show.

So here's my theory. ABC has ditched the After the Final Rose show in the past when it was so obvious the couple wasn't going to make it, either because of the way the show went or the time apart was too tough on them and they broke up. Does this last minute announcement of an After the Final Rose show mean that Andy and Tessa are really going to make it? After 10 seasons, you'd think I would have given up hope!

Make sure you watch the After the Final Rose special tonight. I'll be back tomorrow to share my thoughts on it. And now, for your viewing pleasure, more Andy and Tessa videos created by a true Bachelor video artist, Valen:

For the pop fans, Andy and Tessa's love story to I Wanna Be With You:



And for the Country fans, Andy and Tessa's love story set to Amazed:



And for the Pop Rock music fans, Tessa and Andy's love story set to Crazy for this Girl:



Sigh. I'm sad this season's over. At least we know there's going to be another one!

Q&A with The Bahelor Filed under ( Andy and Tessa, Andy Baldwin, The Bachelor, The Bachelor: Officer and a Gentleman )

Madison will be along here soon with her wrap-up on last night's finale episode of The Bachelor: Officer and a Gentleman. Although I haven't seen the episode yet, I heard who won, and all I gotta say is, "I called it." So there.

In the recent issue of TV Guide, Andy Baldwin sat down for a few quick questions before he gave out the final rose ... and the ring.

Were you skeptical of how some other Bachelor relationships ended?
I'm not a prince and I'm not a Firestone heir. You know, [the show] has been successful [too]. Trista and Ryan are having a baby and Byron and Mary are getting married. I thought if you went in with the right attitude, anything is possible.

Can you confirm if you're engaged? I am.

Have you set a date? No, not yet.

Were you pressured at all to propose?
As things got deeper emotionally, I felt the potential for bigger and better things. To make a commitment and to propose was the right thing to do.

You've been separated from the woman you love since the end of filming...
We do talk a lot. It's been important for us to be able to lean on each other during this time [since the taping ended]. Especially her, because she hasn't been able to voice her joy and affection. We [don't] talk too much about the show. We talk about our future.

And have you talked about her becoming a military spouse?
The strength and the courage and the understanding that it takes to be a military spouse is something that shouldn't be taken lightly. She very much understands the sacrifice that goes into being a military spouse and that was a question I asked [of almost] all the women, especially coming down to the end: Were they prepared to move to Hawaii and be married to a military officers [who] could be deployed at any time?

Photo from TV Guide.

Rewind: Dancing with the Stars, Week 9 Filed under ( American Idol, Apolo Anton Ohno, Cheryl Burke, Dancing with the Stars, Ian Ziering, Joey Fatone, Julianne Hough, Kym Johnson, Laila Ali, Maksim Chmerkovskiy, The Bachelor )

Why do I love Maksim Chmerkovskiy so much (and yes, I am showing off the fact that I can spell his name)? I generally don't like the bad boys. I'm going to need to think about this. I might need some therapy.

The stars seemed to really let loose this week. Maks and Laila's cha-cha was definitely my favorite, with the cute butterfly at the end (and not just because I love Maks). Joey and Kim had lots of fun, Apolo got all funky and Ian wore a freaking Elvis suit.

Is anyone surprised that Ian left? Was anyone even rooting for him? The way The Bachelor and Dancing with the Stars are going this season is astounding - each week the right person goes home. If only the same could be said about American Idol.

I'm still disappointed that there wasn't an NSync reunion this week, but I'm still holding out hope that JT will ditch Jessica Biel and fly across the pond to support the Fat-one.

In other DWTS news, did you hear that Karina and Mario moved in together? People is reporting it, so that means it must be true, right? Getting pretty serious for Mario, who is typically a man-whore.

People also has some behind the scenes scoop of what went on this week, including the professional dancers' reaction to the flamenco dancer on the results show, the news that Joey Lawrence will return for the second Dancing with the Stars tour, and from Monday's show, all the deets on Apolo's 25th birthday party.

Here are some video clips from this week's episodes:

Enrique Igelsias performs Hero while professionals perform:



Joey Fatone and Kym Johnson perform the Jive:



and the Foxtrot:



Laila Ali and Maksim Chmerkovskiy perform the Cha-Cha:



and the Quickstep:



Ian Ziering and Cheryl Burke dance the Jive:



and the Tango:



Apolo Anton Ohno and Julianne Hough dance the Cha-Cha:



and the Quickstep:

Rewind: The Bachelor, Officer and a Gentleman, Episode 7 Filed under ( Andy Baldwin, Bevin, Tessa, The Bachelor, The Bachelor: Officer and a Gentleman )

A pretty low drama episode this week, with Andy taking Danielle, Bevin and Tessa to his adopted state of Hawaii. He and Tessa went zip-lining, then spent a romantic evening together. Then it was a catamaran with Danielle and, not surprisingly, a romantic evening together. With Bevin, Andy went on a kayak/waterfall adventure, then, shocker, they spent a romantic evening together.

Here are my thoughts as I watched the episode:

• Andy looks like a Ken doll in this opening scene, carrying his surfboard. Why wasn't this entire show set in Hawaii so we'd get more shots like this?
• I have never noticed it before, but Andy is a toe-walker. Basically, if you are unfamiliar with the term, it's how dorky guys walk, toe first, then heel, which gives them a girly, bouncy step. It's very disconcerting to see Andy tow-walking in his Navy Whites.
• Maybe I'm cheeezy, but I'm loving the patriotic stuff on the Arizona. It's nice to see the pride he has in his service. Okay, enough serious stuff - how long till they're in a hot tub?
• Danielle - waaaay to much makeup, sweetheart. She has blush lines like Miss Piggy.
• Did Andy get choked up when he said good bye to Tessa after touring the Arizona? I am pretty sure he did! Could that have given his choice away?
• Is it just me or is Tessa pulling back when she kisses Andy?
• Oh, Lord. Are we going to play surprised at the fantasy suite card? Really? After all these years? And in the promos they made it seem like Tessa really had to think about it. Bullshit. She accepted it right away!
• Not sure how I feel about the soft core porn underwater snorkeling scenes with Danielle. Is Andy just trying to cross something off his list?
• This time Danielle get the "Love Lift Us Up" in the background. It's a bit more appropriate out on the catamaran than it was in the Nicole Miller store, yet still so cheesy I could puke.
• Danielle looks hotter in Hawaii with less makeup). I don't know why, but she just does.
• So the room he went to with Danielle looks exactly the same as the room he went to with Tessa. That's awkward.
• I'm thinking the producers hate Bevin. The girl sprained her ankle, so they send her on a hike in the rainforest? Then they make her go in an brown algae filled lake? I know they cheered at the end in the production room when Andy proposed, so now I'm thinking he doesn't propose to Bevin. Is she the kind of girl that elicits cheers? No, that would be Tessa.
• When he's talking to Bevin about her divorce, Andy reminds me of the Chris Farley skit where he interviews stars: "Um, remember when you were like, in that movie? With that stuff where the thing blew up? That was really cool."
• Bevin pulled out the L word first and seemed to be giggling with the dude interviewing her. Do I have to second guess my Tessa prediction now?
• I am so pathetic. I am just loving this conversation between Andy and his best friend. Andy certainly knows the women well, which you can't say for most Bachelors. It helps that none of them are uber-bitches.

So we get to the rose ceremony. Is there any doubt that Danielle is going home at this point? Was anyone surprised? She should have to go home just for wearing a black lace dress in Hawaii. Chris Harrison was even appropriately dressed, for God's sake! Even when they said goodbye, I wasn't feeling it. You could tell he made the right decision and he knew it, even with the tears. Andy and the girls head off to Lancaster, PA next week.

Chris Harrison Interview Filed under ( Chris Harrison, Lorenzo Borghese, Prince Lorenzo Borghese, The Bachelor, The Bachelor of Rome )

The Host of ABC's The Bachelor, Chris Harrison, really spills his guts in this radio show interview. He says Lorenzo was the worst Bachelor in Bachelor history, talks about how the directors pick the order roses are handed out, and says 25 percent of the Bachelorette pool are kicked out due to STDs and drug tests.

Go check it out over at Joker's Updates.

Rewind: The Bachelor, Officer and a Gentleman, Episode 6 Filed under ( Andy Baldwin, Bevin, Tessa, The Bachelor, The Bachelor: Officer and a Gentleman )

This week, Andy went on hometown dates with Bevin, Tessa, Danielle, and Amber. He met their families without too much drama. The hometown date episode is one of my favorites because good lord I love it when they skip the stupid cocktail party and go straight to the rose ceremony.

So, based on these hometown dates alone, I would send have sent home Amber and Danielle. Andy gave the first two roses to Bevin and Tessa. But since Andy only gets to send one person home, he gave Amber the boot. I am pretty sure (as discussed below) that her age and dysfunctional family were the main reasons.

There was no dramatic "sorry, my parents are crazy" moments or any drunken Uncle Ted in this episode. Pretty drama free, if you ask me. Well, until the end when Amber called Andy out. He tried to be nice and say it was her age, but then had to come clean and say he liked the other women more than he liked her.

Here are my thoughts as I watched this week's episode:

• Wait just one second. Did he just say he wants to "woo" Tessa? What year is it? 1834? Do men still "woo" women?
• I love that Andy tells like he sees it. For example, he said he has the most chemistry and electricity with Bevin. This seems different than other seasons, where everything The Bachelor said was as vague as vague can be.
• "I'm in heaven when I'm with Bevin." Leave lines like that for seedy bars, Andy.
• I liked the "it's something I don't regret because I learned so much from it" spin by Bevin on her divorce. Girl should work in politics!
• Andy told Bevin that she is the most mature of all the women. Again, telling one woman how she compares to the other women is not something The Bachelor usually does.
• Bevin's Dad is a crier. And not a cute crier. Now we know where Bevin gets it from!
• As Bevin herself said, the visit with her family could not have gone smoother. I mean, her mom must have been picking out wedding invitations after that visit.
• Andy said: "I want to trust that in the end, true love will prevail." I can't believe I am going to say this, but I actually believed him. It sounded sincere. He may be winning me over.
• Whoa! Stop the presses! Danielle still lives at home. Andy - that's waaaaay more of a red flag than Bevin's silly divorce. She's 25, for God's sake!
• I'm not feeling the heat with Danielle. Maybe it was the drums and the belly dancing, but it was just so booorrrring. Well, I do have to admit that the kiss at the end was pretty steamy.
• Best question and answer moment of the show: Tessa's mom to Andy: "Do you like to cook?" Andy: "I love to do dishes."
• Andy even said he can tell the other three women are in it to win it, but he was unsure about Tessa. Her response: "Um, I mean, I have this natural instinct to question . . . but I just question how genuine it is." Buh-bye Tessa. It's only a matter of time.
• Why are Andy and Tessa wearing dog tags? Clue me in here, ABC. Let's work on some editing skills.
• Why hasn't Andy been wearing more short-sleeved shirts? Hello, arms!
• In Amber's classroom, Andy replaced the word "amazing" with the word "really."
• Amber's maturity (or lack thereof) came out in her reaction to Andy not meeting her family. Dude, set up a party with your friends if your family sucks. Be positive! Don't cry on network television about it.

We haven't seen a limo freak out like Amber's in a long time. Only confirmation that Andy made the right choice. She pretty much had their lives all planned out in a stalkerish way: "We even go to work at the same time!" As if that is a good foundation for a marriage. Sigh. Good job, Andy.

Next week, the show heads to Hawaii, where we get to see the stupid fantasy suite game played out like it has every other season. Andy has thrown a couple curve balls so far, maybe there are more to come?

Andy and Tessa 4ever? Filed under ( Andy Baldwin, The Bachelor, The Bachelor: Officer and a Gentleman )

Okay, I know I said I think Bevin is it for Andy, but a YouTube video has me second guessing myself. I found this over at Joker's Updates and it is a work of art. Certainly has me thinking maybe Tessa won Andy's heart. So, to get you all revved up for tonight's episode, check out the Tessa and Andy love story:



Is it sad that I made fun of them playing "Love Lift Us Up" during the last episode, but now I love it?

Rewind: The Bachelor, Officer and a Gentleman, Episode 5 Filed under ( Andy Baldwin, The Bachelor, The Bachelor: Officer and a Gentleman )

This week's Bachelor included some community service, some kayak stealing, and the required number of both stupid and cheesy comments. Although, Andy did say "amazing" less, which I have to give him credit for. I know it's unscripted TV, but a script for Andy might be a good idea.

Andy gave roses to Bevin, Amber, Tessa, and Danielle. This means he will be going on hometown dates to Seattle, Sugarland, Texas, San Francisco, and Connecticut. The departures of Tina and Stephanie were not too surprising in light of Andy's reactions to them. Stephanie didn't open up and Tina was not affectionate. You can't blame the guy.

Andy does seem to have an uncanny ability to actually pick the right girls, so far. From here, either Bevin will go postal, or she'll be the one, if you ask me. Here are my thoughts as I watched the episode:

• As I watched the intro to the show, I realized they are pushing the whole engagement thing really hard. You'd think they would have learned their lesson on that one.
• I wish I could say that I didn't like the "Andy working out on the yacht" scenes, but if I did, I'd be lying.
• Do you think ABC gave him those Aviators? I'm gonna say yes.
• Amber, no need to hate on Tina for cleaning Andy's teeth. You're just pissed you didn't think of it first.
• The girls broke themselves up into blondes and brunettes on the yacht. Is this Beauty and the Geek or The Bachelor?
• Bevin violated the no-medical-humor rule first. "If I drown, you'll have to give me mouth to mouth." Barf-o-rama.
• On his date with Stephanie, Andy probably said one of the stupidest things I have ever heard a Bachelor say. They tasted their wine blend and he said: "Ah, it tastes beautiful, like you." Did you taste her in the car on the way over?
• Why is he so f'ig cheesy? With paint on their hands, Andy says: "Take your hand in mine, touch it to your heart." I think Stephanie kissed him just to shut him up.
• So Bevin was divorced. I don't think it's a deal breaker for Andy.
• Andy pulled out the whole "she didn't open up" and "she's young" thing when Stephanie couldn't answer even the most basic questions about herself. Or, she's shallow. The simplest answer is usually the correct one.
• Is Bevin like 40? The way she was talking about "being her age" and dating someone who is dating other, younger, girls you'd think menopause was just around the corner.
• Danielle seems too normal to be on this show. I'm waiting for the other shoe to drop. She's probably going to bust out the Star Spangled Banner or something. Wait, Tina already did that.
• When Tina said living in the house was like trying to hang out with the cool kids in high school and not fitting in, Andy said, "Cool is all about perspective." Whatever helps you make it through the day, Andy.
• Was the "Love Lift Us Up Where We Belong" necessary when Tessa picked a dress on their date? Really? In the Nicole Miller store? Soooo inappropriate.
• During Andy's date with Tessa, I kept thinking "this girl is sharp." Then Bevin came on and I thought "It's time to call the waaaambulance."
• That conversation about Tina between Stephanie and Danielle during the cocktail party seemed very producer manufactured to me.
• Andy said of all the girls, Danielle is the most invested. Andy, have you met a girl named Bevin? Or maybe one named Amber?
• Tessa's "Oh, you're drinking the wine that you made! How precious!" comment made me love her even more. She might be too normal for Andy.

Andrew Firestone is Engaged. Seriously. Filed under ( Andrew Firestone, Ivana Bozilovic, The Bachelor )

I am waiting for the moon to turn red and locusts to start attacking. It must be the end times because the unbelievable has happened - Andrew Firestone is engaged to be married. You recovered yet? Okay, here are the details, from Reality TV World.

Firestone, 31, proposed to 29-year-old actress/model Ivana Bozilovic. The news will appear in Us Weekly's May 7 issue. They have been dating for two years. She's from Chicago and now works at the Firestone family's vineyard in Los Olivos, CA.

Of course, they had to ask Jen Schefft what she thinks about it: "I'm happy for [Firestone]. I wish them all the luck in the world." Sure you are Jen. If it'll sell more books, I bet you'd show up at the wedding.

In addition to the whole engagmeent thing, the article reminded me that Andrew was the Bachelor for the show's third season. Andy is the Bachelor for the show's 10th season. Where did the time go?

By the way, the engagement has not been confirmed by anybody.

Photo from andrewfirestone.com.

Rewind: The Bachelor, Officer and a Gentleman, Episode 4 Filed under ( The Bachelor, The Bachelor: Officer and a Gentleman )

This week's episode of ABC's The Bachelor ended with a few choice bootings. First though, Andy sent a strong message to Tessa by giving her the first rose. I was surprised by the rose to Tina, but maybe their one on one time was better than the editors led us to believe. Or, maybe he was just so sick of the other girls that he was willing to keep Tina around?

The girls that went home were Stephanie South Carolina (so I guess the producers ran out of their picks), Nicole (unfortunately, she's pretty forgettable), and Kate. This is one of the only rose ceremonies where I was pretty impressed with the Bachelor's judgment. He better not make a habit out of this.

Here are my thoughts on this week's episode:

• Stephanie South Carolina started the episode with the stupidest quote of the season thus far: "Lake Tahoe, that's what, in Oregon?" Dear God, Andy. Enough with her.
• Poor wittle Bevin. She can't play wike the oder gwirls. What a whiner. We need to hook her up with one of Ophah's No Complaint bracelets.
• Andy telling Bevin: "I need to have a word with you" when she was acting a little crabby was a little to Daddy-ish for me. Although, some girls are into that....
• Andy definitely opens up more about his feelings than your average Bachelor. He told Bevin he felt electricity between them. Then he tells Stephanie Kansas that he wants to meet her family. Then he basically asks Bevin if she'd move to Hawaii to be with him. Way to play it cool, Andy.
• This is the first episode that I've seen a connection between Andy and Danielle. She's very well-spoken and confident. Do I have to put her on my contender list with Bevin and Tessa?
• Andy to Bevin: "I am a nerd." So, Andy's self-aware. Good thing.
• Hey! Guys who edit The Bachelor! Work on your transitions. Andy talks about being an astronaut, then Bevin says: "Wanna give me a check up?" Make it stop!
• When Andy's drunk he says things like: "You know what? You're my sanctuary." I just threw up a little in my mouth.
• Tessa wins the cool/mean girl points. She has Andy stand on the back of her skis, then takes out another one of the girls. Nice work, girlfriend.
• So Andy said the person who makes him feel the most calm and at ease is Tessa. Whoa, whoa, whoa, buddy. Didn't you say Bevin was your sanctuary? Is someone confused?
• Amber really reminds me of Mary Delgado. She kinda looks like her a little bit and she overthinks everything just like Mary did. Now, Mary didn't end up with Bob, but she sure did end up with Byron. Foreshadowing?
• Stephanie South Carolina appears to have decided that since she isn't getting Andy, she's just going to stir up as much sh*t as she can in the time she has left. Kate apparently adopted the same strategy, but she's waaay less cutesy about it.
• Is Tina the dark horse in this thing? Like I said, I've been avoiding the sleuths, so I have no idea if she's in this thing long-term.
• Can we ban Andy from comments like "it's just what the doctor ordered" and "it was just the medicine that I needed"? Don't doctors avoid saying stupid stuff like that? Please tell me they do.
• I wish someone was keeping track of how many hot tub scenes there are this season. Note to self: count hot tub scenes next time.
• Whoa! Where have Stephanie South Carolina's uber-fake looking boobs been for the last two episodes?
• Andy committed one of my pet peeves - he asked if he could kiss Bevin. Dude, if you have to ask, then you shouldn't do it. Way to ruin the moment. Grrrrr.
• Was Kate in Mean Girls? Cuz if she wasn't, then she should have been after her rumor spreading at the cocktail party. Meow.
• Tessa wins the honesty award. She called poor Andy out on his relationship with Bevin (I think she was talking about Bevin, at least) by saying: "If you already know what you want, I don't want to get hurt." Translation: "Please don't give me a rose if you already found someone, just let me go because I don't want a pity rose."

Next week looks like a doozie. Girls are jealous of Bevin and there's a fancy schmancy fantasy date. This is the last round before the hometown visits!

Bachelor Castoff Interview: Peyton Filed under ( Andy Baldwin, Peyton Wright, The Bachelor, The Bachelor: Officer and a Gentleman )

Just in time for tonight's episode, Reality TV World hooked us up with another interview of a rejected Bachelorette from ABC's The Bachelor. Peyton Wright was left behind last week, as Andy helicoptered off the USS Midway with Tessa. It was pretty darn sad, with Andy even getting a little weepy in a very unmanly way.

Here are some excerpts from Peyton's interview:

"It wasn't the most ideal situation for me to be left standing there... but it was part of the date and that's unfortunately how it ended for me," Wright told reporters during a Thursday conference call.

"That whole day and whole evening was so emotional because all that was going through my head was, 'I don't know if I'm going to be here or not.' And so when [Baldwin] chose Tessa -- I was happy for her, I was happy for them -- but at the same time you know, I put myself out there and I told him exactly how I felt and I took that risk and it didn't turn out the way I wanted to, so that was very emotional for me," explained Wright.

Wright described herself as a "huge Bachelor fan" and added she's "watched every season that's been on."

"We thought that Andy was a hot man who looked like he had a lot going for him and I had a lot in common with, so I decided to go and audition and see what happens," said Wright. "I really look for someone that puts himself out there and he's done so much as far as going to Duke, swimming there, and then moving across the country to go to med school, joining the Navy, moving to Hawaii... he's just taken a lot of steps in his life to make himself happy and that's something that's very appealing to me. I want someone that's been able to make themselves happy before they're going to settle down with someone else."

"I've watched the show, I knew what it was all about, I knew it was a competition, but I don't think it really sinks in until you're actually there," she said. "You actually have feelings for this person, and then seeing him talk to other women, the jealousy just builds from that. You tend to forget that the other women are there. I almost had tunnel vision that when I was with Andy I was the only one there, and then you finish your conversation with him, and he's all of a sudden engulfed in a conversation with another woman. That was really hard to grasp, that you weren't the only one that he was thinking about."

"[Tessa]'s probably the one I'm going to be rooting for to win in the end," said Wright of Horst. "I think Andy is an amazing person. He has worked so hard to get where he is in life, and I just really hope that he found someone through the show. I heard he's engaged, and I heard that they're truly happy, and I really hope to see a wedding come out of this one."

Photo from ABC.

The Bachelor: Before the First Rose Filed under ( Andy Baldwin, The Bachelor, The Bachelor: Officer and a Gentleman )

I was trying to create a little play on words in the title with After the Final Rose, but they don't even do that show anymore for the Bachelor, so I guess I'm not as funny as I think I am. Since it's Friday and I'm pretending to work, I thought I would share some videos of our dear Bachelor, Andy Baldwin, before he started spending his time in hot tubs and mediating catfights.

Here's Andy accepting an award from Competitor Magazine's Endurance Sports Awards.



Andy also did a humanitarian trip to Laos and treated over 600 patients there:



There are a few clips of Andy participating in the Ironman Triathalon in this video:

Rewind: The Bachelor: Officer and a Gentleman, Episode 3 Filed under ( Andy Baldwin, The Bachelor, The Bachelor: Officer and a Gentleman )

Thanks to TiVo, I watched this week's Bachelor without commercials. It makes the 90 minute shows fly by (especially when you can fast forward through the really long pauses during the rose ceremony). The other benefit is that I can pause it and write down my reactions to the show as I watch it.

Overall, I am still a Bevin and Tessa fan. If you are looking for an update, I'll give you the 411. Bevin sprained her ankle while competing in a boot camp challenge, then won a rose for her trouble. There was a spa/mud bath date, a car racing date and a tour of the Midway. On the Midway date, Andy had to choose between Tessa and Peyton and Tessa (rightfully) got the rose. So, the girls who went home were Peyton, Erin, and Amanda.

Here's what I thought as I watched the show. Let me know if you agree in the comments:

• Stephanie T. is the girl who gives it up quickly and loses the guy to the good girl once the guy finds out that a girl who gives it up that quickly has issues. Calling it now.
• Is it just me or was the watch gift odd? So they go to the hospital, then he gives her a watch? Wha'?
• Danielle and Andy seemed more like brother and sister or just buddies. Not seeing the sparkage there.
• Peyton - "I think you're wonderful" is not a good pick up line. Especially when you are competing against other women who sprain their ankles and sing the National Anthem to get his attention.
• Whoa, whoa whoa. Barbie Doll Erin is a "Financial Analyst?" What the hell? They might as well have said that Andy was confident and smooth.
• The moments in the car with Erin seemed like some of the most real moments I have ever seen on The Bachelor in all its iterations. Maybe because there wasn't a cameraman there, just a camera in the dash. Either way, I loved it. Can we have more car scenes?
• The stethoscope moment on the ship with Peyton. A-W-K-W-A-R-D. No heat, no chemistry. Nuthin'. She seems so nice, so it's sad, but true.
• Peyton and Tessa hugging on the ship with Andy getting all whiny and crying could have been a nice moment if he weren't crying ON A FREAKING AIRCRAFT CARRIER! Be a man! Cry later!
• Andy has twice said "laid down the line" when he meant "laid it on the line." Good try, buddy. And for God's sake, someone tell him to stop saying "amazing." It's amazing how many times he said amazing in this episode.
• Was Stephanie T.'s polka dot dress from her prom in 1987?
• Kate - "I'm a really cool person" is not a good pick up line. If you have to say that then you probably are striking out.
• The fact that Andy picked up on the fact that Stephanie T. might not be sincere means that he is a good guy. No doubt. Now I feel bad about picking on him.

In store for next week, a trip to Tahoe and the cat fighting among the girls gets so bad that Andy finds out about it.

Photo from ABC.

Bachelor Castoff Interview: Alexis Filed under ( Alexis Young, The Bachelor, The Bachelor: Officer and a Gentleman )

In anticipation of another episode of ABC's The Bachelor tonight, I thought I would share yet another fun castoff interview. This time it's last week's loser, Alexis Young. You may recall her as the ultra-conservative attorney from Texas. Reality TV World chatted with her and here are a few choice excerpts:

On the effect of her conservative values:

"I'm not sure if [my conservative values] did [play a role in my elimination]. If it did, I'm glad because my goal in going to this show was to let him know as soon as possible what I wanted in a guy, what kind of girl I was," the 26-year-old Southlake, TX attorney told reporters during a Thursday conference call. "There was a lot of time I was able to speak to [Andy] that wasn't shown... I feel like I got to know him and he got to know me... the spark's not there, it's pretty simple."

On how the show was edited regarding her virginity:

"It really just defines that person when there are so many other qualities of that person. And that's one thing about TV that I really kept in mind, was that I needed to be careful about what I revealed, what I didn't, what I focused on; because you never know what part of your personality or actions are going to be highlighted and made out to be who you were," she said. "I think that they didn't show all the time I was laughing, goofing off and having fun with the girls. I mean I wasn't always quiet and shy... I got to know a lot of the girls and we had so much fun. I got to Andy also, and not all of our conversations were these very serious conversations."

On Andy:

He "seemed like a really nice guy and I was interested in getting to know him." Upon personally meeting him, Alexis said Andy "seemed kind of nervous" and had a "hard time kind of relaxing and being himself."

"He made sure to always compliment everyone and make sure everyone was having fun and nobody felt left out, which was a double-edged sword," she explained. "On one hand, it was one big happy family. On the other hand, you never knew if he was saying the same things to another girl that he just said to you."

On not getting a rose:

During the last rose ceremony, Alexis said she "wasn't disappointed" when Andy didn't call her name because "it became rapidly apparent we weren't the perfect match and I'm fine with that."

Bachelor Castoff Interview: Blakeney Filed under ( Andy Baldwin, Blakeney, The Bachelor, The Bachelor: Officer and a Gentleman )

It's that time of year again - Bachelor time. I wish I could tell you that after all these years, the bloom has fallen off the Bachelor rose, but it sure has not. I am still addicted.

I'm trying really hard not to read the spoilers dug up by the clever screencap sleuths at message boards like Joker's Updates, but it really is tough to avoid them. My gut reaction is that Amber and Bevin are the front runners. The pool scene with Bevin especially made me feel that they had an instant connection. And she's just catty enough to make her seem real. With Amber, it feels a bit more one-way (coming from Andy to Amber and not Amber to Andy).

One thing I always indulge in are the castoff interviews, when magazines pick the brains of the women who act like idiots then wonder why they were not offered a rose. However, this interview by In Touch Weekly of Blakeney, who was eliminated the first week, actually shows some self-awareness.

WATCHING YOURSELF ON TV, WOULD YOU HAVE DONE ANYTHING DIFFERENTLY?
Blakeney: I would have eaten more food and drank less champagne! My foot got caught in my dress and I fell off my bar stool, but it was tons of fun the whole way down. My friends and family were laughing so hard. Anyone that knows me and loves me knows I'm the clumsiest person in the world. I'd do that sober. I'm not ashamed at all.

WHY DID LINDSAY PICK ON YOU?
Blakeney: She had been picking on everyone all night long and she was looking for someone to snap on. Everyone was looking for their 15 seconds of fame. She zeroed in on me when I got caught up with my dress and hit the floor. We hung out and talked after we had our words. We made up - there's no hard feelings.

WE LOVED YOUR RAP, EVEN IF ANDY DIDN'T.
Blakeney: We had been asked to do something to differentiate from the other girls. Music plays a big part in my world. I wanted to show him I had a little more spunk in me than the other girls.

DID YOU HAVE CHEMISTRY WITH ANDY?
Blakeney: He was great. He had a wonderful heart. He just wasn't a match to me. There just wasn't a connection. I'm more of an edgy person. He was such a sweet guy - maybe a little too sweet.

WHICH GIRL HAD MAJOR CHEMISTRY WITH HIM?
Blakeney: I believe Amber made a really strong connection with him. They seemed to have a lot in common, like working out. Every time he'd walk into the room, her eyes would light up. She really had a crush on him.

ARE YOU DATING ANYONE NOW?
Blakeney: God works in mysterious ways. I was sent home for a good reason because the love of my life came back into my life just a week after I got home. I believe that everything happens for a reason. I live by that motto.

Get Your Bachelor Pics Filed under ( Andy Baldwin, The Bachelor, The Bachelor: Officer and a Gentleman )

Us Weekly knows us so well. With a new season of The Bachelor kicking off last week, all we want is all Andy, all the time. In response, Us provides this short little slideshow to help whet your appetite for tonight's show.

So, who's everyone calling as the winner? Early contenders over at some of the more popular boards, like Joker's Updates and the ABC board seem to be Bevin and Tessa. Guess we just have to keep watching.