Author: Shane

The Bachelor 13 Episode 3

Three more girls went home in The Bachelor 13 Episode 2. First, Lisa left to go see her sick grandmother. Later at the rose ceremony, Sharon and Raquel were sent home by Jason.

Due to computer problems, I won’t be able to do a complete recap tonight, but here’s a brief summary of what happened.

Stephanie went on a one-on-one date with Jason, who had a surprise for her. Her daughter was there waiting for them to celebrate her birthday. At the end of the date, Stephanie got a rose.

After the family date, it was time to make things a bit more PG-13. Jillian, Melissa, Megan, Nikki, Naomi, Kari, Shannon, and Erica went on the group date where they made busts of their busts (after first rubbing Jason down with oil) for breast cancer awareness. Jillian ended up with the rose from this date, as Jason believes she’s closely aligned with him as far as their beliefs on relationships.

Natalie got the second one-on-one date, leaving Molly and Lauren dateless. After she finally got ready after keeping Jason waiting, she got to wear $1 million in diamonds. They left the mansion in a limo, which took them to a private jet, which then took them to a helicopter in Vegas. While they were away, the other girls discussed how they hoped she’d go home because she was too materialistic and immature. Despite the fact that Jason found her sexy, he agreed with the girls and did not give her a rose. She couldn’t figure out why he dumped her because he’s not God. With her parting rant, she warned Jason that some of the girls in the house were mean.

So he confronted the girls in the house. Most just bit their tongues. But Lauren, talking only on Jason’s assurance they couldn’t be heard, blurted out the names Erica and Megan. Too bad they could be heard. Let the cat fight continue.

Chris brings this up at the rose ceremony, to which Megan eventually responds. Lauren dances around this, never admitting she said anything. Somehow, this leads to Shannon’s breakdown. She says she hates it there and storms off crying and saying she’s sick. She’s been a wreck for days now, but Jason seems to understand.

Roses
Stephanie (one-on-one date)
Jillian (group date)
Molly
Lauren
Melissa
Naomi
Shannon
Nikki
Megan

Erica and Kari have been eliminated. I’m not real sure who Kari is, but Erica’s final blow was probably Lauren’s advice to Jason. Kari leaves on a positive note. Erica, however, blames Megan and the drama for her elimination.

Stay tuned to dingoRUE for another live recap of The Bachelor 13 Episode 4, which airs Monday at 8/7c on ABC.

American Idol 8 Episode 2

American Idol kicked off its eighth season last night, down about 3 million viewers (a lot of people will make a big deal about this) but still easily the reigning TV champ nonetheless. American Idol 8 Episode 1 brought us Phoenix hopefuls Arianna Afsar, Stevie Wright, Michael Sarver, Scott Macintyre, and some chick in a bikini.

Returning to David Cook’s home turf, tonight the judges are searching for talent in Kansas City, which is apparently in Missouri.

Chelsea Marquardt finally decided to take the plunge and come on Idol. She sings Without You by Mariah Carey, proving that her family lied to her. Simon says it sounded like a cat jumping off the Empire State Building.

Ashley Anderson picks a song co-written by Simon Cowell, Footprints in the Sand (if only she got the name of it right). She sails through to Hollywood, and Simon likes her since she knows he (partially) wrote something.

Casey Carlson sings 1000 Miles by Vanessa Carlson. She’s through to Hollywood. Good to see them devote a whole 30 seconds to a decent singer. Now let’s see if they can give 15 minutes to a trainwreck or two.

Brian Hettler sings Aretha Franklin’s Think. The judges don’t need to think long about rejecting him.

Von Smith sings Somewhere Over the Rainbow. I was struggling to figure out whether this was good or not, but ultimately he got through.

Jason Castro, who stayed on the show last year a month longer than he wanted to be there, is back with his brother Michael Castro. He sucks at interviews just like his brother. Pink haired Michael says his brother is more girly than he is. He just started singing 20 days ago. He sings In Love with a Girl by Gavin DeGraw, and it turns out he’s got a good voice. He’d have been better off getting some lessons first, but it’s still enough to advance to the next round.

Matt Breitzke can’t sing for a living with a young child and wife, so he’s a welder instead. He sings Bill Withers’ Ain’t No Sunshine. Randy tells him he’s probably just like a cool bar singer and says no, but the others say yes. Simon likes his heart and ambition.

Jasmine Joseph is a wee bit creepy, and her rendition of Somewhere Over the Rainbow doesn’t help change that any. The judges just stare in silence.

Jessica Paige Furney is from Oz, literally. She sings Crybaby by Janis Joplin. Simon likes that she stands out. Randy calls her a natural.
Sisters Asia McClain and India Morrison are rappers. Their rapping is entertaining but not overly good. Asia’s singing falls apart from there, but India’s not bad and makes it through.

Jamar Rogers sings California Dreaming by The Mamas and the Papas. Over the top but good.

His best friend Danny Gokey is there with him. He’s being weighed down by his grieving, as his wife passed away four weeks before the audition, but he hopes people will be able to get to know her through him. He sings I Heard it through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. Paula calls him soulful, and Randy thinks he’s one of the best so far.

Anoop Desai is wearing his Saturday morning best. He sings Thank You by Boyz II Men and is surprisingly good. Simon thinks he needs a makeover and is too geeky.

Andrew Lang arrives with some faux cheerleaders who may be somewhat obnoxious but are probably more memorable than he will be. He sings My Girl by The Temptations. There’s a good voice in there somewhere. Randy lets him through. Then he sings Ain’t Too Proud to Beg (does he know any other groups?), which causes Randy to change his vote. Simon wants to say no to all of them. Andrew out.

Asa Barnes is a father and band director. He sings Michael Jackson’s The Way You Make Me Feel quite well. Simon doesn’t get the song choice but likes Asa. Paula is happy that this wasn’t a disaster, unlike most people who sing Michael Jackson.

Michael Nicewonder (is that a real name?) is mad as his mother for telling him he can’t sing, which we know already he can’t. He says he’s related to Hank Williams, Jr. He sings an original song. Yeah, it’s a waste of time. So Simon asks him to sing another.

Dennis Brigham had a dream last night. Simon told him he’s the best they’ve seen all day. We know this one isn’t going anywhere either. He sings With You by Chris Brown. Simon didn’t get it. But Paula says yes, as does Randy. It seems the begging worked, though having a dream about Simon didn’t.

Mia Conley dozes off in the holding room, but she unfortunately wakes up to sing Loving You. She warns the judges that God will make them pay for this.

The last contestant of the day is Lil Rounds, mother of three. Still trying to recover from a tornado that hit her apartment, she has decided to give Idol a shot. She sings Stevie Wonder’s All I Do. Paula says she’s one of the best, Simon calls her fantastic, and Kara also thinks she’s one of the best.

Stay tuned to dingoRUE for another recap of American Idol 8 episode 3, which airs Tuesday at 8/7c on Fox.

Survivor: Tocantins Cast

Survivor: Tocantins, season 18 of Survivor, premieres Thursday February 12 at 8/7c on CBS. Here is the cast of 16 contestants who will be on the show:

Benjamin “Coach” Wade
37
Bolivar, MO
Soccer Coach

Brendan Synnott
30
New York, NY
Entrepreneuer

Candace Smith
31
Dayton, OH
Attorney

Carolina Eastwood
26
West Hollywood, CA
Bartender

Debra “Debbie” Beebe
46
Auburn, AL
Middle School Principal

Erinn Lobdell
26
Waukesha, WI
Hairstylist

Jerry Sims
49
Rock Hill, SC
US Army Sergeant

Joe Dowdle
26
Austin, TX
Real Estate Sales

James “JT” Thomas Jr
24
Samson, AL
Cattle Rancher

Sandy Burgin
53
Louisville, KY
Bus Driver

Sierra Reed
23
Los Angeles, CA
Model

Spencer Duhm
19
Lakeland, FL
Student

Stephen Fishbach
29
New York, NY
Corporate Consultant

Sydney Wheeler
24
Raleigh, NC
Model

Tamara “Taj” Johnson-George
37
Nashville, TN
Former Pop Star

Tyson Apostol
29
Lindon, UT
Professional Cyclist

Meet the cast in this video.

Tyson Apostol Survivor Tocantins

Tyson Apostol
Age: 29
Hometown: Lindon, UT
Occupation: Professional Cyclist

Tyson Apostol Survivor Tocantins

CBS Bio
Witty, charming and arrogant is how Tyson Apostol describes himself. This former pro-cyclist and swimmer believes that his natural athleticism, combined with his “life of the party” personality, will get him far in he game. His favorite movie is “The Jerk” and that’s how some people just might describe him.

He compares his game strategy to that of some of the most entertaining castaways to ever play the game. Much like them, he is willing to do almost anything to win one million dollars, including implementing the use of lies and deceit to feed off the “emotional weakness” of the other castaways. A Brigham Young University drop-out, he is actually very well traveled and skilled in street smarts, previously spending two years in the Philippines as a Mormon missionary, in addition to six years as a cyclist in Switzerland, Belgium and Austria.

In many ways Tyson can be brash, egotistical and unapologetic but, oddly enough, he has no tolerance for “know-it-alls” or individuals who lack common courtesy. In addition to, as he describes it, “looking awesome,” his favorite hobbies are exercising and sunbathing. If he becomes the next sole SURVIVOR, he plans to use all of the money for selfish purposes, starting with “the most smoking motorcycle around.”

Tyson currently resides in Heber City, Utah and his birthday is June 17.

Tamara “Taj” Johnson-George Survivor Tocantins

Tamara “Taj” Johnson-George
Age: 37
Hometown: Nashville, TN
Occupation: Former Pop Star

Tamara Taj Johnson George Survivor Tocantins

CBS Bio
Tamara “Taj” Johnson-George already has a lot on her plate, but can’t wait to add SURVIVOR contestant into the mix. A Grammy®-nominated singer, successful author, wife of a former NFL pro and mother of two wonderful boys, Taj believes she will be the “most underestimated player” in the game.

A Grammy®-nominee for her soul group SWV (“Sisters With Voices”), Taj says “her group was the one to beat.” Selling over six million records, her time as a singer has prepared her for the spotlight.

In addition to her music career, Taj is also an accomplished writer. The author of “Player HateHER: How To Avoid The Beat Down And Live In A Drama Free World,” she tries to practice what she preaches as her true pride and life’s focus lies within her family. The wife of Heisman Trophy winner and former Tennessee Titan running back Eddie George, she warns all opponents, “I’m not the average NFL wife and mother.”

Growing up in Brooklyn, Taj overcame both physical and mental abuse in her life. With her background, it’s no wonder she says she’s “naturally distrustful.” Taj goes on to say “I am literally, truly a survivor, who has survived more things you can ever imagine.” She is used to beating the odds and plans to do it again.

In her free time, Taj says she is very physical and likes to workout, running, swimming and doing yoga and kickboxing. Taj is the total package built around strength and street smarts and will be a fierce competitor in this game.

Taj currently resides in Nashville, Tenn. Her birth date is April 29.

Sydney Wheeler Survivor Tocantins

Sydney Wheeler
Age: 24
Hometown: Raleigh, NC
Occupation: Model

Sydney Wheeler Survivor Tocantins

CBS Bio
Sydney Wheeler is the girl next door. Beautiful and smart, Sydney learned early on to adapt to any situation after spending her childhood being shuttled between her conservative parents.

Growing up in Raleigh, North Carolina, Sydney decided to move out to the west coast to try her hand at modeling and interior design. She plans to use the skills she’s learned working with different clients to help navigate the social game of SURVIOR. She’s also not afraid to use her looks to further herself in the competition.

Forced to mature at an early age, Sydney knows what it really means to live life to its fullest. At age 19 she lost her sister Laura in a tragic car accident, but throughout it all has maintained a positive attitude. “God put us on Earth to do good things, big things and that’s what I’m trying to do and achieve in life.”

Sydney knows she can use her winning personality, along with her beauty, her body and her brains, to charm people. Wheeler warns, “people stereotype me as just a pretty face. Don’t misjudge me, I’m going win.” Sydney is ready for the adventure SURVIVOR will surely provide.

Sydney is in a relationship and currently resides in San Diego, Calif. Her birth date is May 11, 1984.