Showing posts with label Indiana. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Indiana. Show all posts

Tuesday, February 19, 2019

The Bachelor Episode 7: Without Notes Edition

Well, I took notes. I thought I emailed myself those notes. Emphasis on thought. I have to say that it was not the most eventful episode. Alas, I'll go from memory in what may be a short post. We are back in the United States with Colton returning home to Denver. After a pep talk from Mrs. Dugan's cousin Ben Higgins, Colton is ready to go. We have 7 girls left before next week’s home towns. That means we are going to have a 43% kill rate this episode. So…somewhat eventful.

As my girl Taylor would sing, are you ready for it?


Tay Tay’s One on One

Speaking of Tay Tay, Tayishia gets the first one-on-one with a day date with Colton. They get ice cream, shop for dinner ingredients and make a meal together at home. What was up with feeding the dog ice cream? Do dogs eat ice cream? Did you notice how much ice cream was left at the time he shared it with the dog? Did he go back to eating it? Did he give the entire thing to the dog? I need more ice cream eating dogs in the show.

Cooking meals with your girlfriend on a reality show is very different than cooking meals with the mother of your children. Flirty flicks of flour v. glares regarding dishes. I could go on and on mostly because Mrs. Dugan does not read the blog but will refrain because discretion is the better part of valor.

Beginning with Tayshia and continuing throughout the episode, Colton is determined to get answers to the most ever-present question on the Bachelor/ette: WHO IS HERE FOR THE RIGHT REASONS? In the good old days, we would have Kasey get a guard and protect your heart tattoo. For Colton, the right reason is marrying him and starting a family. I imagine the girls may have a different interpretation of “the right reasons.”

Nevertheless, Tay Tay tells on Teacher Cassie and Miss Cackalacka while securing a rose and a visit to her hometown.

Cackalacka’s plays One-on-One Defense


In the history of terrible dates, I think first snowboard experience has to be high on the list. I know a good number of people that snowboard. Their snowboard origin stories are remarkably similar and involve a lot of initial pain and misery. Perhaps Colton is trying to break down Cackalacka before confronting her with Tayshia’s accusations.Fortunately for Cackalacka, she is dating a true moron and Colton will accept any defense offered. Also, the producers need some drama for these remaining episodes. Everyone knows she is staying. She does.

Hannah Alabama Meets the Fam and her Demise

Colton’s Dad looks like if Jason Statham ate Colton. Colton's dad tells him to trust his gut and not listen to any of the girls. Can we just get the cameras to follow Neanderthal Statham and the dog from Tay Tay's date and be done with this boring Bachelor? Hannah Alabama shares her feelings with Colton's mom before their evening date in a FBO hanger. Dugan has eaten in a hanger. When did this become a thing? You know what eating in a hanger makes you think about? Elizabeth Warren. 

I called Hannah Alabama's demise while Mrs. Dugan scoffed. Guess who was right? The guy with the Bachelor blog. She gone.


The Royal Tenenbaums Group Date with Sixpence Heather, Teacher Kassie, Kirpa and the Other Hannah

Whether you know or even appreciate it or not, this show is operating at another level. Wheels within wheels, my friends. Did you notice the homage to the Royal Tenenbaums at the beginning of the group date?  

House from the show.

House from the movie.

Ok, Dugan, you are a crazy conspiracy theorist. But the Wes Anderson appreciation continued with Sixpence Heather exiting via train in a very Darjeelingesque exit. We are left with Kirpa, Teacher Cassie and the Other Hannah. Was there ever a doubt? He went with young Margot and old Margot. Sorry Kirpa. Until next week when hometowns and Tim.





Monday, February 15, 2016

The Bachelor Episode 7: On Time and Suboptimal

We have left the Bahamas and turn our sights to the Orthopedic Capital of the World!!

That’s Warsaw, Indiana. Ben no longer lives in Indiana, having chosen to settle in Denver along with every other millennial from Indiana. Ben returns home with six girls and four dates. LB, JoJo Trump, and Thing Emily get the individual dates while Mom Olivia, Hugs Becca, and Software Caila are left to a group date.

Ben pulls up to the dock too fast in a pontoon boat and Software Caila unwisely tries to stop the boat herself. Boats weigh thousands of pounds and don’t have breaks. Do not attempt to stop a boat approaching you. Especially if you are a 105 lb software sales rep.

It’s early but Thing Emily drops my QOTN: “Warsaw is absolutely gorgeous” WHAT? I have driven through Warsaw, Indiana. “Absolutely gorgeous” did not come close to entering my head during those trips.

Absolutely Warsaw

 LB and the Warsaw Tour

We get to visit Ben’s high school, church, movie theatre and youth club.  Ben is 26. This date is still.....ok, but I don’t think you can get away with it much longer. The highlight of the episode did come during their visit to a local boys n girls clubesque gym. Ronnie “The Half Court King” makes a, you guessed it, half-court shot for Ben to get a kiss. What a nickname! What a shot! I want to hang out with The Half Court King.
Remind me to fire my agent,

In addition to Ronnie, Indiana Pacers players Paul George and George Hill showed up. Along with a thrilled Coach Vogel. When you get these type of stops pulled out for your date (see JoJo’s upcoming date at Wrigley)…don’t you know you are getting a hometown rose? LB has been a favorite since early in the season, but hanging out in Indiana dive bars is only going to further ingratiate her with your blog co-authors.

JoJo Trump Does Chicago

Sweet Home Wrigley

Did you know Ernie Banks was nicknamed “Mr. Cub”? Of course you did. Did you also know he was nicknamed “Mr. Sunshine?” You did? LIAR.

JoJo is following a well-worn Bachelor/ette path. Scared to open up for fear of getting hurt. Opening up in relationships can be difficult. Opening up when you know your partner is simultaneously dating other people? Yeah, that might make it even more difficult.

Ben explains how much this date means to him since he’s a life-long Cubs fan. They enjoy dinner in the outfield and I predict this over the top date has also secured the hometown date for JoJo Trump.

Young Ben Higgins

Is JoJo the favorite to be the next Bachelorette? Are they going to pick Hugs Becca?

Motorboating with Hugs Becca, Software Caila and Mom Amanda

Ok, no motors were involved. It was actually only awkward rowing and I confess I was reading about the Chinese Super League’s ambition affecting the MLS through much of this boring date. Caila did inform the viewer that she moved seventeen times before college. She's concerned about the lack of a hometown feel to her Hometown date. I like the confidence, Caila. Mrs. Dugan believes that Caila is this season’s Catherine.

Mom Amanda gets the rose and Hugs Becca sees the writing on the wall. She then asks a prescient question: “What more do I need to do?” Ummmmmm. Well…..nope. Not going to say it.

Mom Amanda and Ben then shoot a McDonald’s commercial during their date. Seriously. It’s annoying but it’s also everyone’s fault who owns a DVR.

The McDonald’s commercial ends and they have a fair where the mayor introduces Ben and Amanda. Ben and I have a healthy fear of fair rides.

Warsaw Fair Employee of the Month
Miss Thing Meets the Parents

Oh, you poor little Thing. She is a fish out of water here in Indiana. I could count the mistakes made on this date but it’s been a while since I took calculus.
  •          “Talking to people can kind of be a hard thing to do”
  •          She “never sees ducks in Vegas”
  •          “I’m really average at everything, but ready to be an above average mom and wife.”
  •          What is going on? Is she throwing this date? Have we followed JoJo’s Cubs date with a nod to the 1919 White Sox?
  •          She prefers to “sit around and watch movies all day”
  •          She “doesn’t like vegetables”
  •          Thing’s goal in life is to be an NFL cheerleader
  •          This date is a train wreck into a dumpster fire and Ben mercifully puts Thing Emily out of her misery.

Rose Ceremony
Mom Amanda is safe
LB
JoJo Trump
Software Caila


Hugs Becca’s virginity is safe! Until next week and hometowns.

Monday, January 4, 2016

The Bachelor: Hoosier Daddy Premiere

After the last two Bachelor seasons with Juan Pablo and the Faux Hawk Farmer, we have returned to a classic Bachelor leading man with Ben Higgins from Warsaw, Indiana. I think the ladies were genuinely interested in gentle Ben. As many of our readers will understand, Ben is a Higgins from the Hoosier state and starts with house money from the WWT writers.

I asked Mrs. Dugan where in Indiana it was located and she gave me the same response she has been giving since 2001: South. Very helpful. We both vaguely remembered it, however. Aha! Its on the way between picturesque South Bend and a true gem, Muncie, Indiana.  Over the years, I have probably driven through Warsaw, Indiana no less than 10 times. I remember nothing.



Do you want to know how small Warsaw, Indiana is? The COUNTY its in has 77,000 people! Ok, you have the set up. He's a nice guy from a small town. He was the quarterback for the high school and played on the basketball team and graduated from State U.


Pep Talk


Bachelor Ben follows his McDonalds commercial debut with some Mustang driving to meet up with former Bachelor Farmer Chris, Sean Lowe and Jason Mesnick. Farmer Chris recommends kicking the tires on the contestants while Sean and Jason recommend taking it slow. Ben congratulated Mesnick for keeping it honest to the end. Ummmmm, he switched girls after the final rose?

***Blogging Note: Triple OT in #1 v #2 has not helped me stay focused!***


One of my favorite aspects of the premiere was host Chris Harrison's decision to go retro Regis from Who Wants to Be a Millionaire with the dark tie, shirt, suit combo. 

Looking good, Chris
Let's Meet the Women Alphabetically
*tattoo count in parenthesis
  • Amanda, 25 (0), an Esthetician (fancy way of saying hairdresser?) from Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 
    • Bio Note: Divorced with two kids
  • Amber, 30 (0), a Bartender from Chicago, IL
    • Bio Note: Bachelor and Bachelor in Paradise veteran. Does anyone else in the world list The Lion King and Reservoir Dogs as all-time favorite movies?
  • Becca, 26 (2), a Chiropractic Assistant from San Diego, CA
    • Bio Note: Bachelor veteran. Formerly a virgin. Still?
  • Breanne, 30 (0), a Nutritional Therapist (works at GNC?) from Seattle, WA
  • Caila, 24 (1), a Software Sales Rep from Hudson, Oh.      
    • Bio Note: Favorite Music: U2 (reminds me of my Dad). Holy shit I am getting too old to blog this shit.
  • Emily, 22 (0) and Haley (0) are twins from Las Vegas, NV
    • Bio Note: Listed occupation as twins. That’s not an occupation.
  • Isabel "Izzy," 24 (0), a Graphic Designer from Branford, CT
    • Bio Note: What is your all-time favorite book and why? Honestly, I don’t love to read, but I did enjoy reading the first 150 pages or 50 Shades of Grey. Then I just saw the movie.
  • Jackie, 23 (0), a Gerontologist from San Francisco, CA
    • Bio Note: Favorite Music: Country and Rap. This is an acceptable favorite music now? WTF?
  • Jami, 23 (3), a Bartender from St. Albert, Alberta, Canada
    • Bio Note: How would you describe yourself as a lover? Inexperienced
  • Jennifer, 25 (0), a Small Business Owner from Fort Lauderdale, FL
    • Bio Note: Flager College alum, Go Saints!
  • Jessica, 23 (1), an Accountant from Boca Raton, FL
    • Bio Note: Favorite Music: Luke Bryan – great country singer, Kygo – more relaxing music, Lil’ Wayne – best rapper alive. This shit again?
  • Joelle "JoJo", 24 (0), a Real Estate Developer from Dallas, TX
    • Bio Note: Special talent: I can make a 3-leaf clover with my tongue. Just throwing that out there.
  • Jubilee, 24 (?), is a War Veteran from Fort Lauderdale, FL.
    • Bio Note: I thank Jubilee for her service, but does War Veteran mean she is now unemployed? She’ll always be a veteran. What does she do now?
  • Lace, 25 (2), is a Real Estate Agent from Denver, CO
    • Bio Note. Favorite Music: Rap, R&B and Country.When will this madness end?
  • Laura, 24 (0), is an Account Executive from Louisville, KY
    • Bio Note: Allergic to rice?
  • Lauren "LB," 23 (1), is a Fashion Buyer from Stillwater, OK
    • Bio Note: Wants to be LC.
  • Lauren B., 25 (1), a Flight Attendant from Marina Del Rey, CA
    • Bio Note. Favorite Music: Hip hop/Dance/R&B/Country. Ugh!
  • Lauren H., 25 (0), is a Kindergarten Teacher from Hell on Earth.
    • Bio Note. Favorite Music: Popular/hit list stuff. Also stuff from growing up. 90s stuff. I’M SO OLD.
    • Where do you see yourself in five years? Ah, I’ll be 30!! FML. No, FML.
  • Lauren R., 26 (0), is a Math Teacher from Houston, TX
    • Bio Note: Nothing.
  • Leah, 25 (2 in process of being removed), an Event Planner from Denver, CO
    • Bio Note: What’s the most outrageous thing you’ve ever done Probably twerking on the wall in my dress during my Bachelor interview.
  • Maegan, 30 (0), is a Cowgirl from Weatherford, TX
    • Bio Note: Favorite Music. Red Dirt Country. WHAT?
  • Mandi, 28 (0), a Dentist from Portland, OR
    • Bio Note: What would an ex say are your worst attributes? Have a tendency to drink too much. Bring it on.
  • Olivia, 23 (0), is a News Anchor from Austin, TX
    • Bio Note: Wants to be the Bachelorette.
  • Rachel, 23 (0), is unemployed from Little Rock, AR
    • Bio Note. Got nothing but I appreciate the honesty on the occupation.
  • Samantha, 26 (1), is an Attorney from New Smyrna Beach, FL
    • Bio Note: What is your greatest achievement to date? Graduating Law School in the top 20% of my class. Yeah, but what law school?
  • Shushanna, 27 (0), is a Mathematician from Salt Lake City, Utah
    • Bio Note: Favorite Music: Russian. I like where this is going.
    • All-Time Favorite Movies: Fast & Furious. Check that. I love where this is going.
  • Tiara, 26 (0) is a Chicken Enthusiast from Redmond, WA
    • Bio Note: That’s not a job. Putting “enthusiast” before something does not make it a career.

 It's Limo Time

Readers, don't worry. I know what you are thinking. You want to meet the contestants and get our first go at this season's nicknames. As always, the nicknames are fluid at this point and open to interpretation and change. Fleiss & Co. gave very few vignettes of the ladies in their hometown and gets right to limo action. 

Limo 1
  • Lauren B, the flight attendance, gives Ben some wings and is "ready to take off on this journey.” You'll always win me over with puns, ABC writers.
  • Caila pulls off the patented run and jump
  • Jennifer, the small business owner from Dugan's home of Fort Laudy basically forgot her name
  • Jami is Canadian, knows Kaitlyn, and makes a bad, crude joke. New Kaitlyn!
  • Lawyer Sam passed the bar
  • GI Jubilee offers a weak pick-up line.
  • Divorcee Amanda is bringing the heat.
  • Lace, aka Superfecta, steals the first kiss. 
  • Lauren R. admits to social media stalking Ben
  • Shushanna, aka the Russian or Ivan Drago?, only speaks in Russian.
  • Leah, Hut Hut Higgy also has a little Erica Rose in her, plays some football with Ben.
  • JoJo, aka Trump, is a unicorn real estate developer turned presidential candidate.
  • Lauren Harbaugh is an Ann Arbor Kindergarten Teacher
  • Laura wants to be called Red Velvet but Mrs. Dugan says "Broke ass Emma Stone" is more appropriate.
  • Mandi, aka Portlandia, is a weird dentist with a red rose hat.
  • Thing 1 and Thing 2 are the twins and I'm going to have trouble differentiating, 
  • Maegan brings a miniature horse and likely did not bring another outfit as she had no chance.
Meanwhile, in the mansion, Canadian Jami is breaking down the crazy..."We got twins, a horse, a girl with a rose hat, a Russian…"

Lace responds: "I’m just here to judge people. I don’t think there’s one girl in here that’s competition. I’m way prettier than all of them.” Ok, We have the mean girl!

The women keep coming!
  • Breanne declares Gluten "satan" and breaks bread. 
  • Izzy wore pajamas and approached Ben, "I had to find out if you were the ‘onesie’ for me". Boom. 
  • Rachel, the honest, unemployed one arrives on a hover board. Can we just call her Millennial since that is what I think of all of them? 
  • Jessica, the Boca accountant arrives and does nothing memorable. Sounds like a Boca accountant to me. 
  • Tiara, aka Chicken Little, arrives without her furry friends. 
  • Lauren, aka LC or Boomer Sooner 
  • Jackie shows up and Mrs. Dugan believes this may actually be her first date and she gave a wedding invitation for their future wedding.
  • Olivia the News Anchor arrives and Ben turns as stupid as men turn in front of an attractive woman. He asks if her dimples "are natural?" No, Ben, she got fake dimples. 

The women are all accounted for...or are they! Calls his dad and enters the house. Mrs. Dugan wants to know if Ben did this at frat parties while in Bloomington. 

Ben: "Dad, there are so many beautiful women at this party tonight. I think tonight's the night."
Dad: "Good luck, son."

No. This never happened. Ever.

It's getting late and this blog post is too long already. Let's get to the remaining highlights:
  • Portlandia interrupts his opening speech 
  • News Anchor Olivia tells Ben she left her job to be on the show. 
  • The first impression rose enters the party and shit gets real.



  • Caila and Ben swap software sales war stories. 
  • Things 1 and 2 explain that twins are a "fantasy that everyone has.” Ummm, no. 
  • Trump first called herself a real estate developer. Now she calls herself a house flipper? What’s next? Tax deed sale expert? 
  • New Limo arrives with former contestants Hugs Becca and Amber. 
  • Lace not pleased about Becca being there, cementing her role as this season’s mean girl. Next, Lace gets drunk. She’s the mean and drunk one? Her first nickname was Perfecta. 
  • Lace is interrupted with Ben by Portlandia and we get tears. A Trifecta! 
  • What other Bachelor Blog uses pari-mutuel betting terms as nicknames? I’m guessing none.
  • Lace tells us what she wants to do to Portlandia: “Punch her in the face. Seriously.” That escalated quickly. 
  • Ben wants to walk Trifecta off the ledge and she’s mumbling. 
  • Lace’s mumbles eventually require subtitles and she complains that Ben isn’t looking her in the eye. That's it, a SUPERFECTA. Mean. Drunk. Crying. Subtitles. A true champion.
  • The first impression rose is out and goes to the News Anchor!



Winner!


Rose Ceremony Time

Lauren B. Mrs. Dugan points out that he likes her because she looks like every girl he went to high school with.
LC
Software Caila
Amber
Canadian Jam
Ft. Laudy Jennifer
GI Jubilee
Mom Amanda
Trump
New Erica Rose (Leah, or Hut Hut Higgie?)
Rachel
Lawyer Sam
Save the Date Jackie
Thing 1
Thing 2
The Russian
Lauren Harbaugh
Virgin Becca
Portlandia
Superfecta (Mean girl, Drunk girl, Crying girl, Subtitle girl)

Goodbye Broke Ass Emma Stone. Breanne found out he likes gluten, Chicken Little, Boca Accountant and Onesie.

Until next week when Tim returns and laments the fact that twins have made their first appearance this season.