Reality Exploits 24-Hour Blog-Off Summary
June 21, 2008 by Lynn
What an amazing 24 hours this has been! (Ok, for you 24 hours, for me, and for the guest bloggers, it’s been a week-long project.) I thought I would wrap-up the event with a summary of all the coverage. Here are the Blog-Off articles:
- America’s Best Dance Crew 2: You Don’t Want to Miss It!
- Kat Von D is Maxim’s #62 Sexiest of 2008
- Past Reality Stars Rising Money for Charity [Guest Post: Tim Lawler]
- Jackie Warner is AfterEllen’s #56 Sexiest of 2008
- Reality Celebrities & Shows Get Teen Choice Nominations
- Where Are They Now? Katie Gallagher – Survivor: Palau [Guest Post: Betsy Hijazi]
- Where In the World is Bruce Kanegai? [Guest Post: Bruce Kanegai]
- Where Are They Now? Bobby “BobDawgsta” Mason – Survivor Panama [Guest Post: Betsy Hijazi]
- Who Are Reality TV’s Worst Villians?
- Billy Garcia Talks About “Gimmick Infringement” [Guest Post: Billy Garcia]
- Where Are They Now? Lea “Sarge” Masters – Survivor: Vanuatu [Guest Post: Betsy Hijazi]
- My Favorite Contestant So Far on America’s Got Talent
- Mookie Lee’s Charity: Bigfoot Triathlon Volunteers Needed… [Guest Post: Mookie Lee]
- Where Are They Now? Mary and David Conley - Team Kentucky: The Amazing Race [Guest Post: Betsy Hijazi]
- Where Are They Now: Lisa Keiffer - Survivor: Vanuatu [Guest Post: Betsy Hijazi]
- Where Are They Now: Earl Cole - Winner of Survivor: Fiji [Guest Post: Betsy Hijazi]
- Where Are They Now? Stephannie Favor - Survivor: Cook Islands [Guest Post: Betsy Hijazi]
- Where Are They Now? Brian Corridan - Survivor: Guatemala [Guest Post: Betsy Hijazi]
- Where Are They Now? Billy Garcia - Survivor: Cook Islands [Guest Post: Betsy Hijazi]
- Where Are They Now? Elsie Ramos - Hell’s Kitchen [Guest Post: Betsy Hijazi]
- Heidi Klum is Maxim’s #33 Sexiest of 2008
- Where Are They Now? Cindy Hall – Survivor: Guatemala [Guest Post: Betsy Hijazi]
- Padma Laksmi is AfterEllen’s #85 Sexiest of 2008
- Billy Garcia Answers the Ultimate Survivor Question [Guest Post: Billy Garcia]
Today, I have been honored with some amazingly creative, fun and thought provoking articles offered for posting on this site by some of reality TV’s biggest fans & stars. I have laughed with our guest bloggers and I have been happy to find out where some of the former reality stars are these days. Personally, I have enjoyed every one of the articles contributed by these dedicated and talented people.
I want to thank each and every one of you who took the time out of your busy schedules to write and contribute articles to help support our Charity Blog-Off.
So what do the rest of you think of the guest posts we’ve received today? Should I plan to do another marathon blogging day sometime in the future? I’d love to know what you think!
Billy Garcia Answers the Ultimate Survivor Question [Guest Post]
I first met Billy Garcia from Survivor: Cook Islands at last year’s Reality TV Convention in Nashville, Tennessee. Instantly, it was obvious that this New Yorker is warm, friendly and has a fantastic sense of humor. I enjoyed talking with him several times at that event, at the Survivor Dodgeball event last year, online and through emails ever since. He’s a great guy and has a big heart. He plays guitars in a heavy metal rock band called Forsakken and a MySpace site.
I get asked a lot of different Survivor-related questions by fans all of the time. But one question that I am hearing more and more frequently is “will the next season of Survivor be the last?”
I feel I owe it to both Survivor and Survivor fans to give the best answer I can to this very serious question. Especially since the answer is not a simple yes or no.
Firstly, we have to understand were Survivor is today. We hear all the time that the ratings are dropping and that it’s not the phenomenon that it once was pre-all-stars. That the main stream media doesn’t cover it like it once did. And, that the cast members are not instantly rock stars like before either.
But on the other hand we hear that Survivor has a very loyal core of fans that tune in for every episode regardless of how good or bad the season is, purchase tons of merchandise and memorabilia, hold conventions all over the United States and beyond where past cast members are flown in for autograph and photo sessions and that this legion of fans are millions strong. Well, the numbers don’t lie so both things we hear are true.
This reminds me of another entertainment franchise, Star Trek.
Survivor has become the Star Trek of Reality TV. The fan base is that loyal. Just like Trekkies, Survivor fans are as excited to see and meet that one cast member that was there for only one episode several years ago as they are for any movie star with a blockbuster currently in theaters. They can tell me details about my time on Survivor that I didn’t even notice though I was there. They spend absurd amounts of money for Survivor-related memorabilia. They dedicate a massive amount of websites, forums, myspace and Facebook profiles and groups to Survivor just like Trekkies do with Star Trek. These fans dedicate their lives to Survivor. It’s a subculture to them.
While I was on Survivor I was fond of saying that my culture was Heavy Metal. Little did I know that as I was saying this, I was in the process of diving head first into the Survivor culture.
In 1969, CBS canceled Star Trek and it’s safe to say nearly 40 years later that it was the biggest blunder in the network’s history. Now here we are again, CBS is in the same position again. Will they cancel Survivor? I’d like to think they’ve learned from their past mistake but let’s examine for a moment the possibility of what would happen if Survivor did get canceled. Would Survivor disappear? Would the fans abandon ship? It’s hard to believe that millions of people that have invested that much time and money into something would just let that something go. Here’s what I think would and should happen:
My idea is for Survivor to go into a once a year production with that season being aired as triple episodes once a month, for five straight months in the movie theaters. Each episode is 50 minutes long. So a triple episode would be 2:30 hours long. Survivor’s worst ratings were 12 million viewers. With the average movie ticket in the U.S. being $11, at Survivor’s worst they would gross $132million per triple episode domestically. So with five triple episodes per “season” Survivor would gross $660 million per year in the U.S. alone.
There would be no competition from The Amazing Race or Big Brother or American Idol. Their merchandise sales would increase as movie merchandise always out sells TV merchandise. And with only one season in production per year, filming would not be so taxing on Jeff Probst, Mark Burnett and the others.
They would find out what Star Trek found out. That getting canceled is not the end; it’s only a transition to bigger and better things. Even if Survivor only retains their core fans, their hardcore fans, that’s more than enough to easily make Survivor the greatest movie serial in cinematic history, far better than the Buck Rogers and Flash Gordon serials of the 1930s. That’s one hell of a selling point to the main steam media. They would also become one of the highest grossing entertainment franchises since Star Trek and Marvel Comics.
Like a lot of the former Survivor-turned-bloggers out there, no matter how much I rant and rip my fellow former castaways, Reality Media, and even a member of production from time to time, I’m just stirring things up because I find controversy on Survivor fun. I love Survivor and am proud to be part of the greatest reality franchise ever. So all of you long time fans, former cast members, and hardcore loyalists can join me in answering the very big and serious question, will the next season of Survivor be the last? OVER MY DEAD BODY!
Padma Laksmi is AfterEllen’s #85 Sexiest of 2008
June 20, 2008 by Lynn
That’s right, Padma Laksmi, the lovely host of Bravo’s Top Chef is ranked #85 on the AfterEllen.com Hot 100 list for 2008. She brings a certain sweetness to the show and balances some of the strong personalities. Not to mention that’s she’s unbelievably beautiful.
And she cooks too! Yes, Padma has even published her own cookbook.
Congratulations, Padma!!!
[Photo: © 2008 NBC Universal, Inc.]
top chef, top-chef, Reality TV, reality-tv, Television
Where Are They Now? Cindy Hall – Survivor: Guatemala [Guest Post]
June 20, 2008 by Lynn
My friend, Betsy Hijazi has been with me at various reality TV events and was kind enough to be the Reality Exploits Correspondent for me at the Survivor: Micronesia red carpet event last month. She’s a very talented blogger in her own right and will be with me again at the Survivor Dogeball charity event in November. She lives in Boston and is elated that the Celtics were victorious.
Cindy Hall appeared on Survivor: Guatemala and was voted out on Episode 13, after having just won a car. Not a bad consolation prize if you ask me! We caught up with Cindy and she filled us in on all that has been happening since her experience in Guatemala. Cindy also sent over several photos for you to enjoy. Thanks Cindy!! Hopefully we’ll get a chance to see you in New York this November for the Castaways Charity Event!
It’s Cindy Hall from Survivor Guatemala. These pictures are of me with the two Ocelots from the Zoo in Naples, Florida where I now work. Yes, it is the same zoo that fired me during the early stages of the interview process for the show. Well, 1 year and 6 months later, I received a call from the owner and director of the zoo asking to have a meeting to discuss the situation and the possibility of my return. Three weeks later he called to ask when could I be there? Now here I am almost two years later.
During that time I have traveled to Texas with these Ocelots which I trained seven years ago, to create awareness that not only do these animals live in the U.S. but that they are nearly extinct with Texas being the only state that they exist in with a population of less than 80 cats all living around the area of The Laguna Atascosa Wildlife Refuge. We have met with thousands of kids at the schools, land owners, land developers, golf course communities, and quite importantly the Texas Dept. of Transportation.
The cats were once hunted heavily for their luxurious coats which placed them on the Endangered Species List in 1982 where of course they remain today, but now due to loss of suitable habitat. Texas has a large amount if privately owned land so it is critical to convince the land owners to use the land in such a way that can preserve and rebuild Ocelot habitat. There are ways to make more money doing less work for the land owners but they need to be made aware of the options as well as the need. Not to mention, convincing a Texan to do something with his land that isn’t his idea is quite a task!
(click on “Read More” for the rest of Cindy’s update!)
Read more
Heidi Klum is Maxim’s #33 Sexiest of 2008
June 20, 2008 by Lynn
Heidi Klum has it all. She’s a supermodel, she hosts Project Runway, she’s a mother of some very beautiful children and seems to be very happily married too. And now she has one more thing to feel good about. She’s one of the sexiest women of 2008.
At least that’s what Maxim Magazine says. They named Heidi Klum their #33 sexiest woman of 2008.
Congratulations, Heidi!!!
[Photo: courtesy of newscom.com]
Reality TV, TV, Television, project runway, bravo, heidi klum, fashion
Where Are They Now? Elsie Ramos - Hell’s Kitchen [Guest Post]
My friend, Betsy Hijazi has been with me at various reality TV events and was kind enough to be the Reality Exploits Correspondent for me at the Survivor: Micronesia red carpet event last month. She’s a very talented blogger in her own right and will be with me again at the Survivor Dogeball charity event in November. She lives in Boston and is elated that the Celtics were victorious.
Who can forget the first season of Hell’s Kitchen? I sure can’t! I can still remember the moment when my jaw hit the floor after realizing what kind of reality show that was going to be!
One of Hell’s Kitchen’s first contestants was Elsie Ramos. Elsie, too, has been keeping herself busy, post-reality TV! Since her Hell’s Kitchen appearance, she has written and published a cookbook, has had many other television appearances and has met a variety of media personalities.
You can learn more about Elsie at her Web site. Way to go Elsie!
Where Are They Now? Billy Garcia - Survivor: Cook Islands [Guest Post]
My friend, Betsy Hijazi has been with me at various reality TV events and was kind enough to be the Reality Exploits Correspondent for me at the Survivor: Micronesia red carpet event last month. She’s a very talented blogger in her own right and will be with me again at the Survivor Dogeball charity event in November. She lives in Boston and is elated that the Celtics were victorious.
Many of you know that I have a soft spot in my heart for Billy Garcia. Billy was on Survivor: Cook Islands and is now so famous for ‘falling in love’ with Candace during his six days on the show. Billy’s proclamation is what put Billy on the Survivor wall of fame, but Billy has taken every opportunity to use his fame to give back to many needy people and support a variety of charities. He himself seems to be the Survivor charity goodwill ambassador!
Billy is currently involved with Reality Rumble which does pro-wrestling matches as charity events for any and every type of charity that needs a fundraiser. Billy is also involved with Reality Castaways Dodgeball which will be held November 6 - 9th. Billy says it’s really gonna be big this year! And with more than 40 confirmed former castaways, he is right! Billy has also supported Reality 4 Diabetes by attending a number of charity events.
On a personal note, Billy’s band Forsakken continues to work in the studio for what has turned into a longer than anticipated recording session but in the end will all be worth it.
Rock On Billy!!!
Where Are They Now? Brian Corridan: Survivor: Guatemala [Guest Post]
My friend, Betsy Hijazi has been with me at various reality TV events and was kind enough to be the Reality Exploits Correspondent for me at the Survivor: Micronesia red carpet event last month. She’s a very talented blogger in her own right and will be with me again at the Survivor Dogeball charity event in November. She lives in Boston and is elated that the Celtics were victorious.
Brian Corridan was a contestant on Survivor: Guatemala. I met Brian last year at the 1st annual Castaways Dodgeball event in New York, and when I attended the Survivor: Micronesia after party, Brian said that he remembered me from the Dodgeball event. How sweet was that?!
Betsy Hijazi & Brian Corridan
[Photo: Betsy Hijazi]
Brian has given me a few updates about his ‘life after Survivor’ and while he may not think it’s very ‘exciting’ to anyone else, I think that what he does is quite interesting and something I could NEVER do!
Brian has kept himself very, very busy. He currently directs SAT prep courses and rarely gets time off to himself. Every year, Brian has to re-take the dreaded SAT, and continues to score a perfect 2400 each and every time!
Now that summer is here, Brian finally gets a few days off and next week he’s off for a fabulous vacation in Egypt! Maybe once he returns we can convince him to share a few photos with us!
Brian keeps in touch with fellow castaways and if you want to meet Brian, be sure to sign up for the 2nd annual Reality Castaways Dodgeball event in November as he plans to be there once again!
Safe travels Brian!
Where Are They Now? Stephannie Favor - Survivor: Cook Islands [Guest Post]
My friend, Betsy Hijazi has been with me at various reality TV events and was kind enough to be the Reality Exploits Correspondent for me at the Survivor: Micronesia red carpet event last month. She’s a very talented blogger in her own right and will be with me again at the Survivor Dogeball charity event in November. She lives in Boston and is elated that the Celtics were victorious.
We checked in with Stephannie Favor recently to find out what she has been doing since Season 13’s Survivor: Cook Islands.
Stephannie is finishing her LPN program this summer and will have two more semesters before finishing the RN program in May 2009. Stephannie’s husband and she are looking to leave SC fairly soon to explore new horizons. Her daughter Raynah is still playing tennis (JTL and USTA), and her son Ryan is still playing AAU basketball. Stephannie’s husband has released a new video project, which you can check it out on his myspace page of www.myspace.com/rpfavor. She says he’d love feedback, so feel free to message him on MySpace!
Stephannie has had quite a few speaking engagements about her Survivor experience and what she learned as a result. She continues to seek God’s face in all future endeavors.
I don’t know if Stephannie has plans to attend the Survivor Castaways event in New York in November, but we’d love to see her there!
Where Are They Now: Earl Cole - Winner of Survivor: Fiji [Guest Post]
My friend, Betsy Hijazi has been with me at various reality TV events and was kind enough to be the Reality Exploits Correspondent for me at the Survivor: Micronesia red carpet event last month. She’s a very talented blogger in her own right and will be with me again at the Survivor Dogeball charity event in November. She lives in Boston and is elated that the Celtics were victorious.
Earl Cole was named one of People Magazine’s Sexiest Men in 2006. I have to admit, he’s pretty handsome, and a genuinely nice guy to boot! Last year, I met Earl in New York at the Castaways Dodgeball Charity event. Earl was warm, friendly, funny and a very smart guy! Well, having won the ultimate title of Survivor, he HAD to be smart!
Since Fiji, Earl has been very busy. He has been working on a number of projects, has done a lot of publicity, has attended a lot of ‘Hollywood’ events and finds time in his busy schedule to support charities that truly make a difference. One charity close to Earl’s heart is one he founded called the Earl Cole Fund for Children with Osteonecrosis. If you’d like to learn more about it, visit Earl on MySpace.
Earl sent us a quick update last weekend while en route to a charity event in Tampa, FL. Earl is a special guest of shriner’s hospital and will be helping disabled kids at a summer camp that has a Survivor theme! … Part of the Earl Cole Foundation. CBS and other local media will be there to get footage. Also, Earl just did an event in the inner-city of LA, taking under-privileged honor roll 3rd graders to the movies to see kung fu panda… Again, courtesy of the ECF. Check out Earl’s site for more details!
I hope we get a chance to see Earl in November for the Castaways Dodgeball event!