People of Canada... Steve and I have arrived!

On HGTV Canada, that is.

For those of you not following the story-- and how could you have missed this one?-- Steve and I achieved home envy last year when we got our backyard redone on HGTV. The show is called Urban Outsiders and it aired last July in the US, but now it's finally being broadcast in Canada, eh.

Watch as Matt James travels to The City of Angels to help out homeowners (We're the only homowners thus far) with yards in need.

You can read Canada's Urban Outsiders write up here.

Then you can marvel at how he transforms this crazy space...
Into... Well, never mind. I don't want to ruin it for you. But if you want to see the whole transformation, I kept a blog of our yard transformation.

If you want to see the write up about our episode on the Canada site, it's here. They list us as running on the following schedule:
Tuesday, April 3, 10:00 PM EST
Wednesday, April 4, 2:00 AM EST
Wednesday, April 4, 2:30 PM EST
Sunday, April 8, 11:00 AM EST

Let's hope this is more accurate than the US version which, as you may recall, kept changing until broadcast date.

Oh, and just as an FYI, we were REALLY fun in that episode. Don't miss it!

Did You Know I'm Fat?

This pic was taken last Saturday. Now you could look at it and think I was:

A) A big fag.
B) Drunk.
C) Vain and nelly.
D) All of the above.

But "fat" or even out of shape wouldn't really come into it. In fact, at 35, I am in the best shape of my life. I lift weights three days a week, box on Tuesdays and Thursdays, spin on Saturday mornings and either hike, yoga or do some sort of outdoor activity on Sundays.

If nothing else, I hit 2007 and became a freak! Hell, working from home again allowed Steve and I to eat really healthy because we can plan and prepare everything we eat. Very healthy. Thank you very much.

Okay, so I'm being dramatic-- big surprise. But on Tuesday I went to Gold's Gym downtown because my old gym membership expired and I wanted a space closer to home.

So I go in and it's always this big "car dealership" feeling at these chain gyms. You fill out a hundred forms before meeting a sales person, then at Gold's the dude wants to know everything about me. I tell him about my workout schedule, that I just want to maintain what I've got and that I'm really happy.

Salesdude gives me the quick tour-- the place is packed but it's lunch time and this is downtown-- then he asks me to jump on a scale. I'm wearing a sweatshirt, have my phone and wallet, big Vans sneakers, and super baggy pants because I've leaned out so much they don't fit anymore. But I do it anyway. Then he hands me a digital thing and says he's going to do a body fat analysis. I'm 17%.

"That's okay," he says, showing me a scale where I fall in the third tier. "You're average, you know? Like a guy who works in an office and works out a couple times a week. But I know you want to be Above Average or in the Athletic column, right? So we can get you on a program..."

I hear things about getting rid of fat, toning up, being hot, blah blah blah. Then I stop him.

"Here's the thing," I say, recalling an article a trainer gave me recently. "When you do a body fat analysis you're not supposed to have done any strenuous workout on the day, nor are you supposed to have eaten much, and yet I went boxing this morning and ate a full lunch prior to coming here and I have a six-pack for the first time in my life so I think this is just a thing you're doing to try and sell me a big membership because I worked at a gym in college and I know how it works."

Then I noticed porn star Tony Valentino is a trainer. That's his gay porn name. I've seen him on straight and bi stuff, and I heard he's gay for pay. Who knows?

At that point I realized half the sales staff was looking at me in surprise.

The next thing you know, I'm being offered everything under the sun so I won't walk out. I took a free five-day membership to try it out, but yesterday was my first day and it sucked. Too chaotic. Too noisy. Too many people asking for spots and thinking I had too much body fat. Yuck.

I'm looking at new places today after another boxing class.

We had a big old wind storm that knocked out our power from noon until 4am yesterday. So not only did I miss taping my first episode of American Heiress but I couldn't get any work done-- my computer battery died.

So I've got to catch up on some work. More tomorrow.

The Hot Men of American Heiress

Aren't the dudes on American Heiress hot?
I snagged this behind-the-scenes pic from Race Owen's MySpace page; he plays evil Damian Wakefield, but he's smiling all cute and wearing his leather coat in the center of this pic. If you're a fan of the show, you need to check out his page.

Also, it looks like Out.com will be interviewing Colet and I about the show-- more to come as it develops. I'm also trying to get some more commercials uploaded.

OH! And you need to tune in tonight. I wrote over half of the episode and will get an onscreen credit. The same thing happens next week! Remember, if you have questions about the show post them on the blog or e-mail me directly at rick@richardandreoli.com. Peace!

Want to be in a Movie?

Our friend Greg is making a movie and needs gay people to interview. Here's the info below along with info on the website, etc. The success of this film with come from the queers he meets, so if you're interested then send him a note.

This April I am going on a thirty day, nine city cross-country tour filming my documentary. I am going to find out the state of Gay America from the real people who live it every day. I am going in to gay bars in select cities and interviewing men on what it is like to be gay in this country right now. I would love to interview as many wonderful, interesting, out-spoken people as possible.

I need your help to spread the word and to fill up my schedule with brave, exciting souls.

Please go to www.onemanmovie.org to learn more about my project and to check out the tour. If you know of anyone in these cities whom I should interview and who would be interested in talking to me, please let me know or have them get in contact with me.

This project is very important to me and I know it will be life-changing for me and hopefully for all who see it. Thank you for you help and support.

Greg Fieser

Anyone can contact me through the website.

WWW.ONEMANMOVIE.ORG

San Diego
Phoenix
San Antonio
Dallas
Oklahoma City
Kansas City
Nashville
Indianapolis
Pittsburgh

American Heiress on Best Night Ever AND Soap Opera Weekly!

I love how I do this Waah- waaah post yesterday and then something immediately good happens.

Best Night Ever is from the people at VH1 who do the show Best Week Ever, and on Tuesday they picked American Heiress to spotlight.

It's the #2 pick, and it's a hilarious moment that Colet-- the head writer-- and I wrote. I think alcohol may have been involved.

Be warned, it's not something you should play loudly at work but it's hella funny.

JUST ADDED!
Friend, David Roberts sent me an e-mail with this posting. It came to him from Soap Opera Weekly, who I now love as much as VH1.

Here you go:
•From Editorial Assistant Mala Bhattacharjee: Despite catching a few episodes of DESIRE, I've been fairly resistant to MyNetworkTV’s English-language telenovelas —until now. AMERICAN HEIRESS is the perfect Tuesday night pick-me-up. With a cast helmed by GH's Alicia Leigh Willis (ex-Courtney) and veteran actor John Aprea (ex-Lucas, AW), it's a campy tour de force nodding at everything from Paris Hilton's sex tape to Machiavelli's The Prince. And Race Owen's delightfully smarmy Damian Wakefield could give DAYS' EJ a run for his money in the mustache-twirling villain department. The weekly two-hour block of episodes provides an amusing alternative to that other AMERICAN show.

The Waiting is Killer

For writers, waiting to hear about your work can be the hardest part of the job.

Brainstorming ideas is pretty easy. Developing those ideas into something cohesive is fun-- like figuring out a puzzle, because when you finally start to see the whole picture there's a definite rush.

Even the actual job of sitting down and writing, though sometimes rough, is actually quite enjoyable. I submerse myself in the characters or story and watch as it all unfolds.

I'll even enjoy the editing/revision period. It can be a bitch when you get notes you don't agree with, but if I can mix the job with my earlier excitement for solving the puzzle-- in this case, figuring out how to address a note while still keeping the project/story my own-- then I can make this area fun. Besides, it's always in the rewrite that I find the work's true humor/beauty/insight.

But now I'm waiting for responses from agents and companies, and that is what really sucks.

Long ago I realized something very significant about being a writer or actor or any sort of artist for that matter: you cannot make other people like your work. But when your whole sense of being is tied into your work/art, then you're caught in a tug-of-war that can only be won with a little bit of sanity.

Unfortunately, I don't think I'm that sane in this area.

I know I should try to be Zen about it and just let things unfold, but my over-active imagination springs up and begins planning how I'll manage the rejection, or what dead end job I'll need to take so we don't lose the house and wind up on the street. (And as a side note, if you believe in Rhonda Byrne's The Secret or simply the idea that putting out positive energy begets positive energy/results-- and you will when you spend enough time sitting alone and staring at your computer-- then your imagination starts blaming itself for your imminent failure.)

I try keeping myself busy by moving on to other projects. And cooking. Steve and I have eaten many yummy South Beach Diet approved dinners the last three nights. Tonight we're having meatloaf.

Today I'm working on a comic book project, but generating the energy to begin has been much more difficult than normal. These pieces are all written on spec-- on the speculation that they will sell-- so there is a distinct fear of failure lining my world.

But you want to hear something ironic? Sitting here and writing this blog has pushed me a bit. Not much, but maybe enough. I can feel some of the excitement generating inside my gut because once I start writing I can usually keep that going.

Maybe today will be more productive than I thought.

Must See TV Tonight!

Hey Kids,

Who cares about American Idol? You're not REALLY invested until we get down to the major finalists, right?

Besides, there's a new episode of American Heiress tonight and this one includes some of my writing. We also introduce Jordan Wakefield (Theresa Russell, below) who is absolutely sensational! Needless to say, I channeled much diva-hood into this character. Trust me on that.

If you missed last week's episdoe of American Heiress, you can watch the recap, read about the show, look at photo recaps from last week and more.

The show is just gonna get better and better! Check it out if you can, and make sure to tune in next week when I write a little more than 1/2 of the two-hour episode.

Palm Springs Weekend

Hey Kids,

To celebrate mine and John's birthdays, we rented a fabulous Mid-Century Modern home in Palm Springs and took off for the weekend. It was Boy's Night Out as a small group of peeps came to visit.

Steve and I were the first to arrive because he took Friday off from work. We drove out, immediately ate lunch and then arrived at the casa de cool. It was beautifully appointed-- white walls and furniture, comfortable beds, and a lovely kitchen that I could cook a feast in. I didn't. But I could have if I'd wanted.
There actually isn't a ton to write about. On the first night, Jeff and John and our friend Chris came out and we lounged, ate, and then went out to a couple clubs.

We came home, slept in, ate, greeted friends Brian, Rodney and second Steve when they arrived. Ate, napped, swam in the pool, etc.

Here's an adorable picture from when Steve and I fell asleep on the grass, only to have the sprinklers turn on about a half hour later. Thank God Steve was covering his breasts!

Above is Jeff, Steve's brother, taking care of his daughter, Olive. They named her this after seeing Little Miss Sunshine. Isn't she adorable? (the dog, not Jeff)Here we are hanging out in the house. In the front are second Steve (we have a hilarious story involving him meeting someone on Saturday night and then fleeing the house with his shoes in hand... or perhaps they were red satin pumps... and as he ran, his red dress billowing in the wind behind him, he stumbled down the dark Palm Springs streets trying to find his way home. We still don't quite know what caused this, and if he doesn't remember soon I'm just going to make it up.) John is across from Second Steve, in the back are my Steve, Brian and Rodney's back.

In case you're wondering, Steve is doing a Tyra Banks pose from when she was sporting her America's Next Top Waddle look.
And here Brian and I are lounging by the hot tub.

There are other photos but why bore you (or get ourselves in trouble with family who may be reading this blog)? Suffice it to say we had fun and returned relaxed. Now it's on to writing new projects today.

It's my birthday

"Beware the Ides of March!"

I turned 35 today. What have I done thus far?

Went boxing.

My "Fags on Bags" class then took me out to a lovely breakfast.

Steve's dad returned my car with a brand-new tune up. It drives like new! Amazing!

I got a fauxolo haircut from Salvador.

I'm currently doing a facial.

Steve is taking me out tonight.

That's it. I do know there's a fun weekend planned as well. Sometimes it's the simple things that make for the best birthday celebrations.

The Premiere Episode, Playboy, and LA Leather Fest

I know I'm totally biased, but the premiere episode of American Heiress was hilarious! And fun! A really great time.

Steve and I went over to Colet Abedi's apartment-- she's the head writer-- for a screening. Wonderful. If you missed the episode, get a recap at the MyNetworkTV website.

As with Fashion House if you guys know of a fan message board you want me to check out or have direct questions about the episodes, then post a message here or e-mail me off my website. I write back as quickly as possible.

And speaking of writing, I applied for a job as a copywriter with PlayboyTV today. Not so crazy. I did a similar job for Paramount from 2000-2006, which included watching and writing copy for every episode of Star Trek: Enterprise; I covered many programs, but I got the Trek gig 'cause I'm a geek and knew how to spell alien names. Add in that my first screenwriting gig was with PlayboyTV on their show "Naughty Amateur Home Videos", which is like "America's Funniest Home Videos" with vagina, and it wouldn't be a stretch for me to work there. If I get a call, I'll let you know.

Speaking of gigs, one of the first mags I ever wrote for was IN Los Angeles. I'm still friends with the editor, and even though they don't pay much I cover stuff whenever he needs a favor. Last week he asked me to write about LA Leather Weekend.

For those not in the know, this is the big Leather Pride weekend where the community dresses up in their denim and cow hide and chooses who will become Mr. Los Angeles Leather. This dude then goes on to compete at International Mr. Leather in Chicago, and he does a lot of service work for the community.

Think of it like America's Next Top Model but with a lot of ass hanging out.

Anyway, IN Magazine asked me because I've been around... Well, okay, I haven't really. But I have been nearby. And I am all kinds of kinky... Well, only kinda sorta and that's usually when booze is involved. The point is that I love leatherfolk, "the Tribe" if you will, and was happy to be a part of it.

As I was researching the Sunday leather Street Fest (screened in from public view so we're all free to be you and me like a Marlo Thomas song), I noticed the headlining band.

Yes, The English Beat.

I actually wasn't that surprised. The last time Steve and I saw them play was at the Treasure Planet cast and crew screening that Disney wouldn't pay for so the directors chipped in to throw a party themselves. During one break the band suggested that if anyone wanted them for a soundtrack, they were available. No doubt.

I can't wait to throw on my chain link harness and leather chaps April 1st and go dancing.

American Heiress Premiere and Family Weekend

American Heiress premieres tonight, and I know some of you may be tired of hearing me pitch it. Too bad. I love this show even more than I did Fashion House, so I'll do anything I need to get viewers.

Read about the show here.
Read about the cast and character info here.
Find out what channels it's on here.
Watch commercials on YouTube here.

We Had A Fun Family Weekend!

Meet Jacob Henry Cotter. My new nephew was born February 12, 2007, and as you can see from his sly grin, he is already a stud. It runs in the family.
Here I am holding him. He offered a very powerful toot right after this picture was taken. Fortunately, it was unloaded and I did not have to change any diapers.
Here I am with Jacob's sister, Savannah. She was very excited that I came down to celebrate my birthday. (Oh, did I mention my birthday is this week?)
Here Savannah is, kissing her little brother.
Here I am helping Hailee, the eldest of the Cotter clan, blow bubbles. Notice the new Tinkerbell shirt she's wearing. She got that on Saturday when we took the family to The Disney Store so that they could take advantage of Steve's company discount.

The best was my Mom immediately telling the managers who he was, and these women fawning over him. Steve was a literal celebrity in their eyes-- everyone is so accustomed to fame in LA that they just smile and nod when you tell them you design snow globes for a living. In San Diego? They told everyone in the store who he was, mentioned the magazine article he was in (they recognized him) and even exitedly showed him the new store design. It was pretty amazing, and I think exactly what Steve needed to be reminded that he is very talented.

He's even talented when holding babies...
This might seem basic, but Steve is scared of dropping them. Terrified. Especially when people say, "Hold the head or their neck will snap off." Well, okay, they don't actually say that, but that's what he hears. So this was a big moment.

Jacob immediately fell asleep and stayed that way for 45-minutes; as I said, Steve is talented.

Lynda Carter in Concert???

It's no secret that I love Wonder Woman in general, and Lynda Carter as Wonder Woman in particular.

It MAY be a slight secret that I own her album, "Lynda Carter: Portrait," on which she sings many lovely songs. Some are from the "Amazon Hot Wax" episode of Wonder Woman and some are from her first music special (WHEN will someone rerun those?).

The point is that I love her. And I just found out from Artemisboy that Lynda is performing live in San Francisco!

No joke! There she'll be! On a stage, possibly inches away from me... and Steve and I can't go.

"An Intimate Evening With Lynda Carter" will run May 1-6 at The York Hotel's Plush Room. It's a former speakeasy. Lynda will follow runs by Lypsinka, Jackie Beat, and Judy Gold! It's a sign from Queer Heaven above that we should attend and yet we cannot!

The tragedy (kind of) is that we'll be in San Francisco the week before when Sierra College uses Mondo Homo in their classroom. I will be spending one weekend talking to students about the importance of Wonder Woman as a gay icon, and yet I will miss the icon herself.

If I was still writing on the TV shows we could afford to simply make the trip, but it wouldn't be sensible right now so I said no. I don't even know if tickets are still available-- I'm too knotted up to even investigate.

It's okay. I did speak with Lynda during an interview for Instinct Magazine years ago. I still have the audio tape of that call-- she bashed George Bush long before it was popular to do so, and that made for one hell of a good interview. I also have faith that if she does well here (Um, and she will!), that she will tour more cities. I can only pray LA is on that list.

New Spider-Man Series and the American Heiress Summary

In case you missed it, the CW Network sent out a press release this week announcing the production of a new Spider-Man animated series.

Here's a small bit of the info:
BURBANK, CA (MARCH 1, 2007) – Spider-Man swings back into television action in early 2008 as an animated series from Culver Entertainment to air on Kids’ WB! on The CW, it was announced today by Kids’ WB! Senior Vice President and General Manager Betsy McGowen and Sony Pictures Television Co-President Zack Van Amburg.

Tentatively titled “The Amazing Spider-Man,” the new series is being produced by Culver Entertainment. Greg Weisman (“Gargoyles”, “The Batman”) is supervising producer, Victor Cook (“Hellboy: Blood and Iron” and “Buzz Lightyear of Star Command”) is producer/supervising director. The series will premiere on Kids’ WB! on The CW, the No.1 rated Saturday morning kids broadcast slate.

But what's this you say about American Heiress?

The first big news, is that American Heiress (the show I wrote for that premieres next Tuesday, March 13th, at 8pm on MyNetworkTV) has a new commercial up on YouTube! It's similar to the thirty-second spot I've posted here before, but it's a bit longer and funnier (sorry, fewer shirtless men in this one). Plus, you get the fun new logo!

Also, fabulous website TV.com has published a summer of American Heiress. But to make your lives easy, I've pasted the info below.

Here's the deal, though:
MyNetworkTV isn't doing much promotion for these last two telenovelas, and without promotion outside of running on the network itself, no one will know to watch. So help me out! Blog about American Heiress! Tell everyone to watch! TIVO or DVR it! This is some seriously fun stuff, so let's do what we can to make this a cult classic right now! Peace out -- Rick!

First Look at 'American Heiress'

Sunday, March 4, 2007 10:14PM | By Joseph MichaelThis e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

MacIntyre" title="Alicia Leigh Willis & Carter MacIntyre" border="0" hspace="6">

(SoapOperaNetwork.com) -- From rags to riches, Alicia Leigh Willis leaves behind the troubled Courtney Matthews-Jacks and steps into the role of the "American Heiress."

Alicia Leigh Willis of “General Hospital” fame stars as the privileged Elizabeth Wakefield in MyNetwork TV’s new telenovela, "American Heiress". Leaving her family behind for a two-month long vacation, Elizabeth first encounters pilot JD Bruce (Carter MacIntyre) when boarding her family’s plane.

The sparks begin to fly almost instantaneously. Each represents everything the other is not. She’s the spoiled rich girl whereas he’s the roughneck former Air Force pilot. But when their plane ride is unexpectedly cut short by a near-fatal crash, the two will have to work together in order to survive.

The series focuses on the Wakefield family and those around them.

In addition to her four-year stint on “General Hospital”, Willis’ acting credits include “Another World,” “7th Heaven,” and a recent guest appearance on “CSI: Miami.” Willis was nominated for an Emmy for her work on “General Hospital” in 2003 and again in 2004.

MacIntyre’s previous acting credits include guest appearance spots on “Smith” and “ER”.

Race Owen portrays the role of Damian Wakefield, older brother to Elizabeth. Before joining the cast, Owen appeared in the films “Ride with the Devil,” “Break a Leg,” and “Takedown.” Owen has also been featured as a guest star on the television shows “Dawson’s Creek,” “Drake & Josh,” “Sleeper Cell,” and the daytime drama “Passions.”

Robert Buckley plays the third Wakefield child, Matthew. Matthew is very loving and protective of Elizabeth. “Fashion House” fans will remember Buckley from his role as ‘Michael’. Buckley also costarred in several independent movies including “When a Killer Calls,” “Robot Battle,” and “Teenage Drama.”

The role of eldest daughter and wild-child, Loren Wakefield is played by Annalynne McCord. In addition to appearances on “Close to Home” and “The O.C.,” McCord started in horror film remake “Day of the Dead.”

Playing the role of Jordan Wakefield, mother to Damian, Loren, Elizabeth, and Matthew, is Theresa Russell. Earning her big break in the Oscar nominated film, “The Last Tycoon,” Russell went on to star in films such as “Black Widow,” “The Razor’s Edge,” “Wild Things,” and “Track 29.” Russell will also appear in the upcoming “Spiderman 3.” She also appeared in the television shows “Love Comes Softly,” “Earth vs. Spider,” “Blind Justice,” and the Emmy-nominated mini series “Blind Ambition.”

Russell’s “Spiderman 3” costar, Joe Manganiello portrays Solomon Cortez, an employee of Lionel Wakefield’s company. In addition to “Spiderman 3,” Manganiello appears in “Spiderman,” and the upcoming “Irene in Time.” Manganiello’s long list of television credits include “Las Vegas,” How I Met Your Mother,” “So NoTORIous,” “CSI,” and “Scrubs.”

Mieko Hilliman joins the cast in the role of Loren’s assistant, Serena Hill. Hillman’s television credits include “NCIS” and “Joey” and her movie credits include roles in the films “In The Mix” and “The Replacements.”

John Aprea also appears as Wakefield family patriarch, Lionel. Aprea’s credits include roles on “Full House,” “NYPD Blue,” and most recently the Hallmark Channel original movie “Mystery Woman: At First Sight.”

'American Heiress' premieres Tuesday, March 13 and continues to air in two hour installments each following Tuesday.

Photo Credit: Alicia Leigh Willis & Carter MacIntyre courtesy MyNetworkTV

Photo of the Day

Steve and I shot this on Saturday night while driving to Rodney's party. At first we thought it was a foreign language thing. Then we saw the disco ball hanging from the rear view mirror. Sweet!

A (dimly lit) Star-Studded Weekend

C-lebrities surrounded us this weekend, except for our A-list friend, Rodney Alexander Griffis.

Rodney had a birthday party at the beautiful Blue on Blue restaurant located inside the Avalon Hotel in Beverly Hills. Here he is with Steve in a poolside cabana, which is painted startlingly similar to our old backyard.

Ain't they cute?

Anyway this birthday is why I stopped by The Grove shopping center on a weekend (something one doesn't normally do because it's so insanely crowded) and that's where I saw Ricard Chavira, who plays Carlos Solis on Desperate Housewives.

He was sitting at the Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, with his hat pulled down and having a chat with a buddy. The only reason I noticed was I was leaving Cost Plus World Market and in order to avoid stepping on some children I nearly banged into his table.

I nodded to him and kept walking because I'm cool like that around stars.

Earlier in the day Steve and I went spinning in Hollywood, which we do every Saturday if we can, and that's where the real celeb-not-celeb moment happened.

As I returned our spin shoes, Kimberly Stewart was having a freak out with the front desk girl. It turns out, Kimberly's brother was using classes SHE had paid for.

"Why are you guys letting him do that?" she raged at Poor Front Desk Girl who Steve and I love to death. PFDG explained that for some reason both names were on Kimberly's card, which probably happened since they signed up together. (FYI - This is what the gym does for Steve and I so we can both use the classes when we want. Simplified things.)

"That's totally not fair!" Kimberly snapped. "Why would you do that? Why????"

Oh, it was dramatic. She gave me a look because in her hysteria I just stood behind her, bored. I then handed over my shoes. I think this pissed her off even more because I didn't wait until she was done to drop things off. She then went after the gym owner who just gave her a couple free classes so she'd shut up.

Rich people get all the perks.

Wondering About American Heiress?

And who isn't??? I know, it's VERY exciting that the show premieres March 13th on MyNetworkTV. It will be on Tuesdays for a two hour block. I got a great call yesterday from an exec complimenting some scenes we wrote for the second episode, which was a nice stroke.

Yesterday I also heard from friend, David Roberts, who sent me a scan of this article from Soap Opera Weekly. If it's difficult to read here, I'll also post it on my MySpace page.
Want to watch footage? Here's a better copy of the short, funny commerical. Unfortunately, they cut the ending but it's still fun...

Here's the longer commerical, which gets into some story stuff and humor. I know MyNetworkTV has edited funnier stuff, but while focusing on the changed formats they didn't necessarily get them up on the air yet. Hopefully they will because the show is on soon! (And will anyone watch with no promotion? Oy!)

Have a great weekend kids.

I'm FIRED UP over America's Next Top Model Cycle 8!

Can you believe they dropped Kathleen in the season premiere? I mean, seriously! This girl may not have the brains God gave a goat, but she was the funniest damn thing to hit that show in ages! She was pure entertainment. We hung on her every word, and with all the "waah-waah" photos those women took last night any one of them could have gone.

But no. They took away Kathleen.

Look, I don't think she was ever going to become the actual top model, but let's face facts: America's Next Top Model is no longer about becoming a high-end fashion model.

FACT: They opened with a fashion boot camp where they didn't actually LEARN anything about the industry! It was purely done for the "wacky reality TV" factor. Perhaps this happened because the producers fired all their writers when they tried to unionize last year, saying they weren't needed. Or perhaps the show simply jumped the shark ages ago. Either way, it proves...

FACT #2: Long gone are the days of Shandi posing in a luscious couture gown in Milan, only to be replaced by semi- commercial photo shoots for 1-800-Flowers or Payless Shoe Source because those product placement bits supplement the show's budget.

That's all fine and good-- I work in entertainment, so I get it-- but you can't have Tyra and the judges negatively critiquing a girl for being "too commercial" when she's been forced on a commercial photo shoot. And I won't even get into the finale runway show, which I once eagerly anticipated but now looks like a fabricated event with low-rent extras hired to play fashionistas; someone get these girls to Bryant Park or Paris Fashion Week, please.

Unfortunately, the producers can't, or won't, and thus the show becomes about promising attractive women the chance at reaching their dreams while making them undergo nonsensical challenges where much of the lesson escapes the audience. And that's fine. We'll still watch.

But that's what makes this show "entertainment" as opposed to a real hunt for a top high fashion model, and if the program is just going to be escapism then make it entertaining by keeping people like Kathleen around. Sure, no one expects her to actually win but she'll at least make the show much more fun to watch.

My only joy is knowing that super blog Four Four will have amazing commentary, even if the show itself disappoints.