Reality TV: carnivals of cockroaches or nights of the living dead?

Are reality TV shows carnivals of cockroaches?

"Final five!" exclaimed relieved Project Runway 3 contestant Michael at the close of Episode 9. He and fellow designers, Jeffrey, Kayne, Laura and Uli figured three of them had Olympus Fashion Week in Bryant Park all sewn up. Little did they know: two unexpected twists awaited. One was bad, the other good. The bad news: in Episode 10, previously outcast contestants Angela (in Episode 8) and Vincent (in Episode 9) would be brought back during a L'Oreal party to compete in the Black and White challenge. The good news: four designers would show at Bryant Park and compete for the grand prize.

Kayne's, reaction to the unexpected unkind twist described a common reality TV show practice:

These bitches get to come back?! It's like cockroaches.
You step on them once and they just keep crawlin' around

Or nights of the living dead?

Comparing reality show castoffs to cockroaches implies they won't die. But that's not exactly true. Isn't the ousting of contestants really a symbolic sacrifice? If so, revived castoffs who participate in subsequent shows are not cockroaches, but zombies (the living dead). Prime time TV is crawling with them, too.

These are a few standouts:

• Perhaps the most famous and resilient reincarnate of all times, judging by the record-breaking popularity of her VH1 shows, is NEW YORK. The poor little 'ich girl's time was up when Flav rolled with Hoops in the Flavor of Love 1, but she was given more [h]airtime in The Flavor of Love 2. New York was killed off a second time when Flav clocked Deelishis, and will live again! The black-chelorette's next reincarnation: as star of The Flavorette. Apparently, some things that kill you can make you stronger (and richer).
• In a reversal of the Igor/Dracula relationship, contestants fired from The Apprentice and Top Chef are brought back to assist (sometimes sabotage) the last two living candidates. The reincarnated helper who people most love to hate is Apprentice 1 castoff, OMAROSA.
• The Bachelor booted TRISTA, who ultimately won big by starring in The Bachelorette and marrying an on-air suitor in Trista & Ryan's Wedding.
• After being rejected by Prince Lorenzo Borghese in The Bachelor: Rome, LAURA returned to haunt the other gals.
• Survivor:Palau castoffs BOBBY JON and STEPHENIE competed in Survivor: Guatemala. They were ultimately voted out in the 10th and final episodes, respectively.
• Most Survivor: All Stars candidates had lost earlier challenges, including ROB (who placed second the second time around) and AMBER (the sole survivor) whose prizes included cars, a combined $1.2 million and engagement to each other. Following their nuptials on prime-time TV - Rob and Amber Get Married - Romber went on to compete (but not win) The Amazing Race.
• This month, Rob's baaack! The show giving him new life: Celebrity Paranormal Project. ###

What I learned on TV ('Flavor of Love 2', Episode 10) - update

Another Vocabulary Lesson: I never heard anyone say anything like this before, and will likely (hopefully) never hear it again:

I will (actually?) kick her freaking throat out.

SOURCE: Michelle Rothschild-Patterson (Tiffany "New York" Patterson's mother), referring to one of the "Krazy Ladies" (Heather/Nevaeh "Krazy" Crawford, her mother or her grandmother), in Flavor of Love, Season 2, Episode 10.

View Outtakes.

Can someone 'splain me?

• Why were Krazy and her mom in the pool with their clothes on?
• Why were New York and her mom - who started two (!) fights with the "Krazy" Crawfords because they soooo needed their sleep - in bed with their clothes (and jewelry) on?
  

What I learned on TV ('Flavor of Love 2', Episode 10)

Vocabulary Lesson:

• The WORD: "Blissed" is a word I'd never heard before Tiffany "New York" Patterson (see photo) used it on Flavor of Love, season 2.
• USAGE: "I'm in total blissed," she bragged in Episode 10.
• CITATIONS: Surprisingly, I found the word online.
• REACTION: Will I incorporate "blissed" into my vocabulary? Don't bet your clock on it.

Other Developments:

Heather "Krazy" Crawford (a.k.a Nevaeh Crawford, eliminated in Episode 10) is a video vixen. Her face (and other body parts) clearly emerge circa 2:24 in Dido Brown's "Take 'Em All Out" video.

Are you paraskevidekatriaphobic or paraskevidekatriaphiliac?

Lots has been written about paraskevidekatriaphobia (fear of Friday the 13th) and whether the concern is warranted or wacky. However, paraskevidekatriaphiliacs exist too. Count among them those earning revenues from Friday the 13th movies and memorabilia. Ka-ching! For them, Friday the 13th is a day of good fortune.

I'm indifferent to most superstitions. For example, I was so bewitched by a sweet-tempered, green-eyed, black kitten with white trimmings that I adopted her. Jade brought us who loved her nothing but good vibes and good fortune until the sad day she died (of old age at home). Let's cross our fingers my charming kitty rests in peace.###

Two articles help daters safely navigate the field of love

MSN Dating & Personals: '5 Tough Dating Conversations - Tackled' is a good read for those seeking and those avoiding exclusive relationships. Whether playing the field or seeking to settle down, one will likely find Amy Spencer's summary of talking tips useful. Spencer's source is communication expert Laurie Puhn, J.D., author of Instant Persuasion: How to Change Your Words to Change Your Life and frequent contributor to MSN Dating & Personals.

Although I recommend reading Spencer and Puhn's tips, I disagree with the authors' claim that they address the "five toughest dating topics." Tougher ground is covered by writer Jeanie Lerche Davis and reviewer Louise Chang, MD in WebMD Feature - 'Dating Dangers: Love's a Minefield' (subtitle: Dating advice from the experts about how to find Mr. or Mrs. Right). This excerpt sums up the second selection:

There's serious stuff out there, like HIV and STDs, date rape, online stalkers. Then there are other dangers -- boredom, disillusionment, getting dumped, or simply getting taken. Two love experts offer their dating advice.

Ms. Davis and Dr. Chang guide readers to avoid seven relationship landmines:

• Danger: Blinded by Chemistry
• Danger: Dying of Boredom
• Danger: Getting Cynical
• Danger: Is It Date Rape?
• Danger: Equal-Opportunity STDs
• Danger: Meeting Online
• Danger: Too Many Disappointments ###

Some ways to keep an audience awake

Monday's posting at TJ's InSights: Solution For the Boring Speaker touched on a danger I regularly guard against on the radio, in the classroom and on the podium. I recommend putting into practice the advice offered by TJ and resources such as these.

I know from whence I speak. Oftentimes, when not on the mic myself, I help others (e.g., university students, radio guests, executives, attorneys, and entrepreneurs) to polish their presentations, spice up their speaking and enliven their events. I have also written speeches for everyone from top corporate executives to eulogists at funerals. My next gig of that ilk will be the November 18 Boy Scouts of America Danceathon/Fundraiser in the Bronx.



Some recognizable personalities whom I've recently talked with on air include those whose pictures I shot in the studio (celebrated criminal attorney, Murray Richman; and the King Charles Unicycle Troupers (pictured above are the group's manager and performer David Reid). Other recent Lisa Tolliver Show guests include those whose press photos and products are depicted below: German cinetmatographer / director /writer - Emanuel Rund [creator of Alle Juden raus! (1990)]; Guinness World Record holder, a.k.a. "Mr. Talk Show," Joe Franklin; and musician, Public Enemy hype man, VH1 star - Flavor Flav.

A little dab'll do ya in

Foodborne botulism killed Cousin Laura when I was in college and almost 300 others in the USA between 1990 and 2000, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Emerging Infectious Diseases. More recently, a deadly strain of E.coli killed several and sickened hundreds across the country. In both cases, reliable sources agree: just a little dab of tainted food'll do ya in.

What's a dangerous dose of E. coli 0157:H7? Here are two estimates.

It only takes 10 to 50 bacteria to get sick -- and 1 million of them fit on the head of a pin.

SOURCE: E. coli Blog - FDA: Don't eat any fresh spinach, Posted at 8:13 AM on September 17, 2006 by E. coli Attorney William Marler of Marler Clark in Seattle, who is representing 25 victims of the recent outbreak in fresh spinach.

Just four pathogenic E.coli cells are enough to cause complications in humans because they redouble their numbers every 20 minutes - in less than 8 hours those four cells can become well over one million cells, and one billion of these cells can dance on the head of a pin.

SOURCE: Letter from Rainer Mueller of Eric's ECHO - The E.coli Help Organization (which offers a wealth of information).

What does this dangerous strain of E.coli do to you?

E. coli O157:H7 is a highly dangerous pathogen that can cause intestinal hemorrhaging, severe dehydration and hemolytic uremic syndrome, any of which can cause serious illness or death.

SOURCE: Your Legal Information - FDA Warning: E. coli and Fresh Spinach - Lawyer

Foodborne botulism is scary, too. As the CDC explains in Facts About Botulism:

Foodborne botulism occurs when a person ingests pre-formed toxin that leads to illness within a few hours to days. Foodborne botulism is a public health emergency because the contaminated food may still be available to other persons besides the patient.

With foodborne botulism, symptoms begin within 6 hours to 2 weeks (most commonly between 12 and 36 hours) after eating food that contains the toxin. Symptoms of botulism include double vision, blurred vision, drooping eyelids, slurred speech, difficulty swallowing, dry mouth, and muscle weakness that moves down the body, always affecting the shoulderskeep descends first, then the upper arms, lower arms, thighs, calves, etc. Paralysis of breathing muscles can cause a person to stop breathing and die, unless assistance with breathing (mechanical ventilation) is provided.

Botulism is not spread from one person to another. Foodborne botulism can occur in all age groups.

I no longer play with my food. To my parents' chagrin, I enjoy "risky" pursuits like scuba diving, sailing and skiing because I've been trained to handle most contingencies, even if my equipment fails. In contrast, I have no appetite for dangerous pursuits whose outcomes I can't control. Call me overly cautious, but I can't stomach skydiving, bungee jumping or eating foods that could carry active E.coli or botulism.

Not everyone is as cautious. I noticed many patrons eating fresh salads, cole slaw and other fresh veggies in the restaurant where yesterday's Lisa Tolliver Show guests and I lunched. I, on the other hand, left my produce on the table with the tip.

Watch What You Eat! As Fire Captain Bobby Benz, WEVR-MRC Manager Marianne Partridge and I shared on air, this year's National Fire Safety Week theme is "Watch What You Heat: Prevent Cooking Fires." I've adapted that motto for dining.

What original little dab'll do ya? Brylcreem, of course! Here are lyrics to the Brylcreem commercial:

Brylcreem brylcreem brylcreem!

Brylcreem - a little dab'll do ya

Brylcreem - you look so debonair

Brylcreem - the girls will all pursue ya …

They love to get their fingers in your hair!

"Brylcreem Makes Men's Hair Look Neat" [aka: "Brylcream Jingle"] words & music by John P. Atherton; (c) by Atherton & Currier, Inc. Nov. 8, 1949; Eu 184 363.

Listen to the jingle and read the ad slicks at SlickVille.com.

Living dangerously during the spinach scare

Friday's moon hit the eye like a big pizza pie, inspiring our spinach-and-garlic-topped feast.

I was satisfied with dipping tortilla chips in garlic hummus, but it was dinnertime and he wanted something more substantial. Earlier, we'd discussed getting pizza.

"How about spinach and garlic?" he asked. "Or maybe not. Do you think it's safe to eat spinach pizza?"

His selection should not have surprised me. He'd just downloaded Popeye's picture from my recent spinach postings, and the TV news report we watched together about the third tainted spinach victim noted those most vulnerable were young children and the elderly. We are neither, and what's more, we're robustly healthy. Fools we aren't, but neither are we paralyzed by fears of living dangerously.

Although I thought FDA's lifting of its consumer warning for spinach last week was premature, I trusted spinach pizza would be safe. It's baked at 400 to 500 degrees Fahrenheit, hotter than the temperature recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

E. coli O157:H7 in spinach can be killed by cooking at 160° Fahrenheit for 15 seconds. (Water boils at 212° Fahrenheit.) If spinach is cooked in a frying pan, and all parts do not reach 160° Fahrenheit, all bacteria may not be killed.

SOURCE: CDC E. coli Outbreak From Spinach - Update: Oct. 6, 2006 CDC Foodborne and Diarrheal Diseases Branch (10/06/2006)

Our spinach pie was fragrant, tasty, and loaded with garlic. (Perfect for repelling vampires.) Best of all, we lived to tell the tale. ###

The E. coli outbreak has sparked an upsurge in stories about "the Sailor Man with the spinach can"

The title, Bloggers Blog: Spinach Warnings Lead to Unprecedented Rise in Spinach Blogging, is self-explanatory. Not surprisingly, many writers are referencing Popeye, "the Sailor Man with the spinach can," oftentimes tongue in cheek. One satirical example is The Spoof - Popeye The Sailor Man Panicked by Spinach Recall by Farrelly Sister, Gail. I yam another culprit who cited the sailor man with the "squinky" left eye.*

* NOTE: Some sloppy cartoonists have erroneously portrayed Popeye with the both eyes open.

The recent upsurge in spinach postings is not surprising. If fresh spinach is "finiched" (at least until the food and health watchdogs announce the coast is unequivocally clear to eat spinach safely), one must indulge other appetites. One is for fresh spinach substitutes.

Some posts on the subject are helpful, such as this excerpt from the Bloggers Blog spinach storm:

Official Information: The latest statement from the FDA can be found here. For FDA updates check the homepage or the alerts section. There is also this helpful page which contains only the spinach-related alerts. The CDC has also set up special page about the e.coli outbreak. (via Health News Blog)

Some others are pure fun. One example is Useless Movie Quotes - Popeye:

Popeye: How much is the broccoli?
Geezil: Nickel, maybe dime.
Popeye: And, the spinach?
Geezil: Dime, maybe quarter.
Popeye: Then how come carrots is a dollar?
Geezil: Dollar fifty. You buy what I don't feel like selling it cost you two dollars.

Not many characters have bested Popeye. Not dastardly gambler Jack Snork, who shot the sailor 15 times, and rarely Bluto the Terrible (later renamed Brutus to avoid confusion with Pluto). Consequently, Geezil should have known better than to get goony with Popeye.

Disinclined to pay even a single samolean (also spelled "samolian"), Popeye cuts Geezil's price down:

Popeye: [Takes the carrots and tosses Geezil a nickel]
Geezil: Ah ah. Nope, this is a nickel.
Popeye: I'm payin' what I feels like payin'.
The Tax Man: You're not up to no good are you? Because if you are there's a 25¢ up to no good tax.

DIALOGUE SOURCE - The Internet Movie Database (IMDb) - Memorable Quotes from Popeye (1980).

IMAGES SOURCE - Striplets about Popeye and his friends.

Spinach stories are also whetting penchants for pop culture. Apparently, blogging about spinach and Popeye is no trivial pursuit. For example, even Lisa Tolliver On Air and Online - Superman is to Kryptonite what Popeye is to....fresh spinach?! is "casking shadows" online. It blew me down to find, at press time, that "axskin' " Google to search "lisatolliver on air and online spinach popeye" returned this "intelligensk" at Allen Canning Company - Google Finance:

Blog Posts
Superman is to Kryptonite what Popeye is to....fresh spinach?!
lisatolliver - Sep 16, 2006 - Lisa Tolliver On Air and Online A second statue was erected in Alma, Arkansas, the self-proclaimed "Spinach Capital of the World" and home to Allen Canning, which markets Popeye-branded [...]

The Google Finance posting breaks there, but the "spinach storm" is still raging.###

What difference do YOU make?

And how?

Make a Difference Day - the largest national day of helping others - is Saturday, October 28 this year. That's why Chris S.'s inquiry - Insider Advice National - Anybody do any "Charity" work that is rewarding? - and the responses thereto are rewarding and well-timed.

Why not check it all out and then bring me into the loop? Your entry could be shared publicly to inform, instruct, intrigue and inspire blogospherians and Lisc Tolliver Show listeners.