Monday, December 31, 2012

Day Thirty-One, Katie

KatieDo you like being the center of attention, or do you prefer being more mysterious and why?I don't mind attention being on me but I maintain an air of mystery, I think. I don't share everything with everyone.What is your favorite television show and why?I'm obsessed with all things Food Network and Cooking Channel. I haven't had cable the last year, though. Also, Extreme Makeover - Weight Loss and Biggest Loser make me cry like a baby.What is the best trip you have ever been on and why?I spent 3 months in Spain and it is one of my favorite places on the planet. I lived in Madrid but really love the Southern region. THE BACHELOR - The next edition of ABC's hit romance reality series, "The Bachelor," returns to ABC for its 17th season in January 2013. (ABC/KEVIN FOLEY) KATIE

Katie here is a nutritionist.  She also said this in her ABC interview:

What is your favorite television show and why?
I'm obsessed with all things Food Network and Cooking Channel. Also, Extreme Makeover - Weight Loss and Biggest Loser make me cry like a baby.

I want to spend hours psychoanalyzing that answer.  Hours.

Saturday, December 29, 2012

Day Twenty-Nine, Ashlee

AshleeIf you could have lunch with one person, who would it be and why?Adele, I want to hear her story behind her music.  Then I'd have her sing to me the rest of lunch.What is your most embarrassing moment?Back in the Britney Spears low jeans day...I was dancing & my pants ripped along the butt, middle butt seam.  I had to stand against the wall until a friend gave me his shirt to cover my butt!How long does it take you to get ready to go out for a big night on the town?As long as I'm allowed.  I could easily take 3 hours.THE BACHELOR - The next edition of ABC's hit romance reality series, "The Bachelor," returns to ABC for its 17th season in January 2013. (ABC/KEVIN FOLEY) ASHLEE

Ashlee already has two of my favorite Bachelor contestant attributes: crazy eyes and a "creatively" spelled name. I'm not sure the insanity lurking beneath her glassy stare truly compares to any of the greats, but time will tell if her on-camera behavior can live up to the snap judgment I made of her to put her in line with this pantheon of crazies:




Friday, December 28, 2012

Day Twenty-Eight, The Universal Enthusiasm for the Show



Okay, so maybe "universal" is putting it a little bit strongly.  My husband, for one, can't stand the show.  But the Bachelor/Bachelorette franchise does seem to have an odd way of uniting unlikely groups.  My personal favorite show devotee is Vancouver Canucks goalie Roberto Luongo who almost redeems his years of terrible playoff goaltending with one simple tweet:


Soooooooo excited for march madness!! FYI in case you didn't know march madness stands for " bachelor: women tell all" in our household





Thursday, December 27, 2012

Day Twenty-Seven, Selma

SelmaIf you could have lunch with one person, who would it be and why?Oprah, just because who wouldn't want to have lunch with Oprah and pick her brain for an hour.Who are your top 3 favorite group/artists & why?Jamey Johnson, because he's an incredible song writer.  Miranda Lambert because her music and voice is incredible and Rihanna because she gets me pumped.Do you consider yourself a romantic and why?I am a sentimental person, but wouldn't consider myself romantic.THE BACHELOR - The next edition of ABC's hit romance reality series, "The Bachelor," returns to ABC for its 17th season in January 2013. (ABC/KEVIN FOLEY) SELMA

Based purely on the ABC photos, I think Selma is easily the prettiest lady here.  However, in some interview, the origins or accuracy of which I am completely unable to site, she apparently said "hopeless places" are the best places to meet guys.  Outside of being ripped from Rihanna, I can't help but wonder what sorts of places she means.  Is she picking up men on death row, or is she exclusively referring to her almost infinitesimal odds on the Bachelor.

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Day Twenty-Six, Impressive Careers

Yes, this season has its fair share of Bachelor standards.  It has an NFL cheerleader, and an NBA dancer, and a fit model.  It has an actress and a "TV host" who I'm sure will get questioned about being there for the right reasons. It also has plenty of "slashies" (i.e., singer/legal assitant, nutritionist/yoga instructur/freelance writer, fashionista/organizer).

But overall, this year's crop is kind of impressive.  There are multiple lady-directors for various companies that sounds quite business-y and important, there's a democratic lobbyist, and even a CEO. I have only the vaguest memories of what Sean does for a living, but his Southern-ness and his family values makes me think that he's unlikely to pick up and leave to support his intended's career, so it will be interesting to see if any of the more career-driven women stick around.

Tuesday, December 25, 2012

Day Twenty- Five, Ashley H

Ashley H.Would you consider yourself adventurous or conservative?A bit of both; There's a time for work and a time for play.What was the most romantic present you have ever given? Why?I love to cook and anytime I do I make the mood beautiful and serve with candles.  I'm simple and I believe you don't have to spend thousands for romance.What are your favorite foods?Anything prepared with organic products; but I love everything!THE BACHELOR - The next edition of ABC's hit romance reality series, "The Bachelor," returns to ABC for its 17th season in January 2013. (ABC/KEVIN FOLEY) ASHLEY H.
From Ashley H's ABC Interview:

What was the most romantic present you have ever given? Why?
I love to cook and anytime I do I make the mood beautiful and serve with candles.  I'm simple and I believe you don't have to spend thousands for romance.

Dear Sean,
    If a women ever shows up with blown out hair, flashy jewelry, and what looks to be a zebra sarong/mini dress combo and claims to be "simple," you should RUN.

  Warm Regards,

Megan

Monday, December 24, 2012

Day Twenty-Four, Taryn

TarynWhat are your 3 best attributes?Generosity, loyalty and most importantly forgiving.What is the most outrageous thing you have ever done?Move towns with no job or place set, just left and figured it out when i got there.What is your ideal mate's personality like?Optimistic on life, fun and open to new things, motivated, organized in his finances but not too uptight about them, can joke around when the time is right. THE BACHELOR - The next edition of ABC's hit romance reality series, "The Bachelor," returns to ABC for its 17th season in January 2013. (ABC/KEVIN FOLEY) TARYN

Taryn is this season's mandatory beauty queen.  Apparently, she was 1st runner up in '08, and 3rd runner up in '09 for Miss Oregon USA 2009.  Now, I have nothing against beauty queens whatsover, but this regression seems about right. 

I imagine her trajectory has gone a little something like this:
1st runner up in 2008
3rd runner up in 2009
Car show model in 2010
Hooters waitress in 2011
Bachelor Contestant in 2012

Saturday, December 22, 2012

Day Twenty-Two, Kristy

KristyWhat are your top 3 all-time favorite movies?1. Something's Gotta Give2. Dirty Dancing3. Father of the BrideDo you prefer team sports or solo sports, and why?Solo - because I like to control my own destiny. However, from a business standpoint - I love working as a team.Describe your idea of the ultimate date.My ideas are endless, I imagine exotic places, where love literally fills the air. I picture me and my date, exploring a tropical city, doing crazy adventurous things - all about the romantic paradise setting.THE BACHELOR - The next edition of ABC's hit romance reality series, "The Bachelor," returns to ABC for its 17th season in January 2013. (ABC/KEVIN FOLEY) KRISTY 
From Kristy's ABC Interview:

Describe your idea of the ultimate date.
My ideas are endless, I imagine exotic places, where love literally fills the air. I picture me and my date, exploring a tropical city, doing crazy adventurous things - all about the romantic paradise setting.

Apparently, her ideas are also beginningless.

Thursday, December 20, 2012

Day Twenty, Lindsay

LindsayWould you describe yourself more as "the party-starter," "the wingman," or "the laid back one"?I honestly thing I am a bit of all three but if I must pick one I am "the party starter."  It is important to me that everyone has fun :).What's your worst date memory?I got sent on a blind date with an old man!What is the most romantic present you have given?  Why?I made my ex-boyfriend a drawing book when he studied abroad becauese he loves to draw.  He loved it!THE BACHELOR - The next edition of ABC's hit romance reality series, "The Bachelor," returns to ABC for its 17th season in January 2013. (ABC/KEVIN FOLEY) LINDSAY

Apparently Lindsay shows up to the first night in a wedding dress.  All I can say is, her decision-making skills make me feel just a little bit better about all the time I just spent obsessively trying to pause the trailer in just the right spot trying to figure out who she was.

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Day Eighteen, Robyn

RobynWhat is the most outrageous thing you have ever done?Going on a stake out to stalk my friend's ex-boyfriend.If you wanted to approach a man you had never met before, how would you go about it?I'm not shy.  I will go straight up to the person, tap them on the shoulder and say hello.I love it when my date...and I are clearly into each other.  He is sweeping me off my feet and wanting to "court" me.  I love chivalry.THE BACHELOR - The next edition of ABC's hit romance reality series, "The Bachelor," returns to ABC for its 17th season in January 2013. (ABC/KEVIN FOLEY) ROBYN

From Robyn's ABC Interview:

What is the most outrageous thing you have ever done?
Going on a stake out to stalk my friend's ex-boyfriend.

I badly hope that her friend is really "her friend." Someone has to be the crazy possessive one who doesn't understand how the show works!

Sunday, December 16, 2012

Day Sixteen, Leslie

LeslieIf you could be someone else for just one day, who would it be and why?This might sound weird but I think being a homeless person.  To see how they truly live their life and the struggles they go through and how they got there.  So one day, I can help change the number of homeless people that end up living on the streets.Do you consider yourself a romantic and why?Yes most definitely.  I think I'm a hopeless romantic, I do a lot of little things which are I think key and giving and planning to make something special and romantic.Do you prefer a man who wants to be pursued or a man who pursues you, and why?Ideally I would like a man that pursues me.  I feel like I'm always the one pursuing and it would be a nice change for once.  I want a man that's so in love with me and he can't imagine life without meTHE BACHELOR - The next edition of ABC's hit romance reality series, "The Bachelor," returns to ABC for its 17th season in January 2013. (ABC/KEVIN FOLEY) LESLIE

From Leslie's ABC Interview:

If you could be someone else for just one day, who would it be and why?
This might sound weird but I think being a homeless person.  To see how they truly live their life and the struggles they go through and how they got there.  So one day, I can help change the number of homeless people that end up living on the streets.

There are a million things wrong with what's written in this answer, but the biggest problem of all is something that's not included here.  Apparently, Leslie intends to use this ill-gotten empathy to eradicate homelessness through her work as....an actress.

Friday, December 14, 2012

Day Fourteen, Ashley P

Ashley P.What is a typical Saturday night like for you?Going out with my best friends and their fiances/husbands.  Whoever/whatever.  My 2 closest GF's all do dinner and get ready together.Would you say you're more of a country or more of a city person?Both Totally!  I love living in the city while I'm young and single but would be just as happy living in the country with my family.Do you condier yourself a romantic and why?Yes! extremely I wear my

From Ashley P's ABC Interview:

What is a typical Saturday night like for you?
Going out with my best friends and their fiances/husbands.  Whoever/whatever.  My 2 closest GF's all do dinner and get ready together.
Do you consider yourself a romantic and why?
Yes! extremely I wear my <3 on my sleeve and tend to let my emotions rule over my head and romantic attention <I am a Leo>.

Now, I don't consider myself on expert on the male perspective - I didn't grow up with brothers and I can't throw a baseball to save my life - but here are three things that I'm pretty sure that guys like:

1) Women who replace the word "heart" with the emoticon
2) Astrology, and
3) Women who make it very clear upfront that all of their friends are married. 

I don't want ruin the enjoyment of the season for anyone, but I'm pretty sure we don't even have to watch.  Ashley P. has the whole thing in the bag.

Thursday, December 13, 2012

Day Thirteen, Lauren

LaurenWho do you admire most in the world and why?My parents provided a great life for my brothers and I.  Taught me strong values and prepared me for every type of situation I may face.  They provided a solid foundation for my life.What is your favorite all-time book and why?"The Best Advice I ever got" compiled by Katie Couric.  This book is full of great life lessons from people in all career fields.I hate it when my date...doesn't offer to pick me up from my house, texts me and doesn't come to the door to let me know he's there.THE BACHELOR - The next edition of ABC's hit romance reality series, "The Bachelor," returns to ABC for its 17th season in January 2013. (ABC/KEVIN FOLEY) LAUREN

Lauren here is apparently a New England Patriots cheerleader, an anchor and producer at GoLocalProv, and a manager at a restaurant. At least when she says "I gave up so much to be here" it won't ring quite as false.!

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Day Eleven, Diana

DianaIf you could be someone else for just one day, who would it be and why?Taylor Swift, because I can't sing and I would love to know what it feels like to be extremely talented.Do you prefer team sports or solo sports, and why?Solo sports - I never played on team sports. Skiing and golfing are the two I enjoy.Do you consider yourself a romantic and why?In a lot of ways yes, but sometimes if it's too corny it makes me uncomfortable. But I love to be treated like a lady.THE BACHELOR - The next edition of ABC's hit romance reality series, "The Bachelor," returns to ABC for its 17th season in January 2013. (ABC/KEVIN FOLEY) DIANA

Two things you should know about Diana:

1) According to her ABC interview, she wants to be Taylor Swift - which is...actually sort of apt given that Taylor Swift has already made a career out of relationships that haven't worked out.
2) She's Jef Holm's hair stylist (or at least used to be before he left Utah, and I suppose maybe is again).  I must say I can't see a girl with such trendy visions about men's hair winding up with a guy like Sean.

Monday, December 10, 2012

Day Ten, Catherine

CatherineWho do you admire most in the world and why?Anyone who can look beyond themselves and unselfishly help others. Giving more than they may have. They are an example for us all.Do you consider yourself a romantic and why?Absolutely. Love is the best and expressing it to someone is so special.What are the top 3 things on your bucket list, and why?To eat traditional pasta in Italy, to go skiing in the Alps, and to ride an elephant in Thailand. THE BACHELOR - The next edition of ABC's hit romance reality series, "The Bachelor," returns to ABC for its 17th season in January 2013. (ABC/KEVIN FOLEY) CATHERINE
I'm sure that Catherine is a lovely girl, but I must say the contrast in her ABC interview here is rather:

Who do you admire most in the world and why?
Anyone who can look beyond themselves and unselfishly help others. Giving more than they may have. They are an example for us all.
What are the top 3 things on your bucket list, and why?
To eat traditional pasta in Italy, to go skiing in the Alps, and to ride an elephant in Thailand.

On the one hand, I find her honesty refreshing - no one really wants to read a bucket list that's all building habitats for humanity or healing lepers (which is apparently quite easy to do in this day and age) - but on the other hand, because these two questions were so close together, it sort of reads like "I admire unselfish people, but I am not one of them."

Sunday, December 9, 2012

Day Nine, Women Fighting the Odds to Appear Sober

Though nothing quite matches the experience of listening to a sobbing slurring Jenna or a grunting, slammered Ed, it's still worth revisiting some of the wonderful sentences that have come out of past contestant's mouths when trying to pretend that they were sober enough to make life-altering decisions:


 
Jamie: I don't want to be, like, fancy with anybody unless I really want to be.







Alli: Pit stains are not hot. I could easily have pit stains in this thing (checks under her armpits).  That would not be cute 











Melissa: She's just, like, such an energy suck - I'm sorry.  I had onions on my pizza.  I shouldn't have had that onion and peppers and everything on my pizza.  And I had four slices.








Ashley: I feel like I'm so emotionally unstable.  Like, I wouldn't want to be with be right now.










Jenna: Maybe we can share a tampon sometime.

Saturday, December 8, 2012

Day Eight, Lacey

Lacey Do you like being the center of attention, or do you prefer being more mysterious and why?I prefer being more mysterious.  I'm an observer and like to analyze the room before I do anything crazy.  I can be the center of attention if it's around a small group I know well.Do you consider yourself a romantic and why?Recently yes!  I would choose to stay in & cook and be romantic with a boy then go out and socialize with others.  i would love to take a romantic trip with someone.What's your worst date memory?Getting picked up and having no plan and then driving around arguing what to do or where to go. THE BACHELOR - The next edition of ABC's hit romance reality series, "The Bachelor," returns to ABC for its 17th season in January 2013. (ABC/KEVIN FOLEY) LACEY

In honor of the first day of Hannukah: Lacey Latka. I'm not kidding.  I just wonder if that's really her name or if, sometime around episode six, she will reveal a shady past in Jewish porn.

Thursday, December 6, 2012

Day Six, Lesley

LesleyWhat is your favorite memory from your childhood?The whole thing in its entirety.  The love and care of my parents, my sisters and the friends i had.  My childhood was perfect.What is the most romantic present you have ever given? why?I would always leave notes for my last boyfriend to find...in his dress drawers, on his pillow, in his car, in his suitcase when leaving for a trip...What's your biggest date fear?Talking to a brick wall?  I usually go out with people I've met at least once before.THE BACHELOR - The next edition of ABC's hit romance reality series, "The Bachelor," returns to ABC for its 17th season in January 2013. (ABC/KEVIN FOLEY) LESLEY
So repeated viewings of the trailer haven't amounted to much, except for the fact that I now know that the show premieres January 7th and that Sean, though still quite attractive, really shouldn't be allowed to wink.

Lesley here does make an appearance in the footage holding a football though, and while I have to say I usually abhor the contestants that prepare "something special" (read: awkward) for their first meeting, I have to admit this might be very well played.

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Day Five, Diversity!

LeslieIf you could be someone else for just one day, who would it be and why?This might sound weird but I think being a homeless person.  To see how they truly live their life and the struggles they go through and how they got there.  So one day, I can help change the number of homeless people that end up living on the streets.Do you consider yourself a romantic and why?Yes most definitely.  I think I'm a hopeless romantic, I do a lot of little things which are I think key and giving and planning to make something special and romantic.Do you prefer a man who wants to be pursued or a man who pursues you, and why?Ideally I would like a man that pursues me.  I feel like I'm always the one pursuing and it would be a nice change for once.  I want a man that's so in love with me and he can't imagine life without meTHE BACHELOR - The next edition of ABC's hit romance reality series, "The Bachelor," returns to ABC for its 17th season in January 2013. (ABC/KEVIN FOLEY) LESLIESelmaIf you could have lunch with one person, who would it be and why?Oprah, just because who wouldn't want to have lunch with Oprah and pick her brain for an hour.Who are your top 3 favorite group/artists & why?Jamey Johnson, because he's an incredible song writer.  Miranda Lambert because her music and voice is incredible and Rihanna because she gets me pumped.Do you consider yourself a romantic and why?I am a sentimental person, but wouldn't consider myself romantic.THE BACHELOR - The next edition of ABC's hit romance reality series, "The Bachelor," returns to ABC for its 17th season in January 2013. (ABC/KEVIN FOLEY) SELMACatherineWho do you admire most in the world and why?Anyone who can look beyond themselves and unselfishly help others. Giving more than they may have. They are an example for us all.Do you consider yourself a romantic and why?Absolutely. Love is the best and expressing it to someone is so special.What are the top 3 things on your bucket list, and why?To eat traditional pasta in Italy, to go skiing in the Alps, and to ride an elephant in Thailand. THE BACHELOR - The next edition of ABC's hit romance reality series, "The Bachelor," returns to ABC for its 17th season in January 2013. (ABC/KEVIN FOLEY) CATHERINE
Ashley H.Would you consider yourself adventurous or conservative?A bit of both; There's a time for work and a time for play.What was the most romantic present you have ever given? Why?I love to cook and anytime I do I make the mood beautiful and serve with candles.  I'm simple and I believe you don't have to spend thousands for romance.What are your favorite foods?Anything prepared with organic products; but I love everything!THE BACHELOR - The next edition of ABC's hit romance reality series, "The Bachelor," returns to ABC for its 17th season in January 2013. (ABC/KEVIN FOLEY) ASHLEY H.RobynWhat is the most outrageous thing you have ever done?Going on a stake out to stalk my friend's ex-boyfriend.If you wanted to approach a man you had never met before, how would you go about it?I'm not shy.  I will go straight up to the person, tap them on the shoulder and say hello.I love it when my date...and I are clearly into each other.  He is sweeping me off my feet and wanting to "court" me.  I love chivalry.THE BACHELOR - The next edition of ABC's hit romance reality series, "The Bachelor," returns to ABC for its 17th season in January 2013. (ABC/KEVIN FOLEY) ROBYNBrookeDo you consider yourself a good cook?Yes, I'm good at making most dishes. My specialty is lasagna that will melt in your mouth!What is your favorite memory from your childhood?Teaching myself how to ride a bike after asking a neighbor to take the training wheels off my bike.What is your favorite holiday and why?Birthdays, I love celebrating life with friends, family, and lots of fun/cake. THE BACHELOR - The next edition of ABC's hit romance reality series, "The Bachelor," returns to ABC for its 17th season in January 2013. (ABC/KEVIN FOLEY) BROOKE

Though I assume the lawsuit was thrown out, it's no big shock to see a cast that's much more diverse than usual.  And unlike last year's token effort, I assume that it's safe to say that these lovely ladies won't all be sent packing on night one.

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Day Four, Paige (Allegedly)

According to Reality Steve (and yes, his "predictions" are out there already, so be careful to avoid his spoilers if you're doing research for the draft), Paige will be joining the cast of this season's Bachelor.  As some of you probably recall, Paige was on a single episode of this summer's Bachelor Pad before being sent home for ocassionally putting on clothes other than a bikini.

Monday, December 3, 2012

Day Three, Reading Recaps


My all time favorites come from the Reality Fantasy League on http://www.grantland.com/ which originally inspired this league, but it's amazing how many 500 word versions I can read of the same show.  At one point over the summer I even sunk to reading recaps penned by the contestants themselves, and these people lack the self-awareness that might help imbue their posts with any kind of special insight.  To be honest, I might like reading recaps better than watching the show (or maybe that's just something I tell myself to make my devotion to all this seem more palatable...)

Sunday, December 2, 2012

Day Two, Amanda


 AmandaWhat is your favorite all-time book and why?The Shack - it's emotional and humbles you.If you could have one superpower, what would it be and why?  How would you use it?Teleport - I wish I could go to and from places in the blink of an eye.  It would be so much easier than travelingWhat was the most romantic present you have ever received and why?I was offered a prada bag or the same amount of $$ donated to a charity that we would volunteer at (I went with the second) THE BACHELOR - The next edition of ABC's hit romance reality series, "The Bachelor," returns to ABC for its 17th season in January 2013. (ABC/KEVIN FOLEY) AMANDA  

From her ABC interview:

What is your favorite all-time book and why?
The Shack - it's emotional and humbles you.
What was the most romantic present you have ever received and why?
I was offered a prada bag or the same amount of $$ donated to a charity that we would volunteer at (I went with the second)

Because Sean's "values" (read: religion) are so important to him, I can't help wondering if we're going to see a whole rash of this kind of contestants - contestants who do all kinds of volunteering and just can't wait to brag about it.  While I respect and admire people who volunteer in general, it's not necessarily something I'm looking for in a reality TV contestant (unless it's part of a show-mandated effort to clean up one's image). 

Also, perhaps this is what's keeping me from being in the running to be Sean's betrothed, but I'm not convinced that either the prada bag or the money is a particularly romantic gift. You can't help but feel like she was going to slip that in no matter what question she got asked. ("What kind of animal would I be?  Probably a St. Bernard because I think I'm really good at saving people and I have a flask in my pocket right now.)

We get it Amanda, you're a good person.  Now tell us about how you're not here to make friends.