bluepiano

Yes, although it's shocking to me how much some motels charge now relative to 20-30 years ago when I did a lot of road trips. But then, hotels have gone up in price correspondingly, so motels still depend on being the lower priced alternative. AM seems to always tell owners to increase room rates, sometime to absurd levels, like $400 a night at that simple beach motel in Rhode Island, or $500 a night at that dilapidated old inn on Fire Island. The improvements to the room or amenities he suggests never seem anywhere near justifying doubling or tripling room rates. I'm sure AM knows the hotel business, but raising rates to increase revenue is a quick fix anyone could suggest. And it's not always going to work. You need to know the market, and find your niche. Not every location can support multiple high priced hotels, so being below market is a good strategy if you don't have a lot else going for you. Better to have a high occupancy rate at $100 a night than an empty hotel charging $300 a night. Definitely among the most bizarre episodes, and that's saying a lot. The owners were devout Christians who were depending on the "Ark" to bring them business, but had never themselves taken the five minute walk to see it? And I seriously doubt that AM really believed that the "Ark Experience" was a great tourist attraction that was going to keep the motel flush with guests. (My guess is that anyone who wanted to see this thing would visit in its first year, after which it will probably be turned into an outlet mall.) If the property is now part of a hotel group I hope that means those owners got out. The non-crying one was supposed to have years of hotel business, but he seemed no more competent than his partner. ("Life partner" as well as business partner? I guess they had to dance around that one given it was Kentucky and they were hoping to attract fundamentalist Christian guests). The crying guy did not seem emotionally stable enough to be in any kind of business. And I don't want to cast aspersions on anyone's religion, but praying for divine intervention is not really a business strategy.

In my mind the episodes in this series can be divided into two distinct categories - the ones where the owners are decent people you want to see helped, and the ones where the owners are dirt bags who deserve to go out of business. An example of the former is the couple in San Clemente who sadly lost their daughter. Those are the shows I enjoy. The episodes with cheap or unscrupulous owners who don't give a damn about the guests and mistreat their employees leave me cold. Not casting aspersions on any particular group, but it's a reality that a lot of people from India and other Asian countries come here with huge amounts of cash, which enables them to act quickly to scoop up properties at auctions and foreclosure sales. Generally, as we saw in the Sandusky episode, they have no interest in actually building a successful business. It's about acquiring properties dirt cheap that can be flipped for a profit.. So until they can sell their goal is to spend as little as possible. Don't the show's producers learn the real situation before they make a commitment to film an episode? I think there have been way too many episodes with unsympathetic owners. I can't believe it's that hard to find owners the audience can root for. Or more likely, the producers think that having jerks that drive Anthony into fits of rage makes for better entertainment.

Yes, and why there will never ever be any blind judging on this show. Or Master Chef either, which also feels like it's scripted out at the beginning of the season. (I've been watching Master Chef Canada for the first time, and that feels refreshingly legitimate, with judges' decisions based on the food and not personalities or story lines).

I get Ashland even less than Red. To me she's a generic country gal, and I don't hear anything distinctive or interesting in her voice. I really liked the version Karli did of the Dolly Parton song. Her voice was lovely but had a strength to it. I wish she was going to the lives instead of Ashland. Chloe blew me away with her version of "Landslide," Her "Time after Time" was good but not on the same level. Still, I'm glad I'll have another chance to hear her. I understand why JHud picked who she did, but Chris was one of my favorites this year, and I'm sorry I won't get to see him perform in the Lives.

They've said a few times that Marty made his money in construction. The winery is likely a hobby investment, as there are a number of small boutique wineries in northern Michigan, but it's not a money-making industry. If Marty is "only" worth 2 million then I'd say that History Channel is definitely footing the bill, because all or most of that 2 million could easily be poured down the drain in this venture. Marty strikes me as a pretty smart guy, and it would be the bonehead move of all time to lose your life savings in a treasure hunt with little to no chance of a financial return. (Or else he's worth a lot more than 2M). Totally agree. I've never liked that hokey "one more must die" thing either. And I wish they'd had the good taste to edit it out of the opening on the show they announced the tragic death of such a young man.

I liked Whitney a lot.. She has such a beautiful tone. But as we've seen over and over, it's hard to beat out someone who's dialed up to 11. I can't deny that there are a number of very talented female singers this year, but not much variety. So many belters with "big voices." In past years we seemed to have more of a mix of styles. Emily could benefit from that, but she needs to pick the right songs in order not to suffer the same fate as Whitney. Did Whitney not get considered for a steal because there were no steals left? It was weird that we didn't hear Carson say anything about a steal until the last pairing of the night. I wasn't even sure that steals were still possible at this stage of the show, as I thought all the teams were full. Color me totally confused. Sorry we didn't get to see Jon's whole performance, as it looked like it was pretty entertaining. And I always feel bad for the people who make it that far while only being montaged, and then get sent packing without their 15 minutes of "fame."

OMG, a "hooked cross." As soon as I heard that, I got scared they were going to send for Scott Wolter. And sure enough, the narrator cited him as foremost among the "researchers and scientists" who believe that the Templars came to North America. Funny how these two History Channel shows are intersecting. I admit to having enjoyed some of the episodes of "American Unearthed," but Wolter's theories, as well as his professional authority, have come under heavy criticism, to put it mildly. So I hope the Laginas are not going to turn to him as some kind of expert. I had to laugh when Marty Lagina found the pottery shard in the swamp and said "this could mean something, or it could mean nothing." That applies to 98% of everything that happens on this show. How many times are we going to be asked to get excited about some submerged object that turns out to be a tree stump or boulder? When they were scrutinizing the bottom of the pottery piece I was hoping they'd find it said "Made in China."

I though he was going for "the cream rising to the top."

Best of the night, best of the season, one of the best I've ever seen on The Voice. And I don't even like "Landslide." I've always thought it was a boring song. But she made me hear things in that song I'd never heard before. And that's really artistry. Funny, because I didn't even remember her earlier performances. I hope she can continue to find the right song to bring out her talent. I was shocked that she needed to be saved. But then, I'm not a fan of Ashland's style. She has a good voice to me she's generic female country, the way Red (on Blake's team) is generic male country. Wow, Lucas was bad. I don't think he would've gotten picked over Shi'an anyway, but he might've gotten a save. I hate to use the word, but he really choked. I hope that he can enough singing gigs that he's not going back to working at the supermarket. The one person I felt bad for was Karli, because I thought that was a really nice rendition of "Blue Bayou." But no way are you going to win a battle with a mellow song like that against a showboating soul belter. Were there no saves left at that point? It's really confusing because they show the performances out of sequence.

That kind of thing has always been a staple of this show, and the reason the teams are divided into male and female. The producers want a "battle of the sexes," complete with al insulting language and use of demeaning stereotypes. Which happens much more on the male side directed towards the women, because of the kind of "unenlightened" (to put it mildly) men the producers prefer casting.

I DO NOT want to see any of those men in bathing suits. It wasn't just the lesbian lust that made the pool scene tacky. There were also the camera lingering over Dana in her bikini. It's like we were suddenly watching one of those "photographing the SI swimsuit issue" specials. Boy, is Van full of himself. I can't imagine any woman finding him or his "hello ladies" act attractive.

I just slapped my forehead. I was thinking that Mr. Mitchell was the surly neighbor who Dennis tormented. Now I remember that was Mr. Wilson, and Mitchell was Dennis' last name. Thanks, that explains it. But what a drag for her to be up against Devon, a sure finalist, when there are no steals left. I wonder how the order is determined, because obviously the earlier your battle the better chance you have of being stolen. Same thing with the order of appearance in the Blinds, with people in the first couple of shows getting three or four chair turns who might not get any if they were on the last show.

I'm wondering why Carson didn't say (or they edited out) "judges, remember,, Maharasyi is available for a steal." Given that the song was chosen for Devon to shine, I thought she did a great job. Obviously whoever was paired against Devon was toast, as he's one of the favorites, and a special favorite of JHud. But to me she deserved a steal. She's a really good singer and a beautiful woman, which as we know doesn't hurt on this show, despite it being called "The Voice." Is there any kind of Wild Card this season where she might be brought back? Not before, but now I get it. Dennis the Menace and Mr. Mitchell. Obscure but nice reference. During that whole battle I knew that Mitchell was getting picked and that Dennis would be stolen by Adam. He always like the dudes who play electric guitar. But I think you're right that he probably will not be around too long. Mitchell is one of the more polished singers on the show this year, but my nit-pick is that he was smiling too much during that song. I was bummed that they montaged the duet on the Jackson Browne song "Doctor, My Eyes," because it's a favorite song of mine and might have been the only one I knew (or at least knew well) the whole night. Was that David vs. Dylan? It flew by so fast I couldn't tell.

Agreed, easily my favorite of the night. I previously though Noah was a bland singer who got through the battle round on his looks, but he did some really nice things on this song so I'm glad I'll hear more. Keisha was just perfection. She has the range of some of the singers and Jennifer's team but the taste to be true to the song and not indulge in showboating. It will be interesting to see where Blake takes her. He has had talented black female vocalists before (Sisaunra), but never one that wanted to sing country.

Did she really say that? Wow, pretty dumb, because the song is a snarky put-down of American women. I hate when people claim they love a song but has apparently have not listened to the lyrics beyond the title. Like thinking Springsteen's "Born in the USA" is a celebration of America when it's actually an anti-war song. Or for those old enough to know it, Woody Guthrie's "This Land is Your Land" was also a protest song, not a patriotic anthem. No surprise, Jennifer Hudson's battles were a scream fest. The only one I mildly enjoyed was the first, because I think Lucas is interesting and I give him a lot of credit for staying in his lower register for the sake of the duet, and not going for the high notes he's capable of. JHud made reference to "money notes." They're what people on this forum have for years called "glory notes." Though given how rich she is. in her case "money notes" is probably the correct term. Blake said that one of the singers "literally grabbed that song by the throat." I had an image of a piece of sheet music being strangled. How annoying is it when Jennifer refers to herself as "J Hud Productions?"

Gordon's freak out over Ashley looking at her watch was so overdone. It was obvious that she was going to be sent home, no matter how bad anyone else screwed up. Clearly she's gone because she's relatively low-drama, and this season, maybe more than any other, is going to be about the drama. Especially on the women's side, with Elise, Robin, Barbie. Eliminations this year will have virtually nothing to do with actual performance in the kitchen. They will be about all the little subplots and in-fighting. The week before, Gordon said that the men's dinner service was the best in the history of Hell's Kitchen, but he still sent one of the men home in order not to eliminate Elise, who deserved it.

She called herself "The Queen of Country." A pretty dubious claim, I would say. I know she was born in Nashville, and who her father and Godmother are, but does anyone even think of her as a country artist?

Mine too, because I agree with everything you said. I know, "girl power" and all that, but do these women not realize that they will be going against each other? It's an individual competition, not a team sport, so let's see how long the solidarity lasts. Adam was right about her getting lost, and also right when he pointed out to one of the country singers that they would get lost on Blake's team. I get the attraction of Blake to the country singers, but if you are not one of his favorites you're slated for an early exit. I was also unimpressed, but I think there are a few singers who probably would've gotten chair turns if they were on in the first or second week? But Jeremiah the wrestler? Totally don't get his appeal. There were better singers in the first week that didn't get picked. I go to a lot of live music shows where I live, and don't see the young women performers wearing those stupid hats, so don't know what it is about this show. Maybe they're copying past contestants who have been successful. Like you, already bored with the over-singing, and think we'll see tons more of it from JHud as she coaches her team. As a song it kicks the butt of 99% of the current country songs that get performed on this show.

Many of these contestants only finished fifth or sixth in their season, so it's obviously BS when Gordon keeps saying they are "the best of the best." If they're "all-stars" at anything it's stirring up drama, starting with Elise. I fear that this season is going to be "The Elise Show," and I really had enough of her the first time around. But as we know, the way to become a reality show regular is to be obnoxious. (Look at how many times FN Star brought back the dreadful Penny Davidi). Elise could've served completely raw steaks and they still would've found a way to save her. Ben's health problems gave them a convenient "out." But I'm wondering why he was even on the show in the first place. Considering that there are probably all kinds of legal liability issues, I would think that all contestants are given a medical screening, or at least have to provide some kind of documentation that they are healthy enough to participate. You can just look at Ben and know he's not in good shape. Sad that's he's gone so physically down hill in just 10 years. In his talking head in the first show, he referred to himself as being "old." But he's only 36. I'm guessing that there are underlying emotional issues that need to be dealt with, but first he needs to tackle the weight gain, because right now he's a heart attack waiting to happen. The physical stuff he's describing is common for many American men, but generally not until their 50s or 60s.

Yeah, that's my thought. How can you call someone an "All Star" when they only came in 5th or 6th in their season, among a whole roster of completely inept and/or mentally unbalanced chefs?

Wasn't he a mentor on The Voice a couple of seasons back? (At which time I had never heard of him).

I'm no hair/fashion maven, but I kind of like her look. It's got a 60's retro vibe, like she could have stepped out of The Man from Uncle. And why does everyone need to look the same? (ie current). More importantly, I liked her singing a lot. I posted after Monday's show that I was still waiting for the first singer this year with a jazz vibe, and now we have one. Whether she stays with jazz or not (and I imagine she won't), her classic, understated style is a welcome change from all the belters and over-singers, and a number of women contestants who employ all kinds of vocal mannerisms in an attempt to show they are an "artist." (Shilo Gold, the cantor's daughter, comes to mind, but there were several others I would put in that category).

Yeah, but a sexy dental assistant.

My brother lived in Latham many years ago. But sorry, I was not impressed by Moriah. That Heart song is a very showy one, but I want to hear a singer do more than scream. (Even if she did scream on key). So I'll take a wait-and-see attitude. Same with the guy who did "Hot Blooded." I hate that song (and that whole rock era) with a passion, so I'll see what else he has. I was just noticing last night how many of these young singers have parents who have incredibly supportive, including financially, building them their own studio. Not to mention the guy who owns the record store who built a stage in his store so his daughter can perform. It's probably not that different from how a lot of parents overindulge their kids now, but it kind of does in the whole tradition of music as a form of rebellion against your parents' generation. Ditto to the comments about how overbearing "JHud" has been. I do not want to see any judge stage taking the stage to showcase his/her own vocals during the auditions. The taped coaching segments give them plenty of opportunity to put themselves in the spotlight. The auditions are not the place to do that! I'm still waiting to hear a deep, powerful male voice. All the male soul singers seem to focused on falsetto. I'm also waiting for this season's first contestant who is a strong instrumentalist (guitar or piano) as well as singer, and also the first contestant with some jazz vocal chops. Those are the performers who bring much needed variety to this show.

Yeah, she was 50-50 in getting the people to who she offered her "instant coaching." I agree that it was self-aggrandizing and inappropriate. Though I don't believe she will lose any fans. The people who like her will probably enjoy her showing off her "big personality."