S14.E03: A Family Affair

[Lonesome Rhodes]

 

I think Geraldo's contact used a credit card and if I remember from past seasons that's the limit that can be used with credit cards

If this is true, the actual money raised was more like $97K after fees.  Take away 3,000 from Geraldo and who won?

 

TPTB made the choice, either way.  If Trump, Inc. booked that $3K as revenue, they would run into enormous SEC and NYSE issues.  It's no different than saying so and so was on his way to give me a check, therefore it should count.  No, what counts is the numbers credited to you after expenses.  

 

It could be the case that Ian's team also had to pay credit card fees, as well.  But, I'd be very surprised if they were more than Geraldo who took that $3K hit on one transaction.

[RedheadZombie]

I agree that there's no excuse for the professional athletes.  I have no idea about TO, but you don't get much more successful in baseball than two world series rings.  TO even stated he only called "some" of his contacts.  Probably a slip of the tongue.  He simply didn't try.

 

I wanted Ian to win, but I was afraid if Geraldo won, he would remember how much he hated Lorenzo and throw him under the bus.  Lorenzo is impressing me on how far he's come from complete douchebag.

[sasha206]

Kenya and that guy, getting down and hot and sweaty.....wheeew lawd, that would have been hot stuff!

 

Absolutely!  Kenya has one hot body.   Brandy is a stick figure with big fake boobs and a face that looks like it is about to melt from all that filler.  

[WireWrap]

That kills me.  You know what show you are going on and should have a big pile of your rich friends ready and willing to donate big checks when you call.  Johnny Damon doesn't know tons of bajillionaire baseball players?  He could have Derek Jeter and David Ortiz and the rest of the baseball elite on his speed dial for those tasks when you have to raise more money than the other team.  I am assuming the same could be said for Terrell with the rich football players he must know.  

 

I could see people like Kate or Lorenzo not having those contacts, but for people like Damon and Owens...sorry, no excuse.  

 

And.  I will keep watching this show in hopes of seeing the day when Geraldo and his ego get fired.  What a total jerkbag.  I do think it'll take a lot for him to actually be fired though since Trump loves his radical Republican friend and when Trump considers you a friend...you will last in the competition, but I am hoping something trips him up so that the combover has to fire him.  

I have to wonder if some, like TO and JD, were waiting to ask for big money from their friends when they became project manager instead of getting it for someone else's charity. That is the risk you take. How many times can you ask your friends/contacts to donate large sums of money?

[CorgiNarnia]

Really disappointed Geraldo won again. Ian almost had him!! Dammit TO! It's all his fault.

 

I am unsure of the editing, but when Ian decided he would be PM, did Geraldo then decide HE had to be PM or was that already decided? And did he do this to help the team (i.e. no one else on his new team could have raised as much to compete with Ian) or to help himself (if his team lost, Geraldo would be at risk for firing?)? I didn't think it was fair for him to be PM again when others haven't done it yet, although I realize episode 1 was technically 4 tasks back. Other people's charities should have the chance, although I guess it is incumbent on those celebrities to speak up. Trump should just pull a Lord Sugar and decide for himself who the PMs for some of these tasks.

[Lonesome Rhodes]

I am unsure of the editing, but when Ian decided he would be PM, did Geraldo then decide HE had to be PM or was that already decided? And did he do this to help the team (i.e. no one else on his new team could have raised as much to compete with Ian) or to help himself (if his team lost, Geraldo would be at risk for firing?)? 

I believe he recognized this was going to be a mega-dollar fundraiser and that he still had a bunch of donors who would come through.  Trump announces winner take all and GR knew this was his moment to potentially snag an unprecedented score for his charity.  Then Ian reveals himself to be the PM?  That is a trifecta GR simply had to grab.

 

GR can't lose now.  He has raised Joan Rivers-level cash.  Short of sexually assaulting Ivanka, the dude has to be a finalist in Trump land.  I am unspoiled, so this is opinion.

[Eolivet]

That kills me.  You know what show you are going on and should have a big pile of your rich friends ready and willing to donate big checks when you call.  Johnny Damon doesn't know tons of bajillionaire baseball players?  He could have Derek Jeter and David Ortiz and the rest of the baseball elite on his speed dial for those tasks when you have to raise more money than the other team.  I am assuming the same could be said for Terrell with the rich football players he must know.  

 

I could see people like Kate or Lorenzo not having those contacts, but for people like Damon and Owens...sorry, no excuse.  

 

I don't see professional athletes as having that much money -- or really that much money on hand. I actually think Damon and Owens are sort of stuck in that regard -- they could hit up owners, but I would never expect spendthrift professional athletes with their six cars, their giant houses, their supermodel girlfriends/mistresses and all the personal swag that are the accoutrements of a professional athlete, to be able to come up with cash on the spot like that. Businessmen (and business people) such as owners, sure. Managers or coaches, maybe. But most athletes I never think of as having a lot of disposable cash on hand to donate to charity. I sort of assume they spend it all before it gets that far.

 

Plus, T.O. is retired from football. Who's he going to call -- other retired players? Who have most likely spent all their money and are now trying to figure out their second career? I just feel like there's a reason a professional athlete has never gone far on this show, as far as I can recall. It's a deceptively wealthy field, but fundraising hasn't exactly been a forte of professional sports.

[cooksdelight]

Johnny Damon's charity was the Johnny Damon Foundation, or something named for him. THAT is where I want to see someone handing off a check or two to the charities he mentioned supporting.

[newyawk]

I can't look at Johnny without thinking "Wolverine."

 

And one thing that can be said about Trump, yes, he was born to a successful father, he was a "rich kid," but he is pretty entrepreneurial and hardworking himself. Ivana is too, and all three of their kids seem to be as well. The Trump "empire", although successful when Donald took it over, was no empire yet at that time. He really (with Ivana's help) made it much, much bigger and built a solid reputation for his hotels and made Trump into a brand name. (Casinos are another story, but lots of them are going under in AC, not just Trump's, and I believe he sold them before they went under.)

 

Trump is a modern day PT Barnum, full of bluster and humbug, but I get a kick out of watching him because he is such a blowhard, but I think he is basically a decent guy. He's just a cartoon that knows that bluster and BS will get him and his business the attention he seeks.

Edited January 14, 2015 by newyawk

[Crucial]

If this is true, the actual money raised was more like $97K after fees.  Take away 3,000 from Geraldo and who won?

 

TPTB made the choice, either way.  If Trump, Inc. booked that $3K as revenue, they would run into enormous SEC and NYSE issues.  It's no different than saying so and so was on his way to give me a check, therefore it should count.  No, what counts is the numbers credited to you after expenses.  

 

It could be the case that Ian's team also had to pay credit card fees, as well.  But, I'd be very surprised if they were more than Geraldo who took that $3K hit on one transaction.

 

There was the same credit card limit when Marlee Matlin was on here.  There were 3 separate charges of $99,000 because of a limit on that show.  I wasn't implying it was only Geraldo, it would have been for anyone who used a credit card. Geraldo was the one shown with the donation amount.

[Lonesome Rhodes]

No worries, Crucial.  I was happy to learn about the credit card usage/rules.  Thank you!

 

My issue is with the show.  I do not trust TPTB.  I question if GR, after payment capture expenses, actually beat IZ.  

 

In the construction business, the cost of money is among the most important considerations.  I can safely guarantee you that the DT organization employs the very best sharks when it comes to shaving points here, or adding them there, to benefit DT.  A 3-5% transaction cost would be fought tooth and nail and would be and I am equally as certain that many projects never came off due to the overall costs of money, eg interest rates.  If the show were actually about apprenticing for the Donald, this would be something of a focus.    

[shelley1234]

 

I don't see professional athletes as having that much money -- or really that much money on hand. I actually think Damon and Owens are sort of stuck in that regard -- they could hit up owners, but I would never expect spendthrift professional athletes with their six cars, their giant houses, their supermodel girlfriends/mistresses and all the personal swag that are the accoutrements of a professional athlete, to be able to come up with cash on the spot like that. Businessmen (and business people) such as owners, sure. Managers or coaches, maybe. But most athletes I never think of as having a lot of disposable cash on hand to donate to charity. I sort of assume they spend it all before it gets that far.

 

Plus, T.O. is retired from football. Who's he going to call -- other retired players? Who have most likely spent all their money and are now trying to figure out their second career? I just feel like there's a reason a professional athlete has never gone far on this show, as far as I can recall. It's a deceptively wealthy field, but fundraising hasn't exactly been a forte of professional sports.

 

As for baseball players....the huge stars do have tons of money on hand.  I am a big ol' honkin' Red Sox fan and the players who have their own foundations all have at least one fundraiser event every year....and the other players on the team and the famous retired players always come and make HUGE donations.  David Ortiz has a golf fundraiser every winter in the Dominican where he raises a few million dollars when his player friends show up, play golf and throw checks at the cause.  Damon also did a fundraiser every year when he was with the Yankees and the same was true....he could have had Jeter, Papi, Mo, etc send a check to support his foundation.  If Ian Ziering could come into the show with checks already in his pocket, the same could easily be said of Damon.  Because he is associated with 2 teams that have those types of players, he should have been able to get a lot of money pretty easily if he did his homework. 

 

As for T.O.  Yes, he could call retired players....he could call current players.  The man is famous and knows famous people.  He has to know people who have some disposable income.  He could have worked some angles, got the Michael Strahans of the world to show up and throw down a check.  I think it would be more difficult for him than Damon, but he could still easily get 20K if he even tried.  

[Wings]

I have to wonder if some, like TO and JD, were waiting to ask for big money from their friends when they became project manager instead of getting it for someone else's charity. That is the risk you take. How many times can you ask your friends/contacts to donate large sums of money?

 

I agree.  This has always been a snag in the format.  Asking a friend or colleague for money is something you can only do once.  If you have many wealthy people in your contacts then you may have a shot at getting money for every task but that is not likely.  Having a connection is one thing and having their personal cell number is another.  

 

Trace Atkins and John Rich are examples of clear winners due to their country music connections giving them lots of money.  That community is renown for sticking together and being there for each other.  

 

I am looking forward to Geraldo being fired. He will have to make a huge mistake or fail miserably as a team leader for this to happen.  And I look forward to that day! 

 

I think Leeza is the dark horse here and likely to win or at least be in F2.   She has some people in her back pocket and just waiting until it will count.   

 

Trump is a jerk but he knows how to make money, you have to give him that.   I like both Don and Ivanka.  I wish we could see more of Don's sense of humor, he is hysterical when we get glimpses.  

Edited January 14, 2015 by wings707

[shelley1234]

I agree.  This has always been a snag in the format.  Asking a friend or colleague for money is something you can only do once.  If you have many wealthy people in your contacts then you may have a shot at getting money for every task but that is not likely.  Having a connection is one thing and having their personal cell number is another.  

 

Track Atkins and John Rich are examples of clear winners due to their country music connections giving them lots of money.  That community is renown for sticking together and being there for each other.  

 

 

 

I totally agree.  While Geraldo is pond scum, I find it pretty impressive he was able to get that kind of money twice.  Of course....both times were for HIS charity.  It would be interesting to see how much money Geraldo would raise for someone else's charity...and I imagine it would be significantly less.  If I was on Geraldo's team, I would have pitched a big ol' fit at him declaring that he was the PM again once it was announced it was a fundraising challenge.  Those challenges are the ones that bring big bucks to your charity unlike the other challenges that raise your charity a measly 20K in comparison.  I would have told Geraldo he already PMed the big task and it was someone else's turn.  

 

I do think that you have to have a strategy going into a show like this.  I think you have to have people lined up who know you are going to call and that a check needs to come, no questions asked.  I think you also have to let people know you may need to do it more than once and have some kind of sign of when it is for the BIG CHECK for their own charity and when it is just a decent check when it is for the team, but someone else.  

 

The "stars" who really have no shot in a show like this are the D List celebrities who just don't have those kinds of people in their rolodex.  I think that Lorenzo and Kate are great examples.  They may have a person or two who may be able to come through for them, but not someone they can call for a huge check and more than once.  Lorenzo even stated as much in the pie episode...saying he can't bring in the big bucks, so he better get in the kitchen and make a good pie.  

 

I'd also really like to see a challenge that assessed the stars "fame" in a way that wasn't about money.  I'd love a task where it is how many people...fans...regular ol' people...that you can get to show up for some kind of event, etc.  In the first challenge it was great that Kevin Jonas could tweet to 4 million people, but in reality that didn't really mean much.  I'd be really interested in one that did look at the star power amongst the Average Joes.  Make it happen Trump people!! 

[MarkHB]

According to some of the articles I saw, what Amanda is writing is "just some observations".  No word on who, if anyone, gets to see them, but it sure as heck isn't us. As far as casting one of his VP's as a pretend receptionist goes, she's getting extra money from the production and added public exposure with no heavy lifting except for the gold pen she gets to use.  She also got to go out for a task in Season 12 that involved Ivanka's fashion line, which she apparently actually works in.  For a young person getting started in the high end of the business world, it's certainly not a bad gig.

 

I still think we'll see some ballplayers show up with checks once they get into April.  The Yankees' home opener was April 7, and the Red Sox came into town on the 10th, so depending on the filming schedule that would have been the ideal time for Damon to PM a fundraising task. 

[Wings]

I think everyone was glad Geraldo stepped up to be the manager.  Sure everyone wants money for their charity but they also want to stay on TV as long as they can.  Project manager has the most to lose.  

 

I wish Trump would not always look to the project manager if the team fails.  Since none of these contestants run a company their skills at leading a bunch of people who are not vested in keeping their job is not a true test.  A weak or obnoxious irritant can throw the team for a loop and undermine the project.  Firing Lindsay made perfect sense but it not always that clear cut.  

According to some of the articles I saw, what Amanda is writing is "just some observations".  No word on who, if anyone, gets to see them, but it sure as heck isn't us. As far as casting one of his VP's as a pretend receptionist goes, she's getting extra money from the production and added public exposure with no heavy lifting except for the gold pen she gets to use.  She also got to go out for a task in Season 12 that involved Ivanka's fashion line, which she apparently actually works in.  For a young person getting started in the high end of the business world, it's certainly not a bad gig.

 

 

 

Good point.  And nice to know the details.  Thanks. 

Edited January 14, 2015 by wings707

[rasalas]

My biggest problem with this (double) episode was that it's way too early to have a repeat project manager after just a few episodes, when so many other contestants haven't been one yet. When Geraldo said he was going to be PM again, DT should have said: "That's great, Geraldo. I love your enthusiasm. But you were just a project manager. Pick someone else."

[Drogo]

 

He had this painful (I'm sorry, it's the only word) wannabe-inspirational vibe somewhere between a pep rally, a timeshare presentation and a Jehovah's Witness at your door.  Especially saying goodbye to Terrell.  How weird.  And painful.

 

Ian's cheerleader farewell to T.O. is still grating on me.  Does anyone have the actual dialogue?  Something about how hopefully all his dreams will come true and how the future is so bright...

 

T.O wasn't a one-season bust, he was a superstar who still holds at least a dozen NFL records and plenty of franchise records.  He had more of his dreams come true by 40 than most people will get in their lifetime, and Steve Sharknado Sanders is giving him good juju?   Get the hell out of here.

 

"Demons be gone - bring in the angels!" seemed like a dollar-store ripoff of "May the gods of good pie be with us."   

Geraldo may be pompous, but Ian is fake as f___...  he can go and take his Housewife friends with him.

 

Was I the only one thinking the snowboard girl was high or somewhat had "residual" damage?

 

It must be easy to do those snowboard flips without a spine. 

 

Jamie (out loud):  "Who do you think I should bring back?"

Trump (in his head):  "If you don't know then you haven't been paying attention, ya id'jit."

[Crucial]

No worries, Crucial.  I was happy to learn about the credit card usage/rules.  Thank you!

 

My issue is with the show.  I do not trust TPTB.  I question if GR, after payment capture expenses, actually beat IZ.  

 

In the construction business, the cost of money is among the most important considerations.  I can safely guarantee you that the DT organization employs the very best sharks when it comes to shaving points here, or adding them there, to benefit DT.  A 3-5% transaction cost would be fought tooth and nail and would be and I am equally as certain that many projects never came off due to the overall costs of money, eg interest rates.  If the show were actually about apprenticing for the Donald, this would be something of a focus.    

 

We are on the same page with the issues Lonesome Rhodes for sure!  Thank you :)

[Crucial]

 

T.O wasn't a one-season bust, he was a superstar who still holds at least a dozen NFL records and plenty of franchise records.  He had more of his dreams come true by 40 than most people will get in their lifetime, and Steve Sharknado Sanders is giving him good juju?   Get the hell out of here.

 

 

This is the place I think Terrell was at the most class of any contestant.  Yes, he knew he didn't bring in the most and should be fired.  I give him props for that BUT to listen to Ian tell him that speech let me know he had restraint beyond belief.  Terrell was a successful football player and to listen to a C-listed actor tell him how great he can be when he's been 10 times more successful than Ian will ever be.  I have so much more respect to Terrell now than I ever did.

 

Saying this, I still think Ian is less more irritating than the douche Geraldo and I hope Ian outlasts him as one of the last ones standing.  I don't want either to win but lesser of the two I will take Ian rather than the "ME" Geraldo.

[Snow Fairy]

I am currently reading the topic, maybe you already mentioned it... To me it seems they split the teams on purpose before this last donations challange.

With Ian and Geraldo on the same team, and their contributors, the women's team would have no chance of winning. Maybe the production had some info about how much money can someone collect? 

[ZaldamoWilder]

This is the place I think Terrell was at the most class of any contestant.  Yes, he knew he didn't bring in the most and should be fired.  I give him props for that BUT to listen to Ian tell him that speech let me know he had restraint beyond belief.  Terrell was a successful football player and to listen to a C-listed actor tell him how great he can be when he's been 10 times more successful than Ian will ever be.  I have so much more respect to Terrell now than I ever did.

 

Saying this, I still think Ian is less more irritating than the douche Geraldo and I hope Ian outlasts him as one of the last ones standing.  I don't want either to win but lesser of the two I will take Ian rather than the "ME" Geraldo.

 

 

Barrell full of *likes*. 

 

And he is the lesser of the two.  I met Geraldo a gang of years ago, like 20 years, when he still had a talk show.   To quote Camille Cosby, he is exactly the man you think he is.  If anything, I'd say he's got his ego in check for the cameras lol.

[Snow Fairy]

Question for you who watched previous season - how many tasks usually include donations and calling people for money? I like it more when they actually have to do something, not just call for money

[cooksdelight]

Question for you who watched previous season - how many tasks usually include donations and calling people for money? I like it more when they actually have to do something, not just call for money

I cannot remember an exact count, but it's always been a big part of each celebrity season. Even when they are selling things, such as food, they still call people to come in and make big donations.

I just want the check presentations back. I loved those moments.

[sasha206]

Ian's cheerleader farewell to T.O. is still grating on me.  Does anyone have the actual dialogue?  Something about how hopefully all his dreams will come true and how the future is so bright...

 

T.O wasn't a one-season bust, he was a superstar who still holds at least a dozen NFL records and plenty of franchise records.  He had more of his dreams come true by 40 than most people will get in their lifetime, and Steve Sharknado Sanders is giving him good juju?   Get the hell out of here.

 

 

Amen!  I was like WTF?!  It was beyond ridiculous.

[Drogo]

If any of these guys (besides T.O.) should feel comfortable taking off their shirt, it's the Renegade himself.  He's turning 57 next week. 

 

Yeah, I'm secure. 

 

[Crucial]

If any of these guys (besides T.O.) should feel comfortable taking off their shirt, it's the Renegade himself.  He's turning 57 next week. 

 

Yeah, I'm secure. 

 

 

Should feel comfortable is one thing but remember you have a member who did it all--ALL I say! (his selfie, his voice, his resume) and then be so ego-centric he will be the one people recognize for anything.  For Geraldo, Lorenzo holds nothing to him, lmao (I'm seriously laughing as I type this).

 

Honestly, other than seeing T.O. shirtless he's not bad to look at on a show filled with idiots.  T.O. made me say Damn....  Lorenzo was ...wow....

[walnutqueen]

If any of these guys (besides T.O.) should feel comfortable taking off their shirt, it's the Renegade himself.  He's turning 57 next week. 

 

Yeah, I'm secure. 

 

 

Bless you, Drogo.  You are such a giver.  ;-)

 

I'm cycling "Shut the fuck up, Ian" into my "STFU Geraldo"  CA viewing repertoire.

[Taylorh2]

I wonder if after awhile some of these celebrities just get tired on being on this show  and just stop trying to do the task ?  Does Terrell Owens still play in the NFL ?

 

I wonder why he couldn't raise money from his NFL buddies. I really don't expect just one donor/friend to commit to a large donation but what about asking more friends to donate  smaller amounts ?

[psychoticstate]

He seems to embrace the Sharknado of it all, so I don't necessarily think he takes himself too seriously, but I do think he is taking CA seriously. And we know how the Trumpster hates when people don't act like this is a life and death, be-all end-all situation (Gilbert.) So in that sense, he's playing a good game. He knows Trump natters on about "credibility," while casting losers like Brandi Glanville, so he's playing to that. He could have waited until they were outside the boardroom to gracious all over TO, but he did it where Trump could see - playing the game. He might be the most prepared person ever to appear on this show - who lines up decorators before even coming on?! Plus, I'd rather listen to him life-coach all over everyone that Geraldo bloviate for one more nanosecond.

 

Co-sign.  I am a fan of Ian's and I think he was a perfect PM.  He stated to his team from the very beginning that this was a fundraising challenge.  It had practically nothing to do with selling the dresses and what their "storefront" would look like, it was all about the dollars.  I think he kept his team on task, he attempted to reel Brandi back in as part of the team (and was very kind to her doing so) and as others have pointed out, discouraged Kenya and TO from speaking ill of her during the task.  He was also smart enough to have people with vendor connections on standby to provide props.   His pep talks don't bother me in the slightest.  Frankly, I thought it was nice that he explained his charity before he started tasking; I thought it was a good way to explain to his team what they were collecting for.  He is playing the game very well so far and appears well liked by everyone but Geraldo.  I know someone who worked with Ian back in his 90210 days and have heard that he's a very nice man, easy to work with and very kind.

 

I'm surprised that Geraldo can get that big, overinflated head through a basic doorway.  He is certainly full of himself.  Add me to the list of posters who are surprised that Trump allowed him to be PM again.  It's good that his charity collects another big check but it is unfair to others' charities. 

 

I really don't care for the hour format.  I miss the days of seeing more tasks being performed.  It would have been nice seeing how each team set up their bridal shop and more of their selling.  I did think Kate had a great idea with the hair salon and would have liked to have seen how that went over.  Whatever feelings may be for Kenya on RHOA, I do think she's a good team player here.  She did appear to be on the phone constantly during the fundraising and I liked how she was helping women try on the dresses. 

 

For the Cosmo task, I don't think Kenya could be blamed for the women's presentation at all.  She and Leeza pointed out that the concept wasn't cohesive and focused and that's all on Jamie.  Jamie herself said that she took a backseat and elected to participate as a team player versus being the PM. That was her pink slip right there.  I think the women would have been better to use Jamie and Shawn as the fitness models if they weren't going to use Kenya as a former Miss USA. 

[LoneHaranguer]

 

The Hair likes to do at least 2-3 group changes as the teams whittle down.

Depends on how things are working out. Usually he just rebalances when one teem has two more people than the other. In one season, he didn't have to rebalance because on alternate weeks he'd fire from whichever team had the extra team member.

 

According to some of the articles I saw, what Amanda is writing is "just some observations".  No word on who, if anyone, gets to see them, but it sure as heck isn't us.

I've heard that she and the contestants are often sitting there for a lengthy period of time. It would be a wasted opportunity to speed editing if she didn't make some notes for the producers on what went on.

 

 

It could be the case that Ian's team also had to pay credit card fees, as well.  But, I'd be very surprised if they were more than Geraldo who took that $3K hit on one transaction.

The producers are likely to be making up any difference, which wouldn't be anywhere near 3% for a charitable donation anyway, even if they couldn't negotiate a lower rate (or outright waiver) as part of any ad deals.

[mtlchick]

 

I think Leeza is the dark horse here and likely to win or at least be in F2.   She has some people in her back pocket and just waiting until it will count.

 

Out of everyone left, she hasn't been getting a lot of screen time, but I do see her making it far by waiting for others to self destruct.

[ghoulina]

I have to wonder if some, like TO and JD, were waiting to ask for big money from their friends when they became project manager instead of getting it for someone else's charity. That is the risk you take. How many times can you ask your friends/contacts to donate large sums of money?

 

And this is precisely why I hate these challenges. There are, what? Three of them each season? We've had two, and the finale is always some crazy fundraiser, isn't it? So if you haven't had your turn at PMing a fundraising challenge, and you're hoping to make it to the end, why burn all of your bridges now? I actually thought Leeza's number seemed kind of low for her, and she might be holding out for the finale. It's risky, though, because if you're the one who brought in the lowest amount, you're out. Again, just hate these. 

 

I can't look at Johnny without thinking "Wolverine."

 

YES! I keep wondering if there was a full moon when they were shooting. 

 

I am currently reading the topic, maybe you already mentioned it... To me it seems they split the teams on purpose before this last donations challange.

With Ian and Geraldo on the same team, and their contributors, the women's team would have no chance of winning.

 

I completely agree that he switched up the teams because of the fundraiser challenge, so there wouldn't be a total shut-out. It was clear from ep one that women just didn't have the big donors. 

[Ottis]

I give him props for that BUT to listen to Ian tell him that speech let me know he had restraint beyond belief.  Terrell was a successful football player and to listen to a C-listed actor tell him how great he can be when he's been 10 times more successful than Ian will ever be.  I have so much more respect to Terrell now than I ever did.

 

 

I think there is a lot of context to that you may not know. TO was a loud mouth, prima donna WR when he played, and his rep was for being All About TO. When he left the game, it wasn't because he wanted to. He kept trying to come back, and kept himself in what appeared (and appears) to be great shape. But no team wanted the baggage he brought on top of the fact he "lost a step." She he left football unwillingly, and complained about no one giving him a chance. The whole thing added up to a tarnished rep for TO.

 

The way he behaved on The Apprentice was very classy, which surprised the hell out of me, and that is how I took I-on's boardroom remarks. My BIL is a Cowboy fan and he was amazed at how mature TO was on CA. It was so different than what he saw when TO played.

[psychoticstate]

And this is precisely why I hate these challenges. There are, what? Three of them each season? We've had two, and the finale is always some crazy fundraiser, isn't it? So if you haven't had your turn at PMing a fundraising challenge, and you're hoping to make it to the end, why burn all of your bridges now? I actually thought Leeza's number seemed kind of low for her, and she might be holding out for the finale. It's risky, though, because if you're the one who brought in the lowest amount, you're out. Again, just hate these.

 

 

I agree.   I think it would be interesting to see a challenge, like the pies for sale, where you HAVE to sell to average people.  No calling on contacts with big bank rolls, just using good business sense and pricing.  This would be where someone like Kevin Jonas, with his massive followers, would clean up. 

 

I think the big fundraiser could be saved for the finale, or at least as part of the finale.

 

I think there is a lot of context to that you may not know. TO was a loud mouth, prima donna WR when he played, and his rep was for being All About TO. When he left the game, it wasn't because he wanted to. He kept trying to come back, and kept himself in what appeared (and appears) to be great shape. But no team wanted the baggage he brought on top of the fact he "lost a step." She he left football unwillingly, and complained about no one giving him a chance. The whole thing added up to a tarnished rep for TO.

The way he behaved on The Apprentice was very classy, which surprised the hell out of me, and that is how I took I-on's boardroom remarks. My BIL is a Cowboy fan and he was amazed at how mature TO was on CA. It was so different than what he saw when TO played.

 

 

I remember the bad boy TO and I have to say that I am also impressed with how he came across on CA.  He seemed very subdued by comparison and (dare I say it?) classy.  No attitude, no lip and he was game to whatever task he was assigned (other than coming up short with the fundraising.)

 

I agree that is probably what Ian was referring to because TO's rep was certainly not a good one prior to this gig. 

[Wings]

 

I agree.   I think it would be interesting to see a challenge, like the pies for sale, where you HAVE to sell to average people.  No calling on contacts with big bank rolls, just using good business sense and pricing.  This would be where someone like Kevin Jonas, with his massive followers, would clean up.

 

YES to this!  It would be vastly more entertaining for viewers.  Watching them all on their cells contacting $$ is as boring as trying to have a conversation with someone who is constantly checking their phone.  AND it takes no skill.  This show has turned into who knows the most rich people.  We can see that the minute we learn the cast before it even airs.  zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

[Lonesome Rhodes]

Did anyone else laugh when DT was spouting about divorces and asked if anyone knew how many there were, only to have Geraldo say, "Four." as if Donald's whole speech was about Geraldo?  There's rarely been a more revelatory moment on any Apprentice ep!

 

 

The producers are likely to be making up any difference, which wouldn't be anywhere near 3% for a charitable donation anyway, even if they couldn't negotiate a lower rate (or outright waiver) as part of any ad deals.

I recently established a credit card payment capture system for a charity.  American Express, as is commonly known, was a little higher than the others.  This is likely the card rich dude would have used.  Give or take, the overall costs for payment capture were 3%, give or take.   In any event, the point is that if this is supposed to be a show about learning how business in Donald's world operates, the cost of money would be a significant piece of it.  I get that it's TV and formats get blown to smithereens on a routine basis.  However, TPTB had to make a conscious decision as to how to handle the fees.  Was this done prior to this task?  Was it different in previous seasons?  Will it change next time?  

 

Have you ever known DT to not make a point of every act of largesse he ever does?  If he were kicking in the fees, I'd be shocked if he were not sure to mention it.  At least five times per instance!

 

I do not trust TPTB and they absolutely are not bound by any legal statutes in terms of the nature of their decisions, or to reveal there even were such decisions.  With such freedom, I would be stunned if liberties with consistency and fairness were not taken.  YMMV. 

[LoneHaranguer]

 

Did anyone else laugh when DT was spouting about divorces and asked if anyone knew how many there were, only to have Geraldo say, "Four." as if Donald's whole speech was about Geraldo?

Just a chuckle, but I would have loved if he'd tacked on something like "and you've had two so far?". Geraldo was clearly confused as to why Trump was calling on him and may not have been paying full attention.

 

 

Have you ever known DT to not make a point of every act of largesse he ever does?  If he were kicking in the fees, I'd be shocked if he were not sure to mention it.

Except that he likes to brag about the amount donated and using the amounts net of fees would conflict with that. There was also a prior season where they seemed to make a big deal out of being able to take credit card donations, wherein they used gross amounts. I have little doubt that sponsor involvement was behind both highlighting being able to donate by credit card and glossing over the fees, but the producers may not want to change the tallying.

 

 

So if you haven't had your turn at PMing a fundraising challenge, and you're hoping to make it to the end, why burn all of your bridges now?

Trump used to make a big deal about bringing in the big money because each task could be their last, as though nobody the contestants were calling were going to be giving that money to charity anyway. I think he's become resigned to the idea that only the PM's can be counted on to go all out, so they're the only ones who have to go big, but that doesn't excuse everyone else from posting a good number; Trump still likes to be able to say they raised the biggest amount ever in a task/season so he doesn't like anyone who disappoints him for any reason.

[backformore]

YES to this!  It would be vastly more entertaining for viewers.  Watching them all on their cells contacting $$ is as boring as trying to have a conversation with someone who is constantly checking their phone.  AND it takes no skill.  This show has turned into who knows the most rich people.  We can see that the minute we learn the cast before it even airs.  zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

RIGHT!   this is a boring show, I fast-forward through most of it.  They have a task where they have to bake pies, sell wedding dresses, but the TASK makes no difference, the only thing that matters is calling people and telling them to be there and spend an insane amount of money for a pie or dress that they don't even want.  It was a lot more fun to watch when celebrities are outside their comfort zone, making or selling something they have no idea about, and the task actually connected to the outcome. 

 

I do not trust TPTB and they absolutely are not bound by any legal statutes in terms of the nature of their decisions, or to reveal there even were such decisions.  With such freedom, I would be stunned if liberties with consistency and fairness were not taken.  YMMV.

 

Donald Trump decides who is on the show, what the teams are, what the tasks are, and he decides the winning at each stage of the game.  He can switch the teams,  disregard the criteria for winning, and he chooses who goes home each task.  He's playing god, and I firmly believe that he has a desired outcome in mind, as to who he wants to win, by the time the season starts.  He holds all the cards, so he can manipulate the game to get the result he wants.  

 

I recall reading something about how the checks to charity had to be made out to a Trump company.  They can't be made out to the charity itself, because the checks are collected before the winner is decided, and therefore before the charity is known.  Trump then donates the money to charity and gets the tax deduction.  I don't recall exactly how it worked, but there was something kind of under-handed about it, a person who donated said their donation was not credited to the charity because it was not made directly. 

And that's the other thing.  someone making a large donation to one charity, because it might be a cause they believe in, might find that because the team lost, their donation would go to the other tam's charity.  I would think that people donating large sums of money might be particular about what charities they support.  I don't have a bunch of money - but I donate clothing, furniture, even occasionally a car -  and I'm VERY selective about where I donate.  

[auntlada]

Donald Trump decides who is on the show, what the teams are, what the tasks are, and he decides the winning at each stage of the game.  He can switch the teams,  disregard the criteria for winning, and he chooses who goes home each task.  He's playing god, and I firmly believe that he has a desired outcome in mind, as to who he wants to win, by the time the season starts.  He holds all the cards, so he can manipulate the game to get the result he wants. 

 

That's why I don't think it mattered what the women's team did in the Cosmo task. Trump was not going to give any money to Jamie's charity. She wasn't going to win.

[Wings]

 

Donald Trump decides who is on the show, what the teams are, what the tasks are, and he decides the winning at each stage of the game.  He can switch the teams,  disregard the criteria for winning, and he chooses who goes home each task.  He's playing god, and I firmly believe that he has a desired outcome in mind, as to who he wants to win, by the time the season starts.  He holds all the cards, so he can manipulate the game to get the result he wants.

 

 

I have read that he relies on the producers to set up the tasks and take charge of how it all works.  He shows up for the beginning of the tasks and board room.  He relies on information from his kids (or whoever is on the scene) and the producers who are there with them when the cameras are rolling.  He doesn't have the time to do more than that.  As far as casting, I am sure he is told who they can get and he may nix one here or there but people are not beating a path to his door to be on this show.  My guess is that he is informed as things fall into place and certainly will have the final say if something is off to him,  but not as much as he would like us to think.  

Edited January 15, 2015 by wings707

[Potanical Pardon]

Donald's "Interesting..." at the end with his nodding children. Of course these three would find fascination with honor, class and genuine inspiration.

[newyawk]

RE: Sig: Yeah, I never expected John Rich in his season to do that well because he always seemed somewhat disinterested in things. I still think Penn deserved to win. So maybe Sig is a dark horse.

 

 

OOPS, I meant TRACE ADKINS. Trace was the most disconnected contestant I've ever seen.

[Lura]

My dad was a wonderful person with a great sense of humor and a quiet belief in morality.  I never heard him use a bad word for anyone, but there was one word he used maybe four times in his life for people that he felt were deeply flawed.  That word was "punk."  To him, Frank Sinatra, for hanging out with the mob, was a punk.  I just recalled tonight that I once heard him call another person a punk -- Donald Trump!  "Punk" covered it all.  There was no further discussion necessary. 

 

Donald Trump, you may say "You're fired!" as often as you like, but in my eyes, you'll always be a punk because my dad said so!

Edited January 15, 2015 by Lura

[Oinky Boinky]

When did Ian become a life coach? Hilarious hearing him give Terrell Owens inspirational speeches.

 

Yes and yes his 'don't worry kid you are going to be just fine' speech made me gag.

[BusyOctober]

Can someone help me with the correct pronunciation of TO's first name?  I remember hearing teammates, fans & sportscasters call him "Tah-RELL" but Trump calls him "Terral" (rhymes with Daryl or feral.).  Moot point since he's out the door, but drives me crazy when someone's name is switched up haphazardly.  I can only imagine what EYE-on has had to deal with.

[CottlestonPie]

I believe someone upthread asked what Ian actually said to Terrell after he was fired, and I snagged this from the Entertainment Weekly recap (which is always great, because Dalton Ross feels exactly the same way I do about this show):

 

“I hope that what the future holds for you is as bright as you want it to be. I think you have amazing potential. And I know the future is going to deliver because of what’s inside here. You showed everybody. Thanks, Terrell.”

 

Wow.  That's actually way more cringeworthy than I remember.  WAY more.  I think Ian's heart is in the right place, but dang.  Were I Terrell, by the time Ian was finished talking, my eyebrows would have risen up so high they would have ended up on the back of my head.

[Ottis]

I think it would be interesting to see a challenge, like the pies for sale, where you HAVE to sell to average people.  No calling on contacts with big bank rolls, just using good business sense and pricing.  This would be where someone like Kevin Jonas, with his massive followers, would clean up.

 

 

If I remember correctly, that i what the early years of The Apprentice did, and I really liked that, too. I quit watching after a year of CA, and just now started again with this season because the cast was such a funny group of people. I think Sig wants out because he thinks this is all silly but he won't quit.

[Oinky Boinky]

UK apprentice is still the old format AFAIK and you can watch it on youtube. Very enjoyable.

[ghoulina]

Wow.  That's actually way more cringeworthy than I remember.  WAY more.  I think Ian's heart is in the right place, but dang.  Were I Terrell, by the time Ian was finished talking, my eyebrows would have risen up so high they would have ended up on the back of my head.

 

Yea, I think Ian comes from a good place, but he must have no self awareness. Because that motivational speaker crap is really obnoxious. I would to be a fly on the wall in his house and see if that's how he talks to his wife.