Hello all,

Long time no write.  How's the fam?  Things going good?  Great me too.  Yes I know it's been a minute but what can I say; life.

Yes that is right ladies and gentleman, I am here to tell you that I got caught up in another round of "time you sly devil you".  I swear that every time I think I am ready to really get this thing off the ground something comes along and says not now you have other stuff to do.

So I am putting my foot down because there is so much coming that I really need to be ready for.  There is a new season of the Bachelor and I completely missed Dancing with the Stars for The Sing Off.  There are great movies coming and so many that are about to hit the DVD market that my inner dork is jumping up and down.  What is a girl to do but make time to share this all with here nearest and dearest or at least her cyberest and farthest.

With that in mind, I am hoping that with the New Year comes new time ideas and ways that I can be on here more and share all that I have on my mind cause as you know I have plenty of opinions.  Look for them to come rushing back to you in 2012.

I don't normally watch "The Soup" on E! but last night I couldn't sleep and ending up flipping through channels and found this. I'm not sure if this is the funniest thing I've ever seen or the cutest but I had to share it because I couldn't stop myself from watching. I hope you enjoy.

Lately I have been all about the reading since I am doing a summer reading program through my library and just as a spur of the moment decision decided to add this to my list of things I can give an opinion on.

Yes, I have always loved reading and have done a number of different programs and been in a few book groups so it's not really a stretch for me to thing that I have a good opinion about books. Especially since I have an opinion about everything, right? :) Either way I hope you like this new addition and I can't wait to share some of the things that I have been reading with you. I also hope to have guess book opinions too. That should be fun.

For our first book review I chose a book that has been all over the airwaves lately. Not because it just came out but because it's being turned into a movie that comes out in a few weeks. That's right I am talking about The Help by Kathryn Stockett.

The Help is a fictional book roughly based on African-American maids in Jackson, Mississippi during the 1960's and what their lives might have been like. Stockett, who grew up in Jackson and had an African-American maid/nanny during this time gives an interesting and entertaining look into the good, bad and just ridiculousness of her three main characters lives.

In the book, Miss Skeeter, upset because of a suggestion from one of her friends decides to write a book about the truth of African-American maids in white homes. Driven by the love that she had for her maid she reaches out to Aibileen the only real maid that she knows and together along with Minny another maid they put together a book that blows a lid off some of the souths best kept secrets.

Each character; Aibileen, Minny, and Miss Skeeter (Eugenia), each get a chance to tell how working on the book affects them as the story is written in the first person. You get not only a look into their working lives but their family lives and the lives of each community. The separation of the 60's is clear but what also is clear is that there was a lot of love and togetherness also. That friendships and bonds can be created across any line, racial or otherwise, during even the most unlike of times and places, namely the civil rights movement and the deep south.

As an African-American woman at first some of the information was hard for me to stomach. An example would be when Aibileen takes about making .95 an hour and only bringing home $172 a month. Of course I knew that for that time that was more or less accurate but just the thought. I was however impressed that she was able to have a home on this salary considering when I found my first real full-time job I was making $14,000 a year and couldn't rent an apartment.

Yet once I moved past my own issues I saw the story for what it is, a reminder that although we may not be the same we aren't exactly all that different either and that we can love each other just as strongly as we can love anyone else. The author quoted one of the lines in the book that

remind us off this point.

"Wasn't that the point of the book? For women to realize, We are just two people. Not that much separates us. Not nearly as much as I'd thought."

I would definitely recommend this book and I do plain to see the movie and I might even take my cheap butt to the theater to see it. Sure I will end up paying more that $.95 but I also don't bring home $172 a month. Glad times have changed but as the saying goes, "those that don't know the history are bound to repeat it". Thanks Kathryn for making sure we remember our history.

If you have been watching the Bachelorette like all us other crazy people then you know that tonight is the night that she decides which bachelor she will spend her life with or at the very least the next six months.

It's come down to two luck fellas; Ben and JP. Both are handsome in their own way and both seem to have fallen for our latest bachelorette Ashley but which will she chose. Having watched the whole season I decided to come up with the top three reasons she should chose each.

Let's start with JP who is a 34 year old construction worker from New York. He seems to have been hurt before but which bachelor this season hadn't and he might be a little gun shy about truly committing even though he has sounded a little possessive of Ashley over the last few weeks. Here are my reasons that Ashley could possibly make a life with JP:

1. He is a really good listener: When everything happened with Bentley JP was the only guy that really sat and listened to her explanation without getting extremely upset. This could prove to be a great quality in the future.
2. He has given some great kisses this season: Chemistry is important in just about any relationship and if that is the case then these two have it is spades. Let's not forget the overnights where Ashley came out wearing just a shirt for bed.
3. He is a manly man: Think about it; a construction worker? That just screams someone that will take charge and make sure his woman is taken care of. That could be both good and bad but either way would probably be fun.

Then there is Ben; a 28 year old, winemaker from California. Ben has been changed and from the sounds of it challenged by the loss of his father and admittedly wasn't as open to falling in love just a little while ago. Still he seems to have gotten over his fears and really opened up to the processes. Here's my thoughts on why Ben could be good for Ashley:

1. He is sensitive I know a lot of people think that a man crying is a sign of weakness but I feel the opposite. After all the years of being told not to do it the fact that they can says that they are strong enough to take the criticism. No one likes a cry baby (Jason M.) but a few tears here and there aren't so bad and Ben has shown that he can get emotional with the best.
2. He makes her laugh: If the way to a man's heart is through his stomach than the way to a woman's heart it through her funnybone. Sure we love the sexy, brooding bad boy but that isn't the guy we settle down with. In the end we all want someone that can make us laugh even when we feel like crying and he has done that for Ashley.
3. He also has a serious side: Sure laughter is great but you don't want a clown. Yet finding some one that has a good balance of both is a hard task but Ashley seems to have found it. Ben hasn't been shy about his feels or sharing his past with her and that is a good thing.

Overall, my opinion is that she should chose Ben over JP. I think JP is a little older for her and at a different point in his life than she is. However, Ben while looking for a serious relationship and ready to propose I think still wants to have some fun.

Having said all that I wouldn't be surprised if she chooses JP considering that the only person that has ever chosen who I thought they should was Jason M. and that was Melissa. To say my enjoyment was short lived wouldn't be an understatement considering that he dumped her not five seconds later on national television.

Sure all the others have also gone boom in epic fashions and some not so epic, except Ali and Roberto and I'm really pulling for them, so I don't really hold out a lot of hope for either guy. Having said that I do also think JP would make an interesting bachelor to watch come next season so maybe I have some selfish reasons for waiting Ashley to pick Ben.

Either way in less than twenty-four hours we will know which it is going to be and how the other will take it (I've heard there will be anger). Be sure to tune in and as always leave those opinions for me.

Ps. Added bonus for Ben is that they are starting to look alike and according to my aunt that makes for a good marriage. I don't get it but do with that what you will :).

Hello all. I simply had to come here and tell you that I have a new title. I am the new

DVD Dork

I know, I know. Why would I be excited about such a title but it just seemed to fit and it call came about yesterday.

It started when a friend of mine and I went to see a play. As we were waiting for it to start and talking about different movies. I was going on and on about the actor commentaries and the behind the scenes special features and all the great extras and my friend just looked at me and said "you are such a DVD dork". As soon as she said it I fell in love. That is just like the most perfect title for me and the reviews that I have been doing with Cheap Girls Guide to DVDs because I really do get excited the more extras that a DVD comes with.

There you have it. So the DVD dork will be back soon to post some more DVD and movie reviews and let you know my opinion on all things DVD related.

Renting a movie I haven't seen had become something of a tradition for on national holidays. Well, everyone except Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Although some Easters and Thanksgiving have found me with my over filled plate in front of the television eyes glued to what was before me. But that isn't the point for today. I only really mentioned it because as most of you should know Monday was the 4th of July and lead to today's Cheap Girl recommendation; Red Riding Hood.

First off I have to tell you that I am having the darnest time not calling it "Little Red Riding Hood" as that was what I grew up with but I am trying to keep it in perspective and realize that this was suppose to be a Red Riding Hood for the new millennium and in that respect it didn't disappoint.

I have to tell you that although I remember reading the book as a child I don't one hundred percent remember it except of course for the line about the big eyes, ears and teeth. I knew that it was about a girl that lived in a village and that she was off to visit her grandmother while wearing a red hooded coat. I also vaguely remember that she is saved from the wolf by a woodsman. Past that they could have added vampires and I might have thought it was the same story (I only mention vampires because it was directed by the same woman that directed a little known movie named Twilight).

However even with my wary lack of knowledge of the story I have to say that in my opinion I think it held pretty true. There was a girl in a red hooded coat and a woodsman and a wolf. Really what more could you ask for? Moving past that into the heart of the movie I found that I was really confused as to who the wolf could be and when we found out who it was and why I was a little shocked.

Sure the acting isn't the best and if you have seen any of those Twilight movies this wolf looks more like a German Shepard than an actual wolf in comparison but it was entertaining. I really enjoyed Gary Oldman as the priest brought in to help destroy the wolf. There was a darkness to him that made you almost hate him even as you could understand why his character acted as he did.

I am sure that there were more love triangles in this version that my childhood book ever thought of and way more skin almost bared but again this isn't your grandmother's Red Riding Hood.

Overall, if you get the chance I would recommend taking it. It was well worth it and it didn't make me wish I had kept my money in my pocket. It didn't make me want to go out and buy a red coat but then again neither did the book.

Yes, after two weeks of leading previews and Ashley's "Bentley whine" he finally made an appearance. Bentley returned; let the drinking games begin.

We started in another country this week. Either sick of the rain in Thailand or just ready to move on we found ourselves in Hong Kong. A beautiful city that actually did make me want to rush out and buy a ticket to join them. But even with the beauty of the city we start with drama. Chris showed up bright and early to let Ashley know that Bentley was in the building. After talking about how fast her heart was beating and the craziness of him being there Ashley left her room for his to get the "closer" that she needed.

Bentley as slick as ever welcomed her with a kiss as if he hadn't once said it was boring kissing her and lead her into his room. They talked as Ashley told him how much she had missed him and asked why he didn't just end things when he left without leaving a dot, dot, dot for her to wonder about. He tried to make it sound as if he only really said that because he didn't know the future. He then proceeded to tell her that they should just make this a period to their relationship to which she asked why he didn't just call if that was all he had to say. She also grew a little back bone and asked if he only came there for the free trip for which he had no answer. Leaving she told the cameras how she was through wasting her time thinking about him and that she was ready to move on. Adding something that needed to be censured as an aside if he was watching. Enter the drinking game.

Yes Bentley was gone and yes she said she was over him and done thinking about him but I still played by Bentley drinking game for each time she said his name and while I wasn't as drunk as I could have been I was still quite buzzed by the end of the two hours.

Starting off the real dates was Lucas's one-on-one. I would love to give you all the details but truthfully I was as bored as Ashley looked. I can tell you that she did mention Bentley about three more times while talking about the date but for the most part it was dull. I do remember their dinner and thinking why is she giving him a rose and also remember there was no kiss for our fair Lucas because again I really think she was bored.

Then there was the group date which might be my favorite group date so far. They had to go out and find people to row with them in a competition that I don't remember the name of cause I was so busy laughing as they tried to ask people to help. To say things were lost in translation was an understatement. Three teams and they all had different approaches but all were hilarious. In the end Ames and Blake won but was well worth it. After the competition they had the group cocktail party that lead into more Ryan P. bashing and annoyance as she gave him the rose for the date. It was almost as funny as the first part of the date had been.

Lastly we come to the date of the week. JP received his second one-on-one, the only one to do that so far, and it really made me like him. See in this date Ashley decided to tell him about Bentley coming to Hong Kong and everything that she had been thinking and going through. Unlike some men that would have jumped in and asked questions or gotten upset (more on that later) he sat there and let her finish before he said anything. He really listened and in the end supported her decision to get the closer that she needed. Welcome to an adult relationship, if there weren't 7 other guys.

Now I really want to talk about the rose ceremony this week because after talking to JP and his understanding the situation Ashley decided to share with all the other guys and lets just say that the rest were not as open or understanding. They balked and showed their anger and Mickey went so far as to take himself out of the running and opted to go home. Okay look I understand that you might be upset that she was drowning on and on about someone else while you were getting to know her but come on. It wasn't like she cheated on you. Each guy knew going in that there was a chance that Ashley could fall for someone else so don't get mad because she was honest with you about it happening and being open to moving on. That is just silly. End of rant and on to my favorite part.

The kiss of the night goes to Ames this week. It wasn't during the rose ceremony but during the group date cocktail party. Here he took her for a ride in the elevator and while there decided to just pull her in and plant a nice long kiss on her. Lips off to you for making it so good that both of you forgot what you were talking about and where you were going. Can I get one of those elevator rides?

*Pictures provided by ABC and Google

The gloves have come off or gone on as the situation maybe and these guys are ready to fight for Ashley's love. Too bad some just aren't as prepared as the others. This week while we are still in Thailand the dates went a little smoother. Sorry that was a lie. The dates this week were an absolute train wreak leaving blood, despair and broken hearts all along the way.

We start simple enough. A nice one-on-one date with Ben F. who really impressed Ashley during the group date last week and who I have to say is a little cutey in an almost geekish way. I liked their date even if it wasn't all waterfalls and pop star serenades. The walk through the streets and took in the local culture almost breaking the rules of no public kissing in front of a sacred temple. Sure they did end the date with a candle troupe dance or something like that but still it was a nice date that made me like Ben F. just a little bit more. Added bonus was that the mentioning of Bentley was almost nonexistent but everything went down hill from there.

Now maybe it's just me but I don't think I would ever think it would be a good idea to take a group of men competing for a woman's affections and attentions on a date where they can literally beat the crap out of each other. But that is exactly what Ashley did. I don't know if it was her idea or the producers but who ever came up with it needs to see someone soon. I'm surprised they didn't play the "Let's get ready to rumble" song as the men were walking out in their little boxing outfits; wait I think I'm getting ahead of myself.

On the group date Ashley took the guys to learn Muay Thai which is a cross between boxing and kickboxing and almost street fighting. They learn the basics in what looked like a fifteen minute class and then they were given little boxing outfits, paraded out to the local street ring (yes they fight in the street) and paired up against each other. Can you say crazy? I'm not a big fan of boxing in general but at least those men have years of training under their belts. These poor guys were just going at each other in hopes of impressing Ashley or at the very least standing out and that was exactly what Ames did but not for the reason that he wanted.

Unlike some of the other guys sweet Ames admitted that he had never been in a fight or thrown a punch or had any physical altercations. Why then get in this ring? To impress Ashley and get her attention and that is what he did. He had her attention when he almost got knocked out. He had her attention when he was sitting on the sidelines looking dazed and confused and not in the I just got high way. He had her attention when she had to go get a ambulance to take him to the hospital and he had her attention during the group date when he showed back up with a concussion. Way to go Ames.

As if that wasn't enough then we had the dreaded two-on-one date where two go out but only one comes back. This time it was William and Ben C. on the chopping block. The went to ride elephants and hang out by the river. William who had been mostly quiet since is bomb and the bacherlorette roast was back in the game. He pulled Ashley aside and proceeded to tell her how Ben was ready to go home as he had been saying things about what he would do when he got home and the dating websites that he would be on. With this information Ashley promptly sent Ben packing in one of the quickest and almost heartless cuts of the season.

After Ben left William was all about the date thinking that he had won somehow. Yet Ashley still wasn't sure. She went through the rest of the date but in the end didn't feel like she and William would ever get back to the fun and chemistry that they had on their first date in Vegas so with a rose still on the table she also sent William packing too. This made me laugh until he started talking in the limo and I quickly became concerned for his safety as he sounded suicidal. I guess it's a good thing that the didn't get married on that first date.

Back to another rose ceremony. This week instead of telling you that she sent another guy home after all the drama I decided to start a new thing; kiss of the week. Yes, there was one kiss that did come in the middle of the rose ceremony cocktail party that to me was head and shoulders above the rest. Lips off to you JP for pulling Ashley aside during another rain storm no less and giving her a great kiss under your umbrella-ella-ella. We should all get so lucky.

Bentley didn't show up but Ashley still mentioned him and even went so far as to tell Chris Harrison that she needed closer. Again my previews showed him coming back so I guess we will just have to wait and see.

*Photos courtesy of ABC and Google.

As with the new format of the Bachelor/Bachelorette series, we started our around the world journey to find love with Ashley and her remaining 12 guys. First stop Thailand.

Having never been there myself I have to say that they didn't really make me want to jump up and buy a ticket either. Sure it was beautiful but on Ashley's first one-on-one date it rain the whole day.

Not that it would have mattered because all Ashley thought about was Bentley and why did he have to leave. I almost felt bad for Constantine and he worked to make their rained out date work and for the most part I thought that he did a good job but if you were watching really close you could see that Ashley wasn't completely in it. Which is some ways is to be expected. After all how many of us are really into our first date back after a break up? Even with the unsure chemistry he still managed to get a rose and stay safe through next week.

Next up was the required "we give back" date. This season Ashley and the bachelors got together and helped clean and decorate an orphanage for children that were left parent-less after the Tsunami. It was great to see them giving of their time as always and you could almost forget that they were there competing for a girl; I said almost. Let the Ryan bashing begin.

The whole time every man on the date seemed to talk about how annoying Ryan P. was. How he acted when Ashley wasn't around, how he was always "on" for the cameras, and how he was really getting on everyone's nerves. Now personally he kinda got on my nerves in the fact that I'm not sure if I saw him lift a hand to actually do any work while there but maybe the cameras just missed it. I did see him giving orders and taking as if he was the foreman of the job and not just as involved as the other men. To me that was a bit much but as I said maybe the cameras just missed it.

Finally there was my favorite date of the week; Ames. Let me tell you I have not found him at all attractive or interesting the whole time that he has been on the show. I thought he seemed stuffy and a little condescending. That was until they ended up in the middle of rock formation laying on the beach and having dinner. So far I think he had the most intelligent and insightful answers to any questions asked during the show. His answers made sense and he seemed to understand that this wasn't a love at first sight event or even that it wouldn't take work after the cameras stopped. After the date even Ashley admitted that she was seeing him in a whole other light.

As if the week wasn't long enough, I didn't even begin to mention the countless other times she mentioned Bentley, then we had to go into another rose ceremony. Again Chris Harrison was there to sit Ashley down and talk to her before she made her picks. Although this was something that he use to do regularly it seemed that in the last few seasons these heart to hearts have been few and far between. Yet with Ashley this was the second one of the season and we are only at week 4. Chris might need to get a bonus for this season if things continue on this path.

Ashley did surprise me in the end and asked for an additional rose for the night so that instead of sending the normal two men home she was only sending one. I don't know if that makes the poor guy that got sent home feel better or worse that she kept everyone but him but I thought it was interesting.

The show ended with a preview that suggested Bentley makes a return next week but here's hoping that they are just pulling our chain. I'm not sure I could take much more of the Bentley drama.

*Photos provided by Google.

Unlike most girls that grew up in the late 80's and early 90's I'm not a big Tom Cruise fan. I don't mind his movies and have seen most of them but I'm not one of those that just has to rush out and see his movies cause I think he is God's gift or anything like that. Do I think he can act? Yes but I think that his over-all annoying real personality somewhat overshadows his acting cred.

Yet I do like Cameron Diaz so when Knight and Day came out I didn't rush to see it but waited somewhat patiently for the DVD. Once it was out I rented it came home popped it in and was less than impressed. There were some funny moments and a few that made me smile even if I didn't laugh. It held my interest and that was really all I was looking for. Back then it probably wouldn't really have made my review list.

Then last week it came on cable for the first time. With nothing to do on a Saturday (I hate admitting that) I decided to give it a second look and was surprised to find myself cracking up. Maybe it was cause I was bored or maybe it was because I didn't pay anything for it this time but it was actually hilarious. It made me really re-think how I felt about it.

In cause your not familiar let me give you an overview. Cruise plays an federal agent that could be crazy, could be a traitor or could be the best agent there is out there. Diaz is the woman who gets on the wrong plane and attracts attention from the wrong people and the right attention from Cruise. Together they travel around trying to make things right and get her home for her sister's wedding while the viewer tries to figure out if he is really telling her the truth or if he is using her to get away with something bad.

My opinion on this one is torn. I do think that if you did see it in the theater or on DVD that you might want to give it a second look but I'm still not sure that you should rent it. I guess I would say if you can find it on cable go for it but don't go out if your way to find it. I think that might have been my mistake the first time.

Another week; another round of the Bachelorette. Yes my dears Ashley continued her search for love and marriage last night with a flash mob, a roast, and a half-hearted goodbye. Whoever said romance was dead clear was a fan of the Bachelorette.

First off lets start as Ashley did with a flash mob surprise date in the park. Can I just say the thing that surprises me is how much Ashley has danced in the last two episodes. You would think that she was a professional dancer and not a dentist by the moves she has been throwing. When Tenley was on the Bachelorette she could shut up about her dancing and even treated Jake to a special personal dance on his hometown date. Yet with Ashley she never once that I can remember mentioned dancing to Brad. Now three months later she is all Cirque du Soleil; I personally don't get it but I digress.

Anyway, after surprising Ben with the flash mob they went on to have yet another musical live performance. I thought they would be done after last week with not just Cobie Caillat but the Jabbawockeez's but I guess not. And they were such a talented group that I already forgot their names :D.

On to dinner for our lovebirds where Ben started talking about the kind of love that he wanted in his life. At one point I think he actually used the line "love in a bubble"; What the heck? I am all for hopeless romantics and mad passionate love but really. There was just so much that he was saying that in my opinion was completely unrealistic that I was a little surprised when Ashley told him it sounded a lot like what she was looking for. That also might explain why most of the Bachelor/Bachelorette couples don't work. Over the top ideas.

The next day (or however long it is in Bachelorette time) the group date went to a comedy club where Ashley clued the guys in on the fact that they would be roasting her.

William who most everyone really liked after last week took it not so much as a date and a chance to further his relationship with Ashley so much as an audition for "Last Comic Standing". Apparently he didn't get the memo that he was on the Bachelorette. Badum

Moving right along, the guys went up and of course William was last. His jokes fell faster than a Playboy centerfolds top and at one point at the end someone in the audience yelled out "too soon". Cause it would have been better to for him to wait until week seven and then joke that he might have wanted Emily or Chantal more. That would have been better.

After that disaster all William could say for himself is that maybe he should go home; not even an apology and we were all waiting but nothing. He ran away from the party and then sat outside saying how he wished he could have another chance but we never saw him actually go to Ashley and ask for one. What we did see was Bentley using the opportunity to win Ashley over more even as he admitted off camera that he felt the same as Williams joke.

Waking up the next morning Bentley decided that since he didn't get the rose on the group date he would pout like any spoiled brat and go home citing that he missed his daughter too much to stay.

Okay I am probably going to catch some for this but I actually appreciated the way that Bentley left. Sure he didn't give Ashley the closer that she needed and he basically lied or half-truthed his way out the door but he also didn't crush her as much as he could have.

We all know that she has major insecurities and if he had told her that the idea of marrying her was worse than swimming in pee or that he would have been happier if it was Emily cause that was who he wanted he would have destroyed her. After the night that she had had before and then for him to say such a thing, in my opinion would have made it impossible for her to continue on with the show. She would have been second guessing everything that every one of the guys said. There would have been no way that she could open up and trust the way that she should have. Yes he was a complete butt head but at least he left and he didn't take the rest of the season with him. Besides I think that confrontation will be so much better on the men tell all.

Finally we had Jeff. O Jeff *sigh*. There just aren't words.

This week he FINALLY took that silly mask off and what did he get for it? Sent home. Yes, the mask came off and the bags got packed. Not so much in that order but in the end he had to go. I don't think it was completely do to the fact that once the mask came off he was just plain or in Ashley's words "older than she thought" but I do think that he lost some of his appeal without it. I know I for one was like over it by the time it came off.

So another episode is in the bag and we are down to twelve. Next week they are suppose to start their world wind tour to win Ashley's heart. First stop Thailand. See ya next week.

*Some pictures courtesy of ABC

Tonight two of USA's best shows have their season premiere; White Collar and Covert Affairs. This past weekend I spend watching marathons getting caught up and it made me think.

As you already know I watch a lot of television and lately most of it has been on cable as apposed to the normal network shows (ABC,CBS,NBC). To me there seems to be more variety with on TNT, USA, Lifetime and even the movie channels like HBO and Starz then on what you see on two through thirty. Yet unlike those traditional channels cable as a different schedule. For the most part it seems like you get about eight to ten episodes per seasonal run and then you have to wait a few months to a year for the next eight to ten. That is where my quandary came in. Is that really better than a full 22 episode season through half the year?

With your known shows like Law & Order, CSI, or House then you know come late August early September they will get started and will finish off with a big finale in mid May. You can set you clocks, VCRs or DVRs by it because it's the same every year. They are going to take a break sometime in November and December for the holidays and be back that first week in January . That is just how it is.

Yet with cable, their seasons start whenever. Sure there maybe a system to it all but I haven't found it. Some shows seem like they start a new season almost every two months while others like tonight Covert Affairs took a year to start season 2 despite their main actor, Piper Perabo, being nominated for a Golden Globe. I could really almost swear the Closer has had three seasons during the same time frame and Kyra Sedgwick was also nominated so that can't be it.

Whatever the reason I really like the cable shows and their diversity way more but in my opinion I think they need a better schedule. Something that is easier to follow and makes more sense. Is it a seniority thing or just a ratings decision? No matter what it is I am just glad that some of my favorites are coming back for the summer and I can't wait for tonight.

Alright so as you know I have been saying that there will be a new blog address coming soon since the beginning of the year. Well, it is officially here thanks in large part to my cousins.

I got a call this morning asking for my blog address so that they could follow as as I was typing it out I started thinking how the other one just really, really didn't go anymore and that it should have been changed when I changed the name and format of the blog. So instead of sweeping it under the rug AGAIN I actually went in and changed it. Yeah me!

That being said here is the new address for the blog:

http://strictlymyown.blogspot.com

There you go.

Update all your information and I look forward the opinions rolling in. Catch ya later.

Where I would normally go through and talk about the dates that happened on this weeks episode I really want to talk about the episode as it would be in real life.

First the highlights. William, who is absolutely adorable, got the first date of the season and was whisked off to Las Vegas for a wedding elopement style date and lets be real. There is no guy that would elope with any woman on a first date and what girl puts that kind of pressure on a guy. Still I will say that I was laughing right off my bed as it happened.

Second was the group date where they stayed in Vegas and got a chance to dance with the Jabbawockez's from "America's Best Dance Crew". As a personal fan of theirs I was excited to see them get the advertisement and more than a little bummed that I didn't know they had their own show in Vegas. Must check it out. The guys were split into two groups and the winning group got to stay and party in Vegas after performing for a sold out audience with the Jabba's while the losing group were flown home.

Lastly there was the second one on one that ended up being a coin toss between JP and Mikey (sorry if I am spelling it wrong). Mikey won and again was flown to Vegas where Ashley let the coin toss decide everything from the wine to if he got the rose and a kiss. It seemed to work in his favor because he won them all and if I was him I would be keeping that coin if for nothing else good luck.

Alright that is about the highlights of the episode and now I can get down to the two topics that I want to talk about: Reality and Producers.

Look we all know that even though the term is "reality tv" that not everything is one hundred percent real. But that isn't what I meant when I said reality. What I'm talking about is everyday, run of the mill, life.

On Ashley's date with William once they got past the wedding that wasn't they went to dinner. Now while many people have gone to dinner in Vegas post, pre or no where near marriage most of them have not had dinner in the middle of the fountains at the Bellagio Hotel. Are you serious? I know that as a television show they have a standard to live up to and that again there is little real in "reality" but come on. How do you follow that up once the show as ended?

This is one of my problems with the Bachelor/Bachelorette. They send people on these amazing around the world dates and then when the camera's stop rolling they expect them to life out normal life when there has been nothing normal about their relationship up to that point. Yes they have to give an air of extravagance but for most people dinner in the Bellagio might be considered extravagant. Especially if they were in a penthouse suite or something to that effect. It just gets to be too much on occasion and I wonder if all the over the top dates don't contribute to the life expectancy of a television romance post cameras.

My next issue that I have an opinion on is the producers and Bentley.

I am sure that when he auditioned, or whatever it is that they do to be on the show, he didn't open up about his obsession with Emily or that he wouldn't be interested if it was Ashley. I would like to hope that if he did then they would never have allowed him on the show. That being said, are they hearing the same crap that I am?

I know that villainy makes for great television. Just look at how Michelle Money was portrayed last season (although I did love her) or others in seasons past but again this is suppose to be "real". Okay so he didn't say half or any of what he is saying now to you back then and yes Ashley has free will and despite the warning that she received she has kept him on; but come on. At some point you either need to shut him up or clue her in. This is suppose to be a show about finding love and whether your track record is 0 and 100 or 12 and 12 (neither are correct for the Bachelor series) you would think that you would want to at least look like you are trying to help that along.

When Jake was all about Rozlyn who "supposedly" had an inappropriate relationship with some one on staff they didn't care then. They pulled her aside and on camera no less and sent her packing. Now they have someone that is not only admitting to having no feelings whatsoever about the Bachelorette on camera and basically talking about playing her and they do nothing but air it. Even Wes from Jillian's season wasn't that bold or stupid as everyone was accusing him of having a girlfriend. He waited until he had been sent home to admit his short comings.

All in all, this episode really bothered me for those two reasons. Next week it looks like Bentley is finally going to come clean and I can't wait to see how that plays out and if it makes for the great television I'm sure the producers are hoping it does.

Stolen kisses, Phantom of the Opera, Drunken stupors, real tears and ladies and gentlemen this was all in the first night. It seems this season of the Bachelorette is gearing up to be as they all promise "the most controversial season yet".:P Ashley H. is back and if you are a Bachelor or Bachelorette watcher then you were glued to the television Monday night.

When we first met Ashley she was a sweet blonde girl looking for love but scared to open up. Now in her very own season she has dyed the hair, changed the attitude and she is ready to take on 25 hot, hot bachelors in the hopes of getting that all important marriage proposal at the end.

Last night started as most new seasons do. Ashley talking about the mistakes she has made while clips of her past relationship with Brad popped in and out. And in true fashion as the music picked up so did she. She went on to talk about how excited she was to be back and how she was more open to love this time and ready for this amazing adventure. Truly if you have seen one Bachelorette then you have seen them all.

Enter Chris Harrison, the limos and the awkward five second meet and greets. I sometimes wish they would just let the men or women arrive and then let the bachelor or bachelorette walk in on the cocktail party already in full swing. Those few minutes of people trying to introduce themselves while standing out are just painful to watch sometimes.

Moving right along, the cocktail party. Yes as always there was drama between a few of the guys. Mainly Jeff, who wore a mask for the WHOLE evening, and the others that found the mask stupid as did most of us. I appreciate the message and the idea behind it (he wants her to get to know the real him without worrying about looks) but really? Come on man. There had to have been a better way to present it.

Then there was Tim who apparently had to get drunk to get up the courage to go on a blind date

with 24 other guys on national television. When said that way I think I know a few guys that would have been three sheets to the wind too. I was pulling for him to turn it around until he fell asleep on the couch out by the pool and then like Ashley I was like dude you have to go. You also have to give the producers credit for that one. I don't think that has ever happen in all their seasons. Way to go! :)

Finally there was Bentley. A gentleman who openly said that he wanted the bachelorette to be Emily or at least he openly said it to the cameras. What he said to Ashley was how he was excited to be there and looking forward to getting to know her. Now a lot of people are upset because she gave him a rose at the end considering a "friend" had told her before hand that he was only coming on to further his career (did Wes not teach men anything? We hate those guys).

However, I can see where she was coming from. You want to give everyone the benefit of the doubt and from what he was saying he sounded sincere. The previews for the season to show a different take on it but heartbreak is what makes for good TV after all.

Overall, I wasn't impressed or not impressed with the men lined up for Ashley. There were a few that I really liked. Ryan P. who does something with solar energy and also got the first impression rose was really cute. I also liked the one that called his mom for her to talk to; that was sweet. A friend of mine is all about JP who did seem almost southern gentlemanly. Truth is that really it has only been one episode and an hour of listening to them. Way to soon to tell.

Either way, my opinion, is that Ashley is going to have her hands full and like every other season before there will be a ridiculous amount of tears spilled and in the end she will claim that she is happier than she has ever been in her life. Can't wait to see it all unfold.

*Pictures courtesy of ABC

I started this season of Dancing with the Stars the same as most everyone else, including the contestants, less than sure if this would work. They had names I hadn't heard of in decades and some names that no one had ever heard of. There were the required sports stars, the young dynamos, a rapper/r&b star, a woman with huge breast, and someone past their "prime".

I watched that first show with one hand on the remote just in case I was bored by the first hour and surprisingly I wasn't. Ralph was a delight, Chelsea was adorable, Romeo surprised (especially being the son of Master P and that disaster), and Kristie could actually move. Most of the others fell somewhere in the middle.

That became the story of this season; somewhere in the middle. It seemed like unlike past seasons where you had front runners like Kristy Yamaguchi, Nicole Scherzinger, Mel B, and Jennifer Grey; this season they all where evenly and sometimes uneventfully matched. Kristie had multiple problems, Ralph fizzled after such a wonderful start, and no matter what Chelsea and Mark did they just weren't getting the judges scores.

Then about the late middle of the season two emerged as real front runners. Mark started just letting Chelsea dance instead of interpreting the music and Hines found his Superbowl commitment. They both danced their hearts out week after week and traded the top spot on more than one occasion.

That is why when I turned on Dancing with the Stars last night to see who won (I'm out of town so I wasn't able to catch the whole show) I was almost floored to see Kristie and Maks standing there with Hines and Kim. Where the heck was Chelsea and Mark?

I know that more often than not these shows, Dancing with the Stars and American Idol, boil down to who is more popular or who has the biggest fan base. Time and time again we have seen people with real talent or top scores end up being sent home without so much as a "we wish you well". Still shouldn't talent count for something?

Did I think Chelsea was going to win, no. Again though that had more to do with popularity than actual dancing. If we were going with dancing then I think it could have easily been a tie or Chelsea could have taken it. She had a fluidity and connection to the music that Hines sometimes lacked. Even with Marks sometimes out there choreography she still shined and more often than not had me confused between whether she deserved a 10 or a 9.

I am glad that Hines won. I really did like him and I thought that he had great personality on the dance floor. My issue is that although America likes to vote sometimes they have no idea what they should be voting for.

We all think we can drop it like it's hot or sing like Whitney and Mariah (in the shower if no where else) but that doesn't mean that we can or that we understand what it takes to really make it in either profession.

In my opinion, I think the better of the two remaining won. I'm not sure if I think the best dancer won but if it had been Kristie this post would have had a decidedly more hostile slant.

My only hope is that by the time next season comes around they have a better cast, they actually have a front runner, and that America listens to the judges. They have spent years in their chosen career. Even if you don't like what they say, respect it and let it guide your opinion. But as they say; to each his own. Congrats Hines and Kim.

Week two started out a little more like I thought the season would. The excitement of night one was long gone and most of the pack landed in the middle. However, there were a few couples that came back strong. Let's take a look.

Sugar Ray & Anna - Sugar Ray looked more relax even though I was first out the gate. He came out with an entertaining jive that was full of energy but still need technique. In my opinion I still think he will be around awhile but he has to work on combining his enjoyment with his feet.

Kendra & Louis - The playboy bunny showed signs of some gracefulness but truthfully her blinding forced smile distracted me through most of the dance. You could see that this the quickstep wasn't anywhere near her comfort zone but she but forth quite a bit of effort. I think if she can come out of her shell than she might just make a run for the mirror ball.

Chelsea & Mark - I guess since Derek isn't here this season his BFF Mark decided he would be the one to piss off the judges. They completely ripped his jive as not being the time or the place as Carrie Ann said but in my opinion it might have been the wave of the future. Look the music choice sucked for them but they made it work. It was slightly outside the box of a "traditional" jive but still think they will be around for quite a while.

Chris & Cheryl - After admitting that his is rather scared of Cheryl Burke, Chris turned in a wonderfully exciting quickstep. He looked more natural on the dance floor and as if he was really, truly enjoying himself. I'm thinking he might be the dark horse of this competition if he keeps a healthy dose of Cheryl fear.

Petra & Dmitry - My height issues aside, Petra's jive was a little jerky and surprisingly stiff. Sure she ripped off half her clothing and showed that she still has her runway figure but there was disjointedness about the performance. Still in true DWTS judge format they appeared to love it. There was some criticism however which made me smile just a little; height issues aside.

Kristie & Maksim - I am trying my best not to go all team Kristie but how can you help it when she is turning in really good performances. Sure she had a little oops, actually maybe two but if the judges didn't see it then I'm not going to point it out, but you could see the work. For week two her quickstep was lighter than I would have imagined and faster than she probably wanted. Overall in my opinion another solid effort.

Mike & Lacey - Mike, Mike, Mike. Look I give credit where credit is due and Mike put in the effort this week and turned in a middle of the pack jive. It was way better than I ever thought it would be after week 1 and in my opinion I think it should have earned him at least one more week. Will he get to stay is the question but still not that bad.

Romeo & Chelsie - While I might be a little bias since they danced to one of my favorite songs from one of my favorite musicals (You're the One that I Want, Grease) I absolutely loved it. Sure Romeo was quite a bit more bouncy than most doing a quickstep but it almost looked effortless as he moved around the dance floor with Chelsie. Len actually said it was the best dance of the night. That might be first time a rapper on the show as ever heard those words from Len. Way to go.

Wendy & Tony - Okay if you have already had a song on previously in another season and the routine for it was absolutely phenomenal; why would you bring it back? Yet that is exactly what happened here. A song from Basement Jaxx that helped win Shawn Johnson the mirror ball during her freestyle was played to Wendy's very, very boring and lack luster quickstep. It was almost painful to watch her move so sluggishly to such a great song. It made me long for Shawn and I had to YouTube the original performance after the show just to feel better.

Ralph & Karina - I have to say that I am really taken by the Karate Kid. Although his jive wasn't as amazing as the foxtrot last week he still brought in a really wonderful dance. Plus the personality that he brings to life on the floor is great to see. I am looking for him to be in the final three and if he is not I will be extremely disappointed.

Hines & Kym - While Len may say the dance of the night went to Romeo I think it went hands down to Hines and Kym's quickstep. He was light on his feet. He kept his bum in check and they glided around as if they had always moved that fast. His charisma shined from the moment he steeped out and continued through the entire performance. My vote for encore dance goes to him without question and I hope that I get to see it again tonight.

After the second night of competition I think the real loser of the night was the overall music selection. I can already tell that is going to be one of my biggest pet peeves of the season. Music not withstanding my choice for the first to leave the ballroom would have to be Wendy and Tony. I love Tony and you can tell that Wendy really wants to do well but after turning in two painful to watch performances I really don't think I could handle a third.

Sorry honey but you just ain't doing so good.