It isn’t all that often that a show like “The Biggest Loser” has people who are just plain mean. However, this season’s show has two women - Heba and Vicky - who are mean-spirited and without class or scruples - and their respective husbands aren’t much better. The husbands just aren’t quite as vocal in their hostility. Heba and Vicky decided they didn’t like one contestant, Phil, and they have proceeded to say and do cruel and hateful things to him - even saying hateful things to his wife and to the camera that they know will be on national TV.

I think at one point in the game, Phil said something to one of the contestants that indicated he was playing the game rather than falling in with Heba’s and Vicky’s takeover of the game, and they decided to demonize him from that point on. And they’re just too self-absorbed to see that what they’re doing is so much worse. They long ago went beyond simply standing up for themselves, competing and playing a game.

I’m always curious how people like that can live with themselves, and I’ve decided that some people just look at things differently. They obviously have justified their words and actions to themselves. They decided that Phil was their enemy - and so every mean word and action of theirs is justified - in their own minds. It’s like they don’t have a conscience and don’t have a sense of basic fairness and simple decency.

I remember on “Survivor” when Johnny Fairplay created a scenario where he was told his grandmother had died in order to gain sympathy from the other contestants and an edge in the competition. Despicable - and total gamesmanship. Heba and Vicky aren’t gaming - they’re just showing how petty and mean-spirited they are. I sincerely hope neither becomes “The Biggest Loser” this season. That would just be wrong.

I believe that bad people will eventually get what’s coming to them, and if I’m right, the future isn’t so bright for people like Heba and Vicky. I think of their friends and family at home. There’s no way that their friends could honestly trust them again, and their family is likely embarrassed by their behavior.

Update: Uh-oh. On tonight’s show, Amy voted against Brady, Vicky’s husband, and that was the deciding vote to put him off the show. Now I’ll bet Vicky aims her meanness at Amy since both Phil and his wife are off the show. I hope Amy will stand up to Vicky and Heba, and hopefully the Vicky-Heba influence on the game will start to weaken.

I saw the SNL skit on the news this morning, and so I went looking for the entire thing. Of course, it has to get in some jabs at Sarah Palin, but all in all, I think it’s pretty funny. It gets in a couple of good jabs at Hillary Clinton, too. Tina Fey portrays Sarah Palin and Amy Poehler portrays Hillary Clinton.

The new season of Dancing With The Stars will premier on September 22nd, and I am happy. For the first time I have heard of most of the contestants! I guess the show is getting popular enough that they’re able to get better known “stars” to participate. Here’s the line-up:

Kim Kardashian
Susan Lucci of “All My Children”
Lance Bass
Brooke Burke
Cloris Leachman
Toni Braxton
Rocco DiSpirito
Cody Linley of “Hannah Montana”
Jeffrey Ross, comedian
Ted McGinley
Warren Sapp, NFL Champ
Misty May-Treanor, Olympic beach volleyball champ
Maurice Green, Olympic track champ

Project Runway is tonight! Check here for live blogging the show - with lots of details and snark. Who will be sent to clean up their space?

Project Runway

Korto won last time so she plans to cruise through this week’s challenge.
Heidi greets the designers. She brings out the winning and losing designers’ models. Korto choose to keep Karina - which sends Alex home.

You will be designing for a “high powered and glamorous woman.” Blayne says he hopes it’s not Hillary Clinton because he doesn’t want to have to make a neon pantsuit.

Tim meets them in the design room to give them details. Stella wants to design for Sharon Osbourne. They “gather round” Tim. And the glamorous woman is Brooke Shields! Their challenge is to design an outfit for her character, Wendy, on “Lipstick Jungle.” They’ll be working in teams of two. They each has a dossier of Wendy’s clothes from Season 1 of “Lipstick Jungle.” They are to create a “day to night” look for Wendy. So everyone hurries off to do their sketches.

Time is up. First to pitch is Suede. Suede has a jacket with a pointed collar and a sleeveless dress. Then they fast forward through all the other designers’ pitches. Very fast.

Stella made her pitch and Brooke remarked, “She still has to go to work in this!” Don’t think Stella will win.

The winning look will be worn by Brooke on the second season of “LIpstick Jungle.” Keith is first. Second is Korto. Jerell is third. Fourth is Kelli. Fifth is Terri. Sixth is Blayne.

Brooke leaves, and they’re ready to choose partners. Commercial break. Tim draws names out of the bag for partners. Jerell and Stella, Blayne and Leanne, Terri and Suede, Kelli and Daniel, Keith and Kenley, Korto and Joe.

No immunity for this challenge. The prize is reward enough. Terri and Suede are not getting along. Terri hates everthing Suede does. However, Tim loves what they’re doing. So they’re getting over it. Korto and Joe are going at it, too.

Time for the runway show. Korto and Joe’s model is first. Tim said it looked like a sweet potato - and I believe he has the color right. Kelli and Daniel’s is next. Kinda bland looking. After she takes the jacket off, it’s really cool. Jerell and Stella’s is next. I like it - a little animal print, mustard. Brooke Shield’s acts like she really likes it. Keith and Kenley’s is next. Layered brown skirt with print top. I kinda like it. Terri and Suede’s is next. Pants with print top. Nice. A little blah, though. Blayne and Leanne’s is next. It’s shorts with purple tank and turquois over blouse. Hmmm. I don’t think shorts would be appropriate for work.

Jerell and Stella, Kelli and Daniel, Keith and Kenley, Blaine and Leanne are called. Those NOT called are qualified to move to the next challenge - leave the runway.

They start with Jerell and Sella. Brooke is conerned about the belt. She likes it otherwise. Heidi loves the belt. Michael loves it.

Kelli and Daniel. Heidi asked who did what. It is REALLY blah looking. Brooke doesn’t like the shape of it - said it looks cheap. Michael says, “slutty, slutty, slutty.” Nina is concerned about “taste.” Kenley is laughing out loud about Kelli and Daniel.

Keith and Kenley. Brooke likes the outfit. I like the brown layered skirt. Nina says it is “almost cocktail” - but really beautiful. Michael thinks it’s great.

Blayne and Leanne. They are obviously the other two on the bottom. Brooke thinks the outfit is too casual and not sophisticated enough. Nina says Blayne did not listen to what Brooke had to say. Heidi says she looks like she didn’t have a mirror. Michael - “uninteresting.”

Top two: Keith and Kenley, Jerell and Stella
Bottom two: Blayne and Leanne, Kelli and Daniel

The winner is KEITH.
And it’s down to Blayne and Kelli. And Kelli is going home! I’m amazed. She has done some great work previously. Oh well - buh bye, Kelli.

Next week’s show will have them designing outfits for drag queens.

Here is a song-by-song description of tonight’s Nashville Star show. It’s down to the final three: Melissa Lawson, Gabe Garcia and Shawn Mayer. Check back for updates as the show gets under way at 9:00 Central time. Tonight is the finale - and they will drag it out unmercifully. The decision has already been made as to who the winner is - so all the singing is just to fill the time.

OK - finally they’re getting it underway with Billy Ray Cyrus singing “Achey Breaky Heart!” Ahhh - it brings back such memories! The three finalists are accompanying Billy Ray. Folks, this is the best part of the Nashville Star so far this season. LOL! It looks like the other contestants are off to the side of the stage.

The emcee chick is wearing a hideous dress. I don’t even know her name - totally unremarkable - except for wearing a butt ugly dress tonight.

Of course the winner has already been decided, but they’ll each sing their “encore song” first.

Gabe Garcia is up first. If this guy wins, it’ll be a travesty. I can’t even understand the words well enough to figure out what the song is. Something about reality. Everybody is cheering wildly. Jewel is getting all gushy over him. The other two judges don’t comment.

Melissa Lawson is next singing “My Wish For You.” It actually is about my least favorite of the songs she has sung this season. John Rich does his usual vapid comments.

Shawn Mayer is the last to sing, and she’s singing something I can’t understand - something about a shotgun. Not impressive. Jeffrey calls her the dark horse in the competition.

Isn’t it an amazing coincidence that each of the three judges has one contestant left in the competition. Amazing how that worked out.

John, Jeff and Jewel bring in THEIR mentor, Blair Varner. Apparently he’s a bigwig somewhere in country music. Then George Jones came in - as another of the judges’ mentors. Now EVERYONE knows George Jones. His contribution to the conversation is to say, “Well heck, I think you’re doing a great job!” And that was that.

Up next - the first elimination of the night. Of course they have the heartbeat drum keep going for a L-O-N-G time. First eliminated is SHAWN MAYER. That’s as it should be. They had the traditional video montage looking back at Shawn’s Nashville Star run. She’s a sweet girl with a good voice, but she was definitely not star material.

Shawn Mayer - buh bye!

Now Melissa Lawson and Gabe Garcia are singing a duet - “I’ve Had the Time of My Life.” They actually sounds pretty good together, but they look very uncomfortable singing together.

Now they’re doing a brief interview/look-back-at-Nashville-Star segment on both Melissa. She cries when she talks about how much she wants to win - for her family, of course. Time filler. Now she’s singing “Gotta Be Something More.” She is rocking out. What vocals! She is definitely, without a doubt the best singer and performer on the show. Am I the only one that thinks she looks like Wynonna? Now Jewel is giving her a critique. And Jeff. Then John. Just idle chit-chat - nothing significant said - “you’ve got a wonderful talent, I like your tone . . . blah blah blah.”

Gabe’s turn for the interview/look-back-at-Nashville-Star segment. He says his goal is to become “a legend in country music.” Sigh! A legend? Come on, Gabe! You’re a good singer, but a legend? Gag! He’s singing “Gone Country.” The judges are clapping and acting like he’s wonderful - except for Jewel. I’m sorry, but I just don’t see this guy being a huge success - much less a “legend in country music.” Standing O from Jeff and John. Jeff - “You’re already country. You’re one of the greatest voices I’ve heard on this show.” John - “You’ve done your heritage proud. What a testament to great country music.” Jewel - “I feel there’s a really great future for you here.”

Whoever wins will have their new single out tomorrow morning. So now they’re showing them both getting their singles ready to go. Wow! Melissa is 32 years old - and has FIVE chidlren. She just jinxed herself. She said, “I not only want to win this competition, I’m GOING to win this competition.”

Judges give “final thoughts” before winner is announced - blah, blah, blah…. Then the blonde “hostess” or whatever she is called is asking Gabe and Melissa what winning would mean to them. . .

Billy Ray “This is it . . .” And the winner is:

Nashville Star Winner - Melissa Lawson

She sings her new single “What if it All Goes Right” and it is really good. Her little boys are picking up confetti off the floor and throwing it up as she sings. Hey - this song is GOOD - it might just might do really well.

And to Gabe - we must now say, “Buh-Bye.”

Gabe Garcia - Buh - bye!

Here’s the rundown of tonight’s Nashville Star show. Check back here to see details of each performance and who is kicked off at the end of the show. Live blogged - this post will be updated every three to five minutes.

The show is down to Coffey, Gabe Garcia, Melissa Lawson and Shawn Mayer. The three judges are Jeffrey Steele, Jewel and John Rich.

Okay. The show is starting now. All four stars will sing. Then after that they will start the elimination process.

Shawn Mayer is up first. They show her hometown visit to May City, Iowa first. In reality, the hometown visits are just filler. With just four contestants left, they have to have something to take up time so they can fill up an hour show. Shawn is singing “I”m Here for the Party.” John Rich liked it. Jewel said something that made no sense. Jeffrey talked about Shawn’s wisdom tooth and how she was singing through the pain. I wasn’t impressed. Shawn has a nice voice, but not star quality at all.

Gabe Garcia is up next. He’s off to his hometown of Lytle, Texas. A parade, key to the city, etc. Now he’s singing “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere.” Yes, Gabe is a good singer. He just is absolutely nothing unusual. Jeffrey likes him - talks about him working through a cold. John Rich does his usual pompous routine and talks about the void in country music when it comes to hispanic singers. Jewel is glad that Gabe is from a small town like she is. ZZZZZZZZZZZZ

Coffey is next. He’s my least favorite of the four finalists. He’s nasaly and wavery sounding. His hometown visit is to Los Angeles, CA. It shows him getting a star at his community church. Patricia Heaton and Sinbad are there later when he gives a concert. Now he’s singing “Sweet Home Alabama.” Sigh! What’s this guy doing in the final four? He just average. Let’s see what the judges say. Jeffrey says “this was pretty good.” “You’re a great showman. Your charisma has carried you this far.” John Rich agrees that he’s an incredible star and has charisma, but he doubts he’s a Nashville Star. Jewel though he was great - and agreed about Coffey’s charisma. I just wonder if Jeffrey, John and Jewel are seeing the same performance I’m seeing.

Melissa Lawson is up next. She visits her hometown of Arlington, Texas. Her husband and five boys rush to greet her. She goes to her old school, Arlington High School, where she said people used to pick on her. Now she is singing “Hit Me With Your Best Shot.” I love Melissa, and I believe she is hands down the best singer and highest potential on this year’s Nashville Star. She sometimes overdoes the cutesy facial expressions, though, while she sings. She knocks this song out of the park, though. Jewel thought it was a good job. Jeffrey said he feels that “everybody is sneaking up” on her. He’s tired of hearing the big notes from her. John (in his sanctimonious voice) asks her, “Why do you want to be the next Nashville Star?” She said because she wants it and it’ll change the lives of her family - and that’s her responsibility as a mother. Interesting answer.

Now the elimination process. Whoever isn’t chosen is the one who will go home.

First one to advance to the finale is Shawn Mayer. Her second song is “The Dance,” - and old Garth Brooks’ song. So - so. I don’t want to be too harsh, but she is mediocre at best. John Rich congratulates her on making the final three. Then he brags on her progress through the program. Jewel says she thinks Shawn would be a good Nashville Star because she has vision. Jeffrey is concerned about everybody’s health tonight. He talks about how she’s limping tonight.

The second person to move on the finale is Melissa Lawson. That means one of the two guys (Coffey or Gabe Garcia) will be elminated tonight. Melissa is singing Carrie Underwood’s “Jesus, Take The Wheel.” As she sings, RT comments, “SURELY she will win the whole show.” Really, there is no comparison in Melissa’s singing and the other three contestants. They’re good singers. She’s outstanding. John Rich is giving her a standing ovation. Jewel says, “That was a beautiful song.” Jeffrey said the verse was too low for her - and the rest was beautiful. John Rich, “I don’t care what anybody says . . . those kind of performances connect with the audience.”

Okay - who will go home tonight? Coffey or Gabe Garcia? Of course they are dragging it out. Gabe is the best singer of the two. And . . . Coffey goes home! The man needs some sweat protectors under his arms. He keeps raising his arms to wave - and his purple shirt has big old sweat rings under the arms.

Gabe Garcia moves on to the finale. He is singing “Living in Fast Forward.” He did a good job of getting the audience involved. Still so-so, though. Jeffrey says, “Anyone who thinks we don’t have great talent, can kiss my country ass.” Uh - no thanks. John Rich talks about how “important to country music” Gabe is. Jewel tells he’s singing great, and that he isn’t a very vain singer. She loves it. Really?

That’s it for tonight’s show. I think Gabe may win simply because everybody is gung-ho for an hispanic winner. However, Melissa Lawson is the best singer with the most potential to make it big.

I will always remember my precious Stinkeroo, as a toddler and young child, running up to the TV whenever she heard “Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood” come on. As Fred Rogers sang “It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood”, Stinkeroo would wrap her arms around the TV and chant in her sweet child lispy voice, “Mr. Rogerts Mr. Rogers! Mr. Rogers!”

Fred Rogers

Fred Rogers’ message that children are loved and accepted exactly as they are was something that touched the hearts of children who tuned in daily to see his low-key and affirmative show.

Fred Rogers

As I was reading news on the web this morning, I came across a piece in Mental Floss on “Fifteen Reasons Why Mr. Rogers Was the Best Neighbor Ever.” I’ve included my favorites here. Click the link to read all of them. We miss you, Mr. Rogers!

2. He Made Thieves Think Twice
According to a TV Guide piece on him, Fred Rogers drove a plain old Impala for years. One day, however, the car was stolen from the street near the TV station. When Rogers filed a police report, the story was picked up by every newspaper, radio and media outlet around town. Amazingly, within 48 hours the car was left in the exact spot where it was taken from, with an apology on the dashboard. It read, “If I’d known it was yours, we never would have taken it.”

6. He Was Genuinely Curious about Others
Mister Rogers was known as one of the toughest interviews because he’d often befriend reporters, asking them tons of questions, taking pictures of them, compiling an album for them at the end of their time together, and calling them after to check in on them and hear about their families. He wasn’t concerned with himself, and genuinely loved hearing the life stories of others. Amazingly, it wasn’t just with reporters. Once, on a fancy trip up to a PBS exec’s house, he heard the limo driver was going to wait outside for 2 hours, so he insisted the driver come in and join them (which flustered the host). On the way back, Rogers sat up front, and when he learned that they were passing the driver’s home on the way, he asked if they could stop in to meet his family. According to the driver, it was one of the best nights of his life - the house supposedly lit up when Rogers arrived, and he played jazz piano and bantered with them late into the night. Further, like with the reporters, Rogers sent him notes and kept in touch with the driver for the rest of his life.

8. He Could Make a Subway Car full of Strangers Sing
Once while rushing to a New York meeting, there were no cabs available, so Rogers and one of his colleagues hopped on the subway. Esquire reported that the car was filled with people, and they assumed they wouldn’t be noticed. But when the crowd spotted Rogers, they all simultaneously burst into song, chanting - “It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood.” The result made Rogers smile wide.

9. He got into TV because he hated TV. The first time he turned one on, he saw people angrily throwing pies in each other’s faces. He immediately vowed to use the medium for better than that. Over the years he covered topics as varied as why kids shouldn’t be scared of a haircut, or the bathroom drain (because you won’t fit!), to divorce and war.

12. He was a perfectionist, and disliked ad libbing. He felt he owed it to children to make sure every word on his show was thought out.

14. Several characters on the show are named for his family. Queen Sara is named after Rogers’ wife, and the postman Mr. McFeely is named for his maternal grandfather who always talked to him like an adult, and reminded young Fred that he made every day special just by being himself. Sound familiar? It was the same way Mister Rogers closed every show.

15. The sweaters. Every one of the cardigans he wore on the show had been hand-knit by his mother.

See! There is a reason so many people loved Mr. Rogers. God rest his soul and bless his family.

The folks at The Food Network have gone and chosen another unremarkable and unmarketable winner for the “Next Food Network Star.” Tonight Aaron McCargo, Jr. was crowned this season’s winner, and his first show will be on the air NEXT WEEK.

Aaron McCargo, Jr., Winner of “Next Food Network Star”

My guess is that his show will last only a few episodes before fading out. There was nothing unique about it. The “big, bold flavors” concept has been done and redone numerous times. His “culinary viewpoint” is same old-same old. He seems like a nice guy - and he certainly seems likeable, but I don’t see anything that sets him apart from any other everyday cook.

I’m still sad that Lisa Garza didn’t win. She was hands-down the most qualified and the most interesting contestant. In my opinion, she could have had the most success with a Food Network show. I have a feeling, though, that Lisa will go on to do great things. I would have TiVoed her show and watched it every time. I will probably watch Aaron’s show a time or two just to see how it goes, but I doubt it will hold my interest beyond that.

I’m not surprised at their choice, though. Last year’s finale was a disaster. The Food Network doesn’t have a very good record when it comes to selecting winners. The gay couple that won the first season are no longer taping shows, although reruns are still shown at times when insomniacs are the only ones watching. The second year’s winner, Guy Fieri, has been their one success story. Last year’s winner, Amy Finley, had just about the most boring cooking show I’ve ever seen. I made myself watch it twice before giving up on it.

I’m not surprised that Adam Gertler didn’t win. Adam’s show as contrived and fake. The internet caller was so perky and scripted. It was a good idea for a show, though. At least his idea was something different. Lisa’s show was something different. Aaron’s show was absolutely nothing different. I just wonder at the decision making process of the selection committee.

Congratulations, Aaron. I truly hope you prove me wrong because you seem like a really nice guy and you have such a nice looking family.

I’m almost sad that tonight will be the finale of this season of “The Next Food Network Star.” It is one of my favorite TV shows. Tonight, it’s down to Aaron McCargo, Adam Gertler and Lisa Garza. My favorite - by far - is Lisa Garza. I predict she will win tonight. She is the only one with a unique angle to cooking - and the only one who has the personality to carry off a successful cooking show.

Lisa Garza

Lisa Garza has consistently done well throughout the show. Well, except that first week. I didn’t like her at all when the show first started, but she has now grown on me. I like her spunkiness, her “get it done” attitude. When she slipped and a bottle of sauce flew up in the air and spilled all over her face, hair and clothes. She just wiped it off and went on to give her presentation. When her partner broke a glass bottle all over the food she needed for a challenge, she just cleaned it up, amended her dish and went on without that food. And when she chops food, that knife is FLYING!

Adam Gertler and Aaron McCargo are also good - just not as good as Lisa Garza.

Adam Gertler

Aaron McCargo

Last year’s show was travesty. They brought back a woman who had already been eliminated, and then they let her win. Her show is already off the air. Her opponent, Rory (I think that was her name) had the personality to carry off a cooking show - and they gave it to the dull, already-been-kicked-off person. Very wrong.

I watched “Evening” on TV tonight. I had TiVo’ed it a week or two ago, and tonight I finally got around to watching it. A woman lies on her deathbed, and drifts in and out of consciousness - and remembers her life.

Although Claire Danes and Vanessa Redgrave share the main role (as the younger and older versions of the same person), Meryl Streep, in her one appearance in the movie (as the older version of a character), gives the best quote of the movie:

“We are mysterious creatures, aren’t we? And at the end, so much of it turns out not to matter.”