Apprentice Views, Observations of the Apprentice, Season IV

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Posted at 11:08 pm by sph001
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Now there is only '5' and what is the latest power rankings? Here is my rank order before tonights episode:

Rebecca ; She stepped up big time in the Star Wars episode, which puts here at a high rating
Randall ; He was very strong going into the XM radio episode, where he lost a point or two.
Alla ; her cunning and competitiveness makes her strong, but could be her undoing.

Adam ; Who? I don't see much from Adam
Felisha ; Again, unless I missed something, I don't see much excitement from her.

But could Adam or Felisha be the dark horse?

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And The Donald took a huge shot at Randall. He wins this task, his stock is strong. He fails - he is the worst crash 'n burn case in Apprentice History.

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Unfortunately, from the Apprentice Blog - we know the losing team lost by '5' calls. This says that both campaigns were nearly equally effective. So it's like rolling dice or flipping a coin at this point of time on who will win tonight. Randall's team has to win or the power ranking will fall apart.

OHHH Randall and Rebecca picks up the other teams mega-phones. I wonder if this will kill them from an ethics standpoint.

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So the question is - was this fair of Randall & Rebecca to use this information and make the purchase of Alla' mega-phones? They uncovered information and used it to their advantage. It was pure coincidence that they came about this information. What would Trump do if he learned information ahead of an important bid? Would he use it; if it came through non devisious methods? Randall didn't plant "bugs" or bribe anyone.

R & R could have used this info to enhance their program, their campaign. That would be the high road for certain. Did they take the low road? If they win, will it matter? If they lose, Randall is gone.

Shania Twain in Spanish Harlem??? I do like the van guy. NYC - what a place, the best city in the world...

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The Carriage probably doesn't work - but Alla's work on 1:1 basis could be the winning edge. Allowing others to use their cells is a nice touch.

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Judgement time....

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Whew - the power rankings remain on track. It surprised me that Alla didn't bring up the mega-phone issue while they all remained in the board room. Bring up the ethics could have caused an odd change in the ruling. If I was Randall & Rebecca, I'd run (or hobble quickly) out of the boardroom.

Adam will take the fall for the carriages; since Felisha and Alla did not have any serious negative impact on the results. Adam or Felisha are the light weights in this final-5 group.

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In the end; both Felisha and Adam could have been ejected. In this instance, the right choice was made -Adam takes the long HotJobs cab ride home. BUT it was very close. And, with both Bill and Donald liking Randall's tactic of taking the megaphones, his stock increases over Alla.

So the power-rankings, as noted above remain intact - with Felisha in the top spot. I think it's Randall and Rebecca in the final two, if they can team up against Alla. Felisha is only on borrowed time.

Happy Thanksgiving... Stephen

Posted at 10:12 pm by sph001
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I am getting used to these mass firings - and in last weeks case, it was the right thing to do. However, does that mean that there are less episodes? Was this planned at the beginning or the spur of the moment?

Tonight the teams try their hand at making sweet sweet music, or well passable noise.

The blog will me semi-comatose er live tonight... hang with me and lets see who takes the helo ride and who gets the long yellow cab ride...

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Ok a few notes during the commercial. What is with that phone? Ok let's leave that one alone...

Since I am a Randall fan, I want to see his team win. I don't like Clay, but oddly - would like to see his team win.

Trump having a modeling agency; a pool of future brides? Oh it is nice to be rich LOL. anyway, sounds like a fun episode.

We should start up the Trump Power Rankings. It's not been an easy year to do this. Please let me know your thoughts on this ranking:

#1 Randall
#2 Rebecca
#3 Alla

Carolyn is onboard with Excel.. a good sigh.

OHH now it gets to the hard part. Putting words & feelings into the mouths of these performers. Evil Clay already poisoning the team. OK I still want to see Rebecca & Randall win...   pre-fire clay and move on!

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wow great feedback for levi. Even more that he acknowledged his satisfaction in the music. But I really can't see Trump gittin down with the music...

Carolyn & George doesnt like Excel this...

Hmmmm   Excel loses...     and they messed up the channel # ---   well we know Capital wins... and this should be Clay's exit. Rebecca and Randall did fine - Clay was a pain.

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Wwhat does it mean to sell the land UNDER the empire state building? and when they were flying around the Statue of Liberty - i was so ready for Donald to say he owns that too...   ok that wasn't fair - and Adams comments was classy. How many of our relatives came through this harbor - mine did.

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I would hate to see Rebecca be fired - so it will be how well they can position Clay our the elevator door. Clay has a negative ratings, so it shouldn't be difficult. Randall needs to owe up to his error quickly and move past it. The wrong # would not sink them - so owe up, and move on. It dings both my #1 and #2 rated players, but can be less damaging if they position Clay as poison.

Should be interesting in the boardroom...

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Rebecca is a wolf! Wow - she showed huge fangs. History - clay is fired!

I disagree - Randall's error was not fatal. Rebecca's leadership may be flawed. Clay was tough to work with - and he was the correct choice to go. Clay's lack of positive track record failed him - and saved both Rebecca' and Randall. Both need to walk the fine line going forward - they need to be perfection.

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Now the swords will be out. Randall knows that Rebecca' is gunning for him. She was masterful actually. I didn't consider that she would try to take out the best competitor in this game. She is shrewd. I am indeed impressed that she had this in her! But did she play her hand...to early??? I think so.

New ratings tomorrow... night y'all

Posted at 08:22 pm by sph001
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I am joining this episode late after a long meeting in the City. If you have to ask what city, there is only one. Anyway, it is clear that both PM's are well positioned to be fired - finally.

Clay set the tone for his team, and his hands-off approach will ultimately hurt not help him with his strategy to oust Alla. She is way to cunning for him. And Brian's planning causes them to not only miss the meeting with the Lucas/Best Buys exec, but it is also clear they missed the point about Darth and his role in this episode. I love how people who think they know it all about the City ultimately do not. '15' minutes to go from the 50's to 29th street via cab is insane. Traffic is always present.

I think Brian's team will lose and he will be tossed into the vapor space of 5th avenue.

Well it is clear that the Brian's team has severely flunked the course. They missed the whole point by missing the meeting. And the conflict between Alla and Clay make good TV, but that won't matter since their team will win.

Isn't it interesting how Clay didn't hear a word Bill said in their reward. She plans to show dis-respect for his team; it's all about Clay now? Hmmm that should get him fired. I am glad his team dis'd him and didn't give him immunity. As for Randall, he escaped a bullet with his exemption, not that he would have been in danger. It's Alla vs Brian - and Brian gets destroyed.

Brian's comment about Randall was idiotic. Randall gave them their only chance of winning after Brian screwed up the initial meeting. Bye Bye Brian - this one is so easy.

Just a display? Marshawn loses? Oh heck fire them both. OHHHHH OUCH!!!

wow I was only guessing he'd fire them both. BUT he was right to do so. Both failed their team.

Cab: Brian just sat destroyed in the cab - what a loser.

Well now the game gets interesting!

Posted at 09:31 pm by sph001
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A few interesting Apprentice Related books, including ones by George, Amy, Bill and Carolyn. The proceeds from Bills Lemonade Stand book goes to childrens charities.

Posted at 09:45 pm by sph001
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Tonight the remaining members teach at the Learning Annex. Will the well educated ones be able to do it or will they screw this one up also? I'm still perplexed at the mass execution last week. I would agree with two firings, but not four.

And I as noted when I asked Bill Rancic what he thought; he didn't expect this. What does this mean for the remaining episodes as this takes '3' episodes off the docket. Wouldn't it have been funny to see Mark Burnett hear the mass firing in the control room and go HUH?

So what gives? If anyone has read anything on this, please let me know. Well it is almost time to go back to school...

Oh and it's getting to be time for the Apprentice Power Ranking. Help me out here? Does anyone but Randall show any promise? Send your comments & emails and let me know.

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Alla knows sex! She was a nude dancer in Vegas LOL. Oh sorry, intimacy. and what was up with Marcus; I had no clue what his blockbuster idea was about. And who doesn't think Randall is the man?

and besides Marcus, there aren't any branded characters - agreed? He needs a translator. More coaching and feedback. I like how Adam has taken Marcus aside - which is appropriate action. It may be the first management action I have seen from these players.

Randall nailed it. Even though George didnt like the subject, it was spot on. BUT what about Capital Edge - and CLAY? Oh this was awful. Well we know who won - Randall streak continues.

So who should be fired? First - who came up with this class idea? Alla was in charge - and this was sooo bad. I doubt they could have pulled it off if they made it a serious class. Adam as the PM takes a hit, however if they gang up on Marcus, it should (IT MUST backfire on them). Marcus is NOT to blame. Alla (who worked in the sex trade) and Clay who made this group uncomfortable have the biggest stakes in the loss. I thought Adam handled the PM role well; and should not be fired. If you think about a project manager, they don't really develop the strategy - just manage what they are given as best they can. Adam was wise to delegate the class subject to Alla (set up...set-up... set-up!). But can you fire Clay because of his comments? Marginally. Alla takes the sexy walk out of the tower tonight (9:31PM)....

Ok your humble blogger forgot about Alla's exemption. This is one time the exemption worked - because she should have been fired. Sorry.

What surprises me is how close the avg scores were - one would have thought it would be a grand slam difference.

So after my whole Alla must go set-up; who gets fired? I'd have to take Adam out the door. In fact, if Adam was smart he would not have given Alla a delegated role. Like me, he may have forgotten about her exception. Clay was an idiot, and Marcus wasn't much help - but with Alla being excempted (maybe she set the team up... ohhh what a strategy!!!!)   It has to be Adam that goes. I will totally lose any lingering respect for this show if Marcus goes. No I am not a Marcus fan, but he has done no real harm in this episode. Alla; I bet she set the whole team up! I am impressed!!!! (9:38PM)

ok so maybe Marcus gets fired. What is it - is he on Drugs. He had the opportunity to seize the moment and put the death blow to Adam or Clay; and he tripped on his sword. Geeez what a looser. Well we know Marcus won't last, and maybe he will get fired tonight because he is an idiot tonight. Marcus, spit the marbles out and deliver your best presentation here and now or off to the cab you go.

And Donald dancing around the gay subject... "Thats why they make menu's? Some like steak, some like spaghetti..."   well handled lol.

So let's see how your humble blogger has done tonight (more waffling then Kerry?).

Adam is so respectul Ms. Kepcher.   That will score him points.

Ok - ok ok... I was wrong. BUT I stand by my earlier comment. Marcus did NOT fail this team this time. Marcus is an idiot. Marcus had the opportunity to stand out (HA! He should have attended Randall's session - I cut myself up sometimes).  BUT Marcus did not cause the team to lose? I think the show needs to understand that if someone fails the task, that person should take the direct hit. I think in the end, when you cannot clearly determin fault, it has to be the PM that takes the hit. Adam should have walked because his team failed.

And what a night for Donald. Learning Clay is gay and Adam a virgin. Sex is expensive for the Trumpster. What a show. BUT Randall's star is wayyy wayyy up there. Play his cards right and he is the man by far. Who else is there? Who?

And it's too bad Marcus isn't on the Star Wars episode - he might have communicated well with Chewabaca. In fact, if Marcus was there - when Trump said "I can't understand a word you said" he could be talking about Marcus. Geez and Marcus' speech in the boardroom and cab. There is nothing more to be said... night.

Posted at 08:48 pm by sph001
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ApprenticeBlog Readers: I attended the "Road to Personal Wealth" financial conference, sponsored by the Newark Star Ledger (NJ) today. The lead off keynote speaker was Mr. Mad Money; Jim Cramer who was amazingly lively for a Saturday morning. Booyah, great stuff and advice. However of more interest to readers of this blog was the afternoon keynote by Bill Rancic.

I am sure anyone that has read Bill's bio knows his background, including his first TV appearance on Danny "Partridge Family" Bonaduce short lived TV talk show.

While discussing the Apprentice, he asked and answered this question: "Is Amarosa as bad as she seemed on the show? She's worse!" He also said that each episode is filmed over a very grueling 3 day period and that the boardroom scene often takes 3-5 hours. I wonder if that means that you could be fired 2-3 times until everyone gets it right. It also makes me wonder when Donald says he is in a tux to attend a dinner function - that has to be bogus.

Your humble blogger had the chance to ask Bill his reaction on the latest episode where '4' participants were fired en-masse. He said that when this occurred, he looked over at Carolyn and that neither had a clue this was coming and was equally as surprised.

I also asked how someone as successful as Donald manages so many projects and a full life. Most of us have trouble managing a job and family, let alone a dozen projects, lawsuits and dating a supermodel. Bill said that Donald surrounds himself with strong trusted people that take on each of the projects, so that he doesn't have to keep it top of mind. And that he is very passionate about his work and enjoys the game. Bill himself says he often works 7 days a week from 5am to 11pm. He also said that Donald is more down-to-earth and a softie at times, off camera.

Bill also feels he is obligated to "give-back", which was a major part of his theme in today presentation. For instance, all proceeds from his new book, written with his sister "Beyond the Lemonade Stand" will fund a children�s oriented charity.

Asked about his strategy for winning the Apprentice, he likened it to running a marathon. In a marathon setting interim goals is important - making it to the 5 mile mark, then the 10 and so on. �Mini-goals, mini-successes�

His first goal: Not to be the first one fired!

He went on to cite three key reasons for his success on the show (where he didn�t expect to win, but that his mom knew he would be the Apprentice, when he was 10 years old!):

1) "practical execution, get the job done". Bill prefers to talk "about" his successes, not about what he intends to do. Tell what you did, not what you are "going" to do. This one seems in line with my observations; whereas Bill was a stealth player until near the end. Kelly played this same strategy.

2) Agility: Ability to change your strategy for each of the '13' challenges. Sometimes being hands-on, sometimes stepping back, other times micro-managing. He compared this with other participants that had one strategy through-out.

3) Risk: manage risk and not be afraid to take smart chances.

Bill was outstanding in his presentation to a full house today. One audience member had him blush as she said he looks more handsome in person and asked about his plans for a family. The audience member quickly added, "oh not for me, I'm married!". You can tell Bill is a polished speaker, as he answered her question about desiring a family someday, that he is a family man like his mentor-dad, and then moved on to children charities that he is involved with.

Readers; I have a few photos taken with my cell-phone, which I will post soon (low quality, but you�ll get the general idea�. Stephen Harris

Posted at 09:47 pm by sph001
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Ok here we go with episode #6 with the teams exchanging their dead-wood. And I thought Carolyn fit that chair quite well. Maybe we don't need Donald - go Carolyn!

Except for the Clay and Alla sparks, the Golf setup is far superior to the Baseball from the merchandising standpoint. I like how the Golf setup including different areas including a family fun segment. Merchandising is a key factor in success; which has been missed by the baseball group.

Bill got it right, the baseball groups didn't get the assignment right. 74% wow for Capital Edge. Excel sales fell. Ouch - but that is obvious. They distracted the buyers into playing, not buying. Capital Edge mixed it up well, and had sales reps at each turn (even though non had a clue about the game).

The old girls team finally won -and amazingly Marcus continue to live on eh? Randall is still looking good as a top contender. As for Excel, the PM has to go - as it all comes down to his decision on merchandising and overall campaign layout.

Trump picking the returnee's to the board room - I wonder why? Was it to prevent a Jenn vs Josh showdown? I actually thought Trump was going to fire Josh just due to the overall failure, but handling this properly, Jenn should take the long cab ride. Especially with her bravado of being a sales expert.

Even with the baseball diamond taking up the real estate, if they had a long line of people - that should have been a target for sales... of anything. Even baseball shirts and souvenirs. But they didnt take advangage of this opportunity. It comes down to Josh as the PM or Jenn head of sales. I don't know why the others are there.

ALL FOUR FIRED???? Is this a move to shorten this years season? All four? I don't agree with this move. I would have fired Jenn for sales and Josh as the PM - the other two took their direction from the PM. And speechless in the cab, I think shock!

Jewbacca fired too??? I'd watch my back Donald, he comes from a galaxy far far away... or do you own that also? hmmmmm

Posted at 09:14 pm by sph001
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Tonight someone will be like the White Sox (Go Yankees!) and someone will be the Astro's. Heck, I can't say it as good as The Apprentice Blog:

"The candidates go head-to-head in the big business arena of sporting goods. One team spends the task in left field, while the other struggles with a candidate who's not up-to-par. The winners enjoy the thrill of victory and jet out of town, while the losers suffer the agony of defeat in a no-holds-barred boardroom. " Shhhh reprinted without his permission.

Join us this evening for our semi-live (or well since its close to Halloween) - Our Semi... DEAD Blog. Where someone will be... cackle cackle cackle sent to the gates of hell in a Yellow NYC cab.

Posted at 02:31 pm by sph001
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The Donald is quite busy today as he tours with George Foreman, Tony Robbins and others on the Learning Annex Real Estate Wealth Expo. Unfortunately I did not attend the NYC event at Javits; but the reviews were all very strong and positive. Up next is Chicago (Nov 5-6) and other cities afterwards. Learn more and check it out at: www.realestatewealthexpo.com.

And I was told there is a Donald Trump Look-A-Like Contest (it's gotta be the hair!:
Friday, October 28th @ 1:00pm
The contest winner gets to meet Donald Trump and will appear in an upcoming Learning Annex commercial with Donald and also get's $5000 cash and gets 10 VIP passes (value $499 a piece) to The Learning Annex Real Estate Wealth Expo. All participants receive a FREE Weekend pass to The Learning Annex Real Estate Wealth Expo--value $179

The is event will take place outside Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago
330 North Wabash Suite 2000 Chicago, IL. 60611 --- I am hoping to have pictures sent to me afterwards. Stay Tuned.

And I am told George is teaching a course in NYC this weekend as well.

And your humble bloggerI will be seeing Bill Rancic at the "Road to Personal Wealth" Financial Conference on Saturday in NJ.

The Apprentice crew is quite busy these days. If you attend any of these events, let us know how it goes.

Posted at 08:28 pm by sph001
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