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Lessons Learned From The Celebrity Apprentice

SavvySugar — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 14:38:44 -0700

So, now that the first season of The Celebrity Apprentice has come to an end, are you thinking what I'm thinking — will Omarosa make it back next season?! I enjoyed my Thursday night dates with The Donald and his competitive celebrities, and enough viewers tuned in to the first season that the show was already signed for a second one. Of course, I'm already wondering which celebs will make it to the boardroom. During the finale Marilu said she's telling all of her friends they have to be on the show next season — maybe they'll get another Taxi star like Tony Danza!

One off-air concept connected to the show is Trump University on NBC's website, and it discusses the lessons learned from each week's challenges, which can be applied to your own careers. There are several lessons from each episode, so I've selected the best ones from each week.

Episode 1: Think ahead and act early. Even the best idea can't save you if it comes too late.
Episode 2: Don't let your leader smother you. Step out, stand up and fight for the responsibilities that let you shine.
Episode 3: Listening is more powerful than talking. When you open your ears and your mind, you empower yourself to give people what they want. That's a powerful way to build your success.

There are nine more lessons on the list so just

The Celebrity Apprentice: Did the Best Man Win?

SavvySugar — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 11:26:10 -0700

The first season of The Celebrity Apprentice ended last night with its final boardroom firing and I must say, it was probably my favorite episode of all. Maybe they should consider doing all episodes live because everyone seemed much funnier to me last night, especially Trace. It also could be that high stress levels make him loopy, and I can very much relate to that! Listening to him talk about wheatgrass shots and shortening the Backstreet Boys to "BSB" made me laugh — though not as much as when Trace, Piers, and their celebrity teammates were swaying in a line to the smooth melodies of the BSB.All of the previously fired celebrities are on set for the live final boardroom scene. Most of them are Trace supporters, though several give Piers credit for being an aggressive businessman that knows how to raise a lot of money. Gene Simmons gives a patriotic-inspired speech via satellite from Japan, and while his vote goes to Trace because of his intangible goodness, he did admit that Piers generally got stronger results. Piers brought in the most money and the most celebrities, but he also brought the most ruthless game and made the most disrespectful remarks. Trace performed all of the challenges to the best of his ability while maintaining his dignity, and his leadership style made his teammates want to work harder. In the end, it simply came down to the numbers — do you think Donald chose the best celebrity apprentice?Photo courtesy of NBC

The Celebrity Apprentice: Did the Best Man Win?

Yes, it's a business game and Piers was the best businessman.

No, Trace was able to succeed while sticking to his morals.

I have something to add about last night's episode. See my comments below.

Celebrity Apprentice: Who Are You Rooting For?

SavvySugar — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 09:50:55 -0700

We knew there would be a high level of intensity in last night's episode of The Celebrity Apprentice after last week's cliffhanger. The final four are interviewed by Erin Burnett and Jim Cramer and asked about their respective charities, their performance throughout the show, and why the other candidates aren't deserving of the Celebrity Apprentice title. Even though Erin and Jim both pick Trace and Carol as their favorites, Donald chooses Piers and Trace to go head to head in the final challenge that will be a celebrity auction. He told Carol the only reason she's fired is that he wants to see Piers and Trace "fight it out," because he thinks they don't like each other. The scene has been set for the final battle: Both men are talking themselves up, in their "war rooms" they're busy trying to get every celebrity they know to show up at the auction, and the promo for next week's episode sets it up as "the arrogant Brit versus the American cowboy." Who are you rooting for to be the first Celebrity Apprentice? Photo courtesy of NBC

Celebrity Apprentice: Who Are You Rooting For?

Piers. He's a go-getter and will fight until the end.

Trace. His quiet confidence will take him all the way.

I have something to add about last night's episode. See my comments below.

Celebrity Apprentice: Was the Right Guy Fired?

SavvySugar — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 13:52:08 -0700

In last night's episode of The Celebrity Apprentice, the final five were challenged to create a Quizno's flatbread sammie and sell as many as possible in two hours. This challenge differed from the others in that it was all about speed and sales because Donald banned them from calling their contacts this time. Hydra's sammie concept was "The Champ" named after project manager Lennox Lewis, and Empresario's concept was "The Cowboy Club" named after project manager Trace Adkins. Hydra had an obvious advantage with an extra team member and a more recognizable celebrity to promote their sammie. In past episodes Donald and Co. have been pretty consistent about firing the project manager, but this time they looked at overall performance and potential to succeed going forward. Stevie B., as he's been known to call himself, was fired even though Trace admitted he'd made all the decisions that day. Just when I thought we'd see Stephen Baldwin's farewell clip and then call it a night, Donald summons the final four to the boardroom to tell them that two more will be fired before the end of the night! Photo courtesy of NBC

Celebrity Apprentice: Was the Right Guy Fired?

Yes. Trace is a much better candidate overall and deserves to stay.

No. Trace made all of the decisions so he should have been fired.

I have something to add about last night's episode. See my comments below.

Celebrity Apprentice: Will You Be Singing Hallelujah Without Omarosa?

SavvySugar — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 13:01:25 -0800

Donald Trump described last night's episode of The Celebrity Apprentice as the "biggest slaughter in the history of The Apprentice." Empresario, under the leadership of project manager Omarosa, raised only $7,000 to Hydra's $164,000 in a challenge where the teams had to pick artists and sell their work. This was truly a personal victory for Piers — as project manager of Hydra he claimed that Empresario's failure proved Omarosa isn't a real celebrity because she had no connections to call and buy her art. Aside from any negative feelings about Omarosa's personality, including this challenge Omarosa lost three times as project manager. With that kind of record, she no longer deserved to be there. While she seemed defeated from the moment she walked into the boardroom last night, she tried to defend herself when she quoted her mother: "I may not be the wealthiest woman inthe room, I may not be the smartest or prettiest, but no one will out work me. And this whole process I've outworked and committed myself." Donald says that this firing was easy and obvious, because Omarosa's team was so badly creamed. In Omarosa's exit interview, she brought out another quote from her repertoire and left us with this message: "No man is your friend, no man is your foe, but every man is your teacher. Peace!" And then she threw up double peace signs — pure Omarosa-ness. The promo for next week's episode celebrates that it’s Omarosa-free, complete with the Hallelujah chorus. Will you be singing Hallelujah, too?Photo courtesy of NBC

Celebrity Apprentice: Will You Be Singing Hallelujah Without Omarosa?

Yes, Hallelujah! The show will be so much better now.

No, Oma added great entertainment value to the show.

Omarosa never mattered to me, so I don't care that she's gone.

There's more to say about Omarosa. See my comments below.

Celebrity Apprentice: Which Topless Ad Was Better?

SavvySugar — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 13:07:00 -0800

The teams on The Celebrity Apprentice were challenged last night to create advertisement layouts for Dial Nourishing Yogurt Body Wash, and the winning team's ad would run in Redbook magazine. Hydra decided to reach out to Redbook’s core readership of women between the ages of 30 and 37, while Empresario zoned in on the executive's clue that the magazine's readers are crazy about country music. It wouldn't be a soap commercial if it didn't show some skin, and members from both teams went for the gusto. Carol Alt was the model for Hydra (covered in sheets, of course) and Trace Adkins posed with his cowboy hat and guitar along with a topless model for Empresario. The Redbook and Dial executives chose Hydra's layout as the winner. It seems like an obvious choice — similar to ads we've seen before — but the male model biting Carol's shoulder makes it more edgy than your standard soap advertisement. On the other hand, Empresario's ad would get readers' attention with the hot desert scene and country appeal. Which advertisement do you prefer?

Celebrity Apprentice: Which Topless Ad Was Better?

Hydra's ad — it has broad appeal and Carol looks gorgeous.

Empresario — it's creative and an unexpected soap ad.

I have something to add about last night's episode. See my comments below.

Celebrity Apprentice: Was the Right Candidate Fired?

SavvySugar — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 11:02:28 -0800

Last night's episode of The Celebrity Apprentice was more of the same old, same old: Piers was condescending, Omarosa used "son" at the end of her sentences, Stephen Baldwin was bossy, Lennox seemed a little sedated (still love him though), Carol barely spoke, and Trace was the charming hero. So what was different about last night's QVC challenge? Well, Marilu seemed a little kooky, no? I know her nerves just got the best of her, but it was strange to see her not in total control — her act is usually so polished and together. It's true that Hydra lost because of Marilu — not only was she the project manager, but she was also the star of the QVC spot, too. However, Carol worked for QVC and didn't even bring up the important information about easy pay and that really could have helped her team. For one reason or another (friendship? respect?) Marilu didn't bring Carol back to the boardroom to face the Trumps. So what I want to know is: Should Donald have fired Marilu for being an unsuccessful project manager, or should Lennox have been fired for sleeping and not contributing much to the challenge?Photos courtesty of NBC

Celebrity Apprentice: Was the Right Candidate Fired?

Marilu — she was in charge and it all comes down to the PM.

Lennox — sleepy does nothing for success.

Someone else. See my comments below.

Celebrity Apprentice: Did Trump Do the Right Thing?

SavvySugar — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 13:57:53 -0800

The only thing that saved me from turning off the TV during last night's episode of The Celebrity Apprentice was that the challenge took place in Central Park. I love Central Park more than I hated listening to Omarosa and Piers Morgan go at each other's throats, as if they were contestants on Tila Tequila's A Shot at Love. Insults were thrown around for the episode's entirety, like Piers telling Omarosa she's "a disgusting little tramp" and Omarosa constantly berating Piers as a father and telling him, "I ain't goin' nowhere son!" It was kind of insane.I don't want to spoil the episode in case you're planning on watching it this weekend, but I want to know your thoughts on how the firing was handled. So tell me, did Donald make the right choice in the end?Photo courtesy of NBC

Celebrity Apprentice: Did Trump Do the Right Thing?

Yes, he made the right choice.

No, he should have broken the show's rules to fire the right person.

Other. See my comments below.

Celebrity Apprentice: Who Should Have Been Fired?

SavvySugar — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 12:51:55 -0800

While last night's episode of The Celebrity Apprentice wasn't nearly as dramatic as last week, I liked the challenge this week and now that the group is smaller things are definitely tense among the candidates. Omarosa brought Nely Galan and Marilu Henner back to the boardroom, though I think Donald wouldn't consider firing Marilu unless she made a big, obvious mistake. The Trumps admitted in the past that she's Empresario's only hope. Usually the final boardroom scene is the most suspenseful moment in the show, aside from finding out which team wins. This week, however, my attention dwindled at the end because I don't think Nely or Omarosa does anything that positive for their team. In the end, Donald fired Nely because she didn't show off her skills as a producer and she should have been fired in past challenges. Photos courtesy of NBC

Celebrity Apprentice: Who Should Have Been Fired?

Nely was the right choice. She got lucky twice before and it was her time to go.

Omarosa. Her concept for the challenge wasn't what Vera Wang wanted.

Someone else. See my comments below.

Celebrity Apprentice: Was the Right Guy Fired?

SavvySugar — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 11:56:23 -0800

Last night's two-hour episode of The Celebrity Apprentice was the most intense one yet and showed how much the candidates really care about winning. We learned that sabotage can be a good thing — only if it's done correctly. It seems that Piers Morgan was at fault for suggesting that Vinnie Pastore should spy on the women, but Vinnie kind of fell apart when he told everyone he was a double agent. Both of the guys were getting under my skin last night. Do you think Donald Trump should have accepted Vinnie's resignation, or should he have fired Piers and kept Vinnie on the show? Photos courtesy of NBC

Celebrity Apprentice: Was the Right Guy Fired?

Vinnie cracked last night, not to mention he was a rat. It was the right choice.

Piers is manipulative and insulting. He should have been fired.

Other. See my comments below.

Celebrity Apprentice: A Knight on Broadway

SavvySugar — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 13:47:54 -0800

To my surprise, I was entertained by last night's episode of Celebrity Apprentice even though Gene Simmons wasn't part of it. Phew! I thought the show would go down the tubes without witty Gene, but a couple of people stepped up their game. Or maybe the edits were so skewed to feature Gene in past episodes that we missed out on traits like Stephen Baldwin's manic giggle?

The challenge last night was to sell Broadway tickets to four shows to raise money for, of course, charity. The guest judge was none other than Vince McMahon, and Marilu Henner admitted to the camera that she thought Vince was cute. Funny, I wouldn't have pinned him as her type. Vinnie Pastore was the project manager for Hydra and Marilu was Empresario's project manager.

Empresario's record was 0-3 so they were extra motivated for this challenge. The women were all business and Nely Galan went as far as saying that her black book was better than Gene's because she had Latinos. Is it just me or does it always seem like her lipstick is freshly applied?

Everyone calls their rich friends and the candidates seem really into the challenge. David Hyde Pierce shows up to help Empresario promote the show for which he won a Tony, Nely's connections donate $5,000, Trace Adkins calles a woman that he met last week and she donates $5,000, and in a nail-biting finish two flight attendants from Virgin bring Piers Morgan a check for $10,000. Bob Sagat pays a visit to Hydra but doesn't say anything crass. Bummer.

To see a video of Piers in a special outfit and the spoiler just

Celebrity Apprentice: Mr. Outside the Box

SavvySugar — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 13:58:42 -0800

Last night's episode of The Celebrity Apprentice was only entertaining because of Gene Simmons's out-there commentary. Oh, and of course the major shock of who Donald fired. I'll still be tuning in each week, but the challenge last night was a total let down after the last two episodes. In order to enjoy a reality show where the contestants have nothing to really gain or lose, the challenges need to be interesting enough for me to really care about the show.

The challenge this week was a marketing campaign for Kodak and the contestants were judged on originality, brand messaging, and profit. Jim Cramer was the guest judge, Boo Ya!
Donald gave Gene Simmons the option of being the project manager for Empresario and he, of course, took it. Gene told his new team that he's a "benevolent dictator" and the camera that he's "the king of all women." Tito Ortiz took responsibility to lead team Hydra.
Gene declared himself "Mr. Outside the Box" and didn't feel the need to meet with the Kodak executives so he just sent Nely Galan and Carol Alt. Nely interrupted the executives every two seconds. Meanwhile, Hydra met with Kodak and got their message of "affordable ink" perfectly.
The men had a photo shoot for their "knockout deal" campaign featuring Tito and Lennox Lewis. Stephen Baldwin walked and walked all over the boardroom taking pictures from above, and coffee spilled on their laptop holding all the artwork when everyone gets off the table.

To see a video and the spoiler, just

Was the Right Celebrity Fired This Week?

SavvySugar — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 15:37:33 -0800

Donald Trump told Nadia Comaneci that she was fired this week. But was she the right candidate to go? Photos courtesy of NBC

Was the Right Celebrity Fired This Week?

Yes. Her competitive spirit was totally lacking.

No. Nely was in charge and should have taken the heat for losing.

Someone else. See my comments below.

Celebrity Apprentice: Going to the Dogs

SavvySugar — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 12:45:13 -0800

The second episode of The Celebrity Apprentice was as full of celeb sass and smack talking as the first one, and I'm officially a follower. Instead of dishing out hot dogs like they did last week, the candidates were challenged to create a 30-second community service TV spot using actual dogs. The commercial will be aired during Pedigree's Adoption Drive and Terry London, head of marketing at Macy's, will be helping the Trumps decide which celeb is fired this week.

Donald makes the teams decide the project manager on the spot. Empresario (women's team) chooses Nely Galan to produce their spot and Hydra (men's team) chooses Gene Simmons because of his marketing skills. Gene says of himself, "I'm ruthless. I'll fire anybody. I'll fire Donald Trump." He seems to really get a kick out of himself. The two project managers couldn't be more different from one another. Nely tries to get everyone focused from within when she says, "Imagine white light coming in and now imagine that white light leaving you." Um, what?

The women speak with the client (Pedigree) while the men opt to save time by going with their instincts. Ivanka pays team Hydra a visit and Gene hurts her feelings when he tells her that she's interrupting them. Then, he suggests that she'll go tell the women what the men are up to simply because she's female. He eventually apologizes to Ivanka in the boardroom and even removes his sunglasses to do so, and Omarosa tries to make him look worse by suggesting that he insulted Ivanka's integrity.

To see a video of both commercials and find out who was fired, just

Celebrity Apprentice: "Selling Hot Dogs"

SavvySugar — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 14:05:50 -0800

In last night's episode of The Celebrity Apprentice, Donald Trump showed us he's still the same tough businessman he's always been — except am I the only one who thought he looked abnormally broad, like he was wearing extra shoulder pads? I think the old Apprentice got a surge of new life with its celebrity twist. Maybe it's because my expectations weren't too high for the first episode, but I was thoroughly entertained the entire hour. It probably doesn't hurt that I love fierce competition!

The episode opens with Donald informing the celebrities that they're all "commodities" and should use their "personal brand" to help them. While you and me aren't celebs with recognizable faces and reputations, we should always be working on our own brand. These are the qualities that you essentially sell to an interviewer to set you apart from the rest. Those are my two cents — now back to the drama!

The fourteen celebrity candidates are split into teams based on gender, which I think really heightens the competitive spirit. Omarosa volunteers to be the project manager for the women (team Empresario) and Stephen Baldwin steps up for the men (team Hydra). Immediately we're faced with striking differences in the teams' approaches — Nely Galan announces that she's brought matching hats for the team to symbolize unity, while the men are busy researching if the mythological Hydra had seven or three heads. I have to say, the hats have a huge lame factor.

To find out what celebrity is fired first and to see a video of the hot-dog vending madness

Savvy TV: Celebrity Apprentice Debuts Tonight

SavvySugar — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 15:47:29 -0800

NBC is obviously showing off its business sense by kicking off the network's new reality series earlier than planned. With so many of the regularly scheduled shows cooling on the back burner until the strike is over, reality TV will rule the airwaves in the new year.

Tonight's first episode of The Celebrity Apprentice brings together 14 celebrities who seem to have only their fame in common. The actors, athletes, and musicians are challenged with oh-so-curious street meat in their initial challenge. As hot dog vendors, the "candidates" rally to earn the most money (for charity) and don't hesitate to use their fame to their advantage.

If you're wondering who I think has a chance,