This year, comedy and sustainability are having their way with the typical famous-family reality program. I'm not a fan of the Jessica Simpson, Hulk Hogan, Kim Kardashian fueled reality shows that so frequently end in divorce and extreme bouts of "TMO" (too much information.) But Equator HD, “…the high-definition channel that seeks out the captivating sights, sounds and storied of the world’s most interesting people and places,” has given me some hope for celebrity family driven programs with the production of their original series, "Mario's Green House."
                      
The show follows the family of Mario Van Peebles (well known for his role as Malcolm X in 2001's Ali and the TV drama Damages) as they embrace a green lifestyle and begin a huge eco-renovation of their Hollywood Hills home. Peebles will be equipped with a personal HD camera to capture his personal thoughts on Hollywood, fatherhood and going green, while a camera crew films the entire process.

The father of five energetic children is hoping to teach viewers that they can alter their lifestyles in hopes of a brighter and greener future. His famous 70's filmmaker father, Melvin Van Peebles and longtime friend Ed Begley will join the show for various episodes to spice things up. The Peebles do not have a cult following like other celebrity-families, which allows for an interesting look at the other side of Hollywood - the humble.
As the Peebles work to make their home eco-friendly, they'll also adopt sustainable behaviors in everyday life. The kids (some who are really teenagers) may whine and cry and Mario's acting/directing/writing career may get hectic but in the end I'm thinking we're going to see a pretty amazing project as it unfolds before our eyes in an 8-episode, unscripted program.

                                  
Executive producer of Equator HD, Ali Hossaini said, “We are excited to bring audiences a program that inspires and eco-friendly, green lifestyle.”

There are sure to be eco-friendly promotional items for the program as its premiere day draws nearer. I'm sure a garden will be involved in the greenification of the Peebles Hollywood home which would make attractive and cool plantable paper a fun eco-friendly giveaway. Whatever promotional products they choose, I'll be rooting for this show.

Being that this is a television blog, I think it's important to talk about a very disturbing television update. A VH1 television show, Megan wants a Millionaire," has been cancelled after only three episodes because a contestant who ended up as a finalist, murdered his ex-wife and took his own life. While this act in general is absolutely sinful and a shame for the families involved, this has revealed another ugly truth.

Reality television is awful. Now I know I watch it, so sure, I'm a part of why it’s awful but I’m going to have to point some fingers. It's very clear now, that when screening people to be on these reality shows, producers and casting directors are looking for the mess-ups. The grown guy living in his parent’s basement. The girl who cries and screams at the drop of a hat. The instigators, the down-and-outs, the abusers.

On the last season of Daisy of Love it was revealed that certain gentlemen had been arrested. On the reality show, Charm school, a girl who also appeared on Rock of Love made it publicly known that she was going to jail after the show unless she won the money. We watched as she left in a car to the court and heard her talk about how she got herself there because of violence.

Now for shows like Celebrity rehab, having these people is alright. They're being monitor ed and given therapy to work on their problems. But when Ryan Jenkins was cast on Megan wants a Millionaire, they apparently looked over the fact that he has a record- 15 months of probation after hitting a past girlfriend in Canada. Why would a show trying to match-make a couple put an abuser on the show? Ratings? Chance of extra drama? Because they have no conscious?

                                        

Who knows? But it's certain that producers need to be pickier in their choosing. Two reality series on VH1, Megan wants a Millionaire and I Love Money 3 are being cancelled now because Jenkins appeared on them. Promoting a television show with crazy drama is one way to get viewers, but why don't we stick to the basics - promotional products. There are promotional keychains that can advertise an upcoming show, instead of ex-cons.

In the latest episode of A Real Chance of Love, the boys did their own little version of Trick or Treating. minus the promotional Halloween products. The goodies? No promotional keychains and not even a chocolate bar. What instead? The 16 remaining women of a Real Chance of Love.

One by one the girls rang the doorbell and tried to "sell themselves." To some, like White Baller, this came naturally. The pretty girl did a variation of gymnastic moves including an, "I can literally bend over backwards for you guys," upside down stretch. It won her a date with the guys. And she later scored some lip time after explaining her independent self to Chance. Treat.

Lady ding-donged and rapped while hulla-hooping. Not impressive enough. She then told Real that she used to date women. That however, did impress him. Trick.

Wiggly, wiggles, wig-wag. The poor thing. She wrote Real a letter, an epic letter (in size not content) and actually put the "sensitive" guy to bed reading it. She later put on a bikini and made for two of the most awkward reality television moments I've ever witnessed. There's no damn chemistry there. Nada. Seriously send this weirdo home already. Trick.

Sassy really ding-donged. The girl walked in the door in a tight black dress and with a whip in hand. "Hello nice to meet you, wanna’ role play?" I'm not sure if I'd go about business that way, but the spanking did win her a date. Treat.

A bunch of the other ladies did an unimpressive job of selling themselves. P.S. brought ties to tie around the guys. Why don't you get a job at Sears, babe. Trick. Apple read a haiku that didn't mean anything special to me or either of the Stallionaires. And Hot Wings threw the guys a football. A noble effort at showing them she's more then just a Hooters girl. Cute- but not exciting. Trick. Trick.

Pocahontas didn't joke around. She played the God card right away. "I prayed that Got would send me a godly man." Did you also pray to get some exposure on this sleazy television show? If so, I guess your prayers are being answered. She made Real rosary beads and won a date. Treat.

Spanish Fly is another one that's used to selling herself. And oh did these boys buy her. The nude calendar that she gave them created a soft spot in their hearts and an invitation to hangout later on the winners date. Treat.

Doll. Doll. Doll. This sweet lady put on a dress. Really, that was about it. But I'd say she's a treat! The guys didn't invite her on the date though. Trick.

Mamacita and her Mexican self decided that a bottle of Tequila and some shot glasses would be a good time. Unfortunately she didn't go to waitressing school and dropped the shot glasses just as the guys told her to come in. Epic FAIL. She then gets a little one on one time where when asked if she’s here for them or for television opportunities, says, "All of the above. Epic-er FAIL. This girls on the chopping block. Salsa anyone? Trick.

                    

All of the girls were then invited to a prom since Real and Chance never made it to their own. The catch? If you weren't one of the winners your prom was at the house and your wardrobe was 80s glam. The winners? They got a romantic getaway prom in lovely gowns. There was food and dancing and to be honest, it looked like that group of seven was having a blast. It was a genuine goodtime kind of vibe that gave me some hope for this show.

In the end, the two girls that disappointed most this week were weirdo Wiggly and Mamacita. Happy for me, the boys made the right choice and kept one of my top 5 picks. Mamacita has another Real, Chance of Love, but Wiggly had to shake it out the door. If she could do it all over again? 

"I would probably definitely been up their ass and been like yo, here. I’m here, I’m here, I’m here, and try to make a connection," she said in her exit interview. Wow. Because that looooong profession of your obsessive love for Real and that thong bikini visit to his room later wasn't "Up his ass" enough.

Someone has got to start making promotional bags with these crazy lady’s quotes. They’re ridiculous and I’d wear them proudly. Til’ next time. Mondays @ 9 on VH1.

                                  

Bye, Bye Wiggles.

Only a week after my VH1 awfully good reality  binge ended...I must begin it again. While Charm School and Daisy of Love have ended, the wonderful people at VH1 have prepared for me, a lovely feast of painted on faces, big attitudes and even bigger butts. No I'm not talking about the Stallionares, Real and Chance, I'm talking about the 20 women competing for these bad boy’s love. Do we have any promotional goblets? Custom pimp glasses? Some of our promotional drinkware is close enough, so raise your glass and let's toast to a season of cat fights, sloppy kisses and ultimately an extended one-night-stand for these reality stars.

The hour long show had to pack the first night including an elimination into one hour. The guys came out on some sporty wheels and were dressed as if they'd raided a Broadway dressing room, with the lights out, during an earthquake while drunk. But as for the women, I can't say much better about most of them. Nicknames were given in the typical ceremony and quickly drinks were poured. Well really, first drinks were poured (how else are they going to make these 20 women entertaining?)

The claws came out within the first few hours in the house when our friend, Pumpkin, no not the girl that spit on New York, this is a more aspiring reality "star." Her nickname, "Show Me," was exactly what her illuminated orange skin would do in the case of a black out emergency. "Ladies and gentlemen, please do not panic. Follow "Show Me" through the corridor and she will guide you to the nearest exit." Well this one has a mouth, as did the fake crier, "Vegas." The less ghetto of the two, Vegas decided to make the first night all about trash talking the girls, so she got her face punched in by the more ghetto "Show Me." Bye, bye girls. They were both
eliminated right away. Real and Chance were not impressed.

          

As the night progressed I chose my top five contenders. This season the guys aren't separating the girls into, "Real" girls and "Chance" girls...therefore, neither will I.

Hot Wings: This Hooters girl caught the eye of both guys immediately. She’s fun and fresh and admits to being sometimes spoiled...and I think Real and Chance are both interested in spoiling her. Hold the blue cheese, please.

Pocahontas: Because it's one of my favorite Disney movies. Well, that AND she's a fox. The girl admits to being quite the player and even cheating on multiple boyfriends. This isn't Real Chance of Monogamous Love, though. So I think the boys will have fun fighting over this one.

P.S.: This girl stands out to me as a fun, sweet chick with a kick ass edge. She's already been in a relationship with an NFL bad boy, so why not Real or Chance next? 

Mamaciiiiiiiita: This girl’s right from Mexico and just looking at her makes me want to drink a Margarita and lay in the sun. She's an energetic one that's got a cute accent and unlike many of the girls there, she can apply make-up without looking like a hooker.

Blonde Baller: The guys had a liking to the blondie’s last season, and this one's got the personality I can see with Real or Chance. She likes being one of the guys and the laidback brother's can definitely fit that into their schedule.

So with those girls being my picks I'll tell you the other two that were eliminated last night and I'll give them each a promotional product gift to say goodbye and wish them well.

Ribbons: Chance repeatedly asked this poor girl if she was in fact a girl. I guess she came on a bit to "strong." Her almost obsessive efforts got her booted but because she did try very hard, I present to her a custom auto ribbon magnet. She can have it imprinted with her XY chromosome count and shove it in Chance's face. "I am a girl!"

Freckles: I'd first like to say that when the boys had to name her they compared her to the infamous Star Wars character Chewbacca. They wanted to name her "Chewy." Wow, that one had me going. I'd say she looks more like Mufasa, but that's a compliment that was one amazing lion. Real and Chance decided that calling her that wasn't very polite and decided on the generic "Freckles." Well Freckles, Mufasa, Chewy, whoever you are...it's time to go home now. (Insert Chewbacca’s cry here.) I'm going to present to her a great promotional keychain. Now she can attach the key to the Millennium Flacon so that with the accompaniment of Han Solo, they can blast off into an alternate reality world.

-Until next time, enjoy the sleaze Mondays @ 9p.m. on VH1.

Throughout the show I was disappointed with Daisy's ridiculous decisions just as often as I was excited by the VH1 promotional products placed in view of the cameras.

Just like Rock of Love gear, you can now find Daisy of love promotional apparel asking, "Wanna' Pluck? No thanks. Though, I may have been interested in plucking the hairs from her head after she chose London last night on the finale. This guy wasn't even around for half of the show after he rejected her during an elimination ceremony saying that he couldn't do it. Apparently reality television isn't his thing. However, just in time for the countdown to the end, London decided he wanted to give Daisy another try.

Get our your custom imprinted wall calendars and lets make a Daisy and London fiery break up countdown. For next season, I'll definitely invest in some custom stress balls for every numb brained decision the Daisy lady makes. While it's trashy television, this cast made for some memorable moments. Watching all of the "macho-men" running scared in their underwear when a skunk got in the house was a highlight. And watching the skunk spray them was priceless.

5-South is the wing of a dormitory that is run by residential advisor, Marshall Adams and inhabited by eight other main characters and a slew of passersby. For two seasons Dorm Life was released every Monday into the web world. Though the webisodes only last between 5 and 15 minutes, each captures a different experience of college. It followed the freshmen (Actors/Creators who are all actually former UCLA students) through their first two semester of college.

                 
The humor has been compared to The Office, which is natural because its concept is very similar. However, Dorm Life is clearly geared towards younger fans. And I'll guarantee that after watching a few episodes you'll be reminded of the friends, not-so-much-friends and floor mates you once had. At the Dorm Life website you can find promotional apparel donning some catching sayings and funny quotes from the show. I'm definitely interested in seeing more promotional products and think that an imprinted wall calendar with images of the Dorm Life cast would be a fun way to get through each month away from the college life.

Though there is no news about a future for Dorm Life, (Will the character’s make it to their sophomore year?) it was the most watched show on the popular Hulu website. I see a bright future and career for the cast and hopefully many more laughs.