REALITY BYTES

Before you dismiss “Ice Road Truckers ” as some show that Weird Al Yankovic dreamed up for his UHF station, don’t pass up on this one yet. Ice Road Truckers has a real frozen bite that will sink into your bones and chill you out this coming summer; even in the 90+ degree heat, without any shade. “Ice Road Truckers” is not your average, tepid reality TV show at all. This series is very upfront and extremely real. If your career happens to be working with hungry sharks, without a net; Ice Road Truckers will still leave you shivering with viewer anticipation.

The History Channel is airing season 2 of their reality show, “Ice Road Truckers” this coming Sunday. If it is anything like last season’s run, this reality based show will give you an inside seat next to those cold as Ice truckers, that drive their loaded down rigs across the frozen tundra, to deliver essential supplies, to those that need to survive the frozen environment, and more.

Why would anyone risk hauling several tons of cargo, in a semi-truck across frozen lakes and rivers, putting themselves in constant perils? The money and the adventure.

Climate conditions on these wild treks, have to be just perfect, else these truckers lose everything; including their lives. These guys put it on the line every winter, doing the unthinkable, for a lot of money, putting everything at stake!

This Sunday evening, the History Channel kicks off season 2 of “Ice Road Truckers” with a recap of last season, to bring everyone up to date.

This video clip below, sums it all up.

So, what is the deal with these reality shows that are based on finding the right love match? Do they really work? Will we ever get to see good ole Flav walk into the sunset with his soul mate, or will he keep riding into the sunset with his broken down horse of a show,”Flavor of Love “?

How about Brett Michaels finding that guitar slinging goddess that will prove to be his match? Will he give up his reality show and quit sounding like a cheesy game show host? Sorry Brett, but whenever you hype your chosen date for the night, you sound like a broken record.

Brett loves to tell his adoring audience what it will take, for his chosen lady love to fit into his lifestyle. A woman that knows what it means to be hooked up with the rock star he is. Realistically, can any of these reality stars really find the right match on these shows of theirs? It is a competition where winning is everything and true love is steamrolled over for ratings.

I have to admit, I watch “Rock Of Love ” with my tongue firmly planted into my left cheek and would usually miss half the dialogue, from laughing at the show. Personally, I think Brett might be a nice guy. It’s hard to tell just how much this show’s producer, allows actual reality to take place without manipulating the final product. If there is one thing the contestants seems to have a problem with, it would be personal time with Brett. All of Brett’s girls whine about time.

This is a video clip of the “Rock of Love II” reunion show.

We are all tuning into these shows to watch the chosen star, meet that special someone from a group of hand picked contestants. At the end of the series, the prize is; they end up together? Guess what? We all need a reality check, because this is not what really happens; is it?

Are any of us surprised, when we later hear that these love connections fall apart? Why in the world would they stay together? If you are a guy, would you truly marry “New York” and expect anything that resembled reality; especially with that mom of hers in your face every single day? If you were the last woman standing, would you end “Flavor of Love” by actually getting married to that man? Enough said.

The producers of “Flavor of Love” must have seen a lot of dollar signs, when considering a spin off called, “I Love New York “.

These reality love connection shows are a hoot, no doubt. They are a big sandwich, with all of the juicy meat in the middle, where it counts. Watching the cat fights, watching the dog fights , watching all of those unscripted moments that the producers have absolutely no control over, when things begin to unravel. This is what makes these love connect shows worth tuning into.

As an industry, Brett Michaels only has a few more “Rocks of Love” that he can do, before he loses credibility with his adoring audience. This reality show would have been a lot more believable if someone like Eric Clapton was the star. At least we could listen to some better music and see a few more gold records on the walls.

These reality shows, with love as the prize have only flourished over the years. Right now, millions of vicarious viewers are tuning into “The Bachelorette ” on ABC. Her name is DeAnna Pappas and she is wholesome and hot as an apple pie can get.

A video clip from this season’s “The Bachelorette”, episode one. The guys show us what they have to offer DeAnna.

DeAnna got her heart broken into a million pieces on “The Bachelor” last season, when she fell in love, but was not picked by her man. Now it is her turn to break a few hearts. We all love to look at her and watch her, doing her lovely thing, This is a very big reason why she has her own show now. Viewer response to DeAnna is very high. The audience loved her on “The Bachelor” last year. Will we get to see this bachelorette fall in love with the man of her dreams, then sail off into ABC’s technicolor sunset, at the end of her show? I am a romantic at heart and counting on it!

“I DON’T WANNA CAUSE NO FUSS..Hey, hey the magic bus!”  [The Who] 

That’s right America! American Idol Tour is right around this calendar corner, kicking off in July. If you have not gotten your tickets for this monster event yet, then you better get it in gear and cough up some hard cash to a ticket scalper, or buy any available seating with your credit card. The bus is going to be easing down that road, straight for your town, real soon.

This is your only chance to see all of your Idol favorites from this past season, doing what they do the best; singing, dancing and entertaining you to the max! This year promises to be the best of any past season’s tour, with plenty of surprises and an audience of young girls squealing for “David”, at every city. Which David? Does it really matter? This is the event of the year!!

I listed the tour dates below. All you have to do is, get the tickets! This tour promises to be the biggest music, entertainment spectacular of 2008, don’t be left behind, or you will be left in the dust, without a paddle, or a pot to diss in! Those tickets are almost gone, so act now!

The Tour - 2008: Jul/ Aug/ Sep/ Dec
Event     Location     Date Asc
American Idols Live!     Jobing.com Arena
Glendale, AZ
July 1, 2008
Tuesday 7:00 pm
Find
American Idols Live!     San Diego Sports Arena
San Diego, CA
July 2, 2008
Wednesday 7:00 pm
Find
American Idols Live!     Save Mart Center
Fresno, CA
July 3, 2008
Thursday 7:00 pm
Find
American Idols Live!     Thomas & Mack Center
Las Vegas, NV
July 5, 2008
Saturday 7:00 pm
Find
American Idols Live!     Staples Center
Los Angeles, CA
July 7, 2008
Monday 7:00 pm
Find
American Idols Live!     HP Pavilion at San Jose
San Jose, CA
July 8, 2008
Tuesday 7:00 pm
Find
American Idols Live!     Arco Arena
Sacramento, CA
July 9, 2008
Wednesday 7:00 pm
Find
American Idols Live!     Rose Garden Arena
Portland, OR
July 11, 2008
Friday 7:00 pm
Find
American Idols Live!     Tacoma Dome
Tacoma, WA
July 12, 2008
Saturday 7:00 pm
Find
American Idols Live!     E Center
West Valley City, UT
July 14, 2008
Monday 7:00 pm
Find
American Idols Live!     E Center
West Valley City, UT
July 15, 2008
Tuesday TBA
Find
American Idols Live!     Scottrade Center
St. Louis, MO
July 18, 2008
Friday 7:00 pm
Find
American Idols Live!     Allstate Arena
Rosemont, IL
July 19, 2008
Saturday 7:00 pm
Find
American Idols Live!     Schottenstein Center
Columbus, OH
July 20, 2008
Sunday 7:00 pm
Find
American Idols Live!     Conseco Fieldhouse
Indianapolis, IN
July 22, 2008
Tuesday 7:00 pm
Find
American Idols Live!     U.S. Bank Arena
Cincinnati, OH
July 23, 2008
Wednesday 7:00 pm
Find
American Idols Live!     Joe Louis Arena
Detroit, MI
July 24, 2008
Thursday 7:00 pm
Find
American Idols Live!     Air Canada Centre
Toronto, ON
July 26, 2008
Saturday 7:00 pm
Find
American Idols Live!     Blue Cross Arena
Rochester, NY
July 27, 2008
Sunday 7:00 pm
Find
American Idols Live!     Mellon Arena
Pittsburgh, PA
July 29, 2008
Tuesday 7:00 pm
Find
American Idols Live!     Prudential Center
Newark, NJ
July 30, 2008
Wednesday 7:00 pm
Find
American Idols Live!     Prudential Center
Newark, NJ
July 31, 2008
Thursday 7:00 pm
Find
American Idols Live!     Boardwalk Hall
Atlantic City, NJ
August 2, 2008
Saturday 7:00 pm
Find
American Idols Live!     Nassau Coliseum
Uniondale, NY
August 4, 2008
Monday 7:00 pm
Find
American Idols Live!     Nassau Coliseum
Uniondale, NY
August 5, 2008
Tuesday 7:00 pm
Find
American Idols Live!     Times Union Center
Albany, NY
August 6, 2008
Wednesday 7:00 pm
Find
American Idols Live!     XL Center
Hartford, CT
August 8, 2008
Friday 7:00 pm
Find
American Idols Live!     DCU Center
Worcester, MA
August 9, 2008
Saturday 7:00 pm
Find
American Idols Live!     Verizon Wireless Arena NH
Manchester, NH
August 10, 2008
Sunday 7:00 pm
Find
American Idols Live!     1st Mariner Arena
Baltimore, MD
August 12, 2008
Tuesday 7:00 pm
Find
American Idols Live!     Wachovia Center
Philadelphia, PA
August 13, 2008
Wednesday 7:00 pm
Find
American Idols Live!     Verizon Center
Washington D.C.
August 14, 2008
Thursday 7:00 pm
Find
American Idols Live!     Rupp Arena
Lexington, KY
August 16, 2008
Saturday 7:00 pm
Find
American Idols Live!     Time Warner Cable Arena
Charlotte, NC
August 17, 2008
Sunday 7:00 pm
Find
American Idols Live!     Arena at Gwinnett Center
Duluth, GA
August 18, 2008
Monday 7:00 pm
Find
American Idols Live!     Gwinnett Convention Center
Duluth, GA
August 18, 2008
Monday 7:00 pm
Find
American Idols Live!     BankAtlantic Center
Sunrise, FL
August 20, 2008
Wednesday 7:00 pm
Find
American Idols Live!     St Pete Times Forum (Ice Palace)
Tampa, FL
August 21, 2008
Thursday 7:00 pm
Find
American Idols Live!     Toyota Center
Houston, TX
August 24, 2008
Sunday 7:00 pm
Find
American Idols Live!     American Airlines Center
Dallas, TX
August 25, 2008
Monday 7:00 pm
Find
American Idols Live!     CenturyTel Center
Bossier City, LA
August 26, 2008
Tuesday 7:00 pm
Find
American Idols Live!     Ford Center
Oklahoma City, OK
August 28, 2008
Thursday 7:00 pm
Find
American Idols Live!     Sprint Center
Kansas City, MO
August 29, 2008
Friday 7:00 pm
Find
American Idols Live!     Sprint Center
Kansas City, MO
August 30, 2008
Saturday 7:00 pm
Find
American Idols Live!     Target Center
Minneapolis, MN
August 31, 2008
Sunday 7:00 pm
Find
American Idols Live!     Resch Center
Green Bay, WI
September 2, 2008
Tuesday 7:00 pm
Find
American Idols Live!     Van Andel Arena
Grand Rapids, MI
September 3, 2008
Wednesday 7:00 pm
Find
American Idols Live!     Wolstein Center
Cleveland, OH
September 4, 2008
Thursday 7:00 pm
Find
American Idols Live!     Arena at Harbor Yard
Bridgeport, CT
September 6, 2008
Saturday 7:00 pm
Find
American Idols Live!     Dunkin Donuts Center
Providence, RI
September 7, 2008
Sunday 7:00 pm
Find
American Idols Live!     Wachovia Arena
Wilkes-Barre, PA
September 8, 2008
Monday 7:00 pm
Find
American Idols Live!     Allen County Memorial Coliseum
Fort Wayne, IN
September 10, 2008
Wednesday 7:00 pm
Find
American Idols Live!     Roberts Stadium
Evansville, IN
September 11, 2008
Thursday 7:00 pm
Find
American Idols Live!     Bank of Oklahoma Center
Tulsa, OK
September 13, 2008
Saturday 7:00 pm
Find
Idols in concert!     Bergen Performing Arts Center
Englewood, NJ
December 5, 2008
Friday 8:00 pm
Find
Idols in Concert For the Holidays     Genesee Theatre
Waukegan, IL
December 21, 2008
Sunday TBA

Although it is too late to apply for Idol Camp this year, it is not too soon to begin planning this out for next year’s blowout. At the very least, this article will give you a fair idea of what is being sang around the campfire for this years campers to learn and rehearse, for up and coming American Idol auditions.

If you have kids that are aspiring to be a part of the entertainment business, Idol Camp is certainly a unique concept that gives your children a real edge.

A few of the campers giving a hip-hop demonstration for the camp audience of 2007

Making a few solid connections in the entertainment field is only one large perk for attending Idol Camp. Campers also learn about biz from the experts, hob knob with past American Idol contestants from past seasons and have a very cool time; that they will never forget about.

The main requirements for this years campers were to have a true passion for the performing arts , as well as having a high motivation to grow within this field. The camp only accepted residents of the United States, between the ages of 10 - 15 years of age. Tuition fees were almost three thousand dollars per applicant, for a two week session. All entrants had to have medical insurance coverage, in case of accidents, etc.

Camp Idol claims no preferential treatment for camp alumni, if they should ever attend American Idol auditions for upcoming seasons. I can’t help but wonder, if my kids attended camp, then went to an open audition for American Idol; would it hurt anything, to let the right people know they went to camp, at the audition?
I thought it was pretty decent of Idol Camp to offer a few scholarships to those kids that wanted to go, but could not afford too. This camp is also very politically correct about encouraging a diverse cross section of America to apply for admission.

The camps sessions are five throughout the summer, limited to 400 campers per session. This year, the camp is being held in Running Springs , CA, which is about a 90 minute drive from Los Angeles, Orange and San Diego counties.

Jimmy Kimmel’s spoof of last year’s Idol Camp

The daily Idol Camp schedule will be:

8:00 Wake Up - get outta bed, drag a comb across your head
8:15 Morning exercises and announcements
8:45 Breakfast - Continental variety
9:30 Morning classes
12:45 Lunch
1:30 Open Mic - Unscripted, scripted and general mayhem
3:00 Afternoon class
4:30 Afternoon fun elective
5:30 Rest Hour /Nap time/ Shower hour
6:45 Dinner - First come, first serve
7:45 Evening Activity / Special Event and celebrity guests
9:45 Get ready for bed
10:00 Lights out

From all reports, last years Idol Camp was an overwhelming success, with many of the alumni trying to get into this years line-up. If you were lucky enough to be at the camp last year, they sent you an application for this years enrollment.

On the heals of this year’s American Idol wrap up, most of us think the season has ended, but there is really no end in sight for this Idol industry. There is the “American Idol Tour”, that will be kicking into high gear this July. Then there is the “Idol Camp”.

Hold onto yourself, or have someone else hold onto your sanity for a moment, because this is going to get weird/strange; in a crazy sort of way. Yes, it’s really true, American Idol has “Idol Camp”. It premiered last year and no one bothered to tell me about it, until now! I can’t apply anyway, because I’m not in the required age bracket. Besides, it is too late to apply for Idol Camp now for anyone. They stopped taking applications for this years camp on April 15th of 2008, for late acceptance applications. I had such high hopes for next year’s auditions too!

I think this is totally out there in “Reality- La,La Land”. To actually be able to attend a summer camp that American Idol made? How cool/crazy/demented is that? Well, I hope these happy campers that got accepted for this summer are stoked to the max!

Last year, the Idol Camp was held in Northfield, Mass. This year it’s taking place at Running Springs, CA. This camp was put together by the show’s producers. “Idol Camp” offers classes on singing, acting, dancing and script writing.

The camp has a great line-up of pros for the kids to learn from. Hand picked industry experts, along with American Idol alumni on hand, to teach all of the youngsters about the finer tips to becoming a better idol candidate. It’s rumored, this year they will have a special seminar called, “How to Get a Wink and Nod, from Simon Cowell”. Sorry, couldn’t help myself; just kidding about the Simon seminar.

Much of the musical entertainment will be provided by American Idol alumni from past episodes. Some of the past contestants might even be camp counselors, like last year. How cool is that! Imagine David Cook, being a counselor to a cabin of 14 year old girls!

Below are a few clips from last years musical line-up, that sang around the Idol campfire for all of the kids to learn from.

Here’s Ace Young from season 5 playing to a full camp.

Bucky Covington from season 5 made an appearance and had some sagely advice for the kids at camp.

This is a clip of Vonzell Soloman from season 4 of American Idol. She’s chatting it up with some of the camp regulars and singin her heart out for the cause.

Kimberley Locke, from season 2. Kim thinks the camp is a great thing. “Kids need something like this!”

As you can see from the clips, these past contestants seem to agree; Idol Camp is worth every penny the parents doled out, so their kids might have a shot at fame. But, “Idol Camp” is not just about fame or a career being a part of American Idol’s growing alumni. This camp is about the experience, that only a billion dollar industry can color with singing, hope, dreams; and maybe a word in the judges ears when these graduates show up for next years auditions.

Will these happy campers get voted on other talents, besides having a set of high-end vocal cords?

Tomorrow, I will have more information about how you or someone you love can spend a part of next summer at “Idol Camp” and beat those odds.

Those hills have a lot of eyes on Lauren Conrad these days. As the MTV hit show, “The Hills ” wrapped up this last season, we couldn’t help but notice that the real drama queen of this series is Lauren, herself. It is Lauren Conrad’s show. This hit reality show would not be what it is, without her in it, leading the way. By now, everyone on “The Hills” that has anything to say about Lauren’s flagrant manipulation, pretty much sucks it in, moving in the direction where the camera is pointing; unless they want to be written out of the series.

Most would agree that Lauren herself is not a bad or nasty young woman. Yet, as time moves on in “The Hills”, it’s hard not to notice that Lauren is very much aware of the power she holds over her cast of characters. We have all seen to what extremes Heidi goes through every season to try and stay in the show. Lauren has done everything but tell the shows producers to write her out of the unscripted, script. Yet, Lauren can’t shake Heidi off of “The Hills”, until Heidi is ready to give it up and move on to her own show. Heidi Montag has become too popular a character to be dismissed.

This is a parody of “The Hills” the nice folks at Mad TV put together awhile ago. It’s an older video byte, but it hilariously captures the flavor of this show perfectly.

No one can deny the drawing power that “The Hills” has on viewers. This is one of MTV’s most popular reality shows, drawing millions of viewer’s eyes to those hills to see what will happen in LC’s world every week. Looks like season #4 is in the bag already, but we will not know what has happened until later this summer, when MTV airs this new series for us.

Here is the teaser for season #4 of “The Hills”.