CELEBRITY APPRENTICE 2- Nely Galan's Episode 10 Blog

I am so happy The Celebrity Apprentice has been picked up for another year. I learn so much from watching the show. I told Donald Trump after the show last year that there should be a Celebrity Apprentice boot camp for professionals. It is important to look at the skills and traits that have gotten you to where you are and address if they are still working for you.

When you watch The Celebrity Apprentice it is often clear and painful to see successful people who are stuck in patterns. They have never had the opportunity to stop and realize that there is time to change. There is time to do things differently and grow into the person you were always meant to be, even if you are a Celebrity. Reinvention is a beautiful thing!

I believe that is the theme of this episode.

The task to write a jingle had Clint Black as the obvious project manager and most likely to win contestant.

I felt sick to my stomach for Annie and Brande, putting myself in their shoes, and understanding the extreme difficulty of this task. Yet they came from behind, (clearly underestimated by themselves and others) and yet they won the race. Or maybe it is better put that Clint lost the race and they won by default. No matter- they won.

I find that this often happens in life. It has happened to me so many times. Sometimes I am so cocky and sure of success and then I lose. Other times when I feel like I don't deserve to win or I am unsure, I win in spite of myself. Even more complicated is that sometimes when I try hard and win, in the end I lose because the win was bad for my life. I have also sometimes lost and been devastated and in the end it was the best thing that ever happened to me.

When Trump fired Clint Black, he said that he was grateful for the insight the show gave him about working with others, I thought, this guy is going to go home and change. He realized his behavior is no longer working for him, he needs to let it go. He shifted and when he has time to take it all in, I believe it will be extraordinary for him.

In terms of Annie, she is in every way extraordinary. I rooted for her to win and I was thrilled to see it happen. But, like Jesse the week before, she is not a good winner. She is so gifted she doesn't realize she doesn't have to say I ,I, I, I, so many times. She just is great, she doesn't have to remind us every second. It diminishes her greatness.

It is hard to watch that behavior for me. I realize how often I have done that. I think women have to constantly prove themselves in the work place that we learn to "toot our own horn" in order to be recognized. We create this bad habit of constantly telling you how good we are, always justifying why we deserve our seat at the table. Watching it on TV, I realize that it is unnecessary and unattractive. Note to self and to Annie.

Later when Trump took the final four (Jesse, Joan, Annie and Brande) and had Piers interview them for their eligibility for the final two spots, his insights were profound and exactly what we all have been thinking.

Do Brits just have a knack for this because they are not from the US and they don't care what we think? Both Simon Cowell and Piers have an innate ability of hitting the nail on the head. Piers was right about all.

He thought Brande was lucky and not winner material (although likable and smart).

He felt Jesse was smart and a good leader, but something is off. I agree. While I admire him for keeping his private life private, you can't go on the Celebrity Apprentice, clearly to get publicity for yourself and your charity, and not expect people to want you to pull out your "Celebrity Trump card"- Sandra Bullock. It's was missed opportunity- he had to go! Trump did the right thing!

I am beyond excited that it is between Joan and Annie. How great to see two formidable women going for gold. It is a true horse race. I believe Joan will bring out all her tricks and will do her best to beat Annie. The more I observe Joan the more I think she has been playing poker with Annie. I think she will surprise us all. Annie could win easily unless she gets cocky and underestimates her opponent.

I love them both and will be happy if either one of them win. But for today I am voting for the 75 year old. I think she gets the life achievement award. Yes she has weird quirks and inappropriate comments but in the race of life in every way she is a winner and a phoenix that always rises from the ashes. Joan Rivers has Celebrity Apprentice winner written all over her.

Can't wait hasta next week!
Nely

CELEBRITY APPRENTICE 2- Nely Galan's Episode 9 Blog

OMG! That was some of the best, and most uncomfortable television that I have ever seen. Where do I begin?

First of all: everybody is now acting crazy. Even the most normal among them (Jesse) is off his rocker. Clearly the sleep deprivation and hunger have them all at their breaking point.

The task at hand was a fun and creative one. When you are at home chilling out and watching the show, you think “NO SWEAT" figuring out a campaign for deodorant. However, when you are there in Trump’s boot camp, your brain just doesn't function properly.

Clint, once again, did a mediocre job. Surprisingly though, Jesse was the one that was out of line. He acted just as narcissistically as Clint, and maybe even worse. He was so obnoxious that I began to see the chinks in his "great guy" armor. Jesse definitely has ego issues too - he just tends to cover them up better than the others. I was actually happy to see Clint win - just to spite Jesse's behavior. Then when Clint won, Jesse wasn’t even gracious. I guess he's not such a mensch after all.

Jesse really missed the boat on something that Donald Trump taught me last year that I will never forget: "Don’t over deliver." He’s right. We all forget that oftentimes the clients that you are working for are not pioneering geniuses. They’re mainly employees caught up in the giant cogs of a corporation, which means that they are usually not great risk takers. And they don't need brilliance - they just need "good enough."

That was the case in this episode. Yes, KOTU's campaign was bad (Athena's was better conceptually, but wasn't executed as well) but KOTU's project was just "good enough" to win. Jesse needs to learn that lesson, too. The client is not an owner; they are a mid-level employee. Jesse should have chilled.

The girl's team displayed a very interesting dynamic: the "player," Annie, who is clearly only concerned with winning; Brande, who has wisely aligned herself with the winner; and Melissa, who is unbearably spoiled and entitled. (By the way, just for the record, I have heard that one-on-one Melissa is delightful, so who knows?) But in this game, I’ll have to say that I’m very glad that Trump finally had her fired.

Did you notice the note exchange between Trump and Cramer? I think Trump had a change of heart mid-boardroom and guess why? Money. Who would bring in the most money? He was right again.

But then how about that uncomfortable ending with Melissa storming out? And Joan insulting Brande and calling her a manipulated dumb blonde, and calling Annie a white trash poker player? And then running to Melissa's side saying that she's quitting the show! What a whole bag of crazy – you couldn’t have asked for anything more delicious. Beyond great TV! I replayed this scene several times in a row. Whew!!! I can't believe the whole exchange!

Okay, so here's my latest prediction - Joan will return. I know that sounds crazy, but in the end she's a consummate professional and isn’t a quitter. I believe/hope that she will come back to win, and leave her opponents in the dust. I’m savoring the possibility, and her competitors better not underestimate her. I have said it from the very beginning - I believe that Joan Rivers will take home the crown.

In a way, I can see why she and Melissa are so protective of each other. In Hollywood, you really can't trust anyone or anything - sometimes even your own family. The two of them have formed a life-long alliance and created a protective shield around each other. Trump has to respect that, as he is also very protective of his own children. I have to say, Ivanka shone again this week. She is one smart and poised cookie. The difference between her and other "kids of” is that she doesn't behave spoiled or entitled. Ivana did a good job with those kids.

I predict that Brande will be the next to go. Remember Carol Alt from last season? Often beauties are kept in the game for ratings (if they are good) but Brande doesn’t appear to be a true leader. Don’t get me wrong though – she is clearly very smart and not to be underestimated. However, I think it’s her time to be on the chopping block.

On a side note - I hated it when Brande compared her looks to Ivanka’s in order to make a point about her intelligence. It was “brown nosy” and discounted the other women in the room. They aren’t Playmates, but they are attractive, too. It's that beautiful girl entitlement/attitude that the rest of us can’t stand.

I believe that the “Final 4” will be Clint, the little engine that could; Jesse, the quiet force to be reckoned with (even though he is showing signs of cracking. If he’s to have a remote shot, he better pull his secret weapon, Sandra Bullock, out of his bag of tricks); Annie, the player; and Joan, whom I believe will win.

The one thing I have learned in life is to bet on experience and wisdom every time. It seems that these traits are no longer valued in our country; however, I believe that they make getting older all worthwhile.

Hasta next week,

Nely

CELEBRITY APPRENTICE 2- Nely Galan's Episode 8 Blog

Last week, my friend, Jim, e-mailed me after reading my blog. He corrected me for picking Natalie Gulbis as the next one I wanted to be fired. He felt I didn't give her credit for her true cunning.

He said she had tried one of the greatest strategies in Apprentice history - calling the enemy of her opponent, Annie Duke, to try to raise money against her.

Jim, you were right! It was potentially a great strategy. Only, however, if it had worked. Not only did it not work, but she wasted all of her time putting all of her eggs in that basket versus going after her own money. As predicted Natalie went bye bye... Big lesson - great ideas are important but execution is where it counts. I have had a million great ideas and strategies in my life that I haven't always been able to execute. That is the difference sometimes between good and great!

Natalie is out and we now know that Annie Duke is extraordinary - no matter who likes her or not. The lady can execute. She's the Piers Morgan of this season. Did you see her auction and raise money? I was impressed - made me want to go take poker lessons from her and I don't even gamble. Did you see all those men just throwing money at her? She's obviously made them all a lot of money. Wow! Impressive!

But can we talk about the craziness of this episode? I have been worried every week about Joan Rivers' well being. My worry was that she would start cracking with the lack of food and sleep.

By now you all know I utterly respect Joan and expect her to win - but the comments about Annie being like Hitler were completely out of line and unbelievable. The whole exchange was offensive.

As a Latina - I know the power of words and am always careful of how I use them.

How would Joan have reacted if Annie had compared her to Hitler? It would have been in every newspaper and Annie's career would be marred. It is not fair that in a "politically correct" environment, there is a double standard. No one should be compared to Hitler - and certainly not in the context of a TV game.

I can really understand why Annie never wants to speak to Joan again.

Joan, please calm down. This is yours to win - but go get some sleep and let Melissa be her own person - she can do it!

Melissa and Joan have a symbiotic relationship that probably works in the context of their family but isn't pleasant to watch and must be a nightmare to work with...

Wasn't that exchange in the board room, with Melissa defending Joan and the "inside" comments about how they had gone to mutual friends of Joan and Donald for money but had been rejected, weird? This episode had a lot of uncomfortable, weird moments.

Piers Morgan's appearance was great I wish he was on with Trump all the time. I appreciate him even more this season. When I was there, I liked him at first but then I thought he was too cutthroat.

I was wrong - he is clear, direct, focused and while it is not my style, I almost wish it could be. Everything he says in this episode about Joan, Melissa, Clint and the Trumps was right on the money and exactly what I was feeling and thinking.

He's The Apprentice's Simon Cowell.

When he cornered Jesse James about why, if he was married to Sandra Bullock, could he not raise more money? It was a very uncomfortable moment but it was what I had been thinking all season. Great TV moment!

Piers - right on!!!! Can you tell he was a tabloid publisher in England? He goes for the jugular.

The second hour of the show where they had to create a recipe was predictable and in the end fair. Herschel Walker should have gone, under the circumstances (although it is hard to watch Clint Black stay over that sweet Herschel just because he took responsibility and became the project manager - again). Herschel is, as Joan would say, "a mensch."

Okay here's my prediction - next to go... either Clint Black or Brande Roderick. Brande appears weaker and is acting more like a "fair weather friend" as the season continues. Did you notice how in the second half of the show, she was now trashing Annie? However, I would actually rather Clint go next - it's long overdue.

One last thing I have been wanting to mention for weeks but especially in this episode; Ivanka Trump is exceptional. I really think she is the star of the family. She is poised, intelligent, beautiful and talented, but as demonstrated in this episode she has strong boundaries and knows how to speak her mind - respectfully. I was very impressed with her when I was on the show, and my respect has only grown with time. She is a good seed.

GREAT episode! The show only gets better.

Hasta next week,

Nely

CELEBRITY APPRENTICE 2- Nely Galan's Episode 7 Blog

It’s hard to write about this episode - I felt cheated! Once we got to the boardroom it was evident that Brian McKnight was sick of it all, and just wanted to leave the show. (He admitted he had gone home for two days and didn't want to return.) Trump then did what he had to do. It made me mad - why did I have to go through the whole episode only to have Brian throw in the towel?

Frankly, KOTU was the superior team from the beginning of this episode, although I predict Natalie is the next to go. Their task was well executed – period! It also incorporated the Trump CELEBRITY APPRENTICE Lesson 101 - "USE YOUR TEAM'S CELEBRITY STATUS".

Athena was off in the clouds with Brian McKnight calling it in, and ultimately suffering the consequences. Their execution of the task was just plain bad.

Here's what I got out of this episode - a foreshadowing of things to come. Joan is becoming so cranky due to the lack of food and sleep creeping in, Melissa feels betrayed by Annie and Brande (who previously never liked each other) and is coming unglued, and Annie (as predicted) is playing good poker.

In the second hour of this episode, Trump announced a second task that required fundraising. This is very difficult in the current economy, even for celebrities. Annie appears to be the frontrunner, but the women’s claws are out! Joan hates Annie, Melissa hates Annie and Brande, and Annie acting as though she likes them all... NOT! Annie is playing poker again – unlikable, but a winning strategy.

The episode ended with a cliffhanger. The task has not been executed yet, and Piers Morgan (last year's winner) comes back to help Trump. I guarantee you he will make hamburger meat out of the contestants. Piers doesn't have the need to be liked, so he will be refreshingly honest.
I can’t wait to see his “inside" report to Trump.

Too bad we had to endure Brian McKnight wasting our time to get to next week. But, it will be worth it.

Hasta next week,

Nely

CELEBRITY APPRENTICE 2- Nely Galan's Episode 5 Blog

This was the best Celebrity Apprentice episode yet – a great task that was extremely difficult and challenging, and a show full of surprises.

The biggest surprise of all was my feelings for Dennis Rodman. When the episode ended I found myself tearing up, as I was truly saddened to see the downward spiral of a great talent who is in denial.

In the beginning, we saw the power that is Dennis - people are drawn to him like a magnet. He has it within himself to win at everything, but he can't sustain it for very long, and his false grandiosity becomes his enemy. It’s evident that his Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde personality is fueled by his addiction. Dennis is a lovable guy until he has had too much to drink and goes to a very dark place. At 6’-8”, it takes a lot of alcohol to get him to that state, but when he does it's ugly, uncomfortable and scary.

It was pretty difficult watching that very public intervention in the boardroom. I was very impressed that Trump didn't pussyfoot around the subject, and "tough loved" Dennis by firing him. In fact, all the celeb apprentices proved to be remarkably healthy displaying true concern and compassion. The most amazing of all was Jesse James, a self described, recovering alcoholic, who proved to be vulnerable, honest, loving and profound.

I can only hope that this confrontation helped Dennis bottom out, and pray that he went straight to rehab after the show. He would be a truly remarkable man if he can get sober.

As for the task at hand…

Tionne (T-Boz) - I was impressed with her quiet and powerful leadership. I had written her off in the past and I was wrong. She’s not a Type A personality (like myself) but in fact, an extremely organized Type B. I have to admit that I think that this type of personality works better in harnessing this crowd of high-strung Type A women. She's non-threatening, yet direct and organized.

The women’s team was extraordinary, with Joan Rivers stealing the show in the role of the “can do” concierge. She did an outstanding job, but I thought it funny that her only potential undoing in the task was the fact that she kept forgetting to tell the hotel guests how much everything cost. (That’s the only time where she gave away her star status. When do you think was the last time that Joan worried about paying for anything?) Joan has remarkable energy and an incredible work ethic, attitude, and insight. She’s a talented artist and a savvy business woman. I aspire to be her. She is both right brain and left brain smart – with a good dash of NYC street smarts thrown in for good measure. Joan has to win Celebrity Apprentice - she deserves it and no one else on the show is in her league.

Once again, Annie Duke was a standout. While Natalie Gulbis barely contained her disdain of the “keep the wait staff hopping” shenanigans of the revelers, Annie played her cards right and accommodated every ridiculous whim of the guests with a smile on her face, despite how humbling some of the requests must have been.

Natalie has proven that she's good at getting free planes and free gift baskets, but it appears that she’s not used to getting her hands dirty. Can she lead? That remains to be seen.

Thankfully Melissa remained in the background for most of the show – choosing to be a true team player and following T-Boz’s instructions, without all the histrionics of last week’s ugly feud with Claudia.

Khloe Kardasian was lazy and put little-to-no effort into the task... no surprise there. Please, put us all out of our misery and just leave the show.

As for the men, the core foursome of Jesse, Herschel, Clint and Brian did a spectacular job. They formed a cohesive unit that was strong, hard working and focused. Unfortunately we all know what happened and why the men lost. Dennis, please get help, and please get better!!! We are all rooting for you.

I love Celebrity Apprentice. I truly love it. I loved being on it and learned a lot about myself and others, and I’m learning even more this season.

Hasta next week,

Nely