06-Mar-06 The Apprentice 5 - Text to Win
The drama continues on this week’s episode of The Apprentice. Synergy Corp is not living up to its name - will Donald let them change it to Drama Corp? Can teddy bear Brent really be a threat to criminal defense attorney Stacey? Mike would have liked to call this segment “The bitch and the baby” and Marji would have called it “HR’s nightmare employees” You let us know what you think…
On this show we talk about the Gillette Fusion challenge and how both teams managed their tasks and their people (or didn’t) and then discuss the action in the boardroom.
We end the show by discussing three topics:
- Plan or Do? Lee or Lenny - which style is most effective.
- Brent - crazy or productive?
- People are Strange - should physical appearance define a person or should we ignore the physical aspects, get to know the person and then get to know his/her “vibe”?
Thank you to everyone for your insightful comments on last show - keep them coming for this show.
| Item |
Marjorie |
Michael |
| Win |
Gold Rush |
Gold Rush |
| Fired |
Brent |
Michael |
| Suck Up |
Lee |
Terek |
Thanks for listening - invite your friends and family to join the fun.
Podcast: tcAPPR060306.mp3
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Is it just me, or is Lee channeling Marty Feldman???
…i was wondering the same thing.
My kudos to Brent. Yes, he’s a bit quirky. However, his team has ganged up on him since day one. Every idea he has is shot down and then transformed slightly and used. Of course you never know how much is cut from our viewing. I don’t see anyone else stepping up to the plate the way he does. I hear more brainstorming coming from him then anyone else on the entire show. I too would be interested to hear how many votes came in for Synergy after he started with his silly dancing. Granted he is not my favorite Apprentice contestant but it seems like he is really putting himself out there and trying to make something work for his team while the others are just using him for a scapegoat.
And while I am giving kudos, Roxanne is awesome. She’s hired in my eyes. Honest, down to earth, get up and go. Of course the only job I have to offer is maid or nanny and I couldn’t pay her for either I guess it doesn’t matter who I would hire. But I like her.
Lee and Lenny - the perfect team. I really admire Lee for realizing his weakness and giving credit to Lenny. The NEW Lenny and Squiggy! If they could work together I think they could be successful as long as the communication doesn’t break down.
Terek is a bit of an ass. He thinks he is so great. I love that Gold Rush won with Lee as the leader since Terek didn’t think that Lee could handle it. Maybe they won because of Lenny but again, Lee was smart enough to not fight Lenny but realize that Lenny was right.
Don’t judge a book by it’s cover. My daughter has a shirt that says “Angel” but that doesn’t mean she is one (of course I am not saying she isn’t.) My favorite story is that of my husband. On our first meeting (blind date) he was wearing a jacket with a pizza company on it, he had a mullet, he was sporting a fu man chu moustache, and he was wearing a red and black flannel shirt like the kind my grandpa would wear hunting. That was the best date of my life! Conversation never flowed so well. Give a person a chance to prove themself.
Next week Gold Rush will win again. Trump will have had enough of Brent’s antics and he will be out the door.
Adios!
MARJI!!!! Shooter Mgavins without a wink……..What’s the point?
Hey guys,
Love the show. Thanks for turning me onto The Apprentice this season. I’ve have been a fan of your Armchair Survivor but this Is my first season of The Apprentice. We all think Shane (Survivor) is a nut case…. There are eighteen of them on this show. First off, If they are all so successful on there own why are they all acting like Donald’s little bitches. It’s not like if they get fired they will be homeless. I would rather be able to say, “this is what I have made for myself “ than have people think I’m one of Donald’s puppets and that’s were I made my millions.
I love how they all fall to pieces in the boardroom and start tattle tailing and pointing fingers. Talk about passing the buck! I was glad Brent did not go this week. He is definitely a mess but it was bullshit how they all ganged up on him. I think he could be productive if they would listen to him. If his ideas suck take a few minuets to explain why they don’t think that would work. Having a man in Time Square with shaving cream on was CRAAAAAAZY….HE-HE-HE….AH, But BathRobes, Now that is brilliant!!!! Isn’t that pretty much the same concept? Kind of like the Craaaazy hair cut idea last week and then they came up with the brilliant idea of manicures and messages. They are all so brilliant but they are not smart enough to realize they are using his ideas but with minor variations.
I was glad to see Stacy and Pepi go. Stacyhould have put more planning into the challenge and less time into plotting to get Brent fired. She should have realized that if he is that incompetent, he will get himself fired. Pepi really didn’t do anything at all. As a team leader I don’t think he took control of anything.
Gold Rush is own little train wreck! In the real world do you think Lenny could just get up and walk out of a meeting like that and just go off and do his own thing. Let alone take people with him. I think he probably saved their asses but if you are going to have a leader, For God’s sake LET HIM LEAD. I don’t feel Lee had any control over the team or the plan. They were the winners because their train wreck was not as big as Senergy’s not because they were any better!
Joannie: I think Brent will be around a bit longer — Mark Burnett factor AND Trump likes money. What’s it cost him to keep him or some other not-worthy there at this point in the game (and don’t say anything about Brent eating more because I’m fat and bloated).
John: I’d like to see more of what Lenny did in the real world. Some people can run a meeting to get things done and others can run it into the ground — but they “get to run a meeting”. Meetings are not about meetings — they are about communicating to get stuff done. Meetings to meet is like someone making phone conversations because they like the color of the buttons on the phone. I would normally say let him lead but in this case, as much as I like Lee, the meeting was over — it’s just that Lee didn’t stop talking.
And you are right, man – they do run around like their Donald’s little bitches. I like it better when the get further in the game and they stop the gratuitous “Mr. Trump”, “That’s an excellent idea Mr. Trump”, “You are omnisciently wise, Mr. Trump” “Your gas is like a fine Chablis today, Mr. Trump” (which is what I predict Terek will say next), “Your hair looks GREAT!, Mr Trump”.
Wow, I’m surprised by how critical you are of Pepi’s leadership and by how much credit you’re not giving him. I mean, it takes a lot of skill to lead a team into naptime and making sure they’ve all gotten their breakfast. Pepi’s just in the wrong line of work, is all.
But man, was this an eventful episode. Stacy’s behavior mystified me. Would it really have been THAT bad for her to let Brent speak his piece? Pepi would’ve then been able to shoot it down or at least say he’d consider it and the whole drama/eye rolling “threating” situation would’ve never happened.
I’m glad to see Bill again. I think you guys are right when you said that Bill quit; this season was probably filmed before he quit position with Trump. And while Ivanka is a suitable replacement and showed more personality in 20 minutes of screentime than Stewart’s daughter did in a whole season, I’d much rather see previous Apprenti fill the vacant slots. I mean, are Kelly, what’s-her-name from season 3 and Randal really that busy to the point that they can’t fill in every now and then?
And Michael, shame on you in that last paragraph for stealing all of Rebecca’s lines!
1. You just KNOW that Trump is only keeping Brent around because Brent has worse hair that the Donald. And the Don DIGS that!
I mean, come on, Brent… can’t you scrounge up a comb for the cameras, buddy? At the very least splurge for a dab of gel or something. Wow, that was some bad hairstylin’.
2. I haven’t formed favorites yet, as this early in the game, there are too many people sand-bagging it and trying to lay low under Trump’s radar. So after a few more shows, I’ll be able to form some solid likes and dislikes.
I do know that I worry about Lenny’s past with the Russian Mafia coming into play as he was close to “eliminating” Lee this time out. (This is all in my mind, of course, but - dangit - wouldn’t that be great TV!?!)
So, answer this: where’s all this Brent-love coming from? I mean, I don’t think he’s evil incarnate, but the dude is completely off kilter. He’s nuts. I wouldn’t want to work with him either. You can have a psychologically stable person who can also brainstorm.
Infomercial Trump: shameless promotion or a future career? Will Trump go George Foreman on us?
I really feel like Brent became the scapegoat and I would venture to say that it is because of his image.
I know that you can’t judge a book by its cover, however I’m not sure that applies to a big oaf like Brent. Don’t get me wrong, I like the guy. I feel like it is unfortunate, but he does not have “The Apprentice” image that I think The Don is looking for. I do agree that he will likely around for a while for the Mark Burnett factor. I am taken back to high school and can feel “the popular kid” vibe from those that were against Brent.
Of course we didn’t see all of the filming due to editing, but I really don’t feel like I saw Brent about ready to snap. We’ll see.
I’m not in business, but it seems to me that Donald would want pretty people working for him. I know that he also wants intellegent things to come out of their mouth too, but even if great things come out of someone’s mouth and they aren’t so good looking, I don’t think they will hear, “You’re Hired!”
Yeah, it would be nice to think that IMAGE doesn’t count in business… but it does. That’s why they wear nice duds. That old business adage: “Dress for Success”. I’m not saying I agree with that… but it’s there in the business world and it is a real factor to consider. And - you know the Donald knows this. Heck, he embodies it - except for that do’ - which I’ll never understand.
So Brent lost a bunch of weight… nice job. Good start. Now, take the next step and buy some mousse and a better razor. You are applying for one of the most prestigious jobs out there (at least on TV… heh) - dress the part, look the part, make it happen.
That aside — Brent’s a social mess. He’s a lawyer for crying out loud (heh) … and he comes across as a stereotypical shady-looking ambulance-chaser. He needs to lighten up and not be so aggressive in a group of pushy people. Tone it down a bit. Do a good job without going overboard and stepping on people’s toes. That’s the only way he’s gonna get farther.
And by the looks of things… that’s not in his nature.
His time is limited. Enjoy the drama while it happens, he’ll be gone relatively soon.
I think Riley brings up a good point – why all the Brent love? But my pappy told me long ago that if you attack someone as he has been attacked people will run to his aid even if they don’t think he’s right. I’m guessing it’s our subconscious saying “someone is being wronged”. I know that my conscious is saying, “Dammit, I hate those popular bitches who think that they are so great that they can even be out right mean to someone who is a bit different. Good riddance Stacy and let that be a lesson to any of those other people who think their poo don’t stink. Even without my own personal hang-ups, though, the rally behind Brent is a rather interesting piece of human study. And Maggie, I would think that if the Donald was as bright as we hope he is, he would wish the cameras were not on him so he could pick someone who can do the job instead of a model. I must admit, even though we are complaining on the Armchair Survivor site about the lack of babes, this season’s batch of Apprentice girls are pretty hot.
So, is the Donald that bright?
I don’t know.
I notice that Ivanka is vice president in the Trump organization. She can’t be that old, she has only a bachelor’s degree and she has been with the company for only one year. Sure she works well on the show but come on, vice president without a little work among the rank and file? That whole mess smells like this company in Westlake, Ohio whose blonde perky Vice President of some crap or another is rumored to be the owner’s girl friend. I would like not to believe it but I never saw one even half-way-good idea or comment come from her and have never found anyone who worked there who has been able to identify one either. She is, however holding on to the owner’s ass in the “executive team picture” [click here to see her do it]. I guess that’s how you “hold on to your job” – ha ha ha ha! I could be wrong but that’s what I observed. Nonetheless, that’s what I see Trump risking by putting his kid in such a high position so quickly. My kids will hate me but they’ll probably have to do crap jobs in my company for a long time before they get to do anything fun. Hopefully it will teach them to stay in school and do better than I have.
As for that company in Westlake, Ohio, my prediction is when it gets twice as big as it takes make a nice retirement nest egg, it will be destroyed. I believe the legal term for it is called DIVORCE. But that’s just my opinion. I wish the owner’s wife good luck HONEEEEEY!
Donald, I love ya man but please don’t make a bone-headed move like this asshole. It will only rot you from within.
So the thing with Vice President Ivanka – how’s that for image, Slappy?
Oh yeah.
Nepotism rules. Gotta love it. Or love to hate it.
And although Ivanka got her job through her relation to the Number One Don, it’s obvious that she keeps it because she has her hand firmly ON the situation.
Heh.
I know Brent won’t last, but for once I was happy to see things backfire on the lynch mob. My favorite moment was Bill telling them all how ridiculous it was.
Jason
I think that Synergy’s did SO poorly that it took attention away from a rather lame performance by the other team. Face it, Lee got Lucky ! I was surprised people are seeing Lee as a key player in the Lee / Lenny partnership. Lee’s leadership was almost non-existant, his facilitation of the group brainstorming session was weak. His team could easily have lost and he would have been fired. He’s young and green, but he’s also safe for quite a while. Since he was ’successful’ as a PM it won’t be his turn in the limelight for a number of weeks.
I don’t think I’ve ever shouted out the c word quite as much as I did while watching this episode–just about every time Stacey came on screen, I completely lost control. I was so pleased that Trump canned her unethical ass.
I was in Miami last week (missed my only chance to see a Survivor/Febreeze moment in lieu of a family dinner) and I’m desperately trying to keep up w/ two series of Apprentice, one Survivor and one Amazing Race and at least two podcasts. So I only have one comment to make: what fine presenters Michael and Marji Carrino have become. I’m loving the show–it really has grown so much since the first season.
Also: can I please be Marji’s gay husband? Marji and I are compatible on so many levels–we think the same things (loved Tarek’s comment), neither one of us could ever be recruiters…after this show, I’m officially in love with Marji.
Lastly, I think this series was taped last summer–it was already in the can, I believe, before the last series aired so that might be why we’re seeing Bill Rancic.
Great job, M&M!
As far as the “you can’t judge a book by it’s cover” comment, I think you can if the book cover is INSANE! That being said, I think the Donald will keep Brent around a little longer. He said ” I think you’re a trainwreck, but you’re not the reason they lost”. He said almost the exact same thing to Marcus last year and Sam from season one. Crazy people make good TV.
Is Stacy kidding me? She’s threatened by Brent? What’s he going to do? I can’t help but think of the chubby neighbor guy from the old Abbot and Costello show. “I’ll give you such a pinch!!’ Notice how fast she back peddled on the threat issue right before the board room. That Bitch realized Trump was going to pounce on her being a weak assed whiner. Oh, and what is with these New Yorkers that have no clue?? She can’t think of a place where people aren’t pushing past you to get somewhere? Hello, I live in New York and I can think of a half a dozen spots where you have people hanging around with disposable time. It looked like a warm day, how about the steps of the New York public library, or the South Street seaport, or Rockefeller Center, Etcetera…
What about the idiot from last year who thought he could get downtown in 15 minutes? I don’t know where Trump is finding these fake New Yorkers, But PLEASE!
On your Question of “plan or do”, I say both, but you need balance. I was an investigator at a big personal injury law firm, and we had senior partners who made millions per year and never set foot in a court room. Pure planners! But when the time came to get in front of a judge, the doers came out. Can’t have one without the other. Besides, Lee and company will go when Lenny says so, or he’ll send them off to the Gulag.
One last comment on Mensa a**hole. The fact that Mensa was the only thing he could talk about should tell you that he’s got NOTHING!! The only requirement for being in Mensa is a score on an IQ test. Rainman could be in Mensa for God’s sake! I had a janitor at one of my old jobs that was a member of Mensa. He played speed chess in the park and could do a Rubiks cube blindfolded, but was functionally retarded. F**K Terek!!
You Guys Rock!! Keep up the great work!
Sean, you and I have been under the influence of Madge Weinstein and PNS Explosion a little too long. I think that word erupted from my mouth as well.
And we can set up hers and his and his towels in the bathroom for ya.
And a question for you — Ivanka: Dress Barn, too?
Sharkey: Maybe Trump is planning on the show to end with some Karate Kid ending where the fate of his entire company rests on a chess game — AND TEREK WILL WIN IT FOR US ALL.
yea yea hurah!
(you’re so effin’ on target — i love it Sharkey)
Sean - I’ll take you as my gay husband in a heartbeat!!! I’m not sure we would ever stop laughing or dissing on people but boy would it be fun.
Sharkey - Trump never said WHAT this year’s apprentice will be doing. Maybe he is in the market for a chess playing, rubik’s cube genius that can clean his house. With the new baby there is probably more work :- ) Tarek do I have some jobs for you…
Who is Shooter McGavin anyway ? I just turned 39 , probably about the same vintage as M&M. I could rattle off every Brady Bunch episode and Happy Days plot. I came of age with MTV back when they used to actually show music videos, one of my favorite movies is Spinal Tap, but this particular pop culture reference you keep making on the show is lost on me.
Folkmeister-
Not sure Shooter is a real person but more a physical movement used by “cheesy” type people. You point your thumb up and your pointer finger out so it resembles a gun, then take both hands in this position and cock them at a person while making a “chh, chh” sound (and apparently winking too). It is the kid’s cops and robbers move but instead of “bam, bam” you make a tskked / chhh sound and wink. This moved is followed by someone calling you “Chief” or “Big Guy”.
Usually this move is accompanied by a lame point so to further embarass yourself you can make a lame point AND do a shooter mcGavin!
Use it on your friends and co-workers and let us know the reaction YOU get…
Mike’s favorite movie is Spinal Tap so you two can compare references to that one.
Thanks for asking!!!
I love Spinal Tap.
These comments go to 11.
How about a haberdasher? I think I could be a haberdasher.
But I’m glad Marji doesn’t own a cricket bat.
(This is about the whole Brent issue.)
There are some basic rules that exist in our society around appearance. My objection to Brent exists on two levels. First, he seems so ademant that his physical appearance and behavior should not matters, that he actually brings it to light. Second, Brent actively disregards the presentation of himself. Just take a look at his website.
Let’s not judge a book by its cover, but wanton rejection of society’s norms brings problems. As Brent said, “If you can’t take the heat, get out of the kitchen.”
Riley — that was a pretty cool analysis of Brent. You were able to say something that was completely politically incorrect and make come out right. That’s impressive.
Regarding superficial judgment of Brent — or anyone — here’s a quote from Anthony Powell’s “Dance to the Music of Time” novel series in which one character describes another, Eleanor, who is irascible, “abrupt and sulky”:
“[Eleanor’s friend, Barbara] was fond of remarking ‘Eleanor is not a bad old girl, when you get to know her,’ a statement unquestionably true; but, since human life is lived largely at surface level, that encouraging possibility, true or false, did not appreciably lighten the burden of Eleanor’s partners.”
Likewise Brent. Not to beat up on poor Brent, though. It’s true for all of us that most people are not likely — on short acquaintance, anyhow — to look past our careless words or bad behavior to see how sterling we are deep down.
More on Brent….I am a bigger guy and I have a corporate job (basically entry level). Our daily attire is “business casual” Even though I am over weight, I try to make sure I am presentable every day before leaving the house. My wife and I have 5 kids and we are basically a single income family. Obviously my clothing budget is not as big as my waist. If you ever shopped for Big & Tall clothes (Who am I kidding—Fat people clothes)…They are not cheap. But for God sakes you don’t go into the office looking like a bumb. I would think Brent has a little more money to play with than the average guy or lady at the offices but he always looks so sloppy. His suits do not fit him well, His hair is always a mess, and he always has that scruffy five o’clock shadow thing going on. As mentioned in one of the pervious comments, You are over weight, some people look down on that (in the corporate setting and in life in general) so why dance around and act like a bafoon to draw more attention to yourself. So now you are no longer the fat guy but the fat jackass or fat dumb ass! Brent, clean your self up and quit acting like a circus sideshow
John: amen brotha. I know what you mean. I’m no waif, either.
As I stated earlier, I’m no big fan of Brent. But this judgement is based more on his over the top “look at me” antics than on just his initial appearance. Personally, I’m one of those guys that constantly goes from a Hard Physique to a Lard Physique and back again. I know first hand how differently people treat you when you look trim and fit and when you are at less than your best. You also act much differently when you think you look good. This being said, let’s remember that Brent says he has lost 100 pounds. That’s a ton of weight! In his mind he is a lean mean go get-em machine. Hence the attention seeking. The bed head hairdo is a bad styling decision. He is shown styling his hair right before the board room.
That hair is on purpose! I feel bad for the guy, but that doesn’t mean I want to work with the guy.
Boy, this thread is turning into an episode of “Starved” It’s not ok!!
Hoo boy, can we hijack this thread to talk about tonight’s episode?
Please?
Folkmeister -
Shooter McGavin is the bad guy in the Adam Sandler movie “Happy Gilmore.” It is a funny movie, although not as great as “Spinal Tap.”
Just discovered your podcast as a new convert to the iPod. Very funny and informative. It’s nice for someone to vocalize what I’m thinking while watching the show.