AUDITONGASM-Bring on the WACKY!

[TaniaNicole]

I would love to recap some shows here! I just recapped American Inventor 2 for a reality tv news site. Here is my preview of the show, my first article for them. I don't write for them anymore, though. All good.
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http://www.realitynewsonline.com/cgi-bin/ae.pl?mode=1&article=article7014.art&page=1

American Inventor 2: A Preview

by Tania Nicole -- 06/05/2007

American Inventor will soon return! As with the first edition, this summer’s version promises to reveal some interesting inventions, some wacky inventions, and some inventions that will make us say, “What?” Tania’s here with a preview!


Yes, reality show lovers, American Inventor is back for a second season! And with some very interesting-looking inventions, too! Each contestant is hoping to be the next American Inventor and have their dream become a reality as their invention becomes the next consumer product.


Last season's baby car seat will be hard to top. I am very excited to see what this season's Inventors have come up with, and who will wow the judges the most with their product.

From abc.com:

National casting calls were held in six major cities across the country – Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, New York, Houston and Tampa. Thousands of inventors, tinkerers and entrepreneurs of all ages applied, and viewers will witness these inventors presenting their most prized inventions, featuring everything from the wacky to the heart warming.
Everyone loves to see heartwarming, that's a given. I'm looking forward to seeing the wacky, myself, as well as hearing what the show's esteemed judges have to say about this season's inventions.
The judges this season include George Foreman, who is, of course, the business guru behind the Lean Mean Grilling Machine, which is great. I have one myself, as millions of Americans do. Knowing this, I have to wonder how tough of a judge George will be!

Peter Jones will be judging the inventions while also in production of the UK's Tycoon which will be looking for the next business genius.

Pat Croce, motivational speaker and businessman, is also a judge. He has won The Entrepreneur of the Year Award, and was on the cover of Inc magazine, which referred to him as "The Dale Carnegie of the 21st Century."

Sara Blakely, known for her inventing and marketing of footless pantyhose SPANX (cr), is another judge. I have a feeling Sara might be the judge to wow for these contestants.

Sara took second place in The Rebel Billionaire, where host/judge/rebel billionaire himself Richard Branson gave her $750,000 to start her own charity. Sara has since donated $1 million to Oprah Winfrey's recently-opened “Oprah Winfrey's Leadership Academy for Girls in South Africa” school. Blakely told Winfrey, "You were my sign."

SPANX now includes 100+ products, and Blakely said, "I have to pinch myself when I think about what we've done, over $100 million in retail sales."


And let's not forget American Inventor 2's handsome host, Nick Smith! Before becoming Inventor's host, Nick was a host and reporter for the ABC7 News Team in San Francisco.

The first few rounds of this type of show are always fun, because we get to see the wackiest of the wacky, which is always good humor, as well as the seriously gifted. I'm excited to see all the inventions!

So be sure to tune in to the American Inventor 2 season premiere on Wednesday, June 6, at 9:00 ET/8:00 CT! Then check right here on RealityNewsOnline as I recap it all!

Tania spends her time creatively writing about LOST, one of her favorite TV shows. She has a yellow Lab named Mojo, and she spends a lot of time training and playing with him. Her outlook on life is, "You won't get anywhere if you don't at least TRY." You can email her directly at tanianicole101@gmail.com.

[TaniaNicole]

American Inventor Finale

http://www.realitynewsonline.com/cgi-bin/ae.pl?mode=1&article=article7202.art&page=1

American Inventor 2, Finale: The Bra, the Cars, or the Angel?

by Tania Nicole -- 08/05/2007

It’s the finale of American Inventor 2. After going through all the weird and wacky – and a few actual good inventions – the judges narrowed it down to three. America voted and it’s time to see who wins. Of course, in this competition, everybody is really a winner!


Welcome back to American Inventor and its exciting, fun, and tear-jerking season finale!

America voted the winner of our top three finalists after last week’s episode, and now we get to find out which inventor won the million dollars!

Our finalists are Ricky DeRennaux and HT Racers, Elaine Cato and the Annette Six-In-One Bra, and Greg Chavez with his Guardian Angel fire suppression system.


The judges sit in the front row of the live audience, as do the families of the finalists.

Our host, Nick, introduces the finalists, and the crowd applauds loudly. He then introduces the judges, one by one. There is loud applause. Pat and George are very excited for our finalists, and proud. Sara is nervous and excited for them, and Peter says they are all absolute living proof that the American dream is still very much alive. Again, loud applause from the audience.

Nick starts with Greg, to take us all back through his personal American Inventor journey on video. They show Greg enter the judging room for the first time in his full fire-fighter regalia. We see and hear Greg talk about his wife, and how supportive she is and how much he loves her. He says that he is so happy to be able to look back and know that he has accomplished something great in his life, along with his wonderful family. The audience applauds at the end of the video. Greg tears up. Nick asks him how he is feeling right now and he says there are no words for today, he is so amazed.

Nick then tells us that one of the three finalists will be eliminated from the competition very shortly, but first, Elaine is next to go through her personal American Inventor journey on video. She says that you have to go after your dreams, they won't come to you. Elaine was so excited to be a Chicago finalist, and she says just to be able to have gotten this far is amazing. Elaine talks about her daughters and we see her talking to them, and they say they love her. Elaine tears up from the video, and Nick asks her how she is feeling. Elaine replies that she is so blessed and happy to see her daughters. She says this is a very exciting time, and she doesn't know what it will bring, but it is the time of her life.

Next we see Ricky DeRennaux's journey through American Inventor. We see him say that people are calling this a “once in a lifetime chance,” but he disagrees. He says that it's so much more than that, as not everyone will have this chance in their lifetime. Pat tells him that he was never very good in school, that he had trouble sitting still, and that he had never had a teacher like Ricky. Ricky tears up about that and says, "that was pretty cool." He talks about his family and how they are the top, but this experience is close to the top. Ricky tells us and the audience, "You gotta make a difference in a kid's life, because they are the future."

During the commercial break, there is an ad for the "George Foreman G-5" which is more than just a grill, it makes waffles, too! As George loved to say through the season, I want one of those for my house.

Nick welcomes us back with a video of a recap of the whole season, some of the "yes"es, some of the "no"s, and the interaction between the judges and some of the inventors.

It is now time for the first elimination. Nick gives us the news, and it is Ricky DeRennaux, who takes it very well. Nick shows Ricky a video that his family and friends made for him – it is very emotional! Sara tears up, and of course Ricky does, and there is much applause. He thanks the judges and says it's been a ride.

Nick tells him that his journey on American Inventor may be over, but his dream is not. He introduces Benjamin Dermer from Spin Master. Benjamin tells Ricky that they love his product and want to help him get it on the market, and they are flying him to Canada to work with their marketing teams, side by side, to help get his HT Racers out on the store shelves!

Ricky is very happy and tells his students and family, "Never give up, work hard, and you can do it." Sara tells him he is a winner in so many ways. Nick then announces Ricky and Benjamin again, and the audience applauds loudly.

Now it is down to Greg and Elaine, and one of them is about to win one million dollars and the title of American Inventor! Who will it be? Nick says we will find out after the commercial break. Nooo! This is hard for me, probably everyone else, too, as I want both Greg and Elaine to win. But at the end of the day, I am still rooting for my original choice, which is Greg. But I like Elaine, too. This is hard to watch, and very emotional. I've had tears through the whole show.

OK, we are now back from the commercial break. Nick shows us a video of the judges’ "10 most memorable" inventors. Number 10 is Fingertunes, nine is the fire escape suit, eight is the Love Test, seven is the Sober Key, six is the Doublechin Buster, five is the wheel hubcaps (remember, the guy who wouldn't leave and they needed to call security?), four is the balloon ear plugs, three is the helmet made out of foam that Peter called “the scarecrow safety helmet” – oh my God that one was unbelievable. Number two is the guy with the wacky copper mask. And, of course, number one was Silvio DiSalvatore and Black Cougar. That was hilarious.


Everyone is laughing loudly as they show Silvio bashing Pat and his team, and Pat is laughing so hard his face is red. Yeah, like he cares what this guy says about him and a whole city and their basketball team.

Nick pulls a surprise on the judges and lets us all know that Silvio is actually here tonight. Oh, jeez, here we go. Peter puts his head in his hand, and there is no reaction from Pat, as he is still laughing. Out comes Silvio and Black Cougar guy. The audience loves it! Oh, boy, I thought we were done with this guy forever. He gets the audience somewhat cheering, "Black Cougar! Black Cougar!" Silvio says that he has gotten thousands of emails after his stint on the show. Nick asks him if he has anything to say to Pat since he is sitting right there. "NO" is Silvio's quite abrupt response. Everyone laughs, Pat is loving this. Nick asks Pat if he has anything to say to Silvio. He does. He tells Silvio that he has five million Philadelphians looking for his address. Ha! Silvio tells Sara that Black Cougar is wearing Spanx. Nick announces them again, and they leave the stage.

Nick then asks who will win the million dollars. "Will it be Elaine Cato? Or will it be Greg Chavez? Find out, coming up next!" Ahhh, this is so suspenseful!

Nick welcomes us back with Greg and Elaine on stage. He has two special surprises for both of them. For Greg, Tom Russo from First Alert is introduced and tells Greg that First Alert wants to help him get Guardian Angel on the market to save many lives! Greg looks so happy and surprised. Nick asks him how he is feeling, and Greg replies that he was hoping for First Alert. He's amazed that all of this is happening.

For Elaine, Nick introduces Norah Alberto from Maidenform, who comes out on stage to greet Elaine and tell her that everyone at Maidenform was very impressed with her drive and commitment throughout the show and her product. She tells Elaine that Maidenform wants to market her product and put it on the store shelves. Nick asks Elaine how she is feeling. Elaine says it's fabulous and fascinating and she doesn't know what else to say. She thanks Norah, and Nick announces Tom Russo and Norah Alberto once again as they leave the stage.


Nick tells us that we are moments away from finding out who is the great American Inventor 2007, but first, he has something to show Greg. It's a video of his family and friends and how proud they all are of him. His wife says he is her hero because of the things he stands for, and the way he treats her and their family. It is very emotional, the audience applauds, and Greg tears up – along with the rest of America, and me!

Nick asks him how he feels. Greg tells us that the kind of love he and his wife share, that she has never doubted him, every man should have love like this. Tears and applause from everyone. I say that every woman should have a man like Greg. I want one of those for my house.


Elaine is next with her family and friends’ video shown. Her daughters tell her how much they love her and how proud they are of her. Her sister and friend tell her that she has worked so hard for so long, and they tell her, “It's your time.” Again (or still?), tears and applause. I don't think my emotions can take much more of this, I can only imagine what Greg, Elaine and their families are going through!

Nick asks Elaine how she is feeling. Through tears, she says she feels very special, and loved, then genuinely and sincerely thanks her family and friends, speaking from her heart. More tears and applause.

Nick then announces that the time is upon us. It is time to announce the winner of American Inventor 2007. I'm already tearing up before he even announces it! They are both such amazing people, that even though I want Greg to win, Elaine and her family are in my heart as well. I am happy for both of them, no matter what. Ricky, too. Then, Nick says, "Right after this break." The inventors, families, friends, judges, and all of America collectively groan.

Nick welcomes us back and takes his time to announce the winner.

And the winner of American Inventor 2007 is...

Greg Chavez!

Greg bows his head, tears up, and hugs Elaine. There is much applause and many tears. Elaine's daughters are crying because she did not win. But it's OK, as they don't yet fully understand the wonderful things that are happening to their mom. Greg's wife comes up and hugs him, followed by the whole family and their friends.

Nick asks Greg how he is feeling. "Oh, come on!" is Greg's first response, then he goes on to say that it's amazing, tries to get his bearings to talk, and tells us that last year, he and his wife were watching American Inventor, and he told his wife that he was going to win it next year, and she told him that she knew he would. Wow, that is so cool!

Nick leaves Greg and family for a moment to bring Elaine to front and center stage. He asks her how she feels right now. She replies, "This experience will stay with me forever, I want to say thank you to the judges, just for me being here today is an honor, it's a blessing, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Even though I didn't win, my life has been changed. I am still moving forward, my daughters are coming with me, just to have my product developed to the level it is today, and someone to be interested in it, Maidenform has made me an offer. So, like I said so many times, I feel like a winner."

She then turns and puts her arms up and congratulates Greg. There is loud applause, and we see Elaine's daughters happy and cheering for her, they are no longer crying. What their mom had said gave them strength and understanding that she really is a winner. I love that she helped them understand in her speech what was really going on and not to feel sad, as this is a good thing for their mom, that it doesn't matter that she didn't win the million dollars, and that their lives will all be changed for the better. Under all that pressure, Elaine was still able to have her daughters see that she was happy, even if she didn't win. What a tremendous mom she is.


Nick then goes back to Greg and his wife, and tells them they have a little more business to take care of. Please, not another tear-jerking video! Greg asks if he can say something quick first, and Nick gives him the go. Greg says he was privileged to work with some great people, and he just wants to say that Ricky is an incredible individual. He is what is valuable in our society. He is a good man, a good father and educator, and that we need more men like him. We see Ricky's wife wiping away tears, and there is loud applause. Greg goes on to say that Elaine is a terrific example to women. How to be strong, and how to care for the right things. She's a great women, and he is proud to know her.

Nick announces that there is one more thing for Greg – a check for one million dollars! He hands the check to Greg, who looks at it, shows his family and friends, and hands it to his wife. She puts it in her bra! Ha! Everyone laughs. Through the laughter, I can see the love between Greg and his wife. He is a lucky man and she is a lucky woman.

Nick asks the judges what they would like to say. We start with Pat, who tells Greg he is a stone-cold winner on and off this stage and God bless him. Peter says that Greg is living proof of why he loves American Inventor, dreams become reality, and he is really proud to have been part of the selection committee that chose him. Sara says that everybody's got an idea, but few people have the courage to do anything about it. She congratulates him on his courage and says that she's very happy for him and his family. George says he's happy he gets to see it get developed because it is going to save lives. And I'm really happy about how America has spoken, but there weren't any losers tonight, just one more great winner for the world. There is more applause, Nick thanks the judges and congratulates Greg again as the winner of American Inventor 2007, and there is more applause.

As the credits roll, the judges come up to meet and congratulate Greg and his family, everyone is hugging, laughing, cheering, crying, and tremendously happy.

And that concludes this season of American Inventor!

Thank you for reading!


Tania spends her time creatively writing about Lost, one of her favorite TV shows. She has a yellow Lab named Mojo, and she spends a lot of time training and playing with him. Her outlook on life is, "You won't get anywhere if you don't at least TRY." You can email her directly at tanianicole101@gmail.com.

[TaniaNicole]

An especially nutty episode of American Inventor 2.:lol:

http://www.realitynewsonline.com/cgi-bin/ae.pl?mode=1&article=article7052.art&page=1

American Inventor 2, Episode 3: Chicago Beats New York

by Tania Nicole -- 06/22/2007

Last week, our judges saw thousands of contestants and chose a finalist in L.A. and in San Francisco. In L.A., the finalist was 45-year-old high school teacher Rick DeRennaux, who invented H.T. Custom Built Racers. A teenager (or anyone, for that matter) can design, engineer, and build remote control electric cars, trucks, boats, and airplanes all in the same kit by using a computer and printing out their designs on regular paper. They are then able to cut it out and fold it up to create the body of the car, truck, or whatever they are building. Even the tires are 100% paper. Then it's time to add the motor.


In San Francisco, the finalist was Greg Chavez, a fireman who has invented the Guardian Angel. He tells us the idea was born out of the desire to save the lives of children. It is a fire-protection system for a Christmas tree that includes what looks like a wrapped present to go under the tree, a hose that is hidden within the tree, and an angel at the top. Under the angel's skirt is a plug. If the plug melts, it sprays down two gallons of water under the tree, extinguishing the fire before it can really get going. I am very happy about this one. Greg is now financially able to build a working prototype of the Guardian Angel. So far, I want Greg to win the whole thing.

George Foreman has established himself as the judge who sees the good in everything. Sara Blakely grew her invention Spanx into a global fashion force. She knows what works and how to sell it. Pat Croce, entrepreneur and best-selling author, has become the voice of reason among the judges. Peter Jones, British mogul with a half-billion dollar business empire, is the toughest judge of all.

One winner from New York and one winner from Chicago will each become finalists and receive a check for $50,000 to further develop their inventions. We begin in New York, with Nick, our host. Nick tells us that the judges are looking for that one great idea that will become a global phenomenon. The Big Apple is home to millions of people from around the world, but will New York have the million dollar idea?

First up is 71-year-old retired Carlo Giansanti with his nameless copper for good health invention, which consists of copper mesh breathing masks, a copper mesh-lined hat, and a very wiry and uncomfortable looking weaved copper mask, for him to wear when he goes to sleep. Carlo is convinced that all of these copper things are keeping him in good health. Indeed, Carlo even tells us that he doesn't need his glasses anymore, that he can see like an eagle now. Then he puts on a pair of copper mesh-lensed glasses. Oh jeez. Poor guy. The judges laugh, they can't help it!

Peter asks him if his doctor told him to carry on with the copper stuff, or did he give him some medication. Hehe. I love Peter. Carlo said he didn't know, he hadn't been to the doctor in four years, and that his doctor thinks he is dead. The judges laugh again, as do I. Carlo is very entertaining, but I'm not seeing a yes from any of the judges, who decide it is time to vote. Pat's a no. Peter's a no. And that's that.

Outside of the room, Carlo tells us that if America can't produce his product, then maybe China will. I don't want to laugh at the guy, but copper products for health have already been invented. People wear those copper bracelets everywhere. Oh well, too bad, he really is very charming.

New York starts off with a no, but thousands more are waiting to prove that they are the next great American Inventor.


Next up is James Davis, a 49-year-old swim coach. His invention is The Dry Swim Trainer. James says the Trainer can give one the benefits of swimming, and learning to swim, without water. Looks good, so far, as I am thinking it might be good for people who don't have time to get to the pool every day and good for people to learn to swim without the fear of sinking.

Ohhh, no, now he gets on the Trainer, frontside down, to demonstrate it. Both James and his assistant forget to strap him in, so he has no control over his own Trainer. The judges don't know whether to be concerned or laugh. James' demonstration is going downhill fast as he struggles to gain control, and finally remembers to tell his assistant to strap him in. Ha! I realize that it's easy to forget stuff when under serious pressure, but this is too much!

Finally, and a huge, nationwide sigh of relief later, James has control of his Trainer, and demonstrates how it moves to simulate free style swimming. But at this point, the judges are trying very hard not to laugh, and not succeeding very well. Peter makes James' assistant go near him, as he is concerned James will fall off the Trainer. He says that James has just demonstrated that if you want to go swimming, you go to a swimming pool. Then they vote. Peter is a no. Pat is a no. It's such a no that the fat lady is not just singing anymore, she has now moved on to dancing, too. Peter says he thought James was going to kill himself, and they all laugh.

Alrighty, then. Next, please.

Oh, here we go. As if the judges aren't having a hard enough of a time keeping a straight face, here comes Tom Jermyn, a 44-year-old self-employed attorney with his Body Squeegee. Yep, just what it sounds like. It is contoured to be used to dry oneself off without using a towel. The poor judges are really trying to contain their laughter. George, of all judges, has heard enough and wants to vote. Sara's a no. Pat's a no. Peter's a no. George tells Tom to “Keep punching."

So far, no one in New York has gotten a "yes" from the judges. By law of averages, someone in has to soon, right?


Up next is 32-year-old unemployed Sophia Kandelaki, who is targeting women all over the world with her nameless invention, which is a 12-in-1 jewelry box? I question that because I don't think it's really a jewelry box, and to be honest, I don't know what I would call it.

OK, so this 12-in-1 "jewelry box" includes... 1. A webcam. No, you aren't going blind, yes, a webcam. 2. A recorder. 3. A music center. 4. A karaoke machine. Nope, you're still not blind. 5. It talks to you. 6. It tells you how beautiful you are. (Hey, did Scary Therapy Buddy guy have something to do with this?) 7. Good for children. (Her words, not mine.) 8. You can lock it with a remote control device, like a car. 9. It has A.C. 10. It has "touch up screen size." (Don't ask me, I have no idea what that means.) 11. You can record your voice. 12. You can record "the sexy guy's voice, if you want," as Sophia says. Sara is a no. Peter is a no. George and Pat wrap up the no's.

Peter says, "Next, please. Please, next." (Peter, that's what I say, that's my thing!)


Safe Sex In A Bottle is next. Oh, God help us all watching this, it's just brutal to see. John Lorinz, a 64-year-old security guard, walks in wearing a bottle costume that says, of course, Safe Sex In a Bottle on it. His invention is small bottles that go on people's keyrings. Inside the bottle is a condom. That's it. My guess is that poor John never gets a chance to use his own invention, know what I'm sayin'?

The judges immediately decide to vote. Well, we didn't see that coming a mile away, eh? Ack, these poor judges! George is a no. Sara is a no. Pat is a no. Peter says, "Message in a bottle from me too you, no." As always, Thank you, Peter!

The judges still have yet to find a New York finalist.

Up next is adorable little nine-year-old Molly Balevre. She's very quiet. Sara does a good job making her feel comfortable by asking her all the right questions to draw her out and tell us what her invention is. She carries a picture of a sneaker with her. When asked who helped her with her drawing, Molly replies, "My friend Jeremy, he's a tattoo artist." Laughter ensues.

With Sara's help, Molly tells us her invention is a musical sneaker, which has a speaker in the tongue of the shoe and volume control on the toe of the shoe. Molly says one can then run or dance or do whatever they want to do. She tells us she dances in her room, when she is alone. That's a pretty brave admission for a nine-year-old! Oh, come on, you know you've danced alone in your room, too, it's OK, you can admit it.

The judges all really like her, as well as her creativity and bravery. George is a yes. Pat is a no. Peter is a no. Sara is a yes. As the judges vote, Molly begins to cry. George walks her out and tells her family that she got two yeses and that was very good! Her family, along with Nick, take George's lead and tell Molly how wonderful she is and that two yeses is really good. Molly cheers up and we're all happy again.

To be honest, I think this sneaker invention would have been great for kids! Who the heck wants to buy a $200 iPod for a child? No one I know. That invention could have saved parents all over America a ton of money. Kids don't care about sound quality and all that jazz until they are older. I think Molly should have gone further. I'm sure parents all over America are cursing the judges on that one.

We leave New York, but we will be back soon.

American Inventor cuts to Chicago, where thousands of people are certain that they've got the winning idea.

First up in Chicago is 78-year-old retired Elmer George. His invention is Whiz Ball. He wears a paddle on each hand and demonstrates his invention by hitting the ball back and forth, basically he's playing paddle-ball with himself, and doing really well at it. Elmer is very charming and likeable. He says that Whiz Ball helps one with cardio exercise and hand/eye coordination. I believe him. I just saw him demonstrate it, and at 78 years old, he's better at it than I would be at less than half his age!

The judges ask him what his girlfriends think of his invention, they like him. Elmer says, "Well, right now, I'm..." Peter tells him that Sara is single. Elmer says no, because Sara would spank him, and he couldn't handle that. Ha! Everyone laughs. George asks if one can use the Whiz Ball sitting down. Elmer says that it can be used sitting down and/or in a wheelchair. I think George is sold.


Peter asks Elmer what it would mean to him to be the next great American Inventor. Elmer replies, "It would justify a life, and at my age, that is important." George is a yes. Pat is a no, because it is too similar to paddle-ball. Sara disagrees with Pat, as one uses both hands to use the Whiz Ball, whereas paddle-ball is only one hand, and gives him a yes. Peter tells Elmer he likes him, he thinks he's fantastic. Pause. America waits for the “but.” Instead, Peter goes on to say, "That's probably why I'm going to say yes to you." Yay! Elmer has three yeses, he's movin' forward.

Chicago is off to a great start.

Up next is 34-year-old communications manager Sandra Erickson, with her invention called The Peel Away Shower Curtain. Take the sheet, peel it away, and the curtain is clean. They don’t explain enough to understand how it works, but Sara understands, loves it, and leads the judges into a yes vote for Sandra.

Up next is 37-year-old fitness instructor Christina Raitano, with her invention called Cart Cure. They are portable handle covers for shopping carts, as shopping carts carry more bacteria than a public washroom. They even come in child size. Sara can see her friends that are moms using this product, and gives a yes. That is all we see of that, but it is obvious that Christina has gotten her needed yes votes.

Up next are assembly worker John Sparks, housewife Henrietta Sparks, and their dog, Ludlow. Their invention is the Dog Ball. It's a weighted ball attached to a retractable leash, so a dog can be near its owner(s), can't run away if they are outside, and the dog owner(s) are able to freely interact with the dog with both hands. Unlike a stake in the ground, the Dog Ball can also be used inside, and is a lot nicer to the grass. I'm sold! I need an extra extra large,150+ pound one. What? Lift it? Uhh, I'll work that out later, send me one now, please! Thanks!

George loves it, but we do not see them vote. However, John, Henrietta, and Ludlow come out of the room cheering and announce that they are finalists. Good. I really want this Dog Ball.


Up next is 43-year-old produce manager Howard Batterman with his invention called Finger Tunes. It's a glove that makes music from any instrument one chooses. Kids, especially, can have one glove set to piano, and a second glove set to drums, and play both at the same time. Hmmm. Meh.

Howard tells us that the noises can be set to voices, as well. Voices? No, please no. He verbally and robotically demonstrates how one glove can repeatedly say, "Hello. Hello. Hello. Hello," and, "How are you? How are you? How are you? How are you?” Wow, what the...? Judges, please make him and his voices stop. Pat to the rescue. He tells him to stop for a second. Howard stops and says, "I'm sorry?" He says this with a little bit of a self-righteous attitude. Peter speaks. "Hand Piano? Ridiculous, no. Take your hand and get out of here." Thank you, Peter! George to Peter, "Take your hand and get out of here? Man, that's cold." Hee.

And the "no"s keep on coming.


Next is 50-year-old Joe Sparks, a fitness trainer with his running invention, the Easy Run Belt. It's a contraption on his back that has cords that attach to his feet. Joe says it teaches you to run while you're running. MmmKAY. Sara to the rescue with, "Joe, I think where you lost me is when you said it teaches people how to run. It's a no from me." We don't see them vote, but it's a definite no for Joe. The judges are laughing.

Next up, 45-year-old dental technician Dean Rose, with his invention called INS-TAN-ABS. It's a piece of plastic. You go outside, you put this on your abs, you get a tan, and you get six-pack abs tan lines. Oookay, thanks for calling! Bye! By now, the judges are just freely laughing, this is all so ridiculous for them. They didn't even show them voting, an obvious no for Dean.

Up next is 41-year-old engineer Steven Frey with his Six Tap invention. You take your favorite six pack, put it in the holder, pull the popper, and it empties all the cans into your own little mini keg. Do I need to mention that the judges are laughing? George says, "No. It popped it scared me." More laughing. The judges are near downright silly at this point. An unseen, but obvious, no for Steven.

Next is 37-year-old Steve Imes, a private jet pilot. His invention is the Wee Pod. He says it really brings the bouncy chair into the 21st century. That's about as far as he gets. Peter remarks, "It looks like you put your baby into Darth Vader's helmet." It does, too. Uncontrollable laughing as Steve leaves the room. Pat gets everyone to try and break the giggles. Well, they can certainly give that a try, but they have no idea what is coming.

Up next is 42-year-old nail salon owner David Le, with assistant in tow wearing some shoulder pad, head contraption... thingee. Oh jeez. I'm laughing already, and the judges are trying so desperately not to, but as they look at the contraption, they get the giggles even more than before. David's invention is a foam motorcycle helmet, attached to foam shoulder pads.

Sara, voice cracking and tears in her eyes, asks David what his friends think of it. Well, this just sends them all into a giggle fit. I have to say, watching Peter giggle is one of the funniest things I have seen. Pat pulls it together long enough to say it's a no from him. George is a no. Sara is a no. Peter tells David that the scarecrow safety helmet is not for him, bursts into giggles, as do the other judges, and says as seriously as he can that it is a no from him. David leaves the room and Peter says, "I never thought, even if we searched all of America, that we would ever find something like that." I don't think these guys can take much more of this. I don't think anyone could!

Up next is 39-year-old welder Wesley Caudill, and his invention is called Expert Racers. It's cool, it simulates an actual drag race, using matchbox cars. Put the cars that are racing on the starting unit, which is at about waist level, press the pedal, wait for the green light, then floor the pedal for your car to win, where it evens out at ground level at the bottom. There are no race tracks that are drag race tracks like this one on the market as of now.

Wes tells them he and his family have spent over $300,000 on this project. Silence. Sara says that's so much money, and wants to know how he spent that much. Wes tells us that he and his brothers have taken out mortgage loans to support his work on it. He says that he made some mistakes and could probably write a book on what not to do as an Inventor. His family has been incredibly supportive. After that, Pat says he thinks it's time to vote. Sara says she believes in him and gives him a yes. Peter is a no, he is looking for something that makes it more than just a track. Pat says he is still a kid and gives a yes. George gives him a yes. Wes is relieved and overwhelmed, his excitement shows.

We are back in New York now, hoping to find at least one finalist. The judges are desperate for one idea worth a million dollars. With the crowd dwindling, there are only a few hopefuls left.


An unknown man comes in, it's a no. Another unknown man comes in, it's another no. An unknown woman comes in. We see her pleading with the judges, but it's another no. Two more men are seen and heard outside of the room after receiving “no”s.

With no yeses, the judges are in serious danger of having no New York finalists. For the first time, American Inventor could leave a city empty-handed.

Nick tells us that as New York sends out distress signals, an inventor from Yonkers answers the call to save the day with his invention. Yay, finally! Or so we think.

Here comes 49-year-old filmmaker Silvio DiSalvatore with his invention, Black Cougar. Picture a blond N.Y. Italian guy on crack cocaine, wearing all black except for his white boots, bringing with him a person in a life-sized Black Cougar costume, and then you can imagine his overexcited, jump up and down, and twitchy type of pitch. Silvio is very intense, to say the least. He tells us (in his ‘M-80 that’s about to go off’ way) that Black Cougar is a superhero with only one goal: to protect children. What Silvio created was a doll, just like a Spider-man doll, same concept. Peter is a no. Thank you, Peter! Pat is a no. George is a yes. Sara is a yes. But it doesn't matter, as Pat and Peter are not changing their votes.

At the end of the show, Silvio goes out to the cameras to rip on Pat's name. I won't say, but you can imagine what he had to say about the name “Croce.” He also rips on Pat himself and to say that the ‘76ers suck. Man, talk about a loose cannon! I think he needs to visit the Scary Therapy Buddy.

So, will there be a Finalist for New York? Tune in next Wednesday at 9/8 pm Central Time to find out! And I hope you'll meet me back here for the recap! See you next week!


Tania spends her time creatively writing about Lost, one of her favorite TV shows. She has a yellow Lab named Mojo, and she spends a lot of time training and playing with him. Her outlook on life is, "You won't get anywhere if you don't at least TRY." You can email her directly at tanianicole101@gmail.com.

[TaniaNicole]

Not published, just for fun. You will see titles of episodes throughout the story. ;) Better to view the link posted, it shows up much better than the copy/paste version as it is white on black background.

http://www.4815162342.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=762787#762787

MY LOST FLASHBACK

By Tania Nicole

"I left Chicago for Sydney because it's too damn cold there, and the temperatures of -48 F for 15 days in a row, then -42 F from the 16th to the 23rd of the month made me long for somewhere warm. These Numbers stuck in my head for some strange, Special reason.

I left my b/f, Dave, a deadbeat, pothead that had potential, but never used it.
He was a Stranger in a Strange Land inside his own head.

I had picked Sydney, because I know Dave would go looking for me in Arizona, because everyone in my life knows that is my favorite place to be. That is, IF he ever got off the couch to go looking for me in another state, let alone to even just Walk About his own living room.

Knowing he wouldn't find me in Australia, I could have a free life with no more cold weather. And I needed Solitary. I began my Exodus, Part 1.

I met Pilot #1 in a coffee shop before the flight. I was a little upset, and I told him my story. He was very sweet and kind to listen to me for the whole Three Minutes that I spoke for.

My family wouldn't be happy, so I didn't tell them I was going until I landed in Sydney, when I called them and get an earful for leaving, especially before Christmas!

They told me that in all of our Hearts and Minds, we all knew that I had always been Born To Run, and among The Outlaws when it came to matters of the heart. They asked me what I was running from. I said it is not what I am running from, it is what I'm running to. I told them I had always been LOST, and this was the time of my life where I needed to stop being lost, and finally become And Found. I told them I felt that I could handle The Cost Of Living when I could finally stop being so LOST.

I found a nice place to live, and met lots of good friends. My best friend there was named Kate. I learned alot about Kate, and what she had done in her life. What Kate Did was pull off The Long Con to end all cons, for The Greater Good to help her mother get away from her father. She was awesome, and we called ourselves Cowboy-girls with Attitude. But we knew we were good people, and that All the Best Cowboys Have Daddy Issues. We had both had serious daddy Issues, but we had both gotten past them, and we were stronger for it. I called Sydney "The House Of The Rising Sun", as it brought light and sunshine to my life.

Kate and I loved to look at the men. woo wee, there are some damn nice looking men in Sydney. We called ourselves another nickname, The Hunting Party, because we and our other girlfriends were always 'on the hot man hunt' as we called it. I was there from December 03 to September 04. I would have stayed forever, but things happen in Life that we don't see coming that change our plans. Deus Ex Machina could be around any corner, at any time.

My friends and I liked to go to the casinos and the racetracks, and one day we went to the track. I was feeling extra happy to be in Sydney, so I decided to play with the temperature numbers in Chicago that had brought me here. I felt that they were lucky; as I was in a great place away from the cold and the b/f I could not be with anymore. I had found my S.O.S.

I was right. The temp numbers and dates were lucky. Too lucky, it turns out. Just to reiterate the Numbers, so no one goes Adrift here, they were 4. 8. 15. 16. 23. 42.

My first bet was 400 bucks on Horse #8 for the win. The counter ticket person gave me a ? look, and said..."Good luck, Miss, that's the longest shot in this race."

I said "Well, Whatever The Case May Be, it's only 400 bucks, if I win, great, if not, it will Do No Harm.

#8 came from way behind to take 1st place to win the race. And because it had been such a long shot, I had won 15,000 dollars.

I took my winning horse ticket back to the same ticket counter man. He was beaming at me, and said he had never seen such luck come around for someone.
He went to get his manager to get the 15K, but I stopped him and said calmly....

"No, I don't want the money. I want to take that whole 15K and put it on Horse #1 and Horse #6, to finish in that order for the perfecta.
In Translation, that means I would like to 'Let It Ride.’

He begged me not to do it; he told me that these horses were even longer shots than the one I had just won.

My friends were pleading with me as well not to do it. Except for Kate. She didn't say a word, but there was a twinkle in her eye that said she was excited about my 'Let It Ride' decision.

The ticket man, his name was Hugo, told me that the odds of these 2 horses coming in for the perfecta were near impossible, and again asked me to please reconsider.

I said..."You are a kind and sweet man to try to help me not make a bad decision here, but I don’t believe that it is a bad decision.
You were Raised By Another thought process than I was.

You are a Man of Science. I am a Woman of Faith. We are Fire + Water. Odds mean nothing to me."

He listened, resignedly understood, and Abandoned his quest to get me to see the light that The Moth was trying to show me.

"Let it ride, eh?", Hugo said to me.

"Let It Ride", I responded with a wink and a smile.

He said "OKAYY, but please do not be angry with me when you do not win. Because Everybody Hates Hugo when they lose."

I told him that would never happen, as he was giving me Professional Orientation on the science of betting on horses, and I would always appreciate it.

Horse #1 came in 1st, and Horse #6 came in 2nd. Kate and I were very calm, as if we knew that would happen all along. We were like that. It was weird, we always laughed because we always thought that somehow, we had known each other all our lives.
We laughed about when we met, how it felt like it was either a Homecoming of sorts, or a Collision of sorts.
2 situations.... One light, one dark. I still do not know which it was.

My other friends were losing their minds with excitement. One Of Them was on Maternity Leave from her job, we were worried she'd have the baby right there!

And there was a very good-looking southern man smiling at me and making eyes at me. Somehow, I felt I had seen that look before.
We would meet later on, and it would be A Tale Of Two Cities, believe you me.

My 15K had turned into 4 million bucks from that race. On one of the TV’s, it was announcing that some reporter in California named Tricia Tanaka Is Dead.

We didn't know her, but the man who's restaurant got hit by a meteor that killed her made me think I knew him from somewhere, and that weird thing that happens to people before they die, or think they are going to die, the Flashes Before Your Eyes phenomenon happened to me. This man was in all the flashes, too. But I didn't know him, so I chalked it up to Deja vu. Kate told me later that she had the same experience when she saw him. But neither of us knew him, he was in California, I had lived in Chicago, and Kate was from Portland. (Well, just outside of Portland, Not In Portland)

We all trekked back to see Hugo at the ticket counter again. We practically had to carry our pregnant friend by this time. Her name was Tabula Rasa, and she was being quite funny with her dramatics of the situation.

Hugo looked at me hopefully, shook his head in disbelief, and said...

"Let me guess. Let it Ride?"

I responded..."That's right, Hugo, my friend. I want to put this 4 mil on horse #8 to win in the 15th race."

"Another long shot, Miss."

"No matter. Let It Ride."

Hugo then said..."I think you are crazy. But I will pray The 23rd Psalm for you. Good luck, Miss." He looked sad.

There were a lot more distinguished managers behind the counter than there was before. And they were all hanging around Hugo's area. I wondered if he had gotten into trouble.

Back to the TV’s to watch the 15th race, we still had about 10 minutes left.

Hot Southern Man was giving me eyes again and smiling. I realized how his aura seemed so familiar to me.

He was a Confidence Man, waiting to see if I won a lot of money so he could swoop down upon me and try to swindle me out of it.

I didn't know why this was familiar to me; I had never come across a 'bona-fide' con man making eyes at me before. But it felt like I had.
It seemed that I was having Deja vu again.

He bought us drinks, I began to feel threatened, so I marched up to the man and asked him straight out what he wanted. He said he thought I was pretty, and that I shined. Then he called me Freckles.
I told him I could tell he was a major con man and that his act wouldn't work on me, so he should just give it up. He laughed and said all he wanted to do was get to know me, and that was The Whole Truth. He said his name was Sawyer, asked me my name, and tried to shake hands with me.

I told him I did not trust him and I walked away. The race would be on in a couple minutes.

What was it about that Sawyer guy, and the guy on TV, and Kate, that all seemed so familiar to me? I couldn't place it no matter how much I tried.

While I was so deep in thought, my horse #8 came in first in the 15th race. I was now up to 108 million dollars. This couldn't be happening, I thought, it is so surreal.

Yet it was happening. I had ‘Let It Ride’ long enough. It was time to move on to the casinos.

We went to cash out my 108 million at Hugo's station. His area was now crawling with managers and bigwigs that owned the Off-Track Betting Establishment.

I was worried for my friend, I wondered what he had done, and it looked like he was in serious trouble.

Kate suddenly grabbed my arm, giggling, to tell me something funny and secret.
She said..."Do not react to my words, laugh really hard, then giggle and listen to me now. All those men are there because they think we cheated with Hugo for you to win all this money. Go calmly to another counter person, get your money, don't make an excited remark or scene, then we'll tell the other girls to go home, calmly go to the bar, get Two For The Road, and leave quietly.
I Do not want us to have to sit in a room for 2 days to answer questions on how we did not cheat, then have to sit and wait for Further Instructions from these big-wigs. Do you understand what I am telling you?"

I laughed and giggled and said back to her...

"Kate. This is Every Man For Himself, hon, it is me they want to talk to, get out of here now, and I know you are in trouble from your past. Do you understand? Go. NOW." And I giggled like a high-school girl.

Kate giggled back and leaned in again to say..."Hell, no, sister. We Live Together, or we Die Alone, #1 thing to remember. I'm not going anywhere."

So we told our friends to get Tabula home, because she looked exhausted. No problem there.

We went to a different counter person, a girl who could not hide her facial expressions. She knew they were looking for me. Us. She looked around and was quite obvious about it. I started to get scared, but the bigwigs were waiting for me at Hugo's station, and were not looking.
She gave me my 108 mil. I thanked her, and Kate and I calmly walked toward the bar. Minutes later, at the bar, we heard loud noises like big metal doors banging shut. People were startled, and the guy called Sawyer said...."Well, well, well, they put the Lockdown on all the doors. Looks like they're coming for you, Freckles. You cheat or somethin"?

They were indeed coming for me, about 5 of them, looking way too serious for my comfort. I felt like a Glass Ballerina, about to shatter into pieces, I was so frightened.

The first man made it up to us and told me flat out that they thought I cheated, that no one was that lucky. I asked him how I could possibly cheat, it's not like I told the horses what to do so I would win!!

To which our friend Sawyer pipes up… "You know that horse, Freckles?"

I wanted to kill him. Yet, I did not know he was helping me.

Suddenly, Kate pulls out a gun, Sawyer follows suit, and they both point their guns at the men. The men must have known Sawyer, because they were scared of him, and backed off immediately. They didn't even care that Kate was also pointing a gun at them, they were too scared of Sawyer, and I wondered why they were so frightened of him that they didn't even care about Kate.
Sawyer grabs my arm and we all make it away from them to a secret exit door, which our new friend Sawyer already knew about.

There was a keypad that you had to put in numbers for the exit door to open.
Sawyer pushed a button, and the keypad's robotic voice said...."To exit immediately for emergency only... Enter 77.”

Sawyer did this like a pro, and we were all out the door. There were cops all over my car, which was parked.

Sawyer led us to his gold car, pretty non-descript, and said to me...

"Well, it looks like we're going to have to get the hell out of dodge, Freckles. Airport OK with you?"

Kate and I looked at each other, and said at the same time...

"Live Together, Die Alone, Part 2”! And then we laughed.

Sawyer thought we were goofy, I think. He gave me a weird look.

On the way to the airport, where I would begin my Exodus, Part 2, the radio was playing one of my favorites, White Rabbit, and I relaxed a little bit.

I think Kate was relaxed, too, she was very quiet. Sawyer was doing all the talking. He said he had been in Sydney for 49 days, to be exact.

He said this day was a lot more fun than The Other 48 Days he had been there.

We all got on flight 815 that was immediately boarding to leave for L.A.

I saw The Pilot. He was the same Pilot that I had talked to when I came to Sydney. Ha-ha, Pilot, Part 2, I thought. That would be a good chapter title in a book.

In our hurry, we just took whatever seats they gave us.

I lost my friends in the hurry to get to our seats.

I was in Seat 23B, and I fell asleep as soon as we took off. I was exhausted.

And woke up to screaming on a beach in the jungle.

What, did we crash???

It was mayhem, I tried to help some doctor guy and a pregnant girl who was also being helped by some guy that looked soooo familiar to me, but I couldn't place it.

I could not find my best friend. I looked all over for her, asked about her, no luck, I couldn't find her at all and I was very sad.

But I did see Sawyer, Thank GOD, I thought.

I went up to him to thank him for saving my friend and me.

He looked at me weird, and said..."Sorry, you must have me confused with someone else."

I was confused, and I told him, "NO, it was REAL, you helped me and my friend get away from the men that thought we were cheating on horses at their establishment!! It was real, it just happened less than 10 hours ago!"

He looked at me and again said that it wasn't him. And then he said....

"But I gotta tell you, Freckles, you look mighty cute in that sundress.
I'm Sawyer. What is your name?"

I laughed, confused, but still felt everything would be OK, and said...






"I'm Kate."







L O S T








Tania Nicole

[TaniaNicole]

Published on www.lostblog.net back in LOST's Season 2, a scene at the very end of the episode 'The Whole Truth'.
Tremendous breakfast scene with 'Not-Henry Gale', Jack and Locke. There are comments after my article inside the link posted. :)

http://www.lostblog.net/lost/tv/show/not-henry-gales-role-melting

Not-Henry Gale’s Role Melting

As we are in this short lull of time between last night’s “Reckoning” (in which we got our minds refreshed about Desmond and other LOST episode happenings) and the SUPER-exciting new episodes to come, I find myself most interested in Michael Emerson’s character Henry Gale, or…”Not-Henry Gale.”

The LOST Creators really struck gold when they recruited Emerson for this role. I honestly don’t know who else could possibly play this role as well as Emerson.
I think what makes him so good at it is his ability to melt the “characters” that Not-Henry plays all into one, so one doesn’t even notice the transformations as they occur.

Take the LOST episode, “The Whole Truth”, for example, at the end of the episode when Jack brings Henry (at this point we still know him as Henry) out of the Armory for breakfast to get under Locke’s skin. I call this scene “Breakfast with Henry.”

We watch Henry play The Boyish Inquisitive Guest character.

“What’s the computer for?” “Where did you guys get cereal?” “If it were me, I would be asking all kinds of questions!”

He has such an innocent face and demeanor while playing this character!

Jack puts a stop to this by asking Henry if he wants the cereal or not. Then Henry morphs himself to play The Martyr character. He quiets down and looks humble, also with a totally believable innocent demeanor, but it is different than The Boyish Inquisitive Guest’s. It is more adult. He only plays this role for a very short time before he melts into…

The Innocent Instigator character.

“I guess this is my time off for good behavior. I earned some brownie points. You know, for finally drawing that map for Ana.”

BAM. Just like that, Jack and Locke are looking at each other to try to place blame. Henry has accomplished exactly what he set out to do. And he isn’t even close to being finished toying with them yet. Next thing we know, The Innocent Instigator has become…

The Masked Manipulator role.

“Wow, you guys have some real trust issues, don’t you? I guess it’s no wonder she didn’t tell you.”

Again, Jack glares at Locke, Locke at Jack. Back and forth, again and again.
Henry watches. Now for the FUN part, to plant the seeds of awful thoughts into their minds. Henry is having such fun here. Henry melts into…

The Cat Ready To Eat The Canary character.

“What would I do if I were one of Them? Well, there would be a trap, of course. I would pick a dark, secluded place, a perfect place for an ambush. And when your people got there, my people would be there waiting for them. Then they’d make a trade. Me for them.”

Henry lets his words hang as he watches Jack and Locke become more and more uncomfortable.

“Whoa, I guess it’s a good thing I’m not one of them, isn’t it?” (the tiniest chuckle to himself only)

No big giggle or laugh to let Jack and Locke in on it and make them feel better. Henry just lets those words hang suspensefully in the air for a good few seconds, and I feel that we should see a bright yellow feather sticking out the side of his mouth. He then becomes…

The Wide-Eyed Eager Little Kid character.

“Hey, you guys got any milk?”

LOST

We, the viewers, all exclaimed “WHOA! Stop, back up a minute! What the heck just happened there?” Those of us who recorded it watched it again. Those of us who recorded it, and could not get enough of that scene, watched it over and over and over again. (This was me. It is in my library of “TV and Movie scenes that will NEVER be forgotten.”)

As I was watching and rewatching this scene, I noticed how easily Henry Gale slid into each character, leaving virtually no trace of the last role he was playing! If you have the chance to rewatch “Breakfast with Henry”, I highly recommend it.

We know Not-Henry lies.That is easy. What is also so intriguing about Gale is that we don’t know of a time where he has told the truth yet. (Or have we? If I have missed something, please let me know) So we cannot gauge his mannerisms to see if he is lying or not!

He is good. He is unreal. He is tremendous.
I truly cannot wait to see more of his role (roles) in the upcoming Lost episodes.

Thank you for reading,
Tania

**Disclaimer**
My quotes on what Henry Gale said in the scene of reference are not verbatim.

[Pekmboyd]

Auditiongasm submissions normally get sent directly to Flipit. Since the point is to get a sense of your writing, one thread is sufficient.

Thanks.

[TaniaNicole]

Auditiongasm submissions normally get sent directly to Flipit. Since the point is to get a sense of your writing, one thread is sufficient.

Thanks.

Oops. My apologies. :blush:

So, from now on, I would pm them to flipit instead of posting them in here?

Thank you for moving it all into one, again, sorry about that.

Tania:)

ETA: I apologize, I just read where to send submissions to. Sorry, I'm on barely any sleep and mistakenly overlooked it.

[TaniaNicole]

lol, guys, I'm getting a complex over here, 91 views and no replies. :unsure: :confused: :eek:

Have I done something wrong? Well, besides not submitting this to myl first? :unsure: