Big Brother 15 Finale

Last night, Big Brother 15 had its finale and I actually really enjoyed it.

If you haven't seen it yet, then obviously don't read this post!

Going into the night, I really wanted GinaMarie to win and actually kind of thought she would pull it out by a slim 5-4 margin.

Unfortunately, Andy won Part 3 of the HOH competition. However, he stuck with his early-in-the-season pinky-swear with GinaMarie and took her to the final 2 with him.

Then, GM's sure-fire win kind of started to unravel.

Andy's job is to speak. He's a guest lecturer and helps with teaching speech in his real life. He knows how to hit the big points and get them across to those who are listening. If I was a member of jury, I couldn't not vote for Andy based on his answer to the jury questions and his final speech. But GinaMarie is a people person and you really want to vote for her.

So, after those speeches, it wasn't a shocker when Andy pulled out the 7-2 win.

Even though Julie tried to somewhat talk about the controversial remarks some HGs said, no one (on the jury) had been briefed up until that point about what had been going on and what made "national news". Jury is sequestered all the way up until they come out to vote for the winner and they weren't privy to any information, even from the show psychologists that talk with the HGs or PR people.

Once the show ends, the HGs have to talk with the Big Brother producers about major things that happened in the season and how they were perceived by the public, in order to better see what they will be faced with during the backyard interviews. This, not surprisingly, took longer than anticipated because the interviews got delayed until 10:45 central time.

Also not surprisingly, each HG that needed to apologize about their actions in the house did. The only one with TWO PR people beside her was Aaryn. What surprised me was what Candice said during her interview

Candice: "I truly believe that Aaryn has changed. She is not a racist, she was just ignorant. I saw her grow as a person." #BB15
— BigBrotherLeak  (@BigBrotherLeak) September 19, 2013

I think we can all take a lesson from Miss Candie (who's 30th Birthday is TODAY!). If you haven't already, see what I mean in my open letter to Aaryn.

Aaryn & GM were briefed on how they were fired from their jobs. I liked how GM owned up to saying that she completely understands why they had to let her go. Aaryn, however, backpedaled and said she wasn't actively working with the agency that fired her and she already has six meetings with different agencies planned for this week.

Now comes the one weekend a year when I wish I was in Vegas! All the post-season parties with Big Brother Houseguests past and present! You'll definitely want to follow along, as most Houseguests post pictures if they attend.

Here are some of my choices on who to follow for up-to-dates on all the Vegas happenings:

Philip Alan Photo

Big Brother Leak

Andy Herren (BB15)

Judd Daugherty (BB15)

Kaitlin Barnaby (BB15)

Elissa Reilly (BB15)

Howard Overby (BB15)

Jeremy McGuire (BB15)

Nick Uhas (BB15)

And don't forget some of the BB Alum! They'll be there as well!

Finally, please keep Britney Hayes from Big Brother 12 & 14 in your thoughts. Her 2 month old daughter, Tilly, was diagnosed with cancer at the beginning of September.

 

 

Big Brother: A Check-In

We are just about a week out from the finale of Big Brother 15 (SAD DAY!) and this season has been.....interesting, to say the least.

I thought I'd do a "check-in" with the final 5. Back in June, I wrote my predictions and thoughts on the cast & needless to say, some houseguests let me down and some far exceeded my expectations of them!

 Andy

June: I love him! Funny, likeable, and smart: all of which can play to his advantage in the BB house. I totally want to be his BFF! I can actually see him making it relatively far, granted his relationships in the house don't get in the way & he can keep his intelligence underwraps (at least for the time being).

September: As predicted, he's very likable in the house and has made it far. But I don't like the way he has played this game. He hasn't won anything and has generally "floated" his way to the final five. 

 

Spencer

June: Super laid back & I think the houseguests will all love him. He's also a long-time fan of the show, so he knows what's going on, but I'm not sure if he will do well competition-wise, which could be his downfall. He'll either be eliminated early on or make it really far.

September: He hasn't done too well competition-wise, but it hasn't been his downfall. He really hasn't done much except sit on the nomination block seven (record-breaking) times as a pawn. He rubs me the wrong way most of the time, so I wouldn't like to see him win.

 

GinaMarie

June: Did she mean to audition for the Real Housewives??? Can't stand her already. Hate her dress too. I can see her and Elissa butting heads a lot. She might be the first one out, if she can't tone down her personality.

September: Did I or did I not predict her butting heads with Elissa? She was far from the first one out. And, even though I don't condone her actions and words of racism and hatred, I hope she makes it to the final three. Who would have thought I would say that back in June?!

 

Judd

June: Another superfan of BB! Huge southern guy and I like him. I think he has a real shot of going to the final 3, if not winning the whole thing. And he's pretty cute too!

September: Despite being eliminated, he beat the odds and is back in the house. He's, by far, my favorite houseguest that is left in the final five and I hope he wins the whole thing!

 

McCrae

June: He's one of the biggest BB fans - up there with Ian from last season. And he's from Minnesota! So more automatic points in my book. He has a super likeable personality too. He kind of scares me though. I think he'll make it to (or close to) the finals.

September: As predicted, he has made it very far and still has a huge shot at winning the whole thing. He pulls out competition wins when he needs to and knows how to lay low (unlike his other half, Amanda). I would have never predicted he would be the showmance of the season, but, against all odds, it has worked to his advantage because Amanda was so much more outspoken than him. I didn't really like his actions in the house, but I hope he pulls out second place.

What are your final Big Brother predictions?

Ignorance, Hatred, & Forgiveness

If you're a Big Brother viewer, you no doubt saw last week's exit interview with evictee, Aaryn Gries. Without a doubt, it was one of the most confrontational and crazy interviews in BB history. Julie did not back down, reading word for word Aaryn's racist and homophobic remarks and asking all the hard questions. Despite some people berating Aaryn during her eviction, including the audience laughing, scoffing, and booing her, I would like to talk to Aaryn myself in an open letter to her. While I don't condone racism or homophobia, here are my thoughts and what I would like her to know:

Aaryn,

I don't hate you. Despite much of the negativity, hatred, and cruelty you faced and will continue to face following your eviction from the Big Brother 15 house, I don't hate you. I feel bad for you and hope that this experience in the BB house truly did open your eyes to some of the things you said and your actions from earlier in the season.

See, contrary to some beliefs, racism is still rampant in this country. Be it the 1960's or 2013, people get hurt by the hateful words spewed by other people, whether they were intentional or not. There aren't any excuses for vicious attacks on others. Even though you may be Southern, this doesn't constitute racial or homophobic remarks.

I know you probably felt attacked from out of nowhere during your exit interview. And I can only imagine how audience laughs, scoffs, and boos made you feel immediately after being evicted by your fellow houseguests. While I don't disagree with how Julie asked you those questions (because they really did need to be asked), I feel some people could have behaved a little more maturely. Hate isn't cleared up with more hate.

I commend Candice, Howard, Helen, & Andy for being the bigger people & not attacking you after some of your comments about them. They handled themselves in a mature and admirable fashion. I know you probably don't personally hate any of the houseguests. But the manner you act in and the words you used could have been chosen more wisely.

I honestly hope that when you watch the Big Brother episodes back and read some of what you had said in the house, you see clearly that they weren't the best way to handle the situations you were in. I think you truly will regret those choices and hope you see that things need to change. Apologizing profusely will only get you so far. It is up to us, the viewers of Big Brother, to be mature and learn to forgive.

Oh, and Aaryn? Those two modeling contracts that dropped you? Don't sweat it. While you may have had it coming those first few weeks in the house, and while it may be upsetting, it's not the end of the word. You're a beautiful girl and will have plenty of options in the future, granted your intentional or otherwise words of hate change.

I wish you the best.

Breanna

P.S.: Kudos on your gameplay. Hands down, you were one of the best players this season by winning HOH practically every other week. I'm not too big to say I was totally wrong about your game in my preseason predictions. You most definitely weren't "carried" to jury.

Big Brother: Where Are They Now?

I thought I would keep up with one Big Brother post every 2 weeks or so, but I'm sick of focusing on this season's houseguests because they frustrate me so much!

Instead, I've decided to do a "Where Are They Now?" of some of the most well-known/well-liked past Big Brother houseguests. Enjoy!

Will Kirby

Since appearing on Big Brother 2 & Big Brother All-Stars, Dr. Will Kirby got engaged to Erin Brodie (of For Love or Money fame) in 2011. They have two children, William "Cash" Kirby, age 3 and Scarlett, born in 2012. He still works in dermatology and co-owns a tattoo removal company - Dr. Tattoff.

Mike "Boogie" Malin

 The winner of Big Brother All-Stars and one of the "coaches" in Big Brother 14, Mike Boogie co-owns Dr. Tattoff with Will Kirby. He still runs a chain of restaurants in California with The Dolce Group. He also has a son, Brady.

Alison Irwin

 Credit: Philip Alan Photography

Known as one of the villainous girls of Big Brother 4 & All-Stars, Alison & her then-boyfriend Donny were the first Big Brother "couple" to go on The Amazing Race after the show. They broke up soon after and, in the years following BB All-Stars, Alison married her husband David in 2011 & they have a daughter, Emersyn, born in 2012. 

Diane Henry

 My first mega-favorite BB houseguest back in the day, you may remember Diane for being sent home by her in-house boyfriend Drew Daniel (who eventually won the game). Diane was working for cbs2, interviewing Big Brother houseguests. She eloped last summer and married her husband Shawn in Tennessee.

Janelle Pierzina

 

Credit: Philip Alan Photography

One of the most famous people from BB (& fellow Minnesota girl!), Janelle participated in BB 6, All-Stars, & 14. Before BB 14, Janelle married Jess DeSantos. In December 2011, she had little Violet Anne. She is currently expecting a son, Lincoln, due in August.

Daniele Donato & Dominic Briones

Surprised by the photo? Daniele was on BB 8 with her estranged dad, Dick (who is obnoxious) and came back for BB 13, where she met her now husband, Dominic Briones. Yes, that's right, she married Dominic in January of this year! Dani stays pretty quiet about her private life, but it looks as though her & Dominic are enjoying newlywed life. And, no, her dad wasn't invited the wedding.

Jeff Schroeder & Jordan Lloyd

Jeff and Jordan are still going strong 4 years after meeting. In May 2012, they moved out to Santa Monica, CA together. They occasionally help Bob Merrick co-host The Baub Show & Jeff interviews the evicted BB houseguests for CBS. Jordan has recently moved back to North Carolina temporarily to finish becoming a cosmetologist, although they are still dating. This past weekend, they were both in Chicago for Jeff's family picnic (seen above).

Rachel Reilly & Brendon Villegas

Rachel & Brendon competed on The Amazing Race after their stint on Big Brother. They also got married in September 2012 & were featured on an episode of David Tutera's My Fair Wedding.

Britney Haynes

Following BB 12, Britney & her then-boyfriend's house burned to the ground & they basically lost everything. Britney & that boyfriend eventually split up & shortly before coming back for BB 14, she married her high school sweetheart Ryan. Britney also just gave birth to her first child, a daughter, Tilly Elizabeth, on July 13th.

September 2013 Update: Little Tilly was recently diagnosed with cancer. You can keep updated on Britney, Ryan, & Baby Tilly on Britney's blog located, Together for Tilly. You can also donate to help with the family's hospital bills by clicking here or through PayPal at donate@togetherfortilly.com.

Of course, they are plenty of more houseguests I could have updated you on, but that would make this post enormously long & I don't want to torture you.

Racism, Sex, & Catfights: Big Brother 15

Yep, that basically describes this season of Big Brother & it makes me sick.
Before the premiere of this season, I gave you my first opinions on all of the houseguests. Time for an update!

First off, I correctly predicted that David wouldn't last long. Just like Braden in BB 11.

My favorites so far this season are Elissa, Helen, Andy, McCrae, Amanda, Howard, & Candice.
My can't stands? Aaryn, Jeremy, Kaitlin, GinaMarie, & Spencer. I so badly wanted to like Kaitlin, as she's a fellow Minnesota girl, but her "mean girl" attitude is rubbing me the wrong way. Not to mention she jumped on Jeremy before they had even been there for 2 weeks!

But what really rubs me the wrong way about them is their utter disrespect & ugliness. The racist, sexist, and homophobic remarks that they so carelessly spewed disgust me.

I'm not going to repeat what they said on here, but it has made its way to Reality Blurred, Zap2It, CNN, NPR (definitely recommend reading this one! Even though I love Big Brother, this is a very well-written article), Today, E! Online, Fox News, & Huffington Post. You can click those links to read the articles that were printed about all the hate making its way through the house. Did CBS respond? Well, only to say the houseguests opinions were not theirs. Are they going to address it on the show? I can say with 95% certainty, probably not.*** Should they? Most people say yes. Former Big Brother 12 cast member Ragan Fox wrote an open letter to the producers of Big Brother as well, which you can read here.

What makes it even more annoying is that this "Mean Girls" clique think that America must love them & hate Elissa.

***Update: On Sunday's show, the producers did put together a 3 minute segment with a montage of a few of the remarks made by Aaryn & GinaMarie. They also asked some houseguests what they thought about the remarks. 

This past week, it has come out that Aaryn has been let go from her modeling contracts at Zephyr Talent & Bella Petite because of her remarks. GinaMarie has also been fired from her pageant coordinator job with East Coast USA Pageant, Inc. because of what she has said.

Enough about this though, here's my updates on the cast. No "spoilers" will be stated in my opinions, for the benefit of those who don't watch the live feeds. I do know who this week's HOH, Nominees, & MVP are, but I don't want to spoil it for those who don't want to know.

 Aaryn

First opinion: Sweet & Likeable
Now: Ugly & hated. I think she's probably one of the most-hated houseguests in Big Brother history. She will be in for a rude awakening upon leaving the house. And she thinks she's going to get MVP more than once? What a shame that she's not going to get it AT ALL.

 Andy

First opinion: Funny, likeable, & smart.
Now: I still feel the same. One of my favorites. He has the ability to make everyone think he's friends with them. He's playing a phenomenal social game.

Kaitlin

First opinion: Either an airhead or super smart.

Now: Well, at least I now know she really is an airhead. Her Minnesota girl status didn't help her much because she really is a mean girl & I am ashamed to be from the same state as her.

Spencer

First opinion: Laid back and likeable.

Now: I think so far he's been a pretty neutral player. Not really a target yet. But I don't like him. He has also used plenty of ugly language.

Howard

First opinion: Eye candy, well-spoken, & ability to make final 3.

Now: I still agree with everything I said. We haven't really seen him much so far, which is good: he's keeping a low profile & is trying not to win any competitions or draw attention to himself. People like him & he's playing one of the best games so far.

Amanda

First opinion: Pretty with a strong personality.

Now: Who would have thought her & McCrae would be one of the showmances of the season?! Some people can't stand her, but I personally love her! Yes, she did use a homophobic slur earlier this season...and was promptly put in her place by McCrae. Everytime I see her, I think of Hillary Scott from Lady Antebellum. She has an uncanny resemblance to her.

Elissa

First opinion: Potential to be annoying. Needs to keep her Rachel connection quiet.

Now: Well, that didn't last long. The houseguests knew within a few days of being in the house that she was Rachel's sister, which, as predicted, but a huge target on her back. However, I love her and I think America likes her so far too. She won MVP the first week. I feel bad for her & how much some of the girls are picking on her.

Candice

First opinion: Likeable, but an easy target.

Now: She was nominated the first week, which fit in with my prediction that she was an easy target. Luckily, she survived because I love her. She's also been keeping a pretty low profile since she came off the block from Veto. I hope she makes it far.

Helen

First opinion: Smart, but could be targeted for her brains. Downfall will be missing family.

Now: She's already had a few breakdowns and expressed how much she misses her husband and kids, as predicted. She's playing a good social game in that she's taken on the "mother figure" of the group and people come to her to vent.

GinaMarie aka GM

First opinion: Annoying & will butt heads with Elissa.

Now: Did I or did I not predict her spot on? So annoying & hates Elissa. She is also probably one of the most-hated houseguests in Big Brother history. I wish she wouldn't have teamed up with Nick because I actually semi-like him. She's already had multiple breakdowns & has threatened to leave the house. I wish she would just do it already.

Judd

First opinion: Southern boy, likeable, & ability to make it far.

Now: I still believe all of the above. J-U-Double D Party Darty has been keeping a pretty low profile lately. His voice/accent is kind of annoying sometimes, as you can't really understand him. But overall, I still like him.

Jessie

First opinion: Could be first out unless she aligns with strong players.

Now: She almost was the first out. She still doesn't really have any alliance yet. She sometimes associates with the mean girl clique. I don't really have any strong opinion about her right now. She's just there.

McCrae

First opinion: Super likeable & able to make the finals.

Now: I love McCrae! He also reps the Minnesota shirt & he's a cool dude that's always just go-with-the-flow. I want him to win it all.

 Jeremy

First opinion: Douche lord.

Now: Yep. Does he know how terrible he's making himself appear? And you know that whole Cherokee thing he was talking about on the show? He's only 1/16th Cherokee.... He makes me so unbelievably angry. 

Nick

First opinion: Cute, arrogant, & will potentially do well.

Now: I actually kind of like him. I hated him in his pre-show interviews, but he's actually come off pretty well. He's smart to be aligning himself with both the Mean Girls as well as the other side of the house. I don't think most people are looking at him as a threat right now, but they should be.

Do you watch Big Brother? 

What do you think of the season so far? 

Do you think producers should address these racist remarks? Do you think the repercussions Aaryn & GinaMarie received from their jobs were fair?

Expect the Unexpected

Some of you may know that one of my all-time favorite shows is Big Brother. I've been watching since season one (which aired when I was about 10 years old or so). Season 15 starts on Wednesday night & I AM PUMPED!

You may not know that I actually filled out an application for the show two years back, but I never sent it in. They had auditions this Spring in Minneapolis, &, let me tell you, if I would have lived up there, I most definitely would have gone! Some may say I'd be crazy to try to do something like that, but I say, bring on the adventure.

CBS recently revealed the new cast of houseguests last week & today I'm giving you the scoop on each one & my pre-season opinions of them. You can go to the Official Big Brother 15 website to watch exclusive interviews of the cast (conducted by none other than the perfect Jeff Schroeder).

Aaryn Gries - 22 - San Marcos, TX - Single - College Student

She seems sweet & likeable, which could be in her favor. The guys are bound to love her. However, I can see some of the other girls getting catty with her. But I think she'll be one of the first 3 out of the house.

David Girton - 25 - San Diego, CA - Single - Lifeguard

This guy reminds me of Braden from Big Brother 11. Don't remember him? That's 'cause he was evicted first! He says he's a superfan of Big Brother, which could be a hindrance if he lets this on to the other houseguests right away. His hair bothers me like no other. And he sounds like a typical beach-bum. I don't see him making it far either.

Andy Herren - 26 - Chicago, IL - Single - Professor

I love him! Funny, likeable, and smart: all of which can play to his advantage in the BB house. I totally want to be his BFF! I can actually see him making it relatively far, granted his relationships in the house don't get in the way & he can keep his intelligence underwraps (at least for the time being).

Kaitlin Barnaby - 23 - Minneapolis, MN - Single - Bartender

Minnesota girl! This gives her automatic points in my book, but I'm not sure what to think of her right now. She's either a complete airhead & has no idea what's going on or she's playing everyone & is actually super, super smart. She could end up middle-of-the pack. I don't see her in the finals (unless she really is playing everyone).

Spencer Clawson - 31 - Conway, AR - Single - Railroad Conductor

Super laid back & I think the houseguests will all love him. He's also a long-time fan of the show, so he knows what's going on, but I'm not sure if he will do well competition-wise, which could be his downfall. He'll either be eliminated early on or make it really far.

Howard Overby - 29 - Hattiesburg, MS - Single - Youth Counselor

Definitely intended to be the eye-candy this year! Mmm. I'm just going to go ahead and say it: he'll make it to the final 3. He's very well spoken & seems to have both physical and mental toughness to win competitions and know what he's doing. Love him!

Amanda Zuckerman - 28 - Boynton Beach, FL - Single - Real Estate Agent

Wow. She is gorgeous. But I think that could go against her, as she has a really strong personality as well. She could be hated by a lot of people: both in and out of the house. I think she also will either be one of the first ones out or go really far, granted she wins competitions.

Elissa Slater - 27 - Kannapolis, NC - Married Mom - Nutritionist

Look familiar? What if I told you her maiden name is Reilly? Anyone? ...

That's right - she's Rachel "No one comes in between me & my man!" Reilly's older sister. She has the potential to be annoying, but I like her. If she can keep quiet about her Reilly connection until houseguests (eventually) figure it out for themselves, she has the potential to make it far.

Candice Stewart - 29 - Houston, TX - Single - Pediatric Speech Therapist

This pageant queen (Miss Louisiana Teen USA 2002, Miss Louisiana USA 2005) could be one of the first ones out, which is sad because I really like her. Her experiences in the pageant system & as an NFL cheerleader could work against her, but I think a lot of people with like her.

Helen Kim - 37 - Chicago, IL - Married Mom - Political Consultant

She's been working in politics for over a decade & seems really smart. She said she plans on keeping that secret, but I think it's going to work against her & she won't make it to the end. Missing her husband and kids could also be her downfall.

GinaMarie Zimmerman - 32 - Staten Island, NY - Single - Pageant Coordinator

Did she mean to audition for the Real Housewives??? Can't stand her already. Hate her dress too. I can see her and Elissa butting heads a lot. She might be the first one out, if she can't tone down her personality.

Judd Daughtery - 26 - Etowah, TN - Single - Property Appraiser

Another superfan of BB! Huge southern guy and I like him. I think he has a real shot of going to the final 3, if not winning the whole thing. And he's pretty cute too!

Jessie Kowalski - 25 - San Antonio, TX - Single - Unemployed

I think her and Aaryn might become really good friends since they have similar upbringings and similar personalities. I really like her. She doesn't seem to be super, super pumped about trying to win though. She could be one of the first out, unless she aligns herself with some strong players and they drag her along for the ride.

McCrae Olson - 23 - Oak Grove, MN - Single - Pizza Delivery Boy

He's one of the biggest BB fans - up there with Ian from last season. And he's from Minnesota! So more automatic points in my book. He has a super likeable personality too. He kind of scares me though. I think he'll make it to (or close to) the finals.

Jeremy McGuire - 23 - Katy, TX - Single - Boat Shop Associate

Douche lord. Don't like him at all either. He'll probably get evicted before jury. He seems greasy too....

Nick Uhas - 28 - New York, NY - Single - Entrepreneur

Cute. Seems very arrogant. Kind of reminds me of a mix of Boogie (the personality) & Dr. Will (the brains - he graduated Pre-Med from Yale). Has the potential of doing very well.

In pre-show interviews, Julie Chen has said this year's twist has to do with the audience having more of an impact on the nominations and/or evictions. To see what will unfold this season, watch the premiere on Wednesday at 8/7 central on CBS!