OT - The Apprentice...

[mauchow]

It was a gooooood "You're fired"! lol


I enjoyed it... No spoilers here, West Coast :p

Woooohooooo

[Philliesfan980]

hands down the best reality show out there.

[timmae]

the best portion of the entire series so far was the boardroom tonight. Breaking back into the place before they were done 'talking' was friggin great... and then the breakdown. You go sista... errr... see ya I mean.

[Barkeep49]

I thought tonight was the best episode of the series, but that the boardroom portion was much better last week despite her breaking into the room.

[GoSeahawks]

I loved the reward for the winning team. The group leader got a ten minute meeting with Trump.

[rkmsuf]

that art was out there...

[Radii]

I don't think I can work a full day today, I have a concussion.

Best... firing... ever...

I think Troy wins this thing.

[Logan]

I thought tonight was the best episode of the series, but that the boardroom portion was much better last week despite her breaking into the room.

My roommates and I weren't paying attention as this happened. I guess we were expecting a commercial of something. What happened? I thought they were supposed to be waiting outside, and then the Witch bursted in...but if that was the case, what was Heidi doing sitting there?

[Franklinnoble]

My wife is hooked on this show, so of course, I'm compelled to watch it. I don't care much for it, but my casual observation is that NONE of these contestants would have any business being the president of a company.

[SunDancer]

I loved the reward for the winning team. The group leader got a ten minute meeting with Trump.

Yeah. I laughed. "Some people would be so impressed with that." Trump needs to get over himself. He hasn't done shit, really. I love how Oramosno(?) boosts about herself. She sold only one piece. That's not exactly impressive. She's not smart, really. So she worked at the white house, who cares. What did she exactly do? She was on Leno tonight.

[Philliesfan980]

Yeah. I laughed. "Some people would be so impressed with that." Trump needs to get over himself. He hasn't done shit, really. I love how Oramosno(?) boosts about herself. She sold only one piece. That's not exactly impressive. She's not smart, really. So she worked at the white house, who cares. What did she exactly do? She was on Leno tonight.


Yeah, right, Trump really hasn't done shit. Are you freaking kidding me?

True, he might have gotten some good breaks during his road to fame and fortune, but most people do. The bottom line is that not everyone has the same opportunity for success, but most rich people know when to jump on a great opportunity.

[SunDancer]

Yeah, right, Trump really hasn't done shit. Are you freaking kidding me?

True, he might have gotten some good breaks during his road to fame and fortune, but most people do. The bottom line is that not everyone has the same opportunity for success, but most rich people know when to jump on a great opportunity.

Outside his real estate, what has been a good venture for him? The casinos are a financial mess, his old airline Trump Shuttle is down and dead. He had a very rich daddy, also a real estate, which allowed him to get the money to take on his bigger projects. Sure, he spotted a good piece of property in Manhattan, but that's more realizing an opportunity. His business skills, as I stated, are very overrated.

[Philliesfan980]

Outside his real estate, what has been a good venture for him? The casinos are a financial mess, his old airline Trump Shuttle is down and dead. He had a very rich daddy, also a real estate, which allowed him to get the money to take on his bigger projects. Sure, he spotted a good piece of property in Manhattan, but that's more realizing an opportunity. His business skills, as I stated, are very overrated.


I still see him living in a new penthouse suite in NYC :).

But you may be right. I don't know anything about him in great detail, all I know is that he's had alot of success. I didn't know that his casino's were a financial mess (I guess that means that they are losing money). I didn't know that it was possible to lose money in a casino venture.

I thought his dad was a "blue collar" type. Thats what they are portraying him to be on the show at least.

[Desnudo]

My wife is hooked on this show, so of course, I'm compelled to watch it. I don't care much for it, but my casual observation is that NONE of these contestants would have any business being the president of a company.

My casual observation is that I would probably quit my job if forced to work with any of them at any level of any company.

[Desnudo]

I still see him living in a new penthouse suite in NYC :).

But you may be right. I don't know anything about him in great detail, all I know is that he's had alot of success. I didn't know that his casino's were a financial mess (I guess that means that they are losing money). I didn't know that it was possible to lose money in a casino venture.

I thought his dad was a "blue collar" type. Thats what they are portraying him to be on the show at least.

It's easy to suck money out of companies you directly own once they start producing cash flow. So your companies can be junk but you can be living like a king.

[Philliesfan980]

My casual observation is that I would probably quit my job if forced to work with any of them at any level of any company.

The problem is most of them are pretty young and generally right out of college. I think Kawme (sp) is a good guy, doesn't say too much to get himself into trouble, which is a direct corelation of why he's never in the hot seat when he's in the boardroom. Nick has energy, but I don't think he's very technically sound. Bill I think is a smart guy. As for the girls, that other girl (I forget her name with the brown hair, pointy noise), is a moron, and doesn't contribute anything (she's gone off the next show). The one girl hasn't lost yet, and the other is real scrappy.

I think they've done a good job weeding everyone off the show who has NO business being there. We'll have to see what happens from here on out.

[Philliesfan980]

It's easy to suck money out of companies you directly own once they start producing cash flow. So your companies can be junk but you can be living like a king.


Very true. I've seen many of my clients live like this. While working on their tax returns, I'm just like you've got to be kidding me.

[SunDancer]

Very true. I've seen many of my clients live like this. While working on their tax returns, I'm just like you've got to be kidding me.

Yeap..I'm not saying Trump shouldn't get credit for the real estate success. I just think that his success and businesss skills is overrated. He had the money to start with in his real estate business. However, I consider real estate more of an "investment" then a business. He has alot of toys, his 727 jet, his manison in South Florida, his NYC suite, his golf course, ect. Kinda makes me wonder when he was in a huge debt (I like to say $900 million, but not sure...and I recall he had to sell off his $100 million yatch), how he managed to come back so quickly and buy so many toys. I believe someone said his casinos are one of the worst public companies in looking at the financial picture. Trump Shuttle went belly up. Remember his USFL team? He's a big reason for the downfall of the league. Not saying just him, but he's prolly the biggest owner in helping it downfall. Business-wise, I wouldn't hire Trump to work for me if I had the chance. Yeap...the same "money-sucking" that Trump can do to live like a king isn't just him. It's a big center of Tyco, Adelphia, Enron's chief executive officers who have put those companies and themselves in trouble.

[SunDancer]

dola...

wanted to add that I read that he has personal pilots that fly his private jet on the payroll of the casino.

[SunDancer]

Anyone gonna watch the finale tonight? I find it funny, as much as I do not think Trump is overly good businessmen (only good in real estate), and I have a hard time figuring out how his personal wealth is as high as it is (alot of his ventures are not successful), that I watch it more. The only person that is someone I would trust is Bill. The other 15 people, I would never trust to be a CEO, President, ect.

[KevinNU7]

Last night they had a behind the scene work up of each contestant. It made Omarosa look even nuttier. Some of those people have no business going for this when they are already so successful in what they do

[Suicane75]

They have a layout in Maxim or Stuff this month featuring all of the chicks from the show, very scarey. :eek:

[GoSeahawks]

Last night they had a behind the scene work up of each contestant. It made Omarosa look even nuttier. Some of those people have no business going for this when they are already so successful in what they do
I thought it was funny how they made Sam look like a decent guy, but Omarosa came off looking like the nutty bitch she was on the show. :D

[GrantDawg]

I got hooked on this show late. I hope I can catch some reruns somewhere to see the early shows. It is addictive.

[mgadfly]

I thought it was funny how they made Sam look like a decent guy, but Omarosa came off looking like the nutty bitch she was on the show. :D

I thought it was too nice to Omarosa. I saw on television a quote from the Clinton administration person that said she had to fire Omarosa 4 times in about a month. On the show last night they just showed her with a picture of Clinton and Gore and didn't mention the fact that she was a total failure there as well.

[SunDancer]

I thought it was too nice to Omarosa. I saw on television a quote from the Clinton administration person that said she had to fire Omarosa 4 times in about a month. On the show last night they just showed her with a picture of Clinton and Gore and didn't mention the fact that she was a total failure there as well.

Sadly, I have to agree with Heidi (I think it was her), that Kwame needed to bring it up and not be so relaxed with her about her big miskate in the last eposide.

[GrantDawg]

Sadly, I have to agree with Heidi (I think it was her), that Kwame needed to bring it up and not be so relaxed with her about her big miskate in the last eposide.
Very true. Bill is by far the better business man, but Kwame probably has the best background for a "corporate" job.

[SunDancer]

Very true. Bill is by far the better business man, but Kwame probably has the best background for a "corporate" job.

Well, Bill has an internet company that he started and owns, and I think its sad to be a multi-million dollar business. Kwame, to me, is a guy I would trust with my investments and financial aspect of a company, but he doesn't seem to have the whole package together in my mind to oversee a company. According to an article at msnbc.com, it gives some good points about Bill vs. Kwame.
-The Restaurant eposide, where Kwame was project manager, and mislead customers in the autograph, while Bill work the staff and did well in what he offered.
-He knew the price of gold wouldn't be flexible, yet wasted time neogiating for it.
-The first eposide, where he decided on "location, location, location" was that fish market (which was horrible decision).

[GrantDawg]

Well, Bill has an internet company that he started and owns, and I think its sad to be a multi-million dollar business. Kwame, to me, is a guy I would trust with my investments and financial aspect of a company, but he doesn't seem to have the whole package together in my mind to oversee a company. According to an article at msnbc.com, it gives some good points about Bill vs. Kwame.
-The Restaurant eposide, where Kwame was project manager, and mislead customers in the autograph, while Bill work the staff and did well in what he offered.
-He knew the price of gold wouldn't be flexible, yet wasted time neogiating for it.
-The first eposide, where he decided on "location, location, location" was that fish market (which was horrible decision).
That is exactly what I said, Bill is a better businessman. Kwame is a "safer" pick. Trump is a guy that likes to be the risk-taker, and I don't know if he wants a "Bill."

That being said, Bill *should* win. He has by far done the best job (of course, Amy did a much better job than Kwame, and where is she right now?).

[Fidatelo]

Amy only ever really had 1 decent idea (the ads on the bikes I think). The rest of the time she either sold her body or screwed up (a $300 rental car giveaway to high-rolling gamblers? Ya, good one). I felt the other contestants gave her way to much credit for her unbeaten streak.

[Franklinnoble]

Eh... I was kinda partial to Troy.

And I think Kwame is an idiot for having picked Omarosa for his team with his second choice. WTF was he thinking?

[rkmsuf]

For some reason I could care less who wins. I liked the show initially and find it entertaining but it's less about business and more about the interaction of the personalities and the storylines of the little missions. It's like the Real World in some respects.

How what you have seen can be forecast into corporate success is beyond me.

[thealmighty]

He was thinking "Quickie."

[mgadfly]

For some reason I could care less who wins. I liked the show initially and find it entertaining but it's less about business and more about the interaction of the personalities and the storylines of the little missions. It's like the Real World in some respects.

How what you have seen can be forecast into corporate success is beyond me.

I agree with this a little, but I'd argue that with the background information of their initial applications, combined with how they interact with others on these little missions, and how they have performed gives Trump a better idea of who to hire than the normal interview process (background information + sitting down a talking with Trump/execs-like these guys did in the interview episod-before a decision is made).

So, Trump may not be able to forecast corporate success, but he should have a better idea than when he normally hires an applicant.

[rkmsuf]

I agree with this a little, but I'd argue that with the background information of their initial applications, combined with how they interact with others on these little missions, and how they have performed gives Trump a better idea of who to hire than the normal interview process (background information + sitting down a talking with Trump/execs-like these guys did in the interview episod-before a decision is made).

So, Trump may not be able to forecast corporate success, but he should have a better idea than when he normally hires an applicant.

Agreed but I highly doubt this is even #472 on the reasons to make this show list.

[SunDancer]

That is exactly what I said, Bill is a better businessman. Kwame is a "safer" pick. Trump is a guy that likes to be the risk-taker, and I don't know if he wants a "Bill."

That being said, Bill *should* win. He has by far done the best job (of course, Amy did a much better job than Kwame, and where is she right now?).

Yeah, I was just building on what you said. Amy really didnt impress me much, as Fidatelo said, she only really had one good idea. The Casino run was horrible, she even had to try to steal the other customers from Bill.

I think that the concept of the idea is solid, but it needs to be redefined. I love to see the "Intern", where a company (I think Richard Branson, and the 200-some Virgin brand companies, would be an excellent choice, or GE), hires 24 freshly MBA college graduates and does a cutdown of two people a week, one from a losing team, and one "free" firing (based on track record, and ethical/moral) decisions. Projects need to be revamp as well, to be more suited to the business world.

I think that this show needs to be bring in some more business-skilled experts to help run the show, and maybe even change it up from Donald Trump (who in my mind, is a horrible businessmen, but great real estate developer).

[Desnudo]

I agree with this a little, but I'd argue that with the background information of their initial applications, combined with how they interact with others on these little missions, and how they have performed gives Trump a better idea of who to hire than the normal interview process (background information + sitting down a talking with Trump/execs-like these guys did in the interview episod-before a decision is made).

So, Trump may not be able to forecast corporate success, but he should have a better idea than when he normally hires an applicant.

Maybe. I don't know how good an idea you get about anyone when cameras are rolling.

[mgadfly]

Agreed but I highly doubt this is even #472 on the reasons to make this show list.

Agreed. There are a bunch of better reasons why to make the show. But it isn't like this interview process is inherently worse than the normal since this basically included an application + interview + weeks of being followed around with cameras. So basically, traditional interview process + extra fun stuff for the show.

[mgadfly]

Maybe. I don't know how good an idea you get about anyone when cameras are rolling.

Yeah, but they still had their applications and interviewed them. I'm not sure how good of an idea you get about someone when you put them through an interview process (normally).

[SunDancer]

What way would you guys cast the platform then? What needs to be to make it more realistic and a better measuring stick?

[Tigercat]

I think based on who had the most positive moments by their own talents, the final two should have been Bill and Troy. I was a little dissappointed that Trump didn't take the risk with Troy. I mean hell hireing any of these wackos is gonna be a risk, why not go all the way with that risk college degree or no? Troy has the most upside in all areas except finance. He even has the most upside as a leader, IMO. But there is little doubt that the safest and most solid pick is Bill. Hes just a solid guy. I think his personality, like most of the contestants, is pretty lacking though.

[Desnudo]

What way would you guys cast the platform then? What needs to be to make it more realistic and a better measuring stick?

I don't think you can really have a realistic measuring stick in a situation like that. So alternatively you pick the people that are most likely to make for an interesting show. Which it was.

Interesting poll on a side a note:

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/nm/20040415/us_nm/leisure_trump_poll_dc

[Desnudo]

I think based on who had the most positive moments by their own talents, the final two should have been Bill and Troy. I was a little dissappointed that Trump didn't take the risk with Troy. I mean hell hireing any of these wackos is gonna be a risk, why not go all the way with that risk college degree or no? Troy has the most upside in all areas except finance. He even has the most upside as a leader, IMO. But there is little doubt that the safest and most solid pick is Bill. Hes just a solid guy. I think his personality, like most of the contestants, is pretty lacking though.

Hubie, who do you think has the most upside of the high schoolers this coming draft?

[Tigercat]

Troy could have been the Lebron of corporate america! I want a Troy signed throwback suit!

[SunDancer]

Where's Mel Kiper's Hair when you need him?

[SunDancer]

I don't think you can really have a realistic measuring stick in a situation like that. So alternatively you pick the people that are most likely to make for an interesting show. Which it was.

Interesting poll on a side a note:

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/nm/20040415/us_nm/leisure_trump_poll_dc

Interesting.

[Tigercat]

OK, I take back my positive Troy comments after tonight. Tonight he looked like an idiot. Looks like Bill is going to pull this one out

[Desnudo]

Interesting.

Tremendous upside.

[SunDancer]

Tremendous upside.

Huh?

[Barkeep49]

SPOILER WITHIN POST!

I'm so glad that Omorossa finally got her due. Anyone else notice the Trump shove as they were cutting to commericial after they announced that Bill won?

[SunDancer]

SPOILER WITHIN POST!

I'm so glad that Omorossa finally got her due. Anyone else notice the Trump shove as they were cutting to commericial after they announced that Bill won?

No, care to explain.

[Suicane75]

It looked like as they were all congratulating Bill she went to step in front of Trump or shake his hand and he sort of brushed her back, it was pretty amusing.

[SunDancer]

It looked like as they were all congratulating Bill she went to step in front of Trump or shake his hand and he sort of brushed her back, it was pretty amusing.

Sweet. I love how Katrina ripped her. Anyone find Sam's offer funny (by the way, where he get that cash?).

[ISiddiqui]

Sure, he spotted a good piece of property in Manhattan, but that's more realizing an opportunity. His business skills, as I stated, are very overrated.

How is 'realizing oppertunity' NOT business skills? A big part of business skills is realizing oppertunities out there and Trump is very good at that. "Outside his real estate, what has been a good venture for him?".. LOL, so is real estate not a business now? Someone said it is an investment, not a business, which is silly... many, many, many businesses are simply investments in one thing or another.

The reason Trump loses money on some ventures is because he likes to live it up (ie, gold everywhere), not because he's a horrible businessman. He's got tons of cash, which by any businessman's measure is success.

[KevinNU7]

Sweet. I love how Katrina ripped her. Anyone find Sam's offer funny (by the way, where he get that cash?). He's loaded. The showed his apartment in NYC on Dateline Wednesday night.

[GrantDawg]

How is 'realizing oppertunity' NOT business skills? A big part of business skills is realizing oppertunities out there and Trump is very good at that. "Outside his real estate, what has been a good venture for him?".. LOL, so is real estate not a business now? Someone said it is an investment, not a business, which is silly... many, many, many businesses are simply investments in one thing or another.

The reason Trump loses money on some ventures is because he likes to live it up (ie, gold everywhere), not because he's a horrible businessman. He's got tons of cash, which by any businessman's measure is success.
If he is able to pull together the backing for his grand schemes (look at the two properties Bill had a choice of over-seeing), I'd say he is a pretty good salesman at the very least.

[ISiddiqui]

Indeed, GrantDawg, and a good part of business is being a glorified salesman, basically.

[Desnudo]

Indeed, GrantDawg, and a good part of business is being a glorified salesman, basically.

I think that really oversimplifies it. You can certainly be successful being a salesman and a glory hound like Trump is. But true long term business, and I mean business success, not personal, is achieved by people focused on other things besides flash and the next big thing. Warren Buffet springs to mind as someone in that vein.

[Glengoyne]

I was surprised to see Sam plunk down the 250K. Way back when they were announcing what some of these people do for a living, I was thinking to myself "These people aren't the typical Reality Show cast. Some of these people are raking in some serious coin". Troy is a mortgage broker, and indicated that he made his living loaning his own money. I know I don't have the cash lying around to cover a mortgage.

I really liked the show, eventhough the Donald is so outwardly full of himself. I do hope the tasks next year are more business oriented, and I also hope they learned from the mistake of dividing the teams by the sexes.

[SunDancer]

How is 'realizing oppertunity' NOT business skills? A big part of business skills is realizing oppertunities out there and Trump is very good at that. "Outside his real estate, what has been a good venture for him?".. LOL, so is real estate not a business now? Someone said it is an investment, not a business, which is silly... many, many, many businesses are simply investments in one thing or another.

The reason Trump loses money on some ventures is because he likes to live it up (ie, gold everywhere), not because he's a horrible businessman. He's got tons of cash, which by any businessman's measure is success.

Outside of real estate (which to me, is not long-term, "competitive" business) , he hasnt been very successful. His casinos are a mess (where they are being questioned how long they'll last), his old airline Trump Shuttle busted, ect. From polls and articles, it seems he doesnt have excitement from employees working for him. Plus, he also had a nice bankroll in his beginning of things.

[Radii]

I do hope the tasks next year are more business oriented, and I also hope they learned from the mistake of dividing the teams by the sexes.

I have a bad feeling that overplaying the sexes is going to be what brings this show down, I hope it has one more good season before this happens though.

[SunDancer]

According to ESPN, Mark Cuban is looking at getting Kwame for his "first pick".

[SunDancer]

According to ESPN, Mark Cuban is looking at getting Kwame for his "first pick".

Speaking of Cuban, I though this was quite funny.
hxxp://blogmaverick.com/

[ISiddiqui]

Outside of real estate (which to me, is not long-term, "competitive" business)

So if you say it isn't a business, it magically fails to be one? :rolleyes:

[SunDancer]

So if you say it isn't a business, it magically fails to be one? :rolleyes:

I didn't say that. Why I said to me...