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The Gauntlet 2 - Episode 1

Thanks to all who watched the start of latest MTV Real World/Road Rules Challenge: Gauntlet 2 on Monday night.  I think you are really going to like this challenge, and I promise that the next few weeks will be more interesting than the first episode. Why am I in Gauntlet 2?  Many people probably think I’m crazy to do another challenge. I always have hope that I will have a chance to compete and that also people will take the time to get to know me before labeling me “Osama Beth Laden.” Unfortunately, my reputation precedes me and I've accepted this. What did I think about going into this challenge?  I did research to figure out who would be on my team before I left for Tobago, so I could figure out my strategy. Most of the girls on my team are like five feet tall and 98 pounds. The girls who will be my direct competition in size are Montana and Aneesa, so I had to figure out how to give myself the best advantage. The “Beth” who is not in game mode would think, “Great, warm weather, exercise, and eat healthy salads." The Beth who is in the game thinks, "Okay, its important for me to keep up my strength and my weight when going against the women on my team, especially against Montana and Aneesa. Since I expect the food to be really nasty, I’m just going to eat peanut butter and jelly sandwiches everyday." This would give me protein and would probably make me gain some weight as well. I could always lose it when I go home...(and I did). So this was my main strategy. Did I have a strategy for the Team Captain Challenge?  You saw my comment about knowing that something was up.  “Because I’m pretty much seasoned at this, I pretty much knew there was going to be a twist” with the captain situation.   That was recorded back in LA, not on the islands.  I guess production needed a filler.  Actually when T.J. mentioned there was $1000 on the line for the Captain competition, I knew there had to be a twist.  They wouldn’t be offering money so quickly for something we would normally want to have some control of the game. I didn't want to be captain first since we didn’t really yet know the Captain’s role, so I didn't try to win.  I was happy with this decision because later that night it meant that Derrick was not going to pass out on my bed.  (All four Captain’s beds were in the same room).  OK, no trash talk about Derrick from me…at least not this week. Mark’s 30-something birthday party (Hey, I’ve had some of those!) So where did the decorations come from?  Robin knew ahead of time she wanted to throw Mark a birthday party, and usually there is a big party the first night on any challenge, so she brought decorations with her from LA.   Everyone really did have a good time, including non-party girl, Beth! You saw me hiding behind sheets in my bed.  Why?  Well, Adam had a little too much to drink and was jumping up and down on my bed and being a little too friendly.  I had a more than a little to drink too, but still had the presence of mind to tell him to quit trying to look down my top. Ace in the bathroom?  What’s up with that?  I heard that people are commenting on it on-line.  Keep talking ;) Maybe I’ll tell about it next week.   I’ll save my comments about Jo’s departure until next week, too.   Until then, have a great week.

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The Gauntlet 2 - Episode 2

OK, first, if you are looking for a show recap, you are in the wrong place.   Well, I get almost no camera time this episode, which some of you may appreciate.  What you do see of me leaves a false impression, but I’ll deal with that in a minute. First, the party and Jo’s departure were actually on day two, but the editing last week made it look like it could have been the same night as the “Royal Rumble.”  Katie, Robin and Ibis spent much of the day getting the house ready for the party, while many of us just dealt with jet lag.   I love Jo’s line “I’ve been seriously manhandled on the Island of Tobago.”  It a great line, but totally phony.  I have absolutely no idea what she was talking about, and I’m not at all sure she knows either.   If there had been real physical drama, MTV would have shown it.  That would have been really good TV.  It just didn’t happen.  Ruthie said of Jo “She’s just crazy.” I can’t argue with that.     Were we all standing around waiting for the police to arrive?  Was there a big scene when the police come into the house?  No.  When production and we realized that she was going to leave, we probably just stopped caring.  I just went to bed and was actually asleep when Jo left, so if there was any further drama, no one told me about it the next day.   Trust me, people tell me when there is drama.  There was none.  Jo’s done her last challenge.       The first mission:  We decided (or actually the guys decided) that we would do guy and guy and then girl and girl, while the rookies just mixed up their teams.  It was the first challenge and I felt comfortable with Julie.  We are almost the same height so I thought we could balance well together.  In the end, it probably didn’t matter much except that the having to have one of the women run alone with the two logs probably was not the smartest thing we could have done. Here’s where things get really strange in this episode.  It’s really hard not to come away from watching this edit and not believe that somehow Julie and I lost this mission.  Most of the girls on my team were dropping coconuts but JULIE AND I didn't drop any. JULIE AND I WERE PRETTY MUCH PERFECT IN THIS MISSION AND WE WERE NOT THE LAST GROUP TO GO ON OUR TEAM.  I usually don't bitch about editing but whoever did this episode messed up. Notice when Julie and I are on our second run, when they cut away to Derek, I’m standing next to him because this editor took this game out of sequence.  We never dropped any coconuts—not either time we did it.  Montana and Robin dropped some, and so did Ruthie and Katie.   You see Montana picking some up and you hear Adam yelling at Katie to go back and pick up a coconut that they had dropped.   But, most importantly, Julie and I were not the last pair of veterans to do the mission.  When Julie and I drop our coconuts the last time, the coconut count on screen is 200 – 200, but it’s totally out of order, because we were standing at the start/finish line when the last team dropped their coconuts on the pile. Sorry, BMP, but that is total crap. Why edit the mission to make it look like Julie and I were beaten by MJ and Jodi?  Is this something you are going to repeat week after week?   I couldn’t agree more with Adam’s comment about Derrick:  “He starts too much shit with the team for no reason.”  It was hard to know if that was Derrick’s strategy or if that is just Derrick. What you didn’t see of the deliberation was more interesting, like me calling out Derrick for lying.  He wanted everyone to stand up and tell what each was contributing to the team and how he had never thrown a challenge.  I had to call him out on that.  I reminded everyone that Derrick had deliberately thrown a challenge during Inferno 2 to try to get rid of me.  He responded with lots of “F.. you’s.”  You saw the result.   Derrick had the most votes with almost everyone expecting Adam would beat him. You also hear Aneesa’s mouth running in deliberations trying to cover up her screw up and the fact that she sucks.  She is so lame and fake and LAZY and I can't stand it!!!!  All the other chicks on the team are pretty kool; and while none of us are perfect, I can say we all contribute something to the team. We compliment each other. Aneesa is a low class stripper with a big mouth.  The fact that she can't carry coconuts without screwing up is a red flag for me. I don't ever want to be her partner. And you can't be partners with someone you can't trust....   It was tough to watch Derrick and Adam in the Gauntlet.  You saw only a few seconds of what was physically brutal and lasted much longer.  It was just ugly and difficult to watch, especially as the score went against Adam.  Bottom line:  Derrick pissed off many of the veterans, and as David said, it could cost us throughout the game. Wow, it was a short episode.  I want more. Let me know if there is something you want me to talk about in the coming weeks.  Thanks to LC for sending in a question based on my comments last week,  “Just wondering why you thought the food on the challenge might be "nasty"?”   Well, LC, with 32 people in the house and one cook, things were bound not to be ideal, and frankly, I’m not a big fan of goat.  The PB & J protein option was just frequently a better alternative for me to keep up my strength.  I would have preferred to eat out at local restaurants as often as possible.  The food is always better and it’s much more fun being out in the local culture rather than locked up with 30 crazy people with access to way too much liquor and a frat party mentality.   The food at the mission/Gauntlet location was typical craft services low-budget stuff.  We often didn’t know what it was, so, again, PB & J was just a better option for me.  (Email your questions/comments to admin@realitytvstuff.com) Quote of the week:  “I’ve been seriously manhandled on the Island of Tobago.” (Jo)  I came home with lots of bruises and a few scars.  I could have honestly used that line myself.   Until next week, take care.

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The Gauntlet 2 - Episode 3

This episode was extremely boring… I think the problem is there are so many people and not enough time to tell the stories, because they have to focus on the challenges and the gauntlets. In my opinion, they should make more episodes because if they aren't going to show the drama, it goes flat.  I wanted to turn the channel and watch a movie on HBO. As much as I dislike Aneesa, I loved it when she told off Cara. There were plenty of words tossed back and forth between Cara and many of the women – much more than you saw. For some reason, Cara thinks she is special because she posed in Playboy. I think it's hilarious :). She apparently has nothing else to say or talk about. She has zero personality and bases her entire self worth on posing naked. It's too bad.  (Hey, it’s great to do it, but then move on.) Another thing you don't see in the show is everyone immediately formed cliques. It feels kind of awkward for me because people come on these challenges and have close friends.  In my room with the Veteran girls, Robin and Katie are already best buddies and when they don't hang, Robin is off with Mark and Katie is off with David... Aneesa and Jisela are pretty much joined at the hip and taking showers together. Aneesa is also kissing ass to Ruthie and taking showers with her. So that's pretty annoying. I can see through Aneesa and can't stand how fake she is and how she thinks she can manipulate everyone with her sexuality....  Do you know how disgusting it is to have her running around naked and shaking her ass? I really wish she'd put some clothes on...  And then we've got Montana, who is also trying to kiss ass and fit in to try and be best buds with someone.....Any takers?  Probably not.  She is trying to be nice with me but I can tell it is not sincere. If she were, I would be open to getting to know her again, but I can tell she still has old issues with me.  She wasn't very nice to me on The Road Rules Challenge we did back in the day. I didn't forgive, and I certainly didn't forget. The last one is Julie. She is a good girl and I hope I can trust her. I really do like Julie but I feel like she wants to trust me but is afraid to even though I've never done anything against her.   That's what happens when you are “Osama Beth Laden” ...People have their guard up … and they should if they plan on messing with me. :) As for the challenge, the Veterans worked really well together. There wasn't much drama. I really liked the way Timmy took charge as though he were the captain. He blows Derek away, and I’m sure that Derek is scared and intimidated when he thinks of the possibility that Timmy could send him home if they have to face each other in the Gauntlet. I was sad to see Cameran go. This was the first time I'd met her and besides us girls fighting with her over the phone because she wanted to talk with her boyfriend every minute of the day, she seems like a good person.  I hope we get to know each other better in the future.  Why were we fighting over the phone?   We were fighting because Jo took the other one with her when she left.  Thirty people who all want to talk to friends and family during our down time…not a pretty sight with only one phone. Thanks for all the great questions sent in this week.  I’ve picked a few more to answer than I had planned, because the episode was, well, just lame. Why did Jo say she was being attacked by 40 people and that she had wrist marks on her?  Also, did the police accuse you guys of attacking her since she told the police that? How many beds were in the Captains’ Room? You know, if you count everyone in the house, both cast and crew, 40 is a pretty good number.  Was Jo being attacked?  No.  If the police were going to follow-up on a charge that 40 people attacked someone, don’t you think that others and I would have been awakened and interviewed?  I was asleep as were others.  Those kind of things get managed by production just fine without the cast messing things up.   The Captain’s room was for both the rookies and veterans with four beds.   Ruthie was our veteran’s captain, so she had every right to be in the room with Jo.  There were no rules on how many people a captain could have in the room, but there were not that many.  I was outside watching, as were many others.  Did you all notice that two people were in the bed furthest away from the door when Derrick moved in?  (Hookup hint).     BMP has a great deal of experience on these challenges and other shows in providing security for the cast, so they always have a formal liaison with the local police worked out well in advance of taping in anticipation of such situations and to provide security on site.  I’m absolutely certain that Jo was not the only one talking to the local police that night.  And obviously the police agreed to being filmed when Jo left, because you can see their faces.  This is an entertainment show and not news, so everyone has to agree the use of their “likeness” on tape.   I heard a rumor that Jo was on drugs while in Tobago and that’s why she freaked out. Is that rumor true? We heard that story while we were on the challenge.  It’s easy enough to find the source on-line; I’m not going to give them credibility here.  I love to create drama, but I hope I would never say that someone was on drugs or pass on a rumor like that.  We are just people on a TV show, and charges like drug use are pretty serious stuff that can result in lawsuits.  Someone did say something that was caught on camera suggesting that Jo’s bags maybe should be checked for drugs.  That was a joking reference to her odd behavior, and not a charge that she was using.  Really, none of us understood where her head was.  I think it was that comment that escaped from the Islands and grew into something more than reality.  Unfortunately, it’s out there on the Internet, and the person who started the rumor can’t undo the damage.   In the beginning, Robin says that she and Mark aren't dating? Is this true? And why are they kissing in the episode? Stay tuned for the drama.  I can’t give it all away.  (Robin came to the calendar launch party in September with her boyfriend (not Mark).  He is hot and they are a cute couple!)  (Hey, check out Robin’s picture at www.realitytvstuff.com/womenscalendar/robinhibbard.html Did you get any hook-ups while on The Gauntlet 2? IF I were to hook up with anyone on the challenge, a strong choice would be Ace. Not only is he hot, he is a really down to earth and cool person. I’m happy he is on this challenge.:)   Another person I would consider is Syrus because he is my guy...We are really close and I know I can tell him anything. I know I can trust him and that’s important, especially in this game... Have you and Norman ever made up? No, not really. Do you have any updates from the people from your cast? John is still in KY singing at a place called Goldie’s Opera.  He is doing a lot of religious outreach work.  I was in one of my favorite LA restaurants recently where I met a really hot guy.  It turns of that he works with Dominick at Disney where is has some kind of music supervisor role.  That is all the recent news I can share about the LA cast. What is up with Jodi ‘shading’ everything that moves? OK, I think I get what you are asking; ‘shading’ is a new word for me (Did you mean ‘shagging?”…  I’ve said before that Jodi is the new Tonya.   Why?  Well she did hook up first with Adam after he became Captain, because she believed he would help her stay in the game longer.  But, after she realized that cozying up to a Veteran would do her no good, she moved on to a strong player on her team.  You’ll probably see a lot of that play out on future episodes, so I can’t say more.  What do they say, that for some, sex is all about control? Hey, after reading this, some of you may wish you too had changed the channel to HBO.  I’ll try to do better when BMP gives me better material to work with! Until next week… keep those questions coming to admin@realitytvstuff.com Have a great holiday everyone…

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The Gauntlet 2 - Episode 4

Danny, Danny, Danny,....Let me start off by saying that Danny is a great guy. There were words between Danny and just about everyone on his team. I felt like I was watching me.   The problem is they don't show you everything that happened and how cliquish the other team was and how they alienated Danny and were looking for any reason to point the finger at Danny. Did he appear to be the strongest player? NO....Did he appear to be the weakest player? NO....but Danny called it like he saw it- just like me. And the way it is edited made Danny look bad. They only showed Danny reacting to how he was being completely disrespected by his team. The editing only showed one side and that sucks. But on the other hand, it's a show and you don't get the full story. This used to bother me in the old days but now I’m used to it. I understand when things go down and I’m involved, it will not be edited in my favor. I accept this and it doesn't bother me anymore, because I realize this is a show and it's entertainment. It's not my real life. I think because Jodi was now sleeping with Alton she had influence on his final decision. Jodi and Danny had baggage from their original show. They never resolved their issues. Jodi and Danny got into it several times and Danny started blasting Jodi on all of the guys she’s been hooking up with on the show. Jodi wanted to silence Danny and played the victim to Alton and he took care of it for her. Simple as that. If some of the other guys on the team had to go against Alton in Beach Brawl, they would look just as bad. No one wants to go against Alton. He is like a combination of superheros all rolled into one. He makes everything look effortless. He is a natural born athlete. I can't wait to see next week! Go Jodi! God I would hate to be her!!!!!

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Selected reader's recent questions and comments for Beth

Q1.   You probably wont read this but...  I would like to know if you think sharing your life on the reality shows on MTV is a decent trade off to the benefits you reap afterwards? How do you feel about MTV making so much money from your persona on television? People now a days would rather watch you on MTV as opposed to some actor on fox who is getting paid millions to be on a show. I just want to say that I think it takes a lot of courage to get on television and share your life and I know its a pain in the ass to walk around in the mundane world and have people react to you as if they know everything about you when they've only been exposed to a small fraction of a percentage of you that is being twisted and skewed on MTV. Thanx! Even though some people might hate you on television, they cannot get over their addiction to your personality...thank you for being real and for telling it like it is! We viewers are tired of being lied to! (Well, at least I am) -taryn A1.   When I first auditioned for the Real World I had no idea what I was getting into. It was new, and I saw the first season and thought Eric Nies was hot!  And who doesn't want to be on when they are in college? I thought it would be an exciting adventure. I would meet new people and possibly learn something about myself.  After I finished the season, I kept getting asked to do books, calendars in the mid 90's, reunions, challenges, speaking at colleges and events, managing reality stars, doing Playboy, and producing.  I realized pretty quickly that this show is a huge part of pop culture and it's not going away.  So I could either turn my back and walk away or embrace it.  I've had so many great opportunities and am thankful for everything I have today. I've been able to be my own boss and do what I want to do and create my own path. It is weird to me that people think they really know me.  If you talked to any of my friends, they would tell you they have no idea who “MTV Beth” is.  It is me in that situation. And in that situation I do like to push people’s buttons, but only after they start pushing my buttons. You mess with me, I blast you. There is nothing fake about that. Q2.   Hey, Beth. I found your Gauntlet2 commentary today, and I completely enjoyed it.  I'm aware of how unfair editing can get, but, still, I always thought badly of you. But your columns have changed my mind a lot. You seem very well-spoken and intelligent, and I like that. Very much looking forward to future episodes and commentary from you.  And if the spoilers I read weren't fabricated, then I know I'm really going to enjoy them seeing that I'm a Beth fangirl now. Hey, especially next week. A2.  Thanks Lindsay! I really appreciate your email!!! Happy New Year!!! Q3.  Hey Beth,  So here are a few questions I think everyone wants answered: 1. Is it true that Cara hooked up with Jamie? Danny revealed it on the aftershow with Blair. 2. I know you mentioned cliques in your commentaries, but what about alliances? 3. Did Alton say why he and Irulan broke up? And does Jodi just throw herself at these guys or what? A3.  Thanks for you questions, "mm," whoever you are.   “Everyone” wants these answered?  OK... Cara --  Did Cara hook up with Jamie? YES !  Cara and xxxx hooked up with Jamie!!!!!  Montana was trying to hook up with Jamie, and he dogged her for Cara and xxxx.  Montana was pissed!!!! Ha Ha!!!!! And Montana has a boyfriend....    Girls girls girls.... (Sorry, I can’t out the xxxx girl) Cliques and alliances --  The problem is most of these kids aren't smart enough to say, “Okay, I like so and so but they suck, but I’m gonna’ get rid of someone else, because even though they are better, I can't vote off my friend.”  So ‘friends’ are the same as the alliances. Jodi --  Jodi is out of control!!!! I almost feel sorry for her that she feels the need to have sex with every guy who is interested.  She's like crying for attention and thinks sex is going to fulfill her.  The end result is that Jodi is a mess and now looks like a slut.  Now, like with Tonya, it is embarrassing for a guy to admit he had sex with Jodi because she isn't choosy. She'll take anything.  I hope this is just a phase and she grows out of it before she gets pregnant or gets an STD. Alton and Irulan --  Don't know why they broke up. Didn't get the scoop, but I will find out. Q4.   Hey Beth, I have one question.  Do you still hate the color red? A4.   Yes. (LOL -- Do I know you, Cedric?  No one but close friends knew that.)

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The Gauntlet 2 - Episode 5

One of the local bars closed down so we could come and hang out with the camera crews in Tobago. I was having fun. I had a drink and danced a bit with Syrus, Ace, and Timmy.  And you know, usually you have to make your way to the ladies room at least once in the evening, so I enter the bathroom and there is Jodi --a sloppy drunk mess. She's crying. I don't really know Jodi that well, but I’m pretty sure whatever is bothering her she isn't going to tell me because all of the rookie girls automatically assume "Beth is ‘Evil Trouble’".  I feel bad that she is crying, but I’m certainly not going butt my nose into her business.  I didn’t talk to her. So after I use the facilities, I wash my hands and start to leave. Jodi grabs me and says she has to tell me something.  I’m thinking, “Why, why are you telling me?”  Is it because she wants me to tell everyone something?   So she tells me, “Mark and I were seriously dating before this challenge, and he told me he loved me.  Now he is clearly with Robin and I don't understand how he could do this to me.  He said he loved me and he never felt this way before about anyone.”   Okay, now I’m friendly with Robin AND she is on my team.  Jodi must know that I have to tell Robin.  I think she wanted to start trouble between them so she could get back with Mark.  Otherwise why air this on national TV?  So I had to tell Robin.  Do I want to be in the position?  No! But, how could I not tell her?   If someone I was a friend of found out someone were hooking up with my boyfriend, I would want to know.  Period.  So I told Robin as you al l saw, and Robin and Mark got into an argument on the bus.  Everyone had been drinking, so it got a little out of control.  Yes, Mark was pissed. The next day, after thinking about the situation, I was pissed that Jodi purposely involved me. There are 30 other people here.  “Gee, I think I'll tell Beth!”   The sponge challenge-- Ruthie and Derrick didn't take charge of the situation.  They didn't have a plan.  Maybe they should have passed the torch to Timmy and Julie to try and figure it out.  Ruthie has a very small voice, so it's hard to hear her even when she's got something important to add.  Everyone was talking over each other; it was complete chaos.  The Rookies had a better plan.  We did our best in actually doing the challenge, but the Rookies really won before we ever started. The Gauntlet-- So we lost and it's into the Gauntlet.  I knew Jisela was going to leave because she had to get back to her job.  We all knew it.  She didn't really try in the Gauntlet.  Please, we're not stupid.  Jisela, girl, you could have beaten Ruthie in a second. If it weren’t Jisela going into the gauntlet, it would have been me.  I’m pretty sure of it.  The person it should have been, based on performance so far, was either Jisela or Aneesa.  So it worked out fine for me. Ruthie is a good competitor. She is good for the team. She can do things that most of us can't.  It’s too bad we don't get along. I've been more than willing to start over with Ruthie, based upon past events, but she is still a bitch to me so what can I do?  I’m not going to be fake about it, or kiss her ass and take showers with her like Aneesa does.  That’s just not me. Next week is another men’s Gauntlet and definitely more drama.

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Syrus - The Gauntlet 2 Episode 10

First, this challenge is hard because Captain Derrick doesn’t know what he is doing.  No one does—including me (remember me, the one who didn’t want to be Captain?).  We have no plan, and no one tries to put a plan together.  We are all just pulling and tugging without useful results.   We are exhausted because it’s about 115 degrees with 100% humidity.   Timmy doesn't even have a plan, which is surprising.  We never looked to Derrick for a plan. It is always Timmy who is naturally in command.   Thirty minutes pass and we get nowhere.   Now we go up.  I want to be in between two people so I won’t fall off.  But they put me on the end. So I am leaning forward onto Julie so I won’t fall off.  I am getting nervous because the rookies are getting us rocking and they aren't stopping. We aren't getting a break. I am praying that I won’t get knocked off and better yet, please let it be anyone but Syrus. The horn blows; we have a person down. It’s Syrus.  The unfortunate thing is that it doesn’t really matter who falls off, because the guys are going to make sure Syrus goes in next. That is their plan. This just makes it easier for them to justify voting Syrus into the Gauntlet.   This Gauntlet is even harder to watch than was Ace and Derrick’s.  This is much more violent.  They were pulling at each other’s necks and playing really dirty.  TJ isn’t doing anything to break it up.  This lasts for about 30 minutes – about two on TV!  They both are bleeding and bruised at the end.  Syrus gets a back injury. Derrick’s back is also messed up and he needs to be seen by the doctor.  I just don’t understand how they could allow something so dangerous.  I would never do this.  NEVER!  I keep covering up my eyes and turning away because it is so brutal, so brutal MTV doesn’t show those parts.  Either T.J. or the producers should have really stepped in and set some ground rules for safety.  But that’s OK, because the baby oil makes it all safe… (insert sarcasm)… right.   Some Background: Syrus and I are pretty close.  We first met back in 1997 when we were doing the first real world challenge.  Everyone was staying in my place by the beach and Sean from Boston called Syrus to come by.  Syrus rolled up in his black Bronco.  He also had a black pit bull.  We immediately became friends.  He is such a warm, loving person.  He's fun to be around and easy to talk to.  I trust Syrus, and if he needs me for anything, I'll be there for him.  I've leaned on him in the past.  He's been a great friend.  He is the one person on this island who makes me feel safe and secure.  And now he's gone. This was rough for me.  I really don't want to be here without him.  Its hard being isolated and not be able to talk to anyone you can really trust.  I’ve always vented to Syrus.  I really had wanted to leave when Ruthie voted me into the Gauntlet and Syrus talked me into seeing it through.  He gave me a reason to want to stay and fight back. Where does Syrus’ departure leave me? Emotionally, I just don't want to be in this game anymore.  It's getting hard for me to hang on.  I know we aren't going to win because my team is so messed up.  We’ve lost players we needed and saved people who should be gone. We deserve to lose. I’m sorry, but we do.       Is this fair criticism? Now let’s notice that Derrick who weighs about 150 lbs beat Ace who is about 200 lbs and Syrus who is about 230 lbs.  How is it that he can get the job done, but Ruthie gets a free pass from people because she couldn't win against me?  I sense a double standard.   And Montana claims I weighed 20 pounds more than she?   What crap!  We weigh the same.  I said in the show (Rickshaw Race) that I weighed the most because I was trying to get exempt so Montana would have to compete.  It was a strategy.  I wanted to clear this up with everyone.   Montana vs. Beth is a fair fight.  We are the same height and weight.  

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Not in this lifetime, David...  - The Gauntlet 2 Episode 11

First, a few messages to my "friends:" Brad, you will never be a doctor.  I'm not a cancer, I'm the Ebola virus.                                            Timmy, you know better.  I'm surprised.     David, not if you were the last man on the planet.  By the way, how are the police treating you in Wilmington?  I hope the cuffs weren't too tight. see the arrest Cara, thanks for the revelation on the "After Show."  So while David and Brad are trashing me, and riding my coattails for airtime, they are secretly plotting to form an alliance with the rookies.  Will anyone ever trust you two again?  Does anyone remember when just a couple of episodes back Brad says that he felt "violated" at the mere suggestion of his involvement in a conspiracy to form an alliance?   Brad, if you want to feel violated, spend a day on the challenge in my shoes.  Is your hypocrisy boundless?   How can I be hurting team morale or be a cancer when you two are forming an alliance with the other team to get rid of the girls on your team?  If up to this point during the challenge, I had done or said anything that could prove your statements, or that could be twisted to make that point, would not BMP have shown it?   I'm not a difficult person to figure out.  If you treat me like a team player, then I'll be one.  If you turn against me, then I'm going to turn against you.  That's why the Veterans' situation is such a mess.  I have to laugh at the thought of David and Brad criticizing me as team captain when they are the one's responsible for putting me in this position.  From the very beginning, if you had valued Ruthie so much, then given the logic you used for putting men into the Gauntlet, you would have put Robin against Ruthie. (Robin, I love you.  It's not about you; it's about them and their double standard of convenience.)  If not robin, then at least aneesa or montana who were really worthless physically.  The truth is they didnt give a damn about Ruthie, team morale or anything else other than themselves, so spare me the team morale crap. Can the team captain step forward and take credit for a successful strategy?  The episode showed Mark commenting that it was not a strength mission.  The strategy we used in leveraging our body weight and holding the rope was mine and it worked.  We didn't just edge out the rookies, we beat them soundly.  Hey, fellow veterans, how about a little credit thrown toward your "cancerous" captain? No matter what Cara said in her interviews during the episode, it's her time to go home.  We all know it.  When you room with both captains from the other team, you get a clear sense of their team dynamic.  The rookies have a strong team at this point, and they know where their only problem lies:  Cara and Susie.  One of them must go to split them up.   We knew it would be Cara.  I can't fault Kina for her choice.  The only thing I regret is that the rookies came to their decision before we veterans could implement our plan to makes signs that said, "Get the Hef out of here!"  Yes, Cara did talk all the time about being in Playboy.   The fight between Kina and Cara is extremely physical, with Kina ripping off Cara's bra strap at one point (but not to worry, the silicon stays firmly in place!)  We are all cheering for Kina (except for Susie), even David, Brad and Timmy who want Cara gone so their alliance efforts are not further exposed.  The episode makes it look like Cara quits, but she fights really hard.  Kina is just tougher and wants it more.

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The Gauntlet 2 - Episode 12

I think I was completely honest from the beginning when I said this challenge would be difficult for me. It’s funny that everyone is commenting on how I suck, which is true in this mission; but, why didn't these guys point out when other people sucked in previous missions. Example- Coconuts Mission that we lost -- Aneesa and Montana dropped coconuts; Rickshaw Race -- Robin walked.  Why didn't the guys yell at these women? Interesting... If I didn't try, believe me, I would tell you. I have no reason to lie. It was hard. Even climbing that ladder was a bitch. It’s something I’ve never done and it took most of my strength just to figure out how to do that.  When I was done, I looked like a battered woman. I had so many bruises from the ladder and from the tires. But you know what, we ended up winning. But Brad, David, and Timmy who tried to form an alliance with the other team don’t trust me. Hmmmmmmm...  Are they projecting onto me because they are trying to deflect attention away from their scandal? I THINK SO! This challenge is getting old for me. I've been here for a month now and I’m sick of fighting and feeling like I have to constantly prove my innocence or worth.  I am always guilty until I prove myself otherwise. The veterans have already destroyed the team. As far as I go, I want the Rookies to win.  They are playing the game better and they deserve to win, period. Just from the Brad, David, Timmy scandal, we deserve to lose.  We lost Ruthie, and we also lost Adam, thanks to Derrick! Derrick is an ass. I hope someone takes him out. He's got some karma coming to get him, I hope!!!!! For some who look for hidden meaning in my blogs, let me be clear:  In this mission, I suck.  Fortunately, so does Ibis and for once, so does unbeatable Alton (I just suck a lot worse that him).  If this had been a women’s gauntlet, and had I not already been the captain, I would have deserved to be voted into the gauntlet. I have been asked to participate in the reunion show, and I'll definitely have some questions for my “team.”          

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What the F??????? - The Gauntlet 2 Episode 13

I've usually thought the editing on Gauntlet 2 was pretty fair. I think the editors have usually done an excellent job in telling the story.   Tonight, however, there were a few things taken out of context and time sequence that do make a difference.  If you take things out of the order they happened, it gives a different meaning; so I have to call out a few things. NUMBER 1- When you see me crying outside, that is the night Syrus left, which was several shows earlier.  I was emotional that night because Syrus is a very good friend in my personal life.  That was the night when I overheard Aneesa and the peanut gallery talking about me. I confronted Aneesa, and when I did, she nearly sh** her pants. She had nothing to say.   NUMBER 2- I was vocal in the house and with the team about never doing “beach brawl” if it came down to me doing this in the gauntlet. This is why Aneesa went crazy when the wheel landed on beach brawl. She knew if the wheel landed on either Beach Brawl or Challenger’s Choice, that I would not participate.  The producers knew it as well.  When we got to the Gauntlet, they did a retake three times which really pissed me off.   They weren't getting the reaction they wanted out of me so they did retakes. This is the first time I personally experienced this.   It doesn’t really matter what people think of me. I do what's best for me and never fall for peer pressure.  I hope many of you are the same way. I've known all along, my team didn't have a chance and we didn't deserve to win the money because we didn't play it to win.  People on my team were playing for popularity, for who they could drink with, have sex with, and maybe do other stuff with. I don't have respect for this. Never have-Never will. BEACH BRAWL- I've witnessed this with Derrick and Ace and then Derrick and Syrus. It was ugly and bloody. I didn't think I was on the Jerry Springer show, so it was time for me to go. As I said on the After Show and made clear to the producers, this gauntlet was degrading to women and I wouldn't do it. I know not everyone will agree with my decision.   In the end, I KNOW it wasn't worth fighting for. We weren't going to win and the best thing I could do to get revenge on my team was to keep Aneesa there. It is my departing strategy, and I know it will work and my team will fail.  It's very easy for Aneesa to run her mouth after the fact, because she knew I wasn't going to compete.  Note to all: When I confronted her, she couldn't say anything to me.   I’m an extremely emotional person.  If I were scared or upset you would know it and BMP would have the footage to show you.  This is something I don't hide well.  I was tired of fighting and being villianized for nothing. So when it landed on Beach Brawl, I was ready to make my exit. I was excited to screw my “team” and give them what they deserved. I was happy to leave and get back to my real life to the people I care about the most. That is what's worth fighting for........ A few final thoughts:  T.J., I’m sorry this near-gauntlet took three takes.  That was the best you had in you?  You knew I was not “quitting” but had made clear that I would not do anything I regarded as demeaning.  In my circle of friends, that is known as standing by one’s principles.  Just keep reading the cue cards; don’t think, and certainly don’t ever take a women’s studies course.  You are as sensitive as one of Brad’s farts.   I thought of calling you a boring robot.  That would be as unkind as some treated me on this challenge, so I’ll just hope you develop more if you ever do this again.   As far as Brad's comments on the After Show go.-- Brad, I’m sorry that you are so shallow you can't see beyond people you get drunk with and get high with, smoke with, etc. Maybe if you got to know me as a person, you could honestly judge me.  But that didn't happen, did it? I’ve already been hearing a lot about Julie in this episode.  I’ve not liked what I saw, and it does appear two-faced on the surface; but, you have to keep in mind that when Julie is around the “alliance” which she is not a part of, she needs to keep her strategy intact.     I am interested to see what some of these other cast members will bring to the table now that I am not around for them to talk about and use to get their mugs on camera.  It seems a few in this cast members left their personalities at home for this challenge.  Maybe the producers will dig deep into their bag of trick and show us all some of those things that made me worthy of the comments I’ve endured from the cast during the past 12 episodes.  Personally, I don’t think they exist.   Most importantly, my final thoughts go out tonight to the many fans, who have shown me such unexpected and warm loyalty since the beginning of this challenge. Honestly, I didn’t   know you were out there.  Your kind words, encouragement and advice for future challenges have been more welcome than you can ever know.  “Evil Beth,” “Queen Beth” and the real Beth can never say “thanks” enough.

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Suppliment - The Gauntlet 2 Episode 8

This week once again gives life to the ersatz Chinese proverb “May you live in interesting times.”   I’m off for a week’s vacation in Park City enjoying the Sundance Film Festival; and I’m not watching Gauntlet 2 on Monday, because I know I’m not part of the drama this week.  Hey, I remember pushing the damn truck the length of the field, and then yet another two feet against the gear, thanks to Ace (I still think he is hot).  Beth did her job!   Take a week off!  So it’s a good time to be away with good friends who have interesting lives totally unrelated to TV –happy interesting times. Wrong… My phone rings within minutes of people seeing the After Show following the east coast Gauntlet 2 broadcast.  I have a Mac, so I can’t see the After Show yet, and am on the way out the door with friends for our last night together before returning home.  By the time I returned to LA late Tuesday afternoon, I've received about 200 phone calls, emails, and myspace comments and messages about the “attacks” on the After Show, and about three concerning the Gauntlet 2 episode, “I can’t believe you and David pushed that damn truck!”  I couldn’t believe it either, and I was there.  But, thanks for the thought.  One of those positive comments was from someone I’d thought of as an archrival on a previous challenge – interesting times.   Kina, Ibis, Katie and others weigh in, some on the Internet and others privately.  Just watching the previous episodes brings up lots of stuff I try not to live with on a daily basis because MTV doesn’t define me; so, as I read and listen to the maelstrom of discontent over Susie’s comments, it’s hard, very hard not to share in the anger.  Many well-meaning Internet readers fuel the outrage and encourage and embolden the potential for a harsh response – interesting times, unless you are caught up in it.   I write my blog late on Tuesday night, and it shows up on my myspace blog page and my website, www.realitytvstuff.com, on Wednesday morning.   From my perspective, I’ve been consistent in what I offer people who read my blogs: a behind-the-scenes perspective on what did not air during the latest episode and my own thoughts as I was going through those days on the challenge.  This time I feel the need to fully defend myself, and I carefully consider the content of what I write, because I want it to represent my own core values.  During the next 36 hours, about 8000 people will read some or all of what I’ve posted – interesting times, but I’m too exhausted to care.       Wednesday, Susie reaches out by phone and leaves a voicemail message of apology.   She follows up that call late Wednesday with a private email.   Very late last night I talk with friends and family and think for a long time about the proper, appropriate, honest and fair response.  I see that others involved have removed or altered some of what that have put online, as is there right.  Should I do the same or choose my own, independent approach.   Today, as Susie had offered, I asked her to send me an email that I could post on the Internet.  She has done so, and it follows here. Dear Beth, Although I wrote you a private apology earlier, I want to take this time to express publicly that I am very sorry for humiliating you on the After Show.  My comments were COMPLETELY meant as a joke.  Blair had mentioned that everybody already knew everything there is to know about Beth, so I tried to come up with the most outrageous story in the world.  I thought the audience (and you) would know that this was just a joke, but I was wrong and I'm sorry. I want to tell your readers (and the world) that Beth does NOT have a Texas-shaped birthmark, or a birthmark of any kind (to my knowledge!) on her bottom.  I'm sure has a wonderful set of buns completely devoid of any Lone Star State marking, but I wouldn't know because she did NOT walk around naked.  Ever. I truly regret embarrassing you and making a fool out of you especially since you weren't even there to defend yourself).  That was totally insensitive and rude.  I hope that you will take this letter as a sincere and genuine apology.  If you don't, and you remain mad, I will completely understand.  You have every right to be angry. Thank you for this opportunity to apologize, and I hope you will accept. Sincerely, Susie Interesting times – I feel the camera turn from Susie to me.  Cue angry, Evil Beth.   What kind of person fails to accept an apology?  Am I that kind of person?   Can I just go back to bed and no one will care? It turns out that accepting an apology is actually an easy thing to do.  All one must do is simply find the will to say, “I accept.”   So, Susie, Thank you.  I accept your apology.   Having been raised as a Catholic, I find myself pushed along the forgiveness route, but talking about that openly would drive the anti-religion hoards on the Internet completely crazy.   I also strongly believe in being accountable for my actions and my words, so I’m going to slightly modify my previous blog, but not remove it.  Should MTV elect at some point to edit the After Show, then I’ll revisit my decisions.  Yet again, interesting times.   Not surprisingly, I’ve heard from some, “Don’t accept her apology.” “I don’t believe a word of it.  How can you?”  All I can say in response is this very un-Beth thought from Rainer Maria Rilke – “Perhaps all the dragons in our lives are princesses who are only waiting to see us act, just once, with beauty and courage. Perhaps everything that frightens us is, in its deepest essence, something helpless that wants our love.”   May we all live in interesting times of our own making.

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Beth Kicks and Drags Montana's Fat Ass - The Gauntlet 2 Episode 9

Okay, I’m a bit puzzled by the edit. I feel they definitely show Montana’s point of view, but they don't show any video to really explain where I’m coming from and what is going through my head.  But, heck, that’s why I write this stuff so I can give you my perspective. First of all, I’m the captain (QUEEN BETH) because my team screwed up and made this a popularity club instead of thinking of how to really play the game as a team to win the money at the end.  The rookies know how to play the game. This is how they are consistently playing the game even with the little “alliance” issue, and I commend them for it.  Can I wish I were on their team! Do I think I’m the best player on my team?  No. Do I think I’m the worst player on my team?  No. The person that should have gone to the gauntlet against Ruthie to begin with was Aneesa.  In terms of performance, the next person should have been Montana, and then it would be a toss up between Robin, Katie and me.  Julie is by far the strongest girl on my team so she would never be a consideration. BUT THIS ISN’T THE PLAN...  Because it's a popularity club, and my team will never ever treat me like a part of the team, or treat me with respect, so I have to do what I have to do to stay in the game.  The majority clearly doesn’t want me here in the end.  And do they really think I don't know they are talking shit about me? PLEASE – I’m smarter than that. I’m not happy about being captain. I never wanted the position. I begged them not to do it.  Aneesa has Asthma. She can't run. She has no stamina. Even if she could do something well, after 5 minutes she would pass out.  For the final mission, how will she help?  Anyway, in this episode, everyone is complaining that I’m the captain. Tough shit.  It’s your fault and if you are miserable I can’t help being a little bit happy about it because you put me in this situation.  As captain on the female gauntlet days, I know I have to worry about going into the gauntlet and being prepared mentally and physically. We show up to the challenge and I know immediately that this is a mission very few will complete and actually score a point for either side.  The women on my team fell almost as soon as they stood on the ropes.  So I’m the last to go and I stand out on the ropes a few times with Timmy.  I immediately know I'm not going to make it across.  Of course, MTV doesn’t really show us talking about this.  Why should I risk falling and possibly hurting myself when the logic is that I will have to go into the Gauntlet?  That would be really stupid on my part.  MTV didn’t show everyone fall, and some others who did took nasty spills.  Getting injured and then going into the gauntlet against Montana is not my plan. If this were a loving, supportive team who I knew had my back, then maybe, even if I knew I wasn't gonna’ make it, MAYBE I would risk the injury potential.  This is not the situation, so I guess Beth will be taking care of Beth.  Just because I didn't fall into the water doesn't mean I didn't try. Montana’s interview comments make me laugh.  She has contributed zero performance to the team and she is constantly saying I suck?  At least I've helped out. At least I can run a quarter mile. Hell, I can run five miles if I have to.  She has to run her mouth about me to cover up the fact that she sucks.  If she wants camera time, what else can she do except talk about me?  She dropped coconuts in the first mission, didn't run or compete in the relay race, and, wait, was that Montana pushing the truck and catching up with the rookies last week when we were so far behind? NO - It was I. BETH!!!!!! So, we obviously lose and I’m ready to go to the Gauntlet.  My team is so screwed up that they would rather keep Montana than me.  This continues to add fuel to my fire. So they vote in Montana.  Hello, you know I’m gonna kick her ass!!!!  That was too easy for me.  We are the same size and yet she later makes an excuse, saying I’m 20 pounds heavier.  HA HA HA... I can't stop laughing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  We are the same size. Montana is a smoker and has absolutely no muscle tone, so she doesn't have much to work with.  Whatever gets you through the night, Montana.  I can beat you in ANYTHING, anytime. Now my team is miserable, and I’m happy because they want me to be miserable; but, while they are complaining, I am squeezing lemons and making lemonade.  If they want me to be miserable and aren't going to play fair with me, then I will mirror that same behavior back to them.   Chances are I won't be here to win the money at the end – a prospect set in stone since some people arrived here with there alliance.  But you know what?  I am well aware they are trying to take me down and while they are doing this, I may be able to take down others before I go. They can pay the price in the end.  What's fair is fair!

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Interview with Nick - BOTS2 Episode 8

Nick talks about a whether or not he foresees a hook-up with him and Shane. MTV: Has anything happened between you and Shane? MTV: Shane and I were hanging out for awhile in my bedroom before going out for an hour or so and nothing happened. It's nice to have one other gay guy here who you can kinda relax with and just kick it with, but nothing happened. Shane's a very good-looking guy. Shane's a better looking guy than I am. Shane's very pretty. I don't think pretty is my type. Everyone's comin’ up to me, 'oh yeah, you should get with Shane. What a catch, you should get with Shane.' He's the life of the party, but at the same time I feel that it seems a little forced. There are two gay guys here and it just seems too obvious. Not that that would be the reason for me not to do it. MTV: Are you into Shane? Nick: I'm not feeling it. It's almost like too much pressure and I'd rather just try to build a strong friendship between the two of us. I don't have a ton of like really good gay friends and Shane would be somebody who I think could fill that role for me quite well. I really don't foresee any sort of relationship or serious hook-up between Shane and myself. I think it's just kinda some fun, flirtation, dancing up on the stage for instance and hanging out. It's all just been pretty innocent and I think it'll continue to be that way.

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Interview with Katie - BOTS2 Episode 9

MTV: What do you think of Eric? Katie: I think Eric, is really into Eric. He likes himself a lot. I think he's convinced that Tina stole his jump rope and is planning on selling it on eBay. Who wants your damn jump rope? Nobody does. They're, like, two dollars at the store and it doesn't matter if you touched it or not. Nobody cares. I know who took his jump rope. I know who has his jump rope. And I still don't care. I think he's stupid and he talks about how it might have diamonds... I don't know. He's just really into himself and he reminds me of an old man. He sits around in that rocking chair and watches everybody and judges everybody. And then sleeps. He seems nice, but he's not somebody I'd hang out with.

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Interview with Dan and Theo - BOTS2 Episode 10

Dan and Theo have different opinions on how the girls reacted to Steven's statements about the women having a weak team. Dan: We just won our ninth mission. Wow, didn't expect that one coming. Steven gets a little mouthy, talking about how the girls just don't have it together and they take it a little personal this time. I would too. They've been losing like it's going outta style. They just get a little emotional. I feel like guys can kinda talk sh-t while you're in the competition and once it's over, it's over. But these girls take our little ribbing to heart and they start yapping and crying and getting all emotional. It's ridiculous how they win a mission and they're sitting there throwing the prize package in our face and going, 'We're going to Greece, we're going to Greece, na, na, na, na, na, na, na.' And then when we win, we can't say sh-t. They're poor losers; they're poor winners. It's ridiculous. I don't even listen to them any more. Theo: Go ahead, Sophia, I think it's a good call. Respect your team, respect yourself and stand up for yourself. This competition is significant of the fact that women over the past hundred years have come a long way and are now side by side with men. One of those reasons is because a lot of women felt comfortable and strong enough to speak up and speak up for themselves and for their fellow women, so I respect Sophia. I think it's really cool.

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Interview with Ibis - BOTS2 Episode 11

MTV: Why did you create "The List?" Ibis: So this is the whole thing with the damn chart that I got a lot of sh-t for. Tina asks me, as a favor (no bad intentions) to write a chart, because I'm very organized. I've been keeping notes of the whole game. My journal is just full of information that could be useful in the end of the game if I'm one of the three people here. Tina asks me to just write down performance for everyone on the team. I'm like, alright, no problem. I have a good memory. Blah, blah, blah. So I do a chart. I put all the people that are considered for vote off today. I write their name and I go one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, for all the missions that we've had, or 10, whatever. I label all the missions and I just go down and write--this person got a penalty, this person got a etc. Coral was the last person standing, so forth and so on. I'm just doing what I was asked as a f--kin' favor. And then I give it to Tina for consideration 'cause she asked me. And the moment Tonya finds out, she flips her sh-t. She's freakin' out; 'why is there a list, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah.' You forgot that it was a duel, not a death, during the High Noon mission.' I'm like, listen, you got buried, I thought you died. I am sorry. I didn't have a negative intention towards you. I'm not here to screw you. That's not my problem. I am confident enough in myself that I don't need to screw people. Tonya's reaction was just so dramatic.

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Interview with Ibis - BOTS2 Episode 12

MTV: Who were you most comfortable with on the Challenge? Ibis: I think I'm the closest with Katie and Robin because they're my roommates and they are just such great girls. Katie, from the beginning has, been giving me tips and ideas on how to play the game. We have each other's backs. Robin and I are both new so we connect on that level already. So I would say that I'm the closest to them and I actually really trust them a lot. I consider them my friends. Coral's been awesome with me. She's almost taken me under her wing per se. I really appreciate that because it's really intimidating coming into a challenge with so many people. You try to stay positive, but once the game starts you start seeing different people act different ways. And it's nice to know that the older girls like me and they're really nice to me and they support me, so thank God. I think Coral is a very, very good player on this team. For a while there I feel like in this game you never know who you can trust and the first day I got here, Coral reached out to me and said, 'You know, girl, I'm gonna be looking out for you, I have your back.' That made me feel so much better. And as the game went along, I started questioning. I wonder if she really likes me? I wonder if you know she's being persuaded by other people? She just really reached out to me and I just saw such a different side of her that I don't think a lot of people here get to see. Coral deserves to be here and the girl does speak her mind. Some people may not like it, but I do. I think that she has a good heart and a lot, myself included, have second guessed it, have questioned it. I almost feel like it's unfair because she really is a good girl and a good competitor.