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About Oregon daily emerald. (Eugene, Or.) 1920-2012 | View Entire Issue (Jan. 27, 2005)
■ TV review American Idoly and Apprentice’ jump into another reality TV round Show changes include older 'Idol' contestants and alternative team assignments in 'Apprentice' BY AMY LICHTY PULSE REPORTER Reality TV is a surprisingly contro versial topic today. Some people can't live without the bug-eating challenges on "Survivor" or the drama that nev er fails to surround "The Real World." Others can't stand the sight of Jessica Simpson and "Newlyweds" or the incredibly and obviouslyfake "The Simple Life" with Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie. But like it or not reality TV has been dominating the airwaves for the past few years and with the new pre miers of "American Idol" and "The Ap prentice" last week, it's hereto stay— at least until something even trashier and more addictive comes along. The fourth season "American Idol" debuted Jan. 18 in the nation's capital. A whopping 54 million fans tuned in to watch the horrendous singing and dancing of this year's "Idol." Along with terrible voices and sporadic talent, "American Idol" also brought some changes in the way the show is run. The age limit has been raised this sea son, from 24 to 28, which opened doors for people with a little more experience to jump on board the "A.I.” train. There are also guest judges to help with the difficult decisions Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Paula Ab dul have to make. Mark McGrath, lead singer of '90s band Sugar Ray and current correspondent forthe gossip TV show "Extra," was the first of five guests, who will also include Gene Simmons from KISS, LL Cool J, Brandy and Kenny Loggins. Bret furtwancler | Graphic artist This time around there will also be some gender separation because of women dominating last season in the final weeks before Fantasia Barrino was announced the winner. There will be separate male and female groups in the early rounds of the competition, and as a consequence, there will bean increased number of weekly episodes. Throughout the semifinals, there will be three weekly episodes instead of the usual two — one for the gentlemen, one for ladies and one for the results. "The Apprentice" also launched its third season last week, ironically just two days before "the Donald" said "I do" forthe third time to model Mela nia Knauss. Perhaps the third time is the charm forTrump as a husband and for "The Apprentice," his i>; babywithreality-TVKing Midas, Mark Burnett. This season, the most evi dent change is thatthe two teams are no longer separat ed by gender, but rather by those who have a college de gree and those who entered the work force straight out of high school. Obviously, I was rooting for the "Book Smarts" (those with col lege educations) because I didn't want to feel like I'm wasting my time, and more importantly my money, on a college degree. But alas, the "Street Smarts" proved to outsmartthe com petition and won the first episode's Burger King Challenge. A few person alities stuck out like sore thumbs, such as polyester-suit-sporting Danny and Viking-hat-wearing Brian, who liked to use the f-word while eating dinner with the cast, including Trump. Ultimately, however, it was "Book Smarts" project managerTodd who gotthe first "You're fired" from Trump this season. "The Apprentice" can be seen on NBC Thursday nights. amylichty@dailyemerald.com Need Money for College? Come learn how to Really Compete for scholarships at one of these FREE seminars 021269 Friday, January 28th £) Thursday, February 3rd I2-I pm Walnut Room in the EMU CSC 3-4 pm Alsea room in the EMU Don’t miss the OSAC application deadline: March I, 2005 Sponsored by the UO Office of Student Financial Aid and Scolarships, and the Oregon Student Assistance Commission www.GetCollegeFunds. org VIVA LAS V^OAS FORMAL PANCb . FEB 4th 8:30pm - 12:00am EMU BALLROOM TICKETS AVAILABLE AT S5 STUDENT THFTICKET OFFICE $6 OTHER ' FORMAL ATTIRE DONATIONS FOR TSUNAMI VICTIMS WILL BE ACCEPTED AT THE EVENT .021295.; ^ Winter ' Recruitment Jan. 28th - 30th Free registration online at: http://greeklife.uoregon.edu/icsorority.htm for more information, contact the Greek Life Office at 346.1146 Informal! Releaxed! Meet new • • friends! j STUDENT TRAVEL MAKE YOUR BREAK Spring Break '05 »Honolulu $620 »Costa Rica $423 Air + 5 nights stay at the Hokando Waikiki Beachside Hostel Ass. Europe. »London $568 Air + 5 nights at the Astor Hyde Park Hostel iBl Alternative »Venezuala $818 Air + 5 nights at the Palace Plaza Hostel in Caracas Air + 5 nights at the Pangea Hostel »Paris Air + 5 nights at the Aloha Hostel $584 »Merida, MEX $551 Air + 5 nights at the Nomadas Hostel Packages include roundtrip airfare from Portland and accommodation*. Subject to chenge and availability. Taxes and other applicable fee* not included. 877 1/2 East 13th St. (541)344.2263 STA TRAVEL www.statravel.com GOT A STORY IDEA? tt: give us a call at 346-5511M
