+Episode 7 of Celebrity Apprentice Part 2: I finally step up as Project Manager!
Well, we all came out of the boardroom and found out Brian had been fired. No surprises there. What was a huge surprise was that we had to go right back in for the next task. I knew going into the boardroom that I was going to be PM of this task. Ivanka had rightly pointed out that I had no right criticizing Brande for not stepping up to the plate if I wasn’t stepping up as Project Manager. I completely agreed with her and said it was absolutely time to step up. And here is where I get lucky. I had been trying really hard to wait until we had a fundraising task to be PM. It was a long time between them and I agreed to PM before we knew what the task was. And, voila, how lucky is it that we are going to fundraise by selling Ivanka Trump Jewelry? Just as in poker, sometimes you get lucky on The Celebrity Apprentice. And I knew I could bring in the most money on my team so even if we lost it would be hard for me to be fired, my whole point in wanting to wait till a fundraising task to be PM.
Yes. I am a complete luckbox.
Herschel wanted to step up as PM on KOTU but Trump practically insisted Joan be PM. I think, in retrospect, that he wanted to see us fight it out since Joan had such acrimony towards me. That did not occur to me at the time, though. Herschel hadn’t won money for his charity yet. Joan had already won over $160K. So I really think Herschel should have been allowed to take this one. But Trump really wanted Joan and it is Trump’s show so she became PM opposite me.
So Athena immediately went into our boardroom and the first thing that happened is that I divided the tasks up right away to get everyone going. I had two goals on this: 1) I wanted to raise the most money because that is ultimately what we are judged on but 2) I also really wanted to put on a great auction and do Ivanka proud. I had grown to really like Ivanka and it is her jewelry we were going to be auctioning and I wanted to put on a show that would really showcase her jewelry well.
So I assigned everyone to fundraising (obviously) then I assigned Jesse to create the auction catalog and to manage the auction in terms of placing our donors in the audience and having plants in the audience to bid against our donors to make the auction seem truly real and exciting (Jesse’s idea 100%). Jesse grew up in the auction business so that part of the task really made sense for him. I assigned Melissa to pick all the jewelry and I assigned Brande to handle the models and the clothes. Melissa piped up at that point that she wanted to do that job as well which would have left Brande with no job. That clearly made no sense and when I insisted on Brande handling the models Melissa complained in a private interview with what has become a refrain for her: “This is what I do for a living.” Okay, I get that but Brande needed a job and she is a model so she seemed well qualified for that task.
This is where I get really impressed by Brande. I lobbed some pretty harsh criticism at her in the last boardroom. But instead of taking it personally, she took the criticism to heart. In fact, she agreed with me since she, herself, had admitted that was her strategy. And I immediately saw a huge change in Brande. A huge positive change in her. She really offered to step up, being incredibly proactive about getting clothes set aside for us at the store and getting the models’ headshots sent over right away. That was a huge time saver and she would not have done that the previous tasks so this was a big change. I am always the most impressed by people who are willing to own their mistakes and failures so they can learn and grow from them. And Brande was a shining example of this on this task. As I felt any good boss would do, I complimented Brande on all the good things she was doing. Rightly so, she was kicking ass and taking names and deserved the praise.
Melissa, however, did not feel the same. Apparently, the fact that Brande had been floating down the stream not really doing much on the previous tasks meant that I was not supposed to acknowledge the change in her on this task. I guess admitting when someone has really stepped up and put in renewed effort and leadership on a task is two faced in Melissa Rivers’ world. In my world it is just giving credit where credit is due and judging someone on their present performance rather than their past performance.
Brande and I had bonded early in the game and then had fallen out some over the previous two tasks. When I saw how much she changed in this task I completely renewed my respect for her and we really bonded and became really great friends. On the other hand, my respect for Melissa really eroded on this task because I saw how undermining she was of Brande at every chance and how divisive and disruptive she was.
When I stepped back as Project Manager, what I saw was really interesting. I saw that Melissa was trying as hard as she could to throw Brande under the bus, despite the fact that Brande was overall doing a really great job. Melissa shot down Brande’s ideas at every chance incessantly pointing out to me all the things Brande was doing wrong. Melissa should have just let me sit back and judge for myself instead of tattling on Brande all the time. I can see for myself what people are doing well and what they are not. Melissa did a great job picking out the jewelry. Brande was, indeed, too focused on her own outfit and Melissa did step up to the plate and pick up the slack. However, Melissa was also causing a lot of disruption on our team because of her sniping about Brande. I was particularly disturbed by Melissa’s comments about Brande in her private interviews which I think were, frankly, quite mean and uncalled for.
I also found Melissa and Joan’s private comments about my fundraising really telling. They seemed to give me no credit for just having really good friends. They attributed my fundraising ability to my being powerful in the poker world (which is not really true…there is really no such a thing as power since we all work for ourselves). They claimed that the people I called were just scared to say no to me. I will address that with a story. For this task, I called Scott Ian (the guitarist from Anthrax), Perry Friedman who had come out on the Wedding Dress Challenge and my brother, Howard Lederer. They all immediately agreed to come out and help me on this challenge. They all live on the west coast so were going to catch a 6 am flight to NYC. After I talked to them I went home and went to bed. When I woke up at 5 am my friend, Andy Bloch, IM’ed me. He had heard from Perry and Howard that I was looking to raise money and asked me why I hadn’t called him. I told him I was really only calling people who could do $25K or more on this one and we had only discussed a $5K donation before (I had talked to him on the Wedding Dress Challenge). He told me of course he would do $20 to $25K and that he was getting on the same flight as the other guys! I have some pretty freaking kick ass friends and I frankly think it says more about the Rivers personal relationships than mine that they couldn’t fathom that anyone would come donate to me just because they like me.
Anyway, everyone on my team was doing a great job and the team was working really well (despite the fact that Melissa and Brande were having problems and Melissa was having problems with my renewed friendship with and respect for Brande). Jesse, as usual, did his job quietly and really well. The auction booklet he created was ridiculously great. The jewelry Melissa picked out was beautiful. And the models were set.
Now, on KOTU everyone was working really hard to fundraise. But I think they were worried that with me and Brande working together (Brande had raised a ton in the previous shows) that Athena was going to be tough to beat. So they made a decision that I find somewhat mindboggling. Clint came up with the idea to pool all the donors on to the least expensive piece. If a piece didn’t sell, then the wholesale price of that piece would not be deducted against the total amount raised. So they figured that that would create the most profit for them. But what it would also create, it my opinion, is embarrassment for Ivanka when only 1 of the 5 pieces of her jewelry sold at her auction. Joan agreed to this stratgey which I think is in poor judgement. You will have to watch the next episode to see how that one plays out.
Natalie was sent off to pick out the jewelry. First, I am not sure why Joan did not do that job. She owns a jewelry company after all. I have no idea why she sent Natalie, who has no experience with that. But she did. So Natalie Gulbis gets deeply criticized by Joan for picking jewelry that was not flashy. But Natalie was picking pieces that she knew her donors wanted to buy because she had not been informed of their strategy change to put all the donors on one piece. So I think the criticism of Natalie was deeply unfair here. I think it was a bad decision to assign her in the first place since Joan should have done that part and she was getting pieces her donors wanted anyway, and isn’t that the point?
Anyway, Natalie calls Phil Hellmuth to get him to donate to KOTU. Phil is the most famous poker player in the world and we happen to not only work together but we also are good friends. You will have to see whether or not Phil comes through for Natalie on the next episode. Again, another cliffhanger you will have to tune in for.
So, tune in next week to see of Phil screws me over and to see if KOTU’s strategy to create the most profit for their auction works. Also, find out how Piers Morgan plays into the episode and why I get compared to Hitler! Fun times all around.
Phil better not screw you over! It would be great if he hears about Natalie’s plan (which was genius, btw – great strategy on her part) and decides to give you the money instead…showing how poker players will stick together. Rivalries between players should only play out on the poker table.
You’re doing great Annie, keep it up.
Annie, I’m really enjoying your cool, rational play on the Apprentice. Not being a card player or into “celebrities”, I am not famliar with you, but you seem like a very competent woman. Thanks for the entertainment!!
Annie, Great job as usual…but exactly how old is Melissa Rivers? 5? That’s how old she is acting!
My son and I watch your Best Damn Poker Show and my son was concerned that Phil would screw you over. I believe your rivalry may exist on the felt but I do believe you are really friends and would be shocked if Phil doesn’t come to your aid. I know he is well known for his charitable work and hope he understands how KOTU is trying to stab you in the back. Good Luck!
am I the only one who cant open your blog from part 1?….?
I hope you lay the wood to them next week.
BTW, I never noticed a Hitler mustasche before…lol.
Annie:
First I want to say how great it is to see you represent Poker Players that way you do.
You are part of the vanguard bringing Poker out of the back room, and putting a hard working, honorable face on the game and corresponding industry so many love. Secondly, you certainly appear to be a force of nature! The more you do, the more you will attract criticism. You have been working on making your team win by using the skills you have. Congratulations on doing as well as you have.
Joan and Melissa seem to have many positives, which makes their od behavior even more curious. It appears to me that they were working on playing this as an “alliance” similar to those we have seen on other reality shows.
They wanted you to help them take out particular players they saw as both a threat and weak at the same time. When you did not play it that way, you became the target. As well, the way the edit looked, Melissa seemed to be jealous of the attention that you were giving Brande. Melissa seems to be a very capable operator who needs to be given a great deal of praise.
I may be biased towards you because of my admiration for what you have done in the Poker world. That being said I think you come across well, and do not need to pay too much heed to the vitriol and invective of the Rivers’ girls.
What is they say? “That’s Poker”.
HI Annie! Love your blog and wishing you the best. I think the willingness of your friends to donate speaks volumes about the kind of person you are.
Annie, big fan of your game and now of your game on tv. I just watched the show where you are the P.M. for the acution. I loved the way you played Melissa, there is no dought she will explode and this will drive her mother hen to implode. I must say what a brilliant strategy to use Brandy to fire up Melissa and walk away looking like a million, show those c list clebs a thing or two.
Hi Annie,
Thank you for this blog and sorry to hear you didn’t get much sleep.
Trump seems to “favour” Joan and Melissa on all tasks. I’m still angry about the Khloe firing but couldn’t not tune in last night. George however seems to have Melissa’ number when he questioned the “research”.
What the heck is Piers going to do? Is he in the game or just a go between for Mr. Trump? Wil he call back Omarosa to tame Piers now? That lady scares me! lol
Anyway, hang in there and get some rest.
Hello Annie,
I like the style of your play and showing them your poker and not letting them know your doing it, in the long haul and run YOU WILL WIN THE CELEBRITY APPRENTICE….I used to like Joan and Melissa Rivers alot… I wanna know are their personalities really like this on TV as they are in person..
Annie, You are by far the sharpest and smartest player on the show. I can really see you going all the way. It ticks me off when people interpret “assertiveness” as “aggressiveness.” Happens to me personally all of the time.
How can you even look Joan and Melissa in the eyes after their nasty-ass comments about you? I can only imagine that the air must be pretty “thick” on the set. Do Joan and Melissa both go to the same plastic surgeon? They both have that same “martian-type” look about them.
As I watch the show, I continually try to decipher how much of the show is staged to keep the ratings up (i.e. Joan’s champagne glass shattering), and the hostile private interviews. If Phil sides with the KOTU team next week, I will have no doubt that the show is staged; there is no way Phil would go against you like that.
P.S. You look way prettier and younger with your bangs straight down.
Katie
I hope you get to be one of the final two. You would be great at organizing whatever they throw your way! Maybe you could even organize a “casino night” charity event instead of the golf tournament and have celeb poker players show up…I would love to watch that!
“Natalie was sent off to pick out the jewelry. First, I am not sure why Joan did not do that job.”
Is it possible that Joan was thinking primarily of HOW TO PLAY THE GAME so SHE would WIN regardless of whether THE TEAM WON?
A part of YOUR THINKING includes that too?
How do I do things so that “I” win whether the TEAM wins or not.
“You will have to see whether or not Phil comes through for Natalie on the next episode.”
Seems to me that on UB you and Phil are “practically” partners?
Yes .. I think Phil Helmuth should DEFINITELY be included in the cast of “Annie Duke’s World”
It’s a NATURAL ô¿~ And Howard Lederer ¤¿¤
And Andy Block … And Hershel Walker ô¿ô
PS … I thought it was a REALLY GOOD IDEA to try and find someone who would like to BEAT YOU! I’ll “bet” YOU think so too?
In the first episode, Andrew Dice Clay made some comment about Melissa and Joan still being attached through an umbilical cord. Like mother like daughter! Good grief! They both ganged up on you and Brande. I think they felt intimidated and were just trying to tear you both down. That’s their M.O. They’re so emotional and judge people purely on how they feel about them rather than a person’s accomplishments. I hope you win this challenge by a landslide, Joan get’s fired and Melissa goes with her! That’ll be great!
Annie, We can’t open your Part 1 blog.
Wow! I was wondering when Mr. Helmuth was going
to make an appearance. And he could really be
a hero. I am so sure Phil will come through for Annie, The poker family is tight net group.
But then again Phil could scew Annie
Wow what a turn of events. I had never wanted to
ever watch this show, because I don’t care for the
Trumps, but being a poker player and knowing everyone it great. Annie you are doing great.
Keep it up.
Isn’t Phil God? And if he is, wouldn’t he be helping both teams?
Said it on blog Part 1 and will say it here too. It’s better than chocolate and porn. Just when you thought the Rodman episode could not be topped you get two co-dependent “holier than thou” ******************** stirring the pot. Wasn’t it Joan last week who blew up at Clint and in the Boardroom said she never wanted to see him after the show? Then this week… well bust my britches she’s all over him like her cheap jewelry on a Vegas hooker wannabe. ‘Nuff said.
I was really surprised when Natalie came up with the idea to get someone to dontate for her team, who wants to beat Annie. She seems like such a sweetheart and to come up with this very devious plan. I thought it was a great idea but at the same time I was sad because it seems like this challenge isnt team vs team its both Rivers against Annie and Brande. Seems like this episode is really really personal rather than who is the better team.
I always assumed Phil Hellmuth isnt a big fan of Annie after watching one show they did together a few years ago. I cant remember what it was called but I remember Chris Moneymaker, Howard Lederer, Annie Duke, and Phil Helmuth. I think Annie took Howard out of the game and then at some point it was head to head Phil vs Annie. Eventually Annie won the poker game but then Phil went on a huge tantrum backstage in a hallway.
I assumed Phil would be a good person to call for donations against Annie but maybe Phil is a bigger guy than I give him credit for.
The second half of this episode is by far the best episode of this season. I feel like there is finally someone in charge and leading the team to victory. Even on Joans team there really seems to be a renewed vigor to win.(its just too bad for Joan its personal and not about her team or charity)
Looking forward to next episode to see how it all plays out.
I lost a lot of respect for Joan after watching this to the point that I will avoid ever watching anything she appears in at all costs! …except the rest of CA of course. Hope you take it down Annie!
Well played Annie. You have a much clearer understanding of business as compared to either Joan or Melissa. They do not respect you because you don’t work large audiences or the red carpet, something clear from the very beginning. In reality, your background and experience lend itself to the business world, which is why you enjoy success not only on “The Apprentice”, but in your life as well.
Keep doing what you do…
As they said…awesome idea on their part, but I guess they don’t know about UB, or the seminars you and Phil host together. I just can’t see him doing anything against you. I think he’ll (hope) he will pull the reverse and put the dough in your purse! Ok tacky…Anyway. Go all the way, we are routing for you! “Jesus” knows you still have a few aces in the hole.
Celebrity Apprentice makes me want to hurl sometimes (I hate seeing people so submissive to Donald Trump), but I love to watch smart people do a good-to-great job. The fact that you approach this entire enterprise as a poker game is fascinating, yet I feel you’re also being genuine to your own work and personal ethics. Those who respond so emotionally to what should essentially be an objectively driven and judged task is interesting as well as educational. Thanks for making this a worthwhile watch.
I believe Donald Trump selected Joan to be PM against Annie purely for the drama. Donald is a successful businessman, but he is still a show off. I dont claim to know Phil other than what I see at the poker table, but what I read of him, he seems to be a great person. Then again, he likes to put a good show; If he sticks with Annie it will be a great show for the apprentice. If he sticks Annie, it will be more drama in the poker world. Hopefully he is a bigger person than that and sides with a friend.
If it wasnt for Annie, I probably would not be watching the Apprentice. I think Annie is doing wonderful. One thing I disagreed was when she said if they lose she is going to bring to the table whomever makes the less money. That may be true, but saying it like that, came out as scaring people into bringing in money. She could have used better words of encouragement, besides they are all successful people and they can figure out for themselves what happens if they dont bring enough money.
Way to go, Annie! I think you’re doing a GREAT job as PM – and you’re not getting involved in the Melissa/Brandy/Joan “thing”. Don’t understand why Trump thinks that he needs Piers so “oversee” everyone. After all, you are all adults! You show everyone how to play this game with dignity!!
I love how determined you have been throughout the season so far! I hope that your spirit is never broken.
So don’t you think part of Joan’s agreement with Trump was, “keep me around and I will make sure it stays interesting”?
It is time to cut the apron strings for Melissa. My favorite comment was the time she said jump in mother – when she was attacked in the boardroom. Jeez, give me a break. Really.
Natalie was sent by Joan to pick out the jewelry so she could be the fall guy. It’s a plan to fail.
Guess you were only compared to Hitler for being the only shark at the table. I had a feeling when I read your first post that you are going to last long in this competition. Annie VS Jesse for the final.
When Mama Rivers sent Gulbis to select the jewelry, did I really hear her say something to the effect that Natalie was “an attractive girl and straight…which is rare for a golfer”? Did I hear this right?
Clearly the River’s are intimidated by you. they should be- you put your money where your mouth is… They on the other hand put theirs in their plastic surgeons bahama fund on a regular basis!
I am sure Phil H. will back you. I can’t wait to see the shock of Joan Rivers when he does. Thanks for making The Apprentice so much fun to watch this season!
I am in total awe of you, annie. You make this show so exciting. This is my favorite season. I love your strategies. Knock Joan and Melissa out, they’re playin both sides for eachother, enough now.
Hey Annie!
Just wanted to let you know your the greatest!! Joan and Melissa are so stuck up on themselves, they are washed up celebs who think their sh** dont stink!! Go win it all my dear, and best of luck to ya in your future poker games.
hugsssssssssss,
Bea
I find it hard to believe that Hellmuth would punk you on the show. The only type of person I can think of who was bid against you in order to make you lose would be someone genuinely dislikes you. And I cant think of anyone who would do that on a reality TV show.
kids, part 1 opens fine for me, yesterday and today.. try the link up on the right side of this page where it says ‘part 1′.. try pointing to it, right click your mouse, and choose “open in new window” – see if that works for you-
I assume annie will win this one.. she is very, VERY much like me- only a few issues i think you/she screwed up on.. you, annie, shouldn’t have been so direct, so early, saying those who don’t bring in the most money will go into the boardroom with you- that was handed out as a threat and they took it as a threat, from someone most of them don’t like– that was not good bedside manner- you have to be careful with the bluntness- again, remember, you are much like me- i tend to say the first thing i’m boldly thinking too- with age you learn to tame it down a bit-
phil of course will come to annie’s rescue- i can/will guarantee that people!
as for natalie picking out the jewelry, HUGE mistake on joan’s part along with letting the guys pick the models.. HUGE MISTAKE-
to poster above wondering if this was strategy, i don’t think so.. joan just f’d up big time here..
models needed to be checked for their posture, shoulder line, how long their neck is to show off dangling earrings- joan just really screwed up.
i assume annie will win this one though you have to give lil clint credit for the brilliant idea to pull money for the sake of profit..
in general, CA is getting old.. i have a love/hate thing for trump, always have.. i think he’s a chauvinist.. i’m not surprised he fired 2 women in one week- the men sucked! but alas me thinks the 2 most capable women will be in the final 2-
annie may save donors like phil for that final project instead of using him now, but either way, there is no way our phil will help natalie-
i like natalie by the way.. she’s a bit to stiff imo, but otherwise seems like a great gal, it was smart of her to think of that idea though she’s not familiar with the poker world and does’t realize the close nit relationships-
by the way peeps.. it was so dumb how the show tried to play up a guy in a suit sitting down, the climax of last wk’s show not telling us who trump was bringing in to oversee the chaos.. we all knew it was the prix Pierce (sp) from last season! … no surprise there.
I’m not sure if phil will screw you. It would sort of look bad for UB, but on the other hand I can see him doing it as a joke just to see your face when he walked in the door.
Phil should have your back he’s a standup guy and loyal.
I hope Joan or Melissa gets the boot next episode
I really don’t enjoy watching pierce at all-He’s just too full of himself at times but I do respect his charity work.
Annie, you freakin rock on the show. Smart move to wait for a fund raising task. You play to win, and take no prisoners. At the end of the day you get the job done efficiently and nobody gets hurt. Oh and my wife totally dislikes you on the show, but I say “I dunno, she’s getting it done.” As an entrepreneur and artist involved in a the grimy world of live music, I am very familiar with working under awkward pressures. To be cunning and thoughtful in the midst of some chaotic moments is a character trait to be proud of. Rock on!
Love to watch you play poker, along with my wife who think the sun rises on you. Great, classy job against the Rivers that never meat. Can’t wait to see you go all in against them. Thanks, Annie
To Leo (April 13, 2009 at 8:29 pm):
How was it devious of Natalie to try to work with Phil to get some donations rather than Annie? Annie had no right to have a tantrum, she didn’t get to him first for donations then too bad. She keeps claiming it’s just business then she should have sucked it up.
Why is it always ok for Annie to bully others and force her opinions and ideas but if someone else does it, she sulks, pouts and mutters catty comments under her breath?
Looks like you don’t keep the negative remarks on here.
J you are wrong. She had every right, at the time, and on a tight time schedule, to get really wrapped up emotionally in the moment, to find out her co-business person, friend and fellow poker player, Phil Hellmuth (who is one of a kind by the way), she had every right to hit the roof that (someone else she knows) gave Phil’s contact info to Natalie.
THIS IS A COMPETITION!
Remember in another task Natalie was able to make one phone call and arrange a private plane to pick up Joan Rivers in one state and drop her in NY so she could get there faster? Natalie has wealthy friends and lives in a circle of wealth. The fact she couldn’t raise money with her own people is complete BS.
I laughed and thought it was clever Natalie ever thought of trying to get a poker player, for one thing it was just devious and creative, you have to give her credit for that, but on the other side i had to laugh because the general public just has zero understanding of the poker world and the people in it. No way Phil was going to come through for Natalie.
Annie reacted totally normally in that situation and anyone else would have if they were a determined TEAM LEADER who was planning on winning their project competition.
She was angry, surprised and yeh she yelled in her phone call to see what was up with how the attempt at sabotage got so far asto make it to Phil Hellmuth- any normal person would have reacted the same way.
It was a phone call- Joan and her daughter tried to make a mountain out of a mole hill over this and seems some simpletons who are watching don’t have the comprehension level to understand this is ABSOLUTELY NO BIG DEAL!
As for the ignorant comment that Annie is bullying others- this is not a playground of 8 yr olds being bullied by a 200 pound gang member. This is (supposedly) a bunch of successful professional people Annie’s competing against. If they let her run the show or they kowtow to what she wants, 1) that is their own failures and 2) her team usually won with her help- so what exactly is there to claim she errored on?
It is typical of a certain personality type to not get Annie- It’s just funny really. I can spot these kind of people a mile a way and the life they lead and their (lack of) successes in life. It’s just too damn funny.
Lastly, keep in mind these peeps are on camera the whole time they are there and the production chooses what to edit down to fit a 42 minute program, how to edit it (to fit a dramatic storyline) and they also choose what sequence things are shown in. They can manipulate it to the hilt… and they do.
I cannot believe all the blowheart’ing over a stinking phone call!
I HAVE NEVER SEEN A MORE EGOTISTACLE, SELF CENTERED, BACK-STABBER AS MS. DUKE! IT’S A SHAME THAT THE GOOD LOOKS AND TALENT ARE WASTED. I WOULD NOT LIKE TO BE IN A ROOMFUL OF KNIVES WITH HER AND TURN MY BACK.