Handicapping the Races

Today I’m introducing a new column where I take a look at some of our favorite reality shows and take a look at the odds on favorites and some dark horses. Don’t forget about the 5000th visitor contest either,(details in yesterday’s post).

Top Chef
Well we’re about half way through the show and none of the departed should surprise but the fat will surely be harder to trim in the coming weeks.
3 to 1: Hung- The only chef that can beat Hung is Hung. Everyone on the show thinks so whether it be the judges or even his fellow contestants. Hell, even Anthony Bourdain blogged about it this past week on BravoTV.com. His culinary skill seems only to be matched by his ego and that’s put him on the edge of elimination a couple of times but I’m guessing he’ll bounce back strong and at least make it to the final two.
5 to 1: Casey- In between being portrayed by producers as this season’s eye candy Casey has proved that not only can she cook but that she can do it damn well. She also seems like someone who thrives on confidence and I think last weeks win will propel her much further into the competition.
Dark Horse: Howie- I know every week he freaks out one way or the other and I know he’s been on the chopping block more then any chef in the show’s history but everyone agrees the man can cook. His pork dish at the Telenovela challenge was one of judge Ted Allen’s favorite dishes in the history of the show. If Howie can get an ounce of consistency in his game then the rest of the chef’s should look out.

Big Brother
Well my favorite was Nick but he’s already out the door and both Amber and Eric had their credibility take a huge hit thanks to the banner that some fans flew over the house so I’m starting from scratch.
4 to 1: Dustin- Yes he pissed people off last week by valuing prizes more then his own nominations but that’s ancient history now that his alliance is crumbling thanks to America’s Player. Dustin seems like he could win HoH every other week and that’s key to lasting in this game. Plus he’s got an incredibly loyal accomplice in Amber…for now.
5 to 1: Danielle- As long as people never view Danielle and her estranged dad Evil Dick as a dangerous duo, she could go far. While she’s got the dumb blonde look she’s fairly smart and seems to have a sense of how everyone is playing the game. However if she shows her loyalty too strongly to her dad then the jig is up. This weeks HoH might be her downfall is she can’t convince her crew that Eric is a liar.
Dark Horse: Jessica- I don’t know if she’ll win many challenges but the girl is the very definition of staying under the radar. Her closeness with Eric could get her in trouble in the next week or two.

Making the Band 4
I’m not going to give odds on this one especially since Diddy’s taking America’s vote to into account before the August 26th finale but my 4 would be:
Big (now smaller) Mike- The guy sings so well and a lot of good boy/soul bands have a chubby fellow that still makes the ladies swoon.
Donny- Token white boy who actually has some talent although his claim that his strength is dancing is debatable.
Brian A- Versatile and looks good with about every combination of the remaining ten kids. He’s in for sure.
Willie- This guy just has star written all over him and if somehow I’m wrong about him making the band I’m guessing Diddy might work with him on a solo tip.

The 2008 Presidential Race
Sadly this falls under reality television, witness the fashion focus on Hilary (What Not to Wear), the culinary exploits of Obama (Dinner: Impossible), and the cross country trip of the John McCain (Road Rules), just to name a few. So now that we’re “only” 15 months from the election, here’s how I see it as of now:
4 to 1: Mitt Romney- Seems like the initial flack for his Mormonism has died down and now he’s just another Republican blow hard. However he seems to be the most stable and charismatic blowhard they have right now. Giuliani is a joke and McCain is viewed as a wimp by independents and the left for not standing up to Bush and Rove in 2000, and as a sellout by the right for all his work on campaign finance reform. McCain’s desperate attempts to appeal to the war mongering right has only sealed his fate and Romney seems just slick enough to waltz to the nomination.
5 to 1: Barack Obama- In my heart I still can’t see this country electing an African American or woman president in my life time mostly because we actually allow people south of Illinois to vote, but if ever there was a guy it’s him. The missteps he’s had so far are minor and that gigantic war chest he’s building will certainly make him a player.
9 to 1: Hilary Clinton- I think she’s got a lot of the same stigma McCain has in that her base thinks she’s turned her back on them in terms of her staunch support of Iraq and the opposition still thinks of her as the crazy first lady that wanted to give everyone health care. Oh yeah she’s also a woman (see above).
Dark Horse: John Edwards- This guy gives me the heebie jeebies but he’s the most electable Democrat when it comes to the all important south. I’d rather see Obama or Clinton win the nomination and then fight for the White House but something tells me if this guy can raise enough funds to compete he’ll sneak in there.

Hell’s Kitchen
If it’s not Rock then I’m suing Yahoo and the whole damn interweb.