Ruth deserved to go

by Nicky on November 10th, 2009

The Diageo task was definitely educational to the public on what a unit of alcohol actually is! I have to admit I was a little off with my estimation! Whether I would use the contraption designed by the candidates is questionable. Neither one was practically easy on the eye but they did the job of measuring alcohol intake and encouraged enjoying alcohol responsibly. Well almost! “The young lads making cocktails and not getting hammered” (Geraldine) or the people measuring alcohol “when drink driving” (Breffny) will be thinking twice from last night’s show After those presentations so will Bill

My vote would have gone with the “Buddy”. The cartoon character would have to go and of course the design tweaked. In fairness to both teams one day to design and send a product to market which is also legally sensitive is tough. They would have never got it right and to do so would need serious market research etc. “Buddy”, right or wrong was somewhat innovative and Platinum took a bit of a risk which Bill wants to see. Platinum uses initiative by making the device sit on top of bottles, the colour was vibrant and I liked how it represented amber for continue with caution. They had method behind the madness, not just let’s look slick and cosmopolitan. There is nothing cosmopolitan about this product but it’s a necessity for our changing culture. Lucinda did a huge amount of work and it was such a shame the spelling errors came up as shadowed her hard work. You could see how disappointed she was and we were the same, sometimes the simple things suffer in the heat of the moment! Lucinda seems a very strong candidate.

Cú Chulainn tried but ‘Alco – measure’ was just the wrong name and the fact it was in 2 pieces made no sense, I can barely keep my car keys intact so ‘Alco-measure’ would have been lost in my depth of clutter within hours! Aoiffe’s olive branch to Geraldine was admirable but then she went for her in the boardroom, the jury is still out on their relationship. Are they threatened by each other? Each have opposite qualities and maybe they see that hence the constant clashing, or is it just plain old “I just don’t like you”? I had a pang of guilt after “You’re Fired” because I was inarticulate about how Geraldine was behaving. I said I was disappointed in her but what I meant was by continuing to be harsh on Aoiffe I think it is drowning her abilities on the show and people are more focused on their relationship, than her work on tasks. Aoiffe seems to have recognised this and hoped Geraldine would as I have confidence in her ability. I was glad Ruth was fired, there was debate she did not deserve to go in that task but it has to be judged by all round performance, she seemed to lack passion and innovation. I just could not see her working in Bill’s organisation. Ruth refused to appear on You’re Fired and I think this was a mistake. The public did not connect with Ruth and it would have been the perfect opportunity to have her say. Maybe she was scared of Brendan….little did she know he was more scared of her !

Hard to know who will be the next to go, will Breffny survive another week?

Nicky

Episode 8 Catch up

by Meteor on November 10th, 2009

This week the candidates had a real challenge on their hands – invent a product that would show Irish alcohol consumers, how much units of alcohol they are actually drinking. With Aoiffe taking the lead for Cú Chulainn and Steve Rayner taking the lead for Platinum, both teams set about creating this interesting product.

Platinum after a lengthy brainstorm, decided to go with what they called ‘Buddy’, a little container designed in the style of a cartoon head that sits on the top of you bottle. Looked good, only problem was they completely left out the ability for it to measure beer – which was a huge part of the brief! Cú Chulainn went with something a little more boring which they insisted was ‘stylish’. A container which looked like a beaker, not very attractive even if they tried to convince the retailers that they would add some black to the bottom.

The teams presented to three retailers and in general really struggled on their presentations. It was one thing Ruth not knowing her figures after she had done them up a few hours beforehand, but as for Breffny – he completely lost his wording and made an idiot of himself. Poor Geraldine forgot where she was and threw in the word “hammered”, nearly knocking Jackie off her seat with shock.

Back in the boardroom, it was looking like Platinum were going to lose, however they pulled through after winning over three of the retailers. This left Cú Chulainn in trouble. Aoiffe decided to bring Geraldine and Ruth back into the boardroom. There were handbags at dawn between Aoiffe and Geraldine as usual, however Ruth had not impressed Bill and she had to go.

Knowing the candidates…

by Nicky on November 6th, 2009

I love that we are really starting to know the candidates now! We can see some candidates shine where before they were in the background. All weaknesses are highlighted as they can’t hide behind people anymore. The Cadburys task separated the actresses from the true contenders. I still feel Sam was not suited to the Apprentice role but will the shows entertainment suffer? I don’t think so, she made me laugh at times but I was getting uncomfortable by some of her actions towards the end. Her rendition of “oh so pretty” on unseen clips makes that even more evident. I understand she wanted to play to her strengths but it was very well put on “You’re fired”. She expected the corporate world to adapt to her but not vice versa.

It is official Breffmania is no more…….since Monday it is Breffitis!! Breffitis is a full blown pandemic which has spread through Ireland like wild fire. On Meteor Apprentice Unseen Facebook page people have designed campaign posters for Breff…tagline’s such as “hope” and “we believe in Breff”…he has been superimposed in pictures as the 6th Beatle!! You have to see it to believe it! He was great on Monday, showed he had balls and stamina to stand his ground! He also recognised a good name and concept more than the others. Breffny has been described as John & Edward numerous times and it is not suggesting he is bad like them but only that he was the one underestimated and now most entertaining, people’s favourite and whether you think he is good or bad you want to see more. I do think Breffny has potential but has a lot to learn. The unseen clip he mentions his hair cut “smelling of the semi final”….what do we think??

Geraldine is also a favourite but unfortunately for her I think the relationship with Breffny is overshadowing her abilities. People are more focused on Breffaldine or her cat fights with Aoiffe. Production chooses to show anything related to this more than her contribution to the task. I think Geraldine has real talents and in fairness she has her own business. People do not realise the extra work, knowledge and time needed for a business to tick as opposed to be an employee. I am not comparing but it takes different abilities to be an entrepreneur, I feel Aoiffe underestimates her. Not only is there a personal clash but I feel maybe they are both sub consciously threatened by each other for whatever reason and this heightens friction.

I hope Ruth is the next to go as she has been my least favourite for some time. I don’t feel I know Ruth at all and she does not inspire me! Seems to lack passion and to make a good impression in business I do believe you have to bring personality and enthusiasm. I just don’t see this in Ruth! Aoiffe was as annoying in the Cadburys task but I do see something in her and like her as I like the others. I think she has just been misguided with the pressure of the show and the house. Steve needs to find a happy medium on where he wants to change/adapt but not lose himself. Bill is giving mixed messages and Steve could be a front runner so he needs to find his feet again and get back in the race. Lucinda always seems very calm and works diligently in the background, she tends to keep her opinions to herself unless constructive, and she could also be a front runner! Stephen is focused and I believe he would hit the ground running if Bill hired him but he needs to show more patience to others, he seems very self driven.

Monday’s task seems to be for Diageo. They could be doing anything! One thing is for sure though; one of them is getting fired!

Chat then…Nicky

Sam sings for the last time

by The Receptionist on November 5th, 2009

Sam sings her last song literally – http://apprenticeunseen.ie/. What on earth was she like? Did Sam actually understand The Apprentice role before she applied for the competition? I don’t know about you but I find this video clip particularly eerie. Is there any come back for her? Anyone have any ideas of what she could become now, apart from an extra in this year’s Jack and the Beanstalk. Let me know your thoughts.

The Receptionist

White coats and hair nets

by The Receptionist on November 3rd, 2009

I could see the fear in Aoiffe’s eyes when she picked up the telephone and heard those terrible words “no jewellery or nail varnish”. For the past 7 weeks we have watched Aoiffe in our unseen footage twirl the same bottle of wine nail varnish as she gave her opinion on all the candidates. Now she was expected to give it all up, as she entered what can only be described as a scene from alien nation. All candidates including Bill and Jackie dressed from head to toe in au couture white jackets and hair nets. Not to mention the white shoes – how did Aoiffe even put them on? Maybe she got one with ‘Louboutin’ written on the sole. At least I had a little giggle at Bill in his hair net – he reminded me of my granny getting her blue rinse.

Two weeks ago Steve was accused of bullying Sam. It is obvious they have made up – but do they really need to sit so close to each other in the car. If you look, Sam was practically sitting on Steve’s knee. Oh Christ, does this mean there may be another couple about to emerge? Speaking of couples she had her way with Brendan, is Stephen Higgins her new victim? Aoiffe was irate every time somebody criticised Stephen in the boardroom. She wasn’t even on the same team as him! This one can definitely turn on the emotions for an Oscar performance; let’s hope Stephen doesn’t fall for this too. I shall be keeping an eye on him!

I was delighted that Geraldine was on the winning task when I heard they were going to a hair and beauty salon. At last somebody might do something with those eyebrows.

Aoiffe and Ruth claimed that Breffny was aggressive with them in his tone. Girls what offices have you been working in? I have definitely been given a dress down more harsh than that in my lifetime, Breffny barely raised his voice. If it had been me, I would have roared down the phone ‘GET OVER IT’. I know you were not happy with the name, but it was already liked in the focus group – were you just waiting for reassurance from the Cadburys gorilla himself?

The Receptionist

I told you so

by Nicky on November 3rd, 2009

I can only imagine the taste of victory and the words “I told you so” could not have been sweeter for Breffny last night. I thoroughly enjoyed the Cadbury’s task and like many I was shouting my support through the TV hoping Breff could hear me. Ok so his management skills may need developing but in fairness to him Aoiffe and Ruth were being slightly melodramatic. Breffny was a man inspired, clearly determined not to allow a repeat of the previous weeks task which saw his good suggestions ignored to the ultimate cost of the team. He had said numerous times that as PM he was going with his gut and sticking with Blasta, they continued to hound him until they got their way and yes he did become frustrated. My patience would have been tested and I admire his guts for sticking to his guns, many would have crumbled under team pressure. I had to laugh at Brian Purcell’s air punch in support of Breffny!

I thought Blasta was great, not only did it work well on brief of being Irish but you could imagine a name like Blasta amongst famous chocolate bar’s such as Yorkie, Moro, Twirl…….Blasta! Chú Chulainn was on the right path with the Tri-colour Irish theme but the mistake made by both teams was not deciding a target audience and totally re-designing the wrapper. I can see why the teams wanted the bars to stay within the Dairy Milk family and not segregate a market but I think Cadburys were looking for a total re-design. My thoughts are maybe the Cadburys Dairy Milk family are big sellers for over 23’s and the teams could have targeted a new younger market or targeted the current market (should of found out who that is) but created a totally new variant. Something fun, bright and unusual. The name Blasta had the power to do this, really fun and explosive, sure it’s in the name! Again I think time was of the essence and they had to stunt creativity to finish within the time line. I was rooting for Chú Chulainn as they had good ideas but just went downhill in the presentation. Ireland is a modern growing nation and competes with any top European destination, and it felt very old Eire. The girls looked like old school “colleens” and the harpist (beautiful music) but would put you to sleep. As Breff and Geraldine mentioned the pitch needed passion and fun. Ruth to me is robotic and always plays it safe.

Rhubarb and Custard had more of a fling than a relationship as Ms Cadbury (Sam) sang her way out and is no more! I think Bill did make the right decision and Sam was out of her depth. I do admire her confidence and guts to put herself out there, I’m sure she is a great teacher but she is not an Apprentice. To be honest I think Sam would get bored of the corporate world, no panto’s allowed!! I was surprised how safe she went on the chocolate bar ingredients and wrapper design. She relied on the focus group to guide her too much which crippled her in the end. Stephen was trying to help and advise Sam but he needs to work on his communication skills in these situations. I did think he came across slightly negative and with a slight attitude so her automatic instinct was to shut him out. The Rocky Road idea would have been delicious, just went haywire. Pick an audience, pick a theme and go.

I am having one issue with Bill at the moment. Each week he seems slightly contradictory, to be honest it was the same last year and can be very confusing for the candidates. One week he says speak up for what you want and if you believe in it then put the foot down. Breffny and Stephen do this and one is a “bully” and the other not listening to his team. Then he calls Steve a push over and gofer when he tries to be less doctorial. The candidate’s behaviour is possibly going to extremes on Bills advice but with mixed messages and pressure to impress you can see why.

Nicky

Week 7 Catch up

by Meteor on November 3rd, 2009

It was chocolate time on this week’s task – yum! Both sets of teams arrived in Cadburys where they donned their hair nets and white coats and dived into the chocolate making industry. Each team were asked to create a new bar of dairy milk chocolate. The bar should contain new ingredients, should attract new customers and have a true sense of Irishness.

Breffny was chosen to lead Chú Chulainn while Sam was picked to lead Platinum. Before the task began, Bill made it very clear that he wanted to see some leadership skills in Breffny and wanted Sam to prove that she deserved to be there in the first place.

From the very outset Stephen looked unimpressed with Sam and they clashed over every idea. Sam divided the team so that Lucinda and Stephen could work on the chocolate and she and Steve would work on the focus groups and ideas for the presentation.

Breffny lead his team in military style, which did not go down well with Aoiffe and Ruth. Both girl’s felt offended when he would not listen to them and their ideas. Geraldine backed up Breffny all the way.
Both teams presented to the Cadburys sales team who were in for a special treat of a panto created by our singing Sam. Stephen, who was dressed as an aluminous yellow custard, was not impressed with the idea. Either was Bill. Team Platinum were the losers and Bill gave all members a grilling in the boardroom. Sam chose to bring back the two Steve’s leaving Lucinda to fight another day. In the end it was very clear that Sam is used to dealing with children and cannot bring her skills over to the adult world. As Sam left after being fired, it was noted how she refused to hug Stephen Higgins – obviously Sam is one to hold a grudge.

Half way through!

by Nicky on November 2nd, 2009

The Apprentice is now at the half way mark! 6 more episodes before the final, I have really enjoyed it so far and being on the other side of the screen has been interesting. Viewers have had a mix of relief, shock and utter disgust by Bill’s fired choice and also the antics going on in-house. There is no lack of entertainment this year or lack of characters!

Definitely think the claws will come out and have a feeling some of this lot will do whatever it takes to nab the main prize! For me Ruth and Sam have got to go next. Ruth is so serious and is very good at acting like she is the most experienced, getting PM’s to latch to her for help but she is actually making some of the biggest mistakes. Snake in the grass is a bit harsh but I am wary of Ruth. I admire Sam’s creativity and confidence to put herself out there but my nerves are frazzled and now I find it quite embarrassing to watch. There a shows and jobs she would be fantastic at but the Apprentice is not it!

Geraldine is a favourite of mine and I am still rooting for her but I am becoming disappointed in her. She seems to be putting more focus on bitching about Aoiffe and criticising candidate’s relationships in-house. Geraldine is accusing people of not concentrating on tasks and flirting to get ahead. Is this not slightly hypocritical considering she is having relationship with Breffny? In fairness they have been guilty of messing on tasks as well! Aoiffe went for Geraldine in the boardroom and maybe it is retaliation but forget about others and focus on you…

Poetry may or may not be your thing but I was sent an interesting poem this week. Yeats it is not but comical it is. Here is a taster but become a fan of Meteor Apprentice unseen on Facebook to read all.

Breffaldine poem…

“Ya take Geraldine and shes from town,
And ya put her then with a culchie clown,
She grows up with her mates and max factor,
While he’s chewing straw and driving a tractor……………………………………….to see more log onto

http://www.facebook.com/apprenticeunseen

Below is a quick synopsis of the candidates so far in my eyes. Who will be next?

Ruth – Is too serious, I just don’t connect with her. Sticks by PM and blind sights them to thinking she contributes the most when this just isn’t the case. Should have gone this week

Lucinda – Seems one of the most competent and normal characters. Works well with any team members. I am backing her to do well.

Sam – She also has to go ASAP. I felt truly uncomfortable and embarrassed watching her presentation. She was talking to professional clients not 4 year olds.

Geraldine – Great negotiation skills and talent. I like her but needs to ignore gripe with Aoiffe and just focus on herself. Not afraid to speak her mind.

Aoiffe – Has learned a few lessons and seems to be getting stronger. Animosity between her and Geraldine continues; wonder if they are actually threatened by each other. She could now start becoming a front runner.

Stephen – Would like to see him as PM again, my instincts say he has the attributes to be an apprentice but something is holding me back. He is very quick to point blame and criticise.

Steve – Admirable how he listened to Bill and made effort to change management skills but for me a little too extreme. Let Sam do what she wanted for fear of the “bully” tag. He is a dark horse though.

Breffny –The current young Tom Jones of Irish TV! We all may have underestimated Breffmeister, interesting to see how he progresses. Think the candidates are now seeing him as a threat.

Nicky