Doug's Place

It was recently reported that The Apprentice will go back to its original version with a number of job applicants competing to win a job within Donald Trump’s organization.

As you’re probably aware, this and the previous two seasons have been all-celebrity versions. While lots of money has been raised for great causes and there have been some great moments (seeing Omarosa getting the boot again, Melissa Rivers’ post-elimination outbursts, etc.), I have a feeling the taping of last night’s episode gave us “the real reason” why The Celebrity Apprentice will be Celebrity no more.

Without spoiling, I’ll note…

\ One celebrity had to back out of the competition due to a family matter.

\ Another, I sense, is teetering on the brink of bailing out due to a daughter’s medical condition. At least I can go into specifics since it was the focus of a lot of promos. Bret Michaels was in touch with his daughter over the possibility she’s a diabetic. Michaels, a diabetic himself, was naturally devastated and freaking out.

\ Another had a previously scheduled appointment at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue (The White House, for those of you in Alpha, Ohio).

\ Another was apparently ill.

…while they’re all excused absences, I could see Trump’s frustration in the boardroom. Sure, these sort of things happened in pre-celebrity versions (away observing religious holidays, death in the family, etc.) The thing is they happened few and far between.

Over the recent weekend, Rock 104 celebrated its 15th anniversary. Concurrently, it was also my 14th year of association with the station. Looking back at it all, all I can say is — “WOW!”

Over the last 14 years, I’ve met and worked with some amazing people, been to amazing places and, of course, have had lots of fun along the way.

Later this summer, I’ll celebrate 15 years of association with WDAM television — factoring in my brief time as an intern and in a production capacity before moving on to newscast producing. With apologies to Chris Myers of Fox Sports, that also deserves a — “WOW!” Amazing people and places associated with the time spent with TV as well.

The reason I bring this all up is because these two jobs have commanded more of my attention in recent times. Hence the few and far between blogging. I’m aiming to spend more time here at Doug’s Place. So thanks for being patient — oh, and for checking in.