The Shannon “The Winner” Stotz Interview

Shannon was kind enough to answer some interview questions.  Who knows how the voting might have been different if she would’ve had this done before voting ended or even had new pictures.   Well, she is still a good person and she is certainly personable in this very honest interview.

TechnoJedi:  What state were you born in?  What was it like being raised there?  Name some places where you’ve lived.

Shannon Stotz: I was born in  Southern California, and raised in a small country town called Ramona. Ramona was the perfect place to grow up. It was a very safe town, so we were able to stay outside till all hours hiking through the mountains, playing in the creek beds, and other adventures (lazer tag on the golf course at night—may not have been legal, but it was fun running away from the security guards!)! Once I graduated, I moved up to Orange County (Huntington Beach and Long Beach) while going to school at CSU-Long Beach. From there, I moved to Louisville, KY to complete a master’s degree in Health Education, and to be on the best cheer team in the nation. Now that I am done with school, my *new* husband and I work and live in Orange County.

TJ:  You’ve been in real estate and have done cheerleading.  How do you feel about selling real estate versus cheerleading?  Why?

SS: I LOVE BOTH! Cheerleading has taken me to some pretty amazing places.  I have competed in London, and taught camps all over the nation, including Hawaii and Alaska (this summer I am going to Tokyo, Japan to teach a private cheerleading camp).

Helping people is my passion. It’s what I am good at. Assisting buyers and sellers with one of the most important decisions of their life, and doing a great job at it, really fuels my drive to be the best Realtor in town.

And – Now that I am out of the physical part of cheerleading (look up “Louisville Coed 2008” on youtube.com for my last competition ever), I get to help instruct cheerleaders around the nation (and world) to be the best they can be at it.

Real estate and Cheerleading actually do have a lot in common! I feel that using my cheerleading enthusiasm with a “go-getter” personality really sets me apart from the average Realtor in my market. I am a big “People Person” which goes hand-in-hand with both real estate and cheerleading .

TJ:  What does your husband think about your sudden fame?  If he were to be on a TV show, what show do you think he’s perfect for? Why?

SS: Michael thinks it’s a little scary how easily accessible my information is these days with the Internet, and worries for my safety at times, but it was so much fun for him to hear from all of our friends about watching me on Wipeout. He was very proud of me.

As for the show he’d be perfect for?—American Gladiator!

TJ:  What would someone say in describing your personality?

SS: I hope friends would say that I am confident, fun-loving, ambitious, generous, caring, reliable, and at times, stubborn.  I posted a facebook status asking my friends what they’d say, and got back “positive, outgoing, friendly, “winning”, wild, crazy, caring, jubilant, bubbly…”

TJ:  What makes you laugh?  Describe your sense of humor.

SS: Anything related to flatulence is funny to me…I’m not a prude. Also, I am ashamed to say I often take pleasure in other peoples misfortune (like on Wipeout). I try not to laugh when I see someone “eat it” but I can’t help myself!! I don’t know why God made this humorous to me, and sometimes I get very embarrassed when I can’t help but bust up when I think back on people falling.

I love comedy movies… the last one I saw was The Hangover, and laughed through the entire show.

TJ:  What was it like being on Wipeout?  What was your favorite challenge?  What was your best moment on Wipeout?

SS: Wipeout had to be one of the hardest, most exciting things I have ever physically done.  I know it sounds crazy to the average onlooker, but those obstacles are no joke! Add in the weighed down, waterlogged wetsuits, and it just got a whole lot more difficult!  I made some amazing friends while filming it, and hope that we all keep in touch!… I’m actually going to help Mark buy a home at the end of this year!

My favorite challenge was definitely the third obstacle course. The ramp that we boogie boarded down launched us at the end, and it was so fun trash talking with all of the contestants. The course was extremely difficult, and took us all a long time to complete. It was fun being the first one to cross the hard middle section of the course, but SO frustrating not being the first person to make it to the top of the spinner.

Best moment had to be launching from the human catapult. Now that I’ve done it, I would love to do it again, and add a front flip to it. It was such a rush!

TJ:  What do you think about the nickname John Henson created for you: “The Winner”?  How does the nickname fit or not fit your personality?

SS:  Haha, I was actually relieved! It was so nerve-racking not knowing how the show was going to portray me… you never know! I thought it was hysterical, and fits my competitive personality.

TJ:  What are your long-term career plans?  What do you do currently as far as a job?  Would you consider a career change into modeling or acting?  Why?

SS:  My husband and I just got married, and we are looking forward to starting our lives together.  Paying off student loans and buying a home are two of our immediate plans. Career-wise, my goal is to do very well in real estate, and to be a well known name in the industry.

A childhood dream of mine was to be an actress, and I loved every minute of being on cast for Bring It On: All or Nothing, but something tells me my real talent is in being a Realtor.  The beauty of real estate, however, is that I am my own boss.  The actions I make dictate whether or not I am going to make money, but putting strong models in place  will allow me to free up some time for other activities later on.  I have always been the type of person to venture out and try new things, so if the opportunity arises for anything else, I would consider it.

TJ:   Andy Warhol said everyone has their “fifteen minutes of fame.”  How many minutes have you used so far?  With the time you have left, how will you use it?

SS:  I have no idea how many minutes I’ve used! Compared to those famous icons (i.e. Michael Jackson, Madonna,…Britney Spears) I would say about 15 seconds! With the time left, I would love to be involved in something astronomical… something that makes a difference in the world.

TJ:  What is your opinion about having a fan base?  So what would you like to happen as far as this attention?  Explain.

SS:  I understand the need for a fan base, however don’t expect one from my Wipeout presence! Fan bases are for those with a talent. Getting knocked of Big Balls is definitely not a talent.

I would love a strong fan base as a Realtor because that would mean that my supporters trust me, and would think to contact me whenever they hear of anyone anywhere in the nation that is talking about moving and isn’t working with an agent yet. My business is based off of referrals, and the greatest compliment I can receive is when friends and family refer me to people.  Like I said earlier, I love helping people. Luckily with real estate, I can even help people in other states with their real estate transactions by finding them the best agent in their area to work with.

TJ: What do your friends and family think of the attention you’ve received since Wipeout?

SS:  My friends and family think it’s hysterical.  Someone said it’s a typical “Shanny” thing to do, and they weren’t even surprised that I did it. My parents have to have watched it at least 10 times by now! haha

TJ:   Have you considered doing more game shows or reality-TV?  Which one would you prefer to do?

SS:  YES! I would LOVE to do Survivor!  Ever since the first episode back in 2000 (I remember because I was almost 18, and that meant that I could try out) I wanted to be on the show.  I would be such an asset to the tribe because I am very creative (when it comes to making houses and such), I’d be great entertainment, and would do well at challenges.  Plus,… after being so close to $50,000 from Wipeout, maybe God will push for me to win that million! J

TJ: Any other comments you’d like to add?

SS:  I would be honored if any fans of Wipeout that are (or know of anyone) thinking about buying or selling real estate (even renting) to drop me an email at: shannymay@kw.com.

We have a great referral program allowing us to help people out of our area find the best Realtor in their area to work with. Since my business is based off of referrals from friends, and out of town Realtors, I am happy to return the favor any way I can!

TechnoJedi conclusion:   Shannon Stotz obviously has her feet planted firmly on the ground and isn’t in any rush to become the Next Best Thing in Hollywood, which is refreshing for a change.  She just wants to lead a “normal” life knowing that even fame is fleeting.  Enjoy these last pics of Shannon “The Winner” Stotz!

The Fans of Wipeout have Voted!

As voted by the fans, the Favorite Wipeout Hottie for the first half of 2009 goes to….

“Sexy Dork” Janica Polmanteer!

“Sexy Dork” Janica beat the stuffing statistically out of the up and coming “The Winner” Shannon Stotz.  While “The Original” Jessica Bertoni made a great run late in voting, “Sexy Dork’s” early lead was too much to overcome.  At least no one had to get past the Big Balls for this award!  Again, these ladies are real people and have been down to earth during the Wipeout aftershocks of TV fame.  Instead of being aloof, all three of these personable, independent women have been open with fans of the show, the same fans of stand-out contestants they cheer for.  Certainly I want to thank all readers for voting!

Back by popular demand because of the Jess Bertoni pages, there will be a short story starring Janica Polmanteer!

Jill Wagner of Wipeout

Jill Wagner is pretty and pretty funny as well as being a good commentator on the show, Wipeout.  I don’t know if she’s naturally funny or if its scripts given to her that makes her funny–isn’t she a model and not a comedian?  Regardless, she also helps balance out the two John’s of the show!

Many of Jill Wagner pictures are available online so this blog won’t have many of her pics in order to provide space for those Wipeout Hotties wanting to build a fan base perhaps larger than Jill’s!

What I like about these pics are the retro looks, and after losing the King of Pop, it’s kinda nice to fondly look back at such a decade.  Debbie Gibson, I miss you.

VOTE for your favorite Wipeout Hottie!

Voting ends on Friday, July 10!

Be sure to read the Wipeout Hotties’ own responses and the Jess and Janica Interviews to help with your choice. If I could vote for all three, I would. They are all three very real and personalable people

Pics of the ladies involved with this important vote!

The original Wipeout Hottie: Jessica Bertoni

The original Wipeout Hottie: Jessica Bertoni

The original Wipeout Hottie: Jessica Bertoni

“Sexy Dork” Wipeout Hottie: Janica Polmanteer

“Sexy Dork” Wipeout Hottie: Janica Polmanteer

“Sexy Dork” Wipeout Hottie: Janica Polmanteer

Newest Wipeout Hottie: Shannon Stotz

Newest Wipeout Hottie: Shannon Stotz

Newest Wipeout Hottie: Shannon Stotz

Shannon Stotz Responds

WOW!!! I’m flattered!

Thank you so much for the kind words!! You rock (whoever you are)!

–TechnoJedi responds: You’re welcome Shannon! Good Luck on your 15mins of fame!

Essentials gear and Janica Polmanteer pics

Essentials Clothing (www.essentialsgear.com) is a clothing line I am involved in.  My bf is the owner of the company.  I am in charge of helping with the girls’ line.  I help with picking out what is hot for girls, what’s in style, and I try on the clothing to make sure it is the hottest fit. I am the feminine touch to the company.  When we have fashion shows I find the models and I also model.  The last big show we did was at the Hollywood House of Blues main stage in March 2009.  We had live music from Shotgun Radio, I choreographed a dance for the opening, and we strutted the hot new threads in front of 1,100 + people.  Essentials is located out of San Diego and based on the surf, skate, and snow vibe.  We have girls and guys wear.  All designs are original and fun.  We also sponsor a few skate/snow/surfers.  We sell essentials in several surf shops in SD, stores in Denmark, Japan and of course online at www.essentialsgear.com .  Right now we are looking to find some investors to join so we can start doing our cut and sew designs.  I am also going to start an essentials bikini line as well which I am very excited about.  We are very fortunate to be able to express our creativity and to dress people in style.  Make sure to check out the website and the blog.  The blog is always very fun and entertaining.

Below is an explanation from the MySpace page of Essentials:

Essentials creates high quality fashions for the surf, snowboard, and skateboard lover.  All of our clothing is American made with the highest quality materials, showing the freshest and most unique designs.  The whole crew at Essentials has been driven by board sports for a very long time and can’t wait to help creatively influence the future!

Essentials, stands behind its actual definition which means necessary parts.  We are very fortunate to live in Southern California and have the ability to give back to people and charitable foundations in need.  We have worked with Wild Coast, Snowboard Outreach Society, and The Hope Foundation.  We will continue to grow with the world and our supporters.

Below are pictures of Essential gear with Janica Polmanteer in action:

Wipeout Hottie Shannon Stotz

Sure enough, Wipeout did not disappoint by having The Winner Shannon Stotz.  Shannon had a winning attitude but unfortunately it wasn’t enough to win Wipeout.   Shannon does have a good MySpace page with her details if you wish to look there.  Certainly, she’s had success cheer leading and that is what she meant by always winning (notice the trophy).  Unlike other Wipeout Hotties, Shannon is married and has appeared in one movie having to do with cheer leading (name that movie)!  If Shannon would like, she’s welcome to give a shoutout here to those readers searching for more on Shannon

The Janica Polmanteer Interview

An Interview with Janica Polmanteer with Wipeout pictures:

While some may criticize Wipeout for relying on beautiful women (including Jill Wagner) to bring ratings, Wipeout has actually showcased strong, independent, and capable women. Even though Jessica Bertoni first set the standard of what a woman can do on the show and still maintain her dignity and sense of self regardless of fame, Janica Polmanteer exposes that Wipeout is choosing capable women who show girls that having a goal and working towards that goal can bring about only good things. Janica Polmanteer has proved she is indeed a real person and not just a pretty face on TV. Janica has taken the time to help show you, the reader, how real of a person she is and how this role-model worked her way to where she is and where she is going.

TechnoJedi: What state were you born in? What was it like being raised as a military dependent? Name some places where you’ve lived because of the military.

Janica Polmanteer: I was born in Maryland. I don’t really say that is where I am from because I believe I am from all over. I have lived in Maryland, Florida, Virginia, New Mexico, and California. Growing up a military brat was sometimes hard moving all the time and leaving my friends. When I look back I am happy to be a military brat because I got to travel, sight-see, and make friends all over the US. It made me a well rounded person.

TJ: You’ve been modeling in many different venues. You also have done dancing. How do you feel about modeling versus acting and versus dancing? Why?

JP: Well, they are all so different. I have to say that it is hard to compare each against each other. I love them all so much. I love to entertain and I love to show my talent and character whether it be dancing, modeling, or acting. Modeling and acting are somewhat similar because you can be [any] character you like. Dancing is great because you can express yourself in so many moves. I guess I love them all because I love to express myself and share it with others.

TJ: Which one do you want to make a living with if you could only choose one: Dancing, Modeling, or Acting?

JP: Ugggg this is a hard one!! I guess acting because you can be an actress your entire life, even when you get old.

TJ: What would someone say in describing your personality?

JP: Well, as you saw on Wipeout…I am not afraid to be dorky (in a good way), spunky, spontaneous, adventurous, caring, generous, go getter.

TJ: What makes you laugh? Describe your sense of humor.

JP: People make fun of me all the time for this but I love the show America’s Funniest Home Videos. Just how everyone else who watched Wipeout, I also enjoy watching people as they fall funny or say funny things. It really isn’t too hard to make me laugh.

TJ: What was it like being on Wipeout? What was your favorite challenge? What was your best moment on Wipeout?

JP: The word that best describes Wipeout would be Brutal! It was a very big challenge physically and mentally. I am in very good physical shape with a lot of stamina and I still was completely exhausted after the qualifier. I give props to those that finished it that are not in great shape. I had such a blast on the show. I had a great time bonding with all the contestants (my Wipeout family) and the crew. I really like challenges and to push myself. I think my favorite challenge would be the Wipeout Zone. Never in my life did I think I would ever be catapulted. The feelings I felt before being shot into the air are indescribable. Even though it did not end the way I would have liked it to, it was still the most challenging and I really proved a lot to myself by finishing it. Believe me there is a lot you did not see. I think my best moment on Wipeout would be when I stood up on the final finish spot. What an accomplishment.

TJ: What do you think about the nickname John Henson created for you: Sexy Dork?

JP: I think it is pretty funny. I’m flattered [by] the “sexy” part..thanks John! I’m guessing the “dork” part came from my interview. I had said that I am not afraid to be a dork. And probably doing my broken robot dance and kissing my guns. Lol. I love my nickname.

TJ: What are your long-term career plans? What do you do currently as far as college or job?

JP: I plan to continue in the entertainment industry. Whether it is dancing, modeling, or acting. [All are] my passion. I would also one day like to possibly get into Real Estate. I also plan to continue working with Essentials clothing and taking the company to the next level. Basically, as long as I am doing what I love I will be happy.

TJ: Andy Warhol said everyone has their “fifteen minutes of fame.” How many minutes have you used so far? With the time you have left, how will you use it?

JP: Well, I have had 15 mins of fame many times and I plan to continue to do so. This time has been amazing! I am very grateful for it and will continue to thank all of those who cheered me on and believed in me. I have had over 400 friend requests on my FB [Facebook] and MS [MySpace] and have thanked all for their support. I plan to keep moving forward and will use this as a stepping stone for what is new to come.

TJ: What is your opinion about having a fan base? So what would you like to happen as far as this attention? Explain.

JP: I am grateful to have a fan base. I actually wasn’t expecting this but I am very excited about it. It is very important to have people around you that believe in you and what you are doing. It encourages me to go go go and never give up. I do love the attention and I hope for it to continue and for all my fans to continue and show me support. I will not let you all down. There is always more to come.

TJ: What do your friends and family think of the attention you’ve received since Wipeout?

JP: My friends and family are very supportiveve. I still receive calls from friends I haven’t seen in a long time giving me props which makes me feel great. Those that I am close with have seen the large amount fan response I have gotten. Everyone is proud which makes me feel really loved.

TJ: Have you considered doing more game shows or reality-TV? Which one would you prefer to do?

JP: Yes I definitely have. I actually auditioned to be on the new gameshow called Crash Course. Got accepted but denied at the same time because of my contract. Which I was very bummed about. I would definitely do another gameshow or a reality show. I love all the physical challenging gameshows. I’m not sure which reality show I would be on. Definitely not any of those dating shows. Something a little more real life and adventurous.

TJ: Any other comments you’d like to add?

JP: Thanks again for taking the time to write a blog on me and taking the time to get to know me. I appreciate it all. I look forward to all the new adventures that are to come and sharing them with you all. Remember keep smiling and never give up. xo Sexy Dork – Janica Polmanteer

Closing comments by TJ: I’m still laughing about the “broken robot”. Is there any way to get a clip of that!?! Janica certainly is not standing in the shadow of Jessica Bertoni nor is she riding anyone’s coat-tails. No, Janica is her own person and has a firm head on her shoulders. Certainly, readers, we have the capability to support independent women like Janica and Jessica. Perhaps they’ll do a photshoot together, like some Wipeout reunion or something!

Enjoy the Wipeout pictures! And leave a comment!

Janica Polmanteer Responds

Janica Polmanteer responds as follows:

Hello,
I was just browsing the net and found this site.  I was very surprised to see that someone took time to say such nice words.  I want to say thanks to those of your who yelled and cheered at your tvs as I competed on Wipeout. I am very flattered that I am considered a “Wipeout Hottie”.  I appreciate all the messages sent to me and I want to apologize for not responding to all. I am not on my myspace all that often anymore. Thanks for being a fan and I‘m sorry that all the cheers didn’t make the “mall cop” fall.  I gave it my all. I had such a great time and I would definitely do it again!! It was brutal and a great challenge. Thanks again.

xo
Janica Polmanteer “Sexy Dork”

TechnoJedi responds:  We, as viewers of Wipeout, are lucky to have Janica Polmanteer respond to many of you who were wondering if Janica was as much a real person as Jessica Bertoni.  Well, hopefully this proves she is not a celebrity snob, but a down-to-earth person with hopes and dreams of her own.  Please keep your comments coming (and keep it clean).  An interview will be posted soon…

Michael Jackson: Pop Culture takes it on the chin

The loss of M.J. is sad, that is true, but I didn’t know him personally.  I didn’t know what kind of real person he was.  All I had was the TV to tell me he was great, a genius, a child molester, a philanthropist, world ambassador, a music video pioneer, shy, a recluse, wanna-be white, black Elvis, and other true or false ideas that TV says is true or false.  Regardless of the TV News or tabloid journalism, I liked his music from 1979 to 1993 and his music videos.  Plus he was a huge part of the American Pop Culture of the 1980’s and into the 1990’s and certainly had a positive influence on non-American societies.

American Pop Culture is what helped bring down the Soviet Union.  It’s also what foreign countries try to guard against in addition to American democratic ideals: anti-American sentiment always begins with attacking the Pop Culture, not the politics.  MJ successfully integrated himself into a Pop Culture that was at its most fierce, and influential,  in all of American History, thus successfully putting himself at the head of American exported products to be bought by new non-American consumers.  American Pop Culture always leads to consumerism and that is a good thing–economically speaking.  As such, he was the vanguard for many years into Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.  American characteristics blatantly, like a tsunami wave, make there way into the hearts and minds of teenagers and twenty-somethings.  Of course, democratic and capitalistic ideas tend to make their ways into the non-American society–just look at Poland or any other ex-Soviet satellite state.   Western Europe was already won-over with American Pop Culture but received MJ with open arms.  The purpose of American Culture isn’t to Americanise foreign countries but to create new consumers.  Buy an American car, buy American jeans, buy American music, buy American movies, Buy American!

In addition, this musical icon of course had influence on narrative music videos and how a musical star should work with merchandising and publicity and good showmanship (at concerts)  in order to stay in the forefront of consumers’ minds and wallets.  Not to paint Michael Jackson as just a business man, but since he was a music pioneer with Popular Music (Pop Music) that he became both a successful musician/performer and business man.  There is nothing wrong with making money because it’s part of making a living.  The influence MJ had on the music business is still felt today and no one has come close to the success of ‘Thriller”.  Now, before anyone in the music business says “The success of ‘Thriller’ will never be repeated because we are in an age of downloading sites, peer-to-peer sharing, illegal copying, and just general music piracy,” I say that is completely false.  Back in 1982 people would have what is called a “radio with cassette recorder/player” and insert a blank tape and tape songs using the built-in cassette recorder/player.  Well, people still went out and bought his album (a flattened black disk about 12 inches in diameter known as a ‘record’).  “Thriller” couldn’t be released today because the music has changed but if MP3’s and download sites and peer-to-peer sharing was available back in 1982, I say “Thriller” would STILL have been as successful as it was because it was just that good and different and supported by many good music videos and it was a WORLD WIDE success, not just in a certain part of the United States of America.

Finally, American Pop Culture has taken a hit on the chin.  Pop Culture has taken a hit not because catchy tunes are missing or fancy dance moves are missing but the feel-good feeling of Pop Music is missing.  Michael Jackson has been missing from Pop Music since the mid-1990’s and he was hoping to try to capture that magic with his final tour.  American Pop Culture is still out there, beyond the USA.  But a new front-man is needed:  Someone who has a positive image and would be willing to be a good-will  ambassador that brings out the best of all people in the world.  A sports figure won’t cut it, and the USA doesn’t have a sports figure who can appeal to all people of the world–poor, starving, black, white, non-Christian, etc.  Besides, sports figures are all about themselves and the money–The Dream Teams of the past 13 years are proof of that.  As for musicians Madonna would be the next in line for the Pop Culture crown but her religion will alienate too many people because she allows her religion to be in the forefront of who she is–compared to the Pop Music wonder Madonna of the the early 1980’s.  The 1980’s Madonna could take the Pop Culture crown but today’s Madonna cannot hold a candle to the King of Pop’s professional legacy.

There is a void in American Pop Culture that will not be filled any time soon.  American Pop Culture will not be as influential for a long time, and that could mean American culture might be open to outside influences, especially racially motivated propaganda (thanks to uneducated you-know-who that don’t like non-whites, but lets not point fingers and focus on MJ).

Michael Jackson is missed and it is sad that he is gone.  But the basis of the sadness is that we miss the memories he invokes with his music.  I remember where I was and what I was doing when I first heard the song “Thriller”.  I miss those days.  It is the memories MJ sparks now that I am years removed from the hay-days of childhood memories.  I wasn’t crying for MJ’s death, but the finallity of the past and the good-ol-days.