East Coast Update - 'Amazing Race 11: All Stars' - Pit Stop Order - 03/18/07

I guessed it right - a non-elimination leg.

The Pit Stop arrival order was:

1. Charla and Mirna (ew) - Won a trip to Aruba
2. Dustin and Kandice
3. Teri and Ian
4. Oswald and Danny
5. Joe and Bill
6. Eric and Danielle
7. Uchenna and Joyce (Still in, but targeted for elimination - must come in 1st place or suffer a 30 minute penalty)

A full review/recap will be posted later tonight. Stop on back!

Tonight's 'Amazing Race 11: All Stars' Blogging Plan

As I post this, the show is about ready to start here in the NYC area (darn March Madness). In about an hour (9:45 or so EDT), I'll post the East Coast Update with the finish order at the Pit Stop and Philimination (or not - we're due a non-elimination leg). A full review/recap will be posted late tonight.

What's Happening With CourtTV These Days?

I'm lucky enough to get some press releases and such from the good folks at CourtTV. Although I don't think I've ever watched more than a few minutes of live trial happenings, CourtTV (or Animal Planet) is often where I hang out during phases of channel surfing.

One new show I won't catch while channel surfing because I'm now a Black Donnellys watcher is a new series which premieres tomorrow night -- 'Til Death Do Us Part. No no no, unlike the sitcom with the similar name, this one sounds very intriguing and promises to be extremely quirky. I mean, we're talking John Waters as the Groom Reaper. Yes, I'm talking John Waters of Hairspray, Pink Flamingos, and Serial Mom fame. He has a seriously twisted sense of humor and I'll be taping the back-to-back episodes which start at 10 PM ET/PT on Monday.

In other CourtTV news, I received a press release which says that CourtTV will be getting a new name, a new logo, and a new look. They'll be airing quarterly specials from The Smoking Gun, a site I've peeked in on a lot over the years. After all, they get the quickest and best dirt on reality show contestants. The re-branded network isn't slated to launch until January, 2008. I just hope they don't stop showing old COPS reruns. Yeah, call it guilty pleasure television.

Pants Madness - This Week on 'The Late Show with David Letterman' - March 19-23, 2007

Huh. Once again, I try to report on this week's guests and the show's website isn't updated as of yet. What's up with that? Oh, well... there are listings available for me to check on the guest list to report here in a timely manner, at least.

Here are the guests we can expect to see this week:

• Monday, March 19: Bernie Mac, American Idol judge Paula Abdul, and music guest Joss Stone. Now, of course I'll have to watch for Paula's state of mind. And what's she doing in NY when she has to be in CA for the live show on Tuesday? We'll have to see if she falls under the table during the show!
• Tuesday, March 20: Adam Sandler promoting his new movie, Reign Over Me, race-car driver Danica Patrick, music guest Lucinda Williams.
• Wednesday, March 21: Jack Black, journalist Lara Logan, and (get this) inventor of the beer-launching refrigerator, John W. Cornwell.
• Thursday, March 22 and Friday, March 23: No show listings at all due to March Madness basketball. There aren't even any repeats listed. So, I predict an earlier bedtime for me! New shows resume Monday and the ones listed for this week (above) are new, not repeats. I guess he just has a short week, eh?

But, if I can get this written every Sunday morning, I'm not sure why the paid person for the show's website can't get the information out there!

Another NYC CBS2 News Change

Well, at least it doesn't look like he's being wished to the cornfield as was Roz Abrams and many others. However, meterologist Jeff Berardelli is leaving WCBS2 (NYC) to work for a CBS affiliate in Miami. He seems to be happy about the decision, saying how much he loves to dive and hike. And, of course, the hurricane area is exciting for a meterologist. But, I'll always think of him as the guy who lived his dream of working his chosen field in the city where he was raised. I'll think of the Staten Island boy who had his mom out in the yard measuring the snow and reporting via telephone on the depth.

Jeff will still be involved in the Tunnel to Towers run, so we'll see him then. Although I may be a bit ignorant about news markets, it would seem that the NYC location is a bit higher up the career ladder than Miami. On the other hand, in NYC he's always under the shadow of John Bolaris and the opportunity may offer him chances not available at Channel 2.

I enjoyed Jeff and will miss him here, but wish him the best.

In another NYC news related bit, Duke Castigliano is over at FOX 5 with sports these days. What comes around, goes around. If you're interested in the other WCBS2 news change stories, just hit the New York City TV link at the bottom of this post.

TV Newsy Bits - Saturday, March 17, 2007

Happy St. Patrick's Day to everyone! While years ago I would be skiing the green-tinted slopes at Kelly's Irish Alps in the Berkshires, now I'm just slogging through 6 inches of ice pellets to get to the store.

Here are the TV Newsy Bits I found out on the Internet as I huddle with my computer for warmth:

• Celebrity Spider has a sneak peak into the route for Sunday's Amazing Race episode.
• The latest fired Apprentice, Surya, sounds off in this TVGuide.com article.
• Survivor Richard Hatch isn't surviving his prison time all that well according to this article.
• For those who love Dancing With the Stars, AOL has a new feature page for the show. You don't have to be an AOL member to access it and it should have all the show information you'll ever need!

'Lost' - "Par Avion"

Yet another good Lost episode. I think they're trying to spoil us. What do you think?

The past few weeks have seen the show move more forward in story than I feel the entire "fall" season did. Oh, yeah... there are some new mysteries. But, at least I'm finding the show interesting once again.

This episode was basically Claire-centric, but once again running a bit light on the flashbacks. Light in the amount of time spent, not on the news contained within them, that is.

The Flashbacks
A younger Claire, sporting dyed black hair and even a punkish look about her, crashed her car while driving with her mother. Her mother wasn't expected to live and Claire went through a major guilt trip over it all. Not helping that guilt trip was her Aunt Lindsay, who seemed to bear a grudge against Claire even before the accident.

Oh, wait, we've seen her before. We saw her some episodes back yelling at Jack's father, Christian Shepard! Could they be? Would they be? Yes, they are! Claire and Jack are half-siblings. But I'm getting a bit ahead of myself here. Back to the story...

Claire and her aunt find out that a mysterious benefactor has told the hospital he'd pay all the bills. It's pretty obvious that Claire's mother will probably remain in a vegetative state for the rest of her life with no chance of recovery.

Then Claire comes across Dr. Shepard in her mother's room. He admits to being her father, said he spent a lot of time with her when she was very young. But her mother (and aunt) didn't like the idea that he had another family, thus they became estranged. She made peace with her mother before boarding Flight 815, but wanted nothing to do with her father.

The Island - Sayid, Locke, Kate Storyline
Sayid, Locke, Kate, and the captured Mikhail (eye-patch dude) followed the electrical wiring map Sayid had found at the Flame Station. Locke is still acting a bit out-of-character, bickering with Sayid. Locke and Rousseau both think that Mikhail should have been shot, that he's of no use to them. And, of course, Mikhail himself would rather be dead than captured.

Kate asked Rousseau why she didn't ask her more about her daughter, Alex. Rousseau's answer was odd. She said something about if Jack were missing six years, not knowing him, didn't want to know. Hey, don't ask me. It was almost as if she was avoiding the question or frightened about what Alex may have become... or worried that Alex had forgotten her.

Mikhail told them that they had arrived on the island by submarine, but that an electromagnetic pulse two weeks ago had destroyed almost all of their technology. Kate angrily started questioning him. He told her that they (Sayid, Locke, Kate) were "not on the list." According to him, they were flawed -- angry, weak, frightened. He started to say "Ben is not..." before trailing off. Not the leader? In reference to Locke, he also trailed off. "I know he was para..." Paralyzed, for sure.

They came across what appeared to be some sort of electronic barrier fence doohickey to the Barracks, their planned destination. It looked like fat short telephone poles with metal spheres separated by open space.

Mikhail (remember, he wants to die), told them the fences were defunct along with all of their equipment. He told them the barrier surrounds the entire barracks area. Locke freaked, saying not to touch the poles or go through the open area. Then he shoved Mikhail through.

Mikhail said, "Thank you." He then immediately started foaming at the mouth and blood spurted from his ears. Poof, the Patch is dead.

Sayid questioned whether Locke was there for Jack or not. "Of course, I'm here for Jack. Why else?" Locke is still acting weirder than Locke normally acts. Sayid found some C4 explosive in Locke's bag. Now, Locke had told him earlier that he wouldn't have followed "Enter 77" had he known about the explosive. Yet he knew and took some. "It never hurts to have some C4."

They decided they could climb over the barrier and, using some logs, did so. They sneaked up on the Barracks... and there was Jack. Jack was having a good ol' time playing football with his friends. So, perhaps Rousseau thought brainwashing? I don't know.

The Island - Claire, Desmond, Charlie, Etc. Storyline
Charlie decided to "seize the day" and take Claire on a picnic. Of course, we know that when Desmond approached and suggested he join him on a hunt, that he would be saving Charlie from yet another death. But Claire doesn't know about that.

Claire saw some migratory birds fly above and thought that if they could capture one, they could send a "rescue us" note with it. But Desmond was pretty insistent. Charlie knew what had to be up, so he went with Desmond. Claire was really ticked off and enlisted Jin and Sun to help her with the birds.

Just as they were about to catch one using chum, Desmond shot and scared the birds away. He claimed he was following a boar. Claire thought he didn't want her catching the birds for some reason.

Claire followed Desmond as he went along the beach, climbing some rocks, then rescued a bird. When she confronted him, he told her about "his gift." He also told her that Charlie died (again) right on the rocks by where he picked up the bird.

Aw, Claire and Charlie got all lovey-dovey once again, attached a note to the dove's leg and set it into the sky.

And, there ya go...

'American Idol 6' - East Coast Update - 3/14 Results Show

So far, they've announced two of the bottom three...

Brandon Rogers (not unexpected by me)
Phil Stacey (a bit of a surprise, but I'm not thrilled by him)

Remaining to choose from, we have Sanjaya Malakar and Haley Scarnato. Of course, they're dragging this out. I will return to update this once more is known. Stop back!

UPDATE: Sanjaya added to bottom three. Brandon and Sanjaya bottom two.

Brandon leaves, Sanjaya is safe.

Did I call that last night or what?

Whatever Will I Watch Tonight? - Wednesday, March 14, 2007

It should go without saying (so don't read this out loud) that I'll be watching the American Idol results show tonight as it airs here on the East Coast at 9 PM. And, but of course, I'll post an East Coast Update about the voted-off contestant as soon as the information airs.

I won't be reviewing the show, per se. I can see that now - "Diana Ross sang. So-and-so got voted off. All cried and hugged. Then So-and-so was forced to sing in front of millions at the worst time of his/her life." But, especially if you're in another time zone and just have to know or want to chime in with your two cents -- stop back about 9:30 EDT for the update.

At 8 PM ET/PT, there is a new Jericho on CBS. I've missed the episodes since the end of the show's hiatus, so I'm not sure if I'll watch it or not. There's also a new episode of Bones on FOX. That's more likely to catch my attention at this point. I feel like I'm watching too many ongoing must see every episode type of shows and Bones isn't a demanding constant watch. NBC has a repeat Dateline, while ABC has a new George Lopez followed by a repeat According to Jim.

At 9 PM, it's American Idol vote results show for the first half hour. FOX is following it with 'Til Death which I absolutely don't want to watch. CBS has a repeat Criminal Minds for the hour while NBC is airing a new Crossing Jordan. That doesn't help me with my half-hour dilemma. ABC has a new According to Jim followed by a new In Case of Emergency. I might turn to the latter for the odd half-hour. I saw the show once before and wasn't too impressed. But I think it's better than 'Til Death.

At 10 PM, you know my must-see show is Lost. Alas, because of its late hour, I won't be able to do a proper review/recap until I return from work tomorrow. CBS has a repeat C.S.I.: NY and NBC has a repeat Medium. A&E has its Sopranos episode running at that time, but I've given up trying to catch up with that show. I'm struggling to keep up with the times I've been catching up on The Wire on BET (tomorrow I'll actually watch that one at 9 PM for the first time ever) and, as I mentioned before, I have too many can't-miss-an-episode-or-I'm-lost shows on my TV platter. The Sopranos had to go.

What will you be watching tonight?

Catching Up With 'The Black Donnellys'

I apologize that I'm a bit late reporting on this week's show. I've had a rather odd week myself, perhaps not like Tommy Donnelly's latest, but odd enough. Two friends died, one by murder, the other a natural death but still awaiting an autopsy for exactly why it happened.

Then, yesterday, getting off the train from my work commute, I stepped pretty much smack-dab into a murder scene. Future trains were held back, but all the cops were still arriving, emergency folks were trying to save a man shot several times in the chest... in broad daylight, in a busy downtown area I consider very safe at that hour of the day.

There was mass confusion on the scene and although I was five minutes from home, I got home over an hour later. No, I didn't see the shooters. It apparently happened just prior to when I arrived. I did see the victim from a distance. It brought back to me how precious life really is and unpredictable things really are. I had planned to write up my Black Donnellys report upon my return home from work yesterday, but it felt almost disrespectful to write about fictional mob stories after going through that.

Oh... and everyone I know seems to have caught the latest norovirus (stomach flu) that's going around. I've escaped so far, but live in fear. It would be a shame to waste paid sick days being ill, wouldn't it?

But life does go on. And, I definitely want to touch on Monday's episode of The Black Donnellys. Although the episode didn't have as much humorous interaction between the characters, it also didn't have a horrifying gory mob hit scene, either.

It seems that Tommy leads a bit of a charmed life. Think about it. He killed the leader of the Irish mob and then gets asked to host the wake in the bar owned by his brother. And, he carries it off? Even though the lead mobster's revengeful brother has an inkling that Tommy had something to do with the death, he carries it off!

But the price seems to be unrequited love as Jenny Riley just can't take having the goings-on in her life.

The Mob brother took Jenny down to the basement of the bar to get Tommy and his brothers (sans Sean in the hosptal still) down there for "questioning." Put in mobspeak, that would be busted kneecaps. (Why do these guys use an ax? I've never known mobsters to use axes on a regular basis. What are they, lumbermen?) Kevin freaked and ran, so it was up to junkie wild-card Jimmy and Tommy to face the mob dudes. Tommy's quick talking saved them. He told them how he was the last to see the murdered mobster because he asked for his help to save them from the Italian mobsters after murdering one in that very basement. Blood in the drain saved their butts.

As I mentioned before, I'm finding this show intriguing. Although this recent episode wasn't action-packed, didn't provide much dark humor either... it made me actually respect the character of Tommy Donnelly a bit more. It touched on his past and how the past has affected the present.

Did you watch the show? What did you think?

'American Idol' - The Final 12 on the Big Stage

Tonight was the first outing for the final twelve contestants. All are winners as all will participate in the tour, so their lives have certainly already been changed. [Update note: Apparently only the top ten go on tour, but the exposure the top twelve get is life-changing nonetheless.]

I know I've voiced my own opinions on who I think should win and once again tonight, those thoughts were also voiced by Simon. To me, it's the Melinda Doolittle and Lakisha Jones show.

But tonight, it was also the Diana Ross show. I grew up on old school Motown and have observed and listened to Diana Ross throughout her career. The last time I saw her live was at a very rainy free concert in Central Park (NYC) some long years ago. I thought that she may have gotten a bit "odd" over the years since. After all, much of what we've seen connected with her in the last decade or so was Michael Jackson related. Ah, but not so! I thought her advice to each contestant was the most spot on that we've ever seen in this situation. She rocks!

Alas, some of the contestants, not so much.

First up was Brandon Rogers. I want to like him for some reason. However tonight, I just couldn't. He sang "You Can't Hurry Love." He forgot some of the words and didn't recover all that well. It was just kind of boring. Yes, it was better than I can sing, but...! Randy said he had to be a lot better and it was boring. Paula thought his nerves got to him. Simon said it was a complete letdown, not star quality, not good enough, sorry. Sigh, Simon said it.

Then there was Melinda Doolittle. I swear this woman has magic to do songs I don't even like well enough to enamor me with her voice and stage presence. She sang "Home" from The Wiz. I really don't like that song. I don't like it at a show. I don't like it in the snow. I just don't like it, don't you know. But I sat there and admired her talent. Paula sobbed through the performance. Randy called it hot and exciting. It gave Paula goosebumps. Simon said she made a boring song fantastic and likened her to a young Gladys Knight. Pip Pip Hooray for Doolittle!

Then I was let down by my favorite male singer on the show... Chris Sligh. Now, Diana told him to follow the melody. He didn't. He wanted to "hip" up "Endless Love." He didn't wear his glasses and looked even pastier than usual. Oh, he was better than Brandon, but he let me down nonetheless. Randy called it a mess. Paula told him he tried to be hip and cool with a classic song and he didn't need to do it that way. Simon said the arrangement ruined it and to keep his glasses on. Come back, Chris!

Gina Glocksen chose to sing "Love Child." I think it was a good song choice for her. Diana told her to pronunciate and project, tell the story. I thought she did okay, but nothing to write a blog about. Randy, who was very hoarse this evening, said it was pitchy with no excitement. Paula said she was better than how she sang. Simon declared it okay, not terrible, not fantastic... a middle-pack performance.

Next up was Sanjaya Malakar. I'm going to keep messing with photos of him until he goes away. Diana thinks he's "love." Blech. He sang "Ain't No Mountain High Enough." Now, there was a boring rendition. I don't care how much he smiles to the camera while he sings. Randy said it was weak, but his hair looked good. Paula told him he must explode and get into his songs, but he's adorable. Simon said that a wail will be heard somewhere in Beverly Hills when Diana hears what he did to her song. To say something nice, he said Sanjaya was brave.

Haley Scarnato took the stage next singing "Missing You." Diana said that Haley has a recording studio voice moreso than a live performance one. I think she may have something there. I thought she came across as a bit mumbly and she forgot some of the lyrics. At times, the tone in her voice was very nice, but the flaws were many and obvious. Randy said it was a valiant effort, she forgot the words and it was pitchy. Paula told her she looked lovely, but forgot the words and was pitchy. Simon said he didn't think it was all that bad and she had a real stage presence.

Phil Stacey sang "I'm Going to Make You Love Me." I thought it was perhaps my favorite performance of his so far this season although it was a bit boring. Just going on the voice, he did well. Presentation, not so hot. Randy thought the vocals were hot, but the overall song was on the boring side. Paula said he needed to up the tempo a bit. Simon said the tempo was fine, but he has to watch not to shout the big notes. He said it was better than last week. I agree.

We found that Lakisha's nickname is Kiki. I like it. She sang a song that seems like it's been in my life all my life - "God Bless the Child." I have the original Billie Holiday, the Diana Ross from Lady Sings the Blues, and even Blood, Sweat and Tears cover. There's something about that song which has always touched a chord with me. And, for Lakisha Jones, one of my two favorites to sing it? Wow. She added a bit of herself into the song, yet remained true to the original. Wow.

Randy said it was a perfect song choice and sensational. Paula called the performance beautiful. Simon told her that you've either got it or you don't... and she has it. He once again said that Lakisha and Melinda are in a different league from the others. He's so right.

I have to give Blake Lewis some credit for being into some of the technical aspects. He tech'd up "You Keep Me Hanging On." The judges didn't care for it, but in a way I did. That's a song which has been covered by many artists, as well.

From the real dragging version by Vanilla Fudge to the more up tempo Supremes. No, I wouldn't go out and buy it, but I did find it interesting. Had he been strictly adhering to the original, I think it would have been boring. Simon didn't "get it" at all, but I kind of did. It's no Melinda or Lakisha, but definitely on the interesting side.

Stephanie Edwards sang "Love Hangover." And she skipped the disco part! Blasphemy! I thought she looked attractive and sang quite nicely at times although she's another one who forgot the words at one point. Diana Ross said she had star quality in the pre-performance taped segment. I think she does. But, this performance didn't do it for me. Randy mentioned forgetting the lyrics. Paula told her to strive to be better. Simon said it was if she just sang the intro to the song and that it was the wrong song.

Chris Richardson didn't impress me with his version of "The Boss." I thought he sounded nasal and it was my least favorite performance of his so far. Randy thought he overdid it a bit. Paula thought he nailed the blend between contemporary and the original. Simon said the vocals were dreadful and terrible. I have to go with Simon on this one.

Jordin Sparks closed the show "If We Hold On Together," not really a favorite song of mine. But, wow. She nailed it. I can't believe this kid is only seventeen! She has a good voice and poise. She makes her age-counterpart Sanjaya look like a silly kid. (Oh, wait... he is!) Randy declared it a three-girl race. Paula gushed. Simon called it a "gooey song." (Yes!) But he said it was a good vocal and thinks she has a shot at the finals.

So, who's going home? Of course, I want it to be Sanjaya, but I think the teenybopper vote will keep him in longer. I think we may say goodbye to Brandon tomorrow night. I think all of the girls are safe although Haley might be on the edge.

TV Newsy Bits - Monday, March 12, 2007

No Heroes tonight. Yikes! At least there are two new episodes of The New Adventures of Old Christine and, later on, The Black Donnellys.

It's going to be an odd week -- no Survivor either (on Thursday). Oh, but fear not... I'm sure I'll have something to watch!

Here are the TV Newsy Bits I found out and about the Internet today:

• "If You're Female, it's Over," claims Rita, the recently booted Survivor contestant in an interview on Reality News Online. She has a point.
• In Amazing Race bits, David and Mary are featured in a recent interview. Surprisingly, they don't think much of Mirna and Charla (heh). They wanted Rob and Amber to win. Speaking of Romber, Reality TV World has an interview with them posted. As I mentioned in my review/recap of last night's show, the end was nowhere near as close as editing made it appear. Rob said in the interview that there was a good 10-15 minutes between Charla/Mirna and them. The other team was at the mat before Rob finished reading his letter.
• According to Celebrity Spider, Josh Holloway (Sawyer of Lost) thinks the local police target show stars.

East Coast Update - 'The Apprentice: L.A. - Firing 03/11

Although I'm no longer doing full reviews of the show, here's the East Coast lowdown:

• The teams had to create a halftime show promoting GNC for a pro soccer game.
• Kinetic, led by Kristine, won.
• The reward was golf with Trump and golf clubs.
• Surya brought Tim and James to the Boardroom
• Surya got fired.
  

'The Amazing Race 11: All Stars' - Ep. 4 -or- Sometimes "Next" Means "Tonight"

Thanks to graphic artist Zoetawny, I have a new image for the TAR entries!


Well, we can't trust Phil Keoghan, we just can't. Last week I mentioned how he opened the show with "who will be eliminated tonight?" This week, it was phrased differently leading me to believe it would probably be a non-elimination leg. After all, we're due one. Ah, but not this week and it was a shocker indeed.

"Eight teams remain. Who will be eliminated next?" (See the difference?)

Rob and Amber, the first-place finishers for the first three legs we've seen so far this season, left the Pit Stop at 6:11am. The last team to arrive at that Pit Stop, Charla and Mirna, left at 8:11am, thus a perfect two hour between first and last place at the starting gate for the new leg.

The teams had to fly to Punta Arenas, Chile, then travel by taxi to find the Lord Lonsdale shipwreck. As they arrived early and had tickets for the earliest flight, Rob and Amber thought to do an online search for the site of the wreck thinking that would give them a head start.

Although the airport scene seemed a bit less than other weeks, we still had to waddle through some drama and trauma. The ChaChas (Oswald and Danny) are determined not to leave their sense of style behind. Mirna thinks she constantly has to "make up for the shortcomings" of her team and that she's the hardest working person running the race. (Can I get an eyeroll here, please?) Mirna doesn't trust the Team Guido (Joe and Bill). Well, duh. They were one of the sneakiest teams ever in their season. Why would anyone trust them? It's just common sense! Silly (and annoying) Mirna.

Although the Guidos tried to get the airport to hold the plane, they didn't make it on the first plane. But, in the end, it didn't really matter as it often doesn't matter in the grand scheme of a leg. However, Uchenna and Joyce were on the same plane as Rob and Amber. Now, Uchenna asked the stewardess to write him directions to the shipwreck. Rob claims the woman gave it to him while Uchenna insists Rob "stole" the note from her. Who's right? I just don't know. But it was Rob who ended up with the note in question and was giggling about it.

The Detour was Magellan-related as he's important to the history of the area. The teams could either Detour It or Sign It. In Detour It teams had to navigate the city by map and compass to find the Nautilus Building where they would receive the next clue. In Sign It teams had to erect a sign post with all of Magellan's stops. The cities didn't have to point the right direction, but all must be spelled right.

That was the beginning of the end for a fan favorite team or one that folks loved to hate. Either way, a team who maked this race more interesting started what would do them in at the end by choosing the wrong task. The teams who chose Navigate It seemed to sail through while the teams choosing Sign It fell further and further behind.

While Uchenna and Joyce, Rob and Amber, and later Charla and Mirna, struggled with the sign task, the ChaChas, Eric and Danielle, and Teri and Ian made it to the next point on the race. They snagged the first charter plane of three leaving three hours apart on their way to Playa Larga in Ushuiai, Argentina. Amber tried to convince Rob to go to the other task, but he was determined. Finally, Romber teamed up with the Beauty Queens (Dustin and Kandice) to do Navigate It. Even Charla and Mirna switched to that after horribly trailing the other teams.

I have to mention how nasty Mirna's treatment of Charla was tonight. That woman is condescending, mean, evil and outright mean to her very own cousin. She creeps me out. I so want her gone.

But, back to the race at hand... Rob, continuing his streak of bad decisions, led the BQ to the wrong building, thus increasing the lead the other teams had on them. As one of the Beauty Queens later said, "Rob and Amber weren't very helpful." Amber teased Rob to admit he was upset because he wanted to come in first again. Rob sheepishly turned to the camera in the cab, "I want to be in first." Aw. They later lied to Charla and Mirna and had all the other teams laughing about it. Alas, the cousins caught up.

After the charter flight, teams had to take boats which left every 20 minutes to the Isle of Redonda or, as it's known, the end of the world. It's a longitudinal thing. After they got to that point, they faced a Roadblock at the local post office. One member of each team had to search through a huge bag of letters for one addressed to their team. The letters were from a team which had raced the race with them in their own seasons.

Blake and Paige wrote a nice note to the ChaChas. Jeremy and Dani, the previous partners of Eric and Danielle, wrote to them. Ian and Teri got a note from Flo and Zach. Frank, who hated the Guidos in their season, wrote to them. Lyn from Bama actually wrote a nice note to the BQ. Susan and Patrick wrote a nice note to Uchenna and Joyce while writing a nasty letter to Rob and Amber. Lance and Marshall wrote to Mirna and Charla.

After the teams found and read out loud their letter to their team mate, they had to find the Pit Stop on foot. It's not a big island, of course. Here's where things got worse for Rob and Amber. Why the heck was he so lackadaisical while going through the mail? He was so sure they could beat Mirna and Charla in a footrace that he didn't even seem concerned. ACK. Sure enough, Mirna and Shmirna found their letter and made it to the Pit Stop before Romber. I repeat... ACK.

Here's the order of arrival to the Pit Stop:

1. Oswald and Danny - they won a trip for two to Maui
2. Eric and Danielle
3. Teri and Ian
4. Team Guido, Joe and Bill
5. Dustin and Kandice
6. Uchennal and Joyce
7. Charla and Mirna
8. Rob and Amber -- Philiminated (sigh)

Although they showed Uchenna helping Charla and Mirna to the mat, I got the feeling that Rob and Amber weren't exactly right on top of them at the finish. I think they were a good bit behind, more than a helping hand to the mat would accomplish.

I'm going to miss Rob and Amber on the race. I've mentioned that neither thrilled me on Survivor, but I liked them as a team on The Amazing Race. I really would like to see Mirna and Charla out of the show. While Rob is entertaining, they're annoying.

Oh, well... it's back to cheering on Oswald and Danny... or even the Guidos. Heck, Teri and Ian. Anyone but Charla and Mirna, mainly due to Mirna.

'The Amazing Race 11: All Stars' - East Coast Update... OMG

The arrival at the Pit Stop:

1. Oswald and Danny'
2. Eric and Danielle
3. Teri and Ian
4. Joe and Bill
5. Dustin and Kandice
6. Uchenna and Joyce
7. Charla and Mirna
8. Rob and Amber -- ELIMINATED.

I'm in shock.

Tonight's 'Amazing Race' Blogging

The show will be starting here on the East Coast in a few minutes. Around 9 PM EDT (ick), I'll post the finish order at the Pit Stop and Philimination or not. Late tonight I'll get a full review/recap up.

It sounds like it should be a good episode just judging by the promos!

Daylight Savings Pants - This Week on 'The Late Show with David Letterman' - Mar. 12-16

Did you "spring forward" an hour? If not, you're going to be an hour out of step with the rest of the world. Me? I've always thought I was more than an hour out of step, but yeah... I messed with my clocks.

After last week's repeats, can we expect a fresh Letterman week ahead of us? Well, at least the first part of the week is fresh. Here's the skinny on the guests we can expect to see:

• Monday, March 12: Chris Rock promoting his new movie I Think I Love My Wife, Sandra Oh from Grey's Anatomy, and Amy Winehouse whose new CD is Back to Black.
• Tuesday, March 13: Jeff Goldblum, Barbara McQueen, and music guest The Good, The Bad, and The Queen (they have a self-titled CD out).
• Wednesday, March 14: Richard Gere promoting The Hoax and music group Aqualung (CD is Memory Man).
• Thursday, March 15: Oh, no! Beware! Beware of the Ides of March! Hmmm... the show's website list the guests as TBA.
• Friday, March 16: Also TBA. I think what we should be aware of is March Madness

The AOL TV Listings are also showing no information for Thursday and Friday evenings, so those shows will be Mystery Pants, I guess. They should be repeats and probably on very late.

TV Newsy Bits - Friday, March 9, 2007

It's Friday, a rather boring television evening for me. So, it was out to a rather late dinner and a return home to peek about the Internet to see what TV Newsy Bits can be found.

Of course, living in NJ, all of the newspapers have abundant Antonella Barba American Idol boot news. I skimmed a few articles and thought they didn't tell me anything I didn't already know. At this point, I'd just as soon forget about her. Now, if I could only forget Sanjaya Malakar.

In other TV Newsy Bits:

• I've been seeing television commercials seeking applicants for Big Brother 8. No, I'm not applying. The application link is available on the CBS website in case you want to apply!
• Rita Verreos, the latest castoff from Survivor 14: Fiji, was interviewed by Buddy TV.
• Alex Angarita, still on the Survivor show, is in deep hot water according to this Reality TV Calendar article. An excerpt: "According to the official complaint he is accused of threat and violence against the police officers. The charges include two felony counts of resisting arrest, one felony count of battery with injury on a peace officer and one misdemeanor count of possession of marijuana." And, as you might remember, he's a lawyer. It sounds like he needs one now.
• Art featured on the show Heroes, painted by character Isaac Mendez on the show, but actually painted by graphic artist Tim Sale, will be auctioned by NBC. The proceeds will be donated to the Epilepsy Foundation.
• In local news around here, the NJ town of Bloomfield has finally given in... the final episode of The Sopranos will be filmed there. They had been holding out because they didn't care for how the show depicted Italian-Americans. However, they found out that they couldn't deny the filming on content. The final scene of the show will be filmed at an ice cream shop in town.

'Survivor 14: Fiji' - Ep. 5 -or- "It's Not Instant Coffee?"

Always so close, then the win slips away. I'm so ready for the merge or something to change this season.

Having the one tribe at such a disadvantage makes them spiral downwards more each episode. Of course, it works to put the fan base solidly in the camp of the wretched, but we can only sit and watch.

Fourteen are left. Who will be voted out tonight?

The show started on Night 11 in the Ravu camp. Since Yau-Man and Earl each know some clues to where the hidden Immunity Idol is from their stays on Exile Island, they decide to work together. Well, Earl volunteered to steer the other tribe members away while Yau-Man tried to dig for the Idol. The main problem is that they have no shovel. In the morning, Earl led the others away on the pretense of looking for fruit. Alas, digging with a machete, Yau-Man tried to find the Idol but was unsuccessful.

The editors of the show make the Moto camp seem even more luxurious with a bouncy musical background. Feh. We join them as the tribe is looking through a book they received in tree mail. It's pictures of rewards they can choose. Each tribe must make two choices. Moto, lacking nothing in the survival goods, decided on coffee and toiletries. Flip back to Ravu and we see Earl speaking practicality. Sure enough, they thought smart by choosing fishing gear and potatoes.

The Reward Challenge was a physical one. Each tribe member had to face-off one at a time with a member from the opposing tribe. They were on a platform in water and had to joust with large padded bags. If his body was as strong as his mouth, Rocky (James, Boston, Whatever) would have taken all of Moto on. But his beef was with Dreamz (Andre, Dre, Whatever). The more I see of Rocky, the more I'm glad I don't know him. Dreamz isn't much better. I wanted them both to fall in, but it turned out Rocky went. Yau-Man actually won his bout. Yikes!

But it wasn't enough for Ravu to win. The rich get richer and Moto won the challenge. Not only did they get their two choices, but it was winner takes all. They also got (more) fishing gear and potatoes. They chose to send Earl to Exile Island. He would return before the Immunity Challenge.

Then it was Drama Time, the gap between Reward and Immunity. Over at Ravu, Rocky was freaking out about how the women were driving him crazy. He must be crazy as he was even confiding in Anthony (who drove him crazy in the last episode). I swear that guy is way too antsy about everyone and everything. He's like a loaded gun walking around.

On Moto, Dreamz throws the coffee in a cup thinking it's instant. Rita was very condescending as she explained how to make coffee. I personally thought that he would wonder why they gave him a coffee press for instant coffee, but that may just be me. Alex tried to pull everyone together as he thought of the numbers. He knows that most of the tribe doesn't care for either Cassandra or Dreamz... Cassandra because she's not a strong player, Dreamz due to the annoyance factor. After Alex smooths things over, a confessional with Dreamz told us that he and Cassandra plan to defect to the Ravu side after the merge. Huh. So they don't like them, either.

The Immunity Challenge wasn't physical at all, but the Ravu tribe is so out of it that a mental one isn't going to any easier at this point. The tribe members were faced with 30 flipboards. Each one had a number or a word on it. There were four dummy boards which matched nothing, but the others were all pairs. The castaways had to make matches and the first team with seven matches won.

Who won? Why, Moto, of course.

Back at the camp, Rocky freaked out. (What is new?) Yau-Man told Mookie he wanted either Rita or Anthony out. Earl thought Rocky was volatile and they should think of getting him out. The only problem with that is that he's one of the stronger members in the weakest tribe. In the end, it was Rita voted out. She and Michelle voted for Anthony while the rest of the tribe all voted for Rita.

Apparently March Madness will affect the scheduling for the next few weeks. The next episode will air on Wednesday, March 21. The promos make it sound like Ravu may finally get something, but I wouldn't count on it. It's a shame. I think this is a good cast, but with the sides being in such different circumstance, I feel it's hurting the season on the whole.

Your thoughts?

'Survivor 14: Fiji' - East Coast Update - 03/08 - Booted

Rita was voted out. A full review/recap will be posted later tonight.

The final results are in on the American Idol vote East Coast Update right here.