New 'Survivor' Castaways: A Closer Look at Melinda Hyder

All right! Moving right on along with my 'Closer Look at...' entries regarding the new cast members of 'Survivor' -- it's time for Melinda Hyder! I want to get finished with the cast entries today as it's my day off and I want to get on with blogging about show stuff! ;-)

From her CBS bio page:
Melinda's a 32 year old singer from Sevierville, TN. She was born and raised in Tennessee and seems very cleancut and family oriented. She's thrilled her parents were high school sweethearts and have bee married for 44 years. She started singing while in church at the age of four. (I started singing about that time, too. Alas, it took me another 20 years to realize I cannot sing at all!) She trained in ballet, tap, jazz and gymnastics for 12 years -- all good for show comps in their own ways. She's even taught dance. (I can't dance, either. :::thump:::) Oh, she must really be able to sing -- she went to college on a full scholarship for voice. In her singing career, she's worked at Six Flags and toured Europe. In other work, she's been a real estate agent, private vocal coach, model (I think she's a cutie as far as women go), pageant coach and dance instructor.

An excerpt from the bio: "Hyder describes herself as vivacious, competitive and compassionate. Her hobbies include creative home decorating, collecting Marilyn Monroe memorabilia, watching CBS soap operas and jogging." Interesting. I think she's the only one so far who hasn't said why she thinks she'll win or what qualities she possesses which will help her win. Hmmm.

It's onto her CBS Favorites page for more insight:I like her scents -- vanilla, sandalwood and cinnamon. Two of those were listed by another. Hmmm. Taboo, Twister, Tetra and Frogger are her games. Okay. (Dang, I haven't played Twister in like decades!) Heh... movies include Legally Blonde. She doesn't have any favorite sports to play, but has various outdoor activities she enjoys which include fishing, hiking and swimming, plus snow sports (which don't come into play much in tropical climates). In TV shows, she goes for CBS soaps, American Idol, Survivor and NUMB3RS.

Well. She seems like a very nice person. But I'm getting the feeling she might not have enough drive and compassion to really get into the game and win. I also think she has that nice quality which, with the exception of the flying under the radar approach, isn't a great quality for winning. I predict early boot, although she does seem sweet. I think it's a shame she's too old to try out for American Idol, that's what I think.

Your thoughts?

New 'Survivor' Castaways: A Closer Look at Dan Barry

It's a flip back to the older crowd for this 'Closer Look at...' retired astronaut new 'Survivor' cast member Dan Barry. He's 52 years old, born in Norwalk, CT but considers South Hadley, MA his home.

From his CBS bio, we glean:
Besides being a retired astronaut who's logged over 734 hours in space including four space walks; he's an inventor; has a mind-bogglingly impressive educational background and has published over 50 articles in scientific journals. He owns his own company, Denbar Robotics, and has five patents for his creations. Yikes. I feel so insignificant in the scheme of things now. Thanks, Dan!

He's also a lifetime member of the United States Tennis Association.

But... what are his CBS listed Favorites? What will they tell us about his quirks and weaknesses? Let's see:
Okay, he won me on his favorite scent. It's what I would list if I were asked -- cookies baking in the oven. Board game is Go, nice. Red Sox and Patriots fan, boo. His music and movies/actor tastes are a bit in line (to a degree) with my own. That could be a generational kind of thing -- he's only a few years older than I am (but he looks a lot older than I do -- I think). Oh! He likes Cap'n Crunch and Sugar Smacks! He's human, woohoo! He likes Ruffles (must be the ridges). Frozen strawberry margaritas and fruit smoothies.

Oh, my prediction? I want him to do well. I think I really like him -- he seems extremely intelligent, but looking at his favorites he's more in synch with my own than many of the others. A drawback would be that he is older and, though somewhat athletic, I don't know how well he'll hold up. I'm hoping NASA puts them through rigorous physical training, but I don't know all that much about what astronauts go through on the physical end of things. He only retired in the past year... okay, I know I'm stalling on my decision. Hmmm... I think I'll go near mid-game with him although I would rather he go further.

What do you think?

New 'Survivor' Castaways: A Closer Look at Misty Giles

It's time for a 'Closer Look at...' new 'Survivor' castaway Misty Giles. She's listed as a 24 year old engineer living in Dallas, TX. So far I'm more impressed with the older castaways, but let's see what Misty is all about from her CBS bio page...

She was born in Georgia, but as part of a military family she moved frequently eventually ending up in Texas where she finished high school. In school she played varsity sports and was Miss Texas Teen USA 1999. She supported herself through college and earned her Bachelors in Electrical Engineering (not an easy field) from Southern Methodist University. She's currently pursuing her Masters and is training for running marathons.

Misty thinks she's highly adventurous, determined and sexy. She also describes herself as a tomboy in high heels. Now, that sort of thinking could be good for playing the game of 'Survivor.' An excerpt from her bio: "Giles believes her competitive nature and natural problem-solving skills will help her get to the end of the game. Competing in the ultimate game of survival and winning are her motivations for taking on SURVIVOR: PANAMA--EXILE ISLAND." Okay... yes, those things can take you far in the game, but one of the most important skills is the old people skills or, more specifically, people manipulation skills. Does she have that attribute?

Onto her CBS listed favorites for more insight:
Ah... nice favorite scents -- vanilla and cinnamon. (Unlike musty dive bars. @@) Chess, PlayStation, basketball, volleyball... Heh -- she likes both Newsweek and the Victoria's Secret catalogue. In my opinion, decent actor/actress favorites, perhaps not my own choices, but ones I've heard of at least. No Olsen twins, good. She likes rock music, considered Twizzlers a snack food while 3 Musketeers is her candy.

I guess it's time for my prediction, huh? I think she'll do okay. I'm getting the feeling she might be a bit naive or, more to the point, nice. Unfortunately, nice rarely makes it to the end of the game. I don't think she'll be an early boot, but I don't think she'll make the Final Four. Go ahead, Misty. Prove me wrong.

Do you have any thoughts on her possibilities in the game?

UPN/WB No Longer?

To be honest, I'm not sure how this is all going to work. But here's some links to follow if you're wondering what the heck is going on with the UPN and WB networks becoming one or going away or finding their inner peace or something:

• Reuters Business Channel Reuters.com
• Exit WB, UPN; Enter the CW - Jan 24, 2006 - E! Online News
• UPN, WB to fold; the CW emerges

I dunno. Sounds like the Country Western station to me.

Bloggin' AMERICAN IDOL - Greensboro, NC - Hour 2

Jeffrey "Ryan" somone is on now. He's 27, but to me looks "old." Simon says he's the first Ryan he's ever met with talent. They like him -- onto Hollywood.

Cedric Robinson, related to Fantasia is next. Singing 'Chain of Fools.' Simon says absolutely dreadful. He's right. Now, I'm not familiar with Anne Nesmond (sp?), but a relative of hers is singing a Dixie Chicks song. Ah, they asked her for another song -- Billie Holliday's 'Take Five.' Wow. I like her. 17 years old and I missed her NAME. Argh! There.. Paris. 24 went through to Hollywood on the first day in Greensboro.

It's Day 2. Simon's birthday. Randy sings Happy Birthday, dear Slimon...

Now a Marcus who thinks his singing is unique and different. He's comparing himself to Usher. We'll see. Okay, he's holding single notes forever. Simon has this mesmerized night of the living dead look on his face. "What the hell was that?" Heh. He said he has the Randy and Paula DVD of vocal lessons. He's going to sing one more song. Sounds sort of the same. Paula seems upset. Randy is laughing. Paula thinks he should model or do commercials. Randy is still laughing.

Now Marcus is taking a hammer to the DVD.

All right, "Mr. Personality' Jimmy Crabtree is on. He has a very exaggerated country twang yodel in his song. Simon says he has the personality of a hippo when he sings. Even Paula is telling him he's not any good.

Sammy, a self proclaimed crazy person is up. He says he's so RAH. Not good. Flat. Weird and flat. Why don't they stop him? Please stop him! "Sylvester Stallone's younger sister singing Paula Abdul" according to Simon. He's going away. Good.

Tyra Juliet is singing 'In the Still of the Night'. Hmmm... I'm on the fence about her. She looks like Pochahantas, but with a good voice. They like her. She's onto Hollywood!

Seth Strickland is the one they've been showing doing 'Thriller' and then says "oh, crap." He's history. But we knew that when they fiurst blurbed him last week, didn't we?

Rhonetta Johnson will catfight with Paula, but a firefighter is on first. His name is Jordan Southerland. I personally don't care for the song "You Raise Me up." Randy says no, Paula says yes... Simon agrees with Paula. Yikes.

Now the one they've hyped all night... all lady and all mouth. Blonde black woman chunky with glitter cowboy boots and a matching halter top. Yipes. Rhonetta Johnson. Simon already made a fat reference. So bad. So, so bad. Simon says never. She's saying we'll all see her on TV and she'll be on the top of the charts. She's going on and on. Get her off. Where do some folks come off thinking they've got talent when they sing worse than me? Oh, go away. She's getting all ghetto all over the place. And her gut is hanging over her skirt. So appealing. Or appalling. Whatever!

Greensboro is over. Only nine made it on the second day. Tomorrow night is San Francisco. The ending is a collage of bad 'Fame.' Not David Bowie style, the movie/show one.