The (TV) Show Must Go On...

Tuesday, February 21, 2006

Blogging 'American Idol' - The 12 Girls

"No more crying cowboys, no more Brittenum twins."

It's Girls Night Out on American Idol. The top twelve girls are performing tonight -- two will be voted out on Thursday night. The boys (boys?) will sing tomorrow night.

When Ryan asked, Simon claimed he hasn't gotten any criticism, that he's been defending Ryan. Paula said she's impressed with this season. Randy thinks a boy will win this season. Is it a ploy to get the girls psyched?

Flashbacks to the auditions and other related drama. Yawn.

Mandisa is up first. She said that she didn't hear Simon's "fat" comment until she viewed the show at home. "Never" by Heart is her song. She wants to show "sisters can rock, too." Hmm... the outfit looks a bit like a red silk camisole with black lace. Eep! Thankfully she has black gaucho pants and a jacket thingee over it. Performance? I liked it a lot. She has a very strong voice. Randy overall favoring. Paula - "phenomenal." Simon says hi and asks how she is. He says it wasn't perfect but unbelieveable personality. "I think we'll see you through to the finals at the end of the show." 1 866 IDOLS 01

Oh, geeze, Kellie Pickler is crying again. Is she going to spend this season bawling? "How Far" by Martina McBride. She's dressed rather simply. Really not for me. I guess she's okay, but I'm not hearing anything really special. Randy -- thinks it was good. Paula - unpretentious, no diva factor, has likeability factor. Simon thinks she did well. I dunno. They're focusing more on her personality and all rather than the voice. Let's not set a precedent there, judges. 1 866 IDOLS 02

Becky O'Donohue is going to the stage. She's really a very pretty young woman. Her song is "Because the Night" by Patti Smith. It was the first CD she ever owned. What's that wrinkling her nose bit she does? Is that supposed to be sultry or sexy? Performance is good, at least I think so. That nose/forehead wrinkling has to go, though. Randy loves it. He thinks she does the whole thing well. Paula, of course, is favorable but mentions some notes were a bit off. Somon says better than he expected. Visually a 10, voice of a 6 1/2. He says it was okay, but some of the girls in the group are great. 1 866 IDOLS 03

Ayla Brown has to be at least a half foot taller than Ryan Seacrest. I think she's very well-poised for her age (17). "Reflection" by Christina Aguilar is her song. Hmm. I personally don't like the song choice. She is doing it fine. Whoops, a bad note. Overall, she's putting a lot into it. Let's see what the judges say. Randy was pleasantly surprised. Aight. Paula agrees. Simon -- a hard worker. He thinks there's a limit to her voice; he saw emotion. (Remember, he had called her robotic before.) 1 866 IDOLS 04

Paris Bennett. I thank the heavens her singing voice is not like her speaking voice -- kinda like Daffy Duck on helium. Ohhh... she's going to sing "Midnight Train to Georgia" by Gladys Knight and the Pips. Now, there's a song I love. Um. I'm not thrilled by her performance. She's jumping up and down too much. Her hair is fluffy and bouncy, too. The song isn't supposed to be that upbeat. Randy was blown away. Paula thinks she's her idol. Simon loves her, too. Oh, my. Hmmm... I liked her other songs so far this season, but her performance of this song really didn't do it for me. It was like putting "Midnight Train to Georgia" to the tune of "Play That Funky Music"... or something. She is a cutie, though. I'll forgive her for going disco on the song. 1 866 IDOLS 05

Stevie Scott, trained in opera @@, thinks she's very unique. She's singing an opera song "To Where You" Are originally sung by Josh Groban. Her voice is good. I'm not pleased so much with the song selection. Boring, but I think she was technically good. Randy daydreamed. Good. It wasn't just me. Paula says nice stuff, blah blah blah. Simon disagrees with Paula. He claims an utter mess. He's being very rough on her. "I will sing the songs which will make America happy." It may be too late. In my predictions, I called her as out. Let's see.
1 866 IDOLS 06

Ryan's not AS cheesy as in previous seasons.

Brenna Gethers is next. Her personality really turns me off. She will sing Stevie Wonder's "You Are The Sunshine of My Life." Started a bit flat. Maybe I'm tone deaf? I think she's, as the judges say, pitchy. Hmm. Is my dislike of her personality affecting my thoughts about her singing? Randy not all that impressed, said she chose a safe song. Simon defends her personality and says horrible, completely and utterly horrible. Oh, Simon , don't encourage her to bring the claws out. Let her bad self just get voted on out. Please. I want her to "gether" her bags and go home.
1 866 IDOLS 07

Heather Cox. Now, I like her personality as opposed to Brenna Gethers. "When You Tell Me That You Love Me" as sung by last year's Idols. Well, um. It's okay. I guess. I'm not blown away. Nice note at the end. Randy wasn't slayed. Ah, neither was I. Paula agrees with him. Simon says it's a forgettable performance. I agree. 1 866 IDOLS 08

Melissa McGhee is going to sing Faith Hill's "When the Lights Go Down." Another song choice which far from thrills me. I'm not thrilled at all. Enough. She can stop. It's not that she's horrible. It's just not doing anything for me. Randy... some pitch problems and came together in the middle. He says not amazing. Paula calls it a shining moment ofr her. Amazing. Simon says she had been overshadowed by the bigger personalities. She pointed out that it's the first time she's actually sung on the show. 1 866 IDOLS 09

Lisa Tucker. Her song is "I'm Changing" by Jennifer Holiday. Ohhh... I'm impressed. This kid has got it! She performs without overdoing the performance (my problem with Paris tonight) and has a tremendous voice. Yay! Best performance of the night! Judges...? Randy was very impressed. Paula purple prosed her, but ended up saying she's a star. Simon was very favorable!
1 866 IDOLS 10

Kinnik Sky is up. Her song is "Get Here" by Oleta Adams. Okay. I think she's singing it well, strong and on key. A good performance. Randy thinks the middle was rough. He gives it a 6. Now, it wasn't my favorite song choice, but I thought she sang it well enough. Paula thought performance was powerful, good showmanship. Simon says her problem was the incredible performances from such younger girls. It was a caberet performance according to him.
1 866 IDOLS 11

Katharine McPhee is up. She still reminds me of Valerie Bertinelli. Her song is "Since I Fell For You" originally sung by Barbra Streisand. Oh, nice. Her movements are a bit jerky, but I think it's a fantastic performance. Paula is up and dancing, so... Randy says wow. He thinks it was great! Paula is happy. Simon puts her as the best of the "four really good vocalists." Spot on, Simon!
1 866 IDOLS 12

The votes should be for the contestant you think was the best. By the time I post this entry, the lines should be open. They will be open for two hours.

My predictions for voted off tonight? Stevie Scott and (hopefully) Brenna Gethers. Am I wrong?

My favorite performance of the night? Lisa Tucker with Katharine McPhee as a runner up.

Jackie OUT.

Sunday, February 19, 2006

TV Newsy Bits Weekend Edition (Feb. 18-19, 2006)

Brr! Though the weather outside is chillin', I'm here to warm things up with the television/entertainment related newsy bits links I found while seeking warmth on the web. Oh. And, just to let you know, warmth by a fireplace is better than the computer monitor!

Are We There Yet? I Want My 'Amazing Race'!

Oh, I'm so looking forward to this season of 'The Amazing Race.' Last season was okay; it kept me sort of kind of entertained. But, it wasn't the thrilling 'Amazing Race' I've encountered in past seasons! The new season premieres a week from this coming Tuesday and I'll be anxiously awaiting it here. I've already taken a closer look at each of the teams and poked around for what I can find on the web. I'm ready! If you're a big 'TAR' fan and you don't want to muddle through the blog for my 'Amazing Race' entries, they're all listed for your convenience at 'Amazing Race 9' Blog Entries.

In the meantime, here is some Amazing Race related "schtuff" --

THE REAL RACE Australia - Inspired by the amazing race, a luxury adventure tour that will revolutionize the way people travel... -- um, no. I'll pass, thank you. (Although it sure sounds spiffy keen.)

Fame & Fortune: Uchenna and Joyce Agu -- An interview with Joyce and Uchenna from 'The Amazing Race 7' -- Very interesting read. I had forgotten how much I really liked these two.

New York Post Online Edition: entertainment -- Need registration to review the whole article, but it goes into the actual cost of running the race out of your own pocket using TAR7 as its basis. An excerpt: "Between planes, trains, automobiles, rickshaws, boats, horse-drawn carriages, lodging, and travel visas each "Amazing Race" fan would have to shell out around $11,000 to run the 30-day, 40,000 mile course around the world with stops in South America, Africa, India, Europe and the Caribbean."

The Amazing Race: Here We Go, Baby, Off to Win a Million Bucks! - TV.com -- Not a heck of a lot there yet, but a few destination spoilers.

TARflies Times: a place for fans of The Amazing Race -- Always a great site to visit once the race is up and, well, running. They didn't like last season, though!

The Amazing Race 6 - The Official Site of Jonathan Baker and Victoria Fuller -- Eww! Jonathon likes BJ & Tyler, Jeremy & Eric, Ray & Yolanda and Lake & Michelle. Hmmm... if memory serves, I thought (with dread) that one of the couples would be Baker-ish. Eww.

The 12 'American Idol' Guys - Who Will Go Home?

In my last entry, I focused on the girls/women in the 'American Idol' Top 24. They will sing on Tuesday night and the guys will sing on Wednesday's show. Now, I'm finding it hard to call this group either men or boys. With the women, the age variance isn't such a big deal. But, with the guys, it looks like grown men are competing with young boys. I actually like this whole group for different reasons. (As long as the Brittenum Twins are nowhere in it!) Will the show fans separate the men from the boys on Thursday night's result show? Will age matter? Will fan bases rule the voting? I guess we'll just have to wait, huh...

My thoughts? This is going to be a toughie for me. Unlike their female counterparts, there isn't even one I outright dislike due to personality. So, let's get it on...

Ace Young: Will be in the Twelve Finalists. Not my favorite, but the online buzz seems to be liking him a lot.

Bobby Bennett: He's only 19? I thought he was older. Alas, I don't believe he'll be in the finals.

Gedeon McKinney: Although I think he's very talented, don't think he'll be amongst the Treasured Twelve slots.

Jose "Sway" Penala: He seems to "sway" judges, but will he sway the voting public? I don't think so.

Bucky Covington: I like him. I like him a lot. I don't think he's got the fan base to make the cut, though. Out before the 12 chosen.

Chris Daughtry: I'm on the fence with Chris. May or may not make it to the 12 -- doubt overall winner.

Kevin Covais: Will make it to the 12 Finalists, but not much more than that. (He's adorable in his own way and sings great -- just don't think the show fans will make him a top runner.)

Patrick Hall: Another on the fence. I think he should be in the Top 12 due to talent, but not sure if the voters will get him in there.

David Radford: How cute is he? He'll make the cut for the 12 Finalists, but will the voting public go for a crooner in the long run? I dunno.

Elliott Yamin: Hmmm... don't believe he'll make the cut, but I could be wrong. I don't see a strong fan base out there for him.

Taylor Hicks: The most distinct in both talent and looks. He's a shoe-in for Top 12, may take it all.

Will Makar: Oh, my... I'm having flashbacks to Peter Brady! He'll get the votes to make it to the 12 Finalists, but won't be THE American Idol.

So, there are my predictions. I'm still hung up on the age bit. Is it fair to pit a Will Makar at 16 against a Taylor Hicks at 29? Probably not, but that's 'American Idol.'

Who are you rooting for? Who's going home on Thursday when the first two get sent packing?

12 'American Idol' Girls - Who Will Go Home This Week?

The 24 Finalists have been chosen on 'American Idol.' In this entry, I'm going to give my thoughts and predictions on the 12 girls (women?). Who will be amongst the final 6? On Tuesday night, we'll see the girls go for the gold. Oh, wait... it's not the Winter Olympics! On Thursday night, the votes will be in -- two girls will be sent packing. For home, that is. For the next three weeks, starting this week, the girls will perform on Tuesday nights, the boys on Wednesdays. Thursday nights will be the results show. After the three weeks, the field will be narrowed to the 12 Finalists.

If you click on the images below, you'll see a slightly larger picture. Of course, for the real skinny -- head to the 'American Idol' website!

My thoughts? Okay, here we go:

Paris Bennett: I predict she'll make it to be one of the 12 overall Finalists and has a good shot at making it near the Final 2 of the women, at least.

Stevie Scott: Who? 'Nuff said.

Katharine McPhee: Hmm... I think she'll be gone before the final 6 girls are voted in. Not first out, but not making the six. (Oops, I spelled Katharine as Katherine in my image. Not gonna change it, but yeah... I just noticed. Oops.)

Kellie Pickler: I predict she'll make it into the Final 12. She's not my favorite at all, but I think she's developing a fan base which will carry her far.

Kinnik Sky: I'm on the border with this one. Iffy on the edge of the Final Six Girls, doubt she'll take it all, for sure.

Lisa Tucker: I think this gal has a lot of talent. I predict she'll make it to the 12 Finalists, but I wouldn't go so far as predicting she'll be The American Idol this season.

Ayla Brown: I think she'll make it to the ranks of the Six Finalist Girls, but out soon after that.

Becky O'Donohue: On the fence. Doubt she'll win; may or may not make it to the Final Six Girls.

Mandisa: Top 12, a shot at taking it all. If nothing else, I think I'm really going to be entertained by her!

Melissa McGhee: Out before the 12 Finalists.

Brenna Gethers: Out THIS WEEK -- mostly due to a personality the show fans won't like.

Heather Cox: Out before the 12 Finalists.

All right, that makes me feel these five will make it to the Final Six Girls: Paris Bennett, Mandisa, Kellie Pickler, Ayla Brown and Lisa Tucker. On the fence are Becky O'Donohue and Kinnik Sky. Out before the finalist round: Melissa McGhee, Heather Cox, Brenna Gethers, Stevie Scott and Katharine McPhee.

Of course, each and every one of them sing better than I do!

What do you think? What six girls will make the cut to the 12 Finalists? Feel free to disagree with me or agree... I'd like to read your comments! I'll be posting a similar entry about their male counterparts soon.

Saturday, February 18, 2006

Argh, TV Frustration!

Now, don't get me wrong. I believe in the Olympics. I actually like the Winter Olympics better than I like the summer ones. (Yes, you can read into that that I don't watch any of the Summer Olympics.) As an ex-ski racer, although certainly not of Olympics caliber, I like watching the freestyle skiing and skateboarding events. But...

The darn Olympics have turned my favorite shows into Rerun City or, in the case of the few NBC shows I watch, knock them off entirely. What I've watched this past week that was indeed new and I enjoyed: American Idol, Survivor, Late Show with David Letterman and Lost. I taped Bones and will be watching that tomorrow. But every other show I watch or wanted to watch was a repeat! Sheesh!

And, now it dawned on me that American Idol will go to three nights next week. Um. Tell me not Thursday at 8 PM, please! ARGH! Sure enough, the third night is against Survivor, darn it all to heck! Right now my plan is to keep blogging American Idol "live" - posting my entry when each show ends - on Tuesday and Wednesday. On Thursday, I will watch Survivor and post the east coast updates while taping American Idol. Immediately after Survivor ends and I post the boot, I'll look at my tape and post the American Idol boot. I plan to continue doing a recap/review of each Survivor episode. I don't think I'll do that with the Thursday night American Idol episode, but I'll probably give my opinion. That you can take to the bank. (Of course, the bank will laugh, but there ya go.)

Oh, well. Maybe it will snow again and I'll get to watch David Letterman play with snowballs once more.

'Amazing Race' in a Box? New Board Game Created by Clowns!

I found this article (alas, I missed the show itself). Cool! Jon Weiss and Al Rios, the Clown Team from Season 4, have created a board game which is due for release in May.

An excerpt from the article:
Jon Weiss and Al Rios were eliminated from the real race, but are hoping to hit it big with their brand new board game, "Amazing Race." The pair met up with Dave Price on The Early Show plaza Tuesday to demonstrate the game, which, they say, "picks up all the essence of the actual reality show." The game includes pit stops and questions from all eight seasons of "Amazing Race." It will be available to retailers in May.

Hey, I think my bad knee will let me race that Amazing Race! What do you think? As an 'Amazing Race' fan, would you buy the game?

Friday, February 17, 2006

Today's TV Newsy Bits - Feb. 17, 2006

If not for 'American Idol', these would be just itsy bitsy bits. But, due to 'AI' we're talkin' lotsa bits, lotsa! So, here are the television/entertainment newsy bits links I found out there on the web today:

Here are online articles (not needing registration) regarding some of the 24 'American Idol' Finalists:

Chicago Tribune - David Radford
Charlotte Observer 02/17/2006 'American Idol's Pickler: Singer and survivor
Lower Hudson Valley worships its 'Idols' (Brenna Gethers and Rebecca O'Donohue)
DailyNewsTranscript.com - Local / Regional News: Ayla Brown is ready to ’kick butt’
The Sun Chronicle Newspaper (Ayla Brown)
The State 02/17/2006 Sky high over ‘American Idol’
News-Record.com - Greensboro, North Carolina: News: Guilford singer still an 'Idol' contender (Bucky Covington)
New York Daily News - Entertainment - Three local contestants to 'Idol'-ize (Gethers, O'Donohue and Covais)
TimesDispatch.com Two on 'Idol' have ties to Virginia (Elliott Yamin and Chris Daughtry)
St. Paul Pioneer Press 02/17/2006 Q & A with 'Idol' finalist Paris Bennett

'Survivor - Exile Island' - Misty Giles on 'The Today Show'

CBS has the Misty Giles 'The Today Show' interview up on their website - CBS News Flirting And Backrubs Can't Save Misty February 17, 2006 12:04:36.

I thought while watching last night that Cirie was immensely powerful in the Immunity Challenge. Apparently, I'm not the only one to think it. Here's an excerpt from the interview:

Last night's episode included the most physical immunity challenge seen so far, in which the tribes had to fight over a black bag buried in the sand. And Misty said she just didn't stand a chance against Cirie. "When you are with Cirie, she tosses you around like a loaf of bread," she said. "That woman was strong. She was very pivotal in their win. She was quite a power player."

Thursday, February 16, 2006

'Survivor: Panama - Exile Island' - Ep. 3 or... It's Twister Pillowball, Dude!

Hmmm, here we are with three episodes done and over with... and I think I'm still waiting for my 'Survivor' fever. This season still isn't grabbing me as I thought it would. When I first looked into the new castaways, I was hyped to the max, per se. And now I just feel let down. Sigh.

Tonight's episode was officially named "Crazy Nights, Snake Dinners" -- I'm renaming it to "It's Twister Pillowball, Dude."

Oh, well... let's get it on. Fourteen are left. Who will be voted out tonight?

The show opens with Casaya on Night 6. Bruce really started leading and while I personally thought he was a bit over the top and would alienate the others, he didn't. Except for Shane, that is. But do I care what Shane thinks? Nope. That Reverend Jim Gone Bad Lookin' Psycho Boy annoys the heck out of me. I think I'm not liking Boston these days due to that silly Boston tattoo over his left nipple. Most of the tribe seemed to genuinely appreciate Bruce's survival tips. I'm kind of surprised they didn't get sickened by his water filtering system, but... good for him.

Over at La Mina, all they're catching are poisonous pufferfish. Terry caught a small edible fish and became Hero For a Day.

The Rewards Challenge had four members of each tribe balancing on a beam over water trying to catch a ball catapulted in a sling-like doohickey by the remaining three tribe members in roatation. Yawn. Some of the catches were cool to watch, but it seemed a bit easy -- no one really had problems aiming. La Mina won. What did they win, you ask? A tarp, kerosene lamps and fuel for them, pillows, blankets. They also were allowed to choose which Casaya member would go to Exile Island. They chose Bruce as they think that he had brought spirit back into Casaya. Okay, I'll give them props for making a very strategic move. Poor Bruce.

Back at the camps: it looks like the early Casaya alliance is falling apart as Shane and Courtney bicker. Cirie observes the rift between the two and comments how it's foolish to have an alliance between people who hate each other. La Mina has its own oddness going on as Misty flirts and massages thinking it will make friends and influence votes. Sally wants to be pal to all. Austin thinks everyone trusts him. Okaaay...

The Immunity Challenge looks tailor-made for February sweeps -- sex sells, y'know. The tribes in rotation of teams such as three men, three women, one man and two women, etc., had to find a buried pillow and then get it to their goal line. Lots of body contact and I thought it looked like Twister Pillowball. Thus, my episode title "It's Twister Pillowball, Dude!"

Casaya won Immunity.

I think that could be because La Mina seems to have an other worldly being on their tribe. Just look at Dan! EEK! A ghost!

Dang, I thought I was a pale person.

He wins the Ghostly Blinding White Contest. But his tribe will face Tribal Council.

I got the impression as Tribal Council approached that Ruth Marie would be a strong target. I was wrong. Misty got booted with both her and Sally being the only ones to vote for Ruth Marie. All other votes were for Misty. Hmmm... the Tribal Council was rather uneventful compared to most.

And, so that was that. C'mon, Survivor... liven things up! I expected a lot of entertainment from this season and I don't see it getting delivered! How about readers out there? Am I alone in this? Like the Pale Person Amongst the Tanned?

Today's TV Newsy Bits - Feb. 16, 2006

Not many bits out there today. Here are the television/entertainment newsy bits links I found on the web:

'Survivor: Exile Island' - East Coast Update - Tribal Council

Misty was voted out.

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

'Survivor: Exile Island' - East Coast Update - Immunity

Casaya won Immunity.

'Survivor: Exile Island' - East Coast Update - Reward/Exile

La Mina won the Reward Challenge (blankets, pillows, lamps, tarp, etc.). They also got to make the decision who from Casaya would go to Exile Island. They chose Bruce because he "brought Casaya back."

Tonight's (2/16) 'Survivor: Panama - Exile Island' Blogging Schedule

Once again, as important events on the show occur (deaths, who goes to Exile Island, any hidden Idol finding, reward challenge, immunity challenge and the boot)... I'll be slapping up quick details here. If you're on the West Coast and like East Coast airing show night spoilers, this is the place for you.

Within moments after an entry here, blog entry links will be added to my Jackie's Survivor Blog/Web Links Reference

There isn't an immediate way to get notice of an entry, but you can check here or there during the time the show airs in the east. A hint -- sometimes the new entries don't show immediately on the main blog page, but if you hit the February archive in the sidebar, it will show.

Sometime after the show (hopefully before 11 PM ET), I'll be posting a full recap and would love to know your thoughts about the episode!

Survivor fans ready?

Bloggin' About Last Night's 'LOST' - Feb. 15 Episode

Ohhh, 'LOST' is back in synch with me with the latest episode. After a few lackluster eps, now I'm intrigued once again. Of course, no answers -- something they really have to get on sometime or another. I do truly wonder if the writers even know where they're going with this show. Yeah, I'm addicted to it, but I have a feeling that all mysteries will never be solved. But, onto last night's episode, titled by ABC as "One of Them." Here's my impressions, not necessarily in the order of occurrence...

The show focused on Sayid more than any of the other regulars. In flashbacks to the Gulf War, we see him being used by a government type (Kate's father?) to glean information from his fellow Iraqi Tariq. The flashbacks continued throughout the show, eventually showing how Sayid became a "torturer" for information as well as how he swore he would never do it again.

A frog's ribitting was driving Sawyer batty. He enlisted Hurley's help in searching for the frog, mainly by blackmailing Hurley as he discovered him with a food stash which included about a 5 pound jar of ranch dressing. Unlike the previous Sawyer hunt the baby boar incident where Kate set the boar free, Sawyer dramatically squished the frog as Hurley pleaded for its life. Possible significance? Hmmm... well, it shows the Heartless Sawyer once again. I was thinking the frog could be poisonous, too. Maybe. We may see. Or we may not.

Danielle Rousseau sought out Sayid and led him to where a man was suspended in a tree trap. She insisted he was one of the Others. Sayid cut him down anyway. The man went to flee and Rousseau shot an arrow through and through his shoulder. "If I wanted to kill him, I would have." She supposedly wants Sayid to use his torture/interrogation skills to get the man to talk.

Sayid takes the man back to the hatch for Jack to doctor him up... and so he can torture information out of him. Locke plays along with Sayid's request to change the combination to the gun locker so Sayid can do his "stuff" with the man and Jack won't be able to interrupt.

The man's name is Henry Gale and he says he was rich (past tense), crashed a hot air balloon into the island four months ago, his wife died after suffering a fever for a few days. Now, Sayid thinks he's lying, that he is indeed an Other. I think something's up with the guy, here's why: his name. His name, Henry Gale, is a character from 'The Wizard of Oz' -- Dorothy's Uncle Henry, the one who flew the hot air balloon. Wasn't that how the Wizard of Oz got stranded in Oz? I may be misremembering. But something's up behind the naming of the character and how he got 'Lost.'

In his um... rather intense questioning, Sayid touches on the fact that Henry didn't remember details about where and how he buried his wife, yet had all the numerical (too many for me to do number trails) details for his balloon. When Henry turned to ask if Sayid lost someone he loved, Sayid went berserk and beat Henry mercilessily.

Jack, meanwhile, is trying desperately to get into the gun locker to save Henry. He finally forces Locke to open the combo as the computer needs its button pushed to save the world as they know it. Locke does it, Jack saves Henry and Locke rushes to the computer to enter the code to reset the timer. He screws up the code (which I found odd -- he knows that code backwards and forwards) and odd glyphs show for a second before it resets upon the right code entered. Hmm... I couldn't make any sense of them. Glyphs aren't quite my area of expertise. Anyone out there have any inkling into these?

Wrapping up the episode was a scene with Charlie and Sayid. Sayid said he knew the man (Henry) was an Other and Charlie would know it, too. The others (not to be confused with the Others) may not see it because they weren't scared enough, but Charlie, Claire and those who were hurt/captured by the Others would know.

Hmmm... your thoughts on the episode?

Wednesday, February 15, 2006

Today's TV Newsy Bits - Feb. 15, 2006

Two bits, four bits, anyone want some bits? I mean those television/entertainment newsy bits links I found today out on the web. Of course. Really.

Blogging 'American Idol' - And Then There Were 24

These notes are blogged while the show airs in on the east coast and posted immediately to the blog at the end of the show. Please forgive typos, misspellings and whatnot. Especially the whatnot. Thank you!

Pasadena Civic Center is the stage for the one on three (three on one?) meeting where the judges tell each contestant yes or no. Lots of no. No(s) galore. Most so far haven't really been featured in past shows. Brooke Barretsmith was a no.

Katherine McPhee is the first one through to the 24 that they've shown.

Ace Young is through to the next round.

Not through - Antonio Bridges, (someone) Littlejohn is crushed -- she thinks her life is over. Robert Bennett, Jr. made it through. Mandisa commented that they may not have had a bigger stage, but could have gotten a bigger chair -- aimed at Simon. She told Simon that she forgave him even though he hurt her feelings. Aw, she and Simon hug and he's even humbled. Simon tells her she's on through the next round. He also apologized.

Melissa McGhee is through to the next round. Mark Adam Locklear didn't make it. Lisa Tucker (age 16) made it through. David Radford, the cutie lil crooner, makes it through. Jose Sway Penala's birthday is the day this was filmed. He makes it through. Elliott Yamin made it, too! Brenna (whose personality I don't care for) Gethers -- Simon seems to think the same as me "a nightmare to work with" -- but she makes it through.

We're up to 10 if I didn't miss any. Fourteen more will get in. The commercial is on now. I want ginger ale. Where's the beverage cart? Oh, wait. I don't have a waitstaff here. Sigh.

Marcy Smith, who doesn't like Brenna, is up next. She didn't make it. A parade of no-go. Gedeon McKeney is going through to the next round. Stephanie "Stevie" Scott makes it through. The basketball girl - Ayla Brown -- goes to the next round. Chris Daughtrey is stuck in the elevator. He makes it through to the 24. We're up to 14. And a commercial, of course.

Paris Bennett is jotting notes on who's made it. Rebecca O'Donohue, split decision, but she makes it through to the next round. Heather Cox and April Walsh -- no on April, yes on Heather. Bucky Covington makes it through. Patrick Hall made it (even though he's not as pretty as Ace). Kevin Covais makes it though! Now Paris is heading up. I know she will make it. So... she does.

Commercial break. Four places left, eight contestants to go. And, heh, there's shocking news about the Brittenum twins coming up. Well, we're not so shocked, are we? (Note originally posted about their arrests and that they were "uninvited" by the show.) I wasn't worried, but their personalities were really bugging me. Yeah, they can sing, but if I had to sit through watching them a season... well, I'd watch Animal Planet instead!

Now the twins. Bars graphics. They go into the court case. No longer in the competition. Yay, even though I knew it already.

Kellie Pickler is going to the 24. Taylor Hicks goes to the judges playing a harmonica. He makes it through to the finals. And sings! I like that guy! Kinnik Sky/Megan Bobo -- Megan doesn't make it, Kinnik does. William Makar and Syd Harcourt -- William makes it through. I'm surprised. I like them both. But I thought the judges would go for Syd.

That's it.

Tuesday, February 14, 2006

Today's TV Newsy Bits - Feb. 14, 2006

No buts about it; here's your bits! Here are the television/entertainment related newsy bit links I found while poking about the web today:

'The Amazing Race' - Phil Keoghan Interview

I found this article online - National Ledger - Keoghan Glad 'The Amazing Race' Counters Negative World View - and thought he brings up some interesting points. Please be aware that if you read the entire interview, it contains a few destination spoilers for the upcoming season.

He mentions that folks tend to be frightened by the world at large, often thinking the United States is "safest" and other countries... well, aren't as safe. I beg to differ with a bit of his perception -- he mentions that being at JFK (Airport) not long after 9/11 was somewhere he felt scared. I'm local to the NYC area and, though that was life-changing for me on a personal level, I really don't walk around feeling unsafe. He goes on to say that often other countries aren't often seen in a good light and that's something 'The Amazing Race' has been able to show. I know from following the show and news items that other countries love it when TAR goes through. They get good publicity, money from the show itself for set up, etc., and hopefully tourist dollars down the line.

As for me, I've always loved to see other places, cultures I don't know much about and learn a bit. I'm not the easily scared type, except perhaps by strange icky foods. But I think Phil is spot on. We're in this world together and the more we can understand other cultures, the better for us all.

An excerpt:
"This is where our show has become more than just an entertainment show," he says, adding that none of the team anticipated the program would become so huge -- it's a hit in some 80 countries -- and have such an impact. "If we show a Muslim person giving money and help and showing concern for the racers that is very genuine, we're letting viewers see a reality they're not usually seeing."

I think that, besides the whirlwind excitement, one of the big draws for the show is that folks honestly love to see different places and learn smidgens about the folks in other countries. That's one reason I'm hooked. Why do you watch 'The Amazing Race'?

Blogging 'American Idol' - Hell Week (Hollywood Cuts) Continues

These blog notes are typed (or typo'd) as I watch the show and quickly put up after the show ends here on the East Coast. Please forgive any spelling errors, punctuation woes, fits of frustration, whatever! Thank you!

175 started, only 99 remain. Tonight is the group performance.

Orpheum, downtown Los Angeles. Personality clashes, someone named Marcie wants to cry. Ack. Terrell Brittenum. Sway went to bed. Terrell wants to rehearse. Fuss, fight 3 AM, Terrell goes for Sway. Marcie, Nick practice moves without Brenna. Dang, back to Terrell. I thought the Brittenum twins were supposed to be bye-bye. Why are they (or one of them) trying to run the show?

Now, Terrell is STILL upset come morning. Now Brenna is complaining that no one from her group called her to practice. There's no drama in some groups. Back to Terrell. Now he's arguing with his own brother. I really don't like their attitudes. Commercial break and then performances.

10 AM, crunch time. Judges settle in. First group -- Paris, Hannah Freeman. Paris makes it, Stephanie Scott goes on, Hannah is bye-bye. Not so so great. The 'Idolphonics' - Terrell's group up next. Anthony Hansen, Terrell, Sway (Panella?) and Elliot Yamin are up -- Better than the girls overall. Terrell is whining. Simon tells him he was terrible. Anthony is cut. Terrell goes through. Sway and Elliott go on. Now Terrell is dissing Anothony. @@

Apparently the drama will continue with Derrell after the commercial break. They can sing, but their people skills suck!

Now 3 PM? A lot not shown! Rat Pack - Kevin Covais, Josh Jordan, David Radford, William Makur are singing Take Me to the Moon. They did well -- all four made it through.

Derrell Brittenum up with others -- now he fusses when he got through. "My spirit has been broken." He's saying it wasn't the place for him and his brother. He quits the show and tells the judges he's taking his brother with him and they will finish cutting their record. He thought he was being cut? Terrell tells him to apologize. These guys are unreal. @@ <--- rolling my eyes at anyone in the world named Brittenum, guilty by association.

Brooke Barretsmith, Sarah Enquen and Mandisa are up, do well. Singing Band of Gold. All three go on to the next round.

4 PM -- lyrics written on arms. Mess ups... flubs and follies. They're not giving names, just misheard lyrics.

Now Tyra who quit one group wants to go back to the original one. The Try Hards - Lauren, Meredith Bandas, Leah Barretsmith and another... horrible. All sent packing.

Now a Barretsmith sister fuss cry.

Derrell and Terrell. Simon asks the crowd whether to keep him in. I'm fed up of your hissy attitude. I think this lot here is sick to death of you. I'll decide in thirty minutes." TELL THEM NO, do it for America, Simon. Please!

Celeste Scalone, Shontai K Sky, Tyra Schwartz , Nicole Turk UP. All make it.

Marcy Smith, Brenna Gethers, Brenna overdoing it. Nick Whitten. Cute ending. They're talking about the personality clashes. Nick goes on to next round. Both girls go to the next round, too. Then Brenna.

Cowboy group - Brokenote Mountain parody. Garet Layne Johnson, Matthew Buckstein, Michael Evans.. cute little film, all seem very nice. After the commercial we'll see the performance.

Brittenums. Ack. One twin apologizes. Both will stay. Grr.

Cowboys up. Not great, but funny. Garet keeps forgetting his lines. Simon says it was ridiculous. All three go home, not moved on. Aww. I know they didn't have the talent in the performance to go on, but they seem like a good bunch of guys. Garet will keep trying.

Day 4, 6:30 AM.
Singing alone accapella.
The judges meet alone to decide who stays and who goes. "Yes, no, maybe and weird."
Going to go tell them -- four rooms. No Brittenums! That room goes home. Simon tells them.
Room 2 - made it through - I see Sway and Mandisa.
Simon has to leave. Next two rooms.
A Brittenum Derrelland our gray haired dude - Taylor - they move on. Not sure which Brittenum.
Room 4 makes it. Both Brittenums. Argh.
44 make it through.
Eek. Brittenums hugging and crying. Tomorrow more drastic cuts.
I'll be here blogging it for you.
Jackie OUT.

Monday, February 13, 2006

Today's TV Newsy Bits - Feb. 13, 2006

Lots o' bits! Tons o' bits! Bits for you, right here! I'm talking television/entertainment related newsy bits links. What kind of bits did you think? Harumph!

'The Apprentice' Cast Announced - Going International?

I think what I'm most pleased about is the change to Monday nights at 9 PM. The Thursday night slot meant that it got taped in other seasons. At this time, there's nothing on at 9 PM on Mondays which thrills me, so I'm sure to be watching (and blogging) the show. The premiere is February 27th. We can expect Don Trump, Jr., and his sister Ivanka in the boardroom this season. That will be different, I guess. It doesn't sound like they'll be there for every episoded.

This site - NBC Announces 18 New Candidates for Season 5 of The Apprentice - seems to have the most information on the new cast that I could find.

In other 'Apprentice' news, you might want to check these out:
Baver up for 'Apprentice' spot
Zap2it - TV news - 'Apprentice' Goes Global for Season Five
Zap2it - TV news - 'Apprentice' Reserves Spot for Olympian

Sunday, February 12, 2006

"Survivor: Panama - Exile Island' Schtuff

Well, they won't spoil them for me, but you've been warned -- if you want 'Survivor: Panama - Exile Island' spoilers/photos/videos for the show which airs February 16th, check out TDT.com Survivor 12: Panama - Exile Island Spoilers

The Survivor Fever site has the transcript of Tampa Bay 10's Melinda Boot interview here. Their spoilers can be found at Survivor Fever - Survivor: Panama - Spoilers

The Survivor Sucks site has their transcripts of the Survivor Insider videos from the CBS website up at Survivor Panama Insider: Episode 02 - www.ezboard.com -- these are a blessing when you can't get the videos to play right. Um... yeah, I'm talking about me. I can never get them to play right. They also have web clues up for the next episode here --> Episode 3 Web Clues - www.ezboard.com

This Thursday night's show is titled "Crazy Nights, Snake Dinners."

Wanda's Take on the latest can be found at Reality Shack - Articles. Oh, you remember Wanda Shirk. I'm sure you do. Wanda of 'Survivor: The Musical' fame!

New 'The Amazing Race 9' Cast: A Closer Look at Wanda Lopez-Rochford & Desiree Cifre

This is the last team in my "A Closer Look at..." series for the upcoming 'Amazing Race 9' which premieres on Tuesday, Feb. 28 in a two hour special -- 9 PM - 11 PM ET/PT in most viewing areas. You can find the entire series listed on my 'Amazing Race 9' Blog Entries page.

Wanda Lopez-Rochford is a 44 year old corporate trainer who calls Smyrna, Georgia her hometown these days. Her daughter, Desiree Cifre, is a 24 year old writer living in New York City. Obviously, we're talking the MOTHER/DAUGHTER team of the race.

Here's what I learned about them (and why they're in the Race) from their official CBS show bio:

They believe they have a great sense of humor and both enjoy traveling, shopping and cooking. (Whoa... women ChaChas!) Wanda is fluent in Spanish and has lived in both New York City and Puerto Rico. While raising Desiree she earned two college degrees. Desiree is an NYU grad who works as a writer (but does she make a living at it?). She's in a steady relationship and considers herself passionate and artistic. She thinks her mother tends to be overprotective of her. While they both want to win the race, they're also looking forward to experience other cultures while seeing the world.

On the web:
NYU > Athletics - Apparently Desiree is a great fencer. Swordplay may come in handy on 'The Amazing Race' -- you never know!

I think I'm going to like these two. How 'bout you?

TV Newsy Bits - Weekend Edition (2/11-12/06)

Frosty bits! Snowy bits! Get yer bits hot from the oven on a cold, wintry day! (Hey, I'm snowbound... what can I say?) Here's the television and entertainment newsy bits links I found exploring the web over the weekend --

'Love Monkey' Canceled :-(

Oh, fine. I start liking a show which is different, refreshing, not in the crime/government/etc., genres and they cancel it after three episodes!

'Love Monkey' was in the time slot for the premiere of 'The Amazing Race.' I knew that. I thought that they'd juggle; one would be on at 9 PM, the other at 10. It didn't matter to me. I love TAR and was falling in love with the Monkey. But, no... with the announcement of the new drama 'The Unit' -- I thought 'Love Monkey' would move to another night, another time slot.

They didn't even give it a chance.

CBS Cages "Love Monkey" - Feb 09, 2006 - E! Online News

Catching up on LOST Blogging... Feb. 8 Episode

Yay! Looking out the window here, I see about 20 inches of snow with drifts well over three feet high. I'm in for the day and have a chance to catch up on some of the blogging delayed by life earlier in the week.

Yes, I watched 'LOST' this past Wednesday. Of course I did. And, finally, here's my take on the episode named "The Long Con." Me? I'd call it "What the hell are you up to, Sawyer?"

We learned a bit more about Sawyer's con man background in flashback sequences throughout the show. This time his "mark" wants to be taught how to con. Sawyer falls for this one, but his old con buddy refuses to let him not con her.

Meanwhile, back on the island Locke and Jack are gathering all of the guns to lock them up fearing that if everyone started toting around guns, folks would be shooting each other by mistake. Talk, mainly instigated by Ana Lucia, of forming an army created tension in the camp. Locke tells Jack they ought to safeguard the medicines, as well... and then he tells Jack that Sawyer had some pills stashed in his camp. Jack goes for them and Sawyer confronts him. Hurley tries to get closer to Sayid who's been very somber since Shannon was killed. Hurley has a small radio which eventually picks up a signal and ballroom dancing music. Hmmm... don't know where that subplot is going.

Oh, no! Sun got attacked and apparently was the victim of a kidnap attempt by The Others. But was it the Others or one of their own? She managed to escape her captors, but Sawyer makes it known to some that he suspects Ana Lucia of setting it up (or doing it herself) to make the army a done deal.

And, EEK! Sawyer breaks into where the guns are stored and steals all of them! He decides he's in charge and anyone wanting a gun must ask him.

Well... I see no answers per se to previous mysteries. I have a few questions myself. In my old age (heh), is my memory going? Didn't Vincent the dog vanish some time back or am I just misremembering? Sun didn't seem surprised to see him just before she was attacked. Nor did the others, not to be confused with The Others, seem surprised. But I thought the dog had gone missing. Someone help me out with this, please. Is there a significance to the music chosen for the radio broadcast? We had some more number combinations in this episode, but there have been so many that I think many are just red herrings.

Overall? I enjoyed the episode despite no answers (once again). There was action and interaction between the characters enough to keep me entertained. You know I'll be watching next week. What did you think of this one?

New 'Amazing Race 9' Cast: A Closer Look at Monica Cayce & Joseph Meadows

Monica Cayce is a 23 year old student hailing from Fayetteville, Arkansas. Joseph Meadows is a 23 year old homebuilder from Forth Smith, Arkansas. Their TAR-dubbed relationship? They're a DATING couple.

From their official Amazing Race bio:
Ah, they met at a bar (always classic) and have been dating for three years. The say they're fun-loving. I'm sure we'll find out just how fun-loving they are! "Joseph describes himself as confident and funny, while Monica is independent and tenacious." They both like country music, wakeboarding and traveling. Monice has an excellent incentive to win the million dollars -- she wants to pay off her student loans. They both hope the race will bring them even closer together and bond them for life.

Well. I'm not getting a ton of insight into them from the bio. I think I like them, but I don't know for sure. I don't think they'll be a bickering couple (phew!), so that's a good thing. They seem to be wholesome, feet on the ground kind of folks. I guess we'll see!

On the web:
Today's THV KTHV Little Rock

Remember! All of my 'Amazing Race' blog entries are linked on 'Amazing Race 9' Blog Entries for ease in reading. :-)

Saturday, February 11, 2006

RNO: Interview with Melinda Hyder (''Survivor: Panama - Exile Island')

Reality News online has an interview with the second person voted off of 'Survivor: Panama - Exile Island.'

RNO Interview: Melinda Hyder, Exiled from Exile Island will get you there.

A few excerpts I found interesting:
Melinda: First of all, Cirie and myself made an alliance on day one. Then we were approached by Ruth-Marie to vote out Tina. Tina was an extremely hard worker but the rest of us contributed equally, which wasn’t portrayed on television. And many times when she would go away by herself, she would not inform us as to where she was going and back at camp, we were gathering firewood, getting water, making the shelter stronger. We weren’t just sitting around talking.

RNO: After Shane decided to stay in the game, did you, Cirie, or Bobby try to convince one of the other three of his allies to turn against him?
Melinda: Yes. Cirie and I had Bobby’s vote but we needed a fourth person. We approached Aras before the immunity challenge. He told us that he didn’t want to think strategy yet and he just wanted to enjoy the game. We now know that he had already made an alliance and lied to us.

'American Idol' Turn Away - NY Opera Guy Andolino

Well, well, well. It seems 'American Idol' wannabe Anthony Andolino isn't going to go gentle into that good night. Remember him? The heavy-set guy who likes to sing opera and has over 65 pets? The one Simon Cowell sneered at and talked about the cost of food after he left? Yep, him!

He's hit the whole tabloid show circuit and he's determined to get his name out there. The night he was on the show (Vegas auditions), I mentioned "local boy." And, from this article in the local newspaper - Show's loss is vocalist's gain -- it's even more local than I thought. He works at the Petco store about a half mile away from me. I could go in there to buy furry mice for my two cats and see if he's there. Or not.

Anthony also has his own website at NY Opera Guy Dot Com. I was trying to think where I've seen him before - it wasn't Petco as I frequent PetSmart instead. Aha! I've seen him near Times Square!

Friday, February 10, 2006

New 'Amazing Race 9' Cast: A Closer Look at Joni Glaze & Lisa Hinds

Joni Glaze is a children's minister, age 44, living in Katy, Texas. Lisa Hinds is a realtor/artist, age 48, from Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. They're the SISTERS for 'The Amazing Race 9.'

From their official CBS bio:
They're seeking to reconnect with each other and make up for lost time as they've lived apart for 20 years -- oh, they probably wouldn't mind winning a million dollars while reconnecting, I'm sure.

Lisa is a mother of two who has been married for seven years. She has her own art gallery and describes herself as smart, determined and competitive. Joni also has two children and she's been married for ten years. She's never traveled outside of the United States. From the bio - "Funny and headstrong, Join claims to be a people person who is much more patient than her teammate."

The sisters describe themselves as loud, rambunctious and TALL. Both are over 6 feet tall. What would they do with the winnings if they win? Some plastic surgery.

Hmm... I'm not sure how long these two will last. Sisters on the show haven't had a great track record and at least one of these two has traveled very little, plus I see nothing in their bios to tell me they're physically fit or ever have been involved in any kind of athletics. I have a feeling they may be enjoyable to watch and I think they're going to have a great time. Win? I don't think so.

* All of my 'Amazing Race' blog entries can be found linked here.

'Survivor' Castoff Melinda Hyder on 'The Early Show'

Melinda Hyder, the latest booted from 'Survivor: Panama - Exile Island', appeared on CBS 'The Early Show' this morning. The interview can be found here and there's also the clip of the "secret scene" available on the site.

Here's an excerpt:
Harry Smith wondered whether the decision might have had something to do with the generation gap between the contestants, calling it "an age thing." And a secret scene of Hyder, only seen on The Early Show, showed there might be something to that theory:

"My new tribemates, most of them are not somebody I would choose to hang out with in my normal life. You've got Danielle, Courtney and Aras, who are younger. You have Bobby, who was on the younger tribe, even though he's my age and then you have Shane, who is older but doesn't really act like he's older. We are completely different people. Their language is just horrible. It's lifestyle and attitudes and that type of situation. It was an invasion. I think, a definite invasion."

What do you think? Do you think it was an age/attitude thing? A purely numbers ploy? What did Melinda in?

Today's TV Newsy Bits - Feb. 10, 2006

Who's got bits? I've got bits! Here's the television and entertainment newsy bits links that I found today out and about the web:

Thursday, February 09, 2006

'Survivor: Panama - Exile Island' - Ep. 2 or "Almost Orgasmically Wonderful"

Well, tonight was the second episode. I'm still not totally into the show, but I rarely am at the second episode. Until I really like like a player or two, dislike a few (rather intensely) and don't stumble on their names... that's when I'm into it. That should be next week, perhaps the week after. But I watched, I learned a bit more about them and now I blog.

15 are left. Who will be voted out tonight?
After enduring the inevitable recap, we see a quick peek at each of the four tribes. I noticed the show referred to them as Older Men, Younger Woman, etc. They didn't use the tribe names. I'm glad I didn't work to remember them! During the night it was storming and none of the tribes were doing great at all, but one tribe is doing better than I expected them to do. The Older Men have trouble with their canopy; the Younger Men were having trouble with their shelter on the whole. The women were shown in the daylight of Day 4. The Older Women were just going about work, but the Younger Women found a tree bearing papayas way up high. They managed to knock one (some?) down and feasted. Thus, my title for this episode -- a line from Misty regarding the fruity feast: "Almost orgasmically wonderful!"

Shane fussed and moaned about not seeing his kid, not smoking, not drinking water, wah, wah, wah. The only good part of that segment is when he called himself "Psycho Boy." Yep.

Then it was off to the Rewards Challenge! Woohoo! Before getting into the challenge itself, Jeff announced that the four tribes would become two. (Another reason I'm glad I never really got the four tribe names.) It was a schoolyard pick with Danielle and Terry starting. Each man had to choose a woman and vice versa. The tribe picks went like this:
La Mina Tribe: Terry, Sally, Austin, Misty, Nick, Ruth Marie, Dan
Casaya Tribe: Danielle, Shane, Courtney, Aras, Cirie, Bobby, Melinda
I found it frightening that Danielle, someone I was starting to like, thinks Shane is a "cool guy." Eww.

Bruce was the odd man out, unchosen in this evil childhood nightmare schoolyard pick. He was sent to Exile Island to stay for three days, returning for the next Tribal Council. At Tribal Council, he would be safe, only observing the event, then he would take the place of the ousted person on their tribe.

After he was sent away, the Rewards Challenge went on. The stakes were fishing gear, a raft and four paddles. It was a physical task and La Mina had it in the bag.

The two new tribes set up at the Older Women and Older Men camps -- probably because the Younger Men and Women camps truly sucked. ;-) Once back at the Casaya camp, Shane whined and moaned more. Cirie picked up on Courtney's speech habits (like, yesterday we went to, like, the mall and, like, I saw a cute boy, like...) and imitated her not to her face. Shane started scheming with others to make an alliance with the four - himself, Aras, Courtney and Danielle.

Over at La Mina, things weren't going all that much better. Sally went out on the raft with Nick and managed to lose the fishing spear. It sank waaaay down. Dan just stood there with his mouth gaping open when he heard while Terry was really ticked off. Sally felt bad, but I'm sure her nervous giggle didn't make them feel any better. Will this come back to haunt her? I think it could!

Meanwhile, Bruce was over on Exile Island being Kung Fu Fighter to keep his body and spirit going, making fire and saying he didn't wish this on his worst enemy as it poured overnight once again. I still like him.

Could it be time for the Immunity Challenge? Why, yes it is! Before things started, Shane "Loose Lips Sink Ships" Powers decided to announce how horrible his tribe is doing. @@ What is with that guy? His tribemates all just stared at him. The challenge itself was another very physical one -- untangling and hauling wooden snakes, dragging swimming, lugging heavy box underwater, blah, blah... very similar to many in the past albeit with wooden snakes. Oh. And they had a huge zombie head with them they had to attach to the xombie body to finish. "The zombie head bone's connected to the zombie body bone..." The best line of the challenge belonged to Jeff and was aimed at the Casaya Tribe -- "La Mina is way ahead because Casaya is absolutely inept." La Mina won.

Here comes more bad moves on Shane's part, then a worse one for Aras. Shane announces that he wants to quit, everyone should vote him out, wah, wah. Aras talks him into staying after he told everyone to vote him out. @@ (Need those eyerolls, I do!) So, what does Shane do? He announces he's changed his mind and decides that Cirie and Melinda are the targets! And, then, then... I say... then ARAS goes and tells them! They tell about the alliance, how either way they'll be voted out one after the other! SHEESH! Danielle and Courtney were dumbfounded by it all.

Sure 'nuff, Tribal Council comes and Melinda is ousted. Cirie gave a sad speech about how disappointed in herself she would be, how she was going to help her family with the win, why is someone staying who wanted to leave, weepy weepy. Shane actually looked a bit remorseful, but the vote snagged Melinda. I didn't quite catch it all at the credits, but it looked like everyone voted for Melinda except for Melinda and Cirie who voted for Shane. I'd have to check the tape, but let me know if I'm mistaken.

That's it. Orgasmically wonderful? I think not.

East Coast Show - 'Survivor - Voted Out

Melinda voted out with at least four votes

Bruce is now on Casaya.

'Survivor' - East Coast Airing Update - Immunity

La Mina won Immunity

East Coast 'Survivor' Update

Schoolyard pick. Survivors split into two tribes:
Casia (spelling?) -- Danielle, Shane, Courtney, Aras, Cirie, Bobby and Melinda
La Mina -- Terry, Sally, Austin, Misty, Nick, Ruth Marie and Dan

Odd man out not picked -- Bruce.
He's sent to Exile Island for three days. Immune at the next Tribal Council. At TC, he'll go and sit in, then replace whoever is voted out

Rewards Challenge -- for fishing gear, raft and 4 paddles
La Mina won

Tonight's (02-09) 'Survivor: Panama - Exile Island' Blogging Schedule

Once again, as important events on the show occur (deaths, who goes to Exile Island, any Idol finding, reward challenge, immunity challenge and the boot)... I'll be slapping up quick details here. If you're on the West Coast and like East Coast airing show night spoilers, this is the place for you.

Within moments after the entry here, entry links will be added to my Jackie's Survivor Blog/Web Links Reference

There isn't an immediate way to get notice of an entry, but you can check here or there during the time the show airs in the east. A hint -- sometimes the new entries don't show immediately on the main blog page, but if you hit the February archive in the sidebar, it will show.

Much later this evening, I'll be posting a full recap and would love to know your thoughts about the show!

Survivor fans ready?

Today's TV Newsy Bits - Feb. 9, 2006

Bits! Bits! Here's your television and entertainment related newsy bits for the day!

What? Sly Actually Showed Up?

I can't believe it. I taped the Grammy Awards show and haven't watched it all yet. Well, chances are that I'll fast forward through most of it so I can just watch the performances and/or performers I enjoy.

But when I saw the blurbs on the news about Sly (of Sly and the Family Stone) showing up, I had to go to the tape. Sure enough, there he was... looking like George Clinton designed his wardrobe and Mr. T did his hair. Yikes!

You have to understand, I was a child of the sixties. Sly burnt me when I was fourteen years old! Yes, he did! Don't get me wrong; I love his music. It's because I love his music that I got burnt.

Here's what happened:
I had saved my babysitting money and my brother (a year older) had some cash from wherever he got cash those days. We talked our mother into driving us about ten miles away to Albany -- Sly and the Family Stone were to play at the old Palace Theater there. The show was to start at 7:30, the neighborhood was a bit hinky. We got there at 7, bought our tickets and went in when they opened the doors at 7:15 PM. 8 PM came, nothing. 9 PM, nothing. The odor of marijuana wafted through the air and we made friends with the two aisles of folks around us. We invented a game where we'd tap out songs on the seat backs and guess what song. 10 PM, nothing. About every hour a man would get on the stage announcing the show was delayed, they were waiting for Sly to arrive.

Then midnight came. A priest, a Catholic priest, got on the stage and announced that Sly "got into an altercation on Central Avenue and will not be appearing tonight." He was surrounded by Albany police. We were to exit immediately and orderly. We had no choice. The Albany Police were there full force in riot gear with the plastic shields and all. Dang. What did they think we'd do? We'd been stuck in a theater full of marijuana smoke for five hours. We could be violent nappers, I guess.

I never got my money back.

Sly burnt me.

And left me stuck in a bad neighborhood past midnight on a school night.