I'm Jackie and I watch TV. I'm not proud. Bookmark the blog now as your source for live feed reports from inside the 'Big Brother' house! Come, join in on the fun ...
Sunday, February 15, 2009
The Amazing Race - Season Premiere Blog Gathering
Yes, it's time for ... The Amazing Race! Yay! I'll be writing a more thorough review for TV Squad a bit later tonight, but this is the place for the party! I'll update the post here with important events and all are welcome to join us in the comments area. Margo is running the pool and may your team (or mine) win the first leg! Once again, Zoetawny has created yet another spiffy show logo for the blog. Have I mentioned that she rocks lately?
It's off to Switzerland. I don't like Preston and Jennifer and they're living up to my expectations.
Pit Stop Order
1. Margie and Luke (YAY!) - won a trip to Mexico
2. Tammy and Victor
3. Mark and Michael
4. Mel and Mike
5. Amanda and Kris
6. Brad and Victoria
7. Jaime and Cara
8. Kisha and Jen
9. Steve and Linda
10. Christine and Jodi
11. Jennifer and Preston -- Philiminated
Off Topic: Roofus the Cat
And, then the arrival to his favorite napping spot and my train comes in at the same time. Clicking on any of these images will make them open larger in a new window. Then you can just click back to this page.
Later tonight -- it's the blog party for the season premiere of The Amazing Race! C'mon back and join in on the fun!
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Happy Valentine's Day!
Zoetawny created yet another fantastic graphic for the day! I hope everyone is someone's Valentine ... or, at the very least, get to eat some good chocolate!
Me? Um ... I have to go to work.
Friday, February 13, 2009
TV Bitsy Bits
As they say --- "police activity" by my NJ Transit train this morning. Thankfully they held the train at my arrival station instead of the one before it. It was something to do with a non-responsive passenger. I don't think he was non-responsive because he didn't give a nod when asked "howyadoin." The conductors didn't seem all that excited and they weren't helping the person, so my guess is drugs or drunk. Ah, at 7:30 in the morning!
Onto my TV Bitsy Bits
I watched my recorded Bonnie Hunt Show from today. Two things. First, I had forgotten how funny, quick, and sometimes way raunchy Joan Rivers can be. She was a hoot! And then there was Phil Keoghan. It's great to see him in a surrounding other than a welcome mat in a strange country. He's adorable and also has a quick wit. More importantly, he's thrilled with the attention Bonnie gives The Amazing Race and all the teams will go on the show as they get Philiminated. He said the teams are looking forward to it.
My Survivor review on TV Squad is here if you haven't seen it yet. I push monkeys. You've been warned. Reality News Online has an interview with the ousted castaway Carolina. Uh-oh. Those cowboy boots I mocked were JT's, not hers. She borrowed them because her sneakers were wet. Now I have another two things. First, I like JT and hope she didn't give him fungus foot or root rot or something. Second, um ... small feet there, JT? Oh, by the way, she decided God didn't want her to be on the show. Little did she know that no one wanted to listen to her helium voice all season!
My latest TV Shows Off the Beaten Path column is up over on CliqueClack TV. I did this week's one on America's Most Wanted. I foresee running out of shows eventually on the column. Yikes.
Today's musical non sequitur:
Very superstitious, writing's on the wall,
Very superstitious, ladder's 'bout to fall,
Thirteen month old baby, broke the lookin' glass
Seven years of bad luck, the good things in your past.
-- "Superstition" by Stevie Wonder
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Survivor Tocantins -- Season Premiere
While my more extensive show review will be posted later at TV Squad, this post will be updated with events and my thoughts as the show airs here on the East Coast. Everyone is invited to party in the comments -- just remember, if you make a mess in there, you have to clean it up.
Survivors ready? It's ON!
Yikes ... Sierra and Sandy voted off? They won't go on "this adventure." This adventure turns out to be the four-hour trek to camp. They get to fly. We've been had. So, two are NOT voted out right away!
Timbira wins fire and immunity! Sandy better find that idol or, they might go for weak Carolina. Hmm.
Yep, they voted out Carolina! (I know I will have some more comments about her on TV Squad!)
American Idol: The Top 36
Yep, here's another American Idol blog logo made for us by Zoetawny! How cool is that?
Well, they've changed things around a bit this season. Obviously, there's a top 36 instead of the 24 of previous years. They also told the wannabe idols their fate a bit differently, as well. Reminiscent of "dancing for your life" on So You Think You Can Dance, some of them had to sing against others to earn their prized spot. Eh. I suppose it added some drama, something the show is notoriously short on. Er, yes ... I'm being sarcastic. Me? I'd rather they get up and talk about how they will not be obnoxious. Like that's going to happen, eh?
Here's the list:
The gals
Alexis Grace
Allison Iraheta
Ann Marie Boskovich
Arianna Afsar
Casey CarlsonJoanna Pacitti Felicia Barton
Jackie Tohn
Jasmine Murray
Jeanine Vailes
Jessie Langseth
Kendall Beard
Kristen McNamara
Lil Rounds
Megan Corkrey
Mishavonna Henson
Stevie Wright
Tatiana Nicole Del Toro
Taylor Vaifanua
The guys:
Adam Lambert
Alexander Wagner-Trugman
Anoop Desai
Brent Keith
Danny Gokey
Jorge Nunez
Ju'Not Joyner
Kai Kalama
Kris Allen
Matt Breitzke
Matt Giraud
Michael Sarver
Nathaniel Marshall
Nick Mitchell
Ricky Braddy
Scott MacIntyre
Stephen Fowler
Von Smith
Joanna Pacitti was replaced by Felicia Barton when they finally deemed her ineligible to compete. It's something about previous contracts and the relationship with the record company.
Two who made it and can go away
I'm sorry, but Tatiana and Nathaniel Marshall can go far away. These are two of the most annoying contestants ever on the show. I don't care if they can sing or not. They're both drama queens and, as they say, save the drama for your mama ... you aren't welcome on my TV set, neither one of you.
Really iffy
Nick Mitchell made it? Or, should I say ... Norman Gentle made it? He can sing and has that annoyance factor, too. However, at least he doesn't cry all the time. He's from Brookfield, CT, near my old stomping grounds in Danbury. I've been reading the online newspaper from the area -- they're cheering him on. I guess we'll see.
Random comments
- Aw, too bad that Jamar and Danny got split up. I was sure Danny would make it. I think Jamar would be more fun to watch than Nathaniel.
- None of the girls are striking me the way Melinda Doolittle did. Hopefully one or two will stand out for me to cheer them on.
- Anoop is good, as are many of the other guys.
LOST - Thirty Second Review - "This Place is Death"
Oh, my. Lost has me suckered right in once again. Mind you, I don't have it all figured out, nor am I one of the fanatics watching the show analyzing every scene. I just don't have enough time in my life for all that! And, would it make the show more entertaining for me? I don't think so. I believe if I researched every tidbit of information out there, watching the show would become work ... not entertainment. I'm in it for the entertainment.
Here's my quick take on last night's episode:
- Jin realizes the island is death and makes Locke promise not to bring Sun back (as she'll die). He gave Locke his wedding ring and told him to tell her he's dead.
- The smoke monster attacked the French group, driving them wacky and/or killing them -- except for the pregnant Danielle Rousseau.
- Jin was reunited in time and space with Sawyer, Locke, Juliet, and the newbies with them.
- Locke was told by Jack's father (Christian) to complete the turn of the wheel Ben had started down underground -- that would fix the time warping.
- Sayid and Kate took off and refused to go with Ben.
- Sun, convinced by Ben (who used the wedding ring to prove Jin alive, not dead), went with Jack and Ben to a mysterious church where they met up with both Desmond and Eloise Hawking (who had wanted all six there).
- Eloise is indeed Faraday's mother.
- Charlotte died after making mysterious references to Faraday warning her she would back when she was a child and lived on the island.
- Almost all of the time-traveling group have had bloody noses.
Once again, I'm including the "Lost Untangled" video here. These are hilarious!
What the ...? Joaquin Phoenix on Letterman Last Night
What the ____ is up with this?
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Survivor and TAR Blog Pools, Tonight's TV, and a bit of Off Topic
ORKmommy is running the Survivor pool and here's who she has listed as in so far:
Terry in CA
Jennasmom
PDX Granny
Laurie
Becky
Dixie
Rbennie
lynn1
Margo
Joyce
meb
dla
Caroline
ORKMommy
Jackie
Sydney
Gayle
Jodie
Sizzie
Donna in AL
Petals
Zoetawny
Margo has volunteered to run the pool for The Amazing Race. So far (I'm adding my name):
Margo
Donna in AL
Meb
Sizzie
Caroline
ORKMommy
Lynn1
Jackie
If you want in, just reply in comments and mention which pool. Or, if you prefer to notify Margo or ORKMommy, they left messages in my last post's comments. I just don't want to put email addresses here on the main page of the blog.
I have a TV dilemma tonight. I want to watch American Idol as they're going to narrow it down to the final 36. Argh! It's two hours tonight! Meanwhile, at 9 PM ET, Lost comes on. What I'll probably do is record the second hour of AI and watch Lost as it airs. Then it's Life on Mars for me. Hopefully either late tonight or tomorrow I'll at least get some commentary up about both Lost and American Idol.
And, now to a bit of off topic. I haven't seen Roofus the Cat for a few days, but I'm sure he's fine. Unfortunately, there was a murder at the station in the wee hours of Sunday morning. An 18-year-old was shot, no one is in custody. The train station I go to daily and the neighborhood surrounding it are safe as I go through both on my way to work and home. I'm friendly with fellow commuters and the shopkeepers in the area. But I wouldn't be there at 2:30 AM. It's a totally different world there at that hour.
Today's musical non sequitur:
When you walk through the garden
You gotta watch your back
Well, I beg your pardon
Walk the straight and narrow track
If you walk with Jesus
He's gonna save your soul
You gotta keep the devil
Way down in the hole
-- "Way Down in the Hole" by Tom Waits
Monday, February 09, 2009
The Amazing Race 14: Meet the Teams, Part Three
Linda and Steve Cole have been married for 17 years. She's 52, he's 43, and they call Martinsville (Virginia) their home. He's a carpenter while she's a customer service supervisor. I think they're going to be another likable team. But I'm not so sure that they're going to be as well-traveled as many of the other teams. In their favor is that they're huge fans of the show. I think the idea of adventure probably is as much of a lure as the financial prize for the winner. I'd personally love to do the show all the way through just for the fun and excitement.
We have another sibling team with LaKisha and Jennifer Hoffman. LaKisha is 28, lives in the Bronx (NY), and is a program coordinator. Jennifer is 24, lives in Louisville (KY), and is a marketing assistant. Although LaKisha has that "you know what I'm saying" speech pattern which tends to irk me, I like these two. I love that Jennifer said you have to think to be evil and she doesn't like to think that much. I think they're going to be fun to watch, but I'm not sure how well they'll fare on the race itself.
Jennifer Hopka (26) and Preston McCamy (28) are a dating couple from Columbia, South Carolina. She's a student and he's a software engineer. Um, okay. She's a student at 28 ... wonder how the bills get paid? She's pretty, but she's really rubbing me wrong for some reason. I don't know. Perhaps it's the way she kept interrupting him in the clip. I think this might be the couple I boo and it's going to be because of her. Or, I could be totally wrong and my first impression is off.
Sunday, February 08, 2009
Survivor Tocantins Castaways Part Three
Spencer Duhm (must have been fun growing up with that last name!) at 19 years old is the youngest castaway ever on the show. He's a gay student from Lakeland, Florida. While he comes across as very mature in his video, I'm not so sure he's my favorite for the win. Yes, he's very poised and seems to have a good head on his shoulders. But I have some sort of nagging doubt about him that I can't explain. I'll have to watch him in action.
Stephen Fishbach, age 29, is a corporate consultant from NYC, NY. When he said he looks like a Muppet, I had to snicker. I'm all too aware of a soul-sucking job and wanting just to go away from it all to write. But has he really paid his dues? I mean ... Yale and only 29. I'm sorry. I don't think the rat race has claimed enough of his soul yet for an early retirement. That aside, if his strategy works as he's planned, he could go far in the game. His thoughts of being eaten are a bit off base. That is unlikely to happen on the show. But could he win? Maybe, but maybe not.
Look! It's SYDNEY! Yay! Blond and into fashion and design ... kind of like our own blog Sydney, eh? This Sydney (Wheeler) is 24 and from Raleigh, North Carolina. I'm kind of liking her. She's a very pretty girl, but she looks like she is made of tough stuff, too. She's a model who's currently living in San Diego and hopefully will be a fine representative of our very own Sydney. She seems to have a good game plan and could do fine physically.
Tamara "Taj" Johnson-George is 37 years old and from Nashville, Tennessee. While the CBS website describes her as a "former pop star," I've never heard of her. She's worried about people finding out who she is and to whom she's married. Um ... to be honest, I've never heard of Sisters With Voices even if they are "Grammy nominated." Nor do I follow football and would have no idea who her husband is -- former NFL running back Eddie George of the Tennessee Titans. Nor have I read her book. Maybe I'm just living under a rock, but I kind of doubt folks are going to be recognizing her as some sort of star. With her delusions of worldwide fame aside, I like her strategy and she made me giggle about living off her stored fat. She could do well in the game.
Tyson Apostol, age 29, is a professional cyclist from Lindon, Utah. The CBS website lists him as the fan favorite so far. I just can't get behind that. His favorite castaway is Johnny Fairplay? Yikes! That would put him at the bottom of my list. I don't think Fairplay played the game well at all and he creeped me out, too! Tyson is in good shape and might do well. But I'm almost hoping not just because he's a Fairplay fan. Ew.
Off TV Topic ... for the most part
Well, not all the way off topic. I should mention my "TV Shows Off the Beaten Path" column over on CliqueClack TV, right? In yesterday's column I delved into The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson. In particular, I'm loving his puppets -- especially when they yodel. Take a peek at the column for another video and my commentary on Craig! Also, on another TV note: A&E is starting the last season of The Sopranos tonight. Since I only have basic cable, I haven't seen the last season. I caught up with the rest of the series over the past summer and I'm looking forward to the finale!
Then there's the local scene. This week included Groundhog's Day. We had conflicting groundhogs, but starting yesterday we're in a warmer weather streak. That Pennsylvania groundhog predicted six more weeks of winter while the two local groundhogs (Essex Ed of NJ and Staten Island Chuck of NYC) predicted an early spring. Chuck also bit Mayor Bloomberg who seemed to deserve it from the video I saw. You don't take food out of the mouth of a huge rodent with massive front teeth! Chuck drew blood even. I suppose I shouldn't be finding it funny, but I do. Bloomberg tried to link Chuck to a terrorist factor, but I think Chuck's probably just a disgruntled taxpayer.
While Roofus the Cat stood me up for our Saturday morning work commute date, I checked out the ornamental kale. Yep, still buried in the snow and not looking quite as pretty and perky as it did in the past.
I believe I've taken a photo of this dude before. Or, if not, one similar to him. This is what happens when you leave me waiting in one of those little doctor rooms. Yes, I finally went to my appointment with the orthopedic surgeon yesterday. He understands my need to buy some time before the right knee gets replaced. I got a cortisone shot. I'm talking a turkey-baster sized needle o' stuff way down in the knee joint. Ow. But it's working. I can dance again.
Today's musical non sequitur:
Lather was thirty years old today,
They took away all of his toys.
His mother sent newspaper clippings to him,
About his old friends who'd stopped being boys.
-- "Lather" by The Jefferson Airplane
Saturday, February 07, 2009
The Amazing Race 14: Meet the Teams, Part Two
Christie Volkmer (age 37) and Jodi Wincheski (age 40) are flight attendants from Choctaw (Oklahoma) and Houston (Texas) respectively. Y'know, I think I must have personal issues with blond female teams on the show. Thinking back over the teams, none of the all-blond females ever struck me right. I suppose it might be a psychological thing -- with blond being more fun and all that. Heh. But I think I like these two. Here's why: They're a bit older, but not old enough for it to be way too challenging. And, I think they're absolutely right. They're going to have an edge at the airports. Hmm ... I'll have to see them in action, but I think I might be cheering them on!
Ah, the spoilers were right -- there is a deaf racer on a team this season! But, contrary to the rumors, it's a guy, not a woman. Margie and Luke Adams are a mother and son team hailing from Denver, Colorado. She's a clinical research associate while he's a college grad. She's 50 years old. He's 22. She can hear and sign. He's deaf. She never personally aspired to be on the show, he's wanted to do it just biding the time until he hit 21 years of age. From their video clip, I have to say I like them. They seem like nice people. I hope they do well.
Tammy and Victor Jih, age 26 and 35, San Francisco and Los Angeles, are a brother and sister team. They're both lawyers. They're first generation Americans and both went to Harvard Law School. Yeah, they're probably pretty smart. But, aside from that, their video made me smile ... a lot. I don't know what it is about them, but I think they'll be a strong team despite any sibling rivalry. What is it with casting getting so many nice folks? I want someone to sneer at and it's not going to be these two!
Another sibling team is Mark and Michael Munoz. Mark is 48, living in Los Angeles, a jockey and a stuntman. Michael is 51, a stuntman and actor living in Maui, Hawaii. Little did they know that the shaka hand sign they started off their video with would be something President Obama did at the Inaugural Parade, eh? These two are the "little people" from the spoilers, but they're not really little people, per se. They're just short. Although they didn't irk me in their clip, they came across a bit more so-so than some of the other teams so far. They have a lot of strengths for running the race, so they could do just fine. I just hope to see more personality from them.
Stay tuned for the final three teams coming soon!
Friday, February 06, 2009
Survivor Tocantins Castaways Part Two
Jerry Sims, age 49, is a US Army sergeant from Rock Hill, South Carolina. I had really hoped I wouldn't have to talk about chests again. Sigh. Jerry should really cover up those man-boobs. They're verging on the edge of soft core porn. That aside, I think Jerry seems to have it all as far as chances to win in the game. He's in good physical shape enough to be competition for men half his age. He seems to have his head right in that he will have to be devious in the game. I only wonder if being a leader of army folks might be a drawback or a blessing in the game. Time will tell.
Joe Dowdle, age 26, is a real estate salesman from Austin, Texas. While I think he has a game plan and all (persuade and evade), I'm not getting great vibes about how he'll get along with the others in the game. He just reminds me of so many strong physical young guys who have been on the show in the past. He's young, confident, probably very physically fit, good-looking ... and a threat just because. I think he might end up being a target just for those reasons.
James (JT) Thomas, Jr., age 24, is a cattle rancher from Samson, Alabama. Hmmm. He is probably going to be very strong at surviving the outdoors element of the show due to the fact that he's an outdoorsy camping and fishing kind of guy. I think his fellow castaways might underestimate him. He comes across in the video as a nice guy and much less threatening than Joe. I'm going to have my eye on this one.
Sandy Burgin, age 53, is a school bus driver from Louisville, Kentucky. If for nothing but the age and woman factors, I'd love to see her shine in the game. Her game plan is a bit confusing, though. She says she doesn't want to be a Mom, but will mother people if needed. Um. Okay. She does know that older folks are often the target and she seems to have a lot of spunk. On the other hand, she claims she's a bit zany. I've seen perceived wackiness cost folks the game. Another "I just don't know." First one out? Could be, then again she might go far.
Sierra Reed, age 23, is a model from Hollywood, California (not that there's anything wrong with that). Well, if she keeps rocking from one foot to the other on the show like she does on the video, I want her gone. She's reminding me of Drew Barrymore for some reason. I'm not sure if that's a good thing or a bad thing. She doesn't have the explosive chest, but could she wear anything more low-cut? I think she may end up being annoying. I hope I'm wrong but for some reason I found her video annoying. Maybe it was the rocking bit.
Stay tuned for the final castaways soon! We all just might have to cheer on the one named SYDNEY.
:-)
Thursday, February 05, 2009
American Idol Hollywood Week ... So Far
Whoa, they've gotten even more strict on Hollywood Week this year! On Tuesday's show, each wannabe had one song to keep them going on with the show. One bad move and POOF, they're gone.
Last night was the group singing. Now, of course, that leads to drama when the contestants might not like each other. A lot of good contenders got the boot including the Osmond and Rose (both of whom I liked). Thankfully, Bikini Girl (I can't even remember her name as I write this, but she annoys me) got canned. As the show ended, I had to call up a co-worker named Nancy Wilson and offer my condolences about her getting the boot. My co-worker is actually more personable, but I told her that her behavior going off stage was inappropriate anyway.
I'm liking the music teacher with the recently deceased wife and his friend more and more each time I see them. Have you any early favorites?
In a world far away from Hollywood, here's what it looked like around here recently:
A neglected bit o' woods is etched in snow, making it a thing of beauty. I won't mention that it's built on contaminated ground. Let's just say it's very pretty.
The Plainfield NJ Train Station in the evening last night. There's a fancy-schmancy NJ Transit double-decker train discharging NYC commuters. Clicking on the images will open them larger and in a new window.
Today's musical non sequitur:
They say that I won't last too long on Broadway
I'll catch a Greyhound bus for home, they all say
But they're dead wrong, I know they are
'Cause I can play this here guitar
And I won't quit till I'm a star on Broadway
-- "On Broadway" by George Benson
Wednesday, February 04, 2009
LOST 30 Second Review - "The Little Prince"
What a week! I got in from work tonight in time to catch American Idol (next post). Now, I'm not going into great detail -- note my "30 Second Review" bit in the header. But, here's your Lost ... in thirty seconds:
- Not only Charlotte has the nosebleed problems, but Juliet and Miles are, too. They all live ... for now.
- Time continues to warp on the island.
- Sayid reluctantly goes with Ben and Jack.
- Ben gets his lawyer to spring Hurley (although he hasn't been sprung yet from jail).
- Kate follows the lawyer of the person after Aaron and it turns out to be Claire's mother.
- But it isn't her after all.
- It's Ben.
- Sawyer sees Kate deliver Aaron in a time warp.
- In another time warp, Jin is discovered by French people on a raft.
- He's alive.
- And Danielle Rousseau is at that time young and pregnant.
- Sun watches Kate, Sayid, Jack, and Ben. Sun has Aaron with her. Sun has a gun.
- Tonight's key phrase: "When are we?"
Hmm ... not many questions answered, but not many new ones brought up, either. We still don't know exactly why the return of the Oceanic Six will stop the time-warping and save the others (not to be confused with the Others). Kate,Sun, and Hurley won't go willingly, methinks.
Monday, February 02, 2009
Tonight, Tonight ... on TV
I'll be watching the new episodes of The Big Bang Theory and How I Met Your Mother in the 8 PM hour. I'll be writing up the BBT episode for CliqueClack TV, but not before I watch Heroes.
NBC has a new Chuck on at 8 PM ET/PT and a new Medium on at 10 PM ET/PT. The CBS line-up is all new episodes tonight. FOX has a new House followed by a new 24. ABC has a new 2-hour The Bachelor followed by a new True Beauty. TNT has The Closer (new - 9 PM ET/PT), then a new Trust Me.
I'll be watching the 8 PM CBS hour, then Heroes, then True Beauty as I write up TBBT. I don't really have to think for True Beauty. I'll record The Closer and Trust Me. Gack, too much TV and too little time to watch it all!
What are you watching?
Sunday, February 01, 2009
Off Topic: Roofus, Weather, and do you want a Superbowl post?
Onto the week in photos:
On Wednesday I laid the first tracks at the Plainfield Train Station. Yes, I had my bulky boots on. But, yeah ... I have big feet, too.
Again, the Plainfield (NJ) Train Station area on Wednesday morning. Obviously Roofus the Cat is hunkering down somewhere out of the elements.
I was up before dawn cracked on Friday due to the fact I was leaving work early for my doctor's appointment ... which ended up being canceled. Argh. No Roofus at that hour.
But, come our usual Saturday morning meeting time on my way to work, there's Roofus sleeping in the sun!
This is a bit fuzzy if you click on it for the bigger image. Roofus has awakened and is watching pigeons fly from atop the building yesterday morning.
Let me know about the football post and check out my first part posts on Survivor and The Amazing Race casting!
Today's musical non sequitur:
Gitchi Gitchi Ya Ya Ta Ta
Gitchi Gitchi Ya Ya Here
Mocha Choco Lata Ya Ya
Creole Lady Marmalade
-- "Lady Marmalade" by Labelle
The Amazing Race 14: Meet the Teams, Part One
Brad (age 52) and Victoria (age 47) Hunt are a happily married couple from Columbus, Ohio. Keyword is "happily." I'm so tired of bickering use the race to get back together couples! He's a distribution dispatcher while she's a tax manager. I'm a bit worried about her health issues (as described on their bio page), but I think I'm going to enjoy watching them in the race.
Mel (age 68) and Mike (age 38) White are a father and son team from Lynchburg, VA and Santa Monica respectively. I wrote about them in my TV Squad post on spoilers early in January. Mel told his family that he was gay when Mike was 11, then went on to become "a gay-rights activist, has worked as a writer, professor, filmmaker and a pastor." Mike is a successful screenwriter in California with hits like School of Rock starring Jack Black. According to their bio on the CBS site, they are the most traveled and most opinionated team. I enjoyed their video clip and think they'll be fun to watch on the show. I do think the elder White's age might hinder them, but he seems in good shape.
Amanda Blackledge (age 23) and Kris Klicka (age 24) are a happy dating couple from San Diego, California. Note the word "happy." They've been together for three years and aren't seeking to find out whether they belong together or not. Phew! She's a student while he's a sales rep. They come across as energetic and personable in their video clip. The strikes against them include not being well-traveled and being so young. I bet they're going to get along pretty well with the other teams which might outweigh their shortcomings, though.
Cara Rosenthal (age 26) and Jaime Edmondson (age 29) might look like a sister team, but they aren't -- they're former NFL cheerleaders for the Miami Dolphins. Cara is now a law student out of Boca Raton, Florida while Jaime is former police officer out of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. They don't mention what Jaime is doing now on the CBS site. I often tend to groan at some of the female "all looks" teams on the show, but I think these two gals might be the strongest female team ever. They're well-traveled, used to rushing, very physically fit. Could they win it all? I say a definite "maybe."
Stay tuned for more teams!
Survivor Tocantins Castaways Part One
Benjamin Wade, age 37 from Bolivar, MO. He's single and I get the feeling that he's somewhat full of himself. Supposedly this season is "all about first impressions." Well, I can't put my finger on exactly what's rubbing me the wrong way, but something is. I realize you probably do have to have a bit of a chip on your shoulder to go on the show, but I'm thinking his attitude of superiority might not fare well with others. I could be wrong. Maybe it's just the wet mullet.
Brendan Synott, age 30, an entrepreneur from NYC. I think he's coming off as personable in his video clip -- not like Benjamin. Although he claims life is about fun and games (he's young yet), he also seems to have a good business head on his shoulders from the glimpse I have of him. He's single and currently living in Vail, CO. I bet he skis, y'think? I believe I'm going to like him on the show. He seems pretty intelligent and knows that the perception of him by the others is a key to survive.
Candace Smith, age 31, an attorney from Dayton, OH. She's a former Miss Ohio, as aspect which doesn't thrll me all that much. (Are those balloons on her chest or is she just happy to see us?) That aside, she seems both intelligent and physically strong. I think she might be a real competitor and could make it far in the game. In her bio on the CBS website, her friends say she can come across as a "bitch." If she does, that could blow it all for her. If she can keep that part reined in, she just might make it through to the end. If she doesn't like phony people, what's she doing on a reality TV show?
Carolina Eastwood (no relation to Clint, I don't think), age 26, is a bartender from West Hollywood, CA. They should proof the bio on the CBS site as "an Army solider [her father], moved the family to the Untied States." Untied States, eh? I don't know her chances of getting to the end -- although I think that her upbringing might make her endure the elements better and she comes across as personable ... I'm not getting the conniving factor from her. That could hurt her game.
Debra (Debbie) Beebee, age 46, is a middle school principal from Auburn, Alabama. She's also known as "Bubbles." Um. I don't know what to say about that. I had a cat named Bubbles as a child, but question how much I'd like a person not on The Wire named "Bubbles." Of course, she could be called Deb-B-B-B. I want to root for her as an older castaway, but I'm not so sure of her chances. I think she'll probably be fine on the physical level, but question her thought of being "the mother." I just don't know.
Erinn Lobdell, age 26, is a hair stylist from Waukesha, Wisconsin. I might have to root for her just because she doesn't have a huge chest hanging out all over the place! I find that refreshing! In her video, she comes across as older than her actual age, I think. I'm getting good vibes about her and think that she might end up being one of the stronger women in the game all-around. But then again, she might be the first out. I guess we'll find out!
Stay tuned for the rest of the cast in future entries. The big show premieres at 8 PM ET/PT on CBS, February 12.