The Amazing Race 15 - Meet the Cast - Part 2

Welcome to the second installment taking a look at the new season's cast on The Amazing Race! The season premiere is this coming Sunday at 8 PM ET/PT (when sports permit on the East Coast -- grr -- wins an Emmy every year and is on the most delayed night of the week).

If you missed the first five teams, you can use the blog tag for the show located at the bottom of this post to bring up all the posts for TAR. Please, if you want to be in the blog pool and weren't on Margo's list in the last post, post a comment here stating you want to join. Other than bragging rights if your team wins. Teams are assigned randomly.


Married for 18 years, so they're not testing their relationship, good. But that want to "solidify their marriage which they consider a blessing." They like to help people. Vegans. Oh, that might cause a problem with the cultural food task we see each season. Oh, they sound all new wave and enlightened, My jury is out on them.


Sure, the first interracial couple on the show includes a Miss America winner. That's typical, eh? They sound like very nice people. I hope they don't go all new wave on us! They've been married for two years, yet they are not "testing their relationship." However, they want t prove love is colorblind. Um, okay. I think it's several decades late on that stance, but whatever floats their boat.


Both are residents of California, yet they met in Barcelona. They've been dating on and off for seven years with three major break-ups. Uh-oh. I sense a brouhaha! They're both well-traveled and seem athletic. She's climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro. Wow. But if they can't work together as a team, they aren't going to make it to the end.


Father and son still trying to work out the kinks. While Brian and Ericka claim to be polar opposites, these two could probably teach them a lesson. It sounds very generational, though. They claim to have the same approach to settling problems which is something which can only help them on the race. They're not looking to mend fences or anything like that. They want to run the race together. Hmmm ... maybe a good team here.

61st Annual Primetime Emmy Awards Discussion Post

I know I promised the next installment of the TAR cast. I'll be getting to that tomorrow after work. I thought I'd put up an open discussion post for the Emmy Awards tonight as many of you are sure to be watching. I really enjoy Neil Patrick Harris and I'm rooting for a Jim Parsons win! How about you? I won't be updating this post with each and every win, but invite everyone to comment on the awards show!

Sniffle. Jim Parsons didn't win. Alec Baldwin won. Argh.

Jeff Probst won for the best reality show host!

The Amazing Race won AGAIN for best reality competition show. Woohoo!

Michael Emerson won for LOST. He does do the best Ben since the rat.

30 Rock won for best comedy, Mad Men for best drama.

Off Topic - That Was the Week It Was 9/20/09

It's Sunday morning and that means it's time to take a look back at my week in words and photos. I was on a staycation this week -- a vacation during which I just relaxed and basically stayed home. Thus, I really didn't get too many tremendous awe-inspiring shots.

My week was spent pretty much with a cat, my new best pal Vincent. I think he's still adjusting to a safe life after living on the streets of New York City and in the shelter. When I first brought him home, he was very leery of a three-foot tall skinny wooden painted cat next to a bookcase.

He still alerts when he hears noises in the hallway. A dog barked in the hallway and he looked outright startled. I can't imagine how he felt at NYC Animal Care and Control with all those dogs barking 24/7.

But mainly, Vincent sleeps. He loves to sleep ... usually on me or next to me. I feel a bit guilty right now because I wouldn't let him on my lap as I write this up. He's a dear, but he is going to have to get used to the fact that he can't be on me all the time! Then he purrs and looks at me, then on my lap again. However, I return to work tomorrow and he will have to be alone. I think he'll be fine. He'll sleep and save up his purrs for the evening.

Vincent is very well-behaved. Although he can jump, he doesn't get on the kitchen counters or in the trash. He doesn't scratch the furniture and only uses his sisal cat scratch pad for that. He doesn't meow, although I know he can. The night I got him home, he jumped in the carrier and let out a loud meow as if to say "Put this away! I'm HOME now!"

The NYC AC&C gave me a bag of Science Diet cat food telling me it's what he's been eating. Well, that's because that's what they were giving him! I decided to open one of the cans of food I had bought in preparation for him and he went crazy for it! Why, he all but meowed! He does make the chirping sounds that cats tend to make.

I believe I made a good choice with Vincent. He seems thrilled to be in a safe home and has definitely decided he idolizes me. I know the relationship will grow. He is certainly a lovebug kind of cat. Onto my week ... clicking on an image will open it larger in a new window.

Track Five 5 Five

I took this shot last Saturday at Newark Penn Station while waiting with Vincent to get our transfer train home. One of these days I'm going to have to walk around Newark Penn. These days it's a lot more historical and cool-looking than New York Penn. When I was a child, New York Penn Station was supremely cool. Then they tore it down and gave us a cheap substitute.

Who's that cat?

Why, it's Vincent and he's sleeping! I really love that touch of a gray toupee that he wears.

City Hall Flowers

I took a walk downtown and noticed these flowers growing in planters outside of the Plainfield (NJ) City Hall building. Naturally, they became photo fodder.

Eek! Deadly nightshade coming out of the sewers!

Yes, the deadly nightshade has taken root in this sewer. I love the colors of the plant and know it's not all that deadly. Perhaps ill-advised, but it would take a lot to kill.

Look! Vincent is sleeping!

I tell you, he's doing a lot of that. He gets sleeping really soundly, too. I believe that will wear off after a while. Seeing him at home makes me think he had a really rough time of it on the streets and in the shelter.

Farmer's Market in Plainfield

I deliberately made a trip downtown for this as I'm always scheduled to work the days they're in Plainfield (and all the other local farmers markets in nearby towns, too). Wednesday and Sunday. Why can't the farmer's markets be set up for my days off? Wednesday isn't a bad day ... why not? Why Monday and Thursday while I'm at work? This is the Stillwell Farms of Robbinsville -- great NJ fruits and vegetables!

Mmm, mmm, good

I bought some peppers, strawberries, green grapes, and potatoes while there.

Plainfield City Hall

"Erected by the people to inspire zeal for the common welfare and dedicated by them to the cause of just and capable government." Um, okay. Seems to be a lot of brouhahas about the local government these days. The mayoral race should be interesting. BTW -- Mayoral candidate Jim Pivnichny commented on my photos last week. I'm not sure about my vote yet, but I have to say he's out and about really trying to get involved. That's a good thing.

Latino Heat and Flash Tattooing Car

Watchung Avenue in Plainfield. I think the Flash Tattooing car had to be painted by the Custom Underground folks -- both businesses are just around the corner. The Latino Heat bar used to be the Rusty Nail, if memory serves. I haven't been in it in either name. Thinking about it, I've lived here for about eight years and never have been in a bar in town. I have indeed been in the Plainfield Donut Shop, though. Maria rules and she'll see me at 6:20 tomorrow morning!

Please get that camera out of my face

This is as much as I'm going to open my eyes for your camera. Quit it. I'm sleepy.

I SAID ...

Darned paparazzi!

Mi Bodega

While I don't frequent the local bars, I do frequent the closest bodega. They tout it as a supermarket and, while they're really nice folks, it's not really a supermarket. The frozen foods are mainly ice cream and ices related. They have bananas, onions, and potatoes for produce. They do have a selection of fresh meats and deli items. Canned goods, soda, milk, juice, bread, cigarettes, and newspapers, as well as deli sandwiches, seem to be the real meat of the store.

Look! I'm an EAGLE! Master of my domain!

King of all he sees, a pigeon perches on a chimney at the corner of Berckman and East Second in Plainfield.

Rest in peace: Patrick Swayze, Mary Travers, and Henry Gibson. I feel some of my childhood (with the latter two) has been taken away.

The Amazing Race 15 - Meet the Cast - Part 1

Well, Phil is excited about the season ahead ... strongest cast ever? Hmmm. Let's check them out!


Aw, met in elementary school, almost inseparable for the past five years. At least they're not "testing" their relationship. I hate that with dating couples on TAR. They both seem athletic and are into sports. She doesn't like that he tries to quell disagreements with humor rather than seriously talking things through. But they're head over heels in love. Who wants to bet one or both of them call each other "babe"?


Oh, no ... a ho on the show? I'm sorry. I couldn't resist. What's with these professional poker player careers going on these days? I don't recall that being a career option during my school days! That said, I think I like these two. They're smart, Maria speaks Mandarin Chinese if they travel out that way, they're both well-traveled. And, more importantly, they have spunk. Even Lou Grant would call that a good quality for the show.


Marcy and Ron want to prove that 60 can be sexy and energetic. These two met on an online dating site and have been dating a year. Uh-oh, they want the race to strengthen their relationship and identify potential areas of conflict. Now, that doesn't sit well with me -- the pressure of the race is nothing like anything they will encounter down the relationship road. They're both into athletic activities. I'd like to see sexy 60 do well.


Dating for over two years, Lance proposed to Keri last winter. Argh -- they use the words "test their relationship" in the bio. I told you before, I don't want to hear those words. I'd rather someone say, "Let's see if we don't kill each other in a foreign country." Putting that aside, Lance is said to have an "über-aggressive personality and is admittedly confrontational." I say brouhahas.


Keep in mind that the short guy is 6'3". The sheer size of these guys might work against them in some flights, detours, and roadblocks. I always have a bit of a soft spot for the work of the Harlem Globetrotters. I think I'd like to see them do well. I leave now humming "Sweet Georgia Brown."

The rest of the cast will be up before long. However, it is inadvisable for you to sit holding your breath. I'm thinking along the lines of another entry tomorrow, then one midweek to finish it up. I don't want to be responsible for any breath-holding until Wednesday!

Survivor: Samoa - Season Premiere Blog Party Post

The show is about to begin here on the East Coast. As it airs, I'll update this post with any major happenings. However, the real action is in the comments section! Please feel free to join in with your thoughts while having fun with friends. Late tonight my show review will be posted on TV Squad. And ... how about Zoetawny's blog logo for the season? Have I mentioned lately that she (and all of you) rock?

Special thanks goes to Margo for running the blog pool -- here it is!
**SURVIVOR POOL MATCH-UPS**

Ashley - ChicMc, Estelle
Ben - gaylos, Karen in CA
Betsy - Donna in AL, Sydney
Brett - Lars, Tessa
Dave - Caroline, Laura in Miss
Elizabeth - Nana in NW, txrednkgirl
Erik - Delee, Rbennie
Jaison - Donna in FL, chris
John - Joe in NY,
Kelly - Lisanne, Meb
Laura - DKNYNC, ML
Marisa - Joanie, Terry in CA
Mick - Monty924, Jackie
Mike - Lynn1, Zoetawny
Monica - PDXGranny,
Natalie - Margo,
Russell H - Becky, Jennasmom,
Russell S - Sizzie,
Shannon - Auntie Leigh,
Yasmin - Laurie

Survivors ready? It looks like we have a good group of characters this season! Tonight's episode --

"The Puppet Master"
The castaways arrive in Samoa and are divided into tribes; each tribe must immediately select a leader, without speaking.

The tribes were already chosen for the opening --
Foa Foa and Galu (sp?), Foa Foa (with my man Mick) won reward.

Galu wins Immunity.

Argh! Evil Russell's evilness won out -- Marisa was voted out.

Big Brother 11 - The Evel Dick Backyard Interviews

For your morning after amusement, beware -- language can be a bit raw at times. After all, it's Evel Dick.

Big Brother 11 Finale Show Blog Party

First, I'd like to thank everyone who's visited the blog this season, left comments, sent donations, birthday wishes and cards, consoled me on my personal loss this season ... you're all wonderful and you're what makes this blog a special place! Thank you!

Just because Big Brother is ending doesn't mean we end here. We'll be having blog parties and posts for Survivor, Amazing Race, and even touching on shows like Heroes and Lost. If there's enough interest in shows I might not watch, I'm always willing to set up a discussion post for folks to talk about those shows, too. I noticed we picked up some great new folks in the community this season and you're invited to stick around!

Without further ado ... let's get into the grand finale blog party!


Earlier today Kevin stole his colorful hoodie out of Natalie's luggage only to have her steal it back again. He finally gave in, but he really wanted that and it was his. Natalie shouldn't be wearing other people's clothes and then demanding to keep them. Low class, I say.

We've had dudes ...

We've had meltdowns ...

But it's now time to crown a winner ...

And, the winner is ... ROOFUS the Cat! Well, if the world was according to graphic artist Zoetawny and me, it would be!

The show is about to start here on the East Coast. While this post will be updated with major events as the show airs, the real fun is in the comments! Everyone is welcome to join in! Lots of beverages, lots of snacks, and really comfy seats abound. Later tonight my actual show review will be posted over at TV Squad.

9:20 PM - Still recaps, rehashing, and last ditch scheming.

9:40 PM ET - Still no real news. Jury has been quibbling.

Jordan wins the final HOH in a tiebreaker!

She evicts Kevin. It's Natalie an Jordan in the final two.

The voting is complete, but not revealed yet.

JORDAN HAS WON BB11!!!

Four votes needed for the win ...
Key order --
America - Jordan
Jessie - Jordan
Lydia - Jordan
Russell - Natalie
Jeff - Jordan

Michele - Jordan
Kevin - Natalie

Jeff won the 25 grand as America's favorite HG.

Big Brother 11 Live Feeds Into Tuesday Dawn 9/15

Their last full day and their last night in the Big Brother house. It's special, it's bonding ... and we had the first banner plane of the year (other than Zoetawny's). Here are the events from inside that Big Brother House of Loquacious Lollygaggers:

• They got up early -- before noon, even.
• Kevin, alone, went through rehearsing his plea to the jury. He used three phases -- 1. let stronger personalities like Jessie create targets for themselves, 2. backstab Jeff to make his big move, 3. win comps.
• He's also determined to work in the first BB win by a gay/lesbian angle in there.
• Natalie's fear of bugs has her afraid to sit on the backyard couches. Good. Let her stand for the rest of her life.
• I apologize. That was mean.
• As they were in the backyard, all of a sudden there was Beatles music -- it was a line from "Martha My Dear" -- "Hold your head up, you silly girl, look what you've done." Very odd. I hope they were referring to Natalie!
• Then ... look, up in the sky! It's a banner plane! And cut the feeds.
• Kevin was pointing, but no one seemed to read what the banner said.
• At least that's what they said.
• They talked about what they're wearing for the finale. Kevin doesn't want to go out looking like a straight boy.
• Natalie critiqued all of his choices.
• Natalie told Kevin that if he doesn't take her to the final two, he has no chance of winning.
• She also pressured him again ... and again ... and again.
• Jordan refused to wash pans Natalie dirtied. Natalie is not a dishwashing kind of gal and Jordan is tired of it.
• Jordan thinks America loves Jeff, not her. She would pay bills with any winnings.
• Jordan still has Kevin and Natalie wondering which one she'd take if she wins the last part of the comp. In private, she's told each of them she's taking them.
• I'm not sure either. I hope it's Kevin just because I'd rather Natalie not get the second place prize.
• I know. I'm being mean again.
• They did some packing. Jordan would like to take the leftover food home if they weren't going to do anything but throw it out.
• Natalie told Jordan that Kevin told her he'd better win or she (Natalie) is going home.
• Natalie tried to defend herself from any underhanded moves by blaming them on Jessie.
• Jordan and Kevin kept questioning Natalie about her actions. She kept throwing Jessie under the bus.
• They're all asleep as I post this. It really looks like Kevin is trying to distance himself from Natalie a bit. He's being more outspoken with her. But it could be wishful thinking on my part as I want a Kevin/Jordan final two.
  

Meet the Cast of Survivor Samoa, Part 2

As promised, here's part two of my Survivor Samoa castaways quick takes. If you missed the first ten, you can catch up here or by using the Survivor tag for the blog. Without further ado ...


Laura: A wife of 21 years and a grandmother. Ah, so she's my age! Er ... 39? Laura is Hawaiian. I assume that's why there's a flower in her hair. She's not going to San Francisco, she's going to Samoa. She's a conservative Christian. With the exception of Vecepia, I can't think of a conservative Christian I've really enjoyed on the show. We'll see.


Marisa: Here's your country girl next door, raised on a farm with eight siblings. You know, of the women I've written about, she might do best at surviving the actual elements. She isn't all about the farm -- she's spent time abroad. I'm not getting much other than the girl has spunk from her bio. I'll have to see if she can get along with the people game part of the show.


Mick: The moment I saw the name "Mick," I figured there would be a Mike. I bet Mick is a Mike. No one is Mick unless they're Jagger or a mouse. How come my doctors never look like him? I think I might just like the guy -- someone who says they'll buy a vacuum cleaner and pay off their student loans sounds much better than sob stories or silver platters to me.


Mike: And here's our Mike. My caption cuts it off, but he's got this long braided thing going on with that goatee. He lost thirty pounds to go on the show, but I'm wondering how he'll do out in the elements. It sounds to me like the only thing on his side for the win is that he's a huge fan of the show who has watched every year. I get the feeling I'll like him but he'll be picked off early. I hope I'm wrong about the early part.


Monica: She's going to miss partying, clubbing, and lunches with her friends. If she wins, her first purchase will be a designer purse. Now, don't get me wrong -- I respect her academic achievements. But I don't think I'll like her. They mention Parvati in her bio. I didn't like her. Prove me wrong, Monica.


Natalie: Uh-oh. That name is a bit tainted for me due to the Natalie on BB11. Ill try to get over that ... sort of like a bad dream. This Natalie is touted as a Southern Belle, a term which could never be apropos for BB11 bad dream girl. She sounds like she might be determined and scrappy enough to do well.


Russell H: This is the Evil Russell from the promos. I think that's going to automatically label the other Russell as the Good Russell and give him a larger fan base. I don't like this man. He's a wealthy man, yet refused to replace a missing tooth. I don't know, I wouldn't be surprised if he shot a man in Reno just to see him die. He's mean, he's a bully. I hope he gets the boot quickly, but I fear he won't.


Russell S: Ah, the Good Russell. Son of a steelworker in Pittsburgh, he's made something of himself. He's been poor, he seems to have ideals and morals. I don't know if he living off the land while shivering experience, but he might do well. He has a sense of humor -- he said he'd cut off his dreads if he wins.


Shannon: Here we might have our Mad Dog ... a younger version and an ex-Marines sergeant, not a cop. Mullet and all, I think we're going to have a character on her hands. Unlike the last female castaway with a mullet, I get the tough cookie vibes from Shannon.


Yasmin: Sassy Yassy, eh? Not sure if traditional sass might be the best strategy for a win. She says she has a know-it-all attitude which may rub people the wrong way, but she doesn't care. I say she must not care about the million if she doesn't expect to rein in her attitude. The future will tell.

Meet the Cast of Survivor Samoa, Part 1

My apologies for getting this started so late. Darn that Big Brother and real life getting in my way of entertainment! This is part one of two of my look at the cast of Survivor: Samoa which premieres this Thursday night. I'll be doing blog party posts for the show as it airs here on the east coast. So, please mark your calendars and stop by for the fun!

In the meantime as we wait for the season premiere, here's a cheat sheet as we know we'll forget names in the beginning and my quick take on the castaways. It seems we have a lot of law students and lawyers, blondes (I know I'm going to be confused with them), a bartender and a mixologist (same thing), and two Russells. The Russells are easy to tell apart -- one is bald, the other has long hair. All in all, it looks like a fairly diverse cast, unlike some other shows.

Survivors ready?


Ashley: Young, outgoing, flirty, kickboxing. Hmm. Unless she has some tricks up her sleeve I'm not seeing in the CBS bio, I think her chances of winning are slim to none. She'll miss her mommy.


Ben: Whoops, in my photo caption I forgot to mention he's really from Kirksville, Missouri. Most people from Los Angeles aren't. I like his eyes. But he calls himself a mixologist. I didn't like it when Memphis did that, I don't like it now. Dude, you're a bartender. He sounds like a good ol' boy kind of guy. He may do well, but he may irk me. I'll wait and see.


Betsy: Will she be our Mad Dog for the season? As long as she keeps her teeth in, I'd love to have another Mad Dog on the show. A former hippie clean and sober for 21 years and only a cop for a year now. Uh-oh. She won't be a Mad Dog. She has the pity card -- a husband with cancer in remission and no health insurance. But I don't think she can count on the million.


Brett: This kid might have some potential. Something screams friendly about him. Although he's young and healthy (often targeted), if everyone likes him, he'll stay in there for a while. He says he's a flirt. Well, if it wouldn't be cougarish of me to say, he could flirt with me. Perhaps if I were 30 years younger, I'd flirt right on back.


Dave: In his bio, he comes across as an odd duck -- a bit like Ben last season, hopefully not as egocentric. "Fiery personality," opera degree, "rock and roll rebel." Um. Okay. Don't see him getting the million on first observation!


Elizabeth: She has a genuine-looking smile. I like that. She'd be my local choice for a win -- Franklin Lakes, NJ/NYC. Smart, opinionated, and blunt. Eek ... the last two aren't always the best traits for winners on the show. I still think she might do okay ... for a time. The winner? I don't know. If she can handle the people skills ...


Erik: Eep. I spelled his name wrong on my caption. He has a K. Forgive me. A self-proclaimed bartender and womanizer. It's the Anti-Memphis! His special woman in his life is his dog. I don't want to know. He has two degrees but prefers to be a bartender. I'd say it's because he can pick up chicks! If he's a smooth talker, he might do well with the ladies. But how will he do with the men? I see target written on his back.


Jaison: Now, he looks like your basic solid upstanding kind of guy -- undergraduate degree from Stanford, working on his law degree in Chicago, clean-cut. Why, I even think he might have manners. How did he get on the show? He was named Mr. California by Cosmopolitan Magazine ... that's how. He seems smart, has a game plan, and is in good physical shape. Will he be sneaky enough? I don't know.


John: Rocket scientist, eh? The bio page calls him a "charming, cocky genius." He is very nice-looking. He'll be good eye candy for me. But folks who were born with a silver spoon and described as "cocky" tend to come off privileged and sometimes not so nice to me. I think all I'll like about him is his looks. And, if he's that smug about himself, the others will pick up on it and vote him off because he'll annoy them.


Kelly: Free spirit with an edgy twist, spontaneous with a desire to live her life to the fullest. I could be wrong here, but I get the feeling of "flaky" from her bio. If she lasts long at all it will be because she's a flake and no one considers her a threat in the game. Let's see if she gets them chanting mantras or something.

Stay tuned for the remaining ten castaways in part two!