Survivor Nicaragua - October 20, 2010 Episode Recap

Worst Case Scenario

Last week Espada voted out Tyrone and it was like it didn't happen... the episode opened the next day:

Espada - Day 15
It's windy and looks like rain and Dan tells Crazy-Pants Holly that he's ready to pack it in - he can't take 20 more days of the rain like that.  Holly tells him you can't just quit... she knows from her experience in the first few days that quitting is the easy way out - you signed up for something, suck it up and finish it (that is quite the change of heart, surprising how being in with the power players can make you feel stronger out there.)
- Yve goes and talks to Holly asking why she was left out in the dark about Tyrone - Holly thought Yve and Tyrone were in an alliance (because she's kind of clueless - did we ever even see then talk to each other?) Yve says they weren't and she actually thought she & Holly had each other's backs. (Yve, I think you have to spell things out for Holly...)  they agree to be more open and honest with each other.
-Holly tells Yve that Danny doesn't want to be there anymore - Yve is ready to use that information to her advantage - she's going to do what she needs to to survive.

LaFlor - Day 15
-Jill & Marty talking about the youngin's - He feels like he went from a serious drama to Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure (Wyld Stallyons!  Excellent! Imagine the electric guitar riff.)
-Jill & Marty are cleaning the dishes and gathering wood and keeping the fire going and everyone else is sleeping all day - they think their efforts will ingratiate them with the tribe.
-Jill knows they've been dealt a difficult hand - came into a tribe that had bonded tightly down in the numbers and she feels they'll get rid of them as soon as they can.
-Brenda says they are still divided - younger and older - actually, younger plus Jane, she fit right in with them.  She wants to have 3 vote Marty and 3 vote Jill to flush out the idol and make sure one of them goes home.  (I don't think Brenda's even on Marty's radar - she's the leader and he doesn't seem to realize it.)

CHALLENGE - Marty thinks it's awesome they voted out Tyrone.
Jeff tells them today they are playing for individual immunity (two necklaces) because both tribes are going to go to Tribal Council and vote someone out.

Immunity Challenge: They have to race out to an individually marked digging area - using a paddle they have to dig up a rope ring, use the paddle to toss it over their shoulder into a basket they'll have tied around their waist - ten race back to the start with it.  First person to get all 3 of their rope rings will win immunity and a place in the second round Reward challenge.  The two immunity winners will play a game of ring toss - first one to get 3 rings on the hooks will win a feast for their tribe.  The winning tribe will go to Tribal Council first and vote someone out then listen in on the 2nd tribal council while feasting on chicken & beef kebabs.  They all want the food!
Espada goes first - The hardest part seems to be getting the rings in the butt basket - the girls are tearing it up and Dan is useless... Crazy Pants, HOLLY is the first back with all 3 rings and she wins immunity and a place in the Reward challenge. (Holly's strength is definitely physical.)
LaFlor - they are all pretty even getting the rings back - we're down to Jill & Kelly B going for the 3rd ring and it's JILL that wins immunity (That screws up Brenda's whole plan...)
Reward Challenge: Holly vs Jill - Holy gets the first ring on but they tie it up at 2 and ... Jill wins the feast for La Flor.

LaFlor - Day 15
-They come back all celebratory - Jill thanks Brenda for picking her to be on the tribe (gag me) then they bring it in for a 1,2,3, LaFlor! cheer.  Brenda tells the camera that cheer thing was totally fake - Jill & Marty, she can see their minds working - the worst case scenario has happened but they will still vote out someone they don't want.
-Brenda & Sash are talking- Sash thinks they should still split the votes - 3 for Marty and 3 for Kelly B (the girl with one leg) but tell Kelly B they're voting for Jane.  OK - done.
-Brenda says Kelly B has never been a part of their core group and she has a fake leg - people will give her a million dollars because they feel bad for her, so she's got to go and hopefully they'll flush out Marty's idol in the process.
-Kelly B says she likes Jane and would have liked to keep her around longer but she (Kelly B's) been on the outs and will vote how they tell her to.
-Brenda - Tonight's tribal council's going to be complicated for her - she has to try and keep all the ducks in a row but she can't rely on Fabio, he's really kinda clueless (kinda? She has a gift for understatement there.)
-Marty is talking to Fabio in the shelter - tells him he's a chess grand master - that he beat some Argentine grand master when he was a kid and that he has it all worked out if Fabio wants to make a move with them.  Fabio's eating it all up with a spoon.  Marty tells us it's all crap, he's not a chess grand master, the Argentine guy he mentioned was a tennis player - he can pull out anything from the 70's with these guys and they'll have no clue.  Marty wants to keep the old Espada together and he might be able to do that with Fabio.
-Fabio thinks this would be good deal - What Marty's dishing him he's taking in hook, line & sinker...(Oh my empty-headed, golden-haired boy, you are way, way too trusting - don't make a deal with the devil - he'll eat your soul!)

Espada - Day 15
-Holly feels bad about losing the feast for her tribe and especially bad that the other tribe gets to eat in front of them.  Holly knows her best bet for longevity (immunity or not) is to vote with the youngsters so it's obvious their choices are Dan or Yve.
-Holly talking to Dan - he's exhausted with this stuff - weather's bad, food is bad and he doesn't need the money, why is he here?  (Yeah, why are you there?)
-Benry talking to Chase Rice! and he wants to vote Yve out - she's a smart player and is playing for the million dollars - He knows for a fact Dan is not a threat so he'd like to keep him.
-Chase Rice! says he doesn't really trust Alina & Benry, he only trusts NaOnka and he wonders if his best move would be to keep Yve - he thinks he has enough of a relationship with Yve that, if they keep losing, he can get her to vote with them while Dan might vote with Benry.  (I think you're getting ahead of yourself there cowboy, are you going to be able to keep her around long enough for that to even be an issue? - I doubt it.)
-NaOnka says Dan's knees are about to give out - he's about to be walking on nubs - doesn't see why they should keep him in this game.  (I agree, it seems like a no-brainer to me - Dan wants to go, he's not contributing anything - B-Bye!)
-Yve knows it's her or Dan  - she tells Alina & NaOnka that she doesn't want to go home and Dan said he did - Plus - she knows the 3 on the other tribe more intimately than the others so she'll be a great asset to them in a merge. (Or they'll think she'll jump ship and run back to her old Espada friends.) Alina tells her they're on the same page...
-Then Alina tells the camera exactly what I thought - If you know them so well, why wouldn't we think you were going to switch on us (hey, I can still think like a twenty-something :)  Alina thinks she just gave them the perfect argument to get rid of her.
-Holly tells Chase Rice! & NaOnka she's 100% with them but Chase is being wishy-washy and he still doesn't know... Dan is weak, but Yve is a threat... NaOnka tells him not to think with his heart but his gut - she wants to vote Dan but if Chase wants to vote Yve then tell her - "I'll write her name down and smile in her face - that's out-witting." (She scares me.)

LaFlor - Day 15
-Fabio is whining that they have to do the Tribal Council before they eat - Good to see he's still playing the game - oh wait, yeah, he's not thinking about the game at all.
-Brenda tells Jane she's safe - pulls her off to tell her the plan - that they've wanted to get rid of Marty since he got there.  Jane says they still think she's with them but they've been her enemies since the beginning - Brenda tells her to vote Marty and she's in.
-Jane says she's as thick as peanut butter and jelly with the LaFlor tribe - she believes what goes around, comes around and for Marty & Jill, she hopes it goes the way Brenda's planned it.
-Sash talking to Fabio, tells him they want to flush out the idol so they're going to split the votes for Marty & Kelly B.  As soon as he tells Fabio to vote Marty though - he balks - He likes Marty, feels he's in good with him (Right now Sash should shut up... tell him to vote Kelly B then... Oooh, he's going to tattle.)  Sash is not convinced Fabio is with them - hopes the plan will work.
-Marty, Fabio & Sash are in the shelter, Sash tells Marty they are thinking Jane tonight - is he okay with that? (If Marty was looking at Fabio he'd know something was up - Fabio looks pained, no poker face on this kid.) 
-Marty tells the camera he was hoping to shake things up with Fabio but it might be too dicey, may just vote with the majority and vote Jane.
-Marty checks with Brenda that they're locked in on Jane tonight.  She asks if he talked to Sash (smart to ask the source before confirming for him.) 
-Brenda says it all weighs on what Marty does with the idol tonight - if he doesn't play it there will be a tie then they'll have to re-vote and decide: do they take out enemy #1, Marty, or a pissed off Kelly B who could win the whole thing? (Marty, definitely Marty.)
-Marty doesn't know why everyone is talking so much if it's a lock (Sash is telling Brenda that Fabio didn't want to vote Marty - She asks "What the Hell?) Marty's not sure if he should play the idol or not - think they'll vote Jane but it could be him tonight if he makes the wrong decision.

TRIBAL COUNCIL #1
Jeff remarks that there is an obvious disparity between the older and younger members of the tribe, Marty says they've been trying to make themselves worthy around camp.
Sash, on day one what did Marty do to make himself worthy?
 - He called a meeting and told us he had a hidden immunity idol.
Marty says he thought it was the best move to ingratiate himself, be open and honest and show them he's playing a straight game.  Hopefully it bought some good will.
Brenda, on one hand it was a gesture of goodwill but also a warning, watch out I got it...
 - Totally - I feel like he was trying to make it more noble than it really was.
So Marty, now you have to figure out if they're going to gun for you to make you play it or make you feel safe to get rid of you and the idol in one fell swoop.
- Definitely, you think I haven't been thinking about this?  This game is also about trusting but I'm getting mixed vibes so I have to trust my instincts as far as playing it tonight.
Kelly B - how far can you trust someone in this game?
 - You have to go with your gut instinct - people are going to tell you what they need to - so I wouldn't trust too many people.
Jane, how comfortable do you feel, are you part of the majority?
 - She plays it cool, says she's probably considered one of the weaker players.
Brenda, should Jane worry?
 - No, she should worry about Marty or Jill voting her out.
Marty is shaking his head.
Brenda nodding - That's the truth. (Wow, check out the balls on Brenda!)
Marty is put on the defensive - he looks SHOCKED that she's called him out like this (I LOVE IT!) he says she has nothing to worry about with the numbers we're 2 to their 5, it's idiotic.
Brenda - I'm not the one campaigning for her to go - you are. What did you say to me earlier today (She's a barra-barracuda.)
Marty says LaFlor made the call, he never offered up Jane, they did.
So, how comfortable are you feeling now Marty? (Jeff is such a shit disturber.)
 - Now feeling less comfortable - it would have been moronic for him to offer up Jane - he feels like he misjudged what he saw and realizes they're more duplicitous than he thought. (Did Brenda show too much or was that a calculated move to make sure he played his idol - I'm thinking the latter but she's let him know she's the grand master manipulator now - she better watch out.)
-Marty mouths to Jane & Jill to vote for Brenda.

Time to Vote:
Jane votes Marty - Don't ever fluff off a Southern woman - I ain't no sitting duck.
Marty votes Brenda - She's a black widow, black mamba and some other snake all rolled into one - you may not be going home tonight but the lines have been drawn (hey, welcome to the party) Marty's pissed he missed it.
Brenda voted Kelly B.

Tallying the votes: Marty did NOT play the hidden immunity idol (huh, Marty is a gambling man.)
Marty 1, 2, 3 - Brenda 1, 2 - Kelly B 1, 2, 3
They Tied.  So they have to re-vote for either Marty or Kelly B (It would be fantastic if he went home with the idol in his pocket.)
Tallying again: Marty 1 - Kelly B 1, 2, 3, 4 ... NO WAY - they voted out KELLY B.  (But Marty did look like his eyes were going to pop out of his head.)
Now they feast and get to listen in to the other tribe.

TRIBAL COUNCIL # 2
Espada comes in - NaOnka won't even look at them eating - she looks like she's going to cry - the rest of them are drooling over the food - it's very hard for them to sit there and hear them eating.
Jeff is rubbing it in: You can hear the ice in their glasses, bother you Dan?
 - As long as it's not a martini, it doesn't bother me.
What does bother you?
- Nothing, I wouldn't be here if things bothered me.
Getting voted out, would that bother you?
 - Yes. (Really?)
Yve pipes up - when you hear him around camp, everything bothers him, the weather, the cold - to the point of not wanting to stay. (Oh, she's playing it - hard - right out of the gate.)
Dan, have you wanted to quit?
- No, I complain, but not quit.
Yve, again - says it's constant negative energy from him and they need positivity around camp.
Jeff starts a pissing match between Yve and Dan.
She calls him a liability.
He calls her arrogant.
She says she's not the one talking about her 6 cars or 3 homes.
He says, no he is.  (That's her point.)
Alina confirms for Jeff that it is between Dan or Yve tonight - the liability or the threat...

Time to vote - means LaFlor has to leave with a parting belch (thank you Fabio).
Tallying the votes: Yve 1 - Dan 1 - Yve 2, 3, 4.... and they voted out YVE!  (wow, I would not have kept the lame duck - neither vote made much sense to me tonight - but I guess that's just me.)

So with Kelly B leaving: Kim B/Gail W, Nancy C. and Sheila D. are out of the pool
And with Yve leaving: Bob L., Lindsay J and Carol-Anne D. are out as well.

Next week: Sash reveals a crafty side (asks Marty to give him the idol), Jane reveals a sneaky side (cooking a fish all for herself) and Fabio reveals TMI - do not go in the water!

Have a great rest of the week everyone,

Coleen

Amazing Race - October 17th Episode Recap

We Should Have Brought Gloves and Butt Pads

The episode opened with the teams helping paint the school in Ghana during the Pit Stop - giving back - it looked good.  A cute little kid thanked them, "We love our school."  Awww... 
-Connor & Jonathan will be the first to depart at 10:15am (I hope the following day) - the clue tells them they are heading to the Arctic Circle... from the furnace to the freezer - they are flying 4500miles to Kiruna, Sweden.
-The teams have all been given tickets on the same flight to the Arctic circle but they are under no obligation to use them. Once in Sweden they must make their way to the world famous Ice Hotel to get their next clue.
-Team Glee are missing their college graduation during this leg of the Race.  They ask their driver to go faster but he tells them to take their time (Huh, these drivers got attitude in Ghana.)
-Mallory & Gary are the next out at 11:19am - she, of course, is SO EXCITED to be going to the Arctic Circle (she needs to dial back the sugar.)  So happy to get out of the heat.
-Craig & Stephanie next out - she hates the snow (uh oh.)
-Rachel & Katie next to leave - Rachel (I think) is excited go to Sweden, she's half Swedish but doesn't speak it - knows how to be mean in Romanian though (surprise.)
-Nick & Vicki - tattooed duo - get in the cab and he tells the driver they need to go to the Arctic Circle - you know? (Seriously?  Does this guy need to remind himself to breathe? How stupid is he?) Vicki tells him that's where they're flying.
- Claire & Brook next out and Brook is SO EXCITED to be going to the Arctic Circle (I think she & Mallory may be the same person - do we ever see them together?)  Brook & Claire decided to dress in bright clothes to try and make themselves feel better - now they're disappointed they'll have to put on more clothes for the cold.

-Team Glee at the airport see they won't be leaving until 4:30pm and hunker down to wait for everyone to catch up - Lame.

-Jill & Thomas next to head out - he says they have the express pass but he doesn't want to use it until he has to, otherwise it will be a waste.
-Nat & Kat head out at 1:12pm - Kat is excited about going to Sweden - her homeland, her people (don't know if she's really Swedish or if it's just because it's the home of the blue-eyed blondes.)
-Kevin & Michael are the last out at 1:26pm - they know they'll have a speed bump but they're focused and ready.  In the cab they're strategizing flight routes and Kevin uses the cab drivers cell phone to call the airport and check on quickest flights - they find a connection that will get them in 2hrs earlier.
-At the airport they realize no one else looked into changing flights and they decide to share the info with Gary & Mallory (Oh come on, there is such a thing as too nice.)  They get Mallory to bat her eyelashes at a guy and he's going to check if he can get them on the earlier connecting flight.  She says, "See, you gotta have a girl." (Well, enjoy the blond working for you in Africa, me thinks it won't be much of an advantage in Sweden.)
-Nat & Kat are in the Internet cafe at the airport looking for earlier flights.  The Shopping girls go looking for them because they admire the doctor's smart play (and want to ride their coat tails.)
-The airline guy gets back to Mallory & the boys and confirms they're booked on the earlier flight.  She's so happy she has blond hair.  But they do too much celebrating and Team Glee is suspicious, thinks there might be an earlier flight - so they head to the information desk.
-Nat & Kat book the earlier flight and when Brook & Claire track them down in the Internet cafe share the information with them (somewhat reluctantly but whatchagonnado?)
-Team Glee & the Volleyball girls try to change their flight too but they're told the other flight is fully booked, not switching for them.

-All the teams are together on the flight to Frankfurt - but those teams that changed their connecting flight have only 1 hr and have to sprint through the airport to get their connection - Brook & Claire, Nat & Kat and Gary & Mallory make it - Kevin & Michael are stuck in an elevator (What?  Why didn't they follow...) oh you tricky editors - they make the flight as well.

-First flight arrives and they get in their marked cars - Gary & Mallory drive right but the sign that says ICE HOTEL (in English no less) she yells at him to turn around.  The all girl teams turn right in - Kevin & Michael decide to follow Gary & Mallory (Okay, this may be sexist but why don't men read signs?  I don't get it.)

-The girl teams go into the ice hotel storage warehouse and see blocks of ice with the clue etched into them - in Swedish.  They have to figure out they need to go to Fjellesborg's Lodge to get the next clue.
-They other two teams arrive and Kevin & Michael get their Speed Bump - they have to sit on chairs made of blocks of ice for 10 minutes before they can continue.  Kevin is wearing soccer shorts, this is gonna hurt - Dad wishes he had those chairs in Ghana.

-Nat & Kat take their block of ice outside and ask someone what it says - he tells them it's a lodge by the lake.   Gary & Mallory don't even ask, they decide to just follow Nat & Kat (everyone just wants to be like them... this could be smart or could bite them in the butt if they lose them...)

-And, speaking of butts, Kevin & Michael are starting to freeze theirs.  Kevin is finding it very uncomfortable - pins and needles of ice - Dad is okay, he just kept alternating cheeks :)  They get the okay to move on and grab their ice clue - Kevin wishes they had gloves... and butt pads.

-Nat & Kat are leading the first 3 teams through the woods - supposed to be on an unmarked road but they're not sure if they're right - doesn't seem to be anything there.

-Kevin & Michael are the first ones to the lodge and find the clue box: ROADBLOCK: Who's feeling kind of slushy?
-Using a summer training sled they must drive a team of sled dogs down a marked trail where they must grab 5 flags along the way to trade for a shipment of fur pelts from a hunter.  For every flag they miss they must do a penalty lap around the camp before heading back to the start where they'll trade the pelts for the next clue.
-Michael (Dad) is doing the mushing.  He thinks it's awesome - he keeps saying "Good doggy." He's so cute.
-The other three teams get to the clue box and Mallory, Claire & Nat are going to be doing the mushing.
-Everyone is having a great time doing the dog sledding - Claire grew up on a ranch so she felt comfortable and like a tough outdoors woman.
-Michael got all 5 flags so he got the pelts right off and headed back.

-2nd flight arrives in Sweden and they 5 other teams head out - Team Glee is leading the pack and my team, Chad & Stephanie, are bringing up the rear... (Come on guys!)

-Meanwhile- Mallory is too short to grab the first flag - this could be problematic - she realizes she has to balance on a higher bar on the sled to reach the flags. 
-Mallory & Claire both pass Nat on the trail - she needs to whip those dogs (not literally, but she could be more aggressive.)
-Mallory first to the hunter but she had to do a penalty lap for missing one flag, Claire gets her pelts right off though and after taking their 'kiss count' to 6 (she kissed the hunter guy) is on her way back.  Mallory finishes the lap and heads back as Nat gets there to get her pelts.

- The 2nd flight teams all get to the ice hotel and most of them just write the words down on paper instead of lugging the blocks of ice outside (smart) - It helps that all the people they ask seem to speak English - they're all off to the lodge except Jill & Thomas, who did lug the ice outside - by the time they get out everyone is gone - Hmm, that didn't work so well.

-Michael & Kevin are the first done the mushing and get the clue to make their way to the train station for the next clue.  Claire & Brook 2nd, Gary & Mallory 3rd, Nat & Kat 4th and they're all heading to the train station.

-The next 4 teams get to the clue box but Jill & Thomas are nowhere to be found.  When they do arrive they see they are last, miss the arrow showing the way to the sled dogs and start running the wrong way... uh oh, express pass time now?
-Connor, Nick, Katie and Stephanie are running the dog sleds and everyone is having a blast with it - Stephanie has wanted a husky forever and it looks like Chad may have no choice after the race.
-Jill & Thomas realize they must have gone the wrong way when they still haven't come to the task - They head back - Jill asks if they should use the Express Pass now but he doesn't want to panic yet (don't get caught with it buddy).  They make it back and Jill is going to do the mushing.

-Kevin & Michael get to the train station, it's cold, and they get the clue to the DETOUR - Sleds or Beds.
-In Sleds - they have to make their way to the top of the mountain and using an extreme sports gadget called a Tech Sled, they must speed down a difficult course.  Both team members must make the run in less than 1:58 - if they succeed they'll get the next clue - but if not they'll have to start over and try again.
-In Beds - they'll have to make their way to an encampment of decedents of the earliest Scandinavian nomads - then using traditional materials, they must construct a tent-like structure known as a ghoti - once it's completed and the inside is made comfortable for sleeping (pelts and a fire) the elder will give them the next clue.
-Kevin's scared his Dad won't be able to do the sledding so they go for Beds.  Ummm... I don't think they're campers - the locals are laughing at Kevin & Michael's first attempts to get the tent up.
-Nat & Kat decide to do the sleds - think it sounds awesome (I think it'd be fun... and scary... and exhausting if you had to do it over and over again.)

-Connor finishes the dog sledding, then Nick, Katie, Stephanie and Jill is last.  Chad is very aware that Jill & Thomas have the Express Pass so they are, in essence, last place.  Thomas tells us they may have to use the pass... (Could be an idea.)

-Kevin & Michael are making some progress - Kevin says they have camped before but they thought they'd be making a bed not a tent - trying to keep Dad focused but he just keeps giggling... (Altitude madness maybe, is that a thing?  I know it's just his way, but I think it's driving Kevin a little crazy.)

-Gary & Mallory get to the train station and are going to do the sledding - Brook & Claire are doing it too - Brook is excited and Claire is scared (she's always struck me as the more level-headed of the two.)

-Nat & Kat are excited as they head down the track for their run - it's so fast & icy that the brakes did nothing - Kat went off the track & was struck in the protective netting/fence.  Nat got to the end, "Where'd she go?"  Kat didn't make it down in 1:58 - they had to head back up the chairlift and try it again.
-Mallory & Gary head down and she comes in bang on 1:58 - celebration is cut short though as they're told they have to BEAT that time - they have to go again.  Dang it.

-Nat & Kat both beat the time on their 2nd run - get the clue to make their way to the Norwegian Border - the Pit Stop for this leg of the race.
-Brook & Claire both beat the time on their first run and Gary & Mallory come in right behind them (Brook & Mallory were together there and the world didn't implode, I guess they're not the same person after all.)
They all get the clue for the Pit Stop.

-Team Glee and Chad & Stephanie get to the clue box at the train station & they are doing the sledding.
-Chad is excited to do the sledding - Stephanie was not.  She's never done anything like that (hates the snow remember - I'm with you girl) but she wanted to hack it out for him.
-Nick & Vicki and the Volleyball girls get to the train station too and are doing the sledding too.

-Kevin & Michael complete tent and setting up the beds inside and get the clue for the Pit Stop.

-Jill & Thomas get to the train station and are going to do the Bed - Thomas says in the car they could easily bypass everyone and kill it with the Express Pass (then do it already, sheesh.)

-Connor & Jonathan are not so sporty - they both fall off the sleds.
-Stephanie nervous when they're told the track is running fast and to brake into the turns - they start down the run and she's now PETRIFIED!  She lost control and didn't know how to stop - she nearly runs into Chad and then falls off the sled.  He's NOT happy and starts yelling at her (guys like him are one reason I never did any team sports - my total lack of any athletic ability was another ;)
-Team Glee goes overtime - has to go again.

-Jill & Thomas get to the tent building/bed task and FINALLY decide to use their Express Pass - Thomas says, "This is the best choice." (yes, it is.)
-Stephanie is giving up on the sledding and he's pissed.  Lost their lead, everyone is there now... She's too scared - crying.
-Jonathan can't get the sledding - he keeps going over the side & falling off - they'll have to go again, again.
-Chad & Stephanie get to the Beds and he knows they're going to have to hustle... good thing he was a boy scout - he seems to have given up his pique, which is better rebound time than Nick showed last week.
-Nick & Vicki are more a physical couple than mental (she says with a laugh) they kill the sledding easily.
-Katie & Rachel having a hard time - they keep falling off the sleds and Katie loses hers over a ledge - they decide to switch tasks.
-Connor & Jonathan also still not having any luck - it was becoming truly painful for Jonathan - they decide to switch to the other task too.
-Stephanie & Chad see the Volleyball girls arrive (and they called them that too - I wonder if anyone knows who's who on that team :) Chad & Stephanie are relieved they're still in it.  They finish and get the clue.
-Volleyball girls don't pass the inspection of the inside of the tent on the first try - but they still finish before Team Glee.  They are all on their way now to the Pit Stop...

Here's How They Finished:
1) Nat & Kat - won a trip for 2 to Belize - So happy, they are a team to be reckoned with and want to be the first all-female team to win the Amazing Race.
2) Gary & Mallory - So happy
3) Brook & Claire - So happy
4) Kevin & Michael - They did their best and are proud of their improved performance this leg.
5) Jill & Thomas - Had to make an important decision and burn their Express Pass, but it was smart I think.
6) Nick & Vicki - She's so happy they did better this leg (and he didn't have another tantrum.)
7) Chad & Stephanie - She's also so happy - she was worried he'd be disappointed in her.
8) Katie & Rachel - Brought their block of ice clue to the mat - (Huh?) They made it by the skin of their teeth.
9) Connor & Jonathan - sing the graduation march as they get to the mat - **ELIMINATED** Oh man, they miss their graduation and get eliminated on the same day... that sucks.  They look at it positively though, this was an incredible experience and it's like they graduated from the Race today - they skip off, sing an elimination song and click their heels (I'm going to miss those singing boys.)

So, with Connor & Jonathan leaving that means Miranne D, Roxanne S, Sharleen H, Bernice W and Nenad M. are out of the pool.

Next week Nat & Kat have to eat something gross and Claire is left hanging - telling Bam to shut up (I bet everyone has wanted to do that.)

Have a great week everyone,

Coleen

Survivor Nicaragua - October 13, 2010 Episode Recap

Turf Wars

Espada - Night 11
The episode opened as the older tribe returned to camp from voting out Jimmy T.  Holly is upset that Jimmy T was voted out.  She thought they wanted to keep the tribe strong yet Jimmy T could do handstands over Danny - she doesn't get it.  She knows she's on the outs and something's gotta change.

Espada - Day 12
-Marty thinks Tribal Council was a slam dunk - "You can't get cocky in this game but I am now in control of this tribe." (Ha, he's so humble.)
-Marty's telling Dan they're good for 2-3 more Tribals - Jane & Holly will be the next two to go.  Marty tells the camera -"It will take something off the charts, completely whacked out to upset my plans now." (Oh yeah, he's asking for it.)

La Flor - Day 12
-NaOnka is so proud of their young tribe - she's got her core 5 alliance and they're controlling this game right now.  She got her hair did, her swag - if she looks good she's gonna do good... (wow, she's tempting fate too.)

Challenge... or is it?
They come in and get on their mats and Jeff tells them to drop their buffs - They're switching tribes (suckers!)  No one is happy about it.  Marty was not ready for this - too early.  Jud/Fabio was looking forward to keep winning - this sucks.
-They all have to draw rocks out of a bag to determine the captains of the tribes.  Brenda gets the yellow rock for La Flor and crazy pants Holly gets the blue rock for Espada.  Brenda has to choose 3 members of the older tribe to join La Flor and Holly has to choose 4 members of the younger tribe to join Espada.  They write their picks down for Jeff to announce...
Joining the younger tribe are: Jane, Jill and Marty and joining the older tribe are: Alina, Benry, Chase Rice! (anyone remember Arrested Development? I always think Chase Rice! like Steve Holt!...)  and NaOnka (Really? You can tell they don't really know each other's personalities by these picks.)
New Tribes are now:
La Flor: Jane, Jill, Marty, Jud/Fabio, Kelly B, Brenda, Kelly Purple and Sash
Espada: Alina, Benry, Chase Rice!, NaOnka, Dan, Holly, Yve and Tyrone
-This is also the end of the Medallion of Power - (wha wha wha...)
-NaOnka is not happy to be away from her family (by which I think she means Brenda) and Marty can't argue with winning and he thinks camp is going to be really lush so looking forward to that too.

Reward Challenge
Two members of one tribe will throw/roll a ball (about the size of a squash ball) up a wall, it will roll down the other side hitting little blocks along the way and changing course (like Plinko) down the wall where two members of the other tribe will be waiting to catch it.  If a ball hits the ground, the throwing tribe gets a point.  When a point is scored they will switch out the pairs.  First team to 3 points wins Reward... and they are playing for Chickens!  (Well, 2 chickens and a rooster - and they gave them a coup this time, darn - no epic chicken chase this season I guess.)  Jane is ready to wring that chicken's neck.
They get started and it's more difficult than they thought predicting where those little balls are going to come down. Espada scores first point when Sash drops a ball.  La Flor scores next on Tyrone drop - they go back and forth and are tied - when Marty does a valiant juggling act but ultimately drops his ball and the new  ESPADA wins the Reward.

Espada - Day 12
They return to camp and Tyrone's welcoming to the new members - but he tells the camera he would have liked to keep the old tribe, they had a good machine going... but he likes having the pretty young girls around, there may be some flirting going on (Oh man, keep away from NaOnka, she'll cut you.)
-Tyrone proceeds to tell them the rules of camp - the machete goes here - if you leave camp, come back with wood, put it there...etc.
-Alina says Tyrone is definitely the leader here and the way things are in camp is definitely the older tribe.
-NaOnka - "At LaFlor we didn't have any rules and here Tyrone thinks he's G (gangster) but he's not."
-Holly is excited for the new blood - she's trying to ingratiate herself with the kids - telling the boys they remind her of her son and Alina her youngest daughter - they chit chat.
-Holly is off talking to NaOnka and Alina - Holly thinks she has a better chance of going farther with the kids so if they come to her she's 100% on board. (She's so desperate - didn't she learn from Wendy to take some time before forming alliances - she's not a rocket surgeon.)
-Alina tells Holly she doesn't feel like she lost anything coming over and NaOnka chimes in - "Me neither" (Rrriighht.) 
-A much more humble NaOnka is making nice with Alina now, she knows she has no choice, she has to go with the numbers.

LaFlor - Day 12
-Fabio says he's happy with how the switch worked out.  He thinks Marty, Jill & Jane are all cool and they still have the numbers wth 5 old LaFlor members to their 3.
-Marty is asking them the rules and protocols of their tribe and they all look like deer in headlights - Brenda says they're more chill, they just do whatever.
-Jane is happy, these kids are more like her - the old Espada was all schedule, schedule, schedule.  Jane tells Brenda & Kelly B not to trust Marty & Jill, that they've been tight as ticks.
-Marty is asking Fabio (yeah, there's the brain trust of the tribe) about hidden immunity idols - Fabio shares the story of NaOnka knocking down Kelly B and taking the clue for herself.  Marty can't believe they let that happen and they let her get away with not sharing the clue.  Fabio says to him (I kid you not) "Well, we're the young tribe. I guess we don't really know what we're doing." (Why would you say that?  And to Marty of all people?  I'd like to think this is part of Fabio's brilliant/stupid strategy, but I highly doubt it.)
-Marty thinks these kids are ripe for the plucking.  Everyone is gathered under the shelter and Marty tells them he's shocked they let one person take the clue to the immunity idol - that's like a cancer (oh yeah, that's the second carcinoma of the season) Brenda does not look pleased with this little analogy.
-He tells them he hasn't lied or had to back stab - he wants to get off on the right foot so he tells them he has a hidden immunity idol and pulls it out for all the marvel over his superiority... but to them it was complete stupidity.
-Brenda thinks Marty is so arrogant, telling them he has an idol, "What are you stupid?"  He's coming into our home and setting up like he's king.  That is the dumbest thing he could have done (Like my husband said, I hope Marty's ready to use that immunity tonight.)

Espada - Day 13
Windy, rainy and miserable - Benry says the resources are definitely sparse at this camp.  They built the shelter right off the beach and the roof is so high, it's really no shelter at all. 
-NaOnka is huddled, shivering in the shelter - she says she's worried about her head, when she gets cold she could just lose it (Uh oh, I'd be worried.)  She starts crying and is telling Alina she's breaking down, that she wants to quit.
-Alina says NaOnka seems like a high school girl - she's irrational and crazy and she seems like she's on her period all the time (hahaha) Rain is not that big of a deal.  Alina is also relishing Nay's distress, "Go ahead, check out, one less person for me to worry about."
-Chase Rice! comes over to comfort NaOnka and tells her a very touching story about when his Dad died and he saw a rainbow in the rearview mirror ending in the bed of his pick up but when he turned around it wasn't there, "That's how I know my Dad was good."  Oh man, and now he's getting all choked up too... (Okay, I'm jaded.  It was very kind of him to try and help her out but, really, how is that supposed to make her feel better?  And why are you coddling her?  I'm with Alina, suck it up buttercup - or get out of my way.)
-Espada spends a miserable night, thunder, lightning, wind, rain and the constant whimpering of NaOnka.

Immunity Challenge
Three members from each tribe will be strapped to a wheel (like a big watermill) while another 3 tribe members will turn the wheel and they will have their heads temporarily go under water (I said pardon? - No F'N way would I volunteer for that, it sounds like torture to me!) While submerged they will try to take in a mouthful of water that they will then spit into a bowl at the top of the wheel.  The water will run into a tube which, once filled, will release a ball into a chute - the remaining 2 tribe members will then use the ball to throw at, and break, tiles  - there are 5 tiles, first tribe to break them all wins Immunity.
-Both tribes have strapped the women to the wheel and they start to spin them - LaFlor is spinning their wheel too fast, the girls aren't able to spit as much water into the tube.  Espada is going slower and filling the tube much quicker - Espada releases their ball first and Benry & Tyrone start trying to break the tiles.  LaFlor isn't that far behind though and Jane & Fabio start in on the tile breaking too.  They tie up with one tile left and ... LA FLOR (with Fabio throwing) breaks their last tile and wins Immunity!
-NaOnka says she doesn't want her students to see her as a quitter but she's getting skinnier and she thinks she's done (Really?  You have a hidden immunity idol and the numbers in the tribe - you are a quitter.)

Espada - Day 14
-NaOnka believes Espada is cursed - how do you get the pick of the litter and still lose?  She doesn't care, she's over it - she just wants to go home.
-They want to eat before tribal and they're all ready to kill a chicken... all except Tyrone that is.  He sits down and says he's against it, they'll be cutting down on their egg production for instant gratification (why don't they kill the rooster - the chicken will still lay - see, they need Jane, she'd know that.) Oh, and they're only getting one egg a day anyway.  Tyrone says no but they put it to a vote and he's shot down.
-Chase Rice! goes and grabs one of the chickens and breaks it's neck.  They all help pluck it and prepare it and boil it.
-Tyrone stayed in the background because he didn't get his way but he was right there to eat the chicken and he actually took a larger portion than everyone else... which did not go unnoticed, especially by Alina and Benry who were still hungry, watching Tyrone savage the bones.
-Benry thinks Tryone is not an easy person to be on a tribe with, he'd be up for cutting him loose tonight but he's worried about Nay's mental state, she's hanging on by a thread - not sure if she's all there right now.
-Alina talking to Yve, letting her know that Nay's checked out and they want to keep the tribe strong so they'll vote for NaOnka.  Alina is banking on them having Holly so they can afford to lose Nay and still be in control of the game.  They are still deciding between Tyrone and NaOnka.

Tribal Council
Alina, How's everyone getting along?
 - She says everything was nice at first but there's a bit of a turf war, having to get used to their rules.
Benry, tell me about leadership, there are 4 members from each tribe...
 - Yeah, Tryone seems to be the boss-man - he's got a loud voice and what he says usually goes.
Tyrone, what comes with being the leader?
 - Huge responsibility, they come to you for guidance and advice.  He says he embraces the position, definitely thinks he's qualified.  He says he takes input from the others, doesn't make unilateral decisions (there is eye rolling from the younger tribe members) He says he finds Alina's comment about a turf war interesting and something they should address...
Alina, let's address it - what did you mean by turf war?
 -When we came in to camp it was a speech - this is how this goes... we've been surviving too.
(Tyrone shoots her a condescending "Whachootalkinbout" look.)  She didn't like being treated like a child.
Tyrone interjects - Just trying to introduce them to camp, it wasn't like laying down the law - maybe that's the generation gap - I don't know.
Alina, what was the toughest day out here?
 - She says the nights have been the worst - really rainy, drenched and cold.
NaOnka?
 - She says she never thought it would be this hard, last night she was shaking and so cold.
Is it the hardest thing you've ever done?
 - She says the hardest thing she's ever done is getting divorced at age 26 - she couldn't shelter herself from that storm and feeling responsible for the relationship failing but here she's had support and encouragement from her tribe mates.
Jeff seemed skeptical, points out they're all playing against her.
- She tells Jeff that it was a monumental night and she wanted to quit but they helped her through it.
Benry, when you see Nay struggling you must want to comfort her but the competitive part says -  see ya...
 - He plays dumb, asks Jeff to clarify what he means and successfully ducks having to answer (huh, well played Benry.)
You know what I'm saying.  Yve, you know what I'm saying right?
 - She bites - says she knows what he means and she was given pause by NaOnka's breaking down and questions her longevity in the game.
NaOnka, you had to know it wasn't good for you to breakdown...
 - She says she's not sure how she's perceived - Lot of smart people on this tribe - they could be keeping it 100 (keeping it real) and they know when to shut up (I think it's your turn[to shut up].)

Time To Vote:
Tyrone votes NaOnka -"Grown folks game - keeping it 100 - Peace out."
Benry votes Tyrone  - makes a speech about dethroning the king then knocks the bell off the table - my bad(really smooth.)

Tallying the Votes:
NaOnka - 1
Tyrone - 1, 2
NaOnka -2
Tyrone - 3, 4, 5... Wow - they got rid of TYRONE - (just goes to show you don't eat more than your share when everyone is starving.)
So with Tyrone leaving that means: Katie L., Nenad M. and Wendy E. are out of the pool.

Tyrone's parting thoughts: My plan by being a leader for this tribe initially stay strong - democratic.  But when LaFlor came over that switched.  It's a game where anything can happen and guess what? It happened.
*Interesting note - Holly and Dan voted for Tyrone, only Yve voted with him.

Next week: Dan wants a bus ticket back home to NY (telling Holly he's done) and Marty tells Fabio he's a grand master in chess (makes sense)... and there is another twist - Individual immunity maybe?

Have a great rest of the week everyone,

Coleen

Amazing Race - October 10, 2010 Episode Recap

In Phil We Trust

In this leg they are still racing in Ghana - Brook & Claire are the first to depart at 7:34am - they have to travel across town and find the Akotaku Academy to get the next clue.  The cab driver tells Brook & Claire that it's a place where they box and Brook is SO EXCITED!  Boxing!
-Volleyball girls are the next out at 7:35am (Oh, Katie & Rachel, still can't tell them apart.)
-Kevin & Michael next to leave at 7:45am - Kevin says it's hard for them to match up with the younger teams - Dad is 59.  It's worth more than the million dollars for them to stay in the race and experience these amazing countries.

-Brook & Claire get to the boxing academy - ROADBLOCK -(Brook squeals at all the burly men) - You have a Rocky road ahead - Boxing is the most popular sport after soccer in Ghana, there are boxing academies like this all over the country.  One team member must learn to properly wrap their hands before suiting up in training gear, next they must work on the speed bag for 60 seconds then jump rope for 60sec to get the next clue.
-Brook want to do it - they train at a boxing facility - apparently her nickname is Bammer.
-Katie & Rachel's cab driver is lost - "Son of a B*tch - Why didn't he say he didn't know where it was?"  They ask for directions.
-7:52am - Chad & Stephanie head out.
-7:58am - Thomas & Jill head out.
-8:01am - Jonathan & Connor jump in a cab and introduce themselves to their driver - Samson - Oh, such nice, polite boys.

-Brook's wrapping done - she kisses the trainer (of course) and starts on the speed bag.
-Chad & Stephanie are the next to the boxing academy (wow, they made up time) Chad is doing the boxing.
-Volleyball girls get there right behind them (I still don't know who is who) The blonde one does it for them (Ha!)
-Brook finishes and gets their next clue - to travel by taxi to another district and look for a marked supply depot for their next clue.

-Jill & Thomas' driver is asking for directions - they thank him for doing it early (much better attitude.)
-Jonathan & Connor ask in song for Samson to pass Michael & Kevin - He gets a kick out of it and passes for them.  They sing, "We love Samson." He says, "I love you too."  Awww, that's so cute.

-Nat & Kat heading out at 8:02am - they knew there would be times they'd be at the bottom but they have a never give up strategy and know from what they do for a living that when things look bad that's when you have to work harder, not give up.
-Nick & Vicki head out at 8:04am - their strategy is to communicate - it's huge - without communication you've got no race.  (I gotta say, Vicki is a pretty girl, why the facial piercings?)
-Gary & Mallory are the last to leave at 8:06am - they believe their bad luck is behind them with the flat tire and broken down cab - their goal is to move up this leg.

-Back at the boxing task - Chad is showboating while jumping rope and he trips up so he has to start the 60 seconds over again - which allows Katie/Rachel to beat him out of there.  He says he did get clowned by the girls but he looked better doing it - Stephanie laughing - that's all he cares about.

-Team Glee and Kevin & Dad get to the boxing as the other teams are leaving.  Connor and Kevin are doing the task.  Kevin thought it'd be too physical for his Dad to tackle in the 98degree heat (ouch).  Then Kevin has to re-wrap his hands while Connor moves on.
-Thomas & Jill, Mallory & Gary and Nick & Vicki get to the boxing - Thomas, Gary & Vicki are wrapping their hands.
-Connor also tried to jump fancy and messed up - Boys!  He finishes and they get the next clue.

-Nat & Kat are lost - they are in last place.  Their cab drove past the boxing academy and is in front of the volleyball girls and Chad & Stephanie.  Nat gets their driver to stop, blocking the other teams - those teams are both yelling at them to get out of the way - Nat asks Chad where the place is and he tells them it's back there, they have to turn around.   Katie/Rachel, "You dumb doctor."  Nat's cab driver is mad at her too - "Sit down, I will drive."   Nat's telling him they need to turn around.  He says no.  "Sir, we have to turn around." "No." (Seriously?  What the hell?  Is he kidnapping them, or is it just because they're women?) He finally stops and asks for directions.  Jeez.

-Kevin finishes boxing and they are currently 5th. Gary, Thomas and Vicki all finish one after the other and take off for the next clue.

-Nat & Kat finally get to the boxing academy and Nat's taping up her hands.

-Brook & Claire were stuck behind a semi then they run into a herd of very large beasts, cattle or yaks?
-Connor & Jonathan have caught up to them and get Samson to pass the Shopping network girls - Awww - that made the girl's hearts drop and the boy's sing (okay, that was cheesy.)

-Nat finishes the boxing and they're hoping they get good cab mojo with this next driver. (Don't jinx it!)

-Team Glee first to the supply depot - Route Info - Teams must choose a PAIR of wheel barrows and fill them with construction supplies. Then they'll take the supplies to the primary school up the road where the foreman will give them their next clue (provided they've brought the correct supplies.)
-2 wheel barrows, 1 bag of concrete, 2 bricks, 2 shovels, 2 brooms, 2 trowels, 2 scrapers - and Team Glee  are off.  It's hot and heavy but they get to the school and get the next clue...
-POP QUIZ - Africa is the 2nd largest continent on Earth and the teams' biggest challenge may be figuring out where they are... they have to sit in with an African geography class and correctly locate/label Ghana on the map - Once they get it right they'll get their next clue.
-Connor & Jonathan both give it a try but they keep choosing the wrong countries - it was embarrassing for them not to be able to locate the country that they were in, they're sure they'll get some ribbing from their Princeton schoolmates when they get home. 

-Brook & Claire finally get to the supply depot and apparently don't know what a pair is because they head out with only one wheelbarrow (Arrghh! Read the clue!)

-Jonathan finally correctly labels Ghana on the map and they get the clue for the DETOUR - Bicycle Parts or Language Arts.
-In Bicycle Parts they must learn a popular pass time of the local children - rolling a bike rim pushing it with only a stick - they have to go the length of a soccer field and back without letting it fall.
-In Language Arts - they choose a proverb with 8 highlighted phrases - each phrase corresponds to a certain symbol in a native visual alphabet - they will then go to a large cloth and they have to locate all their symbols in the correct order, circling them like a word search puzzle, to get their next clue.
-Connor & Jonathan choose Language Arts - they choose a rolled up proverb, Connor says, "In Phil we trust." then look for the decoder key - they find it around the corner of the school on the end of the building.  They find their 8 symbols - kidney beans, ladder, crazy... they looked for the one symbol that struck the eye then looked for their other symbols around it...

-Brook & Claire get to the foreman and he tells them they have to go back - Claire realizes they need another wheel barrow and they have to take it all back with them (Really?  That would totally suck!)
-Kevin & Michael arrive and start getting their stuff - Katie & Rachel are right behind them - Rachel says they need a pair of wheel barrows- Katie says she doesn't think they need 2, Kevin & Mike don't have 2 - Rachel, "Well, they're idiots." (Rachel telling it like it is - Does no one know what "a pair" means?)
-Brook & Claire pass Kevin & Michael on the road, they see they only have one wheel barrow but Brook says not to say anything.  They tell them they forgot something but stay mum on the wheelbarrow.

-Nat & Kat having more cab problems - they've pulled over and the driver is checking the engine... Over-heating?  He says it's okay and they getting moving again. (Bad puck-luck Jim.)

-4 teams get to the supply depot - Gary & Mallory, Chad & Stephanie, Jill & Thomas and Nick & Vicki.

-Kevin & Michael get to the foreman who tells them they need 2 trucks (wheelbarrows) Kevin - the girls didn't tell us (of course they didn't, it's a race man.)

-Next 4 teams are all loading up their supplies - these teams know what a pair of wheelbarrows is but Vicki misreads the bags of concrete and they take off with 2.
-Rachel & Katie get to the foreman and he turns them back - they need 2 trowels (only had one) and they have to take it all back with them... argh! That'd piss me off.  Rachel knows Katie being short with her isn't an attack - it's just what they need to do - good having that team mate relationship already developed.

-Connor & Jonathan find the symbols and circle them - one of the school girls gives them their clue and Connor hugs her (she looks like she'd really rather he not touch her - perv.)  They get the clue to the Pit Stop!  It's a rural farm of a local villager where they have to go by foot on the marked path.
-Connor & Jonathan find the marked path easily and are team #1! They won $5K each.

-Brook & Claire pass Kevin & Michael who are now heading back - Kevin sarcastically thanks them for telling him (they don't even notice - just focused on trying to get the heavy stuff to the school.)
-Brook & Claire get the clue and head into a geography class - Brook has no idea where Ghana is.

-Nick & Vicki get to the foreman and he turns them back because they have 2 bags of cement... and Nick turns into a Grade A a**hole.  He starts yelling at Vicki - Good job reading - she apologizes but he doesn't want to hear it, takes off without her - your sorries won't keep us from coming in last. (I would kick him in the butt and tell him he's doing all the reading from now on... what a jerk!)

-Gary & Mallory get the clue from the foreman and head into a geography class. The school conditions make Mallory appreciate the freedom, luxury and justice they have in the States.  Dad knows his Africa and labels Ghana right off - they get the next clue and decide to do the Bike Rim.

-Kevin & Michael, Chad & Stephanie, Thomas & Jill all get the clue from the foreman and head into geography classes.

-Gary & Mallory are watching the kids rolling the bike rims - Gary picks it up quickly, Mallory is praying to Jesus to help her... (I think he has bigger things to worry about - like all the injustice in the world.)

-Katie & Rachel get back to the foreman and rudely demand, "Can we have our clue." (I just can't like these two - they are not nice girls.)

-Nat & Kat finally get to the supply depot and they can read so they have no problems - Nat thinks it's too easy, worried they've missed something. (She better not ask all the turned back teams if they thought it was too easy.)

-Chad, Thomas & Katie find Ghana quickly on the maps - Brook (Bammer) finally correctly locates Ghana - they all decide to do Language Arts.
-None of them can figure out what they need to do - Claire sees a group of eight children playing close by and thinks they are the eight figures they have to circle so they go over and start drawing a circle in the dirt around the ring of children (I think this freaks the poor kids out - crazy white people are herding them...) and to make matters worse - the other teams start copying these lunatics - Chad & Katie are also drawing a circle in the dirt around some kids (Hahahhaah!) Finally Brook looks over at the school building and notices the huge symbol map on the wall... Ohhh, maybe the children have nothing to do with it - ya think?

-Thomas is the only one trying to find the decoder key - grabbing the kids schoolbooks and dropping them on the ground (classy) when they're not the key.  Katie & Rachel can't figure it out and decide to switch tasks.
-Kevin finally finds Ghana on the map and they get the Detour clue - also head out for Language Arts - also have no luck with it.
-Nat & Kat finally get to the school and have all the supplies right, they head into a geography lesson.
-Chad & Stephanie finally decide to change tasks and head out for the Bike Parts.
-Vicki  & Nick are in the geography class and she can't find Ghana, Nick is being his sunny self, "Are we really that stupid?" (Yes, yes, you are! Plus she's the only one doing anything, he's just complaining - I really would have smacked him I think.)  Vicki finally gets the right country and they head out to do Bike Parts.

-Nat & Kat find Ghana right away and are going for the Language Arts.
-Volleyball girls doing the rims - Chad does it pretty easily, and is enjoying how carefree the kids are.
-Nick can't do the bike thing and he continues to tantrum - he throws the rim and gives up - yelling at her to shut up and do the task for them.  She has asthma and starts having an attack, he finally realizes that he needs to calm down and help her through it - (No, still not making up for being such a jerk all day.)
-Brook & Claire still can't figure out the Language Arts and finally give up - switch to the bike rims.
-Nat & Kat give up quickly on the Language Arts - change to the bicycle parts.
-No one but the first team ever found the decoder key - Thomas even walked around the building to look at them all doing the other task and stood in front of the key but didn't see it...
-Kevin & Dad finally decide to switch too, Kevin is worried about his Dad doing the running but they don't have a choice at this point.
-Nat & Kat finish their two passes with the bike rims and get the clue to the Pit Stop but they totally miss the marked path and can't find the house...
-Michael can't continue with running under the beating sun - Kevin is urging him to not give up but they end up having to call medical help for him, get him hydrated and cooled down - he feels so bad, and wants to teach his son that he has to finish what he's started so Kevin walks him through his last pass with the rim...

Here's How they Finished:
1) Connor & Jonathan - going to use their $5K to buy maps of Africa.
2) Gary & Mallory - nothing broke down today. (Maybe I've underestimated the bubbly blonde girl.)
3) Chad & Stephanie - Woo! (eloquent)
4) Katie & Rachel - (phooey)
5) Nick & Vicki - He finally feels bad about his behaviour - she's a good teammate - didn't deserve his attitude today (Ya think?)
6) Brook & Claire - Phil tells them they are going to come back to the school tomorrow (all of them) and do some renovating of the classrooms - they all think that's awesome.
7) Jill & Thomas - happy they're still there.
8) Nat & Kat - Think it will be awesome to help renovate the school.
9) Michael & Kevin - Last team to arrive - **NON-ELIMINATION LEG**  Kevin says that's why you don't give up, Michael is so happy they'll still have the chance to visit more places together.  They will have a Speedbump to complete next leg.

So, no one was eliminated this week - and it was an especially happy Thanksgiving for the non-eliminated Bob L, Sharon R, Denise R, Sue & Hannelore and Gillian H.

Have a great (short) week everyone,

Coleen

Survivor Nicaragua - October 6th Episode Recap

Pulling the Trigger

Espada - Night 8
The tribe has returned from voting out Jimmy Johnson and they're all miserable - sitting around the fire in the rain. 
-Jimmy T tells us he's not going to miss Jimmy J too much. He gave a couple cheerleader speeches but nothing he (JT) couldn't do - it was obvious he wasn't gonna get too much playing time with JJ on the team.
-And then Jimmy T is singing tunelessly and everyone looks like they just want him to shut up.
-Marty says to the camera that Jimmy T is putting on the Jimmy T show - singing, being obnoxious - He just wants to hear his own voice - all he needs is to give Jimmy T a little bit of rope and he'll hang himself from the nearest branch.

Espada - Day 9
Their beach is all covered with mud and debris - must have had 8-10inches of rain inland and it's all running back to the sea right at their beach.
-Dan's had a rough couple days - he melted his shoe in the fire and he wishes he could eat it - they have no food.  Jane jokes she'd like a filet of sole.
-Jill says food is a huge issue for them - their fishing area has been washed out and they're not able to find food - they are down to 2 cups of rice a day and they're starving.
-Jimmy T is strategizing on how to fish - he's watching the pelican and thinks they have to throw the net in there - but he can't throw it out himself and he refuses to have Marty help him... (oy.)
-Jane says they're all gonna miss Jimmy J - he was a good fisherman and leader - she hopes someone will stop up to be captain and co-captain...(Jimmy T's trying, but he's an idiot.)

La Flor - Day 9
-They're trying to get fire started with wet wood - NaOnka didn't realize it rained last night, she slept so well (wow, I don't think I've ever heard anyone say that on Survivor before.)
-Brenda's trying to decipher the clue to the hidden idol and Nay wants to look for it today.  Brenda figures out the symbols mean dig 8yrds west of treemail - they go and find it.  Squealing girls...
-NaOnka tells the camera - "It's mine, it's mine. Brenda helped me find it but I figured it out - it's mine." (Oh sweet jebus.)  She puts the idol in her sock (you know, the pair she stole from Fabio).  She tells the camera that no one can stand in her way, especially a one legged chick - one shove and she's out of there. (classy)
-Alina & Kelly B can't stand NaOnka.  Alina, "She tackled a girl with one leg, how sick is that?" (She does have a point there.)  Alina & Kelly B decide they have to go looking for the idol (a little late there ladies) because Alina knows Brenda & Nay were looking for it that morning.
-NaOnka follows them and then decides she's going to scare them, play with their heads a little.  She asks them what they're looking for then starts in on Kelly B, "I don't like you - You're on the outs..." (Wow, it's like she sees the weakest of the pack and is trying to take her down.)
-Alina sticks up for Kelly B, thinks NaOnka is just a bully (yup.)
-Kelly B knows she was just looking for a reaction but she tried not to give her one - still she was hurt by NaOnka's unprovoked tirade.
-NaOnka tells the camera - Torturing Kelly B mentally may just force her out of the game.  I don't need a charity case on the jury - screw your leg, keep it away from the fire.  (Wow, I'm speechless - Nay is ruthless and definitely not playing a smart social game - I'm kinda hoping it bites her is the a**.)

Espada - Night 10
-Marty nominates Tyrone to lead them in the next challenge (trying to lead by throwing Tyrone in front of the bus are we?)  Jimmy T, of course, finds this tough to hear because he thinks he's a leader - but he doesn't want to be leader...
-Marty if you think you have the skills let us know - step up and tackle a puzzle.
-Jimmy T knows Marty's not a Jimmy T fan (and this genuinely puzzles him) - Anytime I make a suggestion he tries to mildly shoot it down.  (It seems to me that Marty's trying to Manage them all, not Lead them.  We'll see how that works for him.)
-Jimmy T wants to tell Marty, " shut up you preppy b*tch, you wouldn't last a minute in my world." (I wonder what colour the sky is in his world?)

-They get treemail and it has blindfolds and a clue about leading - they 're going to practice beforehand.  They get Tyrone to call the shots and direct them around their beach - of course Jimmy T starts trying to explain the simplest instructions and tell Tyrone how to give them directions.  (Tyrone has the best facial expressions, you know how he's feeling about you, that's for sure and he's not too happy with JT.)
-Marty says he nominated Tyrone because he knew it would rile Jimmy T. (I'm not sure he didn't just want Tyrone to kill him.)

CHALLENGE
One person is the caller - all the other members will be blindfolded and paired up.  Using only verbal commands, the caller will direct their tribe mates to collect 10 items scattered in the field.  Once they have all 10 items back at their mat, the caller will direct one pair out to collect a set of keys that will unlock a chest that they have to bring back to the mat - first team back with the chest will win immunity - and a reward - they'll get to choose from 3 groups of items from Sears. (Total product placement - yay Sears!)
-Medallion of Power - should they choose to use it - they will be allowed to have 2 items already back at their mat to start.  LaFlor decides to use the medallion advantage and it goes back to Espada for next time.
-The challenge only runs with 7 people per tribe so the old people sit Dan and the young people sit the Kellys.
-Tyrone and Brenda are the callers. There is lots of bumping into each other and into logs, trees, barrels... ouch. The younger tribe gets all 10 items - older tribe only has 4.... Jill & Jimmy T are wandering - Tyrone is yelling himself horse, "Damn, that boy don't listen."
-LaFlor gets the chest and wins Immunity and Reward.  They choose fishing gear, tarp and cooking supplies.

Espada - Day 11
-They're telling themselves that they only lost because of the Medallion of Power advantage the other tribe had (ah, yeah, whatever you need to believe to get you through.)
-Jimmy T starts in like a broken record - Asks to get more action , he can contribute (like you did today?) I've coached basketball, boat crews, children...
-Tyrone - "So you think you could have made a difference today?"
JT - Probably not.  I'm just looking for an opportunity to help this team win. (Then stop running your mouth and do something!)
Tyrone tells the camera that Jimmy T is very negative after challenges and he's just digging his own hole.

LaFlor - Day 11
-They are going through their loot- celebrating the tarp - Chase opens the fishing tackle box and sees a clue rolled up in the bottom - he quickly shuts it (before NaOnka can take him out for it? Hahaha.)  He waits until everyone moves off then puts the clue in his pocket.
-He tells Brenda he found the clue because he trusts her - she goes with him to look for the immunity idol and feels bad because he's her buddy... she asks him if he trusts her and, in a roundabout way, tries to tell him NaOnka already has the idol - DING - it finally registers with him what she's saying. (Chase's not a rocket surgeon.)  He doesn't trust Nay but they have Brenda between them  - as long as she's not coming after him he thinks they can get along.
-Chase wants to go to NaOnka and tell her he knows - Brenda, "NO!" she has to spell it out for him - if Nay finds out Brenda told him and betrayed her trust they will be S C R E W E D. (I don't know if he got it - but seriously, did he not see her take out the chick with one leg?)

Espada - Day 11
-They are all out collecting sea urchins - Jimmy T is having everyone put them in the net - Marty just collects his own and sits down and eats them right there.  Jimmy T calls him out in front of everyone for not contributing to the community pot and not being a team player.  That p*sses Marty off, to no end. "Try to call me out - perfect way to shoot yourself in the foot." (Yeah, how dare you point out the truth to these people?)  They're both jerks - I think both these guys need to go.
-Jane tells Holly she's going to vote for Dan - She thinks Jimmy Johnson was giving them a message when he voted for Dan (ha! Jimmy J's not even there anymore and she's still following his lead - WWJD What would Jimmy Do?)
-Marty talking to Jill - he wants Jimmy T out - he wants to keep Dan as their swing vote and they all like Dan so he's easier to have around.
-Jill doesn't know if she has 28 more days of this in her - she'll vote however Marty wants her to.  He tells her she has to work on Tyrone.
-Tyrone is not sold on Jimmy T - Dan's a great guy but he has trouble walking - He's not helping their cause right now.
-Jill isn't very convincing because she actually wants Dan to go but he's intrinsic to her alliance.  She reports back to Marty that she wasn't able to swing Tyrone.  So, Marty has a go at him - pulls out the cancer card (every season someone is described as a cancer on the tribe - Jimmy T is the first carcinoma.) says Jimmy T is pushing the boundaries of their patience - he's just a train wreck.
-Jimmy T is still playing the broken record to Yve and Holly - "All I want is one shot - one challenge - I don't want to be leader - I just want the opportunity - why aren't they letting me when I step up... (Put a sock in it already, jeesh.)
-Yve says sometimes silence is more powerful.  She knows JT is masking insecurity but she's not willing to coddle him.
-JT scared it's going to be him because he keeps running his mouth (Well shut it then!)  He thinks he's easy to get along with, it's a tough group. (Always so blind when looking at ourselves.)

TRIBAL COUNCIL
Tyrone, let's talk about the challenge.
 - We went with our plan, worked out well... the medallion...
Wait - it worked out well?
 - Tyrone's told himself they only lost because the other team had the advantage (sigh.)
Marty, is that your take as well?
 - Yeah, we had one more item to go and they had two to start out with so at the very least it was very close... Jeff not buying it... It's behind us now, we just have to move forward.
Dan, you sat out yet again.
 - Told them he wasn't comfortable sloshing around in the mud.
But when you say you can't deal with mud - in a rainforest - you have to be worried you're a burden.
 - Absolutely, maybe I am...
Do you believe you are?
 - No, if I feel it's the right choice to sit out - I'll do it again.  I don't want to hurt the tribe.
Jill, how much does that factor in to your vote tonight?
 - A lot - I'm sick of losing.  We went through Jimmy J, a Super Bowl winning coach and yeah, everyone's all rah rah rah, but it's bugging me.
JT, how frustrating is it to not have leadership?
 - We keep coming back here, voting guys out why don't we mix it up?
Mix it up how?
 - And here comes the broken record... wants one opportunity to lead the tribe once in a challenge.
Marty, are you open to that?
 - Not necessarily, no (and JT looks like the cat that got the cream - Marty's admission just gave validation to all JT's whining.)  As a tribe we thought Tyrone was the best choice in the challenge. This is a stressful situation and there is zero tolerance for paranoia, delusions of grandeur and popping off - everyone is trying to be as patient as possible but it's been stretched to the limit.
Jimmy T - Jeff, I'm offering, they don't want to accept but how much success has Espada had?
Very little. 
Case closed.
Holly (crazy eyes) pipes up - All he's asking for is a chance, let him try.  How do you know if you don't give him a chance (Huh, surprising support from crazy pants.)
Tyrone, do you think if JT changes he'd have value?
- He has value now as it is - he would have more value if he was able to be a follower.
JT, are you willing to accept the role that this tribe has set out for you?
- Ahhh (you can tell it's hurting him to say it) Yeah, sure, I'm man enough, maybe they don't believe so but I'm man enough to take my role and some good advice.
(Tyrone looked impressed with that - who else buys it? Not me.)
Jimmy T gets all choked up (really, crying?) 
Tyrone tells him to take this opportunity to grow as a person...
Jimmy T - I'll step down and be a worker bee - and a good worker bee no one can deny that. (Arrghhh!)

Time to Vote:
Holly votes for Dan - Sorry about your shoes (Ha! Oh yeah)
Dan and Marty vote for Jimmy T.

Tallying the votes:
Dan: 1, 2, 3 - Jimmy T: 1, 2, 3, 4 and one vote left... JIMMY T is voted out of Survivor Nicaragua. (And Holly has backed another loser, is she the kiss of death on this tribe?)

So, with Jimmy T leaving that means: Susan O, Jacqueline D and Elaine & Kevin R. are out of the pool.

Jimmy T's parting thoughts - I totally blew my game.  I planned to keep my mouth shut and that didn't happen.  Marty is the puppet master - he's pulling all the strings right - I played with my heart - feel like I blew a tremendous opportunity and let people down.

Next week: NaOnka is her own worst enemy (crying and breaking down - couldn't happen to a nicer girl) and Marty is cocky that nothing can mess up his plan now... Until Jeff tells them to drop their buffs (What!  Looks like the age division experiment is over.)

Have a great rest of the week and Happy Thanksgiving all,

Coleen

Amazing Race - October 3, 2010 Episode Recap

A Kiss Saves the Day

Last night on the Amazing Race the teams started out from Eastnor Castle in the English countryside.  Jill & Thomas are the first to head out at 11:55am (hmm, it wasn't that late when they finished the last leg, I wonder if they're giving them more than 12 hours between legs?)  The first clue tells them to fly to the city of Accra, Ghana - once there they'll make their way to Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park to get the next clue.
-Jill & Thomas are happy they won the Express Pass - Jill still want to have more input, not just Thomas running things (good luck with that.)
-Nat & Kat (the doctors) are the next out at 12:00pm - Kat (the brunette) is the cool and collected one, Nat is more spontaneaous; the dinghy to her ocean liner.
-Team Glee (Connor & Jonathan) head out at 12:20pm but they're going to wait for Brook & Claire and the volleyball girls (Rachel & Katie) since they are all staggered a minute apart.
-Brooke & Claire think as long as there are no watermelons on this leg, it's theirs.
-None of them know how to get to the airport so they flag down a passing tractor and Brook is up there asking them to write her out directions and she'll give 'em a great big kiss.  There is not one iota of shyness in that girl.  "I just kissed an Englishman in a tractor!"  She thinks a kiss on the cheek goes a long way - this is just the first of many (Janet, you slut!)
-Next team out is Gary & Mallory at 12:40pm - She's SO EXCITED to be heading to Africa.  "Ooh, I hope I get to hold little African babies."  (Really?)
-Kevin & Micheal are next a minute later - Kevin is worried about his Dad's physical abilities on the race - Michael just doesn't want to disappoint his son.
-Chad & Stephanie head out at 12:50pm - Andie & Jenna are next out at 1:35pm (wow, editing on the last episode made it seem like they were way closer together.)
-Andie hopes they can make it the whole race so they can spend as much time together, getting to know each other, as possible.
-Nick & Vicki are the last to leave at 1:45pm - tattooed couple are on the road again.

-At the airport Thomas & Jill find out there is only one flight out so all teams will be making the 6hr flight together (why did they bother staggering them leaving then?) "That sucks."

-In Ghana, they hit the ground running - literally.  Everyone goes screaming out of the airport for taxis.  They are all amazed at the number of people carrying stuff on their heads, the trash in the streets, the crazy driving in traffic... Nat & Kat's cab nearly hits a bus that cuts them off.  Connor & Jonathan has someone aggressively trying to beg/grab money through their cab window.  The driver locked the door - they nervously refused, rolled the window up and asked the driver to go faster - please.  Mallory is upset by the beggars at the windows, apologizing.  Andie can't help herself, she gives one of them some money - then they roll up the window.  Jenna hopes it will give them good karma.
-Nick & Vicki are the first to the park but not by much - Claire & Brook are the first to the clue box - the clue tells them to make their way to Makola Market to get their next clue.  The first 6 teams are close together, the next 4 not too far behind.

-The first wave get to the Makola Market and it's teaming with people - they're all a little overwhelmed except Michael who's had the experience of similar markets when he was growing up in Taiwan.
-Nick & Vicki are the first to get the next clue - "Who thinks they can handle some shady dealings?"  ROADBLOCK: One person has to sell enough sunglasses to make 15 cedi (about $10) and they can't sell any pairs for less than 3 cedi.  Nick is going to do the selling for them.
-Brook - are you kidding? I have to sell something - bring it on!  She's in her element here.
-Jill, Chad, Michael, one of the volleyball chicks (I can't tell them apart yet) and Kat are all doing the selling.
-Brook & Chad are using their sex appeal on the opposite sexes to try and sell - Brook again is kissing the cheeks of all her customers and that's working.  Chad's chatting up the ladies.
-Team Glee gets there and neither of them really want to do it - you do it, no you do it - Connor is going to do it for them - Harry Potter gets a pass.

-Gary & Mallory's cab breaks down.  They are not having good luck with vehicles so far - she's panicky.  Gary helps push it off the road and they have to get a new cab.

-Andie & Jenna get to the market - Andie says Jenna's the social butterfly she should do the selling - Jenna looks like she's not too happy about being volunteered... hmm, tension?
-Thomas is freaking out on the sidelines while Jill does the selling - he doesn't like not being in control and she's not having much luck with the selling.  He's also anxious about getting caught with the Express pass but he doesn't want to use it too early either - dilema.
-All the blonde girls seem to be doing the best - 3 cedi seems to be a stretch for a lot of the people in the market - it's not easy going.

-Gary & Mallory finally get there and Mallory's going to do the selling (of course.)
-Brooke is the first to make it to 15cedi - she gets the next clue from the vendor and it tells them to make their way to Peace Motor Spare Parts.
-Micheal is the next to 15cedi (good for him) He said he wanted to kiss the last lady that bought from him but of course he couldn't do that (Brook has no problem with it.)
-Connor is the only one to sell a pair for more than 3 cedi - he get 10 cedi on one pair and only has to sell 3 to make it to 16 cedi. 
-Chad finally gets one more cedi out of his last young female customer and he make it to 15cedi too.

-Brook & Claire get to the DETOUR - Tune in or Check out.
Tune In:  They have to go to the electrical supply store, get a TV antenna system then find a marked house and install the antenna to the homeowners specifications.  When they get the TV signal properly tuned in - they'll get their next clue.
Check Out: They have to go to the woodworking shop where coffins are created to represent the lifestyle of the deceased. (Oh, wow, they are amazing colourful sculptures)  Once they choose a coffin they must transport it by cart through the streets to the showroom to get the next clue.
-Brook & Claire decide to do Tune In - the store is right there so they get the kit, pink safety glasses and head to the first marked house.  Brook  is up on the ladder trying to hammer - Claire almost falls off two stacked stools (I can't watch that - you have the right to refuse unsafe work...)  Claire catches a whiff of some pasty looking stuff cooking - Oh, I'm hungry.  Brook yells at her to focus. haha.  They run the cable into the house and Brook is still the salesman, telling the homeowner she's so glad they could bring this service to them today (I don't think you really need to sell it but I'm sure she can't help herself.)
-Kevin & Michael get to the spare parts store but don't see the clue box (it's right inside) they take off across the street looking for the box (what are you doing?)
-Chad & Stephanie get to the parts store and get the clue no problem - they decide to do Tune In and go across the street to get the gear - Kevin & Michael see them getting the ladder and have to ask where the cluebox is... (shaking my head.)  Once they get the clue they decide to do Tune In too.
-The volleyball girls decide to do Check Out - They get to the woodworking shop and decide to take the piano (more of a keyboard) coffin, it's smallish and easy to manoeuver.  They do get help from locals to push the cart up the ramp.

Back at the market - Jenna gets her 15cedi and Andie is so proud.  Mallory has one guy say he's going to buy all her pairs - but he just takes one in the end - she sells 15cedi worth quickly though.  Jill is actually being a conscientious salesperson and making sure she's not selling a scratched pair - She tells the camera later that she knows 3 cedi is a lot to these people and she wants to make sure he got his money's worth (so she has a conscience) Thomas gives her a hard time - I hope you're not worrying about anyone's feeling on this Race - we're here to win (well obviously he doesn't care about anyone's feelings, even hers.)
-Nick has one lady try on a pair of glasses, play up to the camera and try to take off with them - he's calm about it though - I think I just got jacked.  She does end up coming back though and giving him the $.
-Kat is having the hardest time, she's too serious with it - not enough begging.  Finally she makes her quota though and everyone is one their way to the parts store.

-Brook & Claire get the cable hooked up but it's not clear - she has to go up and tune it - "Turn it?  I don't know what I'm doing." (Well, that will instill confidence in the service her customers are getting :)

-Katie & Rachel stop traffic to cross the street to the showroom  - Yikes, that's a big truck.  I can honestly say I would not want to drive in Ghana.

-Brook & Rachel get the picture clear finally and get their next clue to make their way to Kaneshi Market - the largest market in all of Western Africa.  Somewhere in the market they will find Phil & the Mat - this is the Pit Stop for this leg of the race.

-Katie & Rachel have helpers to carry the coffin up the stairs to the showroom (I don't blame them for providing helpers, I bet a lot of workmanship goes into those coffins, I wouldn't want to chance one getting damaged either.) They get the clue to the Pit Stop too.

-Team Glee finally get to the spare parts store (their cab was lost) and they decide to do Tune In.

-Chad & Steph have no picture on their TV - need some tuning but they get it and get the clue for the Pit Stop.
-Kevin is learning to appreciate his Dad's skills, Michael gets the antenna up quickly and they get the clue to the Pit Stop.  Michael says he's not just the guy in the background - he's cute.

-Andie & Jenna are noticing similarities between themselves - they are both double jointed and have frizzy hair (Andie apologizes for that.)  It is a cool way to get to know each other.  But also stressful - their cab driver is lost, has no idea where the parts store is.
-Gary & Mallory's driver is lost too - he assures them it's this far - they trust him (Uh oh.)

-Jill & Thomas get to the Detour and decide to do Check Out - they choose a camera coffin - that one's cool - it has a flash attachment and everything.  Jill thinks it's weird.
-Nick & Vicki get there and decide to do the Tune In - antenna installation.

-Nat & Kat's cab driver is also lost - they ask him to please stop and ask.

-Brook & Claire are first to the Market and start making their way through the teaming mass of people... Volleyball girls (Rachel & Katie) get there too and start looking for Phil... but Brook & Claire are Team #1 and they won a 10 day trip for 2 to Hawaii... aaahhh, that looks nice.

-Team Glee - they couldn't get the picture clear so they gave up and decided to switch tasks (really?)
-Thomas & Jill get to the showroom and get the clue to the pit stop.
-Nat & Kat, Mallory & Gary and Andie & Jenna's cabs are all pretty much following each other and are all lost.  They pull over to ask directions.  Nat & Kat and Mallory & Gary's cabs turn around and take off while Jenna & Andie are still waiting for their driver to come back ... ack!

-Team Glee choose a big fish coffin - it's the biggest one so far - Jonathan says, "I guess if you really like fish - you'd be sleeping with the fishes."  (Ha! He's funny.)  They have trouble manoeuvering the big fish, might not have been the best pick.

-Gary & Mallory get to the Detour finally and decide to mount the antenna - Nat & Kat right behind them choose the coffin.

-Nick & Vicki get the antenna clear and head out for the Pit Stop.

-Nat & Kat choose a lobster/shrimp looking coffin, it's a more manageable size.  Nat ties it down with a surgical knot (why not.)

-Jenna & Andie are the last to arrive at the Detour - they choose to do the coffins too.

-Connor & Jonathan get their coffin delivered and get the clue for the Pit Stop.
-Nat & Kat are running their coffin through the street and Nat runs it up on a curb, and knocks Kat down- it looked like it almost ran over her foot but she was okay - they kept it moving.
-Gary & Mallory get a clear picture on the TV and the final clue.
-Nat & Kat get the shrimp/lobster coffin delivered and the clue to the Pit Stop.
-Andie & Jenna also chose a huge fish coffin - they deliver it and get the clue.

Now everyone is stuck in traffic - Nick & Vicki, Connor & Jonathan (Team Glee), Nat & Kat, Mallory & Gary... and it's bumper to bumper, not moving at all.  Jonathan, so polite, "Sir, can we maybe pass some of these cars?" (And go where I wonder.)  Nat & Kat's driver though, he has no problem with the passing - there is no lane there - eeek!  They pass Mallory (whose makeup is smeared all over her face, you can tell it's hot in Ghana) she's flabbergasted that they got passed... what the...?
-Now the cab drivers are givin' er - it's a passing race.  These drivers are nuts.  They invented a third lane - Nat can't look anymore.  Connor, "I want my Mom." (Haha, I'd be cowering and covering my eyes too.)  Connor says he's just proud that he didn't soil himself, Jonathan thinks he actually might have.

Here's How They Finished:
1) Brook & Claire - We may come off as the ditzy la-la girls but we're here to stay.
2) Katie & Rachel - (Volleyball girls) They were pretty blah this episode... but they came in 2nd so does it really matter?
3) Michael & Kevin - They're very happy with third.
4) Chad & Stephanie - should be smiling, they moved up 4 spots this leg.
5) Jill & Thomas - Alright, they'll live with 5th.
6) Connor & Jonathan - Got there just seconds before...
7) Nat & Kat - Crazy cab ride got them there in one piece anyway
8) Nick & Vicki - she's so happy they're still there.
9) Gary & Mallory - Gary, "We've had a hard day Phil, give me some good news..." Mallory, "... or any news, before I have a heart attack right here on the mat - has that ever happened before?" (She's so dramatic, and if she'd shut up he would tell you...) You are team #9. "Thank You, Phil!"
10) Andie & Jenna - ***ELIMINATED*** Jenna wondered all her life about her birth mother and she's so lucky it was Andie.  Andie so glad to have had this chance to get to know Jenna - then I was crying and they were crying... sniff.

So, with Andie & Jenna eliminated this week that means: Lynne B, Cheryl J, Laura W, Shelly P and Brenda E are out of the pool. 

Next week: Nick loses his cool in the African heat (blaming Vicki) and Michael overheats, can't keep going on a task (apologizing to Kevin.)

Have a great week everyone.

Coleen