Survivor One World - March 21st episode recap

Thanks for the Souvenir

Oh yeah, I think I blocked it from my mind that they shuffled the teams last week and they came out more lop-sided than they were before... all the pretty, fit people are now on Salani and all the old, misfits are on Manono.  Alicia fell victim to Colton's manipulation and voted against the women, blindsiding Monica at Tribal Council... and this episode opened on:
Manono - Night 14
-Alicia and Colton start poking at Christina because they are just horrible, mean b*tches - right to her face Colton tells her she's next to go, she's like a cockroach, having survived when she should have gone... then Alicia and Colton cuddle and laugh at her... (seriously?  Come on Survivor Karma, do your worst!)
-Later everyone's trying to sleep and Christina's decided she's going to show the rest of the tribe how awful Colton & Alicia treat her, she starts complaining about not having any room in the shelter and poking Alicia to scoot over - Alicia says she doesn't care because she's going to be gone soon and tries to ignore her but Christina keeps right on poking ... I would want them both gone... they are not endearing themselves to the men in the least.  (I predict an all-male Manono again before you know it.)

Salani - Day 15
-The pretty people had a rough night, it was cold (aww, so sad.)  Kat had a dream that Alicia killed her (could be her subconscious giving her clues to Alicia's character.)
-Tree Mail - playing a kids game for something sweet...
-They try to show us something interesting at this camp but really, they are boring, no drama, they're kicking butt and have no worries... where's the fun in that?

REWARD CHALLENGE

-Manono shows up and the women are surprised to see Monica was gone - Sabrina realizes the women are just going to be picked off so when it comes to the merge the girls will be in the minority  (she doesn't know that Alicia was instrumental in that.)

-The Challenge: One at a time they will climb to the top of a stack of crates then bounce coconuts off a trampoline attempting to hit one of 5 targets set up on the ground below.  First tribe to hit all 5 of their targets wins Reward: Ice Cream!  Winning tribe will be taken to the Survivor ice cream parlour and they be able to eat to their hearts content. 

-Off they go: no one is hitting anything the first round, bit of a learning curve.  Kim is the first on the board for Salani... Tarzan has a hard time climbing the crates but he is the first to hit a target, Leif also gets a target for Manono.  Chelsea gets a 2nd target for Salani... they tie up at three, then Salani goes up at 4... and Manono can't get anymore - Salani hits the 5th target and they win ice cream!
-At one point Colton screamed at Christina to run and called her stupid... (why should she do anything you want her to?)  Colton has found a new target for his vitriol, he now hates Christina and wants her gone.

Reward
-They get ice cream - and I'm bored.  They have every flavour under the sun and it was so vanilla to watch... who cares.

Manono - Day 15
-Colton is egging Alicia on to start picking on Christina.  She can hear them whispering and when confronted just with her gaze Colton turns on her.  He's got Alicia to back him up so he's fearless - he tells Christina she has two days left so she has three options, she can enjoy her last two days, she can quit or she can jump in that fire, which ever is most convenient for her.  (I really hate them, but I hate myself more for enjoying watching the drama.)
-Jonas tells the camera Colton & Alicia are interesting, it's not enough that they have the power to vote someone off, they have to make it personal and get that one more twist of the knife in. (Calling Christina a cockroach, making her feel worthless - yeah, that's such a chick thing to do.)
-Tarzan asks to speak to Colton so that gets him out of camp and Christina takes that opportunity to try and talk strategy with Jonas & Leif - she tells them Alicia was in an alliance with the women on the other tribe so if she's still there at the merge she'll go with the girls - Christina has no friends (anywhere) so she'll be loyal to them... (It's true, but I don't see anyone crossing Colton, they're all too afraid of getting on his bad side - no one wants to be on the sharp end of his tongue.)
-So while Christina is telling the guys her tale, Alicia comes up behind her and listens then starts clapping and says she's telling lies, she has no idea how to play the game - be a woman and say it to my face - Christina, "okay, I'm not telling lies, you do have an alliance with the rest of the women and I don't."  Alicia goes on the defensive attack trying to shut her up because she doesn't want the men to know - "You look crazy."  (Uh, no, you've made it obvious she has nothing to lose - and you look like the crazy cave women with that hair.)
-Alicia did have one good point though, Christina is not really good at this game.  And Alicia says she has to be in control... (ha ha, you are so not in control honey, as Colton's lapdog? I don't think so.)

Manono - Night 15
-The next scene we see Christina has Colton's head in her lap and is rubbing his head - he woke up and felt like his brain was swollen then he had stabbing pains in his stomach...(No way!  Is Colton going to be the medical evacuation?)  Christina is playing mommy/nursemaid - if someone is sick and needs help, I'm going to be there for them.  She continues to soothe him because she will do whatever she needs to to try and stay in the game, and he's fully aware of what she's doing but he's also going to let her do it.

Manono - Day 16
-Colton's still not feeling well and Tarzan is a doctor, though they don't know that, he is trying to urge Colton to drink more water as he could be dehydrated, but Tarzan tells the camera he could have appendicitis, or just gas... ha ha.
-Colton is severely dehydrated, his pee is brown, he's not sure if he's too far gone... he goes off into the trees and just curls up in a ball and cries.  Christina goes to check on him and realizes it's worse than she thought and sends out the call for medical aid.
-Jeff & the medics come to camp and Colton is still curled up in a ball on the ground, he tells them he's in severe pain and can't keep anything down.  The medic pushes on his side and his heart rate doubles - she thinks it could be appendicitis but to know for sure they need to get him to a hospital for tests and if they do that, he's out of the game.
-Colton begs Jeff, he doesn't want to be out of the game... (Wow, Survivor Karma is visiting him in spades - that's kinda awesome) - Jeff asks him if he still has the idol, and since it's pretty obvious he needs to leave the game, what's he going to do with it (that was actually pretty cold if you ask me - I also love it.)  Colton asks if he can give it to somebody and Jeff tells him that's up to him (who's it going to be?)
-They bring over the rest of the tribe to say goodbye and... Alicia is thinking this is really bad for HER. She says, "Call me a bad person but all I kept thinking was strategy the whole time."(Okay, you're a bad person... but will Colton give her the idol?)
-Jonas is genuinely upset for Colton, tearing up he says Colton is the biggest Survivor fan and for him to go out this way, it's heartbreaking. (Will he give him the idol?  Or Christina for being so empathetic?)
-Nope, Colton tells them at least they know idol is out of play and to thank Sabrina for the souvenir -he is keeping the idol and wearing it out around his neck. 
-Alicia - "spoiled, little brat, he kept the idol for himself even though he knows he screwed me the biggest." (Oh lady, you'll get yours, just you wait.)
-Jonas realizes, now that he has a little more power in the game with Colton gone, that it's in his best interest to vote Alicia out next because she has stronger ties to the rest of the women (victory for Christina, even if it's only one vote, at least she'll be there longer than her nemesis.)
- Jonas also acknowledges if there is such a thing as karma, Colton got it right back at him, hehehe. (I think I'm starting to like my guy.)
- Colton is carried out of camp on a stretcher (B'bye!  Don't let the palms hit you in the *ss on the way out.)

**Long filler shots of beautiful scenery and wildlife**

Salani - Day 17
-They get tree mail and it says:
The game continues on.
So don't give up the fight.
You haven't won, you haven't lost
But you will go to Tribal tonight.
-They boringly try to figure out what's going on... Kat is nervous, Kim's going to take her hidden idol with her just in case... but they are still so boring.

Manono - Day 17
-They get the same tree mail... and there is a different reaction over there, Jonas seems excited (probably because they don't have to do a challenge) and Alicia is not happy because she realizes she's probably going to be the first to go now (ah, karma, it can be so rewarding to watch.)
-Both the girls are kissing up to Tarzan, he tells Alicia he and his wife could be her parents but he tells Katrina, "Christina", right... that she is not his friend, but he does respect her. (He's certainly playing up the nutty old codger role.)
-Jonas tells us that the plan is for himself, Leif and Christina to vote out Alicia.  Tarzan's not on board with that plan but Jonas doesn't really care, he's ready to make himself the ringleader (you go!)
-Tarzan pulls Leif aside and uses big words (uh oh) trying to warn Leif that Christina's sycophantic - she sucks up and tells them whatever they want to hear to keep her there - he asks Leif to vote with him and Alicia to take Christina out... and Leif is stuck between two hard places (that's not the expression but I get it - he's not so good with words.)
-Alicia's still pissed about the idol thing with Colton not giving it to her - Lord knows I need it (too bad, chicky.)

Tribal Council
Salani gets there and sits down and Jeff surprises them by saying, We'll now bring in the Manono tribe. And it's a big One World reunion, of sorts.  Though they are shocked that Colton's not there.

Jeff lets them know why they are all there - Colton had to be medically removed from the game because he did have acute appendicitis.
Kat, "What is that?" (Really?) 
Leif, "I had mine out, it hurts."  (Thanks for the insight.)

Troyzan, how does this change the game?
-I don't know where to start - I feel sad for Colton because I know how much he loves the game.
Yet, Kim, it's another person gone.
-Yeah, another person gone is another person gone. (cringing grin)
Does it hurt to say that?
-Yeah, I've had my appendix out too and it hurts like hell. (Kat looks panicked, like she thinks it's catching and she's never heard of it before.) I do feel bad for Colton, he was so excited to be here.
Alicia butts in (please, spice it up, I'm falling asleep over here) - Can I say something on Colton's behalf? Sure. He said Sabrina, thanks for the souvenir.  He did not give anyone the idol, he took it with him. (How was that on Colton's behalf?  Sounded pretty self-serving to me.)
Sabrina,  do you believe that or does the fact that she brought up the idol make you suspicious?
-In my gut I believe it.  He was very excited to git it and I don't think he'd want anyone to play it but himself. (And seems like something Colton would do. Come on.)
Chelsea- Seems like even if he didn't give it away they'd want to keep it a secret so I don't believe it.  I think somebodies got it. (And that's what Alicia wanted you to think.)
Jonas, was this a tribe decision to come in and tell them certain things?
-I can't reveal that information Jeff (just don't ask Leif, he's not smart enough to dance around your questions.)
Wow Jay, the plot thickens.
{Mickey Mouse voice} You know, who do you believe?
Alicia's laughing. (She enjoys the chaos, that's all.)
Troyzan - Look at the smile on her face, I don't buy that at all.
Tarzan - He did tell her to tell them what he did so she's doing what he told her to do.
Maybe...
-Maybe.
Kat, it wouldn't be the first time on Survivor that someone lied.
-Touche. They may have it, they may not but I'm more worried about the appendix thing and how do I not get mine hurt.  Everyone else had theirs out.  (I knew it!  She's pretty.)  It's going to be interesting to see what happens.
Leave it to Colton, even Med-evac'd out, he still leaves an imprint on the game... and the game is going to get complicated one more time- you can drop your buffs. (Alicia looks confused - I think the producers were scrambling after Colton left to try and save the season - reshuffle? No) We are merged! (Merged? There are still 12 people. I think that's the earliest they have ever merged the tribes.)
So Troyzan, first you find out Colton's out, then there could be an idol, now you're merged...
-I'm actually counting numbers now - numbers of people and where they're going and who's with who and who's not.  (It's six on six, men vs women, back where they started, kinda.)
Kim, lots of eyes darting back and forth.
-Am I that obvious?
Not just you, everybody.
-Yeah, every body's trying to feel out people they were previously on a tribe with; Are the men together, are the women together, is Salani together.... (yeah, we got it.)  I'm excited.
Tarzan, how are you feeling about how the game is changing?
-I have to say, the game is afoot.  (No, it's a game, sheesh ;))

On that note, here's how it's gonna work: they will come together back on the same beach where it all started.  Anything from Manono will be waiting for them there.  Take a moment to celebrate but then get your heads back in the game.

Next week: Tarzan and Jonas get into it and Tarzan walks alone... (more man drama - gotta love it.)

Colton's final thoughts: "I think what's so hard about it is I'm so used to getting my way and this has not gone my way at all." He said he had a plan coming into the game from day one to day 39 and this has thrown a wrench into everything.  "I promise you, I could run this game." 

And it looked like he was on his way to doing just that but unfortunately, with Colton leaving, Steve H, Elaine R and Susan N are out of the pool, and the rest of us have a chance to win :)

Have a great rest of the week everyone,

Coleen

The Amazing Race 20 - March 18th Episode Recap

Uglier Than a Mud Rail Fence (Bavaria, Germany)

Last leg ended in Turin, Italy, with Mark & Bopper being spared by a non-elimination leg.
Art & JJ were the first teams out this leg at 8:57am.  They get the clue to take the train into Erhwald, Austria and from there they will drive themselves over the border into Bavaria, Germany where they must go to a certain restaurant and find the Travelosity Roaming Gnome, which will have their next clue on the bottom.
-Art & JJ have dominated two legs in a row and they attribute it to their relationship, they are friends and two dudes who work together, that's totally different than a husband and wife (that's for sure.)  "Art's an idiot most of the time and I'm going to let him know." Their goal is to win the leg again - they have such a huge lead (ah, yes, but we know how the Race tends to get everyone in a pack...)

-Second team doesn't head out until 11:33am - that is Major Dave & Blond Rachel.  Followed by the Jersey Shore at 12:11pm - these two teams get on the same train - Major Dave isn't happy to have another team there.

-Vanessa & Ralph head out at 12:27pm and we learn that Ralph is not just a divorcee, he's actually been married & divorced THREE times... (whoa, dude.)  Vanessa says with both of their experiences in the past it's helped them be vocal about what they want... but that also hinders them.... and he snaps at her (oh, is it their turn to bicker this leg?)
-12:56pm - the Special Agents are happy to be heading to Bavaria.
- 1:18pm - Big Brother - Brendon reads the clue to find the Roaming Gnome and Rachel says, "Where's the Rome?... Oh, he's in Germany."  These two are all smiles and determined to have a better leg, no more fighting (but I am not holding my breath on that one.)
-These three teams are on the same train.

-3:58pm - The Mississippi girls head out, they are re-energized and ready to start jacking up some other teams. 
-5:54pm - Mark & Bopper are the last team to head out - They know they have a lot of time to make up and they will face a Speed Bump this leg but they need the money more than anyone and are just going to get 'er done.

-So now I got a little confused - it's a 10 hour train trip to Erhwald, Austria via Innsbruck.  At 4:30am they show Kerri & Stacy and Mark & Bopper get off the train in Innsbruck and find other  teams still waiting there - much to Mark & Bopper's delight - that caught them up right there. 
-Art & JJ spent the night in the train station in Erhwald so they must have held them up there - at 6:30am they are heading out in the car, the room doesn't open until 8:30am... I'm thinking that's the restaurant where they Gnomes are.
-The 2nd train arrives in Erhwald and Blond Rachel reads the place doesn't open until 8:30am - "It'll be nice to see Art & JJ again."  (Maybe for you, but I don't think they'll be too happy.)  These three teams meet up outside the restaurant.  So, the rest of the teams must all be on another train.

-At 8:30am the doors open to let Art &JJ, the Guidos and Dave &Rachel in - to the yodelling tones of the Oompah band... they head straight to the Gnomes and on the bottom is the DETOUR - Fairy Tale or Champion Male.
-In Fairy Tale: They must follow a trail of gingerbread through the snowy woods to the fairy tale inspired village and find the witch's cottage of Hansel & Gretel fame.  Once there, they must use the gingerbread pieces they've collected to complete the roof on a gingerbread house - and decorate the house properly - when they do, a witch will hand them their next clue.
-In Champion Male: they must choose one of the champion beard enthusiasts then style his beard to match a picture of a champion look (that is AWESOME! Ha ha, I love those guys - but I wouldn't want to be married to one of them, could you imagine? Drew, do not get any ideas.)  When the beard inspector feels they have a perfect match, they'll get their next clue.  (This would be hard unless you had some hairdressing skill, I'm thinking - but I can't wait for someone to try it.)
-And I don't have to wait long because these first 3 teams all want to style some beards.

-The rest of the teams arrive at the Erhwald train station and hop in the cars to head to the restaurant - Kerri & Stacy plan to just stay with the pack today, they know they can compete if they are all together - Kerri says she can pretty much navigate herself to the mall and that's it (oh, that's great on a Race around the world.)
-Ralph marvels at how beautiful the mountains are and Vanessa again gives us a glimpse into her shallow soul, "I'm cold."

-Major Dave & Blond Rachel are the first team to the beard styling place.  They choose their Santa Claus wanna be... and she gets working on his beard.  She has the experience with hair styling and products so they're hoping to have an advantage.  Dave just gives the poor old guy a Mohawk (ha ha, I love Mohawk Santa.)
-"Ehhh," the Guidos arrive and Danny chooses the guy with the longest beard... which proves not smart because he had a pretty elaborate design to replicate.  Fitness says they use gel in their hair, no one else does, they should have this.
-Art & JJ arrive and they pick the guy with the already nicest groomed beard, not as long as the others - "That's weird man, grooming another man's beard."  They look to be the most awkward with this one.

-Kerri & Stacy are lost - so much with staying with the pack... way to go ladies.

-Back at the Beard-a-torium - there is lots of product slopping, hair twisting and blow drying going on ... oh, and the lucky, unchosen bearded men are all getting beer to drink... nice.

-Mark & Bopper are the first team from the pack to make it to the restaurant and they hit their Speed Bump: Yodel!  They must learn to yodel a specific tune from a master yodeller - when he's satisfied they've gotten it right, they'll get their next clue.  But first, they have to get into some red gingham shirts and lederhosen... (I love this show, they never pass up a chance to make the racers dress funny.)

-Vanessa & Ralph arrive and get their gnome - and choose beard style... is everyone going to do this?

-Mark & Bopper are suited up and raring to get to yodelling - they are game but not so skilled.  (Don't they yodel in country music? Maybe not in Kentucky, I guess it's more Appalachian...)  The yodeller looks like he's having fun but I'm not sure if their "American Style" yodelling passed...

-JJ proves his suitcase full of styling products was not for nothing - they are the first team to successfully style their guy's beard - they get the next clue to find the castle that inspired Sleeping Beauty (Neushwenstein Castle - I think that's how you spell it :)  They will find their next clue in King Ludwig II's bedroom.  They get directions from a local and take off for the next village.

-Mark & Bopper successfully finish the Speed Bump and they had so much fun.  While they are changing their clothes (couldn't they keep the costumes?  Aww.)  The rest of the teams finally arrive - Big Brother, the Special Agents and Kerri & Stacey - all grab a gnome and Jamie & Nary are styling a beard - BB Rachel says she doesn't even know what a beard is...(gah!) they are going to do the gingerbread - and Kerri & Stacy also decide to do the gingerbread.
-Mark & Bopper - are going to gather some gingerbread and they are going to be yodelling for the rest of the day.

-Major Dave & Blond Rachel successfully finish the beard and head out for the castle (Have fun storming the castle... I couldn't resist - Princess Bride, see it.)  The Guidos get their beard judged and get a "no, no, NO."(I think that was Bavarian for "Oh hell no.")  It is a little sloppy.

-Vanessa & Ralph show up and she starts giving him orders like she knows what she's doing... we shall see.

- Big Brother and the Mississippi girls are driving through the snow looking for the start of the trail to the witch's house.  They totally miss the marked trunk now covered in snow but still with the red & gold swag and they are wandering off in the wrong direction.
- Mark & Bopper get their, go straight to the trunk and get their basket and head on down the trail... hmm.  Hint to Kerri & Stacy, never follow Big Brother.  Bopper picks up all the gingerbread (I hope they restock the trail.)

-Back at the beard task - the Guidos are kicking themselves about choosing the longest beard, they can't get it to stay up like the picture and they are falling behind Vanessa &Ralph who chose a manageable beard.

-Kerri &Stacy and Big Brother have finally found the trunk and the trail and are gathering gingerbread - seem to be working together... for now.

-The Jersey Shore finally gets their beard approved, grudgingly as the special agents arrive.
-Vanessa is being a perfectionist on their beard - Ralph tells her to leave it so they guy can judge it...and they pass, get the next clue and head out.  Vanessa, "Finally, taking forever on my hair paid off."

-Mark & Bopper arrive at the witch's cottage and get started on their gingerbread house - this one would be cold, they are outside having to do this... but they have a great attitude, just get it done.
-Big brother arrive and Rachel is whining instantly, "Why do we always choose the hardest one?"(Because you're stupid... what? It's true.)  She's finding it hard to piece her oddly shaped gingerbread together to complete the roof... sigh.
-Kerri & Stacy are using a fork as a tool to shape their pieces and make them fit together.  (Hey, look, a tool, who would have thought of that?)

-Art & JJ arrive at the castle parking area and take a horse drawn carriage up to the castle.
-Dave & Blond Rachel are lost, he didn't pay attention to the directions and it's now her fault - bicker, bicker.
-Jersey Shore and Ralph & Vanessa arrive at the parking area for the castle (is that even the right castle?) and she doesn't want to walk up - the Guidos take that opportunity to get ahead of them by taking off - Vanessa wants to take the horse & carriage but Ralph is focused on the guys getting ahead of them and wants to hoof it - she doesn't have a choice but to follow, but don't think he won...  Bicker, bicker bicker.

-Jamie & Nary complete their beard and they get the clue to the castle.

-They are all still working on the gingerbread houses - Mark was complimenting the witch, "I told her she was pretty even though she was uglier than a mud rail fence." (whatever that is, must be pretty ugly, cause that witch was really ugly.)  BB Rachel - bad attitude.  Kerri & Stacy say their hands are frozen but they want to be the first out of there.

-Art & JJ get to the castle and head up to the king's bedroom - they get the clue drive themselves to an ice hockey and curling rink to get their next clue.

-Kerri & Stacy are the first team finished the gingerbread house and as they were jumping up and down and go to hug - Kerri head butted Stacy in the face - OUCH! (Ha ha ha!)

-On the way down from the castle, Art & JJ pass the Jersey Shore and the now more than bickering, I'd say full on fighting, Vanessa & Ralph - she's having a temper tantrum, they throw her jacket at each other and she calls him a hot head with no class - "Congratulations, you just made YouTube." (I can't help but think she'd love that.)  Ralph said inside he was enjoying pissing her off... I'm starting to understand why he's been divorced 3 times.

-Jersey Shore gets the clue from the bedroom - Ralph & Vanessa also get the clue, but they are now not talking.

-Mark & Bopper complete their gingerbread house - and BB Rachel is crying because they are now last ... but they finish it as well and head off for the castle.

-Major Dave & Blond Rachel (oh yeah, I forgot about these two) finally get to the parking area of the castle and Dave decides it must be - the wrong castle - (really?  This guy is the worst.)
-Jamie & Nary get there too and also head to the wrong castle - happy to have caught up with Rachel &Dave (oh boy.)  They have to buy tickets for a tour and can't just head straight to the bedroom... (isn't any of that smelling fishy to them?)

-Art & JJ get to the ice rink and get the clue for the Roadblock - Who's ready to put it on ice - JJ is.
-They have to slide the gnome along the ice like a curling stone and get it right on the button - the inner white circle of the rings on the ice.  This could take a while.

-Meanwhile, Dave & Rachel and Nary & Jamie are finally realizing they are not in the right castle - they make track right quick.
-Stacy & Kerri head up to the wrong castle as well but ask someone before going inside and find out it's the other castle.
-Mark & Bopper choose the wrong castle too - but someone directs them over to the other one.
-Shockingly, Big Brother heads up to the right castle.

-JJ proves a good curler and they get the clue for the Pit Stop - a big, old, working farm. 

-Jersey Shore are curling - Danny never thought they'd be curling gnomes today.  He hits the middle and they get the clue to the it Stop.

- Everyone else is hoofing it up the hill to the Sleeping Beauty castle.  Dave & Rachel and Jamie & Nary get the clue and head out.
-Brendon & Rachel get the clue from the bedroom too.

- Vanessa & Ralph get to the ice rink as the Guidos are leaving and Ralph is going to do the task - she tries to make up and he grudgingly kisses her... she says, "It's like shuffle board, with gnomes."
She doesn't clear his shots and he hits one already there but they are both partially in the middle and that's good enough to get the clue.

-The walk up that hill has Kerri & Stacy fighting as well, we can jog this... You can.  Shut up.  Bicker bicker.
-Bopper thought he was going to have a heart attack when he got up to the castle - Mark was telling him to stop trying to be a super hero and take his time - they get the clue and head out.

-At the rink, Nary is curling for the Agents.  Brendon is curling for Big Brother and Blond Rachel is curling for Major Dave.
-Blond Rachel proves to be pretty good and they are the first to get the clue. Dave, "It's like a bar game, you'd have to be good at it."(Wow, this guy is the king of backhanded compliments.)
-Brendon also hits the sweet spot and they head out - putting the pressure on Nary to find the target.

-Kerri & Stacy arrive and Kerri starts curling some gnomes.  Mark & Bopper are there too and Mark has to do it, Bopper was too wiped from the castle climb.  Good thing though, Mark proves a good shot - they finish leaving the ladies very frustrated and still trying to hit the target.
-Kerri is the next one to get it touching the middle and they encourage Nary to hang in there - she's shot over 180 times... finally, one just barely hits the edge of the middle white and they guy gives them the nod... and the clue.
-Kerri & Stacy prove their navigating skills have not improved...

Here's How They Finished:
*Oh man, they have to run through the cow shed - to the mat, that must be... fragrant.
1) Art & JJ - They won a trip to Thailand.  Phil jokingly asks them to withdraw from the race to give the other teams a chance.  If he gives them a cheque for a million dollars, they will.
2) Joey "Fitness" & Danny - #2 will have to do.
3) Vanessa & Ralph - we got into a little bit of a spat... she says they're good at letting things go, but if it happens again, she's just going to kill him. (Yeah, that's not letting it go.)
4) Dave & Rachel - Way to go baby.
5) Brendon & Rachel - he slips at the mat and lands flat on his back - Rachel, "Holy manure!"
6) Mark & Bopper - came back from a speed bump and last place... Woo!
7) Nary & Jamie - YAY!
8) Kerri &Stacy - **ELIMINATED** Stacy hopes she's made her kids proud.  Who knew two girls from wherever would make it this far... we're still awesome.  What's not awesome is that Lee G, Krista H, Sunnie C, Fred/Gary M and Pat T are out of the pool.

Next week: In Azerbaijan, they will go through fire, water and a day at the spa (looks like removing mud baths from people.)  Where is Azerbaijan? 

Have a great week everyone,

Coleen

Survivor One World - March 14th Episode Recap

A Bunch of Idiots

The episode briefly recapped how Colton, the horrible, spoiled rich kid got his way last week and Bill was voted out - when the women were actually supposed to go to Tribal Council...

Salani - Day 12
Troyzan comes over to talk to the women who are all hunkered down in their shelter - they asked who's idea it was to give up immunity and he told them, "Colton... but it was a group thing... I don't know."
-The girls are not questioning the divine intervention, they are just grateful the men are more of a mess than they are now and they say they will stick together, 7 strong, no matter what happens.

REWARD CHALLENGE

Before we get to the challenge -Drop your buffs, we're switching tribes. (Ha, Colton, that's what you get for not playing by their rules.)  It will be a random switch, everyone picks an egg and on Jeff's word they will smash them against their bodies, the colour inside will determine their new tribe.
New Salani: Michael, Sabrina, Kat, Jay, Kim, Chelsea and Troyzan
New Manono: Tarzan, Colton, Christina, Alicia, Jonas, Leif and Monica
Kim says the switch could not have gone better for them and Colton says, "No kidding, you got all the muscle."  ('Tis true - these teams do not seem to be very even... age/ability wise - it's the fit, pretty people against the aged misfits.  I think they've made the show worse again - way to go.)

The challenge - the new tribes must work together - a team of four will carry a half barrel/bucket over to the water tower and fill it - then using their fingers, hands, whatever - they must try to plug the holes in the barrel that are leaking out all the water as they carry the barrel back to their container and dump it - first team to fill their container and raise their flag wins reward - Peanut butter, jelly, bread, coffee, sugar, cream (anytime it's food, they all look so happy.)  In addition, the winning tribe wins the right to continue living at the One World beach - losing tribe will be sent to a new beach where they must...create... a new....world.

Tribes are even so no one is sitting out - off they go - Manono doesn't do a very good job covering the holes and tries to run the buckets back faster but it doesn't pay off - Salani gets more water back per trip and they raise their flag first - SALANI wins reward and the beach.

Jeff asks Colton for the hard truth on this new division of the tribes - "Well, look at them and look at us, it's like Greek gods v/s the peasants."
Monica doesn't like that - "far from a peasant my friend."
Colton - No, village people. (Ha!)
Manono gets a map to their new world and they all head out.

Salani - Day 12
-Sabrina just wanted to be with Kim... she was very happy that 4 girls from their original 5 girl alliance were still together (I'm sure it's good riddance to Alicia anyway.)

Manono - Day 12
-Colton had the opposite reaction, when he saw Jay and Troy and Kim and Sabrina were all blue and he was orange... well beep.
- Everyone else is trying to be positive - they are sorting through the gear and getting started on building a shelter - and Colton is pouting - not only is he on a tribe with people he doesn't want to be on a tribe with, he's on a tribe with people who suck.  (Ah, tactful as ever...but he's kinda right.  Hopefully he learns how to make lemonade.)
-Alicia feels the same way - "Oh, we're going to be the laughing stock - we're so going to lose."
-Colton admits, as much as he can be an evil person, he knows how to relate to people, charm people, tell them what they want to hear and get them on his side.  He's already showing the 'nice Colton' face to Alicia, Christina and Monica - they pinky promise not to blindside him and swear the four of them are together - but Colton tells us he's just telling the girls what they want to hear to get information... (Yeah, that's not going to blow up in his face.)
-Monica suspects that he could be playing them - and she sees herself as the strongest of the three girls so if Colton is the master manipulator, she could be the first one going home.

Salani - Day 12
-They are huntin'... spearing crabs turns into my favourite of all Survivor battles - that epic battle between man and... chicken!  They out-flank one of our tasty feathered friends and Troy is able to tackle and catch it by the feet.  So they have 4 huge crabs and a chicken.
-Troyzan - It's like the gods said come together and I will provide what you want - it's been wild.

-Jay & Troy are talking strategy to Kim - Jay realizes the men are down numbers on this tribe so he wants to get in with some of the women - they talk of an alliance Troy, Jay, Kim and Chelsea.
-Kim tells the camera that she's wanted to keep her options open, if sticking with the women works out better for her in the long run, she'll stick with the women, but if not, it's Troy and Jay all the way.

Manono - Day 12
-Colton talking to Alicia says he doesn't trust Christina at all and he thinks she should be the first to go, they're better off with Tarzan or Jonas.  Alicia flat out says no - the girls are loyal - that's why you had all that crazy stuff go down.  Leave it as it is.
-Alicia wants to keep all her girls there, but if not possible at least keep her name out of the mix so if a girl does go, it's not her.
-Jonas confronts Colton about his talking to Alicia - Colton assures him he's sticking with the men, he's just telling the girls he's with them.  Jonas, "Don't scam me, bro."  (Bro, no really, I mean it bro... haha - inside joke there.)  Anyway - Jonas tells the camera he can't believe Colton is again doing nothing (except talking to the women) while everyone is working building the shelter - Jonas never thought to play that way but it is genius.  Jonas sees that Colton is running the show on both sides and he'd be dumb to think he wasn't with the women (but he has no idea how to change it... you need to blindside him - start talking to people... but they are all afraid of Colton now too.  Sheesh.)

Salani - Day 14
-Kim is looking for the girls hidden immunity idol - and she finds it!  Right away she tells and shows Chelsea - she's the only one she trusts in the game and she wants to do this together - they whisper and scheme that they can't be seen as a pair, blah, blah blah (I think it's too late for that.)  Kim is riding a wave of everything is going her way this episode... I hope she's not building for a fall.

Manono - Day 14
-The epic battle of man v/s chicken goes the other way for Manono.  They have a trap set and they get one in a crate with chicken wire surrounding it... but as they celebrate catching the chicken, it calmly walks away - there was a hole in the wire... (I don't mean to laugh, but Hahahaha! that was hi-larious.)
-Colton just rolls his eyes - These people suck at Survivor.  We're going to lose every challenge.  He realizes that Christina has no friends and Monica has more power so if they merge, Monica is more of a threat to him - if Christina's still there it doesn't matter.
-Colton goes and talks to Alicia and convinces her that they need to vote Monica first... and then who? Christina... she balks a little but he assures her she only has to believe in him and he can control the guys... Oh, okay, I'm in (WHAT!??  Yeah, that's how long the girls sticking together went.  Oh, Alicia, go talk to Leif... he would so be your 4th.)

IMMUNITY CHALLENGE

Three members of each tribe will try to get a ball in the water and make a basket while the members of the other tribe will try to stop them any way they can... (oh, this one tends to get very physical, very fast... I'm thinking someone from Manono is going home tonight.)
-First tribe to score 3 points/baskets wins immunity.

-It's 3 men against 3 men together - Jay to Michael - Salani leads 1-0
-The second point is harder - Michael has 5 free tries before anyone even reaches him - at one point it throws Leif aside - Leif recovers the ball and almost makes a point but in the end Michael gets Salani's 2nd point.
-No men this time - Monica is able to get Manono on the board. 2-1
-All men the next time - Colton sprints through the water to be the first person to the ball and he nearly drowns holding on to it - when he comes up he screeches, Help Me...(yeah, I laughed) - but it is for naught - Salani gets the ball and the 3rd point.  Salani wins immunity!

Manono - Day 14
- Returning from their defeat and Monica cannot help but toot her own horn - at least it wasn't a shut out... always seeking acknowledgement and praise this woman... (you know, it would be a good idea to maybe be a little humble and keep the target off your back.)
-Alicia says you're going to see an an Oscar worthy performance from Colton and I today, the most epic blindside ever - Monica has no idea she's going home today.
-Colton tells Jonas it's Monica tonight - Jonas is willing to be Colton's b*tch as long as he's not the one going home.
-Alicia tells Christina she thinks it has to be Tarzan tonight - (and they show the poor guy painfully shuffling in the water, no don't bend over... ahh, my eyes - again!)  Christina is in and goes and tells Jonas & Colton they're thinking of voting Tarzan tonight.  Jonas is almost too casual in his acceptance of that idea... at least but up a little show of resistance (Jonas is my guy in the pool - I'm pretty much resigned that I am not winning, again.)
-Colton tells her that was literally what they just said - Monica comes over and they tell her it's got to be Tarzan because they have to start winning.  Monica, "As long as it's not me." (sigh)
-Monica thinks the men have lost sight of the numbers and the fact they're willing to get rid of one of their own is great for her... (uh, this chick is so conceited that she couldn't even fathom they'd want to vote her out... I think that's what it is.)
-Jonas tells Leif, with Christina right there, that they are voting out Tarzan (wink).  I think he got it... but Jonas tells the camera he doesn't really trust Leif after the Bill fiasco.
-Colton tells Leif and Tarzan that they are voting out Monica tonight - she is the head of the snake and Alicia is voting with us in case you don't - Tarzan - who is that again??
-Colton tells the camera that Tarzan is liking having a grandpa with Alzheimer's on the tribe - he has to remind him 87 times or he'll forget - they show him again saying, "It's Monica tonight."  Tarzan, "Hold on, oh, okay."   Colton, I have to keep telling him or he might write down Jenny or something.
-Colton says, "It's really hard being the leader of a bunch of idiots, really, it's so difficult." (oh man.)

TRIBAL COUNCIL

Jonas, what was your reaction to this new Manono tribe?
-Well, the odds were not stacked in our favour, let's put it that way.
Monica, give me your input on this new tribe.
-Well, breaking up was hard to do, we'd gotten close - the girls - but it's turned out to be a blessing.  The beach is better, the food is plentiful and we're playing like a team, I think. (She looks around for agreement from everyone.)
(Colton's face doesn't agree.)
Colton, do you like Monica's positive attitude?
-I mean, yeah.  If she thinks she can turn this sinking ship around, by all means, take the wheel.  Yeah, we need Monica.  (Alicia looks like she's biting her inner lip not to laugh.)
Alicia, is it possible Monica could be what this tribe needs?  (Monica preens at that.)
-Monica is definitely an awesome person and a super mom... she's very competitive and very athletic and she can kick some *ss (holy, don't spread it on too thick.)
I smell a 'but' coming... (well, they aren't bathing very well out there... ha ;))
-She can be seen as a threat - that's the but.
Monica - That's the but... but to say I'm a threat, it's more like I'm trying to help the team (again she looks around for confirmation from everyone.) But I can see why you'd think that [because I'm awesome.]
And then Leif, out of no where, throws his two cents in : But, she's one of the most.. hardest... working women I've ever seen {awkward laugh} (he sounded like Beavis - just shut up.)
Monica - Thank you, that makes me feel happy.
Tarzan, what do you make of this new tribe?  Was it good news for you?
(This should be good.)  My first thought was to drop my assertiveness to one of the lode-stars that is another member of this tribe (uh, what?) who would then lead the first few days of this new tribe.
Jeff wants to interpret that - sees it like a game: one of the lode-stars that is another member of this group... that would be... ?
Tarzan - I shant say as the game is afoot. (When did he become Elizabethan?)
Jeff is impressed with Tarzan's vocabulary.  Asks Leif if it's hard to talk to Tarzan because of how he talks and Leif pretty much shows he's not up to the task - "he can better explanate" 
Tarzan provides the work for making up a word that sounds like the word you meant to say - I have no idea what he said... How bout we vote now Jeff....
Jeff tries to get some information out of Tarzan about his background but again, "The game is afoot, Jeff."  The rest of the tribe start filling in - he has 14 pets, he's a medic (I think he's actually a plastic surgeon, Monica and he should talk after the show, those boobs, not so good) has a wife named Terri and he has nominal aphasia - meaning he can't remember people's names (One vote for Jenny, here we come.)  They test him on the names of his tribe mates... he gets everyone but stumbles on Monica and then blanks on Jonas (yeah, but he's actually easy to forget.)

Time to vote:  Colton mouths to Tarzan, "Do you remember what to do?" And he gets crazy old man head snap (that's not reassuring.)

Tallying the votes:
Tarzan - 1, 2
Monica - 1, 2, Alicia looks guilty, 3, Christina & Monica turn accusingly to Colton, 4 ... and MONICA is the 5th person voted out this season.  "Wow," she says.  Christina, "What the...?"
And with Monica leaving tonight, Alexis Gronlund, Ian Gariepy, and Shelley Aven are out of the pool.

Jeff says you admit you're out matched but then vote out your strongest player - interesting strategy.

Next week: Colton focuses his evil on Christina and may break her... someone else is injured or medically unable to continue in the game.

Monica's final thoughts:  extremely disappointed, she west there to win - dumbest thing she could have done was trust Colton.  She blames herself for being outwitted.  (And there you go.)

Have a great rest of the week everyone,

Coleen

The Amazing Race 20 - March 11, 2012 Episode Recap

Taste Your Salami (Turin, Italy)

The fourth leg started on the stairs where they Pit Stopped last leg - Art & JJ are the first out at 5:10pm and I'm sure all the teams will be happy to learn they are leaving Paraguay (since the last leg was so tough) for Turin, Italy.  Once they arrive in Turin, Italy's motor city, they must drive themselves to the Lingotto building to find their next clue.
-Art & JJ head to a travel agency to book tickets and they find out the first flight out is at 9:15am the next day and they will arrive in Italy at 10:35am the following day (Ouch!)  Art & JJ feel they are the team to beat, having the intellect and the strength for the Race, but they're not too happy to learn that all the teams will likely be on the same flight and the mad scramble will continue again in Italy. (That's the way this game works.)
-2nd team to depart is Big Brother, Rachel and Brendon - at 9:59pm (wow, Art & JJ killed the last leg) - they are planning a wedding and maybe the Race is a preview of the honeymoon (only if you win the million dollars and can afford to do it on your own.)
-3rd team out are the Jersey Shore - all they know about Paraguay is the girls are hot as h*ll (shaking my head) but so are Italian girls, they're not picky. (Oh, boys.)
-Mark & Bopper, 10:08pm - "Italy! We're goin' somewheres tropical!" I laugh until Bopper makes it real - he's got a daughter with respiratory health issues and he's running the race for her, to try and improve her life (aww).
-They all start heading out one after the other and everyone is heading to the travel agency except Mark & Bopper who are ogling women while stuck in traffic heading to the airport... all the other teams at the travel agency are wondering where the Kentucky boys got to...
-At the airport Mark & Bopper run into Art & JJ at the food court - they ask what flight they got on and they say they're fixing to get tickets right now - Art & JJ tell them they were supposed to do that first - they have to go all the way back to the travel agency then come back to the airport.  (Oh no, never share your sad story, it's bad luck :))
-Meanwhile Vanessa & Ralph, the last team, are heading out at 12:15am - they get to the travel agency and are told the flight might be full - Vanessa takes that opportunity to make fun of BB Rachel's sparkly top (really? You're hoping this leg goes better, stop with the bad juju.)
-Mark & Bopper are on their way back to the travel agency hoping there are tickets left for them... at different agencies - Vanessa & Ralph get tickets on the flight arriving in Turin at 10:35am and Mark & Bopper get tickets arriving at 11:50am (Oh no!) unaware they're on a different flight, Bopper is still stoked to be "goin' It-ly."
-Next morning when the teams are all together waiting to get on the connecting flight, Mark & Bopper realize they are on a later flight and try to get standby tickets - but the flight is full and they are SOL - stuck 1:15 minutes behind.

-The first flight lands in Turin and everyone is driving themselves to get the next clue - they are having American problems - no street signs, everyone going every direction... BB Rachel, "I understand why everyone hates Americans, we're idiots." (hahaha)  And the Guidos, of course, it's all about women - one of them used to date an Italian girl so he doesn't trust them, the other has an Italian girlfriend and he does trust them (Oh, so glad a whole country full of women have been redeemed - ugh.)
-Army Dave is backseat driving and so testy that Rachel pulls over and makes him drive (oh, that's going to be trouble.)
-Mississippi girls have trouble getting out of the airport and have to change drivers - Kerri doesn't drive stick very well.  They have lost the group.

-Art & JJ are the first team to arrive at Lingotto Fierre just ahead of BB Rachel & Brendon - they start running up a big looping ramp (it's alike a big parking structure).  All the rest of the teams start arriving and are not excited about the run up the ramp - Art & JJ get to the top and get the clue to the Fast Forward - Land a Helicopter.  One team member must pilot a remote controlled helicopter while the other team member wears a model of the building on his head - once they land the helicopter perfectly on the building, they'll get the Fast Forward and can proceed directly to the Pit Stop.  Art & JJ are going to go for it.
-The other choice is the Roadblock - Rappel 120ft down the inside of the spiral section of the Lingatto building (where they just ran up the ramp to the roof) and on the way down grab a clue suspended from ropes.  If they are not able to grab a clue in the 2 minutes allotted they must go back up and try again (oof).  All the other teams are doing the Roadblock.

-At the Fast Forward - Art & JJ are disappointed to find out it's not a real helicopter - models, what the heck!  Art apparently isn't that good with the remote control toys - and JJ just keep still - sheesh.

-BB Rachel and Danny/Guido are rappelling - they both get a clue no problem - (except for the wedgie) - the clue tells them to head to the National Automobile museum and they must park using the Ford Focus' automatic park feature (yeah, the whole episode is a Ford commercial) then go into the museum and find the 1916 Tin Lizzy, which has their next clue on the seat. (It's a little box, what's in there?)

-Kerri & Stacy still haven't found the Lingotto building - driving around Turin.
-Mark & Bopper finally arrive in Italy.  Mark, "Italy, that's all the Italian I know." And they're driving to the Lingatto building.

-Army Dave & Rachel get the clues to the Fast Forward and the Roadblock and figuring someone's already doing the FF have decided she's going to rappel.  While she's getting suited up he reads that the FF is landing a helicopter, and being a helicopter pilot Dave wants to go do it but Rachel asks if he's ever flown a hand held helicopter?
-You don't know if that's what it is.
-What, they're going to get you to fly a real helicopter?
-If that's your attitude, I'll just meet you down there... he stalks off in a huff - yeah, these two both have poopy diapers this leg.

-They show Art & JJ - JJ's trying to put his head under the helicopter - things are not going well.

-Back at the rappel - Vanessa is stalled at the clue - she can't reach it and her 2 minutes elapsed - she has to go down to the bottom - run back up and try again.
-Meanwhile Army Dave is hoping Rachel improves her demeanor or this is going to be a long leg - (Uh, I seem to remember him starting with the attitude in the car, or was that just me?)
-Agent Jamie stalls out too and she has to start over again.
-Rachel saw what happened to the other two and she gets a swing going so she can grab her clue no problem - does she get praise from hubby - nope, "Hurry up, we're ahead now." (I love you too dear.)

-At the Automobile Museum, it's Ford commercial time as Big Brother uses active assist to park the car - Oh, hold on, they're going to fight first. 
-The Guidos get there and successfully let the car park itself (if these two can do it, what's Brendon's problem?)  They are the first team into the museum and they start looking for the old car.
-Rachel is screeching at Brendon that he's embarrassing and can't treat her that way (huh?) and he turtles, Babe, I'm sorry.  There is talk of quitting the race - but alas, that's not going to happen (how can they remain on TV if they quit.)

-JJ is losing his patience with the helicopter thing - "Do you think you can do it in the next 1/2 hour?" Art, "Eventually." (Hmm, that's not a yes.)

-Vanessa and Jamie are trying the rappelling again and they both get a swing going this time and get the clues.  Ralph goes in to kiss Vanessa and bumps her nose, "That was the face.  Do you know how much this nose cost?" (Oh yeah, I have the feeling she can be quite the princess that one.)
-They hope Art & JJ don't get the FF - but cut to... Art finally landing the helicopter on JJ's head! Yay!  White-guy high five (meaning they missed.)  They get the FF and the clue to head to the Pit Stop - Piazza Castello.

-Kerri & Stacy finally arrive at the Lingotto building.
-Mark & Bopper are still looking for the Lingotto Building.

-Guidos are still looking for the Tin Lizzy in the Museum, Rachel & Brendon are still just fighting.

-Army Dave & Rachel, Vanessa & Ralph and the Faux Teacher/agents see a huge group of Santa Claus' (ah, must have been taping in December) and they all get the car to park itself - Go Ford!

-Oh look - Stacey, the girl that is terrified of heights, is doing the rappelling for them - I'm starting to suspect that these two are not very good at this.  Stacy comes down swinging and she gets the clue first shot - she was determined to redeem herself and not cry this time.  She did great, and they head to the museum.

-Bopper gets out of the car and asks someone where the Lingui-toe building is - the guy tells them the Lingotto building is... blah blah - yeah, they have no idea what he said.  "They don't speak no English over here."

-Rachel & Brendon are the first team to find the Tin Lizzy and they get the next clue - it looks like a penny in the box - it's a 2 euro coin imprinted with, what they need to figure out is, their next destination - the Mole Antoneliano (cool old building with a tall spire.)  Once there they must ride the elevator all the way to the top and search for their next clue.
-Brendon & Rachel think they have to use the coin in a slot or machine, possibly to car, to release their next clue... uh huh.  Apparently Brendon is really well educated... but not necessarily really smart.

-The rest of the teams are starting to find the coins and figure out they need to go to the place on the coin - Army Dave & Rachel ask one of the Santas on the street and they head out.  The Jersey Shore, the Agents, Vanessa & Ralph all head out.

-Brendon & Rachel are still in the museum trying to figure out where to put the coin - and they realize everyone else is leaving - oh, let's go see if the cars are gone - and they are - these two are stymied now, what do we do?  He again mentions quitting and she lashes out at him and calls their marriage into question - (Wow, over-react much?  How can he stand that?)

-Army Dave and Rachel start fighting again in the car - he's not following the directions they got from the Santa and she's telling him he has to stop thinking he knows better and follow the directions - bicker, bicker, fight! (It's a very dramatic episode so far.)

-Brendon finally thinks, hey, maybe they went to the building on the coin - she pouty-whines they should just go there and stop embarrassing themselves - He just needs to actually do the thinking and stop looking for her approval on everything - Gosh!

-Kerri & Stacy get to the museum - Ford commercial - Got to get me a Ford Focus.  They head in to look for the Tin Lizzy.

-Mark & Bopper get to the Lingatto building finally and Bopper is boppin' down the rope - it's not pretty but he gets it done and they're heading to the museum.

-The Guidos are the first team to find the Mole-whatever building - they get in the glass elevator and marvel at the beautiful building and flirt with the female elevator operator - she's not impressed (hah!)

-Army Dave & Rachel arrive and he says they have to remedy this (meaning her attitude) she says, "Fine, shut up then."

-Guidos get the clue to the Detour - Clean that Statue or Name that Salami.
-In Clean that Statue - using the tools provided - brushes and power washer - they must clean a statue - once it's pristine, they'll get their next clue.
-In Name that Salami - they must find the designated salami store, sample 14 distinct salamis then travel 1/2 mile by foot to the market and correctly identify the salamis for sale by their correct names - once they get them all right, they'll get their next clue.
(I would be cleaning the statue - absolutely.)  The Guidos agree.

-Dave & Rachel marvel at the sight going up the elevator but once they have the clue he's impatient with her opening the clue and it starts again, Really?  (He's kinda a jerk.)  They defer the salami, Dave, "That's just too much meat for us to handle." (That's what she said.)

-Ralph gets extra sponsor points for using the park assist again at the tower - Jamie & Nary are going to clean the statues.  Vanessa says she hasn't had that much salami since high school (gross) - they decide to clean the statues.
-Brendon says this experience is not worth a million dollars if she doesn't want to be with him because of it... whatever - these two make me sick.  She's whiny/crying and they pass their nemesis team (Vanessa & Ralph) who are ecstatic to be ahead of them now.  Vanessa, "I bet they eat the salami) and she's right, Big Brother is going for the salami (could be they just want to avoid "the Ogre and the Triflin' Ho.')

-Everyone is trying to find the statue cleaning task and no one can find it - they're debating changing.
-Brendon & Rachel are sampling them some salami- Rachel, "I know it's on pizza and I like pizza." (oh, just stop talking.)

-As Kerri & Stacy are leaving the museum with their coin they see and are seen by Mark & Bopper - gives the Kentucky boys hope that they've caught up to another team.

-The teams start arriving at the statue place and Blond Rachel nearly knocks their statue's head off with the power washer - yeah, he takes that away from her.
-Ralph actually does shoot the head off their statue (they've set them up for that) so they have to fix it as well as clean it.
-The Jersey Shore are cracking wise about feeling like they should have taken her out for dinner before scrubbing her like they are...(they are so slimy.)
-Army Dave & Rachel - bicker, bicker, bicker.
-Nary & Jamie - shoot the head off their statue.  Vanessa, "Yeah, that happens."

-Brendon & Rachel are naming salamis - they get about 4 or 5 right but then it all breaks down and they have to head back to the shop to taste & get the names down again.

-Kerri & Stacy have gotten the Detour clue and they are going to Name that Salami.

-Mark & Bopper get the coin from the car at the museum - We done good.

-Army Dave & Rachel are the first team to finish cleaning the statue and they get the clue to the Pit Stop.  Jersey Shore bonds with the statue guy over checking out the statues butt, Vanessa & Ralph finish polishing the head... the sexual innuendo abounds in Italy it seems.

-Brendon & Rachel say all the salami is starting to look and taste alike, they don't even know which one's they had right the first time... (Uh oh.)  Kerri & Stacy show up at the salami store and Rachel starts to meltdown "I can't do this anymore."  Blubber, whine, cry... and he again announces they are done, "we're out of the amazing race."  (Yeah, yeah, promises, promises.)

-Mark & Bopper get the clue to the Detour - and they are cleaning a statue.  They enjoyed it, but it sucks coming in last.

Here's How They Finished:
1) Art & JJ - Phil tells them they've won $5000 each!   JJ acknowledges the race is gnarly, takes you to the highs and lows very rapidly - but they still want to keep their string of first place finishes going. (They finished half way through the episode.)
2) Rachel & Dave - complete and utter failure from his vantage point (seriously dude? You came in second!  Oh, I think he means their communication - okay, got to give him that.)  Rachel & I can only improve from this point.
3) Joey Fitness & Danny - Alright.
4) Vanessa & Ralph - Yeah
5) Nary & Jamie - who?  Oh yeah, the agents are very under the radar so far.
6) Brendon & Rachel - they rebounded of course, best friends make up (gag me.)
7) Kerri & Stacy - better hold on tight, you are still in the race.
8) Mark & Bopper - they are the last team to arrive... Phil gets Bopper crying, talking about his daughter and he brings Art & JJ out, they have decided to split their $10,000 with them for his daughter - awwww... and Phil's not done - for the first time ever, I'm so glad to hear this was a NON-ELIMINATION round - I think the show would be so much less fun without the Kentucky boys!

Next week - the weather outside is frightful as they head to Bavaria - they have to style a champion beard (awesome) and Bopper & Mark yodel with an Oompah band.

Have a great week everyone,

Coleen

Survivor One World - March 7th Episode Recap

Bum-Puzzled

The episode opened at Manono - Night 8 - with the men returning to camp after the human race affirming blindside of Matt, the king of the roosters.
-Michael is worried but covering it with bravado - tells the camera the old guy, the gay guy - they're all weak and if they want to vote out the strong guys they can keep losing for all he cares.
-Tarzan takes aside Troyzan and it's all business - Mike is so far on the outside they can let him coast for a while as he's no threat to them but Bill is the next one that should go, his charm could lure guys away from their group (not Colton though, he's already established how he hates Bill.)
-Tarzan, "we'll solidify that plan tomorrow." (I don't get why it was so important to have that discussion right away - it's like Tarzan was on a Tribal high and riding it through back at camp.  I would just find it annoying.)

Salani - Day 9
-The girls are harvesting snails... gah - Monica's trying to convince us that they are not starving with coconut, snails and rice they could go 31 more days (I'm sure that's how she normally eats, she could stand a cheeseburger or two - just saying.)  I wonder how the other girls feel about that.
-While the women are cooking their bounty of snails, Troyzan and Jonas show up and ask if they can use the fishing net - Jonas sets it out, he's from Hawaii, he knows how, where, when to use the net and, if they are willing to let him use it, he'll give them half the haul.
-Chelsea finds it funny that the tables are turned and the men now expect the women to help them when the men gave them such a hard time before.  Chelsea says she doesn't want to be a hard *ss but they can't be feeding their enemy.
-Jonas - I don't care either way, but you're getting the better deal, we do all the work, you get half the food.
-Kim - You don't care either way? (Right) Kim tells the camera that Jonas is a rude dude (huh? I didn't see him being rude) but the girls have hard feelings and they're not willing to be nice (I think it's short sighted of them but you know Alicia would freak out if anyone even mentioned working with the guys.)
-Troyzan tells the camera that the women are ruled by their emotions - he doesn't get it, to him it's a no brainer to let the men get them food. (Yup, that totally highlights the difference between the sexes right there - the women are thinking longer term/big picture and the men are looking at immediate need - to them it's a no-brainer... to women, nothing is a no-brainer.)

REWARD CHALLENGE

They will take turns using a sling shot to knock out targets on a wall - first team to get 5 targets knocked out in a row (like bingo - vertical, diagonal or horizontal) will win Reward of one of three choices:
Comfort: blankets, pillows & a mattress
Protection (from the rain): a tarp - Colton, "oh, we already have that."
Luxury: donuts, coffee, sugar, creamer - that got them all excited - everyone wants a donut-Right-NOW!
-The men sit Bill and they are off:
-They both hit but not enough of the planks fall out to count as a hit... oh, that sucks.
-They do start hitting some out but they also need to clear a row... this could take a while.
-The men are having aiming problems - going either high or low... the women pull ahead with 4 in a row... And the WOMEN win the Reward!  Way to go! 
-Jeff asks if this is enough to change the momentum, 3 challenges in a row?  and he gets a grumpy old fart answer from Tarzan, "No. Luck.  It's just plain luck."  (Whatever grandpa!)

So the women get to choose a reward, and they prove practical - they choose the tarp.

Salani - Day 9
-Back at camp the women are feeling more united and jubilant with winning the tarp.  They definitely feel like the momentum has shifted - Sabrina talking about Tarzan's comments: "It's just luck... well, luck these."

Manono - Day 9
-The men are making excuses trying to make themselves feel better - we didn't have time to learn the game - we're not even, we're up one person and that's better than a tarp any day.
-Bill is the one voice of reason - we got our butts kicked, these women are no slouches - we have to stop thinking things are even and take the women seriously.
-Bill is talking to Leif on the beach saying they have to win the immunity challenges.  Leif says he'd love to find an idol (then go look for one) then he casually says, "when Colton said to vote for you man, I didn't want to." - You see Bill do a double-take, like, say what? - that was news to him... Leif realizes his mistake - don't say anything - but Bill is rocked - he didn't realize how close he came to leaving, yup, wake up call for Bill, he's playing the game now.
-Michael runs to Colton who is, of course, lounging in the shelter, to tell him that he saw Leif talking to Bill all chummy - Colton, "That munchkin is going to be blown back to Oz, call him in here." (and he's giving orders like the reigning diva...) and Michael does it because he's trying to save his butt by throwing someone else under the bus.
-Colton grills Leif, demands to know if he told Bill he was next and berates him like a child.  Leif is kind of wishy-washy - "well, I didn't mean to..." Colton tells him he's sealed his fate (I would be careful on the royal decrees there Colton, you too can be dethroned.)
-Colton tells the camera it's a tie between Leif and Bill for who's more wishy-washy - Bill is sneaky but Leif if just stupid. (Oh, and he calls him an Ompaloompa too - not to his face - but still.)
-Leif takes Colton's repremand to heart - believes that no one trusts him now and he could be going home.

Salani - Day 11
-Tree mail is a puzzle - the women put it together and it tells them they're going to have to work in pairs and be smart - they decide they'll just keep the pairs they were in last challenge and Kat steps in it when she questions Alicia's ability to do puzzles - "I know you did not just call me stupid." (uh, oh.) Sabrina tries to play peacemaker and get them focussed on the challenge they were just about to leave for... sheesh - they are their own worst enemies.

IMMUNITY CHALLENGE

-They are going to be tied together (at the wrist) in pairs - each pair will have to race across a teeter-totter, solve a puzzle and retrieve a key - when they have all three keys, one person will use the keys to open three locks and release their flag - first team to do that, wins Immunity.
-The men sit out Jonas.

-Off they go.
-Tarzan & Colton finish their puzzle quickly and Tarzan almost forgets the key - much to Colton's annoyance.
-Alicia & Chelsea do not finish the puzzle quickly - at all...
-Jay & Michael are the 2nd team out for the men and they complete the pyramid puzzle quickly...
-Alicia & Chelsea are still working on the log puzzle... they decide to look over at the men's puzzle and crusty-grump Tarzan starts yelling, "Cheat, cheaters!"  (Hey, if Jeff isn't calling foul, all's fair.)
-Troyzan & Bill are working on the final puzzle
-Chelsea & Alicia finally get the first puzzle done and Jeff says, "The only good thing about being so far behind is there is a model right beside you to look at."  So Jeff is even encouraging them to look at the men's completed puzzle, and Tarzan continues with "Cheaters!" and Jay tells the girls they suck (wow, sore winners?  I mean, if I was there, I'd be mad too if they looked at my finished work to get ahead - but it's not against the rules, let it go man.) Kat mutters, "Tarzan's about to get slapped, dude."
-The men finish the final puzzle and Leif has the locks open and the flag raised before the women even got the second key. 
-Jeff rubs their faces in the blow out - That almost doesn't even count as a challenge. (ouch) He calls out Alicia for her poor performance but consistant with her personality, she laughs it off - yeah, I did bad, oh well. (I hate those people.)
-Christina tells the camera that Alicia's attitude after the challenge was repulsive but she's hoping it works to her advantage and the women will see Alicia is the weak link to be taken out. (I hope she screams at her to shut up again - that was awesome.)

Manono - Day 11
-The boys are back at camp and Bill is so happy to see that little red devil (the immunity idol) there to save his butt.

Salani - Day 11
-Sabrina wants to know what the h*ll happened - Chelsea says it was harder than it looked - Alicia says she and Chelsea really did try and, for the most part, have done really well in all the other challenges...
-Sabrina is p*ssed off at Alicia laughing after their epic loss at the challenge, "Alicia is just dead weight with a mouth."
-Sabrina approaches Kim and floats the idea that Alicia has got to go - and Kim doesn't want to do that - she thought Christina was the locked in vote to go but Sabrina want to shake things up.  It makes her nervous. "This is going to be an interesting afternoon."

Manono - Day 11
-Bill approaches Colton in his regular spot, lounging in the shelter and he want to "squash some beef" with him (uh, that is a gross mental picture.) 
-Colton flat out refuses - "I don't want to talk with you, we're not going to tribal council, we're not voting anyone out tonight, I don't want to talk about it."
-Bill will not take no for an answer.  He crouches down beside him and entreats him, "I don't know why you don't like me, what I've done to upset you..."
-Colton - All I know is you have been the most wishy-washy player out here - You're going home next, Bill.
-Bill - what am I supposed to do...
-Colton - Oh my god - you're going home next so it really doesn't matter (he puts his arms over his face and dismisses him) "Bye." (That is so rude - Colton is such a little... argh!)
-Bill is having none of it - gets right in his face, calls him a stuck up little brat (you go!) Colton essentially has to run away (because telling him you don't like him didn't back him down - ooh.)
-Colton runs to Troyzan & Jonas and tells him Bill is a crazy person, he just attacked me (whatever) after Leif told him he was next.  This is news to Troyzan - he told him that? What a bunch of knuckleheads.
-Colton says he's almost tempted to go over to the girls and offer to go to Tribal instead of them because they have way more to deal with over here. 
-Jonas laughs - that'd be interesting.
-Colton- Do you want to?  (What?  You can't do that.)  He goes on about having numbers that aren't with you is not advantageous. Blah blah blah. (Just say no, that's crazy talk.)
-Jonas apparently can't say no, though, he says, "That'd be a huge move dude." (What? It's like holding a red flag up to the bull - huge moves is what makes a memorable Survivor... Jonas proves he has no stones.)
-Colton runs with this idea over to Jay, says we give the girls immunity and go vote out Bill - Jay reacts like I would have, "Say what?  Shut up.  Wait, wait, wait, that is a hasty decision."
-Troyzan goes and finds Tarzan and pokes the bear - Leif told Bill - he freaked out - we have to give the girls immunity and take care of this tonight.  Tarzan, goes off half cocked - this has been a betrayal of our man-trust (by Leif) - we have to go take care of this right now.
-Tarzan heads straight to the women and tells Chelsea and Alicia that they are thinking of letting the girls stay and going to tribal council themselves.
-Chelsea kinda laughs, Why?
-Tarzan, "We have a betrayal."

Kat sums it up for the women, "Have they really lost their minds?"

-Meanwhile at Drama-camp - the men are all gathered in a circle and Tarzan tells Leif what he did was agregious  (I still believe totally by mistake), what we need to do is give the girls immunity and go to Tribal rather than stew about it for the next 3 days.
-Someone asks what's going to happen when we go to tribal and Tarzan says, "We're going to vote Leif off."  (Huh?) Colton looks confused - Jay is totally confused, I thought Colton wanted Bill out... Oh yeah, it's a cluster****.
-Leif says he's sorry, he's trying to be a straight up guy.  Tarzan is having none of it, "You have betrayed us and you will not be trusted.  You will be the next to go."  (Oh, this is like that telephone game - how messed up is the message by the 5th person.)

-The ladies think this is great - they are loving the men falling apart but it's distracted them from figuring out who to vote out tonight.

-The men try to take a vote and make it unanimous to go to Tribal tonight.  Umm, I'm guessing Leif's not in.  Only Tarzan and Colton raise their hands.  Colton seems to think that he's running things, he's always able to get people to do what he wants and he wants Bill out.
-I'm with Jay, "I'm really bum-puzzled right now."

TRIBAL COUNCIL

We see a row of lit torches making their way to the Tribal Council area... and it's... the MEN! (Hahaha, no WAY!)
Jeff's face was priceless... did I forget who won?  Strange little smile... head shake.

24 seasons, some 400 Tribal Councils - never had a tribe arrive at Tribal Council after winning Immunity.  What happened today, Troyzan?
-Well, everyone got together and agreed to give the girls immunity because as a tribe we wanted to vote Bill out but Leif went to Bill and told him we were voting him out and broke the trust of everybody - you just committed the cardinal sin to us and so as a group we said, that can't happen, you gotta go.  (Tarzan is nodding along... do they not hear how crazy this sounds?)
So, Leif you blurt this out and all hell reigns down on you.
-Yeah, pretty much. I wear my heart on my sleeve... Bill and I have been getting closer on a friend level... he asked, I told him. 
You understand how dangerous that is on a strategic level?
Yeah, I'm pretty much going home.  (Wow, dude, you were not prepared to play this game at all.)
But I hope, putting myself up for elimination, proves to the guys that I still have integrity within our group.
(Colton rolls his eyes, and I'm with him. Does he think they're not going to vote him out now?)
Jay, why is it so urgent?
-When I first heard this it went over my head but if I don't vote with the majority, I could be the next to go. (Yup, Colton has them all right where he wants them, afraid of big momma.)
Bill, what are the odds of this going down as the dumbest move ever - worse than giving up individual immunity, this is a tribe - 8 people agreed to do this.
-This could be the single dumbest move - we don't know until it plays out - but there is no point going into a merge if you have someone that can't be trusted... (Wow, Leif, feel stupid for thinking this guy was your friend now?)
Colton, where did this idea first start?  When did you hear about it? (oh Jeff, you have no clue.)
-When we found out Leif told Bill - I'm the type of person that if I don't like you I don't want to talk to you. 
Who don't you like?
-Bill
Why not?
-He's loud, he's obnoxious and he's a "struggling stand-up comic" - I mean, get a real job. (Oh my Godopus, this guy is horrible.)
-Bill, to his credit, doesn't freak out - he says he loves the kid to death (uh huh) and it's not a black-white thing but they come from two totally different backgrounds.  Bill's poor, he's been on his own since he was 17 - being a struggling stand up comic is what he does (and he got choked up - I feel bad for Bill.)
Colton, tell us about your background.
-Alabama - I come from a town of 3 thousand people and yes, I did go to a private, all-white school but I do have African-American people in my life.
Who?
-He laughs, My housekeeper.
-Bill - so there you go...
-Colton just keeps digging his grave... I don't have a problem with Bill because of his race - he's like poor pitiful me, I'm poor.  I don't associate with people like that in the real world and I'm certainly not going to associate with people like that here.
(Tarzan is about to put his face in his hands - Leif also looks like he can't believe what Colton's saying... he really just needs to shut up.)
So you don't see stand up comedian as a legitimate job.
-No, it is but have a back up plan.
-Bill - really?  You haven't worked a day in your life and you have the nerve to tell me... I'm following my dream and don't need a back up plan - and for the record, I work with people, not for them.
-Colton - after much eye rolling - "Whatever, Bill."  Then he does a dismissive head roll. (I'm feeling white guilt just listening to this guy... please shut up.) But he makes it worse - Jeff asks if there are people where he comes from that look down on him for being gay - he says he's sure there are but the people he associates with, the country club set, are better educated and more open to things - the people that have a problem with it ride around in trucks with Rebel flags and they go home to their trailers at night.
-Tarzan raises his hand and comes to Colton's defense - this discussion has devolved into social platitudes unfair to both men and Colton's been painted in the wrong light which is easy to do -
What light is that?
-Rich kid, never had to lift a finger
Who painted him that?
-Rather than realize Jeff's point Tarzan has a little fit about Race relations - colour shouldn't matter, judge people on the merit of their actions - (Uh, yeah - Colton would still come out badly.)
Jeff gives a little speech blah, blah, blah - regardless of what happens, this tribal council will go down as one of the craziest ever... 

Time to vote:
Colton - votes Bill - I don't like you, please take your broke ass home.

Tallying the votes:
No one plays their hidden idol...(Please have voted out Colton!)
Leif: 1
Bill: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5... Wow - amaze balls. 

Next week: Colton's reign continues - Alicia is hailing the Queen - Jonas is content to be his b*tch - but something happens to shake things up... (I think they are going to mix up the tribes.)

Bill's final thoughts: my tribe is doing some very unorthodox things but since I was probably going to be the next one voted out anyway, I rolled the dice.  Someday Colton's going to be put in a situation where he'll have to deal with people he doesn't like - he judged me because of my differences, I accepted him because of his. (That's why Bill is the bigger man, but still the loser) :(

Have a great rest of the week everyone,

Coleen

Amazing Race 20 - March 4th Episode Recap

Bust Me Right in the Head With It (Asuncion, Paraguay)

The 3rd leg opened under the 200yr old rubber tree in Argentina - Rachel & Dave get the next clue at 12:22am to fly to Paraguay and find a specific equipment supply store.
Art & JJ are the next out at 12:25am - they are happy to see they are going to another Spanish speaking country where they can communicate better than some teams (though I have noticed a lot of the teams this season do speak Spanish) - the Border agents' plan is to stick with Major Dave & Rachel, they both have the same sensibilities, protecting the USA, and together they'll just dominate the Race.  (The cocky attitude is so unattractive - come one JJ, I want you to win but I'd like to Like you too.)

-These two teams get to the airport and see there is an earlier flight direct to Asuncion and a later flight to another city in Paraguay... Dave & Rachel are told the first flight is very full and decide to put their names on the stand-by list - Art & JJ do the same (hmm.)
-All the other teams show up at the airport and Nary & Jamie (who everyone is calling 'the teachers' though we know they're federal agents) start waving at all the other teams to come down and get on stand-by for the direct flight.  This does not sit well with JJ, he doesn't want to help anyone else, they should run their own race (blah, blah - it's okay for him to have an alliance but no one else - he's coming off as a competitive jerk to me.)
-There is lots of sweet talking and joking of the other teams trying to get their names moved up the list... but only the first two teams make it on the flight.  And they gloat - well, big talk about not being worried about the huge targets on their backs. Art, "If it means we're first, I'll put a target on my back all day. Oh Yee-ah!"
-Hold on... two more teams are told they can get tickets - so the Faux Teachers and Mark & Bopper are also getting on the 8:45am flight - which leave 5 teams 2 hours behind leaving on a 10:40am flight - which they are not happy about.

First flight lands in Paraguay and everyone runs for the taxis.
-They show Mark & Bopper trying to read the clue to their cab driver - gibberish - Just follow that guy.
-Art & JJ are the first team to the equipment place - basically metal playground equipment like slides and monkey bars and barrel BBQs - strange mixture there - anyway - they have to first go down a kids slide then start searching among the stuff - pretty quickly JJ finds a clue in one of the BBQs and it's a DETOUR - Stacked Up or Strung Out.
-In Stacked Up they must make their way to the fruit market and stack watermelons in a 10x10 pyramid just like the local vendors do (I'm thinking that is easier said than done.) Once the vendor is happy with their mountain of melons, they'll get their next clue.
-In Strung Out they must make their way to an auditorium where they will have to string a harp, the national instrument of Paraguay.  Once the harp is ready for tuning they'll get their next clue.
-Art & JJ decide to stack some melons... and they have to go down slides again before they can leave.

-Mark & Bopper show up - slide - Bopper looks in one BBQ and they have a clue (this seems too easy) - They are also going to stack up.
-Jamie & Nary and Major Dave & Rachel get to the equipment place - find the clues and all of them are going to stack watermelons (hmm, I'm not sure what I'd choose - I think the melons are going to be hard to keep stacked, but the string could be too meticulous when you're running on so much adrenaline - tough call.)

Teams start arriving at the market - Art & JJ aren't afraid of getting dirty and working hard - everyone is finding this a physically demanding job as they're out in the sun, the heat & humidity and tossing around heavy melons... Mart throws one to Bopper and 'busts him in da head wid it' much to the local children's amusement.

-Meanwhile, the second flight has arrived and everyone jumps in cabs - Big Brother first and the Guidos are last - doesn't make them feel good to be at the back of the pack (aw, poor bros.)

-Back at the market Rachel & Major Dave are bickering - she's trying to get him to drink water - he won't - he's barking at her to not just stand there... these two are finding it hard to communicate after his time at war.

-Big Brother and Bootylicous have arrived at the equipment place and found clues - they both decide to stack melons but their cabs take off in different directions (interesting.)
-The Twins, Guidos and Vanessa & Ralph hit the slides and they find clues quickly - the twins are the only team to go for Strung Out (good, I wanted someone to try it, so I could see which one would be easier.)  Everyone else is stacking melons.

-Art & JJ are the first team to finish their pyramid - amid cheers from the crowd that's assembled to watch the spectacle - the clue is Route Info - to make their way to the Plaza de la Democracia.  In the cab they're pumped - we got the right flight, did the right task, did it perfectly - there is no excuse not to come in first (uh oh, I'm knocking on wood for them - don't jinx it.)

-Back at the market - the Faux Teachers pyramid looks a hot mess, so does Mark & Bopper's - they have to be somewhat symmetrical people... and as I thought that - Jamie & Nary's melons start tumbling down - followed by Mark & Bopper's and Dave & Rachel's.  Heartbreak!
-Cut to Art & JJ in the cab - JJ, "I love being on the Race, I love it."

-When faced with starting the pyramids over - Rachel & Dave quickly decide to switch tasks - he wants to use the Express Pass but she flatly refuses.  Seeing Dave & Rachel leave, Nary & Jamie decide to switch as well and then Mark & Bopper follow suit. 
-Mississippi girls Kerri & Stacy arrive at the market as Mark & Bopper are leaving and they ask if it's hard - Bopper, "Nope"... they string them along like it only took 2hrs, not too difficult... then they take their taxi... "They're going to kill us."
-When the girls go in and see the unfinished pyramids they realize they were snowed and decide to change - Dang, they took our cab... all bets are off for these two.

-Art & JJ arrive at the Plaza and get the clue to the ROADBLOCK - Who's ready to use their head?
-One team member must take part in the traditional Bottle Dance - learn a choreographed routine with a wine bottle balanced on their head - they have a table full of bottles but if all the bottles are broken before they successfully perform the dance - they will incur a 2hr penalty (geez, they are not going easy on them in Paraguay.)  Art is going to do this one - but it doesn't start out well - they're making him lay down on his stomach- while balancing a bottle on his head - WHAT? Who can do that if they've never tried before - this is crazy sauce.

-Back at the watermelon hell - Big Brother has chosen a truck and are discussing something when Vanessa sneaks in behind them and starts grabbing melons off their truck - she urges Ralph to block them in... (What is that about?  Why be a cow, the task is hard enough?)  - He's not on board with that but Vanessa is fixated - making fun of Rachel's clothes - I can see her [lady bits]. 
-Big Brother decides this is just going to be too hard and they are going to switch - Vanessa taunts them for quitting.  Ralph has to tell her to focus.  In the cab Rachel & Brendon say her mouthing off was one of the reasons they left - they cannot stand that girl. (Honestly, I don't blame them - they shouldn't have to put up with bullying like that - it was ugly.)

-Back at the Roadblock - Art seems to have mastered the bottle balancing - he gets down on the ground and the bottle doesn't fall!  They get the next clue to travel on foot to the Pit Stop.

-The teams are starting to arrive at the harp stringing task where the twins have been for a while - long haired twin is a musician so he's strung guitars before, thinks it should give him an advantage - but the harp strings are all there attached at the bottom and tangled up - so not only do they have to string the harp, they have to unsnarl the tangled strings first - yikes.
- When Rachel & Major Dave walk into the auditorium, they see 4 other teams already there and decide it's time to use the Express Pass - they get to head right to the Pit Stop.
-Big Brother is confident that the harp stringing is the right task for them - it's cool in the auditorium and the harp music is soothing... much better than tossing watermelons..

-Which takes us back to Vanessa & Ralph and the Guidos who are still sweating it out - Vanessa's meanness comes back on them when their stack starts to crumble... but they're not quitting.

- Every team that tried the watermelons is enjoying the harp stringing - Kerri & Stacy are good at it - Big Brother Rachel is good at it - even Mark & Bopper, once Bopper got the hang of it he was singing and enjoying himself - which takes us to the Twins who are NOT enjoying the task - bicker, bicker, bicker...it's much harder than stringing a guitar and surprisingly, they are not working well together (come on, use some twin synergy.)

-Hold on, Major Dave & Rachel only got to skip the Detour - they still have to do the Roadblock - well that sucks - Dave is going to do the bottle balancing.  Smash!  (Uh oh, this could take a while.)
Smash!Smash!Smash!Smash! (you get the picture) Dave has an odd shaped head, he goes through all their bottles and they incur a 2hr penalty...

-Rachel & Brendon are the first team to successfully string their harp - Mark & Bopper are done right behind them - twins are still bickering.

-Back at watermelon hell - Vanessa & Ralph are losing more melons off their stack as the Guidos are only the second team to successfully complete their stack and get the next clue.
-Ralph wants to switch tasks but Vanessa says they can't quit, they've spent so much time there... as more melons fall.

-Kerri & Stacy finish their harp and get the clue - Nary & Jamie also finish the stringing and head out - the Twins are still there... and notice they have strung the whole thing wrong - missed a hole near the beginning - they decide to switch to the watermelons - but there are no cabs and Andrew has a little fit.

-But back at the watermelons, Ralph is so carefully trying to place the last one at the top of their pile... when they all come tumbling down again - it's not fixable, they'll have to start all over.  She thinks they've lost all ready.

-The twins decide to go back and finish the harp.  It's better to finish what you start.
-Ralph & Vanessa decide they are not going to quit - what example would that set for his daughter back home - they tear it down to start again.

-The rest of the teams are arriving at the Roadblock - and there is a lot of bottle breaking... but BB Rachel completes it just ahead of Joey-Fitness - this becomes a foot race up the stairs to Phil...
-Mark finds the sweet spot on his head and he completes the bottle task, Nary also gets down on her belly without losing the bottle - they head for the Pit stop just as Rachel & Dave's penalty is expiring.

-The sun has set, it's late and dark... when the twins finally finish the harp and Ralph & Vanessa finally finish the watermelon stacking.  And they still have to do the Roadblock.

-Long haired twin (Elliot) is trying to balance the bottles when Ralph & Vanessa show up and are shocked to still be in this!  Ralph jumps in and the bottle smashing continues.  But he finishes first and has to coax some running out of Vanessa as the twins finish and take off running for the Pit Stop.

Here's How They Finished:
1) Art & JJ - won a trip to the Bahamas!  Oh, so jealous.  They think they should be number one every leg - what a day!
2) Rachel & Major Dave - they have to sit for 2 hours before Phil can check them in...
2) BB Rachel & Brendon - she coughs like she's going to puke and cries on the mat from having to out run the Jersey Shore (Drama Queen)  They're told they're the 3rd team to arrive but... because of another team's penalty, they are #2.
3) Danny & Joey Fitness - officially #3 because at this point, Rachel & Dave still have 29mins of penalty time left.
4) Mark & Bopper - 5...4...
5) Nary & Jamie - 3...2...
6) Dave & Rachel - they are the first team to not complete any tasks on a leg and still remain in the game - Major Dave is not happy to have that distinction, he is embarrassed with his performance.
7) Kerri & Stacy - quietly snuck in 7th.
8) Ralph & Vanessa - she crawls up the last steps... just stayed in the race.
9) Elliot & Andrew - **ELIMINATED** Dang it!  They are devastated but it's been amazing. 
And with the Twins elimination, Bob L, Bryon L, Corinne H, Lynne B and Chiquita D are also out of the pool (mush earlier than I would have thought, that's for sure.)

Next week looks like they are heading to Italy, BB Rachel continues to be a drama queen, Major Dave & Rachel continue to fight and there are remote controlled helicopters - Fun!

Have a good week everyone,

Coleen