The Amazing Race - Nov 27/11 Episode Recap

Release the Brake! (Belgium)

The episode opened at the end of the last - Marcus & Amani were the first to arrive at the Pit Stop and Phil tells them the next leg starts... NOW!  They open the clue to find they have to drive themselves to the Ford Proving Ground in Belgium... hold on, they are in Belgium, I didn't catch the city but it's still in Belgium somewhere.  They take off... and my recording cut off so I missed a few minutes... damn you football.
-Ernie & Cindy are the next team to check in with Phil, they get the clue to head to and stop in at a hotel to ask directions (smrt).
-Jeremy & Sandy are the third team to the mat - and the third team on the road.

Back at the Muscles from Brussels competition - the snowboarders are still in skimpy swimwear and painted orange - they are playing it up for the judges and crowd one more time and finally make a score of 12 to get the clue to move on.
-That leaves Ma & Pa as the last team still flexing it up... they have the choreography down now and put a little smile into it - they get the 12 points to move on. (I think the actual bodybuilder were just sick of judging them all... everyone gets a pass - now get out.)

-Marcus & Amani stopped to try and get a map but the business that pulled it up on the Internet for them, could not print it... they are all driving through the pouring rain now.
-Jeremy & Sandy stop at a stationary place and they print them a map.

Ford Proving Ground
-Ernie & Cindy are the first team to arrive and they find the clue for the ROADBLOCK: Who's ready to run with the ponies?  Once suited up they will put the latest Ford Mustang through a series of performance maneuvers:
-take it up to 100mph and brake hard at a designated spot
-then they'll have to navigate a slalom course in 16 seconds or less
-finally, a double victory donut will complete the task
-When a professional driver feels they have successfully handled the Mustang, he'll give them the next clue.  (Whahoo!  That would be so fun.  I can see all the boys wanting to do this one... but I'd fight for it.)  Ernie is going to do it for them - first a professional driver takes him out on the course and scares the bejeebers out of him - fishtailing at very high speeds - he thought he was going to die. (Again, so fun!)

Back at the Pit Stop:
-Tommy & Andy have checked in 4th place - and are very thankful to still be racing.  Andy says they just had a very humbling experience with the bodybuilding challenge (they're not used to not sailing through things) and they have their eye on making the finals.

Back at Ford -Ernie is ready to start his performance tests - he's now in the driver's seat with the pro beside him telling him what to do... he gets up to 100mph then hammers the brakes and has to steer the car through the skid in an S shape.  He gets a good.

Bill & Cathi are the last team to make it to Phil - he tells them they are the last team to arrive... however - they are still racing - they get the clue to head to the Ford Proving Ground and are so thankful.

-Marcus & Amani are lost... again.  That is their story lately.
-Jeremy & Sandy get to the proving ground and just as I thought, he's very excited to do the driving.

-Ernie has moved on to the slalom but this one proves more challenging - he fails the first attempt coming in at 16.9sec.  Second attempt he hits the crash cushion/balloon at the end (they have to stop short of it) then over and over and over... he just keeps hitting the balloon.  Finally Jeremy catches up to him on his 15th attempt or so, they now have to take turns and Ernie is beating himself up for losing their lead. (I wish Cindy had done it - she could have dispelled some sexist and racist stereotypes... or reinforced them I guess.)
-Jeremy failed his first attempt at the slalom and it proves the spur Ernie needed, he finally passes and moves on to the two donuts.  Complete.
-Jeremy completes it on his next attempt and I think he did more than two donuts - the guy kept telling him to stop... Hahaha - he was having a good time with it.

-Cindy & Ernie get the next Route Info clue - to drive to the city of Gent and search the Hoffroof(?) for their next clue.  Talking about the driving challenge: Ernie says he's never been so scared in all his life.  Jeremy & Sandy are on the road right behind them and Jeremy says about the driving challenge: I've never felt power like that before. (Tells you a lot about their personalities.)
-Marcus & Amani have finally found the Ford Proving Ground and Marcus is going to do the driving (no, really?).  Just as he's getting suited up, Tommy & Andy get there.  And they put Marcus in the black Mustang (really?)
-Tommy is doing the driving for them - He really wants to play with the ponies.  Andy is really jealous, he'd love to drive the car but they agreed after Tommy had such a hard time with the poem at the last Roadblock that Andy would do the "Mind" ones and Tommy gets to do the physical ones. (The dirty, hippy looking dude is the brains - I'll just say, he hides it well.)

-Marcus is having a blast driving the Mustang, as is Tommy, and Andy is sooo jealous.
-Marcus fails the slalom the first time but nails it the second and gets to do his donuts.
-Tommy fails the slalom the first time because he hit a cone... but he also nails it the second time and does his donuts.  Andy had to pray for forgiveness for the jealousy he felt in his heart.

-Bill & Cathi arrive at the Ford Proving Ground and ... shocker... Bill is doing the driving.

-Ernie & Cindy arrive in Gent and find the clue to the DETOUR: Water or Waffles.
-In Water: they must use materials given: barrels, rope, logs - to build a floatable raft, then search the waterway for two halves of a clue which, when put together, will reveal their next destination.
-In Waffle: the teams must assemble a waffle stand then make and decorate 18 perfect waffles - once it's done to the chef's satisfaction, they'll get their next clue.
-Ernie & Cindy decide to do Waffle... there is dog poo on their waffle stand - gross.
-Jeremy & Sandy arrive and they are going to do waffle as well.

-Bill is as good a driver as he is a farmer - he completes the donuts and they get the next clue.

-And the waffle making begins.  First Cindy has trouble getting the stand together cause she's too short.  Then they have to actually make and decorate waffles.  Jeremy & Sandy get the stand together quickly but their waffle batter is thick and lumpy... oh boy, this one is going to be difficult.

-Marcus & Amani and Tommy & Andy get to the Detour clue and M & A are waffling while Andy & Tommy go for the water task.  They like water and always do well on those.  Marcus & Amani head over and ask Sandy & Jeremy how the waffles are going and they tell them it's hard - so they make a quick decision to change and head off to build a raft instead.

-The waffles don't look to be going well - I see lots of spill over and no completed waffles... but Ernie & Cindy are getting theirs judged already - hold on, I missed the decorating - whatever - the waffles are on display underneath the work surface and they fail the first pass.

-Tommy & Andy whip a raft together like they do it everyday - Marcus is smack talking a little - Don't fall in, that would break my heart.... but they don't. They get out on the water quickly and get the first half of the clue right away.  Not very far away, they get the second half - and they didn't even get wet.

-Ernie & Cindy checking their waffles see a strawberry fell from the top to the bottom on one of their displayed items - so they fixed it and got the clue.  To drive to De Muur Van Geraardsbergen (looks like a castle.) 
-Tommy & Andy land their raft back where they started and Marcus & Amani are still working to put theirs together.  They read the two parts of the clue and head off for De Muur Van Geraablahdeblah. (If I were Marcus & Amani, I'd be tempted just to take the snowboarders raft.)
-But they don't - Marcus & Amani get their raft in the water and he's so big he straddles the thing and almost has his feet in the water.  He also weighs the back down so much she can barely reach the water to paddle (NFL player problems :).

-Bill & Cathi arrive at the Detour and decide to try the waffles. 
-Jeremy & Sandy are getting their waffles judged and they are not quite right (I see some blueberries out of place...)
-Bill & Cathi come and ask how the task is and Jeremy tells them it's hard - so they decide to go build a raft instead - Bill, "to hell with it."

-Marcus & Amani have retrieved both halves of the clue and head back to the dock.  Bill & Cathi already have a good start on the raft - they encourage them to keep it up.
-Jeremy & Sandy are still not passing on the waffles - she can't figure out what is wrong and suggests they switch tasks but he's not willing to give up.
-Bill & Cathi are out on the water and Jeremy & Sandy have still not passed.  Sandy sits down and thoroughly checks her notes against their display and finally finds the two that were out of place... they finally pass and get the clue to head to the castle.
-Bill & Cathi have collected both halves of the clue and are also heading for the Muur.

-Ernie & Cindy are driving to the Murr and she's worried they just left some waffles burning in their stand... OCD much?
-Tommy & Andy have stopped to ask directions.
-Marcus & Amani - seem to be going the right way... let's hope that continues.
-Sandy is telling Jeremy to take a certain highway - she's got the map, trust her... (oh that never end well.)

-Ernie & Cindy arrive at the Muur and the clue tells them to release homing pigeons... then they must follow the pigeons and meet up with them at a certain address to retrieve the clue to the Pit Stop off the pigeons legs. What? They have to follow the pigeons in the car... Oh, the guy gives them the address - but still.  Cindy's just glad she didn't have to touch the pigeons, they gross her out.
-Tommy & Andy are the next team to the Muur and they ask some locals where the address is on their clue-  they tell them it's back near Brussels.
-Marcus & Amani and Jeremy & Sandy get to the Muur at the same time-ish and release their pigeons - they have different addresses to meet up with their pigeons.

-Ernie & Cindy stop and ask for directions but their French is not tres bon... she's not sure where to go.

-Andy & Tommy are the first team to get to the address and retrieve their tiny little clue off the pigeon's leg - it is a picture of the Atomium (a huge sculpture of an atom) and the Pit Stop for this leg of the Race.  They stop and ask some kids on the street where it is and they give them directions.
-Jeremy & Sandy are the next team to find the address (it was the same one the Snowboarder's had) and Jeremy knows the Atomium is in Brussels.

-Ernie & Cindy are lost and snapping at each other - they stop at a restaurant and she gets directions again - they are now 30 minutes away from somewhere they were 45 minutes away from 45 minutes ago... They're just hoping they're still in the game.
-Cathi & Bill have stopped to ask directions, they still haven't released their pigeons.
-Marcus & Amani are lost, they can't find the address to retrieve the clue off their pigeon.
-Ernie & Cindy finally arrive at their pigeon place and get the picture of the Atomium - what the heck is that?  They ask at a campsite next door and get directions to go back to Brussels.
-Marcus & Amani finally find the pigeon place as well - they had the same address as Ernie & Cindy - and get the directions from the same place.  They both look totally exhausted - it's getting dark and they are trying to rally to make it to the Pit Stop.

Here's How they Finished:

1) Andy & Tommy - they each won a brand new Ford Mustang and they get to customize the cars however they like online.  I think this makes up for Andy not getting to do the Roadblock.
2) Jeremy & Sandy - happy - tired.
3) Ernie & Cindy - they look so down - Phil starts very serious but they tells them they should be happier because they are team #3.  She's not happy of course - if it's not first, she's failed.
4) Marcus & Amani - They went from first to almost last... but they are still in the race.
5) Bill & Cathi - ***ELIMINATED*** It was an 'amazing race' for them (ha ha - I think he actually said experience but I couldn't resist) Phil says if nothing else they did prove that age has nothing to do with a person's ability on the Race.  Cathi just hopes they showed that older people should not be overlooked - they are still able to contribute and compete.  I think they were the best couple ever on this race - never fought or fell apart - they were always good natured and having fun.  Bill says he would do it all over again, same person, same way.  They will be missed.

And with Bill & Cathi leaving this week: Annemette J, Ozzy R, Bob L and Robert L are out of the pool.

Next week: It's a push to the final 3 and the teams are Racing through Panama...

Have a great week everyone,

Coleen

Survivor South Pacific - Thanksgiving Recap show

A Closer Look

It is American Thanksgiving which means... Recap episode!  Well, actually, new scenes we kept from you so we could do... A Recap Episode!

We are treated to a little more insight to some of our favourite characters... oh, this is reality TV, right... some of our favourite Survivors. 
-Dawn: the first day Ozzy proved his laid-backedness by encouraging everyone to go swimming instead of building a shelter - and Dawn started her meltdown with her Mormon sensibility making it near impossible for her to go in the water.  There was no way she was showing her underwear and she got more frantic about it the more her tribe bugged her to go in.  She even threw Cochran to the wolves, "He's not going in, you're not bugging him."  And then they did (so you could argue, she started the Cochran baiting... but it would have happened anyway.)
-Mikayla: after the ripping hunks of pig off a carcass challenge when they got to take the meat back to camp to eat - she got sick that night and was whining about her stomach acting up the next day.  "I don't even want to see pork today." She announced to Coach.  Then, she committed an unforgivable sin, in Coach's eyes, she put two heaping teaspoons of sugar in her coffee.
-Coach: he watched Mikayla take more than her share of sugar and started a slow burn.  He did not confront her, he skulked off and vented to Albert that he couldn't believe she was so selfish!  He'd already decided she was going so he wasn't going to make a big deal of it... Instead, he decides he wants to roast up some hunks of pig fat and eat it right in front of the nauseous Mikalya... the fat smells kind of off but he eats it anyway and pretends to gag, like he's going to throw up... What a jerk. 
-Coach is now billing himself as a man of God and they show more of he and Brandon bonding over prayer.  I don't think they kept much of Brandon from us - except he has been trying to provide for the tribe by fishing from the beginning - he's not that good at it but he wants to redeem his family name.
-Big daddy...no, what did they call him? Papa Bear, the gay former police officer - tried to give Cochran advice on how to pick up women.  Compliment her earrings, pretend you want to buy some for your sister... then he gets Whitney to stand-in as a possible pick up.  Cochran does an extremely awkward job of pretending to do what Papa Bear told him and (after Papa Bear leaves) tells Cochran, "If you compliment my earrings, I'm going to think you're gay." (Yeah, don't listen to the gay guy.  His heart was in the right place but I don't think he did him any favours.)
-We learn that Whitney & Keith were much closer than they showed us up to now - the only shelter they had built at Savaii was only big enough for 2-3 people at most.  Whitney & Keith were usually snuggled up in there at night - a couple times Cochran tried to share but he had the audacity to try and share the blanket and move around so he was banished.  He says, all they do is whisper and giggle - wouldn't be surprised if 9mos from now we meet the product of that relationship. (Survivor baby!)
-Oh, and we see more of the Cochran bating - Ozzy made Cochran clean the fish he caught - which is a gross job, even when you've had experience in it, and Cochran is an animal lover - belongs to PETA - said he didn't stick fingers anywhere you shouldn't (TMI, bud.)  Then, when they decided to eat one of the chickens he tells Cochran he's holding the chicken while Ozzy cuts it's head off... then Ozzy laughs his butt off at Cochran's holding of the chicken (eyes closed, mouth open... near his crotch - you get it.) 
-When the tribes finally merged, Upolu had to go to Savaii's camp (because it was the worse camp) and Coach was incensed at the lack of a shelter (two person shelter, everyone else having to sleep in the sand) - No wonder Ozzy has never won this game, who treats their people like that?  Coach sees how Cochran is treated by his own tribe and right there he decides he's going to target Cochran to flip.
-Ozzy approached Coach when they first merged and proposed they go to the final together - I want to play with you man... There was a lot of dancing in the talk they had - both of them lying their butts off... it was a little sad, but it showed a bit more of Ozzy's arrogance that Upolu kept siting when they upset the other tribe.
-Then we see Coach's epic talk with Cochran where he shares his 'nicknaming' of everyone after Greek Gods - Ozzy is of course Narcissus - his arrogance was his undoing.  Whitney was the most beautiful siren (don't remember the name...) Edna was Echo - talks too much.  And he saw Cochran as Hercules (Hercules...Hercules...) he rode a bull through the city then slayed it when he no longer needed it... He paints Cochran as the saviour of them all.  And, last but not least - Coach should be called Zeus - he is the father figure, taking care of all his children.
-Cochran believes, if he's not mistaken, Zeus ate his children.  He's afraid he could share that fate if he's not careful, Coach may try to devour him in the game.
-With Ozzy gone and Brandon not being the best fisherman - they are hungry and decide it's time to kill another chicken (they have 2 left, decide to kill the black one as the white one is still producing eggs.)  Brandon goes and grabs the black chicken by it's feathers (or something equally stupid) and of course the chicken gets away... (Is it again the classic struggle of man vs chicken?) No, he's angry he messed up and goes and kills the last chicken instead... much to everyone's displeasure - went from 2 chickens to no chickens in a few minutes.
-Albert then tried to convince Sophie they should vote Brandon out with Dawn & Whitney but Sophie reigned him back in - she said Albert likes to think he's a great strategian but it would make no sense to make everyone angry by making a totally unnecessary 'big move' - just to make a big move. (She does not understand good TV, I can see why the producers didn't air this part.)  Yes, it is the better move to win the game to stay the course and follow the party line but it makes for boring TV... that is the kiss of death on a Reality TV Show! 

So, I think that was about it... I don't know what I want to happen, or who should win - though Coach's holier-than-thou attitude could blow up in his face - God doesn't like hypocrite's using his name to further their nefarious agendas.  I've never like Ozzy - his arrogance has always turned me off -  if Dawn can't pull it off and win me any money - I think I have to go with the pencil-neck geek - hopefully Cochran can use his brains to pull off the upset of the century - that'd be awesome.

Have a great American Gobble-Gobble Day everyone,

Coleen

The Amazing Race - Nov 20 Episode Recap

It's Speedo Time (Brussels, Belgium)

This leg of the Race began with the teams starting out from the waterfront in Copenhagen, Denmark - 9:00am: Cindy & Ernie were the first to get the clue to drive themselves to the statue of Hans Christian Andersen and look for the next clue.  Cindy says her parents would have loved her to marry a Chinese guy but she thinks they will see she & Ernie have a fun relationship and he makes her happy (I hope that is true.)
-They get to the statue and get the clue for the ROADBLOCK: Who's ready to take a fairy tale ride?
One person must memorize the poem at the base of the statue, then choose a bicycle and follow the map on the front wheel to the theatre where they must perform the poem - if they get any words wrong or fail to "perform" up to the critic's standards they will have to return to the statue and try again.
-The poem:
To move, to breathe, to fly, to float
To gain all while you give.
To roam the roads of lands remote
To travel is to live.
(How apropos)
-Cindy is doing the task (I think that's wise, she seems to be more literately inclined).  But while she's trying to learn the poem, a busload of tourists descends on the statue so she has to wait for them to take their pictures and clear out... to her credit she did not swear at them to move (I think I'd be tempted to shoo them all away... for a million dollars, you bet!)  She gets it down and heads out to the theatre.  She performs admirably and gets a "Bravo" on the first try - meaning she gets the clue and heads back to Ernie at the statue.

-10:34am - Bill & Cathi are the next team to head out - she says the first leg still haunts them and she is apprehensive whenever they get a new clue but they are much better able to figure them out now.  They head off for the statue... Bill's just thinking about Ice cream.
-10:38am - Tommy & Andy head out for the statue - they are Copen-hanging in there (bad pun alert.)

-Cindy gets back to Ernie and they open the clue that tells them to drive themselves to LEGOLAND! (Yay! Legoland would be awesome... I always loved Legos.)  Once they get to the original Legoland Park they must find the pirate carousel ride (kinda like the teacups at Disneyland) and get their next clue (which is a box of Lego, shaped like Lego - how fun.)

-Bill & Cathi get to the statue and she's going to take the fairy tale ride.  Bill tells us she was an English teacher and she graded kids on this stuff so she better do it right. (Gah! Don't jinx her.
- Tommy & Andy arrive right behind them and Tommy (he looks so much like Dana Carvey to me) is doing it for them.  (They have ridden bikes a lot this season... makes me realize how much bikes are used for transportation around the world.)
-Cathi asks directions at a hotel cause she can't find the theatre on the map.  Tommy has his own issues reading the map - they both get lost.

-11:43am - Marcus & Amani head out - he says he's starting to appreciate what a great teammate his wife is... she says she may not be Paton Manning but she can hold her own.  They get to the statue and she's doing the task - as she memorizes the poem he keeps yelling stuff at her, says he's trying to distract her now so when she has to perform it nothing will distract her (that would be so annoying, I would be telling him to shut the &$% Up!)  Her strength proves to be an ability to read a map because she is the next one to the theatre.  She performs the poem correctly and dramatically and gets the next clue.
-Cathi & Tommy are still asking for directions.
-Amani gets back to the statue and Andy & Bill are shocked - she just lapped them - Marcus is ecstatic - we just took the opening kick off at the Super Bowl and ran with it... (I guess that's good?)

-Cathi finally finds the theatre and gets to performing - she is plenty dramatic but says 'untold' instead of  'remote' - when he tells her she's wrong she gives him a whithering disapproving teacher look - but doesn't matter - she's got to go back to the statue and try again.
-Tommy is still lost.

-12:08pm - Jeremy & Sandy are the last team to head out.  He says it's been really hard being away from his 6 yr old son - he wants to win for him.  They get to the statue as Cathi is returning.  (Sandy should just follow her... but nope.)

-Ernie & Cindy arrive at Legoland and get their clue - they have to piece together a puzzle on Lego pieces which, when put together correctly will give them a picture of their next destination - the trick: They have to put the puzzle together while riding the spinney pirate ride - and they can only work on the puzzle while the ride is in motion.  (Do not blow chunks on the puzzle - that would be gross.)
**Fun fact: Lego produces 50 million Lego pieces A DAY (holy!)**  Off they go.

-Cathi gets to the theatre and Tommy finally finds it right behind her.  She performs the poem correctly this time and says to Tommy as she's leaving with her clue, "You have to do drama."  He either didn't hear or didn't listen (more likely) - he just deadpans through the poem and is rejected.  "More drama please.  I need you to bring life to the words."  And Tommy has to go back to the statue before he can try again.  Meanwhile Sandy has arrived and is waiting her turn...  She heads in and says the poem but gets the dreaded, "More drama, please." as well.  She has to go back too.

-Cathi & Bill head off for Legoland.
-Tommy comes screaming back in on the bike and tells Andy he's not done - he re-reads the poem angrily gesticulating with his arms.  Andy says to Jeremy, "He's mad.  I don't think I've ever seen Tommy like this." And they laugh...(It's only funny when it's not you having to do it over.)
-Sandy comes back and Jeremy tells her to go as fast as she can (No, really Captain Obvious? Should I try and go fast?)

-Tommy gets back to the theatre and puts hand gestures into his recitation - that does it- he gets the clue for Legoland.  Sandy comes in right after him and she also succeeds. "Bravo" from the old guy.

-Meanwhile, spinning to nausea, Cindy and Ernie are still putting the puzzle together.  The ride stops and they have to hold their hands up until it starts again so they can complete the puzzle.  Hamburg!
-They now have to drive to Hamburg, Germany and find the train station.  Once in the car she says the puzzle itself was easy, but having to do it on the ride was really difficult.

-Marcus & Amani arrive and she does not like twirly rides, "It messes up my day." (Prepared to be messed up.)  They dump all the pieces out on the little table in the middle and when the ride speeds up some fly off on the floor... "Oh snap" says Marcus - and she just feels sick (already?)  They figure out they're going to Hamburg train station but still have to put most of the puzzle together - and they do have a barf bag... but they may be fighting over it.

-Bill & Cathi are lost.  (He should never give her a map.)
-Andy & Tommy are in the car - joker Andy has the huge map unfolded all across the back seat - "I don't know, this map may not be big enough."  Tommy, "You know what they say about guys with big maps... lots a places to go."

-Marcus & Amani finally finish the puzzle and can't believe they're driving to Germany (it's not like Denmark is the size of the USA - the countries are close together). 
-Tommy & Andy arrive as they're leaving and ask how it was - Marcus says he hopes they have their barf bags - Andy can't wait to be thrown around.
-Sandy & Jeremy get their too and they all get on the pirate ride.  They quickly realize they have to keep the pieces in the box or they go flying everywhere - Sandy & Jeremy lose a piece out of their barrel - and don't notice because she keeps whining that she's going to throw up - bicker, bicker, bicker.
-Andy & Tommy - "This is awesome!  I love teacups."

-Ernie & Cindy have arrived in Germany.
-Sandy is still complaining (Suck it up, buttercup.  I was almost rooting for him to just tell her to shut up.)  They have to stop and Andy & Tommy say you can't make them sick - they start heckling Sandy though - "Throw up - just don't hit the Legos."

-Cathi & Bill - still lost somewhere in Denmark.  They stop at a Hilton hotel and get them to do a map up for them.

-The Snowboarders finish the puzzle and start spinning their barrel - Jeremy & Sandy are realizing they may be missing a piece and she is still being a whiny little baby.  They have to get a new puzzle and start over because they lost a piece (stop worrying about yourself and focus on the task lady.)

-Ernie & Cindy get to the clue box and the Route Info clue tells them to take a train to Brussels, Belgium (the third country of the leg) through Cologne - once in Brussels, they must make their way to the European Parliament building and get their next clue (another bicycle.)  They next and only train doesn't leave until 12:30am... which pisses Cindy off because they'll all be on the same train... and they drop their ticket on the floor without noticing and walk away.

-Sandy & Jeremy have finally finished their second puzzle... and she didn't puke, imagine that. (Huh, I noticed they must have edited footage from different times together because she had her hair down, then the next frame it was in a pony tail, then down again then up again...continuity police!)  Off they go for Hamburg.

-Bill & Cathi finally arrive and get on the ride.  They get to work and say they are enjoying the ride - they get the puzzle together quickly and he says he wants a hot dog... but in the car admits his crackers were about to come out.

-Andy & Tommy get to the train station and head inside. Marcus & Amani arrive and Jeremy & Sandy as well. 

-8:35pm - Cindy realizes that they don't have the tickets for the Cologne to Brussels leg she must have dropped them.  They go to check how much it would cost to buy two more tickets and they don't have enough money... they are so screwed. 
-Bill & Cathi get there and when buying tickets the other teams come over - they realize they are all going at the same time (which I'm sure was a relief to them.)
-They all board the train and are pumped they have sleeper cars and can sleep.  Cindy & Ernie talk to the conductor and ask if they can't print copies of the tickets they lost but she tells them no - they have no receipt, no tickets.  Cindy, "We go from having a 4 hour lead to no tickets - this could be a game-ender."  (It would suck to go out that way for sure.)
-They get to Cologne and have to change trains.  Ernie & Cindy get on the train with the rest of the teams and hope they either don't check tickets or they can talk their way into staying onboard... no conductor comes by so they were worrying for nothing... (hmm, we'll see if it affects them at the Pit Stop.)

-They arrive in Brussels and everyone runs out to the taxis - they try to circumvent the line and run out to the road... it works.  Bill & Cathi are the first team at the Parliament building (all the teams are right behind them though) and find the clue in the bicycle's saddle bag first - Bodybuilding Pose Down.  (Seriously?  Oh no, I would not be doing that.)
-They both have to strip down to the bare essentials (bikini & teeny briefs) get fake tan  sprayed/painted on, then learn a posing routine from the pros and perform it before judges to be scored.  If they earn a score of 12 or more, they get the next clue. (Ha ha, and Phil goes shirtless to demonstrate... still has the jeans on though - fail.)
-All the teams get the clue and head over to the concert hall.  Their reactions to the bikini/speedos: Cathi was mortified.  Andy, "It's speedo time!"  Cindy, "This is awful", Tommy, "I was very uncomfortable."  Amani, "This is horrendous."
-Then they have to spray tan... Marcus & Amani too... the darker the better... and they are getting into the tan - oh yeah, looking good.
-Then they get to learning the poses... (hahaha... this is hilarious.)  The Snowboarders were finding some of the poses difficult with the injuries they've had in the past.  Amani wants to get this right the first time because she does NOT want to have to do it again (I'm sure she just wants to put clothes back on... but I've got to say, they all looked pretty good.)  Marcus is worried he will mess up. (I would be afraid too - do not make her stay in that little suit longer than she has to.)

-Ernie & Cindy go first and they get the poses correct... but the stone-faced judges only give them a score of 9... ouch.  They will have to try again.  The Judges give them pointers though, they have to flex and try to bring out more detail to get more points.
-Tommy & Andy are next and you can tell Tommy is so uncomfortable, he's just going through the motions (kind of like with the poem.) They get a score of 5... oh, that's bad.  They are told to try and smile and to get the routine down better.
-Marcus & Amani are the next out - she's coached him through the poses and they're ready - as soon as the crowd starts cheering for him - Marcus is INTO IT!  He's having a great time... and they get 12 points!  They are the first team to get the clue to the Pit Stop - gazebo in Parc Elisabeth.
-Their cab driver doesn't know where that is so they have to find the Internet at a local business.

-Andy & Tommy are now trying it again... but they only get 5 again - the choreography was messed up and the detail was not there. (Tell me this is not the end for my boys!)
-Ernie & Cindy take the stage again and Ernie is playing it up to the crowd.  He's got the attitude this time and it pays off - they get 12 points and the clue to the Pit Stop.
-Bill & Cathi take the stage and I thought they were doing alright but they only got a 3... (oh, come on, it wasn't that bad.)  They're told to learn the routine more and really hit the poses.
-Jeremy & Sandy are now on stage and they are playing it up to the crowd in a big way - they get the first 5... and a total of 13 points to get the clue and move on.

Here's How They Finished:1) Marcus & Amani - They won a trip for two to Panama.  Being the first team to check in, they will be the first team to start the next leg of the race, Phil tells them, "and that leg starts... NOW."  He hands them another clue... TO BE CONTINUED... (WHAT?)
2)?
3)?
4)?
5)?

Next week they continue in Belgium - they have to make a raft with barrels and poles - and they get to drive race cars... I did notice the only team they didn't show racing next week is Ma & Pa, but I don't know for sure.  We'll have to wait for next Sunday to find out.

Have a great week everyone,

Coleen

Survivor South Pacific - Nov 16th Episode Recap

Running the Show

The episode opened on Redemption Island - Night 24
After last week's non-elimination round (sorta) Jim joined Ozzy and Keith on Redemption Island and filled them in on the last immunity challenge, "Whitney won, can you believe it?" (Why, cause girls can't win?  Didn't tell them you were the first out, did ya big man.)  He likens the former Upolu to a cult - everyone eating 'as a family' - and thinks if Coach can keep his hold on his disciples, he'll have a good shot at winning.  Ozzy makes a stupid comment about not saying 'I told you so' (You told them what?  You were as surprised by Cochran's defection as the rest of them - Argh, Ozzy's cockiness is so off-putting.  You really need to get over yourself, dude.)

Te Tuna - Night 24
They return from Tribal Council and Coach starts preaching that Jim was the most dangerous kind of guy - he's your friend to your face but when the chips are down he won't do squat for you - now that he's gone we will grow as a family even more so... (come, have some Kool-aid... yeah, it's creepy.)
-Coach tells us Survivor 101, Rule 37 - people on the bottom of the alliance better not feel like they're on the bottom or they're going to scramble and try to find a better position in the game.  That's why he keeps talking to them about unity and respect (and making them all think they're making their own decisions when it's really the pony-tail...)
-Whitney isn't buying it - Coach is running things like he's Jesus but all 7 of them can't go to the end - how can these smart people be so stupid?

Te Tuna - Day 25
Cochran is out doing Tai Chi with Coach this morning - yes, he has a new disciple... Cochran says, as embarrassing as it is, he is drinking the Coach Kool-Aid but in tiny sips - if you're not on the cult leaders side, you meet your untimely death (see, not so stupid.)
-Coach tells Cochran that he's scared - Albert may try something and Brandon is squirrely - he thinks he may get blindsided.
-Cochran asked if Coach thinks they will vote him [Cochran] out 7th, and Coach says he'll do everything in his power to see that doesn't happen - but he's really not running things though everyone thinks he is.
-Cochran is alarmed to hear Coach is worried and smells a power struggle afoot between Albert and Coach.  He's not so comfortable with his place in the tribe anymore.

Redemption Island - Duel
Everyone is there to witness the duel.  All three of the guys will compete.  Only the last man standing will continue on, the other two are out for good and will become the first 2 members of the jury.
The Duel: They will stand with two poles balanced on the backs of their hands wedged under a horizontal board high above them - if they lower their hands at all, the poles will drop and they will be done.
They begin - and, as usual, Jeff will not shut up... after 10 minutes they are all still in it - polling the tribe, Brandon and Rick are rooting for Jim, Whitney says she's rooting for Keith and Ozzy is totally on his own.  Then Jim loses a pole and he's first out.  It's down to Keith and Ozzy and they are both wavering a little, one pole is on the edge for both but it is Keith that loses it and Ozzy just looks over at the tribe... So dramatic, like http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8of00uEVRRA (or google dramatic groundhog.)
They man hug - "go get 'em, bro."
-Ozzy gives a cocky bastard speech about eating well on Redemption Island, feeding all comers but then beating them... and he seems to think he'll get more votes at the end because he hasn't back-stabbed anyone... (They still won't vote for you if you're a cocky *sshole.)
And with Jim and Keith being eliminated, Wendy E, Cara L, Kim A, Jodi S, Bob L and Bernice R are out of the pools as well.

Redemption Island - Day 26
Ozzy heads off fishing on his own and he's loving it, it's his own private paradise.  He likes that he doesn't have to worry about the politics of the end game of Survivor - he has no worries, he has the skills to survive and recharge without having to deal with people. (Ah, but ask Russell, successfully dealing with people is a requirement to win the game.)

Te Tuna - Day 26

They're not having any luck fishing with the nets - giving credence to Ozzy's claims they'd miss his food gathering (but Upolu didn't have them before so I think they'll be fine.)
-Dawn is talking to Cochran and basically tells him she didn't blow the whistle on his flipping so he owes her and she wants to stay in the game.  He tells her they're interests may intersect here.  He's either got to believe Coach's assertions that he won't be 7th man out or he's got to look at making a move, possibly with Whitney and Dawn.

IMMUNITY CHALLENGE
They must balance a bowl filled with rice on top of their heads (on a beanbag for stability) then race across two teeter-totters and dump their rice into a container at the other end.  If at any time they touch the bowl on their head or if it falls off, they have to go back to the start.  First person to fill the container and tip the scale/raise their flag - wins immunity.
-Off they go and it seems like the men are having more of a problem - all the girls and Brandon are the only ones not having to start over.  Cochran is proving as awkward as usual.
-It comes down to Brandon, Sophie and Dawn being the only ones getting multiple bowls across and it's SOPHIE who wins immunity.
Jeff tells them there will be a twist at Tribal Council... which will only be revealed at Tribal Council.
This gives Dawn hope - she and Whitney can't give up - anything could happen.

Te Tuna  - Day 27
They return from the challenge and Cochran is feeling his usual post-bad performance anxiety.  He feels fortunate that Dawn & Whitney are in a worse position than he is tonight but when Jeff mentioned a twist he's assuming it is a double elimination and if they vote out one and then have another immunity challenge and the other wins - he could be the next to go. (Wow, he is possibly right but he could also be Way over thinking this too.)
-Dawn talking to Whitney, she thinks it's going to be her tonight.  But they are ready to try and make a move... with Albert?  Whitney lays it out - Brandon is too loose a cannon, Rick isn't even playing the game, Edna is too far up Coach's butt... Albert seems the best bet (that was a very succinct analysis - I may have underestimated the twangy blond.)
- Whitney tells Albert that Coach is going to take Sophie & Edna to the end with him so if he's going to make a move, they are votes he can use - they have no alliance to anyone at this point.  Albert seems open to the idea - he wants to curry favour with the Savaii jury members and feels like if he offers up Edna now, they can afford to lose her and it won't hurt him too much.  They just needs one more vote.
-Coach is skulking around and Albert makes a quick departure, but they noticed and Brandon says, "I thought we weren't going to talk to these people"...  David Koresh... I mean, Coach, did not look pleased.
-Albert and Cochran are playing chess/checkers and Albert starts working him - you are definitely 7th, now is the time to make big moves... he's pushing all Cochran's hot buttons... and Coach is closely monitoring the situation. 
-Albert & Cochran then gather some wood and Albert brings Sophie along and lays it out for her - we're never going to get Edna's vote so lets garner favour with the two free votes that are here now and make a big move.  Sophie says Albert is starting to show his true colours but they are similar to hers - they are both strategic and they want to win the game.  (Oh, this is the first time I've seen her waver from the program...)  Sophie is the swing vote and she's weighing what will take her farther in the game.
-Coach is definitely suspicious, he sees Albert talking to everyone and knows he's playing for Albert now - either playing for jury votes or hoping to make a move.  Coach gathers the alliance and decrees that if anyone votes against the 5 - it is instant death - instant death. (They are all so dramatic!  But if you smell smoke, run.)

TRIBAL COUNCIL
First time with Jim & Keith there as the jury.
Dawn, once the immunity challenge was over and you didn't have immunity, your job becomes find a crack or create a crack - how did this afternoon go?
-I think it's time for them to use us but the people that I see in 5, 6, and 7 position seem to be content to stay at 5, 6 and 7.
So your pitch is 5, 6 & 7 come with us and we are the final 5.  Whitney, who do you see as 5-6-7. 
-Cochran is 7, that is all I know. (Smart girl.)
Cochran, how does that make you feel?  This is not the first time this topic has come up (and Jeff is stirring the pot.)
-I'm aware I'm a late comer to this group but I'm confident if I do reach that position I'll be able to do some maneuvering... (all the Savaii people are shaking their heads.)
But Jeff isn't letting him off that easy: You're telling me as an avid fan of this game that you are not thinking beyond 7?  You're there.  I'm assuming tonight it's Dawn or Whitney or there is a crack in this group and someone's about to get blindsided.  If not, you are going to be very late to a party that's not going to be interested in letting you in the door.
-Right, I am starting to think in the future tense and what I would like to have happen when there are fractures, because fractures are inevitable. (Oh, he's still trying to get out of answering the questions... but Jeff will not let up.)
True or False - this is a great time for somebody to make a big move.
-This is the ideal time to make a big move.  There are two desperate people who will be loyal to whoever is willing to buy them more time and as a Survivor fan, I like to see big moves.
Dawn, what's your best move?
-My best move is that I have nothing but loyalty.  I've been a competitor in the game and my word has been kept and the people I spoke with today know that I will definitely stand behind you.
Coach, how concerning is this to you?  One person switches and the control of this game slips away.
-It is always a concern, I'm always thinking about it and we have some thinkers on this tribe - but I don't talk much and I'm not running this alliance (Whitney rolls her eyes to the jury) I know people have to make big moves in this game and I watch, I stress, I worry, I trust, I believe... all of those emotions all day long - it drives me crazy (ooh ooh - like no one else - ooh ooh - she drives me crazy, and I can't help myself. Fine Young Cannibals - look it up.)
Whitney, when Coach said he wasn't the leader, you smiled and rolled your eyes...
-Did I?  Well, I've been observing and it seems like everyone always reports back to Coach, you have to assume that's the position he's in, right?
Albert, does that surprise you?
No, it doesn't surprise me at all - it has been widely interpreted by the Savaii tribe but I don't see him as my leader or the leader of this tribe, he may just be a figurehead (oh, that word made Coach jump like he'd been stung) or he may actually be pulling the strings - it's very natural to make that connection from Coach to leader.
--Now Coach puts up his hand-- I don't feel like I'm the leader of this tribe (I call B*ll Sh*t!) but I like to hear information.  Information is power in this game so I take it and I file it away and will I use it when my life is in jeopardy out here - which could be coming fairly soon - yes. (Threats now... huh.)

Time to Vote:
Whitney votes Edna and really hopes there are 4 more of those.

Tallying the votes:
No one plays a hidden immunity idol.
Dawn - 1
Edna - 1
Dawn - 2
Edna - 2
Dawn - 3, 4, 5  (Crap! She's my girl.)  Off she goes to Redemption Island.

TWIST  - they are going right into another immunity challenge with another vote to follow.

IMMUNITY CHALLENGE - 2
Jim rubs his hands together.
Jeff is going to ask them some survival related questions - answer right, you stay in, answer wrong you are out of the running.  Last person standing will win Immunity.  They have answer cubes behind them and they get started.
-First question - they need to drink a gallon of water a day to stave off dehydration (really? that's a lot) - Albert, Edna and Rick are out.
-Next - T or F - Coconut crab named because it's favourite food is coconut - True - Brandon and Cochran are out.
-Next - soft flesh inside stem of fallen coconuts - Heart of palm - Coach is out and it's down to Whitney and Sophie (and Cochran is pooping his pants.)
-T or F - although delicious - you should not try to remove giant clams from the ocean as they are considered dangerous - this will decide it... False!  And Sophie wins Immunity again.
They vote again.
Tallying the votes, again:
Cochran - 1
Whitney - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5... and the country singer heads to Redemption Island as well.

Next week: Brandon stops catching fish and starts catching heat - everyone is starving and they want him out now... and the Dragon Slayer upgrades his name: "My name now should be Zeus." (What? Why not Jesus?)  Cochran: I think Zeus ate his children. (ha ha ha - then it would be appropriate.)

Redemption Island: Dawn and Whitney reunite with Ozzy and Dawn is anticipating much chaos on the other side now that they have to start turning on each other.

Have a great weekend everyone,

Coleen

The Amazing Race - Nov 13th Episode Recap

Super Shady (Copenhagen, Denmark)

The Snowboarders were the first out at 3:12pm - they get the clue to fly 3K mi to Copenhagen, Denmark - once they touch down they will drive themselves to the bell tower, climb to the top and search for their next clue.  Caution - Double U-Turn ahead (another one?  What, nobody was screwed last leg so you're going to try it again?)
-Andy says with 5 first places under their belts, people aren't smiling at them as much.  In the cab they read due to limited availability of flights to Denmark they have all been booked on flights getting them to Copenhagen by 8:20am the next day but if they can find something better they are free to do so.  They are going to try to do so.
-Ernie & Cindy are heading out right behind them and when they see the double U-Turn ahead Cindy says, "We are so using it."  Ernie says they were pretty upset to have first place stolen from them so it's no more nice guys.
-Bill & Cathi are excited to be heading to Copenhagen - can't get much more contrasting climates from Malawi to Denmark.
-Marcus & Amani - they are the comeback kids, you can't get rid of us - not happy to see double U-Turn again.
-Laurence & Zac - Zac can't pronounce Copenhagen - I really do worry about the States educational system sometimes.  They still want to use the U-Turn, hopefully on someone who hadn't already passed them this time.
-Lastly it's Sandy & Jeremy - (I keep forgetting about these two - I think it's time they go)

Everyone gets to the airport - Laurence & Zac decide to try and go through London to get a better flight to Copenhagen.
-Cindy & Ernie are talking to them about it - but they're not giving up any info - she calls them super shady... whatever lady - they're taking the risk, they don't have to tell you anything.

The flight takes off with everyone except Laurence & Zac (yeah, I'd be okay with Laurence leaving too - he is not my favourite person.)  Their connection through London should get them to Copenhagen by 8:30pm.

-The flight with everyone else lands in Amsterdam and everyone is trying to book a better connection than the flight getting them in at 8:20am - Bill & Cathi and Ernie & Cindy find a flight getting them in at 11:00pm.  The Snowboarders and Sandy & Jeremy are getting in at 10:35pm and Marcus & Amani figure everyone will be on the 8:20am flight so they are sitting back and unwinding. (WHAT?)

-Zac & Laurence land in Copenhagen at 8:30pm - they get to the Bell tower and find out it is closed until 7:30am the next day - they are going to bed down and wait it out.
-Marcus & Amani are sleeping at Amsterdam airport.
-10:35pm - Jeremy & Sandy and Andy & Tommy arrive and drive to the bell tower
-Marcus & Amani are sleeping at Amsterdam Airport
-11:00pm - Ernie & Cindy and Bill & Cathi land and drive to the bell tower.

-7:18am, Marcus & Amani are now awake in Amsterdam airport and haven't seen anyone all night (gee, ever wonder why?) 7:25am they are waiting alone - everyone must have gotten a flight out last night - (ya think?)  He feels like they're out of the Race but she is still fighting to the end.

-7:30am - the rest of the teams are let into the bell tower and they troop up the 400 steps to look for their next clue - a combination of a flag at the top (-Borg Slot) and a banner on a nearby building (Frederiks) will tell them their next destination is Frederiksborg Slot.  They all see the flag and Laurence & Zac take off.  Cathi & Bill notice them unfurling the Frederiks on the nearby roof and get the whole thing - the Snowboarders see it and Cindy sees it but they are folding it back up... Jeremy & Sandy look at a map of all the castles (slot means castle) and decide it must be Rosenborg Slot.
-They take off in their cars - Sandy & Jeremy get to Rosenborg slot but it doesn't open until 10am and it looks like a restaurant - Sandy thinks it can't be right but they have no other idea.
-Laurence & Zac are the first team and drive right into the castle, Ernie & Cindy right behind them - they all get the clue to the ROADBLOCK from a woman in period costume: they must perform a dance that dates back to the Renaissance - after dressing in period garb, they will take lessons from an instructor on a three part dance - once they satisfy the Countess that they can keep in step with the professionals, they will get the next clue.  Ernie and Zac head in to do the dancing.
-Ernie is laughing about the stockings and make up (oh yeah, they got make up at the Roadblock) they look so pretty.  Cindy is loving it - they are teaching him to dance - it's so cute.
-Zac apparently used to front a rock & roll band - he's not proud of the dancing.

-Sandy & Jeremy finally decide to head back up the bell tower and they run into Amani & Marcus at the top - there goes their buffer - but to Amani & Marcus it is light at the end of the tunnel.  Sandy sees the Frederiks this time.

-Cathi & Bill finally get to the castle - no idea where they parked - they hoof it in Cathi is ready to go back in time and dance. 
-Ernie is the first one to try the dance and he messes up.  Has to start over.
-Cindy is talking to Bill and finds out Bill & Cathi met when they were 12 and 13 and married the day after graduation from college.  Wow, she says, we just met in a bar, over a shotsky. (Ha ha, classy) Bill - well, that's alright too. (He's so nice.)
-Andy & Tommy come running into the castle and the bearded one - Andy is doing the dancing.
-Zac is still practicing and Ernie gets the first dance down - he's on to the next which he also passes and then he's dancing with a man and he kicks butt on the third on too - Ernie is the first one through.  They get the Route Info clue to drive themselves to Frilandmuseet and search for their next clue.
-In the car Cindy tells Ernie that Cathi was right on his tail - what about Zac? No, Zac has zero dancing skills. (Oh, poor kid, dad's gonna be angry.)
-Andy comes in all suited up and he actually cleans up quite nicely, fits right in with the hat and groomed beard.

-Jeremy & Sandy ask directions and Marcus & Amani are lost but he won't ask for directions... ho boy.

-Meanwhile, back at the castle - Cathi is dancing and doing well.  Zac is still practicing and he just can't get it.  Andy is impressing his teacher - Have you done this before?  And Laurence is doing a slow burn.  Cathi completes the Roadblock with flying colours and they get the clue to head out.

-Ernie & Cindy get to their next destination which is a picturesque farm in the countryside - and the clue is in the post box - he finds it - DETOUR - All Hopped Up or All Churned Out.
-In All Hopped Up -both team members must successfully lead a rabbit through a steeple chase course (a popular sport in Denmark - oh, those crazy Danes) After setting up the course, they must choose a rabbit and lead it through the course without knocking anything over - if they can hop to it, they'll get the next clue.
-In All Churned Up - using two churns, they must work cream into 6 sticks of butter - once they have stamped the finished product, a dairy maid will hand them their next clue.
-Cindy wants to avoid working with animals after the sheep - they decide on Churned out (but the rabbits are so cute!)  Cindy is startled by a goat and runs away (ha ha - okay, she is not a farm girl.)
-They are shown what to do and get to churning - they quickly realize this one could be harder than it sounds.

-Again, back at the castle - Zac is finally making his attempt at the dancing - and he keeps messing up - Andy, on the other hand, is dancing through with flying colours (I can see that the Snowboarders being good at everything would be annoying to the other teams but since they're my team - it's Awesome!)  Andy gets the next clue and Zac goes back to the drawing board.
-Jeremy & Sandy finally arrive at the castle as Andy & Tommy are leaving - they tell them that Zac & Laurence are still in there - and Sandy is going to do the dancing.

-And... lost somewhere in Denmark - Marcus has finally decided to ask for directions and he just pulls over to the side of a busy road but no one is stopping for them - he says he doesn't think they like us very much over here (Oh, it's not a race thing - you're just standing in the middle of the road... )  Finally someone stops and he finds out they have to back track - but he puts it in football terms which I don't understand and they keep on going.

-Back at the farm - the churning continues - Cindy takes a look and they have some butter happening, she starts stamping them out and Ernie continues with the churning (I'm not even going to go there, with him being better at that motion than she is... okay, so I went there.)
-Cathi & Bill get to the farm and she doesn't think she can do the rabbit thing so they decide to churn as well. 
-Cindy & Ernie are stamping out their 6th stick of butter and they milkmaid rejects them - oh no - a couple are a little messy so they will restamp.

-At the castle Zac is trying the dancing again and Sandy is busy learning the routine - they haven't seen hide nor hair of Marcus & Amani.  And Zac finally passes!  Good for him, he looked so relieved.  Laurence tells the camera, right in front of Zac, that he could have probably learned it faster but that's his forte, that's what he does. (Um, so why did you make Zac do it?  I think Laurence is one of those guys who thinks and says he can do everything when in actuality he's a total dumb ass.)

-Ernie & Cindy finally pass muster with the butter and they get the clue to make their way on foot to the Karlstrup Windmill - she remembers seeing a windmill when they drove up and it's right there - it's the double U-Turn.   Ernie says, "Do you really want to U-Turn somebody?" "YES! Bill & Cathi, they're right on our tails... They're probably going to hate us." (So, she wants to be mean, but doesn't want to be mean. I thought for sure she'd want to U-Turn the Snowboarders after last leg but I guess coming in first is always her priority.)  And she confirms it in the car - I want to win a friggin leg!
-They got the clue to the Pit Stop - they must drive back to Copenhagen and find Havet Ship, a ship converted into a hotel, the Pit Stop for this leg of the race.

-Andy & Tommy arrive as Bill & Cathi finish the butter stamping and get their clue to head to the windmill - The Snowboarders ask Bill & Cathi how the butter churning went and she tells them it's do-able.  Figuring animals are always hard - they head in to churn butter.
-Bill & Cathi get to the windmill and see they have been U-Turned - not happy about it they decide to U-Turn Zac & Laurence, knowing they were still somewhere behind them, hoping it would give them more time to complete the rabbits.  Cathi mutters, "Bastards" under her breath (Gasp! I'm shocked.  Ha ha - good for her, get mad.)  I'm just glad we get to see the bunnies - so cute.
- They set up the course and choose a lop-eared grey rabbit - darn, he knocks a pole down.  You have to get moving faster.  They decide to change up rabbits and speckles proves to be a winner.  They head back to the windmill and get the clue to the Pit Stop - still going on about how mean some people can be. (Really it's surprising to you how mean people can be? Especially on a Race where money's involved... no one is that naive.)

-Marcus & Amani are finally dancing - well she is - Marcus is commiserating with Jeremy on how hard the day has been ... the girls are dancing.  Sandy completes it and they get the clue to head for the farm - Amani is learning and Marcus is almost crying in the corner.  She completes the dancing rather easily and they head out in last place.

-Zac & Laurence have arrived at the farm and they decide to churn butter - little do they know they'll have to do both.  The Snowboarders are stamping out their last sticks of butter and Andy is still looking much cleaner after his dancing grooming - throws me a little.  They get the okay on their sticks and then it's a butter fight - they are such children (hahaha, but know how to have fun.)
-They get to the U-Turn and see they haven't been U-turned so they can head on to the Pit Stop (they are so bleeping lucky these two... they've come in first 5 times and no one U-Turned them - unbelievable.)  Tommy even says it, "Can you believe we weren't U-Turned?" "No." "Me neither."

-Sandy realizes they have been driving in the wrong direction - she's navigating from the back and told him she knew where they were - but apparently neglected to tell him they needed to go North...

-Zac & Laurence have moved on to the stamping of their butter.
-Marcus & Amani arrive at the farm and decide to do the rabbits -  Yay, more bunnies. 
-Zac & Laurence get the clue to head to the windmill.
-Marcus & Amani choose a feisty bunny and she runs it through the course to his wild cheers and encouragement - Ha ha - I love his enthusiasm.  Now it's his turn and I think he can't wait.

-Jeremy & Sandy are still driving... they're not fighting, she seems oblivious and he's just fuming.  They stop at a little farm - not the right place but she confirms they're now heading in the right direction.  Oh, hold on, back towards Copenhagen... yikes.

-Laurence & Zac have just found out they were U-Turned by Bill & Cathi - Laurence says it's just ridiculous (whatever man, you said you were going to use the U-Turn if you could, someone beat you to it - suck it up.)

-Marcus is sweet talking the rabbit - I've had a frustrating day and you can make it better - the rabbit performs and he tells it, "I love you." (Aw, I love Marcus.)  They get the clue as Zac & Laurence are setting up their course.  Marcus & Amani are now in 4th place.

-Jeremy & Sandy finally arrive at the farm but miss the clue box - they see Zac & Laurence doing the rabbits and think it looks hard so when they find the clue they choose to churn the butter.

-Laurence chooses the black and white speckled bunny and he performs like he's on steroids - with one ear up and one ear down - I love the bunny jumping - it's so cute!  They complete the all hopped up and get the clue to the Pit Stop.  They take off and drive in the wrong direction and then get stuck in traffic - uh oh.

-Jeremy & Sandy finish the butter churning and see they have not been U-Turned so they can take off for the Pit Stop as well.

Here's How They Finished:1) Ernie & Cindy - won a trip for 2 to Fiji (Oh, looks so nice.)  She says they learned from the last leg to use the U-Turn on the team right behind them to secure first place. 
2) Bill & Cathi - Get there at the same time as the Snowboarders but they don't run them down.
3) Andy & Tommy - Tommy says good for Ernie & Cindy they deserved this one - Bill and Cathi say they don't have quite the same kindness in their hearts, kind of like kicking your mother & father to the curb. (wow, overly dramatic much?)
4) Amani & Marcus - they are the comeback kids, that's for sure.
5) Jeremy & Sandy - Phil is pleased to tell them they are still in the Race - wow, so lucky.
6) Zac & Laurence - ***ELIMINATED*** Fair enough, we had a good time.  You have to live life and this was one way to do it, a quick whisk around the world, maybe next time he'll do it slower, maybe in a yacht.  Zac says it's not all about the money, some of the poorest people he's met have been the kindest and most generous.  He's glad he had this experience with his dad.
SO, with the surprise elimination of Zac & Laurence, Carol-Anne D, Laura H, Shelley A and Drew C are out of the pools.

Next week: Teams Act out (actual acting, on a stage), Spin out (riding a teacup like amusement ride) and Pose down (like bodybuilders, in bikinis)... where are they going?  Should be a good one.

Have a great week everyone :)

Coleen

Survivor South Pacific - Nov 9th episode recap

Cut Throat

The episode opened as the new Te Tuna tribe returned from Tribal Council where Cochran flipped and blindsided his former tribe by voting out Keith. 
-Ozzy asks to speak to Cochran alone and lays on the guilt - I put myself out there for you and this is what I get.  Cochran goes with the argument that he has dreamed about the game for 11 years and he wasn't going to leave his fate up to picking rocks (whatever - he would have gotten more respect if he had said it was revenge for how they treated him.)   At one point Brandon comes over to play bodyguard - he is a little pit bull - Ozzy shoos him away - This isn't a gang. (Yeah, I bet Brandon was a banger.)
-Then Cochran runs the gauntlet - Jim just spits vitriol at him - tells him to never f'n speak to him again.  Whitney gets right in his face and says she and Keith saved him numerous times and this is how he repays them... "You make me sick."  (Okay, I get it, you're all screwed now but it was partially your own doing, and I bet that's also a hard pill to swallow.)
-Coach is very happy with how things worked out at Tribal Council as he goes through his morning ritual of Tai Chi, prayer and meditation - he's going to try to remain humble but not weak and likes his chances to win.
-Ozzy tells the camera his whole strategy was blown out of the water - he has no plan now - but he's not going to give up, he's going to work like hell and win immunity and stay there until there is no one left.

IMMUNITY CHALLENGE
It's in two stages - first they must throw coconuts and land them in a small circle - first 4 to get nuts in their target will move on.  Second stage - they must crack open coconuts, get a mouthful of coconut water then climb through an obstacle and spit the coconut water into a tube - first one to fill their tube will win immunity.
-Getting through the first stage are Dawn, Sophie, Whitney and Jim (Go Ladies!  Ozzy was not happy.)
-Second stage was between Sophie and Jim - she was holding her own until the very last mouthful when she couldn't keep it in her mouth through the obstacle and Jim was able to fill his tube and win immunity (that would be hard though, running & climbing without breathing through your mouth... but did Jim have to win?  I don't like that guy.)

Te Tuna - Day 22
-Brandon tells Cochran they are voting for Ozzy - How many chances are you going to have to vote him out of this game. 
Cochran - Apparently two. 
Brandon - (looks confused) Oh, yeah.

-Ozzy and Coach are meeting - they both look very serious - Ozzy just says - I don't want to go - Coach says he doesn't want him to go.  Coach tells us he appreciates Ozzy's humility after the cockiness he showed before but at this point it's probably too little too late.  Of course, Coach tells him he's not going anywhere (because Coach has embraced lying in the game even though he would deny it.)  They man-hug and Coach gives him some serious eye contact (is he going to kiss him?  It was a little creepy.)

-Dawn is kissing up to Coach - a little light flirting, getting him a pillow.  She knows the 4 former Savaii without immunity are on the block tonight.  She may have to flip and vote with Upolu.

-Jim talking to Whitney out in the water - they bash on Cochran more - threw us all under the bus - he's a coward and I'm not a coward, I speak my mind.
- Ozzy joins them and Jim tells him he has a plan.  He wants to give Ozzy his immunity then give a rousing speech that everyone there has played the game with honour and integrity except Cochran and hopefully he'll get enough of them to turn and they'll get Cochran out.  Upolu will still have the numbers and if they don't have time to talk about it, he hopes he'll get at least two of them to turn.
-Ozzy feels like he's dreaming - he believes Jim will actually do what he says.  It's surreal.

Tribal Council (Only 20 minutes in... hmm)
Cochran what the reaction to your huge move at last tribal council?
-It was chilly - Jim was the loudest - didn't want to hear anything I had to say.
Jim - I said a few things that were immature but I took it personally.
Cochran, how did you deal with these reactions?
-Mostly by listening - it was a personal decision to take my own fate into my hands and to make a choice of playing the game with the sort of people I wanted to play with - no disrespect to my former tribe, I realize that sounded heinous
Ozzy & Whitney - yeah it did.
Cochran - he goes on about preparing for 11 years and choosing a rock is not the essence of Survivor, it's about taking charge of your own fate, blah, blah, blah. (He's hitting a chord with Coach and Brandon - I'm waiting for the "Amen, brother" from those two.)
-Jim speaks up - says he's got something to add to round out what Cochran has said - recounts how they all saved Cochran in past votes and having gotten to know Upolu a little he doesn't think anyone on the tribe would let someone else fight their battles for them.  I don't think any one of them would do something so dishonourable, in my opinion.
-Brandon comes to Cochran's defense - he finds Jim's tone ironic after being made fun of for playing the game with integrity at last tribal - it's poetic justice in his opinion.  Brandon says he understands not wanting to be made fun of anymore, enough is enough, the smaller people are not going to be bullied anymore - the Upolu tribe is standing behind Cochran, period. (That took all the wind out of Jim's sails, you can see the poker player readjusting his strategy...)
-Ozzy asks Cochran - did I ever make you feel small?
-Cochran - you made me feel small by constantly trying to get people to vote against me because of my weakness.
So Jim, very powerful spot sitting there with immunity.
-Yeah, I win immunity and I immediately think, I'm going to give it to Ozzy tonight.  That got a reaction from Coach, Brandon and Albert...
Why would it make sense to give it to Ozzy tonight?
-Because they can tell I have a warrior heart (reaching out to Coach) and they have been saying, honour, honour, honour.  There are ten people here that have not wavered from the loyalty to their tribe, there is one person who has.  With this one vote we can send a message to everyone who will ever play this game that you can play it honourably and if you are a turncoat you have no place on my tribe - You can say that right now by voting off Cochran. (Albert and Coach and Cochran are taking that in, two thinking and one swearing.)
Coach, Jim is not giving up.
-Of course not and he starts talking warrior this and warrior that and I stand up straighter and listen (and that's exactly why he used that word)
If you voted out Cochran tonight, would that change the game?
I think it would send the message that if you stand up for yourself, your going to get screwed and I'm not going to see that happen.
-Jim pipes in, but does it change the game, no it really doesn't. It takes out one person, they still have a 6 to 4 lead and it gives these guys the opportunity to say beyond this game what Survivor is really about.
Sophie, so whoever you keep in the game is as important as who you got rid of.
-There is no good vote because we are not eliminating somebody for sure (damn Redemption Island!)
Ozzy - let me just throw this out there - when I'm at Redemption Island, I'm not feeding 11 people, I'm feeding myself - so I'm going to be full and well rested and when these numbers change and you have to start voting each other out, it's going to get a little funky.  He's willing to bide his time at Redemption and eliminate them all that way.

Jeff asks before they vote if Jim wants to give up immunity and he says:I'm going to keep it tonight.  (Yeah, because you're not a coward at all! Loser!) I don't think Ozzy's eyebrows could have gotten any higher, he was surprised by that... Jim, you speak with forked tongue.

And they vote:
Jim - votes Cochran - I just really don't like you.
Cochran - votes Ozzy - Blah, blah, blah

Tallying the votes:
Anybody have a hidden immunity idol and want to play it... nope.
Ozzy - 1
Cochran - 1
Ozzy - 2
Cochran - 2 (and they had to blur what it said... cock something nasty - really mature Ozzy)
Ozzy - 3, 4, 5, 6  - Ozzy says, you guys fell for my master plan (right) and he heads off to Redemption Island with a spring in his step, trying to make us believe he wanted to go.
Final words: I played hard, made a lot of moves and is ready to dominate at Redemption.
He and Keith commiserate about Cochran's betrayal (stings don't it.  Maybe you'll think twice about how you treat people... I doubt it.)

Redemption Island - Day 23
-Ozzy is out fishing and marvelling at the reef there - it's the best fishing he's seen and he catches the biggest fish he ever has out there.  They eat like kings!
-Ozzy is still trying to say he's just as happy to be at Redemption... I wonder what they're eating today... and with that:
IMMUNITY CHALLENGE 2
They have to balance on a narrow beam and then balance a ball on a wooden bow - so a D shape with a ball balanced on the top curve of the D.  At certain intervals they will have to walk down the beam where it gets narrower making it harder to balance.  If at any time the ball falls off the bow or they fall off the beam they are out of the challenge (I would be so done - it looks really tough.)
Twist: if anyone thinks they are safe tonight, they can sit the challenge out and feast on pastries, muffins, iced coffee... former Upolu all celebrate but Coach - he says he wants to compete but obviously they are all safe and his tribe wants to eat so he'll stick with his 'family' (God, give me a break.)  Only Whitney, Jim and Dawn are competing for immunity.
-They start the challenge and the eating can commence - when the challenge is over the eating must end as well so they start gorging themselves.
-Jeff is stirring the pot - asking Upolu how everything tastes - no one wants to talk they want to eat and it breaks Jim's concentration - he loses his ball and is the first one out of the challenge.  Brandon celebrates that.
-Dawn says she'll hang on so they can keep eating - She says she really feels that they are one tribe right now even though it doesn't seem that way and yeah, she wants her tribe mates to eat as much as they can.  Brandon and Coach say Dawn has been amazing - she has ingratiated herself enough to stay longer than the other two it would seem.
-Dawn & Whitney make it through to the next section.  They take the ball off the bow and move down to the really narrow section of the beam - and Jeff  keeps talking... you really need to concentrate blah, blah, blah... the eating has slowed down, they are full.
-They both start to wobble but Dawn loses he balance and Whitney wins Immunity.  They do cheer for her as well.

Albert says he did not like how Dawn was treated inclusively at the challenge and he plans to nip that in the bud.

Te Tuna - Day 24
-Cochran is wearing Coach's jacket and strutting around like an idiot - much to everyone's entertainment.
-Jim says Cochran is playing the most brilliant third place game in Survivor history, all those people would like to take Cochran to the end with them because he's not going to get votes to win.  On the other hand, it's not looking good for Jim - he's going to Redemption Island unless he makes some moves right now.
-He lays out his plays in the sand to Albert & Sophie saying they are the only two that haven't drunk the kool-aid (obviously, he's not in the know) - and he wants to get rid of Edna - they'd never see it coming.
-Albert says he doesn't need to entertain Jim's plan because he has a much better plan of his own - he's going after Dawn (damn! She's my pool player) he finds her more dangerous because she's ingratiating herself into the tribe.
-Dawn is actually proud of her ability to ingratiate herself with people and that's exactly what she's trying to do.
-Albert tells Sophie he wants to vote Dawn, she doesn't think it matters what order they go in and she wants to stay rigid to their plan.
-Coach, to use jungle animal analogies, sees Jim as a rhino, charging straight at you and Dawn as the snake that comes sneaking through the grass - they could both kill you but hopefully they'll send the right person home tonight.  (No, to Redemption island.)

Tribal Council - 2
Coach, after the immunity challenge today, is it fair to say it's Dawn or Jim going home tonight?
-Yes, absolutely.
Sophie, fair to say Jim is more of a threat in challenge than Dawn?
- They both have their niches - Dawn has shown herself to be very strong but if I was choosing a roster, I'd choose Jim every time.
Albert, fair to say Dawn's more likable?
-Absolutely Dawn is more likable and she's also a tough cookie in challenges, she may be the strongest woman out here (she looks flattered by that, not scared... he's trying to get you out, not being nice.)
Dawn, as frustrating as it is for you and Jim & Whitney, is it fair to say this is what the tribe should do?  (Is it fair to say, that Jeff uses 'is it fair to say' too much?  I say, yes.)
- It's what Savaii would have done as well - but I don't think I would have eaten the food today though, I really did think of this as one tribe, so that was a little hard for me to watch them eat. (Coach looks a little ashamed - Brandon raises his hand...)
-Brandon: I love you Dawn but you told us you would stay up there so we could eat so you just contradicted yourself
-Dawn: No, I was just saying it was hard for me.
-Brandon: I don't buy it.  That's why the Savaii tribe except Cochran are going to be picked off just like they think they're going to be picked off...
There is some back and forth - she's back pedalling, he's not buying it - blah blah blah.
-Whitney is given her chance to speak and she's getting teary - I feel like we've been vilified, we were pegged as the bullies, I never once was a bully - Full on crying now and Dawn gets going... (really, tears, that's how you're playing this.  Sigh.)
Brandon - is it hard for you to see Whitney crying?
Yeah, I don't want to see her cry but we were excluded until we got the power then we were the villains - It's a no brainer for me. 

Time to vote:
Cochran's still waring Coach's jacket - you look like a doofus.
Ouch - and Edna has a big scab on her forehead, I wonder what happened there.

Tallying the votes:
Edna - 1, 2, 3
Jim - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 - he heads to Redemption Island without looking back.  He would have seen Coach waving sarcastically.

Now on Redemption Island are:
Keith: Wendy E, Cara L and Kim A
Ozzy: Brittany/Sarah, Laura H, Krista H
Jim: Jodi S, Bob L and Bernice R. 
Jim says he's sad, he though they would be the final 3.

So no one went home this week - best time for me to miss an episode I guess.

Next week: Albert is making a move and Coach doesn't like it and Ozzy is laying in wait at Redemption Island building up his strength to win the game.

Coleen

The Amazing Race - Nov 6/11 Episode Recap

Move Goat (Malawi)

The episode started by showing the accommodations the teams had for the night in the remote village where they had carried in their own beds... and some of them act like spoiled Americans (Cindy & Ernie) but really, they have their own huts, mattresses for the beds, mosquito nets - what's to complain about?

Andy & Tommy are the first to depart at 5:28am the next morning- it's still dark and you can see their breath - gets cold there at night.  They get the clue to take the 2hr bus ride to Salima, where they will get their next clue.  Caution: DOUBLE U-TURN ahead (Ouch.)
-Andy & Tommy have come in first by default three times on the Race so far - but they think they've proven they deserve to be there (hell, you were second all those times too - not too shabby.)
-Justin & Jennifer next team out and we find out Justin came out to his sister a couple years ago and their relationship is stronger for it... (What was it like before she knew you were gay?)
-Jeremy & Sandy head out, then Zac & Laurence - no surprise, Laurence says he'd have no problem U-Turning someone on the Race (he'd probably U-Turn Zac if it would keep him in the Race, can you tell Laurence is not my favourite person?)

-Andy & Tommy get to the bus station and are told they buy tickets on the bus from some guys in a shack... I hope that's the case.

-Ernie & Cindy are next out - they think the Snowboarders are the team to beat - they just have to stop making mistakes.
-Ma & Pa, shivering, head out at 5:47am and Marcus & Amani are the last team heading out at 6:07am (and the sun is now up for them) They get $1 for this leg of the Race.  Marcus: One dollar? What are we gonna ride, a pachyderm? (I love Marcus' use of language, why say elephant when you can use pachyderm?  Awesome.)  They are a little nervous about the Speed Bump this leg but Marcus learned from his NFL coaches to pay attention to the details and when the big things come they'll take care of themselves... (hopefully.)

-First bus starts loading up and everyone is on it except Amani & Marcus - but they are loading everything and the kitchen sink in this bus - apparently it smells really bad and they're packed in like sardines (nice)... Amani & Marcus get there and are trying to get on the bus, he says his friends are on it, "Can we get on too?"  They make it and are sitting at the back of the bus - meaning everyone is going to get off before them. (But you got on the bus, that's a good thing.)
-The two hour ride through Malawi, seeing the landscape, the people on the road, carrying things on their heads, the homes looking like little shacks - really made Marcus take inventory and appreciate what they have in the US.

-The bus arrives in Salima, the Speed Bump is waiting for Amani & Marcus, and Andy & Tommy are the first to get the clue for the ROADBLOCK - one person must drive a bicycle taxi and take a passenger carrying fish to a specific address attached to the fish (I'm thinking this is a smelly day for them).  Once they drop off their customer, they must return to the dispatcher and hand over their earnings to receive the next clue.
-Andy, Cindy, Cathi, Sandy, Jennifer (really?  She'd not that steady on a bike), Laurence - all head out into traffic - Sandy: We're going to be killed. (Watch out for that tree! Ha, no there were big trucks.)

-Amani & Marcus get their Speed Bump  - they have to solve a slide puzzle to resemble the new Malawian flag (which is right above them for reference) - once they get it right, they'll get the clue for the Roadblock.  Amani - hmm, this is tricky.  (Uh oh.)

-Back on the bikes, Andy, of course, used to ride with people on his handle bars and on the back of his bike as a kid so he knows how to balance no problem (just no wheelies!)
-Laurence is getting some sore testicles from his bike seat (couldn't happen to a nicer guy) and he and Sandy have kinda teamed up - neither know where they're going so why not ride aimlessly together.
-Everyone has to ask directions, there aren't really streets let alone signs.  Cathi nearly dumps the bike - Cindy can't believe none of the children are in school  She says Malawi is much more primitive than other African countries she's been to, and with English being the official language can't believe barely anyone understands it.

-Marcus & Amani have drawn quite the crowd... she almost has it... almost has it... but the red needs to be on the top, not the bottom - argh!

-Andy was pedalling so hard he lost a bolt from the crank system and the bike was toast - no pedals, bike won't go. (Crap.)  He's able to ask some of the locals with tool boxes for some help, they pound another piece of metal in and he is up and running again - albeit at a much slower pace.

-Cindy is the first one to make it to her destination, probably because she's constantly asking annoyingly, Is this it?  Is this it?  - she gets her fare and hopefully can find her way back to the dispatcher.

-Laurence & Sandy are the blind leading the blind - he finally asks for directions and is sent back 2km in the other direction. 
-Andy & Cathi make it to their destination (apparently they had the same one) and get paid.

-Amani & Marcus are still stumped on the puzzle.

-Cindy is the first one back to the dispatcher: "Where's everyone else?"  (She's really annoying with the stupid questions) They get the clue for the DETOUR: Dugout or Lugout.
-In Dugout - Teams will have to participate in the Lake Malawi dugout canoe race, AR style - they will choose a traditional dugout canoe, paddle out to some drummers then back to shore - where they will receive the next clue.  (Those boats look heavy and clunky.)
-In Lugout - They must help unload a ferry traditional style - carrying people and goods on their shoulders and heads through the shallow water to shore (no way - are you kidding?  I couldn't carry anyone sitting on my shoulders like that. Crazy.)
-Ernie & Cindy are doing dugout - hop in a taxi and head for the lake.
-Andy comes flying in on his bike - "Dude, you wouldn't believe, my bike fell apart."  They are going to do the dugout race and jump in a cab - Tommy tells him only Ernie & Cindy are ahead of them.

-Amani & Marcus finally finish the slide puzzle (I hate those things) and Marcus is doing the Roadblock.  He said to get ready for the race he did a lot of bike riding with an 80lb sack in the kid carrier riding uphill - he was just zooming on the bike.

-Jennifer finally gets to her destination and gets her fare - but then realizes she doesn't have the clue, she left it with Justin - and now she doesn't know what she's supposed to do (GO BACK!)  She's just standing there - hmm, interesting. (GO BACK DUMMY!)
-Laurence & Sandy get to their destination, get their fares and head back together.
-Cathi arrives back to the dispatcher and gets the clue to the Detour. They are canoeing.

-Marcus says the language barrier is off the chain - he just feels like he's getting farther and farther away - asks a passing vehicle and they tell him he's heading in the right direction.

-Laurence makes it back with Sandy right behind him - they all head out for the Detour.

-Justin is still waiting anxiously for Jennifer - she's just standing with her bike - (What are you doing lady?  Do you expect divine intervention to tell you what to do?  At the very least you should be going back to get the clue... and then you'll be in the right place) (I had to change this whole passage from ALL CAPS because I was YELLING at the TV.)  She's going to see if she can find another team.

-Marcus delivers his passenger and says, "Watch out, I got a lead foot!" (He's so cute.)

-Ernie & Cindy and Andy & Tommy get to the lake and run down to the water - there are monkeys in the trees - cool.   They get down to the "Race" and there are tons of people, dancing to drums - they see the dugouts and they look like huge bananas with a slit carved in the top - you don't sit in the boat as much as on it with your feet in the slit... and they are heavy, hard to get them floating and cumbersome - this looks like it's going to be harder than they thought.
-Andy & Tommy jump in and take off - yeah, no problem.  Meanwhile Ernie & Cindy are almost going in circles trying to get the paddling right.

-Marcus makes it back to the bike dispatcher and they get the clue to the Detour - leaving Justin there, still waiting for Jennifer to come back. (Oh, he's going to be maaa- ad.  Though he is starting to worry about her.)  Amani decides they are doing Lugout (really?)

-Jennifer has decided her only option is to wait for another team (WHAT?) She doesn't want to go back and do the wrong thing.... (OMG! You are last - there are no other teams coming - go back and get the clue you IDIOT! Does she have no problem solving ability?  Just sitting there doing nothing is not going to win you a Million Dollars... argghh!)  After waiting so long she's lost track of time, she finally decides to take the bike back to the bus station and hopefully run into someone who will share their clue (they are all gone.)

-Back at the lake, Cindy and Ernie still can't get their canoe moving and decide this is the perfect time to use their Express Pass (I concur) especially since there is a U-Turn coming up.
-They hand over the express pass and get the clue: Route info: find the Jamaica Shop and Caution Double U-turn ahead.

-Andy & Tommy make it out to the drummers and are heading back - Tommy is tempted to jump in like the locals and swim - but it's a long way back.
-Ma & Pa arrive at the lake and head out in the canoe - they communicate better, she paddles one side and he's on the other - they are making progress.
-Sandy & Jeremy and Zac & Laurence get into the dugouts - Laurence is yelling at Zac to back paddle - they finally figure out if one paddles on one side and one on the other it works... Sandy & Jeremy however, are starting out rough.

-Ernie & Cindy can't find anyone who knows where the Jamaica shop is - they are wasting their lead asking around...

-Bill & Cathi have a great philosophy - they don't argue and they don't blame - that's how they get things done quickly - plus being together almost 50 years they know how to work together.  Bill does a little white man dance in the canoe at the drummers (these two are so cute too!)
-Jeremy & Sandy - bicker, bicker, bicker... they are embarrassed that the 60-yr-olds are putting them to shame.

-Justin is now officially worried about Jennifer and the clock is ticking... she finally come back and tells him she needs the clue - amazingly this is the least they've argued this whole time - he was worried she was hurt and she's feeling stupid she didn't just ride back right away.  They finally head out for the Detour.

-Ernie & Cindy find out the Jamaica shop is in the village right down there (so right where they were doing the canoeing) Shoot.
-Andy & Tommy have crossed the finish line and have to do hot dog flips off the dugout into the 2ft deep water - (that's not safe, sheesh.)  They are heading for the Jamaica shop, mon. Like pied pipers with all the kids following them - they run by Ernie & Cindy - do you know where this place is? 
-It was right there on the beach... Ernie & Cindy are the first to the double U-Turn and decide not to U-Turn anyone, Ernie doesn't like to be mean spirited (banking a little good Race Karma is always good too.)  They get the clue to the Pit Stop: Make your way on foot to Sunbird Livingstonia Beach.

-Ernie & Cindy take off to get their bags and settle up with their cab driver before they head to the pit stop.
-Andy & Tommy also decide not to U-Turn anyone - and also have to go get their stuff - they take off at a sprint, "We can take them."

-Marcus & Amani get to the lake and he joins in some drumming - then they walk out to the ferry.  Marcus takes a guy on his shoulders, Amani has a chair and a fan - this walking through the water is no joke! 

-Ernie & Cindy's driver tells them where the Pit Stop is and they take off running up the road.  Andy & Tommy are right behind them but it's going to be hard, up hill with their packs...

-Justin & Jennifer are in the cab, very subdued, knowing they're last.  I think he's genuinely just glad she's not hurt, and they will keep on running the Race until Phil tells them what place they're in.

-Ma & Pa finish the canoeing and get the clue to the Jamaica Shop.
-Amani is struggling carrying too large bundles of sugar cane.  Marcus is still carrying people on his shoulders - he asks if they have any babies on board he can carry - no, no babies...

-Ernie is carrying both their packs and urging Cindy to keep running - this is where we lose it every time - those guys are right behind us and they won't stop...(Hahaha, wasn't that a line from the Terminator?) It does keep her moving though.  The Snowboarders get them in their sights and keep up the running pace...

-Zac & Laurence finish the canoeing and they start talking about who they'll U-Turn - Jeremy & Sandy who are still struggling in the canoes or Marcus & Amani who both are ready to throw up from the heat and exertion...

-Justin & Jennifer are still in the cab on the way to the Detour.

-Marcus is digging deep carrying his last person to shore - he kind of launches him into the sand... but they are done and they get the clue to find the Jamaica shop...

-Zac & Laurence can't find the Jamaica shop - Marcus & Amani are led there by the crowd (Oh, thank goodness) they decide not to U-Turn anyone.  Heading back to get their bags they pass Zac & Laurence who think they're going the wrong way and decide to U-Turn them (They already passed you and you don't even realize it... works for me.)

-Jeremy & Sandy finish the canoeing and run back up to their cab.  The cab driver tells them the Jamaica shop is down there at the beach...

-Justin & Jennifer finally arrive - they are way last.  They get in the canoe and start fighting when they have the same problems steering the thing as everyone else did.

-Jeremy & Sandy find the Jamaica Shop, see that Amani & Marcus got U-Turned (don't know it was after the fact) and decide not to U-Turn anyone.

Here's how they finished:  (First - HAHAahaha - the guy standing with Phil looked like Pinhead - his hair was in little braids standing straight out all over his head - that is totally awesome sauce.)

1)Andy & Tommy - It was a sprint through the sand to get to the mat and Cindy whined -"Boys, please let us win" - Ernie sprinted with them but both Andy & Tommy reached the mat before Cindy - Ernie, "That's so mean".  They are professional athletes and it's a race, they're not just going to let you win... (Tommy tells the guy with Phil he loves his hair - who wouldn't?)
Andy & Tommy won $15,000 from Discover card. (Ouch, just to add insult to injury.)
2) Ernie & Cindy - after she crawled into the shade she did come back to the mat - She's frustrated that their poor decision making has kept them from being first at least 3 times in the race.  This time they missed it by literally inches.
3)Bill & Cathi - (Cathi asks for an appointment where the guy gets his hair done - yes! do it!) They continue to surprise - their secret is communication.  Phil says they are inspiring to so many, 50 yrs together and travelling the world kicking some butt.
4) Amani & Marcus - they improved from last to 4th - so that's good.
5) Zac & Laurence - still in it - despite Laurence being a doofus.
6) Jeremy & Sandy - cutting it close - it's tough but they're doing the best they can to work together.
7) Justin & Jennifer - Last team to arrive **ELIMINATED**  She says it was a silly mistake on her part that she will be kicking herself for, she should have listened to her instincts.  Justin says, no matter how it ended, he feels like the race strengthened their relationship and after their rocky start they were a force to be reckoned with.  So, with Justin & Jennifer's elimination, Sandy G, Ian G, Brittany/Sarah and Kim A are also out of the pool.

Next week: They head to Denmark, rabbit agility races and Cindy is sick of being nice - they u-turn someone... (Can't really blame her on that one.)

Have a great week everyone - I'm off to Vegas :)

Coleen