Denise was bounced out of the line, taking Jean and Lisa with her.
Some Survivor Finale thoughts:
What I learned from Survivor China:
Don't trust bitchy airline stewards
Never put real money on the old hick
Lunch ladies don't like yucky food
Never assume that there is a limit to stupidity
Whenever someone says "I haven't decided who to vote for", it's you
My ten-year-old daughter had the following revelation as the show started: "I have the rest of my money on a flight attendant!"
Courtney shares with us that her strategy is to "slip through the cracks". Well, if anyone can slip through something, it's Courtney.
The rewards challenge is a complicated puzzle challenge for pizza, beer, soda and brownies. I think the winner will have a bit of regret that Peih-Gee isn't around to screw.
I like how in the beginning of the season when Jeff asks whether they are ready for a rewards challenge and they all yell and whoop it up. Now near the end they just sort of smile and nod.
Part of the challenge was to build a kind of bridge to run across. Somewhere Dave is saying "Man! If only I coulda held out eight more weeks!"
Todd moans that he wants the brownies sooooo bad! Must be fudge brownies.
Amanda wins the reward, and after much deliberation, chooses Todd to share the feast. Courtney has the audacity to act indignant.
I couldn't help thinking that Amanda should have made the one she chose swear not to vote her off. Didn't work for Yao-Man, but maybe one of them has an actual shred of dignity.
She shares with Todd that she doesn't trust him. Todd has the audacity to be appalled.
I figure it must be late in the season...I can now understand Denise when she talks.
Ah, the old remembrance walk...I can't wait to get to one where someone says "now, who was that guy again?"
Ashley reminisces about her time at Survivor "I can't wait to tell crazy stories about Survivor to my grandchildren". I would think that her time as a professional wrestler might be more interesting.
Todd, about Jaime: "you were like always havin' your favorite piece of gum in your mouth." Say, what?
The immunity challenge is a balancing/endurance event. After 30 minutes in the heat, I suspect Todd is wishing he had his Elmer Fudd hat.
I suspect it would be a bad time for an earthquake.
Courtney struggle mightily. I was pretty sure she was going to puke or pass out.
Amanda wins! Denise makes a smart play to try to cut a deal with her, but Amanda wouldn't fall for it. I think that was her only shot.
Back at camp the producers do their best to try to make us think that Denise might not be voted off. Fat chance.
Courtney weighs in with a Survivor hall of fame quote: "She shouldn't win just because she sucks at life...this isn't welfare!" and follows up, quite unnecessarily with "I'm the biggest bitch on the planet". She certainly has my vote.
Amanda worries that "everyone likes Todd". Really? Seriously?
Denise adds her last Survivor quote "It's hard to break in even when you're in". That's more like it.
Amanda tries to weasel out of previous commitments with Denise "when I said I had your back, I did...just not TODAY."
In what shouldn't have been a surprising vote, Denise was put down.
Amanda also weighed in afterward "I think I have a 33% chance of winning". Yup.
The individual monologues to the jury are always enjoyable. Mostly it's to people you screwed telling them it was part of the game.
It's absolutely killing Jean-Robert that Courtney has made it this far.
James makes a late entrance to the Survivor Hall of Fame quote: "I'm not a bitter Betty."
Courtney takes Jean-Robert's question as an opportunity to rip him "I've won a challenge...have you?" Ouch.
J-R rails at Todd that his strategy was all bad and he should have voted off James instead of him. Um. Who's in the final three, J-R?
Erik still doesn't understand why the strategy of trying to vote off James (with his two hidden immunity idols) was risky. Good thing he's nice to look at.
Frosti, wearing a belt buckle the size of Courtney, refers to himself in the third person. Interesting.
Denise eschews the opportunity to ask a question and belly aches about how the three weren't fair or honest. I wonder what Peih-Gee thinks of that.
Todd wins the whole enchilada over Amanda and Courtney!
Congratulations to Louisa and Glenda for their big win!
It's always funny to see the survivors after they fatten up and put on makeup. Amanda looks like Peg Bundy.
Courtney looks a bit like a Courtney Love. That's probably not a good thing.
Todd kinda has an Elvis thing going on.
Jeff gives a shout out to Courtney for the most one-liners for the season. Looking over the blog entries for the season I think James gave her a run for her money.
The winnings have been posted on http://www.woltermanns.com/misc/survivor_2007.htm and I'll have checks out ASAP.
Thanks all for playing! I hope you had a great time and that you'll be back for another round.
Send on your suggestions for the next season!
See you next season on....Survivor!
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Survivorfest China - week 12
Week 12 and exit Peih-Gee, stage left!
She takes our friends Kathy and Mark out with her. Eleven of us remain as we wind down to Sunday's last show and our final pool winner. I'm so excited I can hardly stand myself.
Week 12 Survivor thoughts:
The remaining survivors trudged back to camp after voting off Erik the week before. Courtney is still carrying her torch like it's an anvil.
The rewards challenge for the week is an odd game where everyone has a handful of quarrels that they have to donate to the other players to participate in the challenge. The quarrels are loaded into 4th century crossbows and shot at targets with the player’s names. Everyone gets a few except Peih-Gee, who gets only one. From Courtney. How ironic that Courtney is the nice one. I don't think I'm ready to live in a world like this.
During the challenge Denise hits several of her marks leading Jeff to declare "Denise, you're sitting pretty!" Yup. Definitely a world I'm not ready for.
Todd steps up and nails virtually every one of his shots. I am now convinced that Todd is not an airline steward but actually an assassin. Now his threats to "totally kill Jean-Robert" seem to be a little less hollow. I'll have to keep my eye on the news. Prediction: Poker Player’s Eyes Scratches Out. No Suspects.
Denise wins the rewards challenge, thanks to some frighteningly awful shooting from Courtney, and gets to choose two people to join her on a trip to the Great Wall of China. Peih-Gee gets screwed again. I think Denise is off of her Christmas card list.
On the private jet to the rewards challenge site, Todd plays stewardess in the cabin. I'm not buyin' it, Mssr. Jackal.
Courtney chimes in with a Survivor hall of fame quote: "An angry Todd is a bad Todd." She knows the truth...
Peih-Gee explained that her time with Amanda has allowed her to get to know her better and to better understand the dynamic of "the team". Um. The dynamic is that they're going to vote you off.
The three return from the rewards trip to find Amanda and Peih-Gee missing. Todd worries because they were "really pissed" not to get to go along...I wonder if he thinks they decided to go home.
Courtney snorts "nice welcome!" Yeah. You should be greeted like a conquering hero. After the game is over I suspect she'll be disappointed if her hometown doesn’t throw her a parade.
The immunity challenge is a repeat of previous challenges:
Throwing stars
Eating crap
Bouncing balls on a drum
Heavy disk puzzle
Stars challenge: Todd did well on this previously. This time he falls apart and drops out in the first round.
Eating crap: Denise doesn't fail to disappoint. She still can't eat the bird fetus. The only thing missing was the blood-curdling scream before attempting to masticate her fowl. Denise goes down with barely a whimper.
Ball bouncing: Peih-Gee takes advantage of her second chance and actually finishes this challenge. Somewhere James is wincing. Courtney doesn't finish. I suspect her drum was weighted since it looks like she could barely cart it around.
Heavy disk puzzle: Courtney wouldn't have made it through this one anyway. Amanda and Courtney go at the ropes with machetes like they mean business. Amanda perseveres in the end, however, ending Peih-Gee's run.
Back at camp Todd takes up bitching about the lack of remaining rice. He accuses Amanda and Peih-Gee (the two who got screwed on the rewards challenge) of "going to town" on the rice while they were gone. Nice, Todd.
They spend the remainder of the show making it look like Denise and Amanda are going to flip on Todd. Not even close. I don't think Peih-Gee was even remotely surprised to be voted off.
Jeff spends some time inciting rage in the remaining contestants. He asks Courtney if, at this point in the game, she'd rather vote for people who deserve to be there or keep people around that she can beat. Has Jeff been watching this season? Courtney can't beat anyone!
Okay, those of you who put money on Courtney need to fess up. Did any of you expect she'd be one of the last four?
The last Survivor is this coming Sunday! I'll get the checks ready for us...er, you lucky winners!
Also, send along any thoughts you have for new rules for the next season.
The best part of losing Peih-Gee? I don’t have to keep checking the spelling of her name!
She takes our friends Kathy and Mark out with her. Eleven of us remain as we wind down to Sunday's last show and our final pool winner. I'm so excited I can hardly stand myself.
Week 12 Survivor thoughts:
The remaining survivors trudged back to camp after voting off Erik the week before. Courtney is still carrying her torch like it's an anvil.
The rewards challenge for the week is an odd game where everyone has a handful of quarrels that they have to donate to the other players to participate in the challenge. The quarrels are loaded into 4th century crossbows and shot at targets with the player’s names. Everyone gets a few except Peih-Gee, who gets only one. From Courtney. How ironic that Courtney is the nice one. I don't think I'm ready to live in a world like this.
During the challenge Denise hits several of her marks leading Jeff to declare "Denise, you're sitting pretty!" Yup. Definitely a world I'm not ready for.
Todd steps up and nails virtually every one of his shots. I am now convinced that Todd is not an airline steward but actually an assassin. Now his threats to "totally kill Jean-Robert" seem to be a little less hollow. I'll have to keep my eye on the news. Prediction: Poker Player’s Eyes Scratches Out. No Suspects.
Denise wins the rewards challenge, thanks to some frighteningly awful shooting from Courtney, and gets to choose two people to join her on a trip to the Great Wall of China. Peih-Gee gets screwed again. I think Denise is off of her Christmas card list.
On the private jet to the rewards challenge site, Todd plays stewardess in the cabin. I'm not buyin' it, Mssr. Jackal.
Courtney chimes in with a Survivor hall of fame quote: "An angry Todd is a bad Todd." She knows the truth...
Peih-Gee explained that her time with Amanda has allowed her to get to know her better and to better understand the dynamic of "the team". Um. The dynamic is that they're going to vote you off.
The three return from the rewards trip to find Amanda and Peih-Gee missing. Todd worries because they were "really pissed" not to get to go along...I wonder if he thinks they decided to go home.
Courtney snorts "nice welcome!" Yeah. You should be greeted like a conquering hero. After the game is over I suspect she'll be disappointed if her hometown doesn’t throw her a parade.
The immunity challenge is a repeat of previous challenges:
Throwing stars
Eating crap
Bouncing balls on a drum
Heavy disk puzzle
Stars challenge: Todd did well on this previously. This time he falls apart and drops out in the first round.
Eating crap: Denise doesn't fail to disappoint. She still can't eat the bird fetus. The only thing missing was the blood-curdling scream before attempting to masticate her fowl. Denise goes down with barely a whimper.
Ball bouncing: Peih-Gee takes advantage of her second chance and actually finishes this challenge. Somewhere James is wincing. Courtney doesn't finish. I suspect her drum was weighted since it looks like she could barely cart it around.
Heavy disk puzzle: Courtney wouldn't have made it through this one anyway. Amanda and Courtney go at the ropes with machetes like they mean business. Amanda perseveres in the end, however, ending Peih-Gee's run.
Back at camp Todd takes up bitching about the lack of remaining rice. He accuses Amanda and Peih-Gee (the two who got screwed on the rewards challenge) of "going to town" on the rice while they were gone. Nice, Todd.
They spend the remainder of the show making it look like Denise and Amanda are going to flip on Todd. Not even close. I don't think Peih-Gee was even remotely surprised to be voted off.
Jeff spends some time inciting rage in the remaining contestants. He asks Courtney if, at this point in the game, she'd rather vote for people who deserve to be there or keep people around that she can beat. Has Jeff been watching this season? Courtney can't beat anyone!
Okay, those of you who put money on Courtney need to fess up. Did any of you expect she'd be one of the last four?
The last Survivor is this coming Sunday! I'll get the checks ready for us...er, you lucky winners!
Also, send along any thoughts you have for new rules for the next season.
The best part of losing Peih-Gee? I don’t have to keep checking the spelling of her name!
Thursday, December 06, 2007
Survivorfest China - week 11
Erik has left the island!
And he escorted Mike with him, as the pool of remaining players in our game starts to dwindle.
Survivor week 11 thoughts:
I was amused to hear Courtney relate that Jean-Robert was busting on James for being taken by surprise and voted off. Poker players must have short memories.
The remaining survivors all agreed that they were fortunate to have had their plan to vote James off work. Because he likely would have killed them.
The rewards challenge is a "loved ones" event. Denise immediately starts bawling.
I was disappointed to see that Peih-Gee's dad was not, in fact, "Cowboy" from a couple of seasons ago.
Todd's sister Brandi is blubbering incoherently. Doubt she'll be much good in the upcoming challenge.
Courtney's dad is English. And I don't think he likes games.
During the maze challenge, the blind-folded Amanda and her sister Katrina called to each other with bizarre bird calls. That might have been the single funniest thing this season and I don't even know why.
Jeff enjoys Peih-Gee's father (also blind-folded) trying to point out the right direction to his daughter. Good stuff.
Courtney takes a moment out of another hopeless challenge to gripe at Jeff’s narrating ways: "gimme a break, Probst!"
Denise wins the reward challenge and stiffs Peih-Gee on the couple that she gets to take with her. Ouch.
Part of the reward is that Denise gets a Sprint phone call to her daughter, Erin. I wonder if it crossed her mind to have some pizza air-lifted to camp while she had the phone.
On her call she relates to Erin "I really stink!" to which she replies "I know." I wonder how much she stinks when she's at home...
After the "loved one" cruise and a nice meal of ribs and barely identifiable pizza, the three survivors got to bring their loved ones back to camp. "Yay!" I couldn't help but wonder if they knew what a Survivor camp was actually like.
We have a potential "Johnny Fair Play" moment when Todd's sister reveals that Todd's other sister lost her baby. The remaining camp people immediately assume he is lying. Nice. Even if you don't believe him, I think you lose points for making fun of him, just in case.
The immunity challenge is a combination of Chinese trivia and a moderate endurance challenge. The contestants choose the answer to the trivia question and take a key to open one of three locks.
Courtney hangs the key around her neck and the weight appears to nearly drag her to a watery grave.
Shockingly, the Chinese lady wins the Chinese trivia challenge. Again.
As they head to tribal council and the members of the jury file in, I notice that Jean-Robert is becoming increasingly annoyed to have been voted off so early. James is absolutely glaring daggers. I'm not convinced that he might not yet kill the people who crossed him.
Jeff asks Denise if she thinks that having everyone meet her husband and get to know her a little more hurts her in the game after they determine she has a "great life". She's a lunch lady with a mullet, Jeff!
Erik is voted out as Denise fails to turn on her power play group. Todd appears to nearly lose it when Jeff shuffles the votes to make the outcomes appear questionable. I expect interesting things from him next week.
See you next week on…Survivor!
And he escorted Mike with him, as the pool of remaining players in our game starts to dwindle.
Survivor week 11 thoughts:
I was amused to hear Courtney relate that Jean-Robert was busting on James for being taken by surprise and voted off. Poker players must have short memories.
The remaining survivors all agreed that they were fortunate to have had their plan to vote James off work. Because he likely would have killed them.
The rewards challenge is a "loved ones" event. Denise immediately starts bawling.
I was disappointed to see that Peih-Gee's dad was not, in fact, "Cowboy" from a couple of seasons ago.
Todd's sister Brandi is blubbering incoherently. Doubt she'll be much good in the upcoming challenge.
Courtney's dad is English. And I don't think he likes games.
During the maze challenge, the blind-folded Amanda and her sister Katrina called to each other with bizarre bird calls. That might have been the single funniest thing this season and I don't even know why.
Jeff enjoys Peih-Gee's father (also blind-folded) trying to point out the right direction to his daughter. Good stuff.
Courtney takes a moment out of another hopeless challenge to gripe at Jeff’s narrating ways: "gimme a break, Probst!"
Denise wins the reward challenge and stiffs Peih-Gee on the couple that she gets to take with her. Ouch.
Part of the reward is that Denise gets a Sprint phone call to her daughter, Erin. I wonder if it crossed her mind to have some pizza air-lifted to camp while she had the phone.
On her call she relates to Erin "I really stink!" to which she replies "I know." I wonder how much she stinks when she's at home...
After the "loved one" cruise and a nice meal of ribs and barely identifiable pizza, the three survivors got to bring their loved ones back to camp. "Yay!" I couldn't help but wonder if they knew what a Survivor camp was actually like.
We have a potential "Johnny Fair Play" moment when Todd's sister reveals that Todd's other sister lost her baby. The remaining camp people immediately assume he is lying. Nice. Even if you don't believe him, I think you lose points for making fun of him, just in case.
The immunity challenge is a combination of Chinese trivia and a moderate endurance challenge. The contestants choose the answer to the trivia question and take a key to open one of three locks.
Courtney hangs the key around her neck and the weight appears to nearly drag her to a watery grave.
Shockingly, the Chinese lady wins the Chinese trivia challenge. Again.
As they head to tribal council and the members of the jury file in, I notice that Jean-Robert is becoming increasingly annoyed to have been voted off so early. James is absolutely glaring daggers. I'm not convinced that he might not yet kill the people who crossed him.
Jeff asks Denise if she thinks that having everyone meet her husband and get to know her a little more hurts her in the game after they determine she has a "great life". She's a lunch lady with a mullet, Jeff!
Erik is voted out as Denise fails to turn on her power play group. Todd appears to nearly lose it when Jeff shuffles the votes to make the outcomes appear questionable. I expect interesting things from him next week.
See you next week on…Survivor!
Friday, November 30, 2007
Survivorfest China - week 10
James digs his own grave!
I've updated the page with the latest data: http://www.woltermanns.com/misc/survivor_2007.htm
Along with James, departs Ed, who has the honor of being the first player of Survivorfest to have all of his people voted off. Ed has his flame extinguished but takes $12.06 with him.
On to thoughts for this week's Survivor:
When we last saw our desperate band of castaways, Jeff had declared that they would not be sent back to their mainland paradise, but would remain at tribal council for "other business". That came in the form of a rewards challenge. The prize: the winner takes two others to a Shaolin temple.
James' relief was palpable when he realized that his failure to bring the immunity idols with him was not going to burn him.
He also dropped another Survivor Hall of Fame quote on us: "I want us to frolic naked as long as we can!" Sometimes you can take Garden of Eden analogies too darn far.
The rewards challenge was a trivia quiz on China. With the amount of groaning from the group, you'd think that some of them might have spent 15-20 minutes boning up on the place where they would be staying for the next 30-40 days.
Shockingly, the Chinese lady won the challenge. Seriously, what was their backup challenge? Hold 'Em poker tour winners? Most popular dishes served at middle schools? Seattle grunge groups? It put me in mind of watching the $20,000 Pyramid once where a contestant is paired with a celebrity and they basically play taboo. The one I recall was where Rob Reiner (Meathead) was asked to do "All In the Family" questions.
Peih-Gee chooses Erik and Denise to go with her. Fortunately, Denise doesn't begin weeping with joy.
Maybe I've watched too many Kung Fu movies, but when the threesome entered the temple and approached the two monks I really thought the monks were going to call them out to see how good their Fu really was. I think that was plan B in case James got to go. How cool would that have been? Who here wouldn't pay $50 pay-per-view to see James going at it with 2-3 Shaolin monks in a free for all? I thought so.
The monks gave a cool Kung Fu demonstration. If this were Chinese television I would have expected that the monks were performing their own rewards challenge. The winner would have got to cut Erik's hair.
I swear on my not-dead-yet mother's grave that the one monk just did the worm! They aren't monks....they're Chinese breakdancers! Electric Fu-Aloo 2!
The monks had some insider info that Denise was going for her black belt soon and asked for a demonstration. I was disappointed that she didn't have Courtney along so that she could break her in half. She seemed to do well, though I suspect that a few of the kids watching thought they could probably take her.
Is it just me or was Peih-Gee having some kind of allergic reaction? At the temple her face and eyes seemed all swollen like she was breaking out in boils.
Back on the mainland, we find the remaining survivors huddled in a little mud cave. Courtney's home away from home. Three more pounds and she probably turns invisible.
The immunity challenge involved throwing stars and three targets.
Peih-Gee starts off and nearly kills herself with the first throw.
Todd hits his target in the groin which, as it turns out, was a fairly popular spot in this challenge. They must be getting grouchy around day 30.
Surprisingly, Courtney does well in the first round. She did her rarely seen but still annoying horns symbol pose. Man, I can't wait until she turns invisible.
Denise: So much for the axe and knife throwing hobby, huh?
The challenge goes to a second round with four contestants and is eventually won by Erik, who looked like he might have been the only one to practice.
Back at camp Peih-Gee finds what she believes are James' hidden immunity idols. She rushes to tell Amanda to try to barter this knowledge to play another week.
Peih-Gee asks her if she's even aware of the existence of a hidden immunity idol. Amanda is offended: "I'm not stupid!". Hellooooo....we've had several people who were shocked, SHOCKED, to learn of the immunity idol and several who tried to play one that wasn't valid. Clearly it should be assumed that all of you possess some level of stupidity.
Amanda basically tells Peih-Gee to shut the heck up and act like she's getting voted off that night and something good might happen.
At tribal council, Jeff immediately tries to mess up Amanda's strategy by asking pointed questions about trust. And why James, in particular, should have any.
I am fairly appalled at this point to see James, who owns two (TWO) hidden immunity idols not play them. His inability to win individual immunity and his constant frustration with his other tribemates not sticking to the plan probably should have convinced him to burn one.
Alas, the big man leaves us with one last Survivor Hall of Fame quote: "I tried to hold those Fruit Loops together this whole damn time...it was killin' me!"
I'm gonna miss him.
See you next week on....Survivor!
I've updated the page with the latest data: http://www.woltermanns.com/misc/survivor_2007.htm
Along with James, departs Ed, who has the honor of being the first player of Survivorfest to have all of his people voted off. Ed has his flame extinguished but takes $12.06 with him.
On to thoughts for this week's Survivor:
When we last saw our desperate band of castaways, Jeff had declared that they would not be sent back to their mainland paradise, but would remain at tribal council for "other business". That came in the form of a rewards challenge. The prize: the winner takes two others to a Shaolin temple.
James' relief was palpable when he realized that his failure to bring the immunity idols with him was not going to burn him.
He also dropped another Survivor Hall of Fame quote on us: "I want us to frolic naked as long as we can!" Sometimes you can take Garden of Eden analogies too darn far.
The rewards challenge was a trivia quiz on China. With the amount of groaning from the group, you'd think that some of them might have spent 15-20 minutes boning up on the place where they would be staying for the next 30-40 days.
Shockingly, the Chinese lady won the challenge. Seriously, what was their backup challenge? Hold 'Em poker tour winners? Most popular dishes served at middle schools? Seattle grunge groups? It put me in mind of watching the $20,000 Pyramid once where a contestant is paired with a celebrity and they basically play taboo. The one I recall was where Rob Reiner (Meathead) was asked to do "All In the Family" questions.
Peih-Gee chooses Erik and Denise to go with her. Fortunately, Denise doesn't begin weeping with joy.
Maybe I've watched too many Kung Fu movies, but when the threesome entered the temple and approached the two monks I really thought the monks were going to call them out to see how good their Fu really was. I think that was plan B in case James got to go. How cool would that have been? Who here wouldn't pay $50 pay-per-view to see James going at it with 2-3 Shaolin monks in a free for all? I thought so.
The monks gave a cool Kung Fu demonstration. If this were Chinese television I would have expected that the monks were performing their own rewards challenge. The winner would have got to cut Erik's hair.
I swear on my not-dead-yet mother's grave that the one monk just did the worm! They aren't monks....they're Chinese breakdancers! Electric Fu-Aloo 2!
The monks had some insider info that Denise was going for her black belt soon and asked for a demonstration. I was disappointed that she didn't have Courtney along so that she could break her in half. She seemed to do well, though I suspect that a few of the kids watching thought they could probably take her.
Is it just me or was Peih-Gee having some kind of allergic reaction? At the temple her face and eyes seemed all swollen like she was breaking out in boils.
Back on the mainland, we find the remaining survivors huddled in a little mud cave. Courtney's home away from home. Three more pounds and she probably turns invisible.
The immunity challenge involved throwing stars and three targets.
Peih-Gee starts off and nearly kills herself with the first throw.
Todd hits his target in the groin which, as it turns out, was a fairly popular spot in this challenge. They must be getting grouchy around day 30.
Surprisingly, Courtney does well in the first round. She did her rarely seen but still annoying horns symbol pose. Man, I can't wait until she turns invisible.
Denise: So much for the axe and knife throwing hobby, huh?
The challenge goes to a second round with four contestants and is eventually won by Erik, who looked like he might have been the only one to practice.
Back at camp Peih-Gee finds what she believes are James' hidden immunity idols. She rushes to tell Amanda to try to barter this knowledge to play another week.
Peih-Gee asks her if she's even aware of the existence of a hidden immunity idol. Amanda is offended: "I'm not stupid!". Hellooooo....we've had several people who were shocked, SHOCKED, to learn of the immunity idol and several who tried to play one that wasn't valid. Clearly it should be assumed that all of you possess some level of stupidity.
Amanda basically tells Peih-Gee to shut the heck up and act like she's getting voted off that night and something good might happen.
At tribal council, Jeff immediately tries to mess up Amanda's strategy by asking pointed questions about trust. And why James, in particular, should have any.
I am fairly appalled at this point to see James, who owns two (TWO) hidden immunity idols not play them. His inability to win individual immunity and his constant frustration with his other tribemates not sticking to the plan probably should have convinced him to burn one.
Alas, the big man leaves us with one last Survivor Hall of Fame quote: "I tried to hold those Fruit Loops together this whole damn time...it was killin' me!"
I'm gonna miss him.
See you next week on....Survivor!
Friday, November 16, 2007
Survivorfest China - week 9
Frosti shuffles off into the jury!
I've updated the page with the latest data: http://www.woltermanns.com/misc/survivor_2007.htm
Some week 9 observations and thoughts:
The day dawns and Courtney exclaims: "It's Christmas! No Jean-Robert!" Indeed. I always thought Christmas was heralded by the stores taking down Halloween decorations. I guess this will also work.
Courtney and Frosti are now an item? The two of them make an interesting pair. It's hard to imagine but she could probably wear one of his shirts for a dress.
The reward challenge for the week is an odd balancing challenge where a drum is used to bounce a ball across an obstacle course and into a bucket.
Peih-Gee makes a huge mistake by picking James first for her team. I think it's been demonstrated that, while strong, tough and able to eat anything, James does not do well in challenges that require fine motor skills.
Courtney is wisely chosen last for a competition that doesn't involve doing nothing or adding significantly less volume to a container than a normal human.
The challenge is painful to watch as one team quickly bounces the balls into the bucket while Peih-Gee's team flails around pitifully. James seemed unable to hold the drum's surface horizontal and Peih-Gee, although painfully inept at the challenge, continued to insert herself into the mix. I found myself wondering if James and Peih-Gee remembered that they weren't supposed to be throwing this challenge. Seriously. It was that bad.
The winning team is taken for a lovely river cruise. Not sure which part of the Li river they traveled on...but most of my recollections of Chinese rivers included floating waste deposits. I'm sure it was nice anyway.
I hope for Courtney's sake that she gets voted off soon. At the rate her roots are showing I think it won't be long before someone mistakes her for Cruella De Vil.
Frosti comments that he really likes Courtney, but that she is "out of my league". Ouch. Dude, get some standards. I have a hard time believing that Courtney is out of anyone's league.
Erik displays his special talent: unnaturally expert goat noises. I think we may have gotten a hint of a challenge for a future Survivor: animal calling.
The tribe reunites and Todd welcomes them back with "Hey, bitches, welcome home!" Makes me wonder what Christmas is like at Todd's house.
Courtney on Peih-Gee "She's made some bad choices." Pot...kettle...black.
I find it interesting that they lied about the food portion of the reward. Probably a good idea to not get the others jealous, but I'm a little surprised Jeff didn't bring it up in tribal council. He's like that, you know.
Before they begin the immunity challenge, Jeff takes the idol necklace off of Courtney and hangs it on a stick jammed in the ground. My wife looks up from her crocheting and utters the Survivor watcher hall-of-fame worthy quote: "I thought Courtney had to take the immunity necklace off". This game is really bringing out the best in my family.
The immunity challenge is a memory game. I was shocked at the number of people who declined the challenge in favor of a plate full of cheeseburgers and fries. Especially Courtney. She had eaten just the day before. Seriously, this challenge could have easily been won by any of them.
Peih-Gee wins fairly quickly, earning her a much-needed immunity.
Courtney pulls herself away from the table and declares that she's "covered in mayonnaise." I seriously doubt anyone would have noticed, Casper. Though she's really lucky that Denise didn't mistake her for a french fry.
Tribal council convenes and Jean-Robert is the new member of the jury. I was amused to note that he still seemed very irritated that he had been voted off before most of the people still in the game.
Frosti is surprised to be betrayed and mutters the Survivor hall of fame quote: "With cheeseburgers still on da breath" as his flame is snuffed out. It's not Et tu, Brute? but it'll do.
More next week on....Survivor!
I've updated the page with the latest data: http://www.woltermanns.com/misc/survivor_2007.htm
Some week 9 observations and thoughts:
The day dawns and Courtney exclaims: "It's Christmas! No Jean-Robert!" Indeed. I always thought Christmas was heralded by the stores taking down Halloween decorations. I guess this will also work.
Courtney and Frosti are now an item? The two of them make an interesting pair. It's hard to imagine but she could probably wear one of his shirts for a dress.
The reward challenge for the week is an odd balancing challenge where a drum is used to bounce a ball across an obstacle course and into a bucket.
Peih-Gee makes a huge mistake by picking James first for her team. I think it's been demonstrated that, while strong, tough and able to eat anything, James does not do well in challenges that require fine motor skills.
Courtney is wisely chosen last for a competition that doesn't involve doing nothing or adding significantly less volume to a container than a normal human.
The challenge is painful to watch as one team quickly bounces the balls into the bucket while Peih-Gee's team flails around pitifully. James seemed unable to hold the drum's surface horizontal and Peih-Gee, although painfully inept at the challenge, continued to insert herself into the mix. I found myself wondering if James and Peih-Gee remembered that they weren't supposed to be throwing this challenge. Seriously. It was that bad.
The winning team is taken for a lovely river cruise. Not sure which part of the Li river they traveled on...but most of my recollections of Chinese rivers included floating waste deposits. I'm sure it was nice anyway.
I hope for Courtney's sake that she gets voted off soon. At the rate her roots are showing I think it won't be long before someone mistakes her for Cruella De Vil.
Frosti comments that he really likes Courtney, but that she is "out of my league". Ouch. Dude, get some standards. I have a hard time believing that Courtney is out of anyone's league.
Erik displays his special talent: unnaturally expert goat noises. I think we may have gotten a hint of a challenge for a future Survivor: animal calling.
The tribe reunites and Todd welcomes them back with "Hey, bitches, welcome home!" Makes me wonder what Christmas is like at Todd's house.
Courtney on Peih-Gee "She's made some bad choices." Pot...kettle...black.
I find it interesting that they lied about the food portion of the reward. Probably a good idea to not get the others jealous, but I'm a little surprised Jeff didn't bring it up in tribal council. He's like that, you know.
Before they begin the immunity challenge, Jeff takes the idol necklace off of Courtney and hangs it on a stick jammed in the ground. My wife looks up from her crocheting and utters the Survivor watcher hall-of-fame worthy quote: "I thought Courtney had to take the immunity necklace off". This game is really bringing out the best in my family.
The immunity challenge is a memory game. I was shocked at the number of people who declined the challenge in favor of a plate full of cheeseburgers and fries. Especially Courtney. She had eaten just the day before. Seriously, this challenge could have easily been won by any of them.
Peih-Gee wins fairly quickly, earning her a much-needed immunity.
Courtney pulls herself away from the table and declares that she's "covered in mayonnaise." I seriously doubt anyone would have noticed, Casper. Though she's really lucky that Denise didn't mistake her for a french fry.
Tribal council convenes and Jean-Robert is the new member of the jury. I was amused to note that he still seemed very irritated that he had been voted off before most of the people still in the game.
Frosti is surprised to be betrayed and mutters the Survivor hall of fame quote: "With cheeseburgers still on da breath" as his flame is snuffed out. It's not Et tu, Brute? but it'll do.
More next week on....Survivor!
Friday, November 09, 2007
Survivor Dream
I had an odd dream last night and hoped that blogging it would expel it from my head...
I dreamt that James went on to win Survivor China. He coasted in on the strength of immunity challenge wins and his two hidden immunity idols (only needing one).
He won the million dollars in almost unanimous fashion over a grouchy, sullen, potty-mouthed Courtney who was dragged along pitifully through challenges she had no hope of winning. Jean-Robert insisted that he was on James' side the whole way and tried to get a share of the cash as payment for "swinging the jury". It didn't work.
After winning his money, James returns home to Lafayette where his elderly father awaits at the You Stab 'Em, We Slab 'Em mortuary:
"Dat you, boy-ah?" exclaimed the elderly Clement, shifting his cataract-glazed eyes toward the door.
"Yuh, Pop. It's me," James replied, shrugging a sack off of his shoulder.
"'Bout time you got back! We got da bodies pilin' up back dere! Get you dat shovel and git to work!"
"Pops, I ain't diggin' no more...I won a million dollahs on this TV game..."
"A million dollahs?" interrupted the old man, cackling. "A million dollahs ain't gonna get buryin' people outta your soul, boy-ah! Once you pick up da shovel, dat's what you is!"
"Look, Pops, I'm a rich man now...I ain't gotta dig holes, drop bodies or do weddin' security no more!" protested James.
"You don't know nuthin', boy-ah!" he scoffed, waving his hand dismissively. "Once a grave diggah, always a grave diggah." He muttered something further, but James couldn't make out the words.
"I ain't doin' it no more," said James, quietly. "Pops, I'm headed to Massachusetts...gotta lunch lady I been seein'."
"Lunch lady?!" burst the older man. "Lunch ladies, dey all da same. Think they goin' cook fuh ya and dey ain't. Lunch lady. Hah."
"Anyway, Pops. I'm outta heah. I'll call you." James turned to leave.
"Go on, git!" yelled Pops. "You'll be back...and when you come back...da bodies be waitin' on ya. boy-ah. You'll need da big shovel...Widow Wilson'll be plenty ripe by den."
I have no idea where that came from.
I dreamt that James went on to win Survivor China. He coasted in on the strength of immunity challenge wins and his two hidden immunity idols (only needing one).
He won the million dollars in almost unanimous fashion over a grouchy, sullen, potty-mouthed Courtney who was dragged along pitifully through challenges she had no hope of winning. Jean-Robert insisted that he was on James' side the whole way and tried to get a share of the cash as payment for "swinging the jury". It didn't work.
After winning his money, James returns home to Lafayette where his elderly father awaits at the You Stab 'Em, We Slab 'Em mortuary:
"Dat you, boy-ah?" exclaimed the elderly Clement, shifting his cataract-glazed eyes toward the door.
"Yuh, Pop. It's me," James replied, shrugging a sack off of his shoulder.
"'Bout time you got back! We got da bodies pilin' up back dere! Get you dat shovel and git to work!"
"Pops, I ain't diggin' no more...I won a million dollahs on this TV game..."
"A million dollahs?" interrupted the old man, cackling. "A million dollahs ain't gonna get buryin' people outta your soul, boy-ah! Once you pick up da shovel, dat's what you is!"
"Look, Pops, I'm a rich man now...I ain't gotta dig holes, drop bodies or do weddin' security no more!" protested James.
"You don't know nuthin', boy-ah!" he scoffed, waving his hand dismissively. "Once a grave diggah, always a grave diggah." He muttered something further, but James couldn't make out the words.
"I ain't doin' it no more," said James, quietly. "Pops, I'm headed to Massachusetts...gotta lunch lady I been seein'."
"Lunch lady?!" burst the older man. "Lunch ladies, dey all da same. Think they goin' cook fuh ya and dey ain't. Lunch lady. Hah."
"Anyway, Pops. I'm outta heah. I'll call you." James turned to leave.
"Go on, git!" yelled Pops. "You'll be back...and when you come back...da bodies be waitin' on ya. boy-ah. You'll need da big shovel...Widow Wilson'll be plenty ripe by den."
I have no idea where that came from.
Survivorfest China - week 8
Jean-Robert was sent down the river this week!
Another interesting week as the jury starts to fill up, strategies change and people start to get a little desperate.
James sets the tone early with yet another Survivor hall of fame quote (regarding Jean Robert): "We need to keep his dumb ass in line now that we stuck wid him."
As James was rattling off the disparate occupations of each contestant I was amused to note that he referred to Todd as a stewardess.
Another week, another rewards challenge! This time it was to see which contestants could fill a boat with water, sinking a member of the other (temporary) team.
Courtney is chosen for a challenge! Since she was the lightest, she was chosen over the meatier Denise. Seems like a sound strategy, but then again, Courtney is involved.
The scene unfolds in disastrous fashion as Courtney is unable to maneuver the boat away from the dock and is soon being drenched with buckets of water. Jeff points this out in typical narrator fashion and Courtney tells him to "shut up". After a few minutes she spends more time trying to wipe the water out of her eyes than getting it out of the boat or away from the dock. It doesn't last long.
The next teams start in with new players in the boat. Unfortunately Courtney now has to pick up a bucket and throw water. My wife immediately points out: "Courtney can't lift a bucket of water!" Jeff realizes this as well and points out that she and Peih-Gee are almost immediately exhausted. Frosti is unable to keep away from the dock and is soon under water.
The winners of the rewards challenge were treated to a visit to a village that was thousands of years old and a feast of authentic Chinese dishes. Wait...wasn't that the challenge last week? I saw a big fish head, but no chicken fetuses. Fortunately Denise didn't make the trip. I think her howling at the food might have startled the natives.
After the meal Jean-Robert reads the clue regarding the immunity idols (currently in James' possession. He gets very excited and makes several errors in judgment:
He's so busy reading the clues that he fails to look up at the rest of the people who are doing a really awful job of trying to pretend like this is all new information to them. James is almost laughing and Todd's eyes are as big as chicken fetuses.
Jean-Robert states that he didn't know there was a hidden immunity idol. Granted, no one spelled it out for him, but they have used them on the show before and Jaime tried to play one in tribal council last week. This shouldn't have been an earth-shattering revelation.
He immediately spends the entire night looking for the idol, finally settling on the plaques at the top of the archway. He's seems convinced that he's figured it out and stashes them away. Again, didn't he find it odd that one was missing? And that Jaime tried to play something very similar last week?
Denise let's everyone in on her master strategy while the rewards team is away: "If I think dat dere's an advantage ta go wit dem, I will....If I think dat dere's an advantage ta go wid you guys, I will." Amazing and insightful.
The contestants are faced with a balance challenge! Not good news for James, and potentially a boon or the perennially feeble Courtney.
Jean-Robert immediately reports to Jeff that he thinks his container is unbalanced. Jeff quickly responds with a hall of fame quote: "Glad you're still here, Jean-Robert...we always need a complainer."
Most of the heavier contestants fall off fairly quickly as the water runs out of their containers.
Frosti begins singing which leads to Todd toppling over. Possibly he lost his balance. I think he wanted to get away from Frosti (who has now proven that he can't sing or dance).
In the end, Courtney displays that she finally has a special talent that surpasses all others. She can sit still and do nothing for virtually unlimited amounts of time. Well done. Courtney is immune for this week! I should have placed a side bet on that.
I couldn't help but wonder as the contestants went back to camp if she ever actually pulled her red lever to release the container from the others.
Back at camp, Jean-Robert lets Erik in on a little secret: he has the hidden immunity idol. Erik, in a gesture of great compassion, laughs at him and tells him he does not. Seriously, how funny would it have been for J-R to bring yet another worthless plaque to council, claiming it's an immunity idol. I think it would have unseated Jaime as top idiot (at least for a week).
The power team gets together for a confab...Todd is now interested in voting out J-R. Courtney approaches..."Hey, Court! Who should we vote out tonight?" To which she replies "Um. I don't know." You've gotta be kidding me! She was willing to cross her team two weeks ago to vote him off and now she doesn't know? Sigh.
Off to tribal council. Jaime, the first member of our jury comes in. What in the world was she wearing? It looked like a combination of an evening dress and a reverse toga. Where are the Survivor fashion police?
Jeff asks Courtney if she'd like to give up immunity. She gracefully replies "No, s**** you." Nice. She kisses her mother with that mouth?
Peih-Gee gets one vote in council. Her name is misspelled. I'm starting to think she's getting a little tired of that. Or she's hoping that she can argue that if they can't spell her name, the vote doesn't count.
Jean-Robert is voted off and Todd goes into fits of giggles. Not sure why he was so pleased with himself. They could have had J-R voted off any one of the previous three weeks.
One more member of the jury...another week down in...Survivorfest China!
Another interesting week as the jury starts to fill up, strategies change and people start to get a little desperate.
James sets the tone early with yet another Survivor hall of fame quote (regarding Jean Robert): "We need to keep his dumb ass in line now that we stuck wid him."
As James was rattling off the disparate occupations of each contestant I was amused to note that he referred to Todd as a stewardess.
Another week, another rewards challenge! This time it was to see which contestants could fill a boat with water, sinking a member of the other (temporary) team.
Courtney is chosen for a challenge! Since she was the lightest, she was chosen over the meatier Denise. Seems like a sound strategy, but then again, Courtney is involved.
The scene unfolds in disastrous fashion as Courtney is unable to maneuver the boat away from the dock and is soon being drenched with buckets of water. Jeff points this out in typical narrator fashion and Courtney tells him to "shut up". After a few minutes she spends more time trying to wipe the water out of her eyes than getting it out of the boat or away from the dock. It doesn't last long.
The next teams start in with new players in the boat. Unfortunately Courtney now has to pick up a bucket and throw water. My wife immediately points out: "Courtney can't lift a bucket of water!" Jeff realizes this as well and points out that she and Peih-Gee are almost immediately exhausted. Frosti is unable to keep away from the dock and is soon under water.
The winners of the rewards challenge were treated to a visit to a village that was thousands of years old and a feast of authentic Chinese dishes. Wait...wasn't that the challenge last week? I saw a big fish head, but no chicken fetuses. Fortunately Denise didn't make the trip. I think her howling at the food might have startled the natives.
After the meal Jean-Robert reads the clue regarding the immunity idols (currently in James' possession. He gets very excited and makes several errors in judgment:
He's so busy reading the clues that he fails to look up at the rest of the people who are doing a really awful job of trying to pretend like this is all new information to them. James is almost laughing and Todd's eyes are as big as chicken fetuses.
Jean-Robert states that he didn't know there was a hidden immunity idol. Granted, no one spelled it out for him, but they have used them on the show before and Jaime tried to play one in tribal council last week. This shouldn't have been an earth-shattering revelation.
He immediately spends the entire night looking for the idol, finally settling on the plaques at the top of the archway. He's seems convinced that he's figured it out and stashes them away. Again, didn't he find it odd that one was missing? And that Jaime tried to play something very similar last week?
Denise let's everyone in on her master strategy while the rewards team is away: "If I think dat dere's an advantage ta go wit dem, I will....If I think dat dere's an advantage ta go wid you guys, I will." Amazing and insightful.
The contestants are faced with a balance challenge! Not good news for James, and potentially a boon or the perennially feeble Courtney.
Jean-Robert immediately reports to Jeff that he thinks his container is unbalanced. Jeff quickly responds with a hall of fame quote: "Glad you're still here, Jean-Robert...we always need a complainer."
Most of the heavier contestants fall off fairly quickly as the water runs out of their containers.
Frosti begins singing which leads to Todd toppling over. Possibly he lost his balance. I think he wanted to get away from Frosti (who has now proven that he can't sing or dance).
In the end, Courtney displays that she finally has a special talent that surpasses all others. She can sit still and do nothing for virtually unlimited amounts of time. Well done. Courtney is immune for this week! I should have placed a side bet on that.
I couldn't help but wonder as the contestants went back to camp if she ever actually pulled her red lever to release the container from the others.
Back at camp, Jean-Robert lets Erik in on a little secret: he has the hidden immunity idol. Erik, in a gesture of great compassion, laughs at him and tells him he does not. Seriously, how funny would it have been for J-R to bring yet another worthless plaque to council, claiming it's an immunity idol. I think it would have unseated Jaime as top idiot (at least for a week).
The power team gets together for a confab...Todd is now interested in voting out J-R. Courtney approaches..."Hey, Court! Who should we vote out tonight?" To which she replies "Um. I don't know." You've gotta be kidding me! She was willing to cross her team two weeks ago to vote him off and now she doesn't know? Sigh.
Off to tribal council. Jaime, the first member of our jury comes in. What in the world was she wearing? It looked like a combination of an evening dress and a reverse toga. Where are the Survivor fashion police?
Jeff asks Courtney if she'd like to give up immunity. She gracefully replies "No, s**** you." Nice. She kisses her mother with that mouth?
Peih-Gee gets one vote in council. Her name is misspelled. I'm starting to think she's getting a little tired of that. Or she's hoping that she can argue that if they can't spell her name, the vote doesn't count.
Jean-Robert is voted off and Todd goes into fits of giggles. Not sure why he was so pleased with himself. They could have had J-R voted off any one of the previous three weeks.
One more member of the jury...another week down in...Survivorfest China!
Friday, November 02, 2007
Survivorfest China - week 7
I've tried to update the site with the latest winnings: http://www.woltermanns.com/misc/survivor_2007.htm but I'm having some trouble with it. Might be a while before it is properly updated.
Frosti wins the first individual immunity!
Jaime is the first member of the jury!
Rebecca continues to rule as the big money winner, closely followed by Ed. Everyone now has some share of the purse except for Denise, who has three people left in the running for our final and greatest prize.
On to week 7 thoughts:
Courtney attempts to shatter all previous Survivor records for being widely reviled and yet not get voted off: "I dislike everyone. I just dislike Amanda and Todd less than the others...I guess they mistake that for friendship." Yup. She's got my vote.
Peih-Gee tried to ingratiate herself with James after her plan to throw challenges and vote off Aaron and James fell a little short. Nice try. You're probably hosed.
When James went over to the archway that held the hidden immunity idol holding that cleaver and looked down at the group of people by the water, I had to laugh. He had this serial killer kind of look to him for juuuussssst a moment.
Some noteworthy Survivor Hall of Fame quotes from week 7:
"Just deal with it, bitch!" Todd (regarding Courtney)
"Boo, challenges...Yay, feast!" Courtney (who was likely drunk)
"We're still cool, right?" Peih-Gee (to James)
"I don't know what that skinny lil bitch is playin'...this is Survivor, not Love Connection!" James (paraphrase)
"They think it's an immunization thang!" James (on the brain trust of Erik, Peih-Gee and Jaime)
"I have no idea...some days I do, some days I don't." Jaime
Jaime, Peih-Gee and Erik find the discarded plaque that was the twin of the immunity idol. They note that the other one is missing. This, to me, was a key point.
The threesome get very excited and plot to get James away from camp in order to rifle through his bag.
I always wonder what the Survivor policy is on stealing hidden immunity idols. Is it fair game? If so, would James be allowed to beat the snot out of them until they gave it back? Surely this is in a FAQ somewhere...
Peih-Gee takes James off frog hunting while the others commit a misdemeanor. Jaime notes that James "has got it wrapped up in his pants". I recall that she noted that there were two of them, but for reasons that aren't clear to me, she doesn't take them out and scrutinize them.
The two tribes merge at this point, and they enjoy a feast complete with acrobats, firecrackers and immigrant Mexican dancers.
Back at camp the players settle into groups to decide who should be voted out next. Courtney continues to irritate her "friends" by insisting that they abandon all pretense of a plan and vote off Jean-Robert. I swear Denise was looking her up and down like she was wondering how she might taste with barbeque sauce. Might have just been the light.
Erik takes over Denise's old role as a player laying low and saying and doing virtually nothing. Seriously, is he even spending time in camp? Maybe he's on the outs with the camera guy.
Jeff makes a rare visit to camp to host a memory game challenge. Finally, something Courtney has a chance to excel at!
Alas, Courtney continues her reign as most feeble Survivor contestant. She fails the first question. I bet she could remember how many glasses of booze she had.
The challenge is quickly over and we are treated to an awkward version of the "Frosti shuffle".
Jean-Robert takes advantage of a quiet moment to tell Todd that he trusts him, but if he should cross him, he will hunt him down and feed him his little Elmer Fudd hat. Just kidding. But he will try to turn the jury against him. A good strategy, I think. I don't recall someone threatening another player with jury action before. Based on how much J-R is loved by the remaining players I doubt it is a serious threat.
At tribal council Peih-Gee proclaims that Jean-Robert is "politicking his ass off". Judging by his previous "blur moments", that better be a whole Republican Party worth of politicking.
Jeff displays bad form in attempting to go to the vote tabulation before asking if anyone has an immunity idol. Jaime quickly points this out and whips out the plaque that she found on the ground.
To me, this cemented her as one of the dumbest Survivor contestants we've had to date. Let's review the facts:
They discovered that James had pulled both plaques off of the arch
One plaque was missing, one was sitting on the ground
The rifled through James' bag and find that he has two plaque-like objects wrapped in his pants
She assumes that they startled James into leaving the immunity idol lying on the ground
How many idols does she think there are?
What in the world happened to the other plaque?
Why wouldn't she check the plaques in James' pants?
Why would she tell Todd any of this?
What in the heck were Erik and Peih-Gee thinking during this scientific analysis?
Ah, well. Perhaps Jaime was concerned that James was a just kleptomaniac. Stay tuned next week for more....Survivor! Where I assume that Erik and Peih-Gee will make a concerted effort to get into James' pants. Ahem.
Frosti wins the first individual immunity!
Jaime is the first member of the jury!
Rebecca continues to rule as the big money winner, closely followed by Ed. Everyone now has some share of the purse except for Denise, who has three people left in the running for our final and greatest prize.
On to week 7 thoughts:
Courtney attempts to shatter all previous Survivor records for being widely reviled and yet not get voted off: "I dislike everyone. I just dislike Amanda and Todd less than the others...I guess they mistake that for friendship." Yup. She's got my vote.
Peih-Gee tried to ingratiate herself with James after her plan to throw challenges and vote off Aaron and James fell a little short. Nice try. You're probably hosed.
When James went over to the archway that held the hidden immunity idol holding that cleaver and looked down at the group of people by the water, I had to laugh. He had this serial killer kind of look to him for juuuussssst a moment.
Some noteworthy Survivor Hall of Fame quotes from week 7:
"Just deal with it, bitch!" Todd (regarding Courtney)
"Boo, challenges...Yay, feast!" Courtney (who was likely drunk)
"We're still cool, right?" Peih-Gee (to James)
"I don't know what that skinny lil bitch is playin'...this is Survivor, not Love Connection!" James (paraphrase)
"They think it's an immunization thang!" James (on the brain trust of Erik, Peih-Gee and Jaime)
"I have no idea...some days I do, some days I don't." Jaime
Jaime, Peih-Gee and Erik find the discarded plaque that was the twin of the immunity idol. They note that the other one is missing. This, to me, was a key point.
The threesome get very excited and plot to get James away from camp in order to rifle through his bag.
I always wonder what the Survivor policy is on stealing hidden immunity idols. Is it fair game? If so, would James be allowed to beat the snot out of them until they gave it back? Surely this is in a FAQ somewhere...
Peih-Gee takes James off frog hunting while the others commit a misdemeanor. Jaime notes that James "has got it wrapped up in his pants". I recall that she noted that there were two of them, but for reasons that aren't clear to me, she doesn't take them out and scrutinize them.
The two tribes merge at this point, and they enjoy a feast complete with acrobats, firecrackers and immigrant Mexican dancers.
Back at camp the players settle into groups to decide who should be voted out next. Courtney continues to irritate her "friends" by insisting that they abandon all pretense of a plan and vote off Jean-Robert. I swear Denise was looking her up and down like she was wondering how she might taste with barbeque sauce. Might have just been the light.
Erik takes over Denise's old role as a player laying low and saying and doing virtually nothing. Seriously, is he even spending time in camp? Maybe he's on the outs with the camera guy.
Jeff makes a rare visit to camp to host a memory game challenge. Finally, something Courtney has a chance to excel at!
Alas, Courtney continues her reign as most feeble Survivor contestant. She fails the first question. I bet she could remember how many glasses of booze she had.
The challenge is quickly over and we are treated to an awkward version of the "Frosti shuffle".
Jean-Robert takes advantage of a quiet moment to tell Todd that he trusts him, but if he should cross him, he will hunt him down and feed him his little Elmer Fudd hat. Just kidding. But he will try to turn the jury against him. A good strategy, I think. I don't recall someone threatening another player with jury action before. Based on how much J-R is loved by the remaining players I doubt it is a serious threat.
At tribal council Peih-Gee proclaims that Jean-Robert is "politicking his ass off". Judging by his previous "blur moments", that better be a whole Republican Party worth of politicking.
Jeff displays bad form in attempting to go to the vote tabulation before asking if anyone has an immunity idol. Jaime quickly points this out and whips out the plaque that she found on the ground.
To me, this cemented her as one of the dumbest Survivor contestants we've had to date. Let's review the facts:
They discovered that James had pulled both plaques off of the arch
One plaque was missing, one was sitting on the ground
The rifled through James' bag and find that he has two plaque-like objects wrapped in his pants
She assumes that they startled James into leaving the immunity idol lying on the ground
How many idols does she think there are?
What in the world happened to the other plaque?
Why wouldn't she check the plaques in James' pants?
Why would she tell Todd any of this?
What in the heck were Erik and Peih-Gee thinking during this scientific analysis?
Ah, well. Perhaps Jaime was concerned that James was a just kleptomaniac. Stay tuned next week for more....Survivor! Where I assume that Erik and Peih-Gee will make a concerted effort to get into James' pants. Ahem.
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Survivorfest China - week 6
The Survivorfest homepage continues to be updated: http://www.woltermanns.com/misc/survivor_2007.htm
This week saw Sherea voted off. And, boy, she was none too happy about it. It'd be interesting to see what type of an elementary school teacher she is with a temper like that.
James starts things off by moaning over his fate. He hopes out loud that his team doesn't decide to throw another competition and then vote him off. I found this hysterical since that was the whole point to throwing the last one. Ironically, things wouldn't work out that way...
Fei Long again chooses to sit Courtney out of a non-physical challenge. This strategy has yet to pay off, in my opinion.
Jean-Robert adds two wonderful entries to the Survivor quote hall of fame with back to back-ers:
"Charmin time!"
"Western toilet, baby!"
I suspect that this is the first time in history that the phrase "western toilet" has been used as a battle cry. Many hours of Internet research have led me to post this informative link for those not familiar with the use of a western-style toilet: http://www.flickr.com/photos/sugar/46360291/
Fei Long enjoyed the reward after winning the challenge with a nice snack and a hot bath. I couldn't help but notice that when Courtney got in her bath, the water level actually went down.
After the almost inevitable player swap, Zhan Hu begins to doubt their strategy of throwing challenges when Frosti will no longer make eye contact. Peih-Gee begins the swing from "we need to throw the challenge" to "I think we really need to win the next challenge", which probably sets some type of Survivor karma record.
I've decided that Todd is evil. I should have seen it earlier when I got a good look at his hat. He's diabolical, clever and I wish I had put more money on him.
Todd and Amanda make a laughable attempt to surreptitiously pull down the hidden idol. Bored, Frosti intervenes and is rewarded by entrance into the Fei Long power play. I thought for a moment that Todd was going to attack him.
Todd then shares the idol with James in a nice piece of strategy to wipe out the other tribe before the reunion of players. He has the gall to tell James "when you get back to the other camp, grab the idol, but don't let anyone see!" Good advice, Mr. Subtle. He should have lent James his special hat so he could be vewwwwwwy quiet about it.
The immunity challenge comes along and it requires eating! Fei Long immediately discovers a type of challenge that Courtney is even worse at than a physical challenge. Kind of her Achilles Eel. Okay, you try to be funny after six weeks.
Jaime and Courtney square off and begin to eat their eels. I'd like to point out that I am currently exercising tremendous restraint here. Courtney finishes part of one and starts looking to purge, while Jaime finishes off her meal in record time.
James and lunch lady Denise go head to head eating bird fetuses. Nasty, but I'll bet Denise has served up worse stuff than that. I loved Denise's strategy of screaming at her dead bird to get psyched up. All it was missing was a "get in my belly!"
James is unable to watch Denise fail to complete the challenge and gallantly wolfs down his bird. I can't help but wonder if this is the first time someone has ever eaten a bird fetus out of pity. Todd's strategy falls by the wayside.
I wonder whether it has occurred to James that he can very easily have two immunity idols now...It's hard to see him not going very deep into the game at this point.
Virtually every member of Fei Long gathers in one area of the camp to discuss who would get the boot. Jean-Robert, off by himself, begins to sense that something isn't quite right. No doubt it's those well-honed instincts and ability to read people. They did everything but glower and point.
At tribal council Sherea seems a bit...irritable. The way she laid into Jean-Robert made him actually look like he was going to cry. Good stuff. I bet she can really lay into those kids back at school.
As the remainder of Fei Long stumbles off into the night, I couldn't help but notice that Courtney was struggling to carry her torch.
In the next week or two I expect we'll see some money winners for first individual immunity winner (Todd does not count since it was the hidden immunity idol) and the first member of the jury.
See you next week on....Survivor!
This week saw Sherea voted off. And, boy, she was none too happy about it. It'd be interesting to see what type of an elementary school teacher she is with a temper like that.
James starts things off by moaning over his fate. He hopes out loud that his team doesn't decide to throw another competition and then vote him off. I found this hysterical since that was the whole point to throwing the last one. Ironically, things wouldn't work out that way...
Fei Long again chooses to sit Courtney out of a non-physical challenge. This strategy has yet to pay off, in my opinion.
Jean-Robert adds two wonderful entries to the Survivor quote hall of fame with back to back-ers:
"Charmin time!"
"Western toilet, baby!"
I suspect that this is the first time in history that the phrase "western toilet" has been used as a battle cry. Many hours of Internet research have led me to post this informative link for those not familiar with the use of a western-style toilet: http://www.flickr.com/photos/sugar/46360291/
Fei Long enjoyed the reward after winning the challenge with a nice snack and a hot bath. I couldn't help but notice that when Courtney got in her bath, the water level actually went down.
After the almost inevitable player swap, Zhan Hu begins to doubt their strategy of throwing challenges when Frosti will no longer make eye contact. Peih-Gee begins the swing from "we need to throw the challenge" to "I think we really need to win the next challenge", which probably sets some type of Survivor karma record.
I've decided that Todd is evil. I should have seen it earlier when I got a good look at his hat. He's diabolical, clever and I wish I had put more money on him.
Todd and Amanda make a laughable attempt to surreptitiously pull down the hidden idol. Bored, Frosti intervenes and is rewarded by entrance into the Fei Long power play. I thought for a moment that Todd was going to attack him.
Todd then shares the idol with James in a nice piece of strategy to wipe out the other tribe before the reunion of players. He has the gall to tell James "when you get back to the other camp, grab the idol, but don't let anyone see!" Good advice, Mr. Subtle. He should have lent James his special hat so he could be vewwwwwwy quiet about it.
The immunity challenge comes along and it requires eating! Fei Long immediately discovers a type of challenge that Courtney is even worse at than a physical challenge. Kind of her Achilles Eel. Okay, you try to be funny after six weeks.
Jaime and Courtney square off and begin to eat their eels. I'd like to point out that I am currently exercising tremendous restraint here. Courtney finishes part of one and starts looking to purge, while Jaime finishes off her meal in record time.
James and lunch lady Denise go head to head eating bird fetuses. Nasty, but I'll bet Denise has served up worse stuff than that. I loved Denise's strategy of screaming at her dead bird to get psyched up. All it was missing was a "get in my belly!"
James is unable to watch Denise fail to complete the challenge and gallantly wolfs down his bird. I can't help but wonder if this is the first time someone has ever eaten a bird fetus out of pity. Todd's strategy falls by the wayside.
I wonder whether it has occurred to James that he can very easily have two immunity idols now...It's hard to see him not going very deep into the game at this point.
Virtually every member of Fei Long gathers in one area of the camp to discuss who would get the boot. Jean-Robert, off by himself, begins to sense that something isn't quite right. No doubt it's those well-honed instincts and ability to read people. They did everything but glower and point.
At tribal council Sherea seems a bit...irritable. The way she laid into Jean-Robert made him actually look like he was going to cry. Good stuff. I bet she can really lay into those kids back at school.
As the remainder of Fei Long stumbles off into the night, I couldn't help but notice that Courtney was struggling to carry her torch.
In the next week or two I expect we'll see some money winners for first individual immunity winner (Todd does not count since it was the hidden immunity idol) and the first member of the jury.
See you next week on....Survivor!
Survivorfest China - week 5
Aaron was voted out last night in one of the most maddening Survivors to date. A few thoughts before we get to that:
Did anyone else think that the panda lolling in the trees in the opening scene looked a lot like Jean-Robert? Panda bear/John-Robert...coincidence? If Jean-Robert is eaten by a panda later in the season you all will be calling me a genius. I can wait until then.
So Erik is a virgin. Again, something that might have been helpful to note in his bio. Although I now note that it says "Huffman is a Christian, and he believes his faith will keep him strong and focused when faced with the physical, mental and emotional hardships of SURVIVOR: CHINA." Most guys go into modeling and music to get girls. Ah, well.
I enjoyed the flirty by-play between Erik and Jaime: "Taylor's your middle name? That's a cool name." I don't know about you guys, but where I grew up, guys named Taylor ate paste, wore white belts and were often beaten up for their lunch money. Take it from a guy who went by "Chip".
I was off-base with Big James and Courtney. Looks like James has his eyes on Lunch Lady Denise. I can picture the two of them, in the moonlight, quietly spooning dirt over the freshly laid caskets...If only he could understand a word she said.
When the first boat pulled up to give the tribes their instructions to select two members from the other team to kidnap I could swear the boat guy was Mexican. Seems like even the Chinese are using immigrant labor.
I like how they wanted Frosti...and Sherea...'cause she's tough and fast. Really? I must've missed that episode. Of course, they're used to Courtney.
We got a glimpse into which tribe has an IQ higher than my shoe size. One tribe immediately caught on that James and a "person to be named later" would be taken from their tribe, as well. Meanwhile, Zhan Hu jumped up and down in celebration. "We're going to be seven to their five!" They actually did the math and still didn't see it coming.
The best hang dog expression of the day was Jean-Robert's when he lost two of his strongest tribe mates (and his strongest ally) on the flop. Did you get that Hold 'Em reference? Yeah? Myeh.
I spent most of the first four weeks wondering when Leslie was going to say something. I spent most of last night wishing she would be quiet. That has to be the most grating accent I've ever heard. I think it will seriously hurt her if she makes it to the final two when the jury will not be able to understand her answers to any of their questions.
James quickly asks "who's the brains of dis group?" The answer: "We all of us". Yup.
Does it look to anyone else like Peih-Gee has boils?
They sat Courtney for the challenge again. I can't wait to see what she won't be able to do next week.
James comes up with yet another Survivor hall of fame quote: "[Expletive] Sudoku! Pay attention!"
As far as I know, this was the first tribe to throw a challenge since the one that rolled over in order to vote ("I looooove you, too") Billy out a few seasons ago. Bold strategy or bad move?
I think they should have taken James out instead of Aaaron. Aaron seemed willing to roll over in the hope of staying around another week. James looked legitimately furious about Peih-Gee and Jaime throwing the challenge. Angry enough that it wouldn't surprise me if the canoe made it back to camp with two fewer rowers.
Mad props to James for casting his vote for Peih-Gee instead of Aaron. Go down swingin'. If he ends up facing the jury I think he may get points for that kind of attitude.
I think we'll find out how much CBS meddles in the game "real time" in order to try to keep it interesting. Note how Jeff went out of his way to make sure that James and Aaron knew that Peih-Gee and Jaime threw the challenge. Unless "something" happens, you can expect to see them throw the next challenge and vote James out. What fun would that be?
Three (likely) things can mess this up:
1. They could merge the tribes (seems too early)
2. They could throw the everyone back into their original tribes
3. They could do another tribe member swap
I'm most intrigued by #3. If the other tribe hears about the strategy of throwing challenges, they might try the same thing to rid themselves of Frosti or Sherea. We might be facing the first Survivor challenge where BOTH tribes are trying to lose. I think that would make Jeff's head explode.
See you next week on....Survivor!
Did anyone else think that the panda lolling in the trees in the opening scene looked a lot like Jean-Robert? Panda bear/John-Robert...coincidence? If Jean-Robert is eaten by a panda later in the season you all will be calling me a genius. I can wait until then.
So Erik is a virgin. Again, something that might have been helpful to note in his bio. Although I now note that it says "Huffman is a Christian, and he believes his faith will keep him strong and focused when faced with the physical, mental and emotional hardships of SURVIVOR: CHINA." Most guys go into modeling and music to get girls. Ah, well.
I enjoyed the flirty by-play between Erik and Jaime: "Taylor's your middle name? That's a cool name." I don't know about you guys, but where I grew up, guys named Taylor ate paste, wore white belts and were often beaten up for their lunch money. Take it from a guy who went by "Chip".
I was off-base with Big James and Courtney. Looks like James has his eyes on Lunch Lady Denise. I can picture the two of them, in the moonlight, quietly spooning dirt over the freshly laid caskets...If only he could understand a word she said.
When the first boat pulled up to give the tribes their instructions to select two members from the other team to kidnap I could swear the boat guy was Mexican. Seems like even the Chinese are using immigrant labor.
I like how they wanted Frosti...and Sherea...'cause she's tough and fast. Really? I must've missed that episode. Of course, they're used to Courtney.
We got a glimpse into which tribe has an IQ higher than my shoe size. One tribe immediately caught on that James and a "person to be named later" would be taken from their tribe, as well. Meanwhile, Zhan Hu jumped up and down in celebration. "We're going to be seven to their five!" They actually did the math and still didn't see it coming.
The best hang dog expression of the day was Jean-Robert's when he lost two of his strongest tribe mates (and his strongest ally) on the flop. Did you get that Hold 'Em reference? Yeah? Myeh.
I spent most of the first four weeks wondering when Leslie was going to say something. I spent most of last night wishing she would be quiet. That has to be the most grating accent I've ever heard. I think it will seriously hurt her if she makes it to the final two when the jury will not be able to understand her answers to any of their questions.
James quickly asks "who's the brains of dis group?" The answer: "We all of us". Yup.
Does it look to anyone else like Peih-Gee has boils?
They sat Courtney for the challenge again. I can't wait to see what she won't be able to do next week.
James comes up with yet another Survivor hall of fame quote: "[Expletive] Sudoku! Pay attention!"
As far as I know, this was the first tribe to throw a challenge since the one that rolled over in order to vote ("I looooove you, too") Billy out a few seasons ago. Bold strategy or bad move?
I think they should have taken James out instead of Aaaron. Aaron seemed willing to roll over in the hope of staying around another week. James looked legitimately furious about Peih-Gee and Jaime throwing the challenge. Angry enough that it wouldn't surprise me if the canoe made it back to camp with two fewer rowers.
Mad props to James for casting his vote for Peih-Gee instead of Aaron. Go down swingin'. If he ends up facing the jury I think he may get points for that kind of attitude.
I think we'll find out how much CBS meddles in the game "real time" in order to try to keep it interesting. Note how Jeff went out of his way to make sure that James and Aaron knew that Peih-Gee and Jaime threw the challenge. Unless "something" happens, you can expect to see them throw the next challenge and vote James out. What fun would that be?
Three (likely) things can mess this up:
1. They could merge the tribes (seems too early)
2. They could throw the everyone back into their original tribes
3. They could do another tribe member swap
I'm most intrigued by #3. If the other tribe hears about the strategy of throwing challenges, they might try the same thing to rid themselves of Frosti or Sherea. We might be facing the first Survivor challenge where BOTH tribes are trying to lose. I think that would make Jeff's head explode.
See you next week on....Survivor!
Survivorfest China - week 4
Crazy Dave is out! In a way I'm a little disappointed, because he was the first one this season to pick up a nickname. It would have also been interesting to see a little more Dave and Sherea. They were fighting like an old married couple. Over shells. Good stuff.
Finally, Denise speaks! As I mentioned before it almost seemed like she had disappeared. Now where's Eric...?
Kathy and I agreed that the tribe made a critical mistake by sitting out Courtney on the chopsticks challenge. It wasn't really a physical challenge, so you knew the next one would be...
My favorite line of Survivor China was from James to Crazy Dave: "Yo, man...I told you about da hugging!"
Dave gets the special immunity clue. And promptly trusts Todd with it. Why does everyone trust Todd? Maybe he mentioned something about being a big fan of naked man wrestling.
Second favorite line of Survivor China was from Denise, speaking about the food they got to eat: "Flavor has never tasted so good." quickly followed by "It was the most delicate-est thing I ever put in my mouth!" Ah, lunch ladies...
Jean-Robert speaks Mandarin?!? Okay, I'm a little disappointed that this little nugget of information didn't make his bio! I know he likes Snickers. And Honeycombs. They couldn't tell us he knew frikkin' Mandarin?
I liked the bolo and stick challenge! I said that James looked like he might actually kill someone in that challenge, to which my ten-year-old, Louisa, replied: "That's okay if he does...then he can bury them!" Yup. That's my kid.
I figured Denise would be an ace in the bolo challenge, what with her hobby of axe throwing and all. Alas, she was a dud. Further, she was matched up with Courtney who looked like she could barely stand up in the armor.
My kid, Louisa: "I hope Todd wins...then I'd get a lot of money...cha ching!"
Wife, Kathy: "Well, don't count your chickens before they're hatched."
Louisa: "Huh? But I put money on Chicken..."
Yup. Definitely my kid.
Dave asks Peih-Gee who she is planning to vote off to which she replies "I haven't decided yet". That, my friends, is the kiss of death.
I think Dave is the first contestant I've seen who was voted off and never once looked back as he left. Usually they wave, or smile sadly at one of their pals, or growl something. Never even glanced back.
Next week: Eric the musician is a virgin! I halfway expect a Johnny Fairplay moment.
Site is updated at: http://www.woltermanns.com/misc/survivor_2007.htm
Finally, Denise speaks! As I mentioned before it almost seemed like she had disappeared. Now where's Eric...?
Kathy and I agreed that the tribe made a critical mistake by sitting out Courtney on the chopsticks challenge. It wasn't really a physical challenge, so you knew the next one would be...
My favorite line of Survivor China was from James to Crazy Dave: "Yo, man...I told you about da hugging!"
Dave gets the special immunity clue. And promptly trusts Todd with it. Why does everyone trust Todd? Maybe he mentioned something about being a big fan of naked man wrestling.
Second favorite line of Survivor China was from Denise, speaking about the food they got to eat: "Flavor has never tasted so good." quickly followed by "It was the most delicate-est thing I ever put in my mouth!" Ah, lunch ladies...
Jean-Robert speaks Mandarin?!? Okay, I'm a little disappointed that this little nugget of information didn't make his bio! I know he likes Snickers. And Honeycombs. They couldn't tell us he knew frikkin' Mandarin?
I liked the bolo and stick challenge! I said that James looked like he might actually kill someone in that challenge, to which my ten-year-old, Louisa, replied: "That's okay if he does...then he can bury them!" Yup. That's my kid.
I figured Denise would be an ace in the bolo challenge, what with her hobby of axe throwing and all. Alas, she was a dud. Further, she was matched up with Courtney who looked like she could barely stand up in the armor.
My kid, Louisa: "I hope Todd wins...then I'd get a lot of money...cha ching!"
Wife, Kathy: "Well, don't count your chickens before they're hatched."
Louisa: "Huh? But I put money on Chicken..."
Yup. Definitely my kid.
Dave asks Peih-Gee who she is planning to vote off to which she replies "I haven't decided yet". That, my friends, is the kiss of death.
I think Dave is the first contestant I've seen who was voted off and never once looked back as he left. Usually they wave, or smile sadly at one of their pals, or growl something. Never even glanced back.
Next week: Eric the musician is a virgin! I halfway expect a Johnny Fairplay moment.
Site is updated at: http://www.woltermanns.com/misc/survivor_2007.htm
Survivorfest China - week 3
Week three and Leslie has been cast out! No change in the pool. The winner for the first individual immunity segment should be coming soon.
Fess up, how many of you winced several times during the wrestling challenge? Bold strategy by Dave, going commando for the event. Lord knows I wouldn't have wanted a piece of that.My favorite moment: James versus Frosti - II. Gotta give the little guy credit. He keeps coming back for more.I was a little shocked to learn that James "never does anything outside". Um...isn't he a grave digger? I have a horrible idea as to what his basement must look like.
Courtney reveals that she weighs 7 pounds. I think that was her pre-Survivor weight. She's probably closer to 4-1/2 by now.I wrote this down in my notebook at 8:23 PM: I want to kill Dave.I wonder if there was anything that Leslie didn't tell the other tribe during her little visit. I'm pretty sure she told them everything she knew including her Social Security number and email password.James + Courtney. Now that's a couple. I get a picture in my head of He-Man and Skeletor.
I have to know...where on earth did Todd get that hat? He looks like a granola Elmer Fudd.
Jean-Robert had best watch his back. I have a feeling that if Todd doesn't get his revenge on Survivor that he might just show up at this door one night, several years from now, with his hunting hat and a shotgun...being veeeewwwwy quiettttt...
I love Leslie's ruse to get Jaime alone to give her the immunity clue: "Can you show me where I can change my clothes?" Um...it's a jungle, Leslie. We've been using the trees.
Did anyone else see it? As Courtney was about to start the sword-chopping challenge she turned to Leslie, folded her hands and sarcastically mouthed "pray for me". Karma's coming, Courtney. You can hear it coming down the tracks...
Leslie indicated that the other tribe wanted to "kidnap" her after the challenege because they had several Christians and they wanted her because she was a Christian, too. Immediately Aaron began plotting to have her voted off because she couldn't be trusted. Yup. Gotta watch out for those untrustworthy Christians...
Was anyone else surprised to find out that Denise was part of the tribe undergoing the voting ceremony? I don't think she was on camera once during the entire "who are we going to make the audience think we're going vote off" segment. I suspect she was off in the jungle practicing her axe-throwing for the next challenge. Now that she's stopped crying she's back on track as my dark horse to win it all.
Back for more next week on....Survivor China!
Fess up, how many of you winced several times during the wrestling challenge? Bold strategy by Dave, going commando for the event. Lord knows I wouldn't have wanted a piece of that.My favorite moment: James versus Frosti - II. Gotta give the little guy credit. He keeps coming back for more.I was a little shocked to learn that James "never does anything outside". Um...isn't he a grave digger? I have a horrible idea as to what his basement must look like.
Courtney reveals that she weighs 7 pounds. I think that was her pre-Survivor weight. She's probably closer to 4-1/2 by now.I wrote this down in my notebook at 8:23 PM: I want to kill Dave.I wonder if there was anything that Leslie didn't tell the other tribe during her little visit. I'm pretty sure she told them everything she knew including her Social Security number and email password.James + Courtney. Now that's a couple. I get a picture in my head of He-Man and Skeletor.
I have to know...where on earth did Todd get that hat? He looks like a granola Elmer Fudd.
Jean-Robert had best watch his back. I have a feeling that if Todd doesn't get his revenge on Survivor that he might just show up at this door one night, several years from now, with his hunting hat and a shotgun...being veeeewwwwy quiettttt...
I love Leslie's ruse to get Jaime alone to give her the immunity clue: "Can you show me where I can change my clothes?" Um...it's a jungle, Leslie. We've been using the trees.
Did anyone else see it? As Courtney was about to start the sword-chopping challenge she turned to Leslie, folded her hands and sarcastically mouthed "pray for me". Karma's coming, Courtney. You can hear it coming down the tracks...
Leslie indicated that the other tribe wanted to "kidnap" her after the challenege because they had several Christians and they wanted her because she was a Christian, too. Immediately Aaron began plotting to have her voted off because she couldn't be trusted. Yup. Gotta watch out for those untrustworthy Christians...
Was anyone else surprised to find out that Denise was part of the tribe undergoing the voting ceremony? I don't think she was on camera once during the entire "who are we going to make the audience think we're going vote off" segment. I suspect she was off in the jungle practicing her axe-throwing for the next challenge. Now that she's stopped crying she's back on track as my dark horse to win it all.
Back for more next week on....Survivor China!
Survivorfest China - week 2
The site has been updated to include pictures of the contestants who will now have to move on to other ventures, like Survivor All-Stars, seedy Cinemax movies and Dancing with the Stars. http://www.woltermanns.com/misc/survivor_2007.htm
My week 2 Survivor China thoughts:
At least Denise quit crying.
Unfortunately, Leslie started. I've seen people cry because they're in pain. I've seen people cry because they miss their family, friends, and even their dog. I've never seen someone cry because she misses her Bible. If I were a betting man (and judging by this site and this silly game we're all playing, I think I am) I would presume that Leslie might just have more than a few passages memorized. Or maybe she was just hoping for something heavy to hit Courtney with.
Ashley...two weeks and out. I had her pegged for at least the final six. I can almost see the CBS producers huddled up before the show trying to find some way to keep her on. "Can't we get rid of the one with the mullet instead? No one will complain!"
Is anyone else surprised that someone hasn't killed Dave at some point in his life?
What about that mud wrestling challenge? I'm pretty sure that has the record for the most blurred out sections of any Survivor. In fact, I'm still not sure I know what happened. All I saw for sure was James wading through little Frosti like he was the Incredible Hulk. And Ashley being dragged through the mud by the bag of Jean-Robert's pants. That's probably a sight she'll take to her grave.
Speaking of Jean-Robert, does anyone else question his early-game strategy? "I pretty much want to lay around and do nothing so that when I start contributing after we get food and shelter everyone will notice how much I've stepped up my game". I think I'll try that strategy at work...it'll leave me more time to invent stupid betting games.
I appreciate Todd's honesty (to the camera) and willingness to sell out any other member of the tribe. Particularly Leslie. I think he is actually excited about the prospect of swiping the immunity idol out from under her, voting her off and then taunting her as she extinguishes her torch with her own tears. He's a flight attendant, by the way. I have no doubt that he spits in the drinks of people who ask for an extra pillow.
Back for more Survivor China next week!
My week 2 Survivor China thoughts:
At least Denise quit crying.
Unfortunately, Leslie started. I've seen people cry because they're in pain. I've seen people cry because they miss their family, friends, and even their dog. I've never seen someone cry because she misses her Bible. If I were a betting man (and judging by this site and this silly game we're all playing, I think I am) I would presume that Leslie might just have more than a few passages memorized. Or maybe she was just hoping for something heavy to hit Courtney with.
Ashley...two weeks and out. I had her pegged for at least the final six. I can almost see the CBS producers huddled up before the show trying to find some way to keep her on. "Can't we get rid of the one with the mullet instead? No one will complain!"
Is anyone else surprised that someone hasn't killed Dave at some point in his life?
What about that mud wrestling challenge? I'm pretty sure that has the record for the most blurred out sections of any Survivor. In fact, I'm still not sure I know what happened. All I saw for sure was James wading through little Frosti like he was the Incredible Hulk. And Ashley being dragged through the mud by the bag of Jean-Robert's pants. That's probably a sight she'll take to her grave.
Speaking of Jean-Robert, does anyone else question his early-game strategy? "I pretty much want to lay around and do nothing so that when I start contributing after we get food and shelter everyone will notice how much I've stepped up my game". I think I'll try that strategy at work...it'll leave me more time to invent stupid betting games.
I appreciate Todd's honesty (to the camera) and willingness to sell out any other member of the tribe. Particularly Leslie. I think he is actually excited about the prospect of swiping the immunity idol out from under her, voting her off and then taunting her as she extinguishes her torch with her own tears. He's a flight attendant, by the way. I have no doubt that he spits in the drinks of people who ask for an extra pillow.
Back for more Survivor China next week!
Survivorfest China - week 1
I've updated the site (http://www.woltermanns.com/misc/survivor_2007.htm) with the latest money winners. Scroll to the bottom to see how you're doing.
Some early Survivor China thoughts (note, we've got two underage participants so please maintain a PG rating with replies or comments..plus I embarrass easily):
Fastest "blurred body part" in any of the seasons that I can remember. I wonder if Jean-Robert was a plumber before he became a professional poker player...I knew this category wouldn't last long when Probst surprised them by making them drop off all their bags and go straight to the jungle. What a shocker! Who in the world goes on Survivor in high heels, dress slacks or an evening dress? Have these idiots even seen the show?
Denise was my dark horse for this season. At least until I saw her crying on the train from Shanghai...and crying at camp...and almost crying about the welcoming ceremony...next year I should add a category for who cries the quickest.
Sherea immediately started complaining about the rough "outdoor" conditions. See my comment about idiots and who might have seen this show before.
Chicken, we hardly knew ye.
Interesting lip rings, Ashley. I kept thinking she had fangs. I wonder how long it'll be before she has a nasty lip infection. She seemed to be the running favorite for blurred body part until Jean-Robert "butted" in.
I wonder how long Courtney will be able to take being in "cheerleader camp" before she snaps and attacks Leslie with a machete.
Speaking of Leslie...She made a point of stomping out of the welcome ceremony because it was "too much like worship". As Kathy pointed out, she was awfully quick to kiss the immunity Buddha when it was handed to her.
Dave's occupation is listed as "former model". He seems to have really let himself go. Not that I'm in the running for Mr. Universe, but if I were making a point of saying I had been a model I think I'd try to avoid looking like the Michelin Man in a nationally televised program.
All right, fess up. How many of you laid money down on Jean-Robert because, as a professional poker player, he should be good at "reading people"?
More excitement next week!
Some early Survivor China thoughts (note, we've got two underage participants so please maintain a PG rating with replies or comments..plus I embarrass easily):
Fastest "blurred body part" in any of the seasons that I can remember. I wonder if Jean-Robert was a plumber before he became a professional poker player...I knew this category wouldn't last long when Probst surprised them by making them drop off all their bags and go straight to the jungle. What a shocker! Who in the world goes on Survivor in high heels, dress slacks or an evening dress? Have these idiots even seen the show?
Denise was my dark horse for this season. At least until I saw her crying on the train from Shanghai...and crying at camp...and almost crying about the welcoming ceremony...next year I should add a category for who cries the quickest.
Sherea immediately started complaining about the rough "outdoor" conditions. See my comment about idiots and who might have seen this show before.
Chicken, we hardly knew ye.
Interesting lip rings, Ashley. I kept thinking she had fangs. I wonder how long it'll be before she has a nasty lip infection. She seemed to be the running favorite for blurred body part until Jean-Robert "butted" in.
I wonder how long Courtney will be able to take being in "cheerleader camp" before she snaps and attacks Leslie with a machete.
Speaking of Leslie...She made a point of stomping out of the welcome ceremony because it was "too much like worship". As Kathy pointed out, she was awfully quick to kiss the immunity Buddha when it was handed to her.
Dave's occupation is listed as "former model". He seems to have really let himself go. Not that I'm in the running for Mr. Universe, but if I were making a point of saying I had been a model I think I'd try to avoid looking like the Michelin Man in a nationally televised program.
All right, fess up. How many of you laid money down on Jean-Robert because, as a professional poker player, he should be good at "reading people"?
More excitement next week!
Survivorfest rules
Here is a fun way to enjoy CBS's Survivor:
How do we play?
Each player will need to submit $16 (one dollar for each Survivor contestant). Each player will be given a spreadsheet with the names/bio of each contestant and will list how they wish to distribute their allotment of $16 dollars (in $1 increments) across the pool of contestants.
Example:
Player 1 puts all $16 on Joe
Player 2 puts $1 on each contestant
Player 3 puts $4 on Joe, $4 on Sally, $4 on Tim and $4 on Annabelle
When someone wins, they will receive a share of the prize for that award commensurate with how much of their $16 they placed on the contestant. Details below.
Who wins?
The winner will be people who have placed money on a contestant that:
-Wins the entire Survivor competition
-Is the first person voted off
-Wins the first individual immunity
-Is the first person added to the jury
-Is the first person to have a body part “blurred” out (note, body part due to avoidance of nudity only. Copyright designs, T-shirts or hats with rude words or flashing “the bird” does not count).
How much do I win?
Here is the breakdown of winnings:
Total winner of Survivor - 60% of pot
First person voted off – 10% of pot
First individual immunity winner – 10% of pot
First contestant added to jury – 10% of pot
First person to have body part “blurred” out – 10% of pot
Please note that in the event of multiple players winning any of these categories, you would receive an amount commensurate with how much of your $16 you wagered on the contestant.
For an example, assume we have ten participants for a total pool of $160.
$96 would go to the player(s) who “owned” the ultimate winner of Survivor China.
If the winner was Joe from the example above, the breakout would be as follows (amounts rounded to nearest dollar):
Player 1 would receive $73 (high reward for high risk, putting all $16 on one person)
Player 2 would receive $5 (low reward for low risk, spreading out across all contestants)
Player 3 would receive $18 (moderate reward for moderate risk, would have received more if Player 1 didn’t bet entire amount on one individual)
* anyone interested in checking out my math, see below
If someone has $1 on a contestant and no one else wagered on that person, they take the entire amount. Each dollar is like a share of stock. It becomes valuable (or less so) depending on how much is “purchased”.
This “share” process applies to all the winning pools (i.e. first voted off, etc.)
In order to prevent late entry participants from “vulturing” the chart, no one will see individual entries until all players are paid and have selected. I will post my entries before accepting other entries to avoid a conflict of interest.
Some details:
If there is a conflict (such as whether someone was/wasn’t blurred) I will make a ruling. It’s faster than a popular vote and it’s my stupid game anyway.
All money must be paid with your entry and all pay-outs will take place at the end of the game/season.
If one of the lesser categories (such as blurred body part) does not occur, any funds will be moved into the total winner pool.
In the event that no one chooses the eventual winner, the owners of the second place contestant will be declared winners.
*Math used in example above:
Total pool amount = $160 * 60% = $96 for the total winner pot
3 winners from a pool of ten players.
Break out of “stock” for that winner is:
Player 1 owns 16 shares of the total of 21
Player 2 owns 1 share of the total of 21
Player 3 owns 4 shares of the total of 21
16/21 = 76.19% * $96 = $73 (rounded down)
1/21 = 4.76% * $96 = $5 (rounded up)
4/21 = 19.05% * $96 = $18 (rounded down)
How do we play?
Each player will need to submit $16 (one dollar for each Survivor contestant). Each player will be given a spreadsheet with the names/bio of each contestant and will list how they wish to distribute their allotment of $16 dollars (in $1 increments) across the pool of contestants.
Example:
Player 1 puts all $16 on Joe
Player 2 puts $1 on each contestant
Player 3 puts $4 on Joe, $4 on Sally, $4 on Tim and $4 on Annabelle
When someone wins, they will receive a share of the prize for that award commensurate with how much of their $16 they placed on the contestant. Details below.
Who wins?
The winner will be people who have placed money on a contestant that:
-Wins the entire Survivor competition
-Is the first person voted off
-Wins the first individual immunity
-Is the first person added to the jury
-Is the first person to have a body part “blurred” out (note, body part due to avoidance of nudity only. Copyright designs, T-shirts or hats with rude words or flashing “the bird” does not count).
How much do I win?
Here is the breakdown of winnings:
Total winner of Survivor - 60% of pot
First person voted off – 10% of pot
First individual immunity winner – 10% of pot
First contestant added to jury – 10% of pot
First person to have body part “blurred” out – 10% of pot
Please note that in the event of multiple players winning any of these categories, you would receive an amount commensurate with how much of your $16 you wagered on the contestant.
For an example, assume we have ten participants for a total pool of $160.
$96 would go to the player(s) who “owned” the ultimate winner of Survivor China.
If the winner was Joe from the example above, the breakout would be as follows (amounts rounded to nearest dollar):
Player 1 would receive $73 (high reward for high risk, putting all $16 on one person)
Player 2 would receive $5 (low reward for low risk, spreading out across all contestants)
Player 3 would receive $18 (moderate reward for moderate risk, would have received more if Player 1 didn’t bet entire amount on one individual)
* anyone interested in checking out my math, see below
If someone has $1 on a contestant and no one else wagered on that person, they take the entire amount. Each dollar is like a share of stock. It becomes valuable (or less so) depending on how much is “purchased”.
This “share” process applies to all the winning pools (i.e. first voted off, etc.)
In order to prevent late entry participants from “vulturing” the chart, no one will see individual entries until all players are paid and have selected. I will post my entries before accepting other entries to avoid a conflict of interest.
Some details:
If there is a conflict (such as whether someone was/wasn’t blurred) I will make a ruling. It’s faster than a popular vote and it’s my stupid game anyway.
All money must be paid with your entry and all pay-outs will take place at the end of the game/season.
If one of the lesser categories (such as blurred body part) does not occur, any funds will be moved into the total winner pool.
In the event that no one chooses the eventual winner, the owners of the second place contestant will be declared winners.
*Math used in example above:
Total pool amount = $160 * 60% = $96 for the total winner pot
3 winners from a pool of ten players.
Break out of “stock” for that winner is:
Player 1 owns 16 shares of the total of 21
Player 2 owns 1 share of the total of 21
Player 3 owns 4 shares of the total of 21
16/21 = 76.19% * $96 = $73 (rounded down)
1/21 = 4.76% * $96 = $5 (rounded up)
4/21 = 19.05% * $96 = $18 (rounded down)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)