Watching Survivor

It’s time, once again, for the stunning cinematography of the Picton Castle sailing the heavy seas, with cutthroat pirates tending her sails!

So to speak. Heh.

We rejoin the crew after the last Pirate’s Court, where Sean congratulates Joe Don for not needing the pardon, but he says “it’s only money” and it was insurance. Ben and Nessa are mourning the loss of Cheryl, and that it sucks how they have to let someone go every week. Awww. That’s the way the game is played though. He and Nessa look awfully close and cuddly… Of course, Nessa freely admits to using her cuddling and flirting to get her way - but man. The pirates, they are looking grubbier by the day! Specially the men! I’m thinking cuddling would be the last thing on my mind!

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Borneo: Episode 05. Original Airdate: Summer 2000.
12 people left - who will be voted off next?

(Sorry this one was a day late - had all that other news to get up, felt this could wait a day! Hope you don’t mind!)

We open the morning of day thirteen at the Pagong Tribe, where they slept late for the first time since they arrived. Everyone’s a little down, and Jenna gives her confessional laying sprawled on the beach. Greg has an ear infection, and Gretchen is still on the war path to clean up the site and get everyone to pitch in.

Back at Tagi, they’re using the parachute that was used to drop the last reward down to them as a big top parasol for extra shade. Kelly’s a little irritated, joining Sue in her observations that Sean and Dirk go fishing just to get out of work - they don’t catch anything, just float around. Kelly always has some little needlework in her hands, too.

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Last week, Wilmington’s Star News reported that Dreamz Herd is seeing the other side of being a 15 minutes of fame Celebrity! It seems that his tie for second was enough to have him slapped with a paternity suit as soon as he got back home.

The mother, Amanda S. Young, gave birth Nov. 30 to a boy named Luca Finley Young, according to a birth certificate filed with the New Hanover County Register of Deeds.

The lawsuit seeks child support and reimbursement for medical expenses relating to the pregnancy, along with medical insurance coverage for the infant, who is now nearly seven months old.

The lawsuit was filed in May, shortly after the Fiji installments of the popular television series concluded.

I probably wouldn’t doubt this at all, except for the fact that she waited until the end of the show’s airing before filing the lawsuit. That and… Dreamz? Really? I mean, he’s… Dreamz! I just don’t get it - I must be getting cranky in my old age. Ha!

In other Survivor: Fiji news, my man Yau-Man spent Sunday helping the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano raise funds for their summer needs at their seventh annual “An Afternoon in the Admiral’s Garden.” The event was sold out, and all proceeds went to the Food Bank. Yau-man was at the Trader Joe’s tent, and one of the Auction prizes included dinner with him and as a souvenir, the fishing hat he wore on Survivor: Fiji! How cool is that?

This weekend! If you’re down in Nashville, TN, be sure to check out the 2007 Reality TV Con!

Unfortunately, a road trip from my home in Alaska to go was just a little out of my reach. If you’re going to be there, let me know! I’d love to get the scope on all the Survivors and fun and games going on!

Survivors slated to appear: Jonny Fairplay, Billy Garcia, Flica Flame, Cecilia Mansilla, Rupert Boneham (Sunday only), Burton Roberts, Cristina Coria

They’re also going to be doing casting calls for something called “The Alaska Experiment” - an adventure docu-series for an undisclosed cable network. It will be shot on location in Alaska and is about survival in the great outdoors. Interesting… I’ll definitely be keeping my eyes on this one!

And, in case there was any doubt? “Producer Burnett ruled reality TV.”

And last, but most certainly not least - Earl Cole (Winner, Survivor: Fiji) is taking part in the National HIV Testing Day Event today with the Screen Actors Guild, who vows to help end AIDS Epidemic in Black America by 2012.

National HIV Testing Day is on June 27th, and in anticipation the Screen Actors Guild as well as several other organizations will launch the “1 in a Million” campaign by hosting an HIV Screening event and press conference at the national Screen Actors Guild headquarters, featuring A-list Black celebrities being tested for HIV in front of the cameras.

The event was held this morning, from 10-11am (PT) in Los Angeles, California. According to the press release, Earl Cole is one of several celebrities who planned to attend and participate.

The group will call on 1 million Black Americans to get tested for HIV in the next year, and they will answer questions from reporters during the press conference.

Those who plan to attend and publicly take an HIV test at the press conference include: Jimmy Jean-Louis (“Heroes”), Regina King (“Ray,” “Jerry McGuire,” “24”), Hill Harper (“CSI New York”), Rockmond Dunbar (“Prison Break,” “Heartland”), Meagan Tandy (Miss California USA 2007), Vanessa Williams (“Soul Food”), Sheryl Lee Ralph (“ER,” Original “Dreamgirls” on Broadway), Hosea Chanchez (“The Game”), Angie Stone (recording artist), Anne-Marie Johnson (“CSI,” “JAG”), Darius McCrary (“Transformers,” “Family Matters”), Sandi McCree (“The Wire”), Ovie Mughelli (Atlanta Falcons), Isaac Keys (Arizona Cardinals); Henry Simmons (“Shark”), Tatyana Ali (“The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air”), Samaki Walker, Rob Sommers and Deandre Walker (NBA), Jennifer Lewis (“Shark,” “Girlfriends”), Alexandra Paul (“Baywatch”), Vida Guerra, Earl Cole (Winner, “Survivor: Fiji”); Howard Hesseman (“Boston Legal,” “WKRP in Cincinnati”), Beverly White (NBC reporter). Author/journalist Gil Robertson will sign copies of his book Not in My Family: AIDS in the African-American Community.

Phill Wilson (executive director, Black AIDS Institute) will be available for interviews
Gloria Reuben (“ER”, “Life Support”) will also be available for interviews from New York City.
Shari Belafonte will be available for telephone interviews.

For more information, go to BlackAids.org.

Billy Garcia (Survivor: Cook Islands) stopped by and left us a comment to point out an update on the WWE Diva Ashley Massaro’s rumored appearance on Survivor: China!

From www.pwheadlines.com
Reported By Daniel Pena on Jun 21, 2007 - 4:49:14 PM
Here are some details regarding Ashley Massaro doing Survivor, not to mention when you can expect to see her return to WWE.

Massaro left for the show last weekend and will be taping for 40 days in China. Even when she’s eliminated, she has to remain in a undisclosed location. Apparently, Survivor officials do not want Massaro to return to WWE television until the Survivor season has concluded when it runs this fall/winter. Don’t expect Massaro back until at least January of 2008.

Massaro was also telling people that she was going to be doing a WWE Film to cover up London’s error of leaking the Survivor info. She’s really not doing a film - it was just to cover London’s hide from the wrath of WWE management.

Thanks for stopping by, Billy!

–

As for the other rumors about ASS2 (hahahah! That cracks me up every time I see it! That’d be All-Star Survivor 2) for Season 16 - I did a little digging where I could, to find out what may or may not be out there. Seems some Past Survivors have been chatting it up at certain events, saying they were getting ready for it, but no names and no one will admit to saying anything. Naturally. So I dug a little further, and contacted some folks I know, and more folks that I don’t know, and tried to get to the bottom of the rumors.

Well. Here’s the only thing that’s for sure - Nothing is for certain. According to some birdies I know, Jeff Probst is determined that it not be another straight up All Star cast, and the most popular idea on the table, among many, is a Second Chance vs. All Star lineup that includes no winners, and only contestants from Seasons 9-15.

Thanks for chirping in our direction, little birdies! Sing on, sing on, sing on!

Survivor, Survivor: China, CBS, Jeff Probst, Reality TV, rumors, contestants, All Stars

We open this week just after the previous Pirate’s court, Cheryl grateful for Joe Don’s standing up for her. Jay isn’t happy because Sean didn’t follow his word to vote for Cheryl. Sean apologizes to Jay, but he doesn’t go for it, saying in confessional that Sean is now dead to him for going back on his word.

Captain Azmyth gets the crew up and started swabbing the decks, and Nessa admits to being a total flirt, and how she’d totally use that to her advantage. Joy points out the flaw in that logic - the boys are outnumbered currently, and that strategy might end up biting her in the ass.

Azmyth takes a flying leap (literally - swinging off the side on a rope to dive into the water), and initiates crab races, and it seems like life on the Picton Castle is a big party. Ben is worried a bit, as live as Pirates shouldn’t be fun! Joe Don was a hard taskmaster, but he was a good Captain because of it! Awww… Poor Ben - he misses his coat and cooshy bed!

So Azmyth’s plan is to… talk with God. And breathe. While Laurel makes fun of his accent, because he’s a weirdo from Seattle.

Good Plan!

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Alright, alright. I was hoping for some confirmation before I added this rumor to the list, but that’s not gonna happen just yet (though I AM trying to get some still!) so here we go!

The internets are buzzing with the thoughts that next spring, Survivor 16, will be an All-Star season once again, despite all the nay-sayers - the biggest of which is Jeff Probst, himself, who hated the last All Star Season.

Of all the speculation, only Oscar Dahl and Buddy TV has listed more then one reason why it makes sense that it would happen in spring of 2008:

Reason #1 – Seven normal seasons, one All-Star season
Like Bright Eyes, I believe in symmetry and I’m supposing that Mark Burnett may as well. Survivor: All-Stars was the show’s eighth season. Since then, we’ve had seven normal seasons. Perfect timing for another All-Stars, right?

Reason #2 – Jeff Probst is only signed through season 16
Probst hasn’t talked retirement just yet, but there have been assorted rumblings surrounding the possibility of the great one’s departure. If, secretly, Probst has decided to fade into the sunset after season 16, then doesn’t the franchise owe it to America’s greatest TV hosting asset (Barker just retired, Trebek hasn’t been the same since waxed his mustache area, and Seacrest is still a little too Seacrest-y) to send him off in grand fashion?

Reason #3 – Survivor has only been renewed through season 16
Yeah, that’s right. CBS has yet to give Survivor a contract for any seasons past 16. What does this mean? It could mean nothing, or it could mean that Survivor will be finished, for good, sometime next Spring. While this would be a tragedy of Rosie-hosting-The Price is Right proportions, you never know, it could happen. If this turns out to be the case and Survivor is canceled, you have to expect the show to go out with a bang. It’s Mark Burnett’s baby, and he’d likely want to give it the biggest farewell he could, and another All-Stars would fit that bill.

Oscar further predicts the setting of this Allstars would be perfect if it completed the whole cycle, and took us back to Borneo, the sight of the first Survivor Season.

Elsewhere on the net, there is a ’scan’ of an article that suggests Probst has confirmed this, but no one will say where the article came from so I find that highly suspect. The biggest claim to ‘inside sources’ is from Tashi Tagg, from Entertainment at iafrica.com, where they are still watching Survivor: Cook Islands - currently 2 seasons behind American TV. Tashi claims to have a very good inside source that confirms the rumors, which he (the source) heard from the Past Survivors he knows.

The other rumor revolving around the possible All Stars is that it won’t be based on the most popular players, but those who most deserve a second chance, and it’d involve only seasons 9-15. That would put most of the winners out, as well as Ozzy and quite possibly Yau-man, and those are the names just off the top of my head - there are a lot of fan favorites that would be left out if that’s the case. It would also keep Dreamz away, which would be a plus.

So - what’s the scoop? What do you think of another All Star Season? Who would you pick as most deserving? Who would you want to see give it a go again?

Survivor, Survivor: China, All Stars, CBS, Jeff Probst, Reality TV, rumors, contestants

Borneo: Episode 04. Original Airdates: Summer, 2000.

We open up this episode right after Tribal Council, where Stacy was voted off. At the Pagong Tribe in the middle of a tropical storm, it is completely miserable. Even the next morning, Colleen is “Not a happy camper!” Although she did say it with a smile. Ramona claims it is the worst night of her entire life. Sand Fleas are making it even more miserable, and Gretchen is bemoaning the placement of the shelter that she fought about from the beginning and tried to get them to tidy up camp. Joel wants to take over, but doesn’t know what Gretchen has learned in Air Force survival camp and such. Now that BB is gone, they can move their shelter without too much argument.

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Over at The Poker Biz it’s been rumored that one of their own is also headed to China to do their stint as a Survivor. 6′6″ tall Jean-Robert Bellande is all the talk at the Rio, where these rumors are flying thick and strong.

Apparently eating bugs, going without showering for 39 days and sleeping on a straw mat during a monsoon is a more enjoyable way to spend your summer months than having to endure sitting next to Mike ‘The Mouth’ Matusow for 13 hours per day.

Well, really - who could blame him? The post goes on to give a brief bio of the Pro Poker Player:

Bellande’s bio lists him as a former Hollywood nightclub promoter with a B.A. in marketing. He’s had some success on the professional poker circuit with cashes totaling $741,680 including a win at the 2005 Winnin’ O’ the Green for $148,000 and a 3rd place finish at the WSOP-Circuit event at the Rio in 2005.

At least he’s not like Skinny Ryan - he might survive a little bit longer with some meat on his bones.

There were numerous attempts to get a statement of confirmation from Bellande, all of which were unreturned - could he already be on his way to join the Buxom WWE beauty in China?

What’s the theme of Survivor: China - “Meltdowns on the Celebrity D-List”? Who’s next, Kathy Griffin? Can you imagine her mouthing off at the challenges? Man - that’d almost be worth a Celebrity Survivor edition…

(No, I don’t really think it’s going there. *L* But it WOULD be amusing…)

Survivor, Survivor: China, CBS, Jeff Probst, Reality TV, rumors, contestants

Not long ago, I posted about Jeff Probst and the event he attended in NYC with Home Depot, kicking off their Home Depot and MasterCard $100,000 Backyard Retreat Sweepstakes.

Mari sent me an email today for the link to the podcast Jeff Probst did with them! Click here, and listen as Jeff talks about his favorite Survivor moments and places, his life and love with Julie Berry, his favorite contestants from past Survivors, as well as how he relaxes at home. Also? Tractor Envy.

The sweepstakes are ending soon on June 23 so be sure to visit Home Depot before then, use your MasterCard, and be entered to win the $100,000 for a backyard retreat!

Thanks Mari for the update!

Survivor, CBS, Jeff Probst, Reality TV, Home Depot, backyard, sweepstakes

Via CBS.com

SURVIVOR 16
Open Casting Call

An Open Casting Call is an event your local station holds for SURVIVOR. When you attend an Open Call, you will fill out an application and be put on camera there. You do not need to bring your own tape, and you do not need a copy of your passport. Open Calls alleviate the headaches and expenses of making your own tape, transferring it to VHS format and mailing it.

These events are also lots of fun. Meet fellow SURVIVOR fans, make some new friends, enjoy. Your local station will send the tape directly to the casting department, where it will be watched by the casting team and the same as it would be if you sent in an individual tape yourself.

Good luck, and have fun!

CBS2 Los Angeles
June 22, 2007 (Friday)
Time: 10a-4p
Living Spaces
14501 E. Artesia Blvd
La Mirada, CA 90638
For more information, go to the station website.

KCTV5
Kansas City
June 23rd, 10a- 2p
Metro North Mall
400 NW Barry Rd.
Kansas City, MO 64155
For more information, please contact Beth Stockton, beth.stockton@kctv.com or 913-677-7151.

CBS 5 Phoenix
June 28, 2007
5-9pm
At Fort McDowell Casino
Highway 87 and Fort McDowell Road, Scottsdale, AZ
For more information, visit KPHO.com or call 602-650-5405.

KXII
Sherman, TX
Saturday, June 30th, 10a-4p
Midway Mall
4800 Texoma Parkway
Center Court
Sherman, TX
For more information, please contact Sarah Loyd at 903-891-1249, or sarah.loyd@kxii.com.

WWTV-WWUP/TV
Traverse City, MI
Monday, July 9th, 10am-4pm
9&10 News WTCM Marketplace
At the National Cherry Festival
For more information, contact Tessia Klix at 231-775-3478, x3154.

KMEG
Sioux City, IA
July 10th, 4-6pm
Jensen Imports
1901 E. 6th Street
Sioux City, IA 51101

WCAT-TV
Charlottesville, VA
July 14th, 10am – 2pm
Rivals Sports Bar & Grill
1525 E. Rio Road
Charlottesville, VA 22901
For more information, please contact Daniel Adams at daniel.adams@wcav.tv.

Again with the long recap before getting to the real meat of the show! I realize there’s a little recap needed, but 3.5 minutes? The nice thing about it, however, is that we do get to see more of the stunning views, and the ship itself.

(And this time, those stupid snakes in the snake pit. Ew. Seriously!)

We open after the Pirates Court of last week, with Louie still plotting revenge against Joe Don, and bemoaning the loss of his friend, Christian being set adrift. Joe Don’s officer, Cheryl, shares that she thinks people forget that they’re not there to be friends. They’re there to find the treasure and to do a job. Of course she’s happy! Joe Don is making sure she gets to keep all of her share of the bounty! I’d be smiling too!

Sunrise on the water has the Bosun, Jay, getting the Pirates up, and then stopping to talk with Capitan Joe Don, making sure that all his little chess pieces are in a line. Jupiter helps all the girls do some eye makeup, prettying up everyone. Azmyth and Jupiter clearly have developed a friendship - and who wouldn’t? They’re both sweet, and hard working.

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It seems that some of the wrestling forums are on fire, with the announcement from a fan who is said to have revealed the first contestant for Survivor: China!

from a fan via SurvivorChina.net:

A few weeks ago, I ran into Paul London in the airport and we were chatting it up about the biz. He was telling me about the moves that Vince had banned him from doing, cruiserweight division, etc. He seemed like a cool guy. Turns out he lives in Austin and we fly in/out of the same airport. I ran into him a couple days ago and was complimenting him on his three way tag match last week.

We chatted again for a while, and I was talking about him and Kendrick being a great team. When I asked if he liked working with Ashley, he said they wrote her out of the storylines because she’s leaving to do Survivor. Yeah, the Survivor reality show! How do you think she’ll do on there? She’s already so skinny, I can’t see her barely eating any less. Has there ever been a contracted WWE talent on a reality show? It’s the first one I can think of. Anyways, thought I’d share this news. Hopefully I’ll run into Paul again, he’s a really nice guy..

Again - that’s just rumor and hearsay, but if true, we just might have the first slipup spoiler for Survivor: China!

PS: Like the new page header? The PTB (powers that be) of 451 Press allowed us to create our own! Fans of WS.Com know I love making my little banners, having the ability to make a full sized one filled my little heart with glee! Thanks guys!

Survivor, Survivor: China!, CBS, Jeff Probst, Reality TV, spoiler, contestants, rumor

Borneo: Episode 03. Original Airdates: Summer, 2000.

We open this weeks Survivor: Borneo at Tagi on Day 7. Sean and Susan are complaining about the fishing situation, where they are pretty sure that “Plenty of fish in the sea” does not apply to Borneo at all. The traps are empty again, though the bait is missing again. The girls, Kelly Stacy and Susan, use the time however to voice their discontent about Rudy and how they feel he has to go and hasn’t contributed very much at all. They discuss voting strategies, and Sue’s already gunning for Stacy because she doesn’t feel like she’s contributing and Stacy.

At Pagong, Colleen says lack of food is contributing to their lack of oomph and the search for Tapioca root commences and they find the Mud Volcano and three of them decide to take a dip and wander around all Lord of the Flies like - and brought the whole group over to Tribe in the mud as well. Looked like fun!

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I am still out of town at a Writers’ Conference, and as such Survivor: Rewind will not be posted till tomorrow. I apologize for the delay - I left my DVD at home. I’ll pop it up tomorrow, as soon as I return!

After a FOUR MINUTE recap of the first episode and the premise of the show, we finally get a glimpse of the c

The next morning, the Bosun, Jay is given the command by Captain Joe Don to set sail, and they start off by Hoisting the Pirate Flag, and everyone jumps into work with gusto, as the sails are filled with air and Kendra says it’s stunning - and she wises she could stay out there forever. Azmyth is a jolly pirate, wanting to look out for his crew, though he’s his own first priority.

Sean, the cook, sets up for breakfast, and everyone gets a spoonful or two of Gruel. People find hair in it too - which is gross. The whiner, Alexis, tries to get some potatoes, eggs and bacon and rum to drink, but is told no, she got Gruel while the captain eats the good stuff. Christian is upset as it divides the crew and he’d make sure everyone ate well.

Time to swab the deck! Life on the Picton Castle is no easy task - Louie says it’s nothing but work… if you’re a crew member. Jay, the Bosun, is even a bit annoyed as they work and Joe Don gets fat and does nothing.

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