Watching Survivor

Don’t forget Part One and Part Two!

Immunity Challenge Time!
Jeff asks Jaime about her time at Fei Long, she says they made it the best it could be and she appreciated it, and then rejoined Zhan Hu.

Immunity is back up for grabs. Each tribe will use a large Chinese puzzle log to smash through two walls. Then they have to maneuver the log through the maze on the outside of the log, and ring the gong. First one there, wins immunity. Only 6 on 6 will play. Courtney and Leslie sit out, as does Jamie.

Fei Long gets through a hit first, both tribes have good rhythm, but Fei Long gets through first. Fei Long is working together well, Zhan Hu is not doing well, Dave can’t hardly move at all. Jeff says “The Log is THROWING DAVE AROUND..” (…hahah!) Fei Long is through and to the puzzle. Frosti kicks Dave to the back and takes the lead, and Jeff yells “GET AHOLD OF THE LOG YOUR STILL IN IT!”

Fei Long is already working to the puzzle, and Zhan Hu catching up, as both tribes work the puzzle. Fei Long finds a dead end and has to back up - Zhan Hu has a lead. No one panicking on Fei Long, slow and steady, Peih-Gee is trying lead the tribe but is failing, and Jeff has to yell at them to KEEP WORKING!

But it is too late - Fei Long is through and WINS IMMUNITY!

We rejoin Zhan Hu at their camp, where they are understandably distraught. Dave feels bad, because he feels like he let them down. He apologizes to the whole tribe, he lost his footing, his rhythm, and his power. He thanks Frosti for stepping up, and takes full responsibility. He says he feels like it hasn’t been just about the challenges though, but day in and day out and what you contribute. He’s pretty confident he’s not going home.

Ashley is sleeping. She then tells us that she knows Dave is going to target her. She wants to wait till tribal and then tell them he’s crazy. Eric talks with Jaime and Sherea, and they target both Dave and Ashley, because of the conflict. It puts Jaime in a bind, because Ashley is her friend, but Dave is a hard worker. It comes down to what they need most.

Tribal Council!
Jeff asks them how the leadership is working out. Frosti says Dave has stepped up, and might be doing too much. Ashley rolls her eyes, and says they’ve been butting heads. Ashley says she asks questions, and Dave says that it doesn’t rub him the wrong way. Ashley says he’s patronizing and talks down to her. Jeff asks if it’s just her, or the whole tribe. She feels it’s everyone, and Dave talks in circles, and for her its intolerable. Jeff asks if Dave is trying to prove too much vs. lead? Jamie says yeah, he’s trying to prove too much. She says everyone gets along, but Ashley and Dave butt heads, and Dave says I’ve asked everyone to check me and Ashley snorts “See, defensive!”

Sherea says she hasn’t enjoyed a single moment so far, and Dave says something and she goes “Did ya not here what just come out my mouth?” Then she says never once have they sat down as a tribe and discuss things, he always has a comment back. Ashley is asked what her criteria for vote tonight and she says “I’m voting for Dave.” Dave says if she goes, there will be a lot less egg shells to walk on.

It’s time to vote!
Ashley says she’s voting for Zoolander - she means Dave. Ha!

Time to tally the votes!
Ashley, Dave, Ashley, Ashley, Ashley.

That’s four, that’s enough - Ashley points at Dave “I’ll see you soon.” Sherea cries, and they head back to camp. She tells us she got voted out because of a personal conflict with the leader. She guarantees us she’ll be seeing him on the flip side sooner then later. He’s a tool.

Next time on Survivor! Dave loses patience with Zhan Hu. On Fei Long, Todd and Courtney hear more then they bargained for.

Survivor, Survivor: China, Immunity, CBS, Jeff Probst, Reality TV

Part one - HERE!

Challenge time! Jeff tells them to prepare to get dirty!
Today’s challenge - square up three on three, they will release two giant wooden balls, and they have to push them through the goals. First team to two points wins. Playing for fishing gear and a fishing boat. There’s one more twist to be revealed after the challenge.

Todd sits out for Fei Long. First round is 2 women, one man. It’s raining as they start, of course! First up, Aaron Amanda and Denise, taking on Eric Sherea and Jaime.

The balls are released, Jeff yells go, and Aaron has a free shot, until They’re stopped. Sherera takes Denise on, and Jamie makes her way slowly toward the goal until Aaron pulls her down and Sherea take him down, and Amanda takes advantage. They’re all grappling and clothes are going off, Everybody is pulling everyone clothes off! Eric pulls Aaron off the ball and Amanda grabs it and scores for Fei Long!

Amanda “My mom is going to KILL ME!” as she pulls her top back on.

Jean Robert, James, Leslie taking on Dave, Ashley and Frosti. Survivors GO! James and Frosti go at it, Ashley BURIES Leslie. John Robert muscling his way through, Frosti holds on for dear life as James just pulls it and pushes them off, and it’s OVER!

FEI LONG WINS! (Oh I love James!) Two challenges, two wins!

Now for the twist - Fei Long gets to kidnap one member of the other tribe. That person will live with them until the immunity challenge. They choose Jaime. She carries a scroll, and she is to open it in private at Fei Long’s beach.

Back at Zhan Hu, they’re marveling at the rain, and they get back to see their camp has been completely flooded. AWWW! POOR FROGGY! ON the plus side, Dave’s fire pit is standing above water. Makes him happy.

Back at Fei Long, they picked Jaime because she was their ray of sunshine and want to demoralize him. Todd and Leslie start to make sure all their stuff remains where it is, because Art of War talks about stealing from your opponent.

Jamie opens her scroll and finds out she is able to pick someone to give a clue to the whereabouts of the immunity idol.

Jean Robert lays down to rest again, and Aaron get into a bit of a fight and Courtney (EAT A SAMMICH! GAWD!) is irritated. (Shock.) Meanwhile, Jaime is listening, and ready to tell her tribe that they should be winning because Fei Long bickers.

Speaking of Zhan Hu, Dave hands out jobs, and tells Ashley to break down wood, and she gives him attitude, and he explains, and apologizes, even though she’s annoying. Sherea says that he does talk down to her, and you can’t boss adults around without pissing them off. And they’re still bickering. Dave decides to take five. Ashley of course is totally annoyed and says “He’s the most irritating person on the planet. He’s. Just. So. Patronizing!”

Back at Fei Long, Leslie complains about being sick and dirty and cries because she doesn’t have her bible. Jaime says that she is going to give the clue to the weakest link. She chooses Leslie, and gives it to her. Leslie feels like the Lord gave her a gift. She reads the clue, and it suggests its hidden in plain sight and it’s obvious. She starts looking around - and we get a shot of it. It is RIGHT ON the gateway to their camp!

Leslie is still looking, and is really standing right under it. She feels if it was a snake it’d bit her. She decides to use it to earn someone’s trust, and she goes to Todd. She trusts him. Todd tells us he’s shocked, he never would have done so! He hopes that Leslie gets sick and goes, leaving him as the only one with the information.

…Part three, here!

Survivor, Survivor: China, Immunity, CBS, Jeff Probst, Reality TV

Here’s my play-by-play recap of today’s Survivor! I’m going to break it up into smaller posts, to make it easier to read for ya’ll too, so they’ll be up a little later then before, but will have pictures included from the get-go. That said, here we go!

Previously on Survivor….

We rejoin our Survivors (MONKEYS!) at Zhan Hu on day four, where Dave is telling them that the fire has to be done properly, unlike their shelter that still isn’t right. Dave says he didn’t want to be in the leadership roll, but for the betterment of the tribe, he’ll do what’s necessary. Dave and Peih-Gee are already butting heads, and he’s trying to get them moving without argument. Peih-Gee thinks they’re not being competitive, and then she backs down in front of the group. Eric says Peih-Gee is second in command. He appreciates Dave’s good ideas, but he gives off a sense that he’ll go his with his own ideas, no matter what. Eric thinks they’re getting fed up already.

You know - I think this intro is my favorite yet! Stunning, and I like the undertones. I do hate that stupid snake that pops up though. UGH.

At Fei Long, James is pushing down trees again (RAWR) and the busy bees are working hard - all except for Jean-Robert, who’s snoring away and annoying everyone, and big shock, Courtney complains about it. He doesn’t do anything, he gets up, lays down, he’s SO TIRED…

Todd and Amanda have decided to make an alliance until the merge, and though she thinks he’s devious, she’s willing to work with that. They decide to pull in Aaron, so he has to take the wrap for anything. They shake hands on it to show trust. (OH KAIL! - whoops, wrong show.)

They have a tribal powwow, to get into a routine, and Jean Robert says he wants to rest, and they tell him he needs to pull his weight. Leslie tells us he needs to step it up. He’s trying to divert attention from him, but no one’s buying it. John-Robert says he’s contributing “with his mind” and he tells us that he’s doing it on purpose, seeming lazy, and then they’ll be impressed when he steps it up. (Ooookay. That doesn’t sound like a very good plan to me!)

Back at Zhan Hu, they’re working to make a fire pit. Dave is leading the effort, of course, and he feels that it’s an achievable goal. Jaime is still complaining about not having food, thinks they’ll work better with food. She wants a baby fire to make some rice, but they’re not listening to her. She gets splashed with mud, and goes down to wash up, and talks to Ashley - wearing just a handkerchief as a top - and Sherea and bitch about no food, and the fact they haven’t tried to make a fire. Ashley is starving and pissed off. She confronts David and says nothing is being done properly, and he gets pissy “How many fires have you built, sweetheart?” Dave tells us he doesn’t WANT to fight, but if she wants one he’ll give it to her.

Part 2 here!

Survivor, Survivor: China, Immunity, CBS, Jeff Probst, Reality TV

Can’t wait another 4 hours to know more? ME EITHER! Fortunately, CBS loves to indulge our obsessions, and has posted Jeff Probst’s thoughts on tonight’s episode. I can’t wait!

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

I’m beginning to think - by looking at the pictures for tomorrow’s Survivor: China - that it might rain a lot in China, and that might result in quite a lot of mud, and some really messy challenges. I’m not sure WHAT gave me that idea, but just it might be a direct result of these press shots for tomorrow’s episode!

1. “Splashdown!”

2. “Frosti Attacks!” (alternatively titled “Ashley gets some a..”)

3. “This ain’t heavy. I bury people.” This one cracks me up - because they’re straining SO HARD, and James looks like “just another day at work, folks.”

And then, some life around camp shots.
4. It seems they asked for more rain - at least one of them does!

5. And they get a lot of mud as a result. So nice to see Ashley is still working hard. Ha.

Meanwhile, Josh the flight attendant tries to reach his beloved skies, and ends up simply hanging around.

24 hours to go until Episode 2! Who do you think will win immunity? Who’s your pick to stay, to go? Any early favorites? Sound off!

(pictures via SurvivorFever)

Survivor, Survivor: China, Immunity, CBS, Jeff Probst, Reality TV

Here’s the last of the behind the scenes youtube videos that Jeff Probst did while in China. (at least the last of the batch currently posted!) Enjoy!

Day in the life of Jeff Probst

Anatomy of a challenge

Walk to a challenge

As we eagerly await episode two of Survivor: China, I know I can’t be the only one who is trying to figure out just how The Art of War fits into the whole scheme of Survivor and reality TV. In all the years of Survivor, the contestants have always been given a little ‘how too’ boot camp, where they’re told what they can and can’t eat, and what to do in a crisis. However, this is the first time they’ve been given an actual text and told to read it, that it will come in handy. Is it just to pull in more Chinese culture, or will it really help?

Granted, I’ve never actually seen or read a copy of The Art of War and I don’t expect it to pop up on my reading lists anytime soon. According to wikipedia, The Art of War is:

…a Chinese military treatise written during the 6th century BC by Sun Tzu. Composed of 13 chapters, each of which is devoted to one aspect of warfare, it has long been praised as the definitive work on military strategies and tactics of its time.

Fantastic - what the heck does that have to do with Survivor? Over at The Useless Tree, Aiden has some thoughts on that, even though not a fan of the show. (Gasp! I know!)

I don’t know much about the whole Survivor thing, but I imagine that one aspect of it would make for a somewhat complex application of Sun Tzu: ultimately, Survivor is a Hobbesian context, a “war” of all against all, as each contestant looks out primarily for his or her self-interest. Alliances and teams are, therefore, very transitory. A strategic decision that assumes that a certain individual is with you might turn out to be costly if and when that person turns against you. This is not quite the circumstance that Sun Tzu was assuming (he was dealing with relatively stable military organizations: he knew who was on his side and who, generally, was against him. His own soldiers were not likely to turn on him). This would make the “ground” aspect of the book especially important - i.e. being constantly aware of immediate surroundings and conditions.

While I would like to avoid the orientalist “exotic China” thing, I can imagine the immediate relevance of Sun Tzu to reality TV:
- war is all about deception;
- the most effective engagement is the one that is not fought (i.e. the initial deployment and shape of one’s “force” is sufficient to deter or scare off the enemy).
- the best strategy is to attach the other’s strategy.
- use spies.
- be meticulous in planning and preparation.
- know that there are some battles that should not be fought.

Interesting. As for me, I just thought “Oh! Pretty scroll!” followed quickly by “Pick a leader? That always ends badly - for the leader!” Guess I have something to learn from Sun Tzu, after all.

Survivor, Survivor: China, CBS, Jeff Probst, Reality TV, The Art of War, contestants

Last night, China’s Chicken was the first to get the boot, and he made up for his late episode silence by talking Reality News Online’s ear off! I don’t think I’ve ever seen so much given with so few questions before! He’s certainly a character - someone I think my dad, being from West Virginia himself, would have gotten along well with!

Here’s just a taste - and his shortest answer of all…

RNO: Your exclamation of “Damn!” when you were voted out may have been one of the best reactions to a vote ever – and certainly made a couple of your tribemates jump. Where did the sudden emotion come from?

Chicken: I was expressing myself, let me tell you. You just get over the shock and try to reason with it. They’ve got no reason. They were standing around and my name come up. There was five people talking and that’s where the luck comes in. My name was mentioned and there’s people who don’t care for what reason. They’re not thinking I can feed ‘em and take care of ‘em. They’re thinking, “if he wants to take him out I’ll do it too.”

I believe my name just come up and four people standing there said we’ll send him home. They’re not thinking of the reasons, my name come up. That’s what makes this game so great. Peih-Gee’s name could’ve come up. Just one of those things about luck. I believe that’s what happened. No one hates me and my name just come up. Maybe I’m wrong too. I’m not the sharpest tool in the tool shed but that’s my own opinion.

Miss his exclamation? Check it out! Made me laugh out loud!

It definitely seems that the most vocal, and most stubborn get the boot first. He could have done well for that tribe if they’d have been less inclined to talk dance, and more inclined to get shelter going. His lines about the mud cracked me up!

I’m kinda sad to see the ol’ codger go, after reading that interview - how about you?

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

-:15 It’s here, it’s here it’s HERE! Thanks again to ATI for live streaming the east coast episodes for me! Saved my behind on Big Brother Craze, and totally saves me here too! Buckle up, kids - It’s almost Live Bloggin Time!

:00 Welcome to Survivor! These survivors will be sent back into time and experience a culture in place for 5000 years. The survivors are different walks of life, from the lunch lady to the grave digger, professional wrestler to a 20 year old student, the youngest survivor ever. The adventure will play out in the shadows of a temple and AHHH! SNAKE! (phobia time!) on the shores of a lake of 1000 islands!

The ultimate challenge - 16 people battling the elements and each other. Adapt or be voted out. 39 Days. 16 People. 1 Survivor!

Oh - I LIKE the new theme, with the Chinese undertones - Nice!

A gong sounds, and the Survivors are led into a Buddest temple. Chicken says walking in was an adventure, he’s like a kid in a carnival - he loved it. Peih-Gee says being Chinese and being in China is amazing, her Grandfather passed away a while ago and would be thrilled.

Jeff welcomes everyone - and tells them they will partake of a Buddest ceremony, and it’s not a worship ceremony. The people want them to feel welcomed. Denise says it was emotional, and she was almost in tears. Courtney was irreverent, and they bowed for days, and were there forever! Swear to god! Leslie felt like it was worship, and she believes she couldn’t kneel to any other god. She walked out of the ceremony.

Jeff calls her out on it, and says Leslie didn’t make it through the whole ceremony, and she replies that she didn’t want to be disrespectful, but it felt like worship. She says she’ll play the game and be herself. If they like her, or not, so be it.

The Survivors are told they’ll be going into the game with only the clothes on their back! Ashley has on HUGE boots, and Courtney says she doesn’t have on a bra - Jeff says she’ll be popular, or a liability. They separate into tribes - The Yellow buffs - are Fighting Tigers, Zhan Hu Tribe. Red Tribe are the Flying Dragons, the Fei Long Tribe.

Jeff continues his introduction, and tells them the single greatest Document for strategy is the Chinese Art of War, and gives them a copy of it, as well as a map to their new home. Fei Long heads to the right, and Zhan Hu to the left. Good luck!

The scenery is STUNNING… Fei Long is on the lake in the middle of China, Aaron says he doesn’t think his tribe knows what’s going on, and sees himself as a leader but tries to do it subtly as possible. They find their camp, and their rice and ax. There is no flint, and it starts to rain.

Courtney is already irritated, marooned in a land of Sunday school teachers and flight attendants. She calls it her own private hell, it’s people she doesn’t like to be around - always “its so great, amazing, good job!’ Ha!

They find their place for Tree Mail, but nothing there. The flight attendant (Todd) is accused of being devious already, by Jean Robert and isn’t sure he’s really a flight attendant. He tells him he knows he’s clever, and watch out. Todd says hey, don’t tell people I’m sharp. I’ll do anything to stay here. He tells us he doesn’t want people saying Watch out for Todd already! $1 million is a LOT of money!

:14 Commercial! (Bear with me guys as I get everyone’s names down! (laugh))

:17 We come back to watching the other tribe find their camp. Sherea is having problems because she’s in heels, and says it is already way harder then she expected. Ashley helps the guys find some wood to salvage, and Chicken says that it won’t be big enough for everyone and wants them to build one. Chicken says he gots an opinion just like everyone else. He tells us he’s got a lot of experience over “these characters” He’s just givin his opinon and no one wants it so he won’t do that no more. MONKEY!

People have trouble believing Ashley is a wrestler. She tells us it’s helped her prepare for this game. It’s a positive, and she knows her fans want her to win.

Peih Gee says they’re on the lazy tribe - people are standing around and dancing and talking about things that don’t matter. She’s so serious. It starts to rain, and they finally start thinking of shelter. They ask Chicken what he thinks and he says whatever you want we’ll do it.

Cut to Fei Long, where they’re building away on their shelter, and the Grave Digger (James) is like PUSHING trees down. He’s a monster. Todd says they’re working really well together and getting along great. Leslie tells us James is amazing, he’s superman, and works and works. She says he’s quiet so asks him what he does and looks kinda shocked when he says “bury people.” She tells him to be himself, and he’ll be fine. He tells us that stratagizing and social aspects will be hard, but will hustle in the challenges and make them love him.

Nightfall - Zhan Hu. it’s raining again. The heavens have opened up, completely with lightening, and the tribe looks MISERABLE. Next morning, they realize that where they put the shelter was a bad idea, and Chicken asks them again what they want to do. He figures it was a reality check for everyone, and maybe they’ll come together. Chicken takes the lead and starts building a shelter. The women head off to look for fronds, and Ashley gets sick and lays down.

She tells us it was rough, and she’s pretty sick. Chills, and dry heaving. Everyone feels bad for her. She says she’s wrestled sick before, she has to stay in the game and hopes it will pass. Dave tells us that he thought she would be stronger, but if her health stays the same, she’s going first.

:26 Commercial!

:29 We’re back, at Fei Long, where they have their first Tree Mail! Bad ass Dragon. The untested enemy you must face today… will you lead your tribe to victory, or be the first to depart? Immunity challenge is coming up! They decide to look at the Art of War, and they choose Aaron to lead them, and Todd pushes the role on him, because he doesn’t want the position himself. Aaron says it is just going for it, and he’s ready.

At Zhan Hu, they read their tree mail, and Ashley says she’s doing ok. Frosti says he’s ready, and he’s a procur athlete - basically you go from point a-b fastest way possible, over and through.

Time for the Immunity Challenge!
Jeff asks about the first three days. Chicken says it’s as well as expected, they’re doing ok. Jean-Robert says the worst part is being drenched and without sleep. Time for the first challenge

Each tribe will be teathered too and carry the ceremonial mascot - awkward and heavy. Race through the course, then the leader will race across to lower the bridge, then return to free their tribe mates. They all continue, solve a puzzle, and put their pole in the correct hole. They’re playing for immunity and fire!

One more thing - running shoes for the challenge, and they get to keep them.

Survivors ready? GO! James is at the head of the Dragon, Frosti at the head of the Tiger. GO! Denise falls, and they are dead even even on, the tribe that works together will win… Still dead even up the first platforms! Fei Long (Red) is in the lead, Frosti close on their heels. James is having problem unclipping, and Frosti and James leap across the first wall, Frosti had to go back to release the draw bridge, James first back to the gate, Frosti and he clip in at the same time, and they’re neck and neck again!

Into the swamp, they have to stick together, the Yellow Tiger is struggling, they keep dipping it down. Fei Long is first to the finish platform, and starts putting their poles into the correct order - Zhan Hu getting no where with the puzzle.

Fei Long (Red) wins Immunity and Fire!

Zhan Hu - date with Jeff at Tribal Council where the first person will be voted out of Survivor: China.

:38 Commercial!

:42 We’re back and rejoin the Zhan Hu tribe as they get back to camp, and Pieh-Gee has a moment where she has to cry, and (who is that again?) asks them to act like a full tribe, and they have a crappy decision. Peih Gee says it’s hard and they need a shelter, and starts taking charge of making the shelter. Chicken is asked his opinion again, and he won’t really say anything. It’s starting to get to Peih-Gee, she says it’s not worth it to her if he won’t step in with his strength.

Ashley says that if your going to start barking out orders and be a leader, you can’t cry after a challenge. Ashley says she feels a million times better, and would hate to think one day of being sick would dominate. Chicken asks Frosti what she did the day before, and he defends her and says she was sick. Chicken says that wasn’t the question. He feels like Ashley is going, because she ain’t done nuthin. Frosti won’t say what he’s thinking yet.

The going thought is that Peih-gee and Chicken are the two people at risk. It’s time to make stuff happen.

Time for Tribal Council!
Time to light the torches, because fire represents life. Let’s talk about the first few days. Jeff asks Peih-Gee if it was more then she bargained for. She says it’s astounding, the there’s mud everywhere, and they don’t have a good shelter. Chicken says it took two days to build a shelter, he don’t want to grab the bull by the horns.

Jeff asks who would step up and be a leader. Dave says he will, as does Peih-gee. Dave says it’s time to step up, and he’ll do what he can to pull the Tribe together. Peih-gee says someone has to do it, floundering around is death. Jeff asks if it was a tribal decision, to seek a leader? Peih-Gee says yes! And Jeff cautions her that the vote hasn’t happened yet.

Dave says it’s time to put the least productive people out. Chicken says his vote will be who’s done the least. Eric says that contributions are huge, especially knowing how long it takes to build a shelter. Ashley thought she was fitting in for a while, but now she feels like she broke down for a day, and if you put that into the equation, she’s technically done the least work. She says she’s feeling uneasy. Chicken says outright that he doesn’t fit in, but he’s not the one who’s done the least amount of work. Do you want the guy that don’t fit in out, or the guy who works. If they don’t open their eyes, they’ll be seeing Jeff a lot.

It is time to vote. Frosti’s up first. Ashley votes for Peih-Gee, as she feels Dave is already their leader. Chicken votes for Ashley - wrong place, wrong time, he says. Peih-Gee votes for Chicken and says he’s lived up to his name, he’s been too chicken to step up and they don’t need that.

Time to tally the votes!

Votes: Chicken, Ashley, Ashley, Peih-Gee, Chicken, Chicken, First person voted out of Survivor: China, Chicken - who lets out a “DAMN!” that makes Frosti jump. The tribe has spoken. “I heard’em.”

Jeff says that they will go back with their torches, and they will have fire, and gives them flint as well. Time to head back to camp!

:55 Commercial!

:58 Next time, on Survivor: China…. At Fei Long, the poker player’s bluff is called, Dave takes command at Zhug Hu and the pro wrestler comes out of Ashley.

Chicken tells us the young group didn’t come together, it was a shock and he doesn’t think they will, they’re playing by the seat of their pants. But there is no one who is more proud to be a small part of a big adventure. It was an honor to be there.

–
So, what did you think of the first episode? I already don’t like Leslie or Ashley… any one sticking out to you yet? Who is your front runner favorite after the first episode? Sound off!

This morning, Jeff was on Live with Regis and Kelly this morning, talking about Survivor: China!
And! It includes a clip from tomorrow night’s show!

Also - Do you and you’re buddies like to hover around the water coolers Thursday morning and debate who will be voted out next? Do you compare notes Friday? Jim, at Fun Office Pools, grabbed me for a link exchange, and I thought I’d point it out for you, so you and your office have a great place to root on your favorites all season long! (If it hasn’t gone live yet - it IS coming along the links on the sidebar - promise!)

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

The day is almost here! Survivor: China premieres in just TWO MORE DAYS! So here’s some more Jeff Probst fun to watch while we wait!

This clip is from actober.com, they’re having a contest - re-enact an immortal postseason moment and you could win a trip to the World Series! Jeff Probst shows us how it’s done Survivor Style!

And, for the fourth year in a row, Probst is acting as spokes person for St Jude’s Children’s Hospital fundraiser, createapepper. In partnership with Chili’s Grill and Bar, St. Jude’s invites people to get creative for a worthy cause between now and September 30th.

What can you do?

Make a donation to St. Jude, for which patrons will receive a Create-A-Pepper coloring sheet. Guests’ coloring sheets will be displayed in restaurants during the month.

Purchase Create-A-Pepper T-shirts that can be customized with permanent marker.

Purchase Create-A-Pepper Gift Cards and dog tags. Chili’s will donate $1 to St. Jude for every $25 purchased in commemorative Create-A-Pepper Gift Cards.

Eat at Chili’s on Monday, Sept. 24, when Chili’s will donate 100 percent of its profits from restaurant sales to St. Jude.

Jeff Probst, host and producer of the Emmy™ Award-winning CBS-TV series “Survivor,” serves as spokesperson for the campaign and is featured in a public service announcement that can be viewed at www.createapepperpresskit.com. Probst urges people nationwide to participate in the campaign, explaining that “you go into any Chili’s during the month of September and simply make a donation to color a pepper. It doesn’t sound like a lot, but every dollar helps the children who depend on the life-saving research and care provided by St. Jude.”

Check it out!

Also - remember Billy Garcia’s walk for Diabetes? I’m THRILLED to say that he’s met his goal, thanks to Barbara (aka - mah mama!) at Diabetes Health Talk! What say you take a peak over at his fundraiser page, and see if you can’t help him DOUBLE his goal before the walk?

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

Miss the preview on the TV Guide channel? Don’t worry, I did too! But folks on YouTube have our back, for sure! Hosted by Earl Cole, we get the first view at what we have to look forward too on Thursday, from the Immunity Idols, the opening ceremony, and more in-depth intros to the contestants to a tour of the Tribal Council! Check it out!

It’s almost here, ya’ll! Who are you’re early picks for the season? Make a prediction or four by clicking the comment button below!

Want to be a dreamteamer for Survivor? Want to know what that IS? Well, here you go - Jeff Probst gives us another look behind the scenes, and shows us just who tests all the challenges before the contestants perform them! And what it costs to keep them happy…

And some Day One shots…

I’m SO EXCITED! It’s almost here! Just 8 more days!!

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

CBS posted this on YouTube for us yesterday! Survivor host, Jeff Probst, gives us a handheld camera tour of the Base Camp, from production, to the instructions how to use a western toilet, to the medical department - where the guy has a LOVELY accent.

As interesting as all that stuff was… um, HEY JEFF! Go back to the medical department! I’m feeling faint….

Hey all!

My blog buddy Billy Garcia is working his name and fame for a good cause!

This year, I’ll be taking part in JDRF’s Walk to Cure Diabetes, along with one-half million other walkers across the country, including some of my Survivor brethren as we try to reach our goal of raising $90 million.

Type 1, or juvenile, diabetes, is a devastating disease that affects millions of people - a large and growing percentage of them children.

There is some good news, though. For the first time, scientists are predicting that we CAN expect to see a cure well within our lifetime!

Now, more than ever, you can make a crucial difference. Won’t you please give to JDRF as generously as possible? Together, we can make the cure a reality! A Buck or Two CAN make a HUGE difference!

Again, I’ve set a new goal and it’s not much. every little bit helps!

Diabetes is something I know and understand the repercussions of first hand as my dad was diagnosed when I was five years old and has been working to remain healthy ever since then. My mother writes for 451 Press at Diabetes Health Talk, as well, and I’m happy to help Billy spread the word.

Every little bit helps, and he’s nearing the deadline for his fund raising! Please take the time to click here to visit his fundraising page and if you can, make a donation! Thank you in advance!

(More details can be found at Reality 4 Diabetes - including the other Reality stars who are participating!)

And! If you’re in the Chicago area, be sure and check this out! Mookie Lee, Survivor: Fiji, is raising money for Active Chicago, once again! There’s an event THIS FRIDAY, September 14th, where many Survivor’s will be attending and all proceeds go to Active Chicago. It runs from 9pm-1am, at A New Leaf, in Chicago. There will be Open Bar, Food, Performances and music by Dance2xs and DJ Rock City!

Survivors Alex (Fiji), Mookie (Fiji), Becky (Cook Islands), Jenny (Cook Islands), Edgardo (Fiji) will all be in attendance, as well as James and Howie from Big Brother! Be sure to check it out if you’re in the area!

What’s Earl up to?

Earl Cole, winner of Survivor Fiji, has decided to use part of his winnings to buy a home in Fiji, where he spent last December competing, and winning, the $1 million grand prize. Earl fell in love with the country while there, and is planning on buying a house along the Coral Coast for his mother to live. Part of the allure is that Fiji is a Christian country, and thus has the same morals and beliefs he and his family hold true.

“This is God’s country” he said of Fiji, “And it’s a great place. There’s a lot to do for this country.”

He plans on promoting the country everywhere he goes after spending a recent holiday vacationing in Fiji. With the winnings from Survivor, Earl is also launching his own multi-media company, A-Frame Productions, which will produce music, television series, documentaries and films.

(photo via Fiji Times Online)

(Photo via TMZ)

And, last but not least - the guy we love to hate, the one and only Johnny Fairplay - is PROCREATING. Yes indeed, and not only that, but with a MODEL from America’s Next Top Model! (Who, if I remember right, came out as bisexual or gay on the show… don’t quote me though!) That’s right. Johnny Fairplay and Michelle Deighton are expecting a baby early next year. She’s 17 weeks along and Johnny told TMZ that they couldn’t be happier, and he sure wouldn’t lie about that!

Would he?

Well, either way, Watching Survivor wishes Johnny and Michelle all the best and congratulations! When’s the Reality Baby Shower?