Survivor 12 Panama

Feed Change

2007-03-26T16:15:00.001-04:00

I will be ending the RSS feed for Survivor 12 Panama, please change to http://feeds.feedburner.com/SurvivorHut

Also visit my Survivor blog Survivor Hut - http://survivorhut.blogspot.com

Survivor Hut Has Started

2006-08-29T16:17:00.000-04:00

I have started my new Survivor blog, Survivor Hut, please check it out. The URL is http://survivorhut.blogspot.com .

This blog will no longer be updated.

Heidi Strobel Update

2006-06-01T19:34:00.000-04:00

Heidi Strobel, who finished fifth in Survivor Amazon, is dating Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Cole Hamels.

Heidi got naked on Survivor for food and later posed for Playboy. She also contracted malaria while on Survivor.

Cole Hamels is a young pitcher recently called up by the Phillies. He has a colorful past that includes a bar fight while he was in the minor leagues in which he broke his hand (really not a good idea for a pitcher).

The lovely couple at Wikipedia: Heidi and Cole.

'Survivor' Winner In Trouble at Work

2006-05-29T19:12:00.000-04:00

Million-dollar winner's $34,000-a-year highway job on the line.
Friday, May 26, 2006
Ted Wendling, Plain Dealer Bureau

Columbus -- Chris Daugherty, a state highway worker, survived 39 days on the volcanic South Pacific island of Vanuatu in 2004, walking away with $1 million for winning the CBS reality show.

But it looks like he may not weather an Ohio Department of Transportation investigation into the unauthorized leave of absence he took last fall to join past "Survivor" winners for a European tour.

An ODOT hearing officer ruled Thursday that Daugherty, 35, was guilty of taking the unauthorized leave and of dishonesty for falsely claiming that he needed time off work because he was under stress and suffering from depression.

ODOT investigators concluded that, after being denied a leave because he had used all but 29 hours of his vacation, sick leave and personal leave, Daugherty submitted a bogus excuse from a doctor in London, Ohio, that said he needed to take off a month because he was suffering from anxiety and depression.

Daugherty later admitted to an ODOT investigator that he cured his depression by attending the CBS-sponsored "Survivor" tour.
full story

My Take
I admire him for not quitting his job after winning the million dollars, but did he really expect to get away with lying in order to go to Europe? The excuse about the trip curing his depression also sounds questionable. Good luck with all of that, Chris.

'Survivor' Ratings Flagging

2006-05-25T16:10:00.000-04:00

Off 17 percent heading into its Sunday finale.
by Toni Fitzgerald, May 12, 2006

Ratings for CBS's "Survivor: Exile Island" have been eroding all season, and with the final episode just days away, they are not getting any better.

Last night's penultimate episode averaged a 5.7 overnight rating among adults 18-49. While that was well ahead of the second-place finisher, NBC's sitcoms, it was down 17 percent from the same night last year, when the second-to-last episode earned a 6.9.
full story at Media Life Magazine

Is the end near for our favorite reality show? I'm fairly sure it will last at least another year (two more Survivor seasons), but what about after that?

Are there any changes that can be made to extend the life of the show? New host? New locations? New format or challenges? Include Survivors from other English speaking countries?

What I like about Survivor is the interaction of people. And people-wise Exile Island was more interesting than Guatemala, although Guatemala was one of the more interesting locales.

Now it is hard to imagine anyone other than Jeff Probst hosting Survivor, but before Survivor I would not have thought that the former host of Rock 'n' Roll Jeopardy would have done this good of job. So I'm open to the idea of a new host, but I don't think any former contestants will be very good as host.

Well, that's about all I have for now.
Enjoy your Memorial Day weekend but don't forget its meaning.

Terry 'Deserved' to Win?

2006-05-17T12:46:00.000-04:00

A lot of people seem to think that Terry 'deserved' to win. Their argument is that he won most of the challenges and that he is 'honest' and has 'integrity,' so he should get the million dollars.

Well, here's some food for thought:
1. Terry had an alliance with Dan, so much so that Dan said that he felt betrayed by Terry when he was voted off. Terry voted to remove Dan after promising him he wouldn't. Is that being honest or acting with integrity? I don't think so.
2. Survivor is a game of social interaction much more than a game of competitions. Group Immunity challenges are largely a crap-shoot and no one can expect to win all of the Individual Immunity challenges. Terry couldn't break into Casaya because he lacked the social skills. His only 'strategy' was to win all of the Individual Immunity challenges which is not a realistic game plan.
3. After the merger Terry couldn't make any real alliances with former Casaya members so he had no alliance to betray, so he looks honest. Late in the game it was easy for Terry to promise Danielle the final two with him and even easier to remind her of the promise after she won the final Immunity. Terry may be socially retarded but he's smart enough to know that he would have won the money sitting next to Danielle.

So please spare me the 'Terry deserved to win' talk. Yes he's a good father, husband and he honorably served our country as a naval aviator but in the game of Survivor he was one dimensional. He was good at the challenges but lacked in the social aspects of the game.

I like Cirie but she was the opposite of Terry. She was good at the social aspects of the game but weak in the challenges. Aras was well balanced at both parts of the game so he won.

News Flash: Hatch Sentenced (updated)

2006-05-16T16:02:00.000-04:00

PROVIDENCE, Rhode Island (AP)
Richard Hatch, who won $1 million in the debut season of "Survivor," was sentenced Tuesday to 51 months in prison for failing to pay income taxes on his reality TV prize and other earnings.

Hatch, 45, was convicted in January. The charges carried a maximum of 13 years in prison.

U.S. District Judge Ernest Torres said he issued a harsher than expected sentence because Hatch had committed perjury repeatedly during his trial.

"It seems unfortunately very clear to me that Mr. Hatch lied," Torres said.

full story (at CNN)

Update: several news organizations are reporting that Richard Hatch must also "undergo psychological counseling." Also his web site www.RichHatch.com has been inactive for at least several days now. What? No jailhouse blog from Hatch?

Ain't That A Shane?

2006-05-16T12:33:00.000-04:00

At the Jury Shane was full of righteous indignation towards Aras and Danielle. I know Shane is crazy and all, but wasn't he being hypocritical?

Shane was going to betray Aras but Aras beat him to it and yet this is why Shane was so upset with Aras - that Aras betrayed him!

Shane was similarly upset with Danielle for wavering in the Casaya alliance but wasn't it Shane who sat down with Aras after the merger and tell him that he might 'shake things up' by aligning with some former La Mina members? Later in private, Shane hailed his acting as brilliant strategy and said that he was in control of the game. I guess it's all right when Shane does such things but wrong when Danielle does it.

However I'm glad for Shane's performance at the Jury, otherwise it would have been boring. "Why should I vote for the other of you?' 'What will you do with the responsibility of the million dollars?' 'What was your best and worst move in the game?' (I'm still trying to make out what the heck Courtney was talking about.) These questions make for a boring Jury, it needs a little venom and bile to make it interesting.

Aftermath

2006-05-15T11:13:00.000-04:00

First off, to all of the people complaining that the final Immunity challenge was 'rigged' so Danielle would win it - get a clue. Challenges are thought up and created weeks in advance. Some competitions just naturally favor certain Survivors over others. Survivor is not primarily a game of physical competition, it is a game of social interaction.

My Favorite
Of the final four, I would have liked to have seen Cirie win. She played a great game which was even more amazing considering that she was afraid of leaves at the start of the show.

The Other Three
Danielle least deserved to win. She was just a lump that somehow managed to stay in the game. I don't think she was even smart enough to be playing 'under the radar.'

Terry was a tremendous physical threat but socially he was inept. Used to a world of logic and reason, he was lost in the haphazard, crazy world of Casaya.

Aras won because he is very balanced physically and socially which is what I think Survivor aims to achieve.

Curses Spoiled Again
The Car Curse lives on, at least Terry won a real SUV and not some ugly, mutant vehicle like in past seasons. If winning Final Immunity isn't a curse then maybe it should be. Has anyone who has won it gone on to win the million dollars? And so much for that 'betting spoiler' being correct 'every time.' Remember past spoilers are no guarantee of future spoiler returns.

Reunion
Cirie and Hunny Bunny stole the show, they obviously love and care for each other. Thank you America for voting to give them the SUV.

Shane was entertaining as well. Did someone steal his cuff links before the show? Where can I get a multi-colored striped dress shirt with French cuffs like the one he wore last night? I just wish a sweater wasn't covering most of it.

Bruce, a school teacher with 34 years of experience, was suspended without pay for going on Survivor? Most organizations would love all of the free publicity but not all apparently. I just read that half of all teachers quit teaching within three years. Way to go Bruce's school, you suck. The children are our future.

Cook Islands
Next on Survivor, the Cook Islands. Fear not, Exile Island will be back as Survivor moves to the South Pacific. We'll have to wait until the fall to see what new twists Mark Burnett has in store for the Survivors and viewers.

Survivor Hut
I'm moving my Survivor blog to Survivor Hut (http://survivorhut.blogspot.com). This will be my permanent Survivor home, so no more changing web addresses each Survivor season. I intend to have it up and going within about a week.

Thank You
Thanks for reading my ramblings about Survivor. I hope that this blog is entertaining and informative. If you have any suggestions on how to improve it then please leave a comment or Contact Me (pops a new browser window).

Next Update:
Tuesday or Wednesday, I'm going to watch the Survivor Live with the Final Four. I'll post my notes afterwards.

Finale: As It Aired

2006-05-14T19:41:00.000-04:00

As It Aired
May 14, 8:00 pm ET, GMT -4 hours
Survivor Panama, Episode 15
title: The Final Showdown
This post was updated as Survivor aired.

Welcome Readers from Survivor.com!
Please visit the main page of my Survivor blog before you leave for my latest thoughts. And next season I will be blogging at Survivor Hut.

Review of the season is over.
Tie breaker is now underway. Fire is life.
Cirie an early lead. Each had a fire go out. Danielle's fire now going steady.

Danielle Wins! Terry smiles too.

Jeff Probst's Final Thought
You've made it to the final three.

Cirie's Final Words
Proud to have gotten this far.

First Interview: Danielle
Worked hard to win the fire building tie breaker. Terry talks about his pack with Danielle to go to the final two together. Terry shows them the Immunity Idol. Danielle says that she's trapped between two macho guys who are rivals.

Reward Challenge
Reward: Power Meal, Cot & Blanket
Type of Challenge: Race Up Climbing Wall.
Terry won Reward. (No one goes to Exile Island)
Aras ahead, first up wall. Terry in second but pulls out the win. Danielle never even got all of her pegs together to try and climb the wall.

Camp. Aras and Danielle talk like they have a pact; Aras says one of us has got to win Immunity. They eat a lot of fish. Terry returns from his meal with his cot. In private Aras says this really puts the pressure on Terry to win Immunity.

Terry reads Tree Mail, it has instruction for the Survivor Memorial at Exile Island. Video memorial of the other Survivors in the order in which they left the game. They burn everyones torhces in the freaky looking skull-shaped shelter on Exile Island.

Final Immunity Challenge
Type of Challenge: Balance on a Series of Floating Platforms.
Danielle won Final Immunity.
Fifteen minutes on each platform, they get smaller each time.
All three move on to the Second Platform.
All three move on to the Third Platform. This is a hard one to balance on. Terry had trouble even starting and is the first one to fall off. Aras goes off shortly afterwards.

Danielle wins the final Immunity! Her first one too. Will she chose Terry to be in the final two with her?

Scheming Is Free
Danielle says that she will take who she thinks has the best chance of beating. So much for that pact with Terry. Terry is calmly making his case with her (Aras not present). Basically he says he's the one because of Casaya loyalty. Now Aras and Danielle talking. Aras claims to have Cirie's vote and if Danielle doesn't take him to the final two then she will lose both their votes.

Tribal Council
Danielle says it's an honor to win final immunity. Terry admits he had the Immunity Idol. Aras says he though he was easily the choice to be in the final two with Danielle. Danielle says again how conflicted she is. Time to vote.
Danielle selects Aras to be in the Final Two with her. As Terry leaves he says to Danielle "You lied" and then to everyone 'Thanks for the adventure.'

Jeff Probst's Final Thought
Congratulations to Danielle and Aras, the power now shifts to the Jury.

Terry's Final Words
My biggest mistake was not keeping the game in my hands . . . not bad for a 46 year old guy.

Last Day at Camp
Aras says that he has played with integredy. Danielle decided on Aras because of the Casaya connection. She trusted her gut. Food in the morning to help celebrate the final two. Aras slips and falls while drinking from a champagne glass and cuts himself on the back and hand. Danielle kind of freaks out. The doctors/medics show up to stitch Aras. Aras gets all philosophical about his accident. Aras and Danielle are all hugy and nice to each other.

The Jury
Opening Statements
Aras: wow guys, thank you, amazing experience. Worked my butt off in camp and challenges. I made an effort to get to know each of you. I played with integrity.

Danielle: Thank you making this an unbelieveable experience. I tried to play my best.

Questions
Sally: of 6 Casaya who helped the most to get you here?
Danielle names Cirie. Aras also says Cirie.

Bruce: What will responsibility of million dollars do?
Aras: try and make myself a better person.
Danielle: Share experience with young people.

Terry: rate 1 to 10 and why? (anger at Danielle first)
Aras: 9. Tried real hard.
Danielle: 8.5, 9. Cheesburger regret.

Austin: 1 positive move, 1 negative move?
Danielle: keep Bruce, Bob Dog off. Voting Courtney off bad, hard.
Aras: telling Melinda she's going. Not proud of voting off Shane.

Courtney: (rambles) What did you really learn about yourself?
Aras: My ego has been smashed.
Danielle: I didn't realize how mentally strong I can be.

Cirie: Why vote for other?
Danielle: Aras is an honorable and great person.
Aras: Danielle helped me after I cut my hand.

Shane: Terry most deserving. You two both are undeserving. Danielle never did anything. Aras, we had an agreement! You lied!! Judge on actions. I can't decide and I can't abstain so pick a number between 1 and a million.
Danielle: 10
Aras: 4

Final Statements (They both dealt with what Shane said about them.)
Danielle: wanted to be strong, be myself and make alliances. Feel played with honesty and integridy. Personaly I feel I grew. I think I did outwit, outplay and outlast.

Aras: Tough choice, I played the best way I know. Shane I'm sorry. Thank you guys.

Time to vote. Bruce is shown voting for Danielle and Terry for Aras.
Danielle: 2
Aras: 4

Aras Wins!

That's it for updates tonight, I'm going to sit back and enjoy the reunion. Check back tomorrow for my final thoughts about the reunion and the season.

Next Update:
Monday or Tuesday, my post episode analysis.

Ep. 15 Fantasy Picks, Rumors

2006-05-14T15:00:00.000-04:00

Survivor Fantasy
My picks, for what it's worth:
Aras, First Interviewed
Cirie, First Interviewed
Terry, First Interviewed
Danielle, First Interviewed

One of them has to be interviewed first, right? And I don't think anyone will be Exiled but maybe they all will be Exiled - what do I know? I guess Catches a Fish is a possibility but they were probably not thinking too much about eating with just a few days until one of them gets a million dollars (the same goes for Climbs a Tree). Gets Naked? I doubt it. Bit by a Shark? The shark is a red herring and has been all season. So that leaves First Interviewed. If you want to take a chance then go for one of them as First Interview and the rest Exiled.

There was a time when the Bonus Points were changed for the Finale. You basically picked the order that the final four would finish in and got points according to how correctly you guessed. CBS should go back to that.

Survivor Slackers
One last Thank You to the Survivor Slackers for allowing me to play along with you. We're in second place in the Private Tribes Leaderboard and spent a number of weeks recently at number one.

Finale Rumors, Speculation
It looks like Cirie loses the tie breaker. The final Immunity challenge comes down to Aras and Terry again. Most people are tipping Aras to win final Immunity and chose Danielle to be in the final two with him.

I think Aras would win then despite the 'betting spoiler.' Danielle has had a few people upset with her and she's seen as just 'flying under the radar.' She hasn't played the game, the others have played her and she has pissed a few of them off along the way. Aras has played the game without getting others mad at him. So Aras most likely wins this thing.

If Terry wins the final Immunity then I think he will chose Danielle to be in the final two with him. This would be a close vote and one that Danielle just might be able to win. Even though Casaya argued frequently (and often with Danielle) they are strangely loyal to one-another. Terry's best bet for two Casaya votes (to go with Austin and Sally) would be Shane and Courtney.

In the unlikely event that the two men are in the final two, Aras would win easily over Terry.

Next Update
Tonight night As It Airs 8:00 pm ET, GMT -4 hrs.

Preview Episode 15

2006-05-13T10:59:00.000-04:00

Title: The Final Showdown
Final Episode: Sunday May 14, 2006
CBS 8:00 pm ET -4 hrs. GMT, 2 hrs plus 1 hr. Reunion
Continued: Cirie and Danielle will compete in fire making to determine who is voted off at Tribal Council. If you are an astute viewer then you probably already know who wins from the preview at the end of last week's episode.

If past editions of Survivor are a guide then the final Immunity challenge will be one that tests endurance. Also expect to see some sort of memorial to all of the Survivors by the final three instead of a Reward challenge.

And the Winner is . . .
I will hold off on saying who I thinks wins until tomorrow. I will say this: I have heard rumors about each of the final four winning the million dollars.

The Tribe
Here's who's still playing the game:

old Casaya
Aras, Cirie, Danielle.

old La Mina
Terry.

Next Update
Sunday afternoon: my Survivor Fantasy picks and any last minute rumors that I get.
Sunday night: As It Airs 8:00 pm ET, GMT -4 hrs.

Danielle Looking Good

2006-05-12T10:07:00.000-04:00

Last night Terry, Aras and Cirie came off looking bad. Poor winner, sore loser and name calling - what is this a kindergarden playground?

Incessant Whine
Terry started things off by complaining about Cirie leaving things lying around camp. He had a point, someone could trip over stuff in the dark, but he sounded arrogant and whiny. However Cirie didn't need to call Terry names (King Terry, Captain America), it made her look bad too. Later Terry complained after losing the Reward challenge and it sounded like more whining to me.

Stinky Cheese and Whine
Aras sounded petty and childish as he pointed out Terry's whining and then asked him if he was going to 'pick on women' next. Lately Terry has acted like an arrogant jerk but I wouldn't say he's a misogynist.

Lotus Flower
Danielle looked good just by not getting involved in the little tiffs. She also wisely made a deal with Terry, which was rendered useless after Terry lost the Immunity challenge. Do I think she is a master strategist and the favorite to win? No but she showed me a little something last night.

Wider Is Better
It looks like there are plans to widen the Panama Canal.
Panama Canal expansion: the unknown financial factors

Next Updates:
Saturday afternoon, Preview, rumors and speculation.
Sunday afternoon, Survivor Fantasy picks, last minute rumors.
Sunday night, the Final episode As It Airs 8:00 pm ET -4 hrs GMT.

Episode 14: As It Airs

2006-05-11T18:56:00.000-04:00

As It Airs
May 11, 8:00 pm ET, GMT -4 hours
Survivor Panama, Episode 14
title: Call the Whambulence
This post was updated as Survivor aired.

First Interview: Cirie
At night after last week's Tribal Council Cirie gets into an argument with Terry, she calls him 'King Terry' and 'Captain America.' Terry was upset at Cirie for leaving things lying around camp.

Reward Challenge
Reward: Tour of Panama Canal on Luxury Yacht (and decide who gets Exile)
Type of Challenge: Mental - rope maze, assemble puzzle.
Aras won Reward (chose Cirie to share canal tour). Danielle and Terry Exiled.
Very close through 5 numbers found. Cirie and Danielle working to block Terry. However Terry first to start unlocking locks (Aras second). Aras wins and Terry complains about the rules of the game.

Canal Tour (Aras & Cirie): fly to yacht and 5 course meal. Drink champagne to final four. Talk about Terry whining at challenge. They go through the Canal and it looks pretty cool. [Did I read somewhere they're planning on widening the canal?]

Exile Island (Danielle & Terry): Terry says Aras getting emotional lately. Terry says that at the challange he was just trying to get a ruling on how he screwed up [it sounded like whining to me]. Planning for if Terry wins Immunity - he'll give Immunity Idol to Danielle and they'll vote off Aras.

Back at Camp (Aras & Cirie): Cirie tries to start fire with flint, says it's the first time for her. She's successful too.

Immunity Challenge
Type of Challenge: 3 Puzzles.
Aras won Immunity (Terry a close second).
Aras led early, Cirie fell behind early. Danielle has trouble finding puzzle pieces. Down to Aras and Terry.

Scheming Is Free
Terry goes to Aras and says that he needs an apolgy from him. Aras apologizes to Terry for saying Terry hates women at the Reward Challenge. Terry accepts and they shake hands.

Danielle worried about a tie, 2 votes each for Cirie and Danielle. They expect a fire building challenge to break the tie. Aras gives Cirie fire making tips.

Tribal Council
First Questioned: Aras.
Vote was a tie! Idol not used.
Tie breaker fire making challenge.
And the winner is . . . to be continued!!
Sunday night is the Big Final on CBS.

That's it for tonight.

Next Updates:
Friday post episode analysis, Saturday my pre-view of the Sunday final.

Note: Sunday May 14 is the Final 2 hour episode and 1 hour reunion.

Ep. 14 Fantasy Picks

2006-05-11T15:01:00.000-04:00

Survivor Fantasy
My picks, for what it's worth:
Aras, Exiled
Cirie, First Interviewed
Terry, First Interviewed
Danielle, First Interviewed

I think Cirie has a good shot at being First Interviewed since she was the swing vote last week. I also think she may be the one voted off so that may get her First Interview as well. I have a feeling Terry wins Reward and sends Aras to Exile.

Terry will also try and get Aras voted off but won't be able to get the necessary votes. Cirie will be voted off instead, Aras will see her as the only one he can lose to and Terry cannot be voted off and Danielle will just go along with the others.

If Terry is smart and he wins Immunity then he should consider giving Cirie Immunity in exchange for voting off Aras. Terry would be almost certain to win the final Immunity challenge. However I have a sneaky feeling that Aras wins Immunity.

No Rumors
There are no last minute Rumors to report, check back at 7:00 pm ET and if I come across any then I will post them.

Next Update
Tonight night As It Airs 8:00 pm ET, GMT -4 hrs.

Preview Episode 14

2006-05-09T19:02:00.000-04:00

Title: Call the Whambulence
A Final Four celebration gets ugly when one Survivor blows up and quickly divides the camp.

Sparks fly between two Survivors and accusations and insults leave everyone on edge in one of the most intense Reward Challenges yet.

To put his new Final Two strategy in place, Terry needs to win one more individual Immunity Challenge. Can he win his sixth straight Immunity?

The Survivors know that the next Tribal Council will be the last time the hidden Immunity Idol [which Terry has] can be played. How will this affect their strategy?

More Guesses
Cirie is a goner this week. My reasoning is that the others realize that she would beat any of them in the final two and it is highly unlikely that she wins Immunity. Furthermore I don't see Terry giving her Immunity, either the Necklace or Idol, if he wins Immunity again.

Exile? Aras or Terry, whoever picks will pick the other.

Most likely to prompt a call for the whambulance: Aras and Danielle.

The Tribe
Here's who's still playing the game:

old Casaya
Aras, Cirie, Danielle.

old La Mina
Terry.

Next Update
Thursday afternoon: my Survivor Fantasy picks and any last minute rumors that I get.
Thursday night: As It Airs 8:00 pm ET, GMT -4 hrs.

A Crying Shane

2006-05-05T12:34:00.000-04:00

Shane Picked the Wrong Month to Give Up Smoking
Shane was one of the more entertaining Survivors. Was his craziness a put-on or for real? Whichever Survivor needs characters like Shane to help keep the show interesting. A season full of Toms, Rafes and Terrys would be in danger of putting me to sleep. Shane's craziness probably was just an act but I think his tears were real, he really loves his son.

That said, I am kind of surprised Shane lasted this long. Way back in episode one I didn't think that he would last long. It was obvious that Terry, Dan and Bruce would have voted off Shane if they had had the chance, so Shane is lucky that the four-tribe stage of the game didn't last long.

Tribal Council Looks and Glances
Was it me or did anyone else think Bruce and Courtney knew that Shane was going to be voted off? They just had a look about them like they knew something. Also it looked like Danielle shot Courtney a glance, what was that about?

Beyond Survivor
On CBS' Innertube there's an interview with John Kirhoffer, Survivor Challenge Producer. There are no great revelations but it is sort of interesting. There are three types of challenges - mental, physical and a blend of the two. Reward challenges can be lighter and more fun oriented but Immunity challenges have to be more serious because more is at stake. Food challenges are based on foods found locally. Which raises the question, when was the last time Survivor did a food challenge?
Web link: CBS Innertube, interview is about 5 minutes long.

Two for the Road
The last two episodes will be Thursday May 11 and Sunday May 14, which is also Mothers Day. The final is the usual two hour show followed by a one hour reunion show.

Episode 13: As It Airs

2006-05-04T19:26:00.000-04:00

As It Airs
May 4, 8:00 pm ET, GMT -4 hours
Survivor Panama, Episode 13
title: Bamboozled

This post will be updated as Survivor airs tonight.
Some people just can't wait to know what happens on Survivor. If you're one of those people then this post is for you. Note: you may need to hit the refresh/reload button on your browser to see the updates.

First Interview: Shane
Shane shocked at last week's Tribal Council. Cirie and Aras have a 'story' to placate him - 'no time to let him know.' Shane seems to be believing it. Shane is happy that Courtney is gone. Terry feels Danielle lied to him so he's after her now.

Reward Challenge
Reward: Family visit.
Type of Challenge: Replay of Parts of Past Challenges.
Terry won Reward. Danielle Exiled (without even a hug from her mother). Shane and Terry get over-night visits with loved ones at a luxury island. Cirie's Husband visits camp for a night. Aras hugs his mother and she leaves.
Shane out first. Cirie out. Danielle out. It was down to Aras and Terry and Aras dropped something and had to start over which allowed Terry to win.

Exile Island: Danielle disappointed as she chops a coconut.

Camp: Cirie gets a kick out of showing her husband (HB?) around camp. He admits that she smells bad. They never were even camping before. They're putting HB to work so they can save their energy. [Apparently 'HB' is short for Hunny Bunny.]

Luxury Escape: Terry, Shane and family raid the fridge. Terry's wife says he's lost weight. Shane tells Boston (his son) about the game so far. Sounds like they're going to target Danielle. Boston says that Shane is like a kid [no duh!].

(Terry and Shane return to Camp) Terry has to explain his choices after winning Reward. Aras upset at Terry's callousness regarding the choices he made. Terry feels Aras came unglued a bit.

Immunity Challenge
Type of Challenge: Balance on a Perch in the Water, pour water to raise a flag.
Terry won Immunity (fifth straight time!).
Shane way behind. Aras a close second again.

Scheming Is Free
Shane talks like Danielle is the next one voted off, says he has Cirie's vote. In private Terry says that he'd like to be in the final two with Shane. Aras in confessional says that he has set up Shane. Shane feels like he could beat anybody [is he Bamboozled?].

Tribal Council
First Questioned: Terry.
Shane was voted off, as he leaves he says "I'm going to have a chocolate ice cream bar in about one minute, one minute!'
Terry has a look of disbelief on his face, he seems more upset than Shane.

Jeff Probst's Final Thought
The last two Tribal Councils the person voted off has been absolutely shocked. If trust wasn't an issue before tonight then it should be from here on out.

Shane's Final Words
Ahh . . I got duped, blind-sided . . . this will be the toughest thing I do in my life . . . He tells Boston that he's proud of how he played but disapponted about how it turned out.

That's a wrap, good-night everybody!

Next Update:
Friday or Saturday, my post episode analysis.

Ep. 13 Fantasy Picks, Rumor Update

2006-05-04T12:17:00.000-04:00

Rumors
Reward Challenge: Terry (shares family visit with Cirie and Shane)??
Exiled: Aras or Danielle??
Immunity Challenge: Terry yet again??
Voted Off: Shane??

Reward Challenge is a rehash of past challenges, most of which Terry won or did well in so he most likely wins again. If Terry doesn't win Reward then Aras is the second favorite to win it.

Exile: Whoever wins Reward and picks someone for Exile has to be thinking about getting votes from the Jury. So I think Terry and Aras are safe because each of them has been to Exile Island many times. Cirie will not go to Exile. She is the least able to go it alone and whoever sends her will lose her vote. Also sending her will not be well received by the others. That leaves Shane and Danielle. I think Terry knows that Danielle doesn't like him so he would select her for Exile. Aras would pick her because he's better friends with Shane. My pick for Exile is Danielle.

Immunity: I have to go with Terry. He's one of the smartest and strongest players left and he needs it the most.

Voted Off at Tribal Council: It will not be Cirie, but it probably should be her. At this point, any of the other four sitting next to her would lose in the final two. She's played a great game. Terry is safe, either from his Immunity Idol or winning the Immunity Necklace again. I have a feeling that Terry will go along with Aras and Cirie instead of trying in vain again to get Aras voted off. That leaves Shane or Danielle and which one would you rather be in the final two with? The correct answer is Danielle so Shane will be voted off. Shane was also out of the loop last week with his lone vote for Danielle. Or not, I have been wrong in the past . . . .

Survivor Fantasy
I'm sticking with this group of four again but changing some of the Bonuses.

My picks, for what it's worth:
Aras, Exiled
Cirie, First Interviewed
Terry, First Interviewed
Danielle, Exiled

I really think Cirie has a good shot of First Interview since she got Danielle to change her vote last week to vote off Courtney. Terry has been First Interview for the last several weeks so maybe that streak continues.

Next Update
Tonight night As It Airs 8:00 pm ET, GMT -4 hrs.

Preview Episode 13

2006-05-03T11:42:00.000-04:00

Title: Bamboozled
The final five castaways compete for time with their loved ones; one contestant needs to continue his winning streak to ensure his safety in the game.

In heated argument, one Survivor spots a major weakness in another. Can this weakness be exploited?

With just five Survivors remaining, one holds the power to change the game with a vote. Who is it?

With love on the line, it's an all-out battle to win the next Reward Challenge. Who wins the love? Who is left with a night on Exile ISland?

With four straight individual Immunities under his belt, Terry knows he must keep his winning streak going to stay in the game. Will his luck finally run out?

A Pure Guess
I have a feeling that Shane is the next one to be voted off. I bet he sees his son and forgets all about the game (or mistakenly thinks he's secure enough) so the others vote him off. I would not be surprised if a deal is offered by Jeff: you can spend some time with your loved one but it will be on Exile Island. Alternately maybe the Reward is a night on Exile Island with a loved one.

The Tribe
Here's who's still playing the game:

old Casaya
Aras, Cirie, Danielle, Shane.

old La Mina
Terry.

Next Update
Thursday afternoon: my Survivor Fantasy picks and any last minute rumors that I get.
Thursday night: As It Airs 8:00 pm ET, GMT -4 hrs.

The End Is Near

2006-05-01T19:55:00.000-04:00

We are down to the final five which means the end of Survivor Guatemala is near. I thought that usually the final four made up the grand two hour finale but according to Yahoo TV the schedule looks like this:

Thu. May 4, (Final Five)
Bamboozled
The final five castaways compete for time with their loved ones; one contestant needs to continue his winning streak to ensure his safety in the game.
1 hour.

Thu. May 11, (Final Four?)
Call the Whambulence
[no description available]
1 hour. (??)

Terry has the Immunity Idol in his back pocket so he should make the Final Four and from there anything can happen. I am kind of surprised that Terry isn't playing up the fact that he is the only La Mina member left and there are only two former La Minas on the Jury. As tight as Casaya are and now that Courtney is gone, I think a few of them would stand a good chance of winning the million dollars if they were in the Final Two with Terry. Terry should play that up and maybe he can get to the end and swing a few votes in his favor to win the money.

Survivor 13 Location?
Rumors are already speculating on where the next Survivor will be. The consensus seems to be Australia or the South Pacific (Cook Islands).

Survivor Hut
I plan on blogging Survivor 13 (and beyond) and I'm thinking of using a more permanent URL at blogspot.com; I'm tired of changing things each season. Right now I'm thinking of using Survivor Hut, does anyone have a clever name that I could use instead?

Episode 12: As It Airs

2006-04-27T19:39:00.000-04:00

As It Airs
Apr. 27, 8:00 pm ET, GMT -4 hours
Survivor Panama, Episode 12
title: Perilous Scramble

This post will be updated as Survivor airs tonight.
Some people just can't wait to know what happens on Survivor. If you're one of those people then this post is for you. Note: you may need to hit the refresh/reload button on your browser to see the updates.

First Interview: Terry

Shane is nuts - pretends a rock is his Blackberry.

Reward Challenge
Reward: Bar-B-Q feast on remote island.
Type of Challenge: Groups of 3 tied together must go through an obstacl course.
T1 won Reward. Aras Exiled.
Team 1 - Terry, Danielle, Courtney.
Team 2 - Shane, Cirie, Aras.
T2 never really in it.

But wait, there's more! T1 competes for a new car!!
Challenge: break 3 tiles with a sling-shot.
Winner: Terry wins the automobile.

Exile Island: Aras says it's no use looking for the Immunity Idol because Terry has it.

Bar-B-Q: Terry gets his nice SUV and works on Danielle and Courtney to be in the final three with him. Courtney in private says that she is open to it. Terry mentions Cirie as the fourth.

Meanwhile back at camp: Shane and Cirie talk game. In confessional Cirie says Shane's best bet is to go to the final 2 with Courtney. Cirie goes fishing and catches a decent sized fish! Wasn't she the one afraid of leaves? Shane was chopping coconuts when she returned.

(T1 back at camp) Terry and Danielle try and get a pact where the final 2 in Immunty go to the final 2. Courtney is pissed off when Danielle mentions no one gets a free ride. Cirie says think! Who do you think will make the final 2?? Terry of course.

Immunity Challenge
Type of Challenge: Hold Your Own Weight, on a platform over water.
Terry won Immunity (fourth straight).
The order they went out: Shane, Cirie, Danielle, Aras, Courtney.

Scheming Is Free
Terry is happy that someone from Casaya is going home tonight and Aras is the target. Courtney says that she, Terry, and Danielle will vote for Aras. Shane wants Danielle voted off. Cirie plotting against Courtney and goes to Aras and Danielle (Danielle wavering about her vote). So it looks like Courtney or Aras.

Tribal Council
First Questioned: Terry. Bruce at Tribal Council.
Courtney was voted off with 3 votes. (Aras 2 votes, Danielle 1 vote)

Jeff Probst's Final Thought
After tonight's vote, I don't think there's a doubt that it's now an individual game.

Courtney's Final Words
I'm completely shocked that my sisters who I trusted turned on me . . . I guess I was a threat to be in the Final 2 . . . I'm going to live my dream, that's what's important.

That's it for tonight, enjoy Survivor!

Next Update:
Friday or Saturday, my post episode analysis.

Ep. 12 Fantasy Picks

2006-04-27T16:39:00.000-04:00

Survivor Fantasy
I'm sticking with this group of four again but changing some of the Bonuses.

My picks, for what it's worth:
Aras, Exiled
Cirie, Catches Fish
Terry, First Interviewed
Danielle, First Interviewed

I'm counting on Terry winning both the Reward Challenge and the Immunity Challenge. So after he wins Reward he will chose Aras for Exile. Last week's preview of this weeks show showed Cirie catching a fish.

Next Update
Tonight night As It Airs 8:00 pm ET, GMT -4 hrs.

Preview Episode 12 & Rumors

2006-04-26T13:40:00.000-04:00

Title: Perilous Scramble
One of the players must win the immunity challenge or use the hidden immunity idol; winners of the reward challenge learn that one of them could win a new vehicle.

Excitement over winning the Reward Challenge reaches a new level when the winners learn they can compete for a second Reward. Which lucky Survivor walks away with this season's biggest Reward so far? [a new car?]

As winner of all three individual Immunity Challenges, Terry knows he must win again to stay in the game. Will he be able to win his fourth straight Immunity, or can the former Casayas finally knock him off his thrown?

As the finale nears, the Survivors begin to focus on the pros and cons of alliances. Can Terry finally talk any of the Survivors into being his ally?

Rumors
Reward Challenge - Danielle, Terry, Courtney???
Exile - Aras
Immunity Challenge - Terry again? Why not, he's done well so far in Immunity Challenges.
Voted Off: best guess is Courtney, though if Aras is off alone on Exile Island he may be a target as well. Even if Terry doesn't win the Immunity Necklace he has the Immunity Idol.

And remember, there is a preview that shows Cirie with a fish.

The Tribe
Here's who's still playing the game:

old Casaya
Aras, Cirie, Courtney, Danielle, Shane.

old La Mina
Terry.

Next Update
Thursday afternoon: my Survivor Fantasy picks and any last minute rumors that I get.
Thursday night: As It Airs 8:00 pm ET, GMT -4 hrs.

Bye Bruce, Sly Aras?

2006-04-22T14:58:00.000-04:00

Bye Bruce
I liked Bruce so I'm sad to see him go out of the game due to medical reasons. I don't think he had a real shot of winning - in the Reward Challenge he was the first one knocked out after Terry. However it would have ben nice to see if he could work the others and be voted off after Courtney. Heck if he won an Immunity Challenge or two he possibly could have made the Final Four.

Now that we know Bruce is OK, I found this scene somewhat amusing:
Bruce, in the shelter and in severe pain, declares an emergency and calls for the doctor.
Courtney: "Bruce do you want me to sing to you? Will that help?"
Bruce: "No."
Courtney sings anyway.

Did Aras Throw the Reward Challenge?
In the Reward Challenge when it was down to Cirie and Aras the question was 'Who couldn't survive on his/her own?' Cirie correctly answered 'Cirie' and Aras answered 'Terry.'

I find it hard to believe that Aras really thinks that Terry couldn't survive on his own. Does anyone really think that Terry, the naval aviator and man's man, would have the hardest time? On the contrary, I think he would have the best chance of surviving on his own (Bruce a close second).

So that makes me wonder, did Aras throw the Reward Challenge? Cirie is taking a lot of heat for whom she chose and Aras got the benefits of the Reward without being put in the hot seat.

Episode 11: As It Airs

2006-04-20T19:56:00.000-04:00

As It Airs
Apr. 20, 8:00 pm ET, GMT -4 hours
Survivor Panama, Episode 11
title: Medical Emergency

This post will be updated as Survivor airs tonight.
Some people just can't wait to know what happens on Survivor. If you're one of those people then this post is for you. Note: you may need to hit the refresh/reload button on your browser to see the updates.

First Interview: Terry
I'm the last La Mina . . .

Bruce: stomach hurts, feels bloated and constipated.

Reward Challenge
Reward: Luxury Night away from camp and chose who's Exiled.
Type of Challenge: Questions - how well do you know the others?
Cirie won Reward. Terry Exiled.
Does least for Tribe: Danielle. Terry out.
Who never shuts up: Courtney.
Mistakenly thinks running game: Shane. Bruce out.
Who trust with life: Cirie.
Not trust watch back: Terry.
Biggest poser: Courtney.
Moodiest: Shane. Danielle out.
Easily inimidated: Courtney.
Most annoying: Courtney. Courtney, Shane out.
Never survive on own: Cirie. Aras out.
Cirie wins, choses Aras and Danielle to share Reward with her (Shane is upset). Courtney was hurt that she was the answer to so many questions.

Luxury Reward: helicopter ride to food. Then mud massage time. More food and wine. Aras says that Courtney and Shane are both immature. [Remember you're only young once but you can be immature forever.]

Camp: Shane thought tight with Aras and Cirie, now not sure. Courtney complains to Shane about RC. Bruce still no bowel movement; in a lot of pain. At night Bruce says it's an emergency, it's really bad. Dramatic night time med evac. Somber music plays as Bruce is put on a stretcher and taken away. (The doctor/medic sounds Australian.)

Back from Reward: Shane tells Aras he's pissed at Danielle going on Reward instead of him. Shane says he's going to do whatever it takes to win, including turning on them if necessary. Cirie tries to reassure Shane. In private Shane says his rant was a planned thing and that he controls the three of them.

Courtney and Danielle tend to Bruce's rock garden.

Terry returns with Jeff Probst. Jeff updates them on Bruce: colon and bladder blocked but he'll be OK. However he is out of the game. No Immunity Challenge or Tribal Council. It is hoped that Bruce will be well enough to be on the Jury at the next Tribal Council.

Immunity Challenge Cancelled!
Tribal Council Cancelled!

And that's how the episode ends. The ending credits roll along with footage of Bruce doing his karate exercises.

Next Update:
Friday or Saturday, my post episode analysis.

Ep. 11 Fantasy Picks, Rumor Update

2006-04-20T12:21:00.000-04:00

Rumors
Reward Challenge: Danielle, clean hair in a preview gives it away? She picks Aras to share a luxury reward with her?
Exiled: Terry
Immunity Challenge: ? ?
Voted Off: Nobody because Bruce leaves due to medical reasons, Courtney ? ?

It's really looking like Bruce's medical emergency (rumored to be either a heart problem or an intestinal problem) ends his time on Survivor. So it looks like no Immunity Challenge and no Tribal Council. However there is some talk that Courtney might be voted of.

Survivor Fantasy
I'm sticking with this group of four again but changing some of the Bonuses.

My picks, for what it's worth:
Aras, First Interviewed
Cirie, First Interviewed
Terry, Exiled
Danielle, First Interviewed

Danielle spoke against Terry a little at Tribal Council, maybe she will continue with that in the First Interview. Terry has said that Aras is a good competitor so maybe Aras will get the First Interview. Cirie is kind of a neutral observer so maybe she will get the First Interview.

It looks like Shane will have a lot of screen time tonight so maybe he will get the First Interview. Shane may get naked as I think he's still wearing his chaffing skirt. I could see him walking around pulling up his skirt and asking people how his rash looks.

Coconut Chopping (fantasy points): speculation is that there will be a lot of coconut chopping tonight.

Next Update
Tonight night As It Airs 8:00 pm ET, GMT -4 hrs.

Preview Episode 11

2006-04-19T10:35:00.000-04:00

Title: Medical Emergency
A survivor has a medical emergency and must leave the island for treatment; a brutally honest Reward Challenge leaves one castaway hurt and another miffed; Terry finds himself without allies; Shane threatens to turn the game.

When a medical emergency sends one Survivor off for treatment [most likely Bruce], the others are left wondering what will happen next. Will this Survivor be forced to leave the game for good?

Honesty isn't always the best policy, but in the Reward Challenge it's the key to winning. Can the Survivors get along afterwards, or are some too bitter to forgive and forget?

As the lone La Mina, Terry is without allies at camp. His only hope is that the bickering amongst the Casayas continues. Will the old Casaya tribe self-destruct, or will they set their emotions aside and stay focused on the game?

Tensions run high when Shane questions the strength of his alliance and threatens to turn the game.

Rumors
It looks like I was a week early predicting Bruce's medical emergency, look for him to get an ambulance ride this week. I think Terry will stick around for a while winning Immunity Challenges and with that Immunity Idol of his. Bruce probably will be removed this week, either for medical reasons or he's an easy target because of his weak medical state.

Another Final Four Rumor:
Danielle and Aras are the final two with Terry finishing third and Cirie in fourth place.

The Tribe
Here's who's still playing the game:

old Casaya
Aras, Bruce, Cirie, Courtney, Danielle, Shane.

old La Mina
Terry.

Next Update
Thursday afternoon: my Survivor Fantasy picks and any last minute rumors that I get.
Thursday night: As It Airs 8:00 pm ET, GMT -4 hrs.

Richard Hatch In Protective Custody

2006-04-17T17:03:00.000-04:00

Providence, R.I., April 11, 2006 (AP) "Survivor" winner Richard Hatch is being held in protective custody apart from other inmates until his sentencing this month on tax evasion charges.

Hatch, who won $1 million in the debut season of the CBS reality TV series, was found guilty in January of failing to pay taxes on his winnings and other income. He was taken into custody immediately because U.S. District Court Judge Ernest Torres said he posed a flight risk.

Hatch, 45, asked to be put in protective custody shortly after he was detained, his attorney, Michael Minns, said Monday. Hatch is being held at a jail in Plymouth, Mass., until his sentencing April 25.

Charles Wyant, a supervisory deputy U.S. marshal, said the reality TV star was placed in protective custody because he is a celebrity. Any prisoner can make such a request.

"The situation he's in is the best possible position for him to be in at this point in time, the safest and most secure," Wyant said.

As a matter of policy, all prisoners spend their first three days at the jail in solitary confinement with one hour a day recreation, Wyant said. After that, they are usually moved into the general population, but Hatch is being held separately, he said.

Minns said Hatch's conditions have improved since he first arrived in jail, except for what he called the abysmally bad food.

"I'd just hate for someone to think these are pleasant conditions," he said.

The charges carry a maximum of 13 years in prison. Torres said he expected a sentence of between two years, nine months and three years, five months but it could be longer because prosecutors accuse Hatch of lying during his testimony.

Episode 10: As It Airs

2006-04-13T19:08:00.000-04:00

As It Airs
Apr. 13, 8:00 pm ET, GMT -4 hours
Survivor Panama, Episode 10
title: Fight For Your Life or Eat

This post will be updated as Survivor airs tonight.
Some people just can't wait to know what happens on Survivor. If you're one of those people then this post is for you. Note: you may need to hit the refresh/reload button on your browser to see the updates.

First Interview: Terry
After Navy stories, Terry talks about last week. Away from story telling, the Casaya women are plotting against him. Aras wants to go to Exile Island to have a look around.

Reward Challenge
Reward: Family Videos! with PB&J and Milk.
Type of Challenge: Use aparatus to collect flags, 2 groups of 4. Winners also pick who goes to Exile Island.
Courtney Team won Reward. Aras Exiled.
Courtney Team: Terry, Sally, Bruce.
Danielle Team: Shane, Aras Cirie.

Cirie as a nurse looks at Shane's private parts and diagnoses chaffing and prescibes a change of clothes - a chaffing skirt.

Exile Island: Aras taking a look for Immunity Idol and then gives up.

Reward: not shown, winners return with luxury items. Terry - U.S. flag, Sally - journal, Bruce - sketch book, Courtney - some sorta toy.

Immunity Challenge
Type of Challenge: Memory Puzzle involving some swimming (duplicate order of pictures that are underwater.
Terry won Immunity (third straight time).
Aras, Sally, and Terry competed; the rest eat hamburgers.

Scheming Is Free
Sally targeted? Terry shows Bruce the Idol. Terry tries to swing Courtney. Cirie thinks Terry would be stupid to give the Idol to Sally. In private Terry says that he will give the Idol to Sally if an old Casaya changes vote.

Tribal Council
First Questioned: Shane.
Sally was voted off.
Votes: 2 for Aras, 6 for Sally.
Terry kept the Immunity Neclace and Idol.

Jeff Probst's Final Thought
Well it's clear that it's six former Casaya members against Terry. He says that he will win all the Immunity Challenges and they say he cannot possibly do it. Whatever happens it should be interesting to watch.

Sally's Final Words
I'm not disapponted that Terry didn't give me the Immunity Idol . . . he has a huge uphill battle ahead of him and I'm disappointed that I'm not there with him . . . I learned a lot about myself, I have no regrets.

That's it for tonight, thanks for visiting my blog.

Next Update:
Friday or Saturday, my post episode analysis.

Ep. 10 Fantasy Picks, Rumor Update

2006-04-13T12:42:00.000-04:00

Rumors
Reward Challenge: ???
Exiled: ???
Immunity Challenge: Terry again?
Voted Off: Courtney?

If Terry wins the Immunity Necklace again there is the real possibility that he could give Sally Immunity as well (with either the Necklace or Idol), so the thinking is that old Casaya will vote off one of their own. Courtney seems to be the one least in-the-loop amongst old Casaya so she's a goner, as the rumor goes.

I don't really buy it. Terry can stay around longer if he keeps both the Immunity Idol and Necklace this week (assuming he wins Immunity again).

Survivor Fantasy
My picks are unchanged from last week. I figure with eight people left that I got about a 50-50 chance of getting the Exiled bonus points.

My picks, for what it's worth:
Aras, Exiled
Cirie, Exiled
Terry, Exiled
Danielle, Exiled

I would avoid Courtney, Sally and Bruce this week.

Next Update
Tonight night As It Airs 8:00 pm ET, GMT -4 hrs.

Newsflash: Danielle Wins?

2006-04-12T10:17:00.000-04:00

An online wagering site has suspended further bets on Survivor Panama for suspicious activity.

It seems that a number of maximum bets for Danielle to win it all have come in from the New York State area. (For the record Danielle is from Lynnfield, MA and currently lives in Florida.)

Does someone have inside information? Is Danielle the sole survivor? That's what a lot of people are concluding from this.

Preview Episode 10

2006-04-12T10:09:00.000-04:00

Title: Fight for Your Life or Eat
A tempting offer has some Survivors opting out of the Immunity Challenge. Who feels safe enough to sit out, and who won't risk a loss?

Terry and Sally continue to lobby the remaining Casayas to join forces with them. Will their efforts to form a new alliance finally pay off? [I really doubt it.]

Terry shares Navy stories with his tribemates, and the former Casaya women worry he is unbeatable. After winning individual Immunity two weeks in a row, can Terry keep his streak going?

One male Survivor becomes one of the girls. Has he lost his mind, or does he have a valid reason to be walking around in a skirt? [Who could that be? Could it be Shane?]

Rumors
An internet rumor has Sally being saved by Bruce's medical emergency. I would think that Sally is the next one to be voted off so if this rumor is true then it is time for the medically induced drama.

Do you remember the EMT team that was shown in a preview and the medical emergency that was hinted at previously? Well, Bruce didn't need a medical evacuation for the machete to the face, so it looks like now is the time for Bruce's heart or stomach problem to be revealed.

The Tribe
Here's who's still playing the game:

old Casaya
Aras, Bruce, Cirie, Courtney, Danielle, Shane.

old La Mina
Sally, Terry.

Next Update
Thursday afternoon: my Survivor Fantasy picks and any last minute rumors that I get.
Thursday night: As It Airs 8:00 pm ET, GMT -4 hrs.

Terry and the Immunity Idol

2006-04-11T23:08:00.000-04:00

Why? What was Terry thinking?

Why didn't he give the Immunity Idol to Austin and then Aras would be gone?

This seems to be what a lot of people are asking since last episode. I think Terry kept the Immunity Idol because he felt that it would help him go the farthest in the game.

If Austin had used the Immunity Idol and Aras was voted off then who do you think would be the target this week? Yes that's right, Terry. As it is now Sally is in trouble.

Terry is at the point in the game where you just try and get through as many Tribal Councils as you can while hoping for the best. Also he has shown to be very good at the challenges so the Idol just may buy him enough time to make the Final Four where anything can happen.

Stephenie Update

2006-04-11T10:05:00.000-04:00

Stephenie LaGrossa will be appearing at the South Philadelphia Chickie and Pete's (crab house and sports bar) this evening from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm ET to meet fans.

She was on a local Philadelphia sports-talk radio show this morning for about thirty minutes in a bit of shameless self promotion - and I duly took notes.

What She's Up to Now
Steph has basically left her pharmaceutical sales rep position to pursue this fame thing. She's a partner in a firm that designs and markets swim-wear. She said that she's not a swimsuit model despite being on the cover of Fit magazine in a swimsuit. She is also going on casting calls and would like to try acting. [What's next, that she'd like to direct?] Motivational speaking engagements are not out of the question either.

It Must Be Luff
She's engaged, her fiance proposed this past Christmas Eve and they will be wed in July this summer. [Aaaaahhhhhh!]

Survivor Palau
She feels that she got the producers attention with her audition tape because it had Jon Bon Jovi in it. She had gone to a Bon Jovi concert and was invited on stage and Jon sang to her. She later found the video online and included it in her audition video tape for Survivor. Stephenie lost about 14 pounds during Palau (about 20 during Guatemala). The producers asked her to participate in Survivor Guatemala during the last week or so of Survivor Palau.

Odds and Ends
She has not met Philadelphia's other Survivor Gervase. CBS Bio Clarification: she is primarily a Philadelphia Eagles fan. Her manager is Ellen Barkan, former figure skater and wife of sports broadcaster Michael Barkan (Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia).

Stephenie's Bio at CBS .

If anyone goes to see her today then I would appreciate it if you leave some notes in the comments, thanks!

Episode 9: As It Airs

2006-04-06T19:44:00.000-04:00

As It Airs
Apr. 6, 8:00 pm ET, GMT -4 hours
Survivor Panama, Episode 9
title: The Power of the Idol

This post will be updated as Survivor airs tonight.
Some people just can't wait to know what happens on Survivor. If you're one of those people then this post is for you. Note: you may need to hit the refresh/reload button on your browser to see the updates.

First Interview: Courtney
She thinks they should have voted off Austin last week instead of Nick.

Reward Challenge
Reward: luxury night away from camp.
Type of Challenge: coconut boat race - 3 teams of 3.
Bruce, Sally, Aras won Reward. Austin and Danielle Exiled (1 each from the losing teams).
Teams:
1 - Terry, Shane, Austin
2 - Bruce, Sally, Aras
3 - Danielle, Courtney, Cirie
Team 2 just beat Team 1.

It pours rain putting a damper on the reward (breakdfast in bed on a beach) and making life really miserable for the exiles Austin and Danielle, who seem to bond a bit. Meanwhile back at camp Terry gets out of Shane that the plan for the final four does not include Danielle and Bruce. Terry then plans to try and flip those two. Terry tells Sally that he has the Immunity Idol.

Immunity Challenge
Type of Challenge: obstacle course, brain teaser.
Terry won Immunity.
First Knocked Out: Aras, Bruce, Cirie.
Terry, Sally, and Austin are the final three.
Terry and Sally vie for Immunity.
Terry wins Immunity (again).

Scheming Is Free
Austin is realistic - the game is probably over for him. Old La Mina think the Immunity Idol held by Terry can be a bargining chip to get Bruce and Danielle to vote with them. Bruce seems to go with it, he seems to be surprised he's not in the plan for the final four. Word of the Immunity Idol reaches old Casaya and it freaks them out. Apparently if the Immunity Idol is used the person with the second most votes is then voted off at Tribal Council. Terry wants to give Danielle the Immunity Idol in exchange for her vote.

Tribal Council
First Questioned: Aras.
Austin was voted off.
Aras - 3 votes. Austin - 5 votes.
Austin is the first member of the Jury.

Jeff Probst's Final Thought
From this point forward power starts to shift as the people you vote off make up the jury that decides who gets the million dollars.

Austin's Final Words
This was the hardest experience of my life . . . difficult negotiate between integrity and the game . . . my La Mina tribemates were a joy to be around, I wish them luck . . .

That's wrap for tonight, thanks for reading my blog.

Next Update:
Friday or Saturday, my post episode analysis and maybe my Survivor Live notes.

Preview Episode 9 (updated)

2006-04-06T10:52:00.000-04:00

Title: The Power of the Idol
Terry decides it's time to reveal the Idol to some castaways. How will the power of the Idol affect the game?

When two tribe members are sent Exile Island, an unexpected bond forms. Will this newfound friendship affect their alliance and change the course of the game?

Determined to expand their alliance, the La Mina group pressures several Casayas. Can they secretly break up the Casaya Six?

At the Reward Challenge, one Survivor demonstrates clever leadership skills and forges a win with a weaker group.

Rumors (updated 2PM ET)
Reward Challenge is done in groups. Aras and Sally are in the group that win Reward (may include someone else too). Terry edges out Sally for Individual Immunity and Austin is voted off at Tribal Council. Danielle and Austin are rumored to be the ones Exiled.

The Tribe
Here's who's still playing the game:

old Casaya
Aras, Bruce, Cirie, Courtney, Danielle, Shane.

old La Mina
Austin, Sally, Terry.

Survivor Fantasy
Probably Austin or Sally will be voted off, most likely Austin unless he gets Immunity.

My picks, for what it's worth:
Aras, Exiled
Cirie, Exiled
Terry, Exiled
Danielle, Exiled

I figure that with 2 exiles this week that I would go with the Exiled bonus points. Terry is rumored to go far in the game, maybe it is because of who he is exiled with this week.

Survivor Slackers #1! Thanks guys, I'm glad you let me in your tribe.

Next Update
Tonight night As It Airs 8:00 pm ET, GMT -4 hrs.

Final Four Speculation

2006-04-01T14:53:00.000-05:00

Welcome Survivor.com readers! Please visit the main page for this blog: survivor12.blogspot.com .

From several web sites on the web I've pieced together what I think may be a consensus Final Four for Survivor Panama. Here they are:

Aras, Danielle, Cirie and Terry.

Terry supposedly wins a number of individual Immunity Challenges in a row to get to the final four and having the Immunity Idol that he found on Exile Island doesn't hurt either.

Rumor also has it that at the Final Four Tribal Council there is a tie.

If this is the Final Four, then what I think is going on is an Aras-Cirie alliance who are dragging along Danielle as the annoying Survivor to be in the Final Two with either them. No one is going to give Danielle the million dollars over Aras or Cirie. Terry crashes the party by winning all of those Immunity Challenges and talks Danielle into voting with him. Danielle is smart enough to realize that being in the Final Two with Terry is her best chance of being the sole Survivor.

I think Terry wins the million dollars if this is the Final Four and if there is a tie (a lot of 'ifs', I know). Aras and Cirie probably vote for Terry with Terry and Danielle voting for either Aras or Cirie. Then I assume that in a tie-breaker Terry cannot be voted off the island so he makes it to the Final Three.

Terry either wins the final Immunity Challenge or Aras or Cirie choose him to be in the Final Two with them thinking that being in La Mina will be held against him. Either way, the Jury will like Terry and admire how he survived and won all those Immunity Challenges and vote to give him the one million dollars.

Episode 8: As It Airs

2006-03-30T19:33:00.000-05:00

As It Airs
Mar. 30, 8:00 pm ET, GMT -5 hours
Survivor Panama, Episode 8
title: An Emerging Plan

This post will be updated as Survivor airs tonight.
Some people just can't wait to know what happens on Survivor. If you're one of those people then this post is for you. Note: you may need to hit the refresh/reload button on your browser to see the updates.

First Interview: Courtney

Merge!

Reward Challenge
Reward: Merge Party for everyone!
Type of Challenge: no real challenge, although designing new tribe name looked difficult..
Everyone - merge! won Reward. No Exile this week.

Bruce takes a machete to the face when he and Nick are cutting rope for a new shelter. However he doesn't need med evac for it.

Immunity Challenge
Type of Challenge: Endurance, hang upside down on pole.
Terry won Immunity.
Cirie first out. Aras out. Sally out. Shane out. Danielle out. Courtney out. (20 minutes in only Terry, Austin, Nick left.) Austin is out. Nick drops out. Terry wins Immunity

Scheming Is Free
Looks like Austin or Nick going to be voted off. Austin claims he was just acting weak at Immunity Challenge to ellicit sympathy. Shane very publically calls for an old-Casaya meeting to sure things up, this irks old-La Mina who are out-numbered 6-4. Nick hopes to just make the jury.

Tribal Council
First Questioned: Courtney.
Nick was voted off. Nick 6 votes, Shane 4 votes.
Jeff put Bruce on the spot about divided loyalties but he handled it well. Terry was honest about the merge, he would have liked one more week of tribes to try and knock out a Casaya member before the merge but he's making the best of it [that's easy for him to say, he's holding both the Individual Immunity necklace and the Immunity Idol]. Nick pleads to stay by saying he's worked hard so far. Austin admits throwing the Immunity Challenge in order to look weak [admitting it was dumb]. Aras said that old-Casaya are not worried at this point and several of the others say they would be surprised if one of them is voted off.

Jeff Probst's Final Thought
18 days gone, you're the final 9, 7 will make up the jury, 2 will make it to the end and 1 will win. 21 days left and there is a lot of game left to be played.

Nick's Final Words
He urges all confuesed kids in their mid-20s to follow their dreams and find themselves by maximizing their freedom. [huh?]

Next Update:
Friday or Saturday, my Survivor Live notes.

Ep. 8 Fantasy Picks

2006-03-30T14:18:00.000-05:00

Survivor Fantasy Picks
The only rumor I got is that Courtney, Sally or Cirie is Exiled so I'm going with it. Also Terry got Catches Fish bonus points for all of those minnows he 'caught' last time.

My picks, for what it's worth:
Courtney, Exiled
Cirie, Exiled
Terry, Catches Fish
Sally, Exiled

Evoke TV
As Survivor airs tonight (8:00 ET, GMT -5 hrs) I will be on Evoke TV in the Survivor chat room. If you're on as well then look for me, my nickname is 'mydree.'

My TV Page has some of my Evoke TV info on it or check out My Evoke TV Profile .

Next Update
As It Airs, Thursday night 8:00 ET, GMT -5 hrs.

Video: Misty Interview

2006-03-29T19:50:00.000-05:00

Play Misty for Me

Look what I found! This is an interview with Misty just after she was voted off. It looks like it is with a Sacramento TV station's morning show. It's about 5 minutes long.

via You Tube - Misty
http://youtube.com/watch?v=7AsaZMmd_wk

Preview Episode 8

2006-03-29T12:24:00.000-05:00

Title: An Emerging Plan
The tribes merge and some castaways try to convince new tribemates to join their alliance; Bruce winds up with a chipped tooth and a cut lip when they try to build a bigger shelter.

Welcome Back!
How did you handle being without Survivor for several weeks? I didn't know what to do with myself Thursday nights. Well, it wasn't quite that bad but I did miss Survivor.

I question CBS's decision to air the re-cap show before the break for college basketball. I think it would have made more sense to air an original episode last time and then air the review episode after several weeks without Survivor. That makes more sense to me, but then again I wouldn't have cancelled Star Trek in the 1960s.

Rumors
No Reward Challenge this episode because there is the Merge! Most likely to be Exiled: Sally, Courtney or Cirie. Rumors indicate that Terry wins Immunity and that Austin or Nick gets voted off.

Medical Emergency: Before this season started I had heard that Bruce (pictured) was involved in a medical emergency and speculation was that he had a heart attack or some similar problem. Now it looks like Bruce needs medical attention but not due to a heart condition but because of a machete accident. Nick apparently hits Bruce in the face by accident with a machete - ouch! The machete incident is leading some people to think that Nick will be voted off.

The Tribes
Here's who's still playing the game:

Casaya
Aras, Bruce, Cirie, Courtney, Danielle, Shane.

La Mina
Austin, Nick, Sally, Terry.

Survivor Fantasy
Check back Thursday afternoon for my picks and any last minute rumors I get.

Next Updates
Thursday afternoon my Survivor Fantasy Picks,
Thursday night As It Airs 8:00 pm ET, GMT -5 hrs.

Episode 7 Re-Cap

2006-03-16T12:20:00.000-05:00

Survivor Exile Island . . . A Closer Look
Episode 7 was just a review and highlights of the first 6 episodes with some "never before scenes" thrown in for good measure. If you have watched all along, as I have, then there wasn't much that was of interest.

I did find it a little humorous that Bruce was using the drinking water to wash his hands in the middle of a heavy downpour of rain and Shane was trying to talk him out of it. Couldn't Bruce just have stuck his hands out into the rain and washed them off?? And I thought Shane never did the logical thing, wasn't trying to save the drinking water a sensible thing?

I also found it kind of interesting that Tina found a secret stash of oysters that she didn't tell anyone about. I wonder if anyone else will find them?

Next Survivor will be broadcast Thursday March 30th.
In the mean time I will post any news and rumors as I get them.

Preview Episode 7

2006-03-14T23:30:00.000-05:00

Title: Survivor Exile Island . . . A Closer Look
Previously unseen footage of the castaways' first 13 days on the island includes a happy birthday wish to family back home and an evening eruption around the campfire.

Note: Survivor is on Wednesday this week.

Rumors
I haven't heard a thing. Going by the episode description above it almost sounds like this will be a highlights show

The Tribes
Here's who's still playing the game:

Casaya
Aras, Bruce, Cirie, Courtney, Danielle, Shane.

La Mina
Austin, Nick, Sally, Terry.

Survivor Fantasy
Check back Wednesday afternoon for my picks and any last minute rumors I get.

Next Updates
Wed. afternoon my Survivor Fantasy Picks,
Wed. night As It Airs 8:00 pm ET, GMT -5 hrs.

Episode 6: As It Airs

2006-03-09T19:07:00.000-05:00

As It Airs
Mar. 9, 8:00 pm ET, GMT -5 hours
Survivor Panama, Episode 6
title: Salvation and Desertion

This post will be updated as Survivor airs tonight.
Some people just can't wait to know what happens on Survivor. If you're one of those people then this post is for you. Note: you may need to hit the refresh/reload button on your browser to see the updates.

First Interview: Cirie

Reward & Immunity Challenge
Both at once! Courtney sits out.
Reward: Bar-B-Que with Panamanians. Winner chooses Immunity for someone amongst the losers.
Type of Challenge: Big Puzzle Challenge.
Casaya won Reward and Immunity! Sally (pictured) Exiled and has Immunity.

Scheming Is Free
At the beginning of the episode the plan, according to Terry, was to vote off Sally if the need should arise. Austin making the case for voting off Dan - "How can we lose a puzzle challenge with a NASA engineer on our team?" Terry says it looks like Dan too. Terry makes the decision to vote off Dan and then tells Dan the bad news.

Tribal Council
First Questioned: Austin (pictured)
Dan was voted off.

Jeff Probst's Final Thought
It seemed like a tough vote tonight, it probably won't be your last.

Dan's Final Words
I was a little surprised at Terry's decision. I would have never voted for him. . . but he has to do what he thinks is best for him . . . I respect his decision . . . I would also like to thank my family for letting dad go on another crazy adventure.

That's it for tonight. Next week Survivor is on Wednesday because of the NCAA basketball tournament.

Next Update:
Friday or Saturday, my Survivor Live notes.

Ep. 6 Fantasy Picks, Rumor Update

2006-03-09T13:25:00.000-05:00

Rumor Update
One scenario making the rounds on the internet is that Sally is Exiled and gets Immunity along with it. The scuttlebutt is that Dan (pictured) will then be the next one voted off. Nick is also mentioned as possibly being voted off.

Survivor Fantasy Picks
This is a little tricky. Casaya are going to have to sit 2 people at each challenge and they can't sit the same people two challenges in a row. So 4 of the 7 Casaya Survivors are going to sit out and if you have them on your team then you will lose 12 points for each one that sits. Winning groupo reward earns 20 points.

My picks, for what it's worth:
Bruce, First Interviewed
Cirie, First Interviewed
Shane, First Interviewed
Sally, Exiled

Since Casaya were at Tribal Council last week, I figure that Bruce, Cirie or Shane is a good bet to be First Interviewed this week. If Sally is Exiled then I'll get bonus points for it and if she gets Individual Immunity because of the exile then I should get even more points. Of course she could get neither exile nor immunity and be voted off but I'm willing to take that risk.

My Team Update
My team in the Survivor Fantasy League, Bakseeda, has 273 points so far. The best tribe that I'm in is the Survivor Slackers. We are in 21^st place with 2,663 points in the Private Tribes Leader-board. I'm in last place in the Survivor Slackers, thanks for carrying me along guys!

Evoke TV
As Survivor airs tonight (8:00 ET, GMT -5 hrs) I will be on Evoke TV in the Survivor chat room. If you're on as well then look for me, my nickname is 'mydree.'

My TV Page has some of my Evoke TV info on it or check out My Evoke TV Profile .

Next Update
As It Airs, Thursday night 8:00 ET, GMT -5 hrs.

Preview Episode 6

2006-03-08T17:39:00.000-05:00

Title: Salvation and Desertion
One tribe suffers a sleepless night thanks to a castaway's continuous outbursts; some of the castaways find strength in the relationships being formed on the island.

Rumors
La Mina win Reward but go to Tribal Council? It is believed that Sally (pictured) is most likely gone but Dan is not seen as safe as well.

The big twist hinted at: Individual Immunity that comes with Exile (a reference to the episode title)??

The Tribes
Here's who's still playing the game:

Casaya
Aras, Bruce, Cirie, Courtney, Danielle, Shane.

La Mina
Austin, Dan, Nick, Sally, Terry.

Survivor Fantasy
Check back Thursday afternoon for my picks and any last minute rumors I get.

Next Updates
Thursday afternoon my Survivor Fantasy Picks,
Thursday night As It Airs 8:00 pm ET, GMT -5 hrs.

Survivor Ratings Down

2006-03-07T20:34:00.000-05:00

Is this the beginning of the end to Survivor?

Survivor Panama started strong in the ratings but has been out of the top ten several times recently.

"Survivor" Stumbles at E! Online

Survivor Live: Bobby

2006-03-04T19:32:00.000-05:00

Survivor Live: Bobby
Hosts: Dalton Ross and Jenna Morasca.

On Being Voted Off
Bobby said that he was on the defensive since joining Casaya because of the alliances. He knew his days were numbered and that's why he drank the wine. Danielle had it in for him from very earlier on. [To me this is BS, Bobby had almost a week to win the others over as La Mina went to several Tribal Councils in a row.]

The Others
As looney as Casaya are they are good athletes. That was about the only good thing Bobby had to say about them. He also called them childish, now he knows "how to get to Sesame Street."

Danielle lacks logic and common sense; he had similar things to say about Courtney. Shane is like a cartoon character, he's consistently crazy and never does what makes sense. Shane doesn't drink alcohol. Bobby felt betrayed by Aras and he would have been the first of the Nut-ball Alliance that he would have liked to vote off.

Terry is one tough dude, you do not want to wrestle him, as Bobby had to do in one challenge. Bruce is also cool, Bobby was impressed by him.

The 'Deuce'
Bobby seemed to think that all the fuss over him using the outhouse as an outhouse was overblown. He said they still used it to store firewood even thought he broke it in before hand.

Bobby's Time Capsule
Bobby started off cocky, saying if he was watching this now that he must have won. Then he reminded himself to smash those who need to be smashed and be cool towards those who are cool. 'Have fun' was also mentioned. Keep an eye out for the ladies. Bring back stories. Sith always travel in pairs [a Star Wars reference]. It seemed like he was reminding himself to find his Sith pair, afterwards he talked like he thought Aras also a Sith.

Probst Thoughts
Bobby often refers to himself in the third person. He was fascinating to have on the show because on Survivor it is generally better to blend in and Bobby stands out. He's charming and a physical threat. Jeff said that he was glad Bobby was on Survivor.

Toughest Challenges - #9
Heads Up, Palau. Immunity: Each tribe drags a foot locker 50 feet across the ocean floor, unlatches them to release mess kits. Each tribemate swims to shore with one mess kit, then the tribe deciphers the Morse code written on the mess kits. Top Ten Toughest Challenges .

What's Next for Bobby
Bobby is back to work at the Los Angeles law firm where he worked as an attorney before Survivor. He said that he didn't do this to become famous [that's good, he won't be disappointed then].

Show Notes:
1. Toughest Challenges counts down the toughest challenges ever on Survivor as voted on by viewers and hosted by former Survivor Stephenie LaGrossa.
2. The Time Capsule is a short video that each contestant taped before the game started.
3. Probst Thoughts is a short taped segment where host Jeff Probst talks a little about the guest on Survivor Live (I think it's taped after the game is over).
4. The Open Letter feature still sucks, please get rid of it.

Bye Bye B-Dawg!

2006-03-03T10:00:00.000-05:00

It doesn't surprise me that Bobby (pictured) was voted off. He didn't seem to fit in and you never saw him plotting with anyone until last night when Bruce said he would never vote for Bobby (and that might have been the wine speaking).

I thought Bobby was in trouble when Casaya was arguing last week and Bobby was sleeping (picture above). It looked like he didn't even care enough about the game to be awake while the others had a heated discussion. The debate was about work around camp and if Bobby was involved then he could have made a case for himself since I think he did a decent amount of work.

So Bobby's detachment from the tribe allowed Danielle to demonize him ("he's not a gentleman," etc.) along with the other "spineless twerps." Casaya may have just voted off their strongest player in challenges.

Next Update:
Saturday my Survivor Live notes.

Episode 5: As It Airs

2006-03-02T19:35:00.000-05:00

As It Airs
Mar. 2, 8:00 pm ET GMT -5 hours
Survivor Panama, Episode 5
title: For Cod's Sake

This post will be updated as Survivor airs tonight.
Some people just can't wait to know what happens on Survivor. If you're one of those people then this post is for you. Note: you may need to hit the refresh/reload button on your browser to see the updates.

First Interview: Dan

Reward Challenge
Reward: Keep food, spices, wine.
Type of Challenge: food relay.
Casaya won Reward. Terry Exiled (again, pictured).

Casaya
Camp flooded so eat fish raw. Bobby and Bruce spend the night in the outhouse and drink the last bottle of wine. Bobby catches a lot of trouble for starting on the last bottle himself.

La Mina
Beans make Austin and Nick sick.

Immunity Challenge
Type of Challenge: collect skull puzzle pieces in coffins that are under water, assemble puzzle.
La Mina won Immunity.

Scheming Is Free
Bruce or Bobby??
Initially the consensus is to vote Bobby off but then Aras talks about voting Bruce (pictured) off. Girl power gets going and Danielle, Courtney and Cirie want Bobby off. Especially Danielle - remember she doesn't think he is a gentleman? [Like she's a lady, I bet.]

Tribal Council
First Questioned: Shane (pictured).
There was a lively discussion about the wine and the rock garden (Courtney was doing yoga on Bruce's Zen rock garden).
Bobby was voted off. (3 votes)
Bruce got 2 votes; Aras and Courney also got one vote each.

Jeff Probst's Final Thought
No doubt you came into Tribal Council in disarray. Maybe the honesty showed tonight will be the answer to bring this tribe together.

Bobby's Final Words
I didn't expect to be voted off so soon . . . never got the chance to get my game on . . . [he ended by calling Danielle and Courtney 'spinless twerps'].

That's it for tonight, thanks for reading my blog.

Next Update:
Friday or Saturday, my Survivor Live notes.

Ep. 5 Survivor Fantasy Picks

2006-03-02T12:23:00.000-05:00

Survivor Fantasy Picks
I'm going with the rumor that La Mina win both challenges and Casaya vote off Bobby (pictured). So bye-bye B-dawg, I guess that "deuce" did you in.

My picks, for what it's worth:
Dan, First Interviewed
Sally, First Interviewed
Terry, First Interviewed
Austin, First Interviewed

I'm hoping that since La Mina voted off Ruth Marie last week that one of them will be interviewed first this week. I think Sally is the one most likely to be interviewed first however if La Mina do go to Tribal Council then she's a risk to be voted off. I feel she is worth the risk of First Interview over Nick who rarely seems to be interviewed let alone first interviewed.

Evoke TV
As Survivor airs tonight (8:00 ET, GMT -5 hrs) I will be on Evoke TV in the Survivor chat room. If you're on as well then look for me, my nickname is 'mydree.' Last night I was on Evoke TV during Lost and there was a nice little chat going on.

My TV Page has some of my Evoke TV info on it or check out My Evoke TV Profile .

Next Update
As It Airs, Thursday night 8:00 ET, GMT -5 hrs.

Preview Episode 5

2006-03-01T16:37:00.000-05:00

Title: For Cod's Sake
Winning the Reward Challenge ends up being a raw deal for one tribe. A couple of Survivors secretly bond when they selfishly share one of the Reward prizes and anger their fellow Tribemates. Two Survivors fall ill, keeping them up all night and leaving them drained right before the Immunity Challenge. Can these two strong players pull through, or will they bring their tribe down? It's a long afternoon for one tribe as chaos and confusion hampers the decision of who to vote off. Will an alliance stick or fall apart?

Rumors
La Mina win both challenges? Some say it is 50-50 that Casaya wins Reward Challenge. Most online chatter is that La Mina win Immunity. Casaya vote off Bobby, that seems to be the consensus. Did that "deuce" do him in? As for Exile, who knows. Nick asks for Exile? Or maybe Terry again as they believe that he already has the Immunity Idol.

The Tribes
Here's who's still playing the game:

Casaya
Aras, Bobby, Bruce, Cirie, Courtney, Danielle, Shane.

La Mina
Austin, Dan, Nick, Sally, Terry.

Survivor Fantasy
Check back Thursday afternoon for my picks.

Next Updates
Thursday afternoon my Survivor Fantasy Picks,
Thursday night As It Airs 8:00 pm ET, GMT -5 hrs.

Survivor Live: Ruth Marie

2006-02-25T09:54:00.000-05:00

Survivor Live: Ruth Marie
Hosts: Dalton Ross and Jenna Morasca.

On Being Voted Off
Sally really worked on Austin to stay. Ruth Marie said she should have worked on Nick, who she was good friends with. Ruth Marie admits Sally 'out-gamed' her.

Ruth Marie on Survivor Live
Click to Enlarge - pops

The Others
Terry is not trustworthy, they had a handshake agreement [so much for that technicality]. Dan is trustworthy, they had an agreement very early on. In the Old Women's Tribe, Ruth Marie and Cirie had an alliance within the first hour but Melinda was reluctant to join. Cirie wants to be there, she has a very positive attitude that is contagious. Ruth Marie likes Cirie, Misty and Dan the most. Austin was an underwear model and a beauty pageant judge.

Ruth Marie's Time Capsule
She reminded herself not to talk too much for fear of annoying the others and not to get caught up in new friendships. [I don't know about the latter but she certainly didn't seem to talk too much.]

Probst Thoughts
Amongst the older women Ruth Marie was in the best shape, maybe too good of shape. He questioned whether or not she had enough body fat to last the entire time.

Toughest Challenges - #10
Bountiful Chest, Pearl Islands, chest diving. The Survivors had to dive underwater repeatedly to fill chests and then drag them on the sea bottom to the beach. Toughest Challenges are available online for free at the Survivor web site. [Stephenie seemed awkward hosting, perhaps she should go back to work?]

Stephenie LaGrossa
Click to Enlarge - pops

What's Next for Ruth Marie
She would like to run across the country, coast to coast. [Wouldn't it be easier going north to south?]

Show Notes:
1. Toughest Challenges counts down the toughest challenges ever on Survivor as voted on by viewers and hosted by former Survivor Stephenie LaGrossa.
2. The Time Capsule is a short video that each contestant taped before the game started.
3. Probst Thoughts is a short taped segment where host Jeff Probst talks a little about the guest on Survivor Live (I think it's taped after the game is over).
4. The Open Letter feature still sucks, please get rid of it.

Tribal Thoughts

2006-02-24T09:52:00.000-05:00

I thought I'd rundown what I think of each Survivor.

La Mina
This tribe seems to have things together yet struggles at challenges.

Terry. Am I missing something? I don't understand why this guy is so popular. After Casaya selected him for exile, Sally said that he is obviously their leader. Austin referred to him as 'Super Terry.' The Immunity Idol may get him to the final four.

Dan. The lack of food is getting to Dan, someone get him some Tang. Dan looked weaker to me than Ruth Marie last night.

Austin. He's playing the game well. I think I noted a touch of sarcasm as he said 'Super Terry.' Maybe he can get Sally and Nick to vote the Big Guy off (oh, that pesky Immunity Idol - maybe after the merge).

Nick. Does he realize he's out there to win a million dollars? It seems like his biggest goal is to catch a fish.

Sally. She's in the middle. Terry and Dan see her as number five in the alliance however Austin and Nick may see her as number three. The swing vote is tough to play, I don't know if Sally is up to it.

Casaya
'C' is for 'Crazy' and 'C' is for 'Casaya.' This is the tribe with the Nut-ball Alliance.

The Nut-balls
Shane. Is it all a put-on to win or does he need serious psychiatric help? And what is with his tattoos? Some look like they are paragraphs of text and he has a tramp stamp, a stripper-like tattoo above the buttocks. Is that a barcode on his chest?

Courtney. Did anyone else think it was ironic that Courtney, the fire dancer, let the fire go out? Next week it looks like she does yoga in Bruce's Zen rock garden. Your dogma ran over my karma!

Danielle. I cannot believe the others expect her to work, why do they think she got breast implants? I almost laughed when they got on her for being lazy and she talked about being the captain of some sports team.

Aras. He may be the sanest but he's not playing well. Aras comes off as the heavy, he's the one that gave the "camp responsibilities" speech and started the who's-not-working discussion.

The Others
Cirie. She's doing her best to quietly break apart the lunatics. Good luck, may the Force be with her.

Bruce. He's playing the paternal role. It can take him far but he will have to eventually make some tough decisions if he is to win it all.

Bobby. Yes Bobby, the others thinking about using the out-house to store fire wood was crazy-talk however you just ending all discussion by "dropping the deuce" in there was not a good move on your part. You may have just punched your ticket to the losers lounge if Casaya goes to Tribal Council next.

Episode 4: As It Airs

2006-02-23T18:54:00.000-05:00

As It Airs
Feb. 23, 8:00 pm ET GMT -5 hours
Survivor Panama, Episode 4
title: Starvation and Lunacy

This post will be updated as Survivor airs tonight.
Some people just can't wait to know what happens on Survivor. If you're one of those people then this post is for you. Note: you may need to hit the refresh/reload button on your browser to see the updates.

First Interview: Sally (pictured)

Reward Challenge
Reward: full Survivor bathroom (insert product placement here).
Type of Challenge: floating puzzle.
Casaya won Reward, chose Terry (pictured) for Exile.

On Exile Island Terry finds the Immunity Idol!

Immunity Challenge
Type of Challenge: balance, team work, patience. Bobby sits out.
Casaya won Immunity. It was very, very close.

Scheming Is Free
La Mina's target is Sally or is it. Austin (pictured) talks with Terry about keeping Sally and voting off Ruth Marie. So who will it be - Sally or Ruth Marie who's voted off at Tribal Council.

Tribal Council
First Questioned: Terry.
Ruth Marie (pictured) was voted off.
Jeff questions Terry about Exile Island but Terry still does not tell the others that he found the Immunity Idol.

Jeff Probst's Final Thought
Despite two tribal councils in a row you still seem to have a positive attitude and that more than anything else can turn things around for you.

Ruth Marie's Final Words
I think my tribe underestimated my endurance . . . it was fun with lots of twists and turns . . . the game hunbles you a bit . . . I wish them luck.

So ends another episode of Survivor Panama, check back later for my review of Survivor Live and any other news and rumors as I get them. Good night.

Next Update:
Friday or Saturday, my Survivor Live notes.

Preview Episode 4

2006-02-22T20:17:00.000-05:00

Title: Starvation and Lunacy
A banished castaway thrives on Exile Island; constant bickering and shouting matches between tribe members leaves one castaway regretting their alliance.

Rumors
From a CBS promo: something happens on Exile Island that "will change the game forever." Terry (pictured) is rumored to be the one Exiled.

Casaya
Aras, Bobby, Bruce, Cirie, Courtney, Danielle, Shane.

La Mina
Austin, Dan, Nick, Ruth Marie, Sally, Terry.

Survivor Fantasy
My picks, for what it's worth:
Aras, First Interviewed
Bruce, First Interviewed
Terry, Gets Exiled
Austin, First Interviewed

Survivor Panama Map
I found a nice map of Survivor Panama, it lists all of the filming locations (among other places). Here's the link.

Next Update
As It Airs, Thursday night 8:00 ET, GMT -5 hrs.

Survivor Fantasy Thoughts

2006-02-20T20:58:00.000-05:00

I've played CBS's official Survivor Fantasy game for a long time now and for the last couple of seasons I have been in some good tribes.

This season my team (Bakseeda) has 120 points. My tribes are doing real well despite me:

Survivor Slackers are in 8th place with 1,692 points.
Team Morty is in 62nd place with 1,188 points.

I don't have much to offer in the way of tips, just make sure you have active Survivors selected (no one already voted off) and assign bonus points. Regarding bonus points, what happened to the First Questioned at Tribal Council category? Some bonus categories are often red herrings, like Gets Bitten by Shark (a red shark?). Note that Gets Naked usually means to get naked intentionally, not the inadvertent nudity that sometimes happens during challenges.

If you're a big fan of Survivor and haven't tried out the Survivor Fantasy game then give it a try, it's fun.

Survivor Live: Misty

2006-02-18T12:39:00.000-05:00

Survivor Live: Misty
Hosts: Dalton Ross and Jenna Morasca.

First off let me just say I don't like Misty that much. She's pretty and smart but she's the type of woman that knows she is pretty and tries to use it to her advantage. I resent being manipulated. Also she's not a "natural flirt" as she believes. Misty wielded her "feminine wiles" like a sledge hammer, while flirting is a subtle art. The others saw her vulgar attempt at flirting her way to a million dollars and they rightly voted her cute little ass off the island.

Misty on Survivor Live
Click to Enlarge - pops.

On Being Voted Off
Misty admitted her flirting did not work [no duh! see above]. Austin played both sides of the fence but he seemed reliable [it sounds like he is playing the game].

The Others
A Sally-Danielle connection was mentioned (they apparently talk at challenges). Can they each make the merge to form an alliance? [At this point I'd say Danielle has a better chance of making the merge than Sally.] Aras controls Shane. [Maybe the nut-balls will end up ruling the Casaya tribe.]

Misty's Time Capsule
She basically said that she's proud of herself for competing on Survivor even if she doesn't win the million dollars.

Probst Thoughts
Jeff Probst didn't think Misty, the pageant queen-rocket scientist, would last past day one [it sounded like a compliment]. This season of Survivor is filled with great people and Misty is certainly one of them.

What's Next for Misty
She's back to work at Lockheed-Martin. [Do you think she has all of those engineering nerds wrapped around her pretty little fingers?].

Show Notes:
1. Next week starts a series counting down the toughest challenges ever on Survivor.
2. The Time Capsule is a short video that each contestant taped before the game started.
3. Probst Thoughts is a short taped segment where host Jeff Probst talks a little about the guest on Survivor Live (I think it's taped after the game is over).
4. The Open Letter feature still sucks, please get rid of it.

Next Update: Tomorrow or Monday I'll take a look at the Survivor Fantasy game - how I'm doing, how my tribes are doing and my thoughts on the game in general this season.

Alliance Analysis

2006-02-17T12:18:00.000-05:00

Survivor Panama is now three episodes old and I thought I'd take a look at the alliances. At this point in the game it is foolish to think large alliances of more than 2 or 3 will hold up for the length of the contest.

La Mina
Dan (pictured, retired astronaught ) and Terry (retired Navy fighter pilot) - these two seem to have the tightest bond. However they are too similar and I'm afraid the others will eventually notice them. If one goes the other will really be out there alone.

Austin and Nick (pictured) - these two young guys are also similar to one another but less committed to their alliance (if they have one) than the two older men. These guys were in the middle between Dan & Terry and Misty & Sally. In the middle (aka the swing vote) is a tough spot to play. If you don't decide one way or the other you can become the target.

Misty and Sally (pictured) - now that Misty is gone Sally is in trouble. She should try to align with Ruth Ann and play the two pairs of men against each other. If you were any of the men who would you rather compete against (once the merge comes), two other guys or two women?

Ruth Ann (pictured) - she may not be in as much trouble as you think. I don't think she's considered a threat to win individual immunity but she holds her on in group challenges so she may be carried along until the merge. Still, she may be the next one to go on this tribe.

Casaya
This tribe is a basket case, it is tough to discern who's really in an alliance with whom. It seems Aras, Shane, Courtney and Danielle are in an alliance together. As Aras (pictured) said last night he's in an "alliance with three nut-balls." Shane called Courtney a "lunatic" and he should know because he is the craziest one out there. Shane seems manic-depressive; one minute he wants to go home, the next he's plotting against the others and occasionally he's just nuts. Did you like how he screamed last night about Shane's Thinking Seat? If it's just an act to win the game, then well played sir (and good luck with that).

That leaves Bobby (pictured), Cirie and Bruce. I don't think it would take much for the three of them to get Aras to join them, then they could get rid of the three nut-balls. If I were in their place then I would get rid of Courtney first. Shane's nuts but he performs well in challenges and Courtney is more of an irritant than Danielle. However as a viewer I'd like the young ladies in the bikinis to stay around a little longer.

Next Update:
Tonight or tomorrow Misty on Survivor Live.

Episode 3: As It Airs

2006-02-16T18:58:00.000-05:00

As It Airs
Feb. 16, 8:00 pm ET GMT -5 hours
Survivor Panama, Episode 3
title: Crazy Fights, Snake Dinners

This post will be updated as Survivor airs tonight.
Some people just can't wait to know what happens on Survivor. If you're one of those people then this post is for you. Note: you may need to hit the refresh/reload button on your browser to see the updates.

It's started . . .
First Interview: Bobby (left)

Reward Challenge
Type of Challenge: Sling shot catch game. La Mina won Reward. Bruce is Exiled.
Reward: comfort items.

Before RC Casaya said openly how much Bruce (right) has helped them and picked up their spirits so La Mina chose him for Exile.

Immunity Challenge
Type of Challenge: Wrestling - battle over burried bags. Casaya won Immunity.

Scheming Is Free
Ruth Marie (pictured), Dan and Misty mentioned to be voted off.
Dan & Terry want Misty voted off.
Misty & Sally at first want Dan voted off then change minds to Ruth Marie.
Austin & Nick are in the middle.
They all seem to mention Ruth Marie because she is the weakest physically.

Tribal Council
First Questioned: Terry. Misty was voted off.
Everyone seems nice to each other with nothing but nice things to say. After it was revealed that Misty had the most votes Jeff Probst asked her if she found the Immunity Idol the night she was on Exile Island (they use it after the votes are revealed this season). Misty said "No, I didn't."

Jeff Probst's Final Thought
Based on what I've seen and heard tonight you are a unified group however even in the tightest of groups someone is always on the outside.

Misty's Final Words
This comes as a shock, I didn't expect to go so soon . . . I had a good time with great people . . . I wish my tribe luck, I hope they go all the way.

Well, that's a wrap for tonight. I plan on catching Misty on Survivor Live, check back for my notes and thoughts.

Preview Episode 3

2006-02-16T09:21:00.000-05:00

Title: Crazy Fights, Snake Dinners
(I couldn't find a pre-view teaser for this one.)

Internet Rumors
Reward Challenge (Sling Shot Dodge Ball) Casaya Loses, winner selects who is Exiled. Bruce is supposedly Exiled again (it will give him more alone-time to practice his kata and look for the Immunity Idol).

Immunity Challenge (Sumo Style Wrestling) La Mina Loses, most likely to be voted off: Dan or Ruth Marie.

Casaya
Aras, Bobby, Bruce, Cirie, Courtney, Danielle, Shane.

La Mina
Austin, Dan, Misty, Nick, Ruth Marie, Sally, Terry.

Survivor Fantasy
My picks, for what it's worth:

Bruce, Gets Exiled
Misty, First Interviewed
Terry, First Interviewed
Danielle, First Interviewed

Next Update
As It Airs, tonight 8:00 ET, GMT -5 hrs.

Blog Notes:
I know I haven't updated this blog as much as in past seasons but I plan to from now on with some slight changes. I won't do a full recap like in past seasons - it just takes too much time. I will flesh out the As It Airs post with pictures and fuller notes (this will be done within an hour of the episode ending).

Episode 2: As It Airs

2006-02-09T20:01:00.000-05:00

As It Airs
Feb. 9, 8:00 pm ET GMT -5 hours
Survivor Panama, Episode 2
title: Breakdown

This post will be updated as Survivor airs tonight.
Some people just can't wait to know what happens on Survivor. If you're one of those people then this post is for you. Note: you may need to hit the refresh/reload button on your browser to see the updates.

First Interview: Shane

New tribes before Reward. Schoolyard pick'em, alternate men-women. Bruce last picked, goes to Exile Island for three days until after Tribal Council (also missed Reward Challenge). Bruce essentially gets Immunity and will sit in on the next Tribal Council.

Reward Challenge
Type of Challenge: Obstacle Race to find fake snakes. La Mina won reward. Bruce Exiled.
Reward: fishing gear and raft.

New Tribes
La Mina: Austin, Misty, Dan, Terry, Nick, Ruth Marie, Sally.
Casaya: Shane, Cirie, Bobby, Melinda, Danielle, Courtney, Aras and Bruce who's exiled.

Shane's spirits have picked up in the new tribe, he's not talking about quiting. Cirie and Melinda feel like outcasts. Dan and Terry trying for an all-guy alliance.

Immunity Challenge
Type of Challenge: Race - move big zombie head from ocean to beach on to zombie body. La Mina won Immunity.

Shane asking to be voted off.

Tribal Council
First Questioned: Shane. Melinda was voted off.

That's a wrap for As It Airs tonight.

Preview Episode 2

2006-02-09T08:20:00.000-05:00

Title: Breakdown
After only six days on the island, one contestant is ready to call it quits; the four tribes consolidate into two; two contestants feel vulnerable, as the other players scurry to form alliances.

The internet is quite about this episode.

Episode 1: As It Airs

2006-02-02T19:43:00.000-05:00

As It Airs
Feb. 2, 8:00 pm ET GMT -5 hours
Survivor Panama, Episode 1
title: The First Exile

This post will be updated as Survivor airs tonight.
Some people just can't wait to know what happens on Survivor. If you're one of those people then this post is for you. Note: you may need to hit the refresh/reload button on your browser to see the updates.

Intro at Exile Island and then right into Reward Challenge.

Reward Challenge
Type of Challenge: Race to smash skulls to find amulet. Young Women lose reward (fire) and select Misty to stay behind for a night on Exile Island. Misty Exiled.

The Tribes get maps to their camps and set off to find their new home.

Immunity Challenge
Type of Challenge: Water obstacle course & puzzle challenge. Older Women lost Immunity Challenge.

Tribal Council
First Questioned: Melinda. Tina was voted off.

Next week on Survivor . . .
A big twist and Shane wants to quit already?!

That's all for As It Airs, check back throughout the week for more Survivor news, views and rumors.

Check back later tomorrow
for my usual, full length review / recap.

Episode 1 Update - As It Airs

2006-02-02T16:32:00.000-05:00

I almost forgot, I will once again this season post as Survivor airs.

I am on the East Coast of the US and Survivor airs tonight at 8:00 PM ET (GMT -5 hours). My post will be updated several times throughout the show with the latest news - challenge winners, who's exiled and who's voted off.

Preview Episode 1

2006-02-02T11:13:00.000-05:00

Title: The First Exile
The tribe losing the first Reward Challenge must choose a member to stay behind and cope alone on Exile Island.

The rumors and internet chatter are saying that Misty (pictured) will be the first Exile and the first one voted off. Terry reportedly will win the Reward Challenge.

Other Possible Spoilers
Dan and Terry are predicted to go far and possibly win. Danielle looks like she may be the villain (she and Terry apparently didn't get along). Cirie in the final four? Aras (or someone) needs stitches early on but recovers and goes a long way in the game. Someone else is forced to quit due to a health condition (Bruce heart problem?).

Next Updates
Friday, my review of episode one. Saturday, my review of Survivor Live CBS' official internet talk show (assuming they have it again this season).

Meet the Survivors

2006-02-01T17:15:00.000-05:00

Without further delay, here is my preview of the contestants for Survivor Panama, Exile Island.

Bayoneta younger women, ave. age 26.5
Courtney, Danielle, Misty, Sally

Courtney 31, performance artist
Los Angeles, CA

Teaches the ancient art of "fire dancing" (???). Has traveled to 30 countries (just another cheap holiday in other people's misery?)

Danielle 24, medical sales representative
Pompano Beach, FL

Raised outside of Boston, college athlete. Her regular workout includes kickboxing and soccer (both sports of the future).

Misty 24, engineer
Dallas TX

Raised in a military family; Miss Texas Teen USA 1999. Undergrad electrical engineering Southern Methodist University, working on her masters. Training for a marathon.

Sally 27, social worker
Chicago, IL

Born and raised Duluth, MN. Applied to be on Survivor five times.

Casaya older women, ave. age 40.25
Cirie, Melinda, Ruth Marie, Tina

Cirie 35, registered nurse
Waterloo, SC

Raised in Jersey City, NJ. Attended nursing school in Pennsylvania. She claims skills in fishing and carpentry (we'll see . . . )

Melinda 32, singer
Sevierville, TN

Music major at East Tennessee State University, has sung with a few bands. Extensive experience in various forms of dance and gymnastics.

Ruth Marie 48, director of retail leasing
Greenville, SC

BS criminal justice, has worked as a narcotics officer. Chi Omega sorority and cheerleader in college. She was also a flight attendant for Eastern Airlines.

Tina 46, logging sports promoter and performer
Heyward, WI

Raised in a logging sports family and part of the World Champion Lumberjills "Chicks with Axes." I am not making this up. She should do well in balance challenges because she has experience with rolling logs.

Vivero younger men, ave. age 26.25
Aras, Austin, Bobby, Nick

Aras 24, yoga instructor
Santa Monica, CA

Played basketball at UC Irvine. MBA. Played professional basketball in Lithuania then lived in Capetown South Africa for a while.

Austin 24, author and model
Highpoint, NC

I think he's just here to advance his modeling career, but he has had severel books published and he has an agent. I don't think he'll do well.

Bobby 32, attorney
Los Angeles, CA

Raised in South Central, Los Angeles, managed to get into a prep school and went on to graduate from Amherst College in Massachusetts cum laude while playing baseball, then went on to Stanford Law School.

Nick 25, financial sales
Tempe, AZ

Grew up in Wyoming, attended Montana State University before transferring to and graduating from Arizona State University. Applying to law school.

La Mina older men, ave. age 47.75
Bruce, Dan, Shane, Terry

Bruce 58, karate instructor & high school art teacher
Simi Valley, CA

Fifth degree black belt shotokan karate, has also instructed police officers in the tricky use of the side-handle baton.

Dan 52, retired astronaut
S. Hadley, MA

Attended high school in Louisiana. BS electrical engineering Cornell, Masters and PhD electrical engineering / computer science Princeton. Taught at University of Michigan for a while (offered tenure). Into bioengineering. Dan has spent 734 hours in space on 3 space flights and conducted 4 space walks. (I can't believe they let underachieving slackers like this on Survivor.)

Shane 35, entertainment marketing
Los Angeles, CA

Born and raised in Omaha, NE. Has his own marketing company.

Terry 46, retired Navy fighter pilot
Simsbury, CT

Graduated from the US Naval Academy. Served on the aircraft carriers USS Enterprise (qualified for Officer of the Day duty) and USS Carl Vinson (fighter pilot). Also was a F-14 pilot instructor before retiring to be a commercial pilot for American Airlines.

Slight Delay . . .

2006-01-31T09:40:00.000-05:00

My preview will be posted tonight (I had a slight problem getting, resizing and hosting pictures).

If you're wondering what else I like to watch on TV then check out my TV page.

Coming Soon: Survivor Panama Preview

2006-01-26T12:58:00.000-05:00

This weekend (monday night at the latest) I plan to have my Survivor Panama Exile Island preview posted where I'll give my thoughts on each Survivor.

In general I like the format of Survivor Panama. In case you haven't heard, to start off the Survivors will be in four groups: old men, young men, old women, young women. Also there will be an exile island where the loser of a challenge will have to spend a night. There is also a hidden immunity idol on the exile island.

To summarize at this point, the Survivors look like an interesting bunch and the new format (four groups and an exile island) looks like a winner.

Survivor Panama, Exile ISland starts Thursday, February 2 - that's next week!

'Survivor' Hatch Guilty in Tax Case

2006-01-26T12:52:00.000-05:00

by Ray Henry, Associated Press Writer, Jan. 25, 2006

Providence, R.I.
Richard Hatch, who won $1 million in the debut season of the reality show "Survivor," was found guilty Wednesday of failing to pay taxes on his winnings and taken straight to jail.

Hatch remained calm as the court clerk read the verdict. He waved goodbye to family members, then was handcuffed and taken into custody after U.S. District Judge Ernest Torres said he was a potential flight risk.

The charges carry up to 13 years in prison. Torres said he expected a sentence of between 33 months and 41 months, but it could be longer because prosecutors accuse Hatch of committing perjury during his testimony. Sentencing was scheduled for April 28.
_____

I wonder if Hatch can survive 30-some months in jail?

Template Complete

2006-01-26T11:38:00.000-05:00

Well, this is it. I hope you like the look of my Survivor 12 Panama blog, this is what I could throw together in a few hours of playing with and slightly altering one of Blogger's standard templates. Without going into great detail, I wanted to create my own three column template but I underestimated the time I would need to learn how Blogger generates and handles everything (posts, comments, archive, previous posts, profile, etc.). If you would like to get an idea of what I had in mind visit my home page and imagine it with this green textured background. I intend to to have a three column template for the next season of Survivor.

Testing New Template Today

2006-01-23T12:43:00.000-05:00

I'm playing around and testing my own custom template today so you may see some strange things template-wise with this blog today (and maybe tomorrow).

Survivor 12 Exile Island Coming Soon!

2006-01-18T14:50:00.000-05:00

In case you missed it, the contestants for Survivor Exile Island have been announced and the official CBS web site is up and running. Survivor Panama Exile Island starts Thursday February 2, 2006 on CBS (official web site).

For this blog I'm working on a custom template (there aren't really any Blogger templates left that I haven't used yet and that I like). I hope to have it up and going by this Sunday or Monday night (Jan. 22 or 23).

Join Me Once Again

2005-12-02T14:20:00.000-05:00

I will follow Survivor 12 - where ever in the world it will be - and blog about it once again. Until Survivor 12 airs I will include news and rumors as I get them.

I've blogged the last several seasons, take a look:

http://survivor10.blogspot.com

http://survivor11.blogspot.com