The Amazing Race Season 10

Standings Before Episode 10

2006-11-27T21:23:00.000-08:00

Tyler & James:

(Team Number 1)
Hey boys! You finished in front of the Beauties for a change! That's gotta feel good. Well, you stayed focused, and didn't get hopelessly lost for a change. That makes all the difference in the world. Well, I think that you're certainly in thee running for the big money. If you can finish in front of the girls on THAT leg, you're millionaires. Just DON'T GET LOST, for goodness sake.

Dustin & Kandice:

(Team Number 2)
How is it these girls always finish at the top of the pack, but never get dirty or seem to break a sweat? I mean, I toally need to learn this trick. They crawl through mud... and don't get dirty. They drive tanks through mud... and don't get dirty. Man, they really do learn some beauty tricks in the pageant world, don't they? Well girls, just keep doing what you're doing. Obviously Phil wants you to be the first "all female" team to win. He brings it up every week. You two are certainly in a good position to do it! You haven't even broken a sweat yet. (That's against Pageant rules I think.)

Rob & Kimberly:

(Team Number 3)
I don't think that Rob has gotten any better, but Kim is just getting smarter about when to speak up, and when to let Rob have his little fits. I still don't think these two will work well enough together to get near the big prize money, but the planets have aligned for these two in the past... maybe it will again.

Lyn & Karlyn:

(Team Number 4)
Well, these fair weather friends dumped the Chos and made a run for it. So they're still in it, and the Cho's are going home. Now, the Chos would have driven ME crazy too with all of their indecision... but the Bama girls could have handled it better. They could have just told them that they wanted to split off and do their own thing instead of just driving away and leaving them in the dust. Oh well, I imagine they will be going home next week themselves, so turning their back on their best allies will catch up to them soon enough.

Standings Before Episode 9

2006-11-19T22:41:00.000-08:00

Episode 8
Dustin & Kandice in first place
David & Mary Eliminated

Dustin & Kandice:

(Team Number 1)
And the Beauties do it again! I mean, I don't think it was necessary to stick another team with the car that they dented up last episode, but other than that these two are just on the ball and outperforming all of the other teams. Sure, they could be nicer... but if they win they'll be enjoying their money long after they've forgotten the names of the rest of the racers. But they did get to feel a bit of a sting when they suddenly were required to depend on someone else, and they realized that no one wanted to work with them. An olive leaf here and there wouldn't kill you now, would it girls?

Tyler & James:

(Team Number 2)
Honestly, I still can't tell these two apart. But one of them is truly useless with reading maps and giving directions... and given the fact that they are in a race, that is something he might want to have brushed up on before this whole adventure. These guys were a bit too smug on the Fast Forward, and if they were any more casual they might have showed up at the Pit Stop behind all of the other teams. I keep hoping these two will kind of get scared straight from finishing so awkwardly each week. But when they always have other teams finishing behind them, I can understand why they don't feel the need to change their approach too much.

Rob & Kimberly:

(Team Number 3)
Wait a minute. Was this a bicker-free episode? I think maybe it was! Now that's hard to believe. Of course, these two always behave better when there are others watching them. They don't want to appear bitter and ugly... but I guess they should have thought of that before they agreed to having a cameraman with them 24/7 capturing everything they do and say and broadcasting it on national television. Well, whatever the reason, they played very nice this week and it was good to see them getting along. Now if they could only maintain that, they might stay in the running for the big check at the end.

Erwin & Godwin:

(Team Number 4)
They nice guys didn't finish first, but they didn't finish last either. Given the fact that the other teams that they've allied themselves with just aren't that good, they've been able offer as much help as possible, and yet still almost be guaranteed that one other team will be finishing behind them. But they genuinely seem to be good guys, and it's refreshing to see a team that is completely devoted to the spirit of this race and less concerned about the outcome. I just hope that if they end up being the last of their alliance to survive, that they'll just put their game faces on and put all their energy into just blazing through the rest of the race.

Lyn & Karlyn:

(Team Number 5)
These two, on the other hand, don't seem to be enjoying themselves at all. They're sticking with it, and doing better than I thought, but it all seems to be such a chore to them. I get the impression they secretly wish to get eliminated soon, so they can be put out of their misery but not look like quitters. Well they may get their wish soon, because they just don't seem to have the fire that the rest of the teams do. And I think that will keep them in the back of the pack until they are eliminated.

Standings Before Episode 8

2006-11-05T21:09:00.000-08:00

Episode 7
Dustin & Kandice in first place
David & Mary marked for elimination

Dustin & Kandice:

(Team Number 1)
Not exactly sugar & spice and everything nice, but definiitely kicking butt in this race. These two won't walk away from this experience with any life-long friends, but they may very well walk away with the winner's check. They are making smart decisions and sticking with them, and keeping their heads. Of course, they're taking time out here and there to mess with some of the other teams too. They enjoy ruffling the feathers of Kar/Lyn... although really, it's just so darn easy, why not?

Tyler & James:

(Team Number 2)
Okay! The boys are back! They've done their time bringing up the rear, it's about time they got their act together and finished up towards the front again. But they are making stupid mistakes... taking off without any idea where they're going, getting lost again and AGAIN. Slow down boys and think! It's a good thing you've got strength on your side to help you catch up from all your silly mistakes. But eventually, that won't be enough and you may find yourself going home!

Rob & Kimberly:

(Team Number 3)
The squabbling and nipping has returned! Although, I think it's actually Rob that is the bigger whiner. If he wouldn't have a hissy fit every time things went badly, these two would be a lot calmer. But he has a fit, he takes it out on Kim, and then they're both at each other's throats. A match made in heaven! Despite all this, the stress of it all seems to feed them through each leg... because here they are! Still sitting solidly in the middle of the pack. Oh my gosh... imagine the fights they will have if they actually win, and have to decide what to do with this money!

Erwin & Godwin:

(Team Number 4)
The brother's are still being boy scouts first, and competitors last. It's keeping them in the game so far, but at least one of the teams they're allied with won't return the favor. It was nice to see the brother's run to the check-in point ahead of Kar/Lyn, even after helping them and Kentucky throughout the leg. That at least indicates that the brothers will still do their best for themselves once they've helped their alliance as much as possible. That's good news, because Kar/Lyn will be happy to step on their back to get a win if necessary... alliance or not.

Lyn & Karlyn:

(Team Number 5)
Well these two can b*tch at high volume, can't they? I swear, they had everyone in the airport turned around to see what they were complaining about when the Beauties let the Models buy their tickets in front of Kar/Lyn. Just being louder and more obnoxious doesn't actually make you right. This team kind of bugs me. They're taking whatever advantage they can get from their alliance with Kentucky and the Cho brothers, but will drop it in a second as soon as it benefits them to do so. At least you know the Beauties are out for themselves, they aren't going to spring it on their "friends" as soon as it's convienent.

David & Mary:

(Team Number 6)
Ah well... without a fantastic sacrafice by another team, these two find themselves all the way at the bottom again. At a certain point, they have to earn it themselves... and I'm just not sure this team has everything it needs to continue on successfully. They depend on others TOO much, and it's just too far into the race to not be able to stand independently. I hope the Cho brothers don't sacrafice themselves again for these two... because otherwise I think a more deserving team will be going home.

Standings Before Episode 7

2006-10-29T14:18:00.000-08:00

David & Mary in first place
Peter & Sarah eliminated

David & Mary:

(Team Number 1)
Well lookie, lookie! From the back of the pack, to leading the pack. Nicely done! Now, these two may not be my favorite personalities in the race, but I think they are certainly one of the most deserving of the prize... so it's nice that they get a view from the top for once. They couldn't have got there without the help of Ed/God, but at least they know it, and are happy to give them credit for their good fortune. I don't know if these guys will be able to maintain their position, but they've certainly been given a nice head start. Let's see what they can do with it.

Dustin & Kandice:

(Team Number 2)
Well, these two got lost, didn't initially complete the Road Block task correctly, and STILL came in second place. These girls are hungry for it, and are surprising more than a few of the other teams. They're in it for themselves, that's for sure... not working with any other teams, and not even being that friendly with anyone else. But it's getting results. So why fix what ain't broken?

Rob & Kimberly:

(Team Number 3)
What's this? Are these two actually starting to work well together, and treat each other nicely? Who knew? I was convinced that this couple was on the fast track to self-destruction, but they've actually started to hit a bit of a stride with one another, and it's certainly showing by their stronger finishes. Let's just hope they don't have to return to a pearl farm in Vietnam anytime soon.

Lyn & Karlyn:

(Team Number 4)
These ladies continue to surprise me. They are still in the hunt, and not even bringing up the rear which I thought that they would. They've lucked into having two other good teams look out for them, and I'm not sure they would have got as far without their help. But even individually, this team is strong and stubborn, and they haven't even considered giving up. If there is a big physical challenge coming up, it may really impact them... but they've managed to weather everything that's been thrown at them so far, so they may just plug along right to the end.

Erwin & Godwin:

(Team Number 5)
Okay, who doesn't want these brothers to win the big prize after tonight's episode? They genuinely think of others before themselves, putting themselves at a huge risk by giving David & Mary a chance at the fast forward, and even helping point Kar/Lyn towards the right shop in that maze of merchants. These guys are just truly good people, and aren't putting it on for the show. Their parents must be so proud!

Tyler & James:

(Team Number 6)
These guys have to be in a panic after finishing next to last two times in a row. They seem to be one of the strongest teams, but that just goes to show you there are all kinds of factors that can make you successful, or knock you right out, in this race. Hopefully they can bounce back from these two bad legs, and get things turned around next time. I'd hate to see these guys go home.

A Study in Contrasts

2006-10-22T22:26:00.000-07:00

First of all, let’s all give a joyous “Hallelujah” to celebrate that Stupid Peter is out of the race! It’s just sweet to say, isn’t it? Man… this guy is just like nails on a chalkboard (kids, that’s what old folks used to use before these newfangled white boards started showing up). There wasn’t a thing about him that wasn’t grating and irritating. Let’s take for example his tendency to shove all the difficult and challenging physical tasks on to his girlfriend WITH ONE LEG. I mean, what kind of man is that? What kind of man wants to be a man like that? “Hey, Sarah, why don’t you go scale that 50-ft rock, while I sit her and nap in the boat? Hey, Sarah, why don’t you scale the outside of that skyscraper while I lay her in the shade? What, someone has to sit through driving school, and then drive a car around the block? Hey, I’ll do that! But first, let me check my look in the rear-view mirror… because I am one handsome man!” Peter is just plain Ick.

And we can only hope that Sarah learns a little something from all this. Just because you only have one leg, doesn’t mean you deserve to have to put up with an ass like that! My gosh, he’s the defective one, not you. I loved Peter’s puzzled look when after the elimination, Sarah was finally telling us how she really felt about him after experiencing life with him 24/7 while on the race. “He isn’t very nurturing or kind.” Well, yah… that’s the understatement of the year. “I’m looking for someone that is caring and compassionate. Peter… is not the person for me.” Yep. And thanks to CBS, he’s not gong to be the person for any other woman in America either.

On the other hand, we have the brothers Cho: Edwin and Godwin. Could either of these guys have been any nicer? You know, you often hear tales of people being selfless, and really putting the needs and interests of others before themselves… but you rarely see it. But these two were just unwaveringly generous. They gave up going for the Fast Forward, to give Mary & David a clear shot… even though it put them square in last place. And you know what? They just knew it was the right thing to do. Yeah, they were concerned they were going to be eliminated… but it didn’t consume them. They did there thing, and then had the good fortune of finding a police officer willing to direct them and give them a police escort to their new location. That Karma… she’s a sweetie.

And these guys have been consistently kind and grounded throughout the entire race. They have taken the time to appreciate all that they’ve been able to do and see, and the potential check at the end of this all doesn’t seem to figure into it as much as you would think it would. They are truly treasuring the experience, and will get more out of this than any of the teams, no matter how it all ends.

Yeah, I know… it sounds sappy. But I’m truly impressed by these two. I was so happy that they stayed and Stupid Peter went home. I was all befuddled and irritated last week when Peter & Sarah were at the top of the pack, when they so clearly did not deserve to be there. I should have had more faith in the Race Karma. She tends to get it right before the final finish line.

Standings Before Episode 6

2006-10-21T18:51:00.000-07:00

Peter & Sarah in first place
David & Mary marked for elimination

Peter & Sarah:

(Team Number 1) Arrrrgh! It’s bad enough that these two don’t get eliminated, but why do they keep coming in first? Peter is such an ass, and blind to it completely. He drags Sarah through every step, and this damn habit of them finishing at the front of the pack is only going to encourage him to continue on with his self-centered ways. I feel so bad for Sarah. The only good news is that she is beginning to see what an ass Peter is as well. She had the good fortune of giving their relationship a nice test run in an environment that has surfaced all of his crappy qualities… and if things continue on this way, she’ll end the experience with a cool half a mill, and the wisdom that Peter is NOT the right guy to plan a future with.

Dustin & Kandice:

(Team Number 2) Well, these girls have kicked it into full competitive gear, and they’re not afraid to step on any toes to try and win this thing. Anyone that thinks these to are going to be quiet and demure and easy to beat, haven’t been paying attention. However, they don’t have to be nasty at every available opportunity. There isn’t a leg that goes by now that they don’t cut in front of someone or get downright rude with another team. By all means, ladies… go for the win. But there are other teams out there that want it just as bad, but aren’t acting as badly.

Rob & Kimberly:

(Team Number 3) Ack. Another of the not-so-nice teams finishing towards the top. This season is not exactly giving lessons in “good guys finish first”. They did seem to keep their squawking to a minimum this time around, so maybe the fact that Phil actually spoke to them about their mean behavior at the end of last leg embarrassed them into being nicer. It was a good move to team up with James & Tyler. Unfortunately they did it on the one leg that James & Tyler seemed to be a bit off their game. Well, we’ll see how they continue to do. I imagine the yelling and screaming will return if they start dropping further back in the pack.

Erwin & Godwin:

(Team Number 4) Now, this is a nice team. Two nice guys that play well with others, and don’t forget to appreciate the fantastic opportunity that they’ve been handed. I wish they were a little closer to the top. They certainly are capable, but they need to find a source of fire for their competitive spirit to challenge some of the other nasties for the top spots. Regardless, this is one team that is just happy to be here, and will enjoy the ride no matter where they end up. Teams 1 through 3 – pay attention! You could learn something here. Of course, then you might not be one of the top 3 teams anymore… but you’d be enjoying yourself more.

Lyn & Karlyn:

(Team Number 5) These two ladies just don’t give up, do they? They aren’t the sweetest of the teams, they aren’t the smartest of the teams, and they certainly aren’t the most physical of the teams… but they just keep trudging through leg after leg, and don’t seem to really be slowing down. Whatever it is that keeps pushing them through is keeping them focused… and they’ve figured out an important strategy: it doesn’t matter how many teams finish in front of you, as long as there is still at least one finishing behind you. They can make it leg after leg as long as they stay ahead of just one team each time… and they seem to be able to manage that.

Tyler & James:

(Team Number 6) These two were more than a little surprised to discover they finished so far back in the pack. That’s what you get for playing with sand, guys. NEVER take the challenge that is slow and detail-oriented. You two could wrestle crocodiles in your sleep, so I don’t get why you didn’t automatically go for the more physical of the choices. Well, I imagine you won’t make that mistake again. Let this bad finish shake you up a bit, and get you more fired up for next leg. We need a couple of good guys like you to stick around to offset some of the nastiness in the top three teams.

David & Mary:

(Team Number 7) Ooooooooh! You two are SO lucky! Welcome to the first non-elimination leg. It couldn’t have come at a better time for these two. Mary can sure be damn stubborn about deciding what these two are going to do. It almost cost them the race when she wouldn’t even consider the crocodile task, and insisted on the long, laborious sand design task instead. I’m glad to see these guys still here, they’ve kind of grown on me. But I’m not sure they be able to bounce back from the penalty they’ll get next week if they don’t pull of some kind of miracle and come in first.

Crocodile Tails and Wild Rice

2006-10-19T14:26:00.000-07:00

Well, let’s do a quick recap of the last episode, shall we?

Our intrepid travelers discover that their next port of call will be Chennai, India. They must take a train from the pit stop to Hanoi, and then due to Vietnamese law that prevents airline tickets from being sold at the airport, the teams must find a travel agency to buy tickets to India.

Although the teams all leave at staggered start times, they all arrive at the train station to discover they will be on the same train to Hanoi. (Are we surprised? No, we are not.) During the train ride, Er/God, Kar/Lyn, and the Kentuckies decide to work together. They all share a map, and try and determine which travel agent is the closest to the train station, and make a plan of attack for when they arrive in Hanoi. Stupid Peter feels left out. He approaches the three teams, and offers to share information… because of course he is an all-knowing god, and implies that he know the best travel agent to go to. Before the teams can even reply, Stupid Peter walks off towards the next train car.

There he finds the Beauties, and tattles to them that the other three teams are working together. Because he too wants to know what it’s like to have other teams wanting to work with him, he tells the Beauties that they should work together too. More in an effort to appease him and make him go away, they agree. Stupid Peter feels smug, and returns to Sarah to share the good news… that the Beauties totally want to work with him, and it is yet another example of how great and admired he is. In the meantime, the Beauties wonder why the heck he wants to work with them, and figure it must be because he likes one of them – because of course in their experience, all guys like them.

On his way back to where Sarah is sitting, Peter stops by the three teams again, and asks them if they want to share information. Kar/Lyn says sure… and Stupid Peter smugly walks away without saying anything. The three teams decide to screw with Stupid Peter, and pull out a non-operational cell phone and pretend to call a travel agent and reserve tickets over the phone. Stupid Peter immediately jumps up and runs back to the Beauties to tell on them. He finds a passenger sitting near the Beauties and asks if he can borrow a cell phone. He then uses the fully operational cell phone to actually book airline tickets for real.

Hmmm… that whole little trick kind of backfired on you, didn’t it guys?

The train arrives in Hanoi, and teams scramble every which way to locate travel agents and buy tickets. After all their planning, Ed/God, Kar/Lyn, and the Kentuckies end up getting separated, and then discover that the travel agency they planned to go to on the train has actually moved location… and they all end up having to find tickets on the fly anyway. The Beauties and Sarah & Stupid Peter go and pick up their tickets, but end up getting a flight that will leave behind all of the other teams. Rob & Kimberly and the Models find and agency together, and end up getting the earliest flight out.

Once they arrive at the airport, the teams begin to discover that the best flight to get on is the same flight that the Models and Rob & Kimberly have booked. Ed/God have the same tickets from their agency, Kar/Lyn are able to change theirs, however the Kentuckies are not. The Kentuckies get a different flight, while Sarah & Stupid Peter and the Beauties decide to stay with their tickets, and try and get a faster connecting flight at their first stop. While waiting for the various flights to board, Sarah & Stupid Peter and the Beauties grab a bite. While sitting there, Stupid Peter launches into a mean imitation of the Kentuckies, while they are within earshot. Stupid Peter is awful… even Sarah is beginning to think so. (Oh my heck, woman… it’s about time!!)

Flights begin taking off. Sadly, wouldn’t you know it… Stupid Peter & Sarah and the Beauties ARE able to find a faster connecting flight. So even thought they were the last teams to leave Hanoi, they are the first teams to arrive in Chennai. Man, I hate how this show ends up working out for the teams that don’t deserve it, don’t you?

Once in Chennai, the teams are told to find an arts and crafts shop in Mallomar (or something like that). The Beauties are the first to arrive at Mallomar, but are forced to wait for the shop to open. Stupid Peter and Sarah arrive shortly after. When the shop opens, they receive their next clue and find out, it’s Detour time!!

This time, they have to choose between Wild Things, and Wild Rice:

In Wild Things, they have to don pajamas, and search through the forest to find out where the wild things are. Oh no, wait a minute… that’s my favorite children’s book. Nevermind. They have to help some crocodile wranglers move a miniature, docile, couldn’t-hurt-a-fly crocodile from one habitat to another.

In Wild Rice, they have to figure out how come every time you buy wild rice at the store, it always comes packaged with brown rice. Oh fine… no they don’t. They have to fill in some gigantinormous chalk-lined design on the scotching hot ground with different colored rice to match the design exactly as given to them on a picture. But I do wonder about that wild rice thing.

The Beauties and Sarah & Stupid Peter decide to do Wild Things. Stupid Peter & Sarah arrive first, thanks to a flat tire suffered by the Beauties taxi. Stupid Peter & Sarah have to put bands around the crocodile’s snout. Peter need not bother, because that crocodile can smell that he’s full of sh*t, and wouldn’t ever bite him anyway. Regardless, Stupid Peter once again just takes the position of ordering Sarah around and making her do it. After it is snout-bound, the crocodile is tied to a stretcher, and the wranglers, with Sarah & Stupid Peter’s help, move it to it’s new home, having to crawl over a wall in the process. While crawling over the wall, Stupid Peter snaps at Sarah to “Come on, sister!” We wish the crocodile would snap at Stupid Peter’s pretty face and mark him up a bit. Too mean? Well, I don’t like Stupid Peter.

Anyway, as much as we hate to see it, Stupid Peter finishes the task along with Sarah, and once again is sitting in first place. (heavy sigh) Their next clue tells them to take a bus back to Chennai, and locate a driving school. They rush to the bus stop, and just miss the first bus. Stupid Peter immediately turns on Sarah and tells her it’s her fault because she was so slow. Man, I hate Stupid Peter. Sarah just about breaks down, and Stupid Peter decides to toy with her more by calmly stating that he’ll just not trying so hard, since she can’t keep up. He goes on to say that it’s not important, and it should just be about having fun. Sarah tells Stupid Peter that she’s not having any fun. These two make my stomach hurt.

Meanwhile, the Beauties transport a crocodile, and catch up with Sarah & Stupid Peter at the bus stop. You can tell that Stupid Peter is pissed at slow Sarah all over again. At the same time, Er/God and the Kar/Lyn have arrived at the Detour and decided to do Wild Rice. They step out onto the scorching ground, do just enough to realize what a long miserable task this will be, and quickly decide to go crocodile wrestling instead. In the meantime, Rob and Kimberly have arrived and decided to do Wild Things. As Er/God and Kar/Lyn leave Wild Rice, the Models and the Kentuckies both decide to do Wild Rice.

On the other side of town, Stupid Peter & Sarah are the first to arrive at the driving school, and discover a Road Block. One team member must attend a driving school course, and then pass a driving test. Since it requires no physical effort, Stupid Peter of course offers to do it. He finishes the task, and gets their last clue that tells them to drive their driving-school car to the pit stop. They head off on their way. In the meantime, the Beauties have arrived, and dive into the Road Block themselves.

Back with the crocodiles, Rob & Kimberly, Ed/God, and Kar/Lyn, transport their crocodiles and head off to the driving school. In the meantime, the Models and the Kentuckies are taking an impossibly long time filling in their designs with wild rice. Really guys… you should abandon this and go do the crocodile thing. Trust me.

Stupid Peter and Sarah arrive at the Pit Stop and check in first. I curse under my breath. The Beauties check in shortly after. Rob & Kimberly, Ed/God, and Kar/Lyn all complete their driving lessons, and drive on to the pitstop. They check in as teams three, four, and five respectively.

The Models finally finish their design, race off to driving school, and make their way to the pit stop. They check in fifth, and are all shocked by their late finish. However, they are not last. That position is held securely by the Kentuckies, who after spending way too much time on the rice design, complete the driving school in the dark, and then finally arrive at the Pit Stop.

They are sad and beaten, and awaiting the confirmation that they have been eliminated. But… what’s this…? Phil regrets to tell them that they are the last team to arrive… but they have NOT been eliminated. This is one of those non-elimination legs. But this time around, instead of handing all of their belongings and money over, they are told that they can keep their things… but they have been “Marked for Elimination.” Hmmm… what does this mean? Well, I’m glad you asked. This means, that at the end of the next leg, if the Kentuckies do not arrive first, they will be assessed a 30 minute penalty. Well now, that’s interesting. Will it have an impact? I guess we’ll just have to wait until next time to find out.

Standings Before Episode 5

2006-10-15T20:29:00.000-07:00

Rob & Kimberly in first place
Tom & Terry eliminated

Rob & Kimberly:
(Team Number 1) Wow. Despite the fact these two almost tore each other’s heads off while trying to pull up those oyster baskets, they made it as team number 1? I’m not quite sure how that happened, but it was definitely a surprise. Do these two even like each other??? I mean, if Phil is asking how you’re getting along when you check in at the pit stop, that’s a bad sign. That means you better call friends and family before the show airs to let them know that the footage they have of you is going to be less than flattering. Well… congrats R&K. You give hope to bickering couples everywhere… as long as they aspire to be horribly nasty to one another on national TV.

Peter & Sarah:
(Team Number 2) Now you know that Peter is such an ass, that the production crew is happy to edit everything he does and says in the worst light possible. But the thing is… how can they not when he gives them so much material to work with? He makes Sarah do all of the hardest, most physical challenges possible… and then whines like a baby any time he has to exert himself in anyway. He snaps at her if she’s doing anything but praising him and telling him how great he is… and she’s doing WAY too much of that. This guy needs some sense and some humility knocked into him hard… preferably in the form of a crushing defeat as a result of something he screws-up. Please, please, PLEASE don’t let this team win. Sarah will be fine, all the networks will love to chat with her. But Peter… he needs no more air time, no big prize money, no teams waiting and cheering for him at the finish line. He needs to go home and watch this on TV, and see how the rest of us have seen him all season.

Tyler & James:
(Team Number 3) Strong and steady Tyler and James, they just keep plugging along. These two are a good balance, and seem to be taking this all in stride. Maybe they really did gain some perspective from the experiences they had… because nothing that they are running into seems to really phase them too much. They’re still my top pick by a wide margin.

Erwin & Godwin:
(Team Number 4) These guys just keep plodding along. They didn’t finish in the first spot this time around, but they are another team that works well together and that really supports one another. These two stay calm… all the time. That is a big difference between them and most of the other teams. They don’t snap at each other, and don’t let the stress of an individual moment get them off track. Unless there is an unfortunate “lost taxi driver” incident, I imagine these two will be one of the final three teams.

David & Mary:
(Team Number 5) Well I’ll give our couple from Kentucky credit, they do not give up. This was a tough episode in terms of the physical requirements of the tasks, and these two squawked a bit through it all, but never slowed down. Mary does seem to be a trooper, even with the sore ankle. And David is like this unwavering force that just pushes through whatever it is… no matter what. I like that stubborn refusal to give up. I actually respect it. Keep on comin’ guys… I’m starting to become a fan again.

Lyn & Karlyn:
(Team Number 6) I thought these two were going to be dashed against the rocks before they could row back from their task. I think the sheer physical nature of this season’s challenges are wearing them down, but in this case they’ve stopped with a lot of the sniping about other teams, and are turning what energy they have towards their tasks instead. I still think they are probably outmatched for the long run, but their finish tonight showed a lot of heart and perseverance.

Dustin & Kandice:
(Team Number 7) The Beauties finally turned on each other! It was minor, barely even a tiff… but even so this is the first time they have been anything but a united front. They were in the back of the pack, and that stress may have just been too much. But even so, this is not the point you want to start pulling away from each other… this is when the teams need to be tighter than ever to make it through the last half of the race. Let’s assume it was physical exhaustion and stress that made them bristle at each other, and see if they’re back on their game next week.

A Dong, By Any Other Name...

2006-10-09T00:04:00.000-07:00

We join our teams near the rice fields found in the countryside outside of Hanoi, Vietnam. After checking in last time, we are told that Rob (of Rob and Kimberly fame) collapsed after the last check in, and had to be treated for heat exhaustion. He must have been too busy nipping at Kimberly to remember to drink any fluids. We are also told that Mary, the little Missus from the Kentucky team, also had to be looked at due to the twisted ankle she suffered a couple episodes back. But good news, folks! Everyone is going to be okay. The little troopers have all been cleared to continue on in the next leg of the race.

First off are Er/Godwin. They tear into their clue, and find they must return to downtown Hanoi by taxi, and find a garden where they must listen to find their next clue. But first, they must pick up some Vietnamese dong for this leg of the race from a man outside. Yes, in this case it is a good thing to get dong from some guy outside. This will not always be the case, so depending where you are… make sure you completely understand what is to be expected if some guy asks you to go outside with him so he can give you his dong. But here, in Vietnam, on the Amazing Race… no worries.

Er/God get their dong and go. Tyler and James take off next, grab the guy’s dong, and get a taxi. Then they compare dongs, and see who has more. Rob and Kimberly are next. Rob is still a bit woozy from the heat exhaustion, but he grabs the guy’s dong while Kimberly watches. The Beauties race up to grab their share of the guy’s dong, and giggle as they go to find a taxi. We see Stupid Peter and Sarah take off, and load their stuff in a Taxi. In a voiceover, Sarah is trying to diplomatically tell us that she’s learned a lot about Stupid Peter during this experience that she didn’t realize before… mainly that he’s an ass. We didn’t see them stop at the table outside, but then we see a shot of Stupid Peter in the back of the taxi, fondling the guy’s dong… so we know they must have. Kar/Lyn are very polite to they guy, and thank him for sharing his dong with them. He smiles back at them, happy that he could give them what they needed. David and Mary reach out for the guy’s dong and give him a “thunk yooooou” in unison before heading on their way. Last to leave is Tom & Jerry, and they grab each other excitedly when they find out they’re getting’ themselves some genuine Vietnamese dong. They scramble to the table, grab the guy’s dong, thank him profusely, and then race off.

And so ends my fun with the ridiculous name for Vietnamese currency.

Tyler and James are the first to arrive at the garden, and discover a large bronze statue from which a recorded message can be heard. They tear off towards the statue, as other teams begin arriving left and right. Stupid Peter and Sarah arrive, and Stupid Peter immediately snaps at Sarah to be quiet so he can listen for the clue. Then Rob and Kimberly arrive, and Kimberly immediately snaps and Rob to calm down when he tries to see which way Stupid Peter and Sarah went. Then the Beauties arrive, and get distracted when they hear some crickets. They wander over to get a better listen and try and decipher what the crickets are trying to tell them. The Beauties are not doing much to disprove the “pretty but stupid” stereotype that they are concerned they’ve been branded with. Ed/God and Kar/Lyn arrive as well, and seem to head toward the statue without incident. The Beauties finally give up on the crickets, and follow the rest of the team to the statue where they are all treated to this wonderful message, spoken with a heavy Asian accent:

Attention racers. Taxi across the Red River to Ben Xe Giam Lam (sounds like: Ben Sare Sha Lam). Then, take a bus to Ben Xe Bai Chay (sounds like: Ben Sare Buy Chai). Then find the Hydrofoil Harbor.

Wow! The TAR producers are having fun with these teams this season, huh? It is close to impossible for any of these teams to distinguish what is being said. They try of course, and all whip out a pad of paper and start trying to write down what they think this clue is… but as soon as the names of the locations come across, they all look beyond confused and without hope. Stupid Peter of course commands, “Sarah, write it down and get us there!” And then he continues to make stupid reaction noises as the message continues, making it even more difficult for Sarah to hear over his grunts and snorts. They all jot down the clue, and then with various levels of certainty, they head back to their taxis to direct them to the next location.

The smart teams drag their taxi drivers to the statue, and let them listen firsthand to the clue. In this case the “smart” teams are: Tyler & James, and Stupid Peter & Sarah. The really, really stupid teams don’t communicate the location to their driver, OR let them listen to the clue themselves… but instead tell them to follow the taxi of one of the other teams. In this case, the “really, really stupid” team is: Rob and Kimberly. Almost immediately, of course, several motorbikes get between Rob and Kimberly’s cab, and the one they are following, and they lose sight of them. So Rob swears and Kimberly has a breakdown when they end up stuck in the middle of nowhere with no idea where to tell the cab driver to go. Did you see this coming? I did. So, it’s back to the statue for them, while Rob screams at the taxi driver the entire way.

Rob & Kimberly head back, as Tom & Jerry and the Kentuckies arrive at the garden for the first time. Rob has a hissy fit when the taxi finally pulls over the lets them out, and stomps and curses as he grabs their packs out of the back of the taxi a throws some marginal fare at the driver. He clearly blames the driver for the fact that they were too stupid to write down or communicate the location of the clue. The Kentuckies stare at the whole incident, stunned by his behavior. Rob grabs another poor taxi driver, and drags him to the statue to listen to the clue. The Kentuckies bring their driver along as well, and Tom & Jerry are there jotting down the clue also.

Rob & Kimberly start off again with taxi driver number 2. Karma is toying with them this evening however, because he begins to disappoint them almost immediately by driving to slow, and taking them in circles. Rob’s hissy fit returns, Kimberly tells him not to freak out… and soon they are both screaming for this new taxi driver to stop and take them back to the garden. This all makes me giggle.

Rob again throws some marginal fare at driver number 2, telling him that he was of no help and deserves no more. Then they are in search of lucky driver number 3. Truly, wouldn’t all the taxi drivers in the city be running away in the opposite direction by now? They drag off a third driver, a nicely dressed man who seems to actually understand the directions when he hears them, and they are all off again… hopefully in the right direction this time.

In the meantime, the Kentuckies’ driver is having problems of his own, and doesn’t know where to go. In a stunning study in contrasts, the little Missus asks if he would like to return to the garden and listen to the clue again. No screaming. No hissy fits. They patiently wait for the driver to get a better handle on things, and then they take off again. Wow! Mary, I’m going to officially call you by your real name for the rest of the evening, because I was so impressed with your calm polite behavior. Nicely done!

The teams that are experiencing fewer issues with their taxi drivers, begin showing up at the next location. It is a bus station, and SURPRISE! It doesn’t open until 5 a.m. So after all of that drama and screaming… Rob and Kimberly finally show up at the location only to discover they have lost no ground, and should have just enjoyed the ride instead of inflicting themselves on taxi drivers all over the city. For their bad behavior, I now Christen them: Rude and Screamberly.

The clumping factor strikes again, and all the teams are on one bus together heading to Ha Long. They arrive at the harbor, and then pour off the bus in search of their next clue box. David and Mary are the first to reach it, and they open the clue and discover it is a Road Block, asking, “Who has strong arms and legs?”

This time around, one person of each team must use mechanical ascenders to climb 90 feet up a sheer rock. To reach the location of the climb, they all have to take small motorboats out to the island where the rock is. The teams all grab a boat, and head on their way. The Beauties cut in front of Kar/Lyn when grabbing a boat, and get sneered at as a result. Given the fact that this is the second time the Beauties have slipped in front of another team, Karma deals them a blow and the blonde one (whichever) cuts her leg while climbing into the boat. I can’t wait to see what Karma has in store for Stupid Peter. Sadly, we’re going to have to wait for a different episode to find out.

Before arriving at the Road Block location, each of the teams decided who would do the task. Since Sarah is very proud of her strong arms and legs in spite of her “physical challenge”, she agreed to do the task before they arrived. But as the boat pulls up and it becomes clear that this is a rock climb requiring lots of leg strength, she begins to worry. Does Stupid Peter step up, and agree to do it instead? Well, of course not. That would take class, and a genuine concern for someone besides himself… something that Stupid Peter does not possess or understand.

The first three teams to arrive at the site and begin the climb are Tom & Jerry, David & Mary, and Rude & Screamberly. Terry/Jerry (whatever), David, and Rude begin their climb. Sarah and Supid Peter arrive right after, but must wait until one of the other three teams finish before they can climb. This gives Sarah plenty of time to watch and worry, and hear commentary from the other teams already climbing that it takes a lot of leg strength. The camera zooms in on Sarah’s artificial leg, and then on her face with eyes brimming with tears. Stupid Peter makes himself comfortable, throws a half-hearted “You can do it, you have arm strength,” in Sarah’s general direction, and then finds himself something to drink.

Rude gets up and down the cliff, followed soon after by David and Terry/Jerry. Sarah gets ready to start, while Stupid Peter encourages her by squawking, “It’s all in the mind!” as he continues to relax in the boat. Karlyn and Godwin get outfitted as well. The person there to help the climbers is giving direction to Sarah, but once again she has a hard time hearing because Stupid Peter is screeching from the boat, offering her more insincere support while sipping his cool drink. Sarah is finally on her way, but immediately has trouble with her prosthetic leg getting caught in the lines. Godwin gets up and back, while Sarah struggles. Karlyn makes it up and down as well, while Sarah reaches for some source of inner strength to get through. Tyler starts his climb, and passes Sarah in the process. The blonde Beauty (whichever) starts her climb, as Sarah finally makes it to the top, and back down safely. Man… this girl deserves a million already for all of this effort. She also deserves a nice man to take her out to dinner, and to punch Stupid Peter in the jaw. Any takers? Sarah and Stupid Peter are finally on their way to the next location, with the Beauties close behind.

The teams have to travel by their little boats to a cave, and search it for their next clue. There they will be told that it’s another Detour, where once again they get to enjoy experiencing tasks that locals must perform everyday for their livelihood. In the first “Over”, they must take a junk to a supply boat, and gather up as small row boat with goods, and deliver them to customers on a little floating village. After delivery, they must return the signed invoices back to the supply boat to get their next clue. In the second task, “Under”, teams must row a small boat out to an oyster farm, and pull up 30 oyster baskets, and then row them back and deliver them to a pearl farm to get their next clue.

Rude and Screamberly are the first to get in and out of the cave with their next clue, and start off to the Detour. Being in first place, they are in a good mood for the first time ever, and actually share a kiss. Looks fast folks, this will be the last time that they are nice to each other. They choose “Under” thinking it will require less rowing. HA! Are they in for a surprise! They get into their boat, and start trying to get to the oyster farm. It’s windy, and these old rowboats have a profile that just makes them get pushed around on the water with every little breeze. Let’s just say that Rude and Screamberly have one heck of a time trying to coordinate the rowing, and make any headway against the wind. So of course they begin nipping at each other. As things continue to get worse instead of better… they begin yelling at each other. As their amazing teamwork surprisingly does not help the situation… they begin screaming at each other. They finally make it to the oyster farm, but are so furious at each other it’s like watching a cock fight. (I mean roosters! Get your minds out of the gutter.) As they lean over to retrieve the oyster baskets, the boat almost tips over… and the screaming begins again. These two give me a headache. I wish their boat would flip over and conk them both on the head. Sadly, this does not happen… and through the sheer force of rage, they manage to finish the task and gather all of the baskets and head back to the pearl farm to retrieve their clue.

In the meantime, the other teams are arriving at the location for the Detour, and experiencing similar problems while navigating the boat in the wind. Most teams initially choose the “Over” task to deliver goods, but have such a hard time even getting to the location of the task, they switch to “Under” by default. Kar/Lyn are the only team that sticks with the “Over” task, and make their deliveries without too much problem. But when it comes to rowing their boat back to the supply ship, they get tossed around in the rough water like a cork, and almost end up smashed against the rocks. The physically stronger teams like the Models and Ed/Godwin, brute force their way through the task, fighting the wind to get to the oyster farm and grab the baskets. Even Stupid Peter, when given both of the oars, is able to maneuver their boat enough to collect baskets and get on their way, as does David when given the oars for their boat. However, the physically weaker teams, Tom & Jerry and the Beauties, struggle mightily against the wind and the ocean.

This season of TAR is kicking the butt of these teams, with challenges that are way beyond the everyday physical. Every single team struggled… but at the end of the day, our two least favorite teams somehow ended up on top. After screaming at each other non-stop, Rude and Screamberly manage to make it to the pit stop first. Obviously Phil had gotten word of their nastiness to each other, because after they arrived he asked them, “Are you treating each other well?” They both look sheepishly on the ground, and then mumble something about being very competitive and getting caught up in the moment. Yeah, whatever… all kinds of horrible crimes can be committed by people “caught up in the moment.” These two need to settle down and get some perspective, or head the heck home.

Stupid Peter, after bossing Sarah around all day and appreciating her not at all for the fantastically amazing effort she put forth, managed to row so well through the Detour task that they ended up in second. Man… I wish this guy would just self-destruct, and that Sarah would get that lightning bold of vision to see what a complete jerk this guy is. They can both go home, leave the money to some other team that is way more deserving, and Sarah can begin a life without this horrid person. But no… here they are, team number two. We’ll have to see what Stupid Peter has in store for us next week.

And then the two teams that rightfully should be in the top two positions, the Models and Ed/Godwin, check in. Soon after comes David and Mary, carried through the day’s challenges almost exclusively by David’s strength and determination. Kar/Lyn, two very tough mothers (and I mean that in the parenting sense), arrive next. I don’t know how these two did it. They are older and out of shape… but the brought it today! You go mommas!

Our final two teams are shown, struggling to finish the Detour tasks. Both have made it through the oyster farm and retrieved their baskets… but now both are struggling and near exhausted with dealing with the rowboats on the rough sea. The Beauties finish the oyster task and deliver the baskets… but along the way the water has sloshed all over their clue, and they can’t make out that they are supposed to row to the junk for a ride back to the pit stop. Instead, they think they are to row directly to the pit stop… so they start randomly rowing around the islands looking for Phil. This is when (say it isn’t so!) they begin snapping at one another, placing blame on who’s fault it was that the clue wasn’t put somewhere safe and got all torn up. Finally, logic takes over, and they decide they must have to go back to the junk… and they struggle against the waves and wind to get there.

In the meantime, Tom & Jerry have finished the task at well, but can make no headway against the wind when trying to row back to the junk. Finally, Terry/Jerry jumps in the water, grabs the boat by the rope, and begins swimming towards the junk, dragging the boat behind him. It’s slow, and exhausting, but he finally gets them back to the junk and on their way to the pit stop.

Now we are with Phil… waiting anxiously to see who will arrive first. The Beauties? Tom & Jerry? The suspense is awful! The music builds… and it is the Beauties! Still a bit pissy at each other, but arriving in time to claim the last spot. And then finally… looking like two drowned rats, Tom & Jerry arrive. They begin crying before Phil can even say the words. They are the last team to arrive… and are eliminated.

These two really worked so hard, I was sad to see them go. This whole episode was upsetting, because the teams that deserved it the least ended up on top… and the ones that worked the hardest and deserved it the most, ended up on the bottom. Amazing Race, you cruel trickster!! What will you have in store for us next?

Standings Before Episode 4

2006-10-08T19:24:00.000-07:00

Erwin & Godwin in first place
Duke & Lauren eliminated

Erwin & Godwin:
(Team Number 1)What’s this? The brothers that are taking the time to appreciate the experience, are treating each other nicely, and are giving the people and the locations that they are visiting the respect they deserve… are in first place? Who would have seen that coming? I’ve been giving these guys a hard time because of that crazy water pistol stunt in Episode 1, but I actually found myself kind of liking them in tonight’s leg. They’re working well together, keeping their cool… and at the same time taking a moment here and there to really soak in the once-in-a-lifetime opportunities that this race is handing them. I know a lot of this race is dumb luck, but at least part of it is working well with each other and working well with each new environment they find themselves in, instead of fighting it all. These two are doing great at that… and the other teams should take notice and follow their lead.

Tyler & James:
(Team Number 2) These two are never far from the front of the pack, and there’s a reason. They are strong, smart, and don’t waste a lot of energy or time on things that aren’t going to help get them ahead. They don’t fight with each other, they don’t fight with other teams, and they don’t lose focus on why they are here. These guys are consistently playing a very strong game, and I think… are the team to beat.

Rob & Kimberly:
(Team Number 3) This team makes my stomach hurt. They just cannot be nice to each other! They weren’t even that bad this leg, but they can’t stop themselves from nagging and biting at each other. I’m not even quite sure how they did as well as they did this time around. They weren’t left alone with each other very much, and maybe that’s why they didn’t fight as much… they didn’t want to look bad when people were around to see them. (Uh, hello… you’re on national television! We’re seeing all the good/bad/ugly regardless.) But look what happened when they didn’t waste so much energy on squawking at each other… they came in third! Too bad we can see what all this bickering is costing them, but they can’t. Based on next week’s preview however, they’re back at each other’s throats. Get your TiVo ready!

Dustin & Kandice:
(Team Number 4) So, the Beauties aren’t going to win the Miss Congeniality titles… so what. It’s a race. They saw an advantage at the travel agent, and they took it. They weren’t mean, they weren’t rude… they just stepped up to an empty counter. Get over it, Tom & Jerry! I’m sure if they had it to do over again though, they wouldn’t have stepped on T&T's toes… it didn’t actually gain them anything since they all ended up on the same plane, and now no one else wants to help them. Well girls, you wanted to do this all on your own to prove something, now you will certainly be given that opportunity! Show us what you’ve got.

Peter & Sarah:
(Team Number 5) Another team that makes my stomach hurt, just because Stupid Peter is so icky. He was lovin’ it when all the local ladies were fawning over him at the flower market.., but he couldn’t possibly pay any less attention to his girlfriend when she’s getting stuck in the mud while trying to make her way to the pit stop. I just can’t root for this team to win, because all Stupid Peter needs is another reason to think he’s a god. This team has become less about Sarah making it in spite of her physical limitations, and more about her making it in spite of her stupid, overbearing, self-centered, smarmy boyfriend. That’s just my opinion, of course.

Lyn & Karlyn:
(Team Number 6) Well, these ladies are still hanging in, I’ll give them credit for that. As they mentioned, this race is not an easy thing, and they’ve come farther than I originally thought they would. I still don’t give them a snowball’s chance in hell of winning this thing… but they officially have made a good enough showing that their kids should be very proud of them. And you know, it’s not over till it’s over… so they may end up surprising me. Or they may end up whining and complaining and getting booted out next week… there’s always a chance of that too.

David & Mary:
(Team Number 7) Poor David… this entire leg he was trying to take in the enormity of what it must have been like for his dad to be in Vietnam during the war, and all he could hear was his wife henpecking him to death over every little thing. They may balance each other perfectly back home, but on this adventure she’s a bit hard to take. I don’t know how badly she actually sprained her ankle, given that I never actually saw her limp and we only heard about it when she was actually expected to do something. But my goodness… David has the patience of Job to just keep his head down and keep at whatever they’re working on while she goes off on yet another tirade. They do make good TV though, so I hope they stick around for a while!

Tom & Terry:
(Team Number 8) These two almost dissolved into a little puddle of stressed-out goo waiting for their 30 minute “time out” to expire at the pit stop. That’s what you get for breaking the rules, boys! They didn’t mean to, of course… but accepting that little motorbike ride just about bought them a one-way ticket home. I’m personally glad it didn’t, because these two are fun to watch. They seem to get distracted easily though… so I don’t think they’ll make it to the final three.

The Zen of Basket Weaving Will Get You Nowhere

2006-10-02T14:37:00.000-07:00

It’s that time again. The teams are off on yet another leg of the exciting and unpredictable Amazing Race. Our teams depart Outer Mongolia for… Hanoi, Vietnam!

Sarah and Stupid Peter are off first, happy for a lead because of their slower pace due to Sarah’s blown out knee (and Peter’s uselessness). They are followed shortly by Tyler and James, who are doing well and happy about it.

Next out of the gate are Duke and Lauren. Duke notices that there are several girls on the streets of Mongolia walking arm and arm. He asks his gay daughter, “Do you think they’re just friends, or what?” Uhhh… is this some pitiful attempt to appear more open and aware of gay culture? Or does he truly think there is such a thing as gaydar, and that his daughter will be able to sense who is in the sisterhood just by glancing at them through the window of a speeding car? I don’t know… just another awkward moment brought to us by Duke.

Tom and Jerry are off next. (Yes, I know it’s Terry… but they do remind me a bit of a couple cartoon characters running around with their heads cut off. Plus who of you out there doesn’t think Tom & Jerry when you see Tom & Terry? …Thought so.) Once again they tell us how stressful it is to have to make decisions together. Why does this come up? Do they not spend any time together and decide things back in the states? Do they hire other people to make decisions for them? Whatever… each team must have their unique stress, this is theirs.

The Beauties take off without incident. Rob and Kimberly take off next. Immediately we hear Kimberly telling Rob not to run over a dog that is standing at least 500 feet away on the side of the road, and is in no danger of getting hit by any car, let alone the one that Rob is driving. Rob growls back, she whines in response… and then they discover they went the wrong way and are headed exactly opposite of the direction they needed to go. Another great start for these two.

Then our friends Kentucky 1 and Kentucky 2 take off. David is driving, and starts to tell us how he began tearing up as soon as he found out that they were heading to Vietnam. His father was in the service, and served in Vietnam. David is just beginning to tell us how difficult it was for his dad to talk about it, when there is suddenly screeching from the backseat, “Everybody is passin’ you!” This little woman starts in on him, ripping him again for whatever isn’t pleasing her at the moment. There is no more story about dad… just a whole bunch of southern squabbling. *sigh*

By contrast, Erwin and Godwin leave, and seem unconcerned about where they are in the pack. Erwin (or Godwin, whichever) tells us that he feels as if they’ve already won… simply because of all the wonderful places they’ve been able to visit, and all the experiences that they’ve been able to share as brothers, and the fact that they are being able to do something that most people will never have to opportunity to do. Nicely done, boys!

And last to leave are Kar/Lyn. They hump their stuff out to the car, and grumble that although they’d love a million dollars, that this race is not glamorous, a lot of work, and very painful. Hey ladies, take a page out of Er/Godwin’s book. Take a look around you, because you’re smack dab in the middle of an amazing opportunity, and you’ll never see sights like this again in your entire life.

So one by one, they all start showing up at the Ghingis Kahn hotel where they have been sent to buy airplane tickets from a travel agency inside. The agency doesn’t open until 9 a.m., so the bunching begins as they await the doors opening. They all agree to form a line, and at 9 they are able to proceed inside to where four travel agents are waiting to help them. Now Tom & Jerry are the forth team in line, but for some goofy reason… when they get inside, instead of going to the last remaining open travel agent, they walk right past her an push deeper into the room. Well, the Beauties, the fifth team in line, see the open spot that Tom & Jerry have passed up, and move on in to start getting their tickets.

A hissy fit ensues. Tom and Jerry cannot believe that the Beauties would do such a thing. They’re whining and crying about how they cut in line, how it’s not fair, and how they’ll never win a beauty pageant of kindness. (A what???) The Beauties start squabbling back, telling them that they had their chance, they didn’t do anything wrong, and to calm the hell down. One of the beauties calls one of the gays the wrong name, and he just about has a stroke. This makes me laugh, because the Blondies are the most interchangeable team out there, and THEY can’t tell anyone apart either. This is why simple folk like me just gives them a group name so I don’t have to try and tell them apart anymore.

The bitching continues. They are so loud and obnoxious that even the Kentuckies are commenting on the screeching. I just start to giggle, because the irony in this show is priceless. Plus, what is the big deal here anyway. The Beauties didn’t knock these guys down… they didn’t cheat or squeeze them out. Tom & Jerry passed on an open agent and walked on by. That’s their problem. Plus… they’re all on the same plane anyway, so what is the drama? All it did was cause tension between these two teams for no reason… but I’m not complaining because that’s better TV for us!

So once again it’s a big group road trip, with everyone arriving together in Hanoi. The teams scramble for cabs. Duke and Lauren think that they’ve done a smart thing by getting to know one of the locals on the plane, and getting her to agree to help them get to their next location. What they don’t realize is that this is the most opportunistic local ever. She agrees to help them, but first makes them wait around for her as she trots off to find her luggage. Lauren starts to freak out because precious time is being wasted. Poor Lauren, what she doesn’t realize is that this is first of many bad turn of events for them.

In the meantime, Kar/Lyn grab a minivan cab… and offer to let The Kentuckies share the ride. However, it soon becomes clear that there isn’t enough room for all their luggage (and the extra cameramen) to fit in one taxi, so they end up having to find separate rides.
Kar/Lyn feel bad, they think The Kentuckies are sweet people… and being helpful southern folk, Kar/Lyn just wanted to help them out. Waitaminute… weren’t these the two that sped by the Models when they were broken down by the side of the road last week, only slowing down enough to spew venom at them before racing on their way? Aren’t these the two that have been bitching non-stop about one-legged Sarah? Can someone please define Southern hospitality a little bit better for me, because I’m confused.

The other teams continue to pour into cabs as Duke and Lauren continue to wait on the friendly, happy-to-help, “I’ll promise anything for a free cab ride” local. Duke finally goes to find her, and discovers her patiently waiting for him to help her with her luggage. Duke is still very proud of himself, thinking he’s made the strategic move of the century by securing a local tour guide… not realizing that there aren’t a whole lot of other tourist destinations in Hanoi other than the prison they’re headed to. Any cabdriver in the city is going to know exactly where to take them, because what the hell else would an American be going to see? But Duke is still certain they’ve done the right thing… right until he realizes his helpful local has instructed the cab driver to first drop her off at her brother’s on the other side of town, and then take the ignorant Americans to see the prison. For the first time, Duke looks at his available cash. The teams were given no money at the start of this leg, and this team is down to eleven dollars. Duke asks the local if that will be enough to pay the cab driver once he’s driven first to the brother’s house, and then to the prison. She laughs heartily, and says no… the fee will be about twice that.

Lauren fumes.

The other teams, who are taking a more direct route, all get stopped in traffic when they come across a turned over truck in the road. For no reason I can guess, the Beauties who are the first on the scene, hop out of their taxi to get a closer look. Not surprisingly, the rest of the teams stay in their cabs, and when traffic begins moving a moment later… one by one they start passing the Beauties, as the two blondes start bolting back to their waiting taxi.

In true Amazing Race form however, none of the drama means a thing… because all the teams arrive at the “Hanoi Hilton” only to discover that it doesn’t open until 8:00 the next morning. Even Duke and Lauren finally arrive, and their taxi driver reluctantly accepts what little money they have without incident. It may have been the fact that there were cameras on him the entire time, but the driver makes no fuss about the fact that the fare isn’t being paid in full… and once again all that drama and buildup, results in a non-issue. Since none of the teams have any money, they all get comfortable and spend the night on the sidewalk outside of the prison.

The next morning, all of the teams are given instructions to search the prison for a display of Sen. John McCain’s flight suit. Senator McCain was on of hundreds of American servicemen that was held here, and they must find where his items are displayed to receive their next clue. The teams take off in all different directions, crossing paths frequently as the look for the correct room. At one point the Beauties ask Tom & Jerry if they’ve found anything, and they don’t respond… still miffed at the girls “cutting” in line in front of them at the travel agency. Finally, the teams almost simultaneously stumble on the right room, and crowd towards the person there that is handing out the envelopes. Stupid Peter tries to reach in front of teams again and again, trying to grab the clue out of their hands instead of just waiting the additional 7 seconds for his turn. Finally the clue-master hands a clue to Sarah, ignoring Peter and his butthead ways entirely. Erwin and Godwin are the last to get a clue, and are also the only ones to genuinely take a moment to reflect on where they are and the significance of it all. Then they step outside and open their clue along with the others.

The Clue sends the team to Hanoi’s “Old Quarter”, to find a flower shop and their next clue. All the teams grab a taxi, except for Duke and Lauren that are out of money after giving it all away to their driver from the night before. They have to walk the couple miles or so on foot.

Tom & Jerry are the first to arrive and discover a Road Block, where one of the team members must choose a bike with a flower basket on the back. They then have to sell enough flowers to the locals to earn 80,000 dong… or about five U.S. dollars.

Most teams have more difficulty riding the bikes than selling the flowers, tipping over and spilling flowers left and right. For some insane reason, the locals snap flowers up from Stupid Peter… his tall stature and blonde hair getting their attention. Ladies, if you spent more than five minutes with him, you would be throwing flowers in his face… trust me.

Soon all teams have arrived, even penniless Duke and Lauren. Everyone is selling flowers with various levels of success. Stupid Peter and Sarah finish first, thanks to Peter’s international fans. Their clue tells them they must catch a local bus to Vac Village. Stupid Peter authoritatively tells Sarah they need to make sure they get on the right bus. Then, to the utter joy of myself and other TAR fans around the country, they immediately get on the wrong bus. Hooray! Karma is our friend.

Soon the crowd swarms around the flower market, and the teams are quickly on their way to getting rid of their flowers and getting their clues. Godwin and Erwin get their clue, find the bus station, and are on their way to Vac. Soon after, Tom & Jerry follow, getting on a separate bus of their own.

The rest of the teams start finishing up, and one by one begin wandering aimlessly for the bus station. By this time, Smug Stupid Peter has discovered that they are one the wrong bus, and he and Sarah have jumped off and are left waiting at a bus station for the correct bus to come along.

The aimlessly wandering teams start to find each other, even though they can’t find the bus station. Finally, the swarm of remaining teams stumbles across the bus station they have been looking for, and all board a bus for Vac.

Erwin and Godwin are the first to arrive in Vac. As they get off the bus, they begin looking around for the location of their next task. Locals on motorbikes offer to give them a ride, but because of safety concerns, the teams are told that they cannot operate or accept rides on these bikes. They get pointed in the right direction however, and start walking on their way.

Tom & Jerry’s bus arrives next. They too are offered rides by the locals… and suffering some kind of brain fart, they accept. They crawl on the back of the bikes of two locals, and zoom away.

Meanwhile, Sarah and Stupid Peter are finally picked up by the right bus, and are on their way.

Erwin and Godwin find the clue box in the middle of a courtyard, and they navigate through a dancing dragon to retrieve their next clue. It’s a detour, and they must choose Fuel or Fowl. In Fuel, they must use wet coal and manual presses to make 30 coal bricks. In Fowl, they must build a birdcage. Erwin and Godwin decide to get dirty, and head towards the coal. The locals are entertained as they learn the ropes of brick making.

Tom & Jerry arrive on the back of their illegal motorbikes, and retrieve their clue as well. They also decide to get dirty, and head for the coal task.

The rest of the teams, except for Sarah and Stupid Peter, arrive and Vac and walk to the location of the clue box. They all decide on Fuel, and start making their way to location of the task.

In the meantime, Erwin and Godwin have finished their task, and head for the pit stop in a rice field. At that moment Sarah and Stupid Peter have finally arrived in Vac. Stupid Peter starts jogging to try and make up time, and immediately comments back to his one-legged girlfriend with the blown-out hydraulic knee, “You’re moving kinda slow.” You know what? F**k you, Stupid Peter. Sarah doesn’t say it, but you know she’s thinking it too.

The rest of the teams are once again wandering aimlessly, this time looking for the location of the Fuel task. Duke and Lauren once again stop to ask for help from a local, and only succeed in losing sight of all the other teams. Did they learn nothing from the “helpful” local in the airport?

The rest of the wandering teams finally find the Fuel task and set to work. Tom & Jerry complete all their bricks, and tear off towards the pit stop. Duke and Lauren wander so far of course, they actually stumble on the location of the Fowl task… and deciding to take it as a sign, they sit down and start building a birdcage.

Sarah and her dumbass thoughtless boyfriend find the clue box, and head off to the Fuel task. The teams already there are slamming out coal brinks like crazy.

By this time, Tom & Jerry have found the Pit Stop, and are thrilled to discover they are the second team to arrive. However, Phil raises an eyebrow, and tells them they are very bad boys… and because they illegally accepted rides on the back of the motorbikes, they must step off the mat and suffer a 30-minute penalty before they can check in. Tom & Jerry just about pee their pants, and begin to wail and lament as they shuffle off to time-out to serve out their time.

Back at the coalmine, Tyler and James finish their bricks and run to check-in at the Pit Stop. They become team number 2. Tom & Jerry whimper. Soon they are followed by Rob and Kimberly, and then Kandice and Dustin. Tom & Jerry’s whining gets louder and more sorrowful as the other two teams check in. Sarah and Stupid Peter that made up great time while brick making, head off to the Pit Stop as well. In yet another horrifying example of just how big of an ass Peter is, Peter runs out through the rice field to the pit stop, and leaves Sarah to struggle through the soft, wet, terrain on her own. Sarah has to get down on her hands and knees, and actually crawl to make progress through the mud. Stupid Peter doesn’t even turn around to check on her, let alone offer help or support. I hate this guy. Sarah and Stupid Peter check in as team number 5, although Stupid Peter doesn’t deserve it.

Kar/Lyn and the Kentuckies finish their coal bricks, and head towards the Pit Stop. Mary starts complaining about her ankle, that she twisted on the way towards the last Pit Stop, and has a hard time negotiating the rice field. Again, Kar/Lyn offer to help and assist them towards the Pit Stop. These two must be trying to make up for their selfish ways in earlier legs. Mary tells them not to worry about it, and tells them to go check in. They do, and become team number 6. Tom & Jerry start to sob. David and Mary finally make it to the Pit Stop, and become team number 7. Tom & Jerry try to console one another.

In the meantime… Duke and Lauren are off making a birdcage. Duke seems to enjoy the quiet solitude of the task. Lauren is stressing out like crazy, but trying not to show it. They follow the example, and create a birdcage that meets spec… and get their next clue. They race towards the pit stop.

Phil makes a big deal of looking on the horizon for Duke and Lauren, while Tom & Jerry whimper and cry in time out next to him. Finally, their time has passed… and they are allowed to check in. They become team number 8.

Duke and Lauren, after getting lost yet again, finally find their way to the Pit Stop. After one wrong turn and bad decision after another… they just were doomed to be the last team to arrive. Solemnly, Phil informs them that they have been eliminated.

In their exit interview, Duke tells us that he’s learned so much about his daughter, and are happy for all that participating in the race has given them. They’ve learned a lot from each other, and he has determined that whatever will make her happy, will make him happy. All together now… “Awwwwww!”

Standings Before Episode 3

2006-09-30T21:03:00.000-07:00

Peter & Sarah in first place
Kellie & Jamie eliminated

Peter & Sarah:
(Team Number 1) So, as a team these guys are obviously doing well. Here they are, on the top of the standings, with a vacation to Mexico to enjoy when they get home. But as a couple…? I’m not so sure they’ll still be together by the time they have to opportunity to take that vacation. Was it just me, or did Peter seem awfully whiney and rude during this episode? He started passing the hat around when Sarah was dancing on her leg, like she was some organ grinder's monkey. And that whole Detour challenge didn’t exactly show his best side. You can design an artificial leg, but you can’t tie a knot? Are you serious??? And speaking of legs, why the hell didn’t he pack spare hydraulic fluid for Sarah’s artificial leg, or a spare leg for that matter? Isn’t that kind of his area of expertise? Peter, you are turning into a bit of a disappointment. Better clean up your act young man, or your Jaime Sommers is going to find a new Oscar Goldman.

Tyler & James:
(Team Number 2) I like these guys! They’re fun, attractive, easy-going, …and kicking ass in this game! It’s the perfect storm of reality contestant characteristics. You kind of want them to do well because they’re really into the race, but taking time to appreciate the experience of it all. They’ve still got their eye on the Beauties, but now more in a kind of wary-strategic way as opposed to a romantic-flirt way. Romantic-flirt is more fun to watch, but it’s nice to know that a couple of heads of blonde hair aren’t distracting these guys from what they’re here to do. If we’re lucky though, maybe the romantic-flirt side of things will reappear in and episode or two!

Duke & Lauren:
(Team Number 3) Not a lot of squawking or grumbling between these two, is there? That’s a good sign. This seems to be one of those teams that is fusing tighter together under the pressure of the race as opposed to splitting apart. They actually talk to each other in a nice tone, and work together well in the challenges. Who knew it could be this way? Do these two not watch reality TV at home? Do they not know that they are not supposed to be speaking to each other by now? But I admit, the calm between them is refreshing. As much as I love the drama, I’ve got room for a sincere father/daughter team on my shelf of favorites as well. They make me want to believe in Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny all over again!

Tom & Terry:
(Team Number 4) These two actually surprised me! They seemed so flighty and all over the place the first episode, that I figured they would always be bringing up the back of the pack. But you know, as much as they are laughing and clapping and jumping up and down through each leg... they're also gaining ground and avoiding mistakes. And they will forever get to be the first real-live gay people that David and Mary ever met! Sadly, they lost their cheerleader buds in tonight's episode. They'll just have to cheer, squeal, and clap enough for both teams from here on out.

Dustin & Kandice:
(Team Number 5) Well, if it wasn't for that damn Mongolian hat that they misplaced, these two could have very easily been the first team to reach the pit stop this time around. Damn accessories... they're more trouble than they're worth. I think these girls are in a good place. They're physcially tough... hell, one girl got dragged and kicked by a horse and didn't even slow down. They are strategically tough... looking for alternate trains/schedules instead of assuming that staying with the pack was the only way to go. And they will constantly be underestimated because of their looks. Bring it, Blondies! You go and show them what a couple Beauty Pagent Queens can do!

Rob & Kimberly:
(Team Number 6) Ohhhh, man! This couple is a ticking time bomb. You know that if every time these two talk to the camera they bring up the fact that they're doing this to figure out if they are "meant to be together", that they are absolutely NOT. Guys, a little advice... if you've got to keep asking, then you already subconsciously know the answer, don't ya? But as much as we all know the disaster that these two are heading towards, we can't tear our eyes away... we will just sit there and watch this trainwreck happen. It's like the frosting on top of our little reality TV cupcake!

David & Mary:
(Team Number 7) So, I have a question. Every season a team shanghai's some good-hearted local to jump in the car with them and show them how to find one of these obscure locations on their clue. How the heck so these poor souls get back home at the end of the day? Don't they have wives and families somewhere, wondering where the heck they are? And Mary, it's bad enough that you nip at your poor husband night and day... but could you be a little nicer to the guy that gave up his whole day to help you, as opposed to sitting there in a pout while you wait for him to find a tractor to pull you out of a mud hole? Mary, you can go home now. Go on, limp on back on your twisted ankle and spare all of us your henpicking. Sadly, by the rules that means that David will have to go home too. But I think he'll be happy to climb back into the quiet and serenity of a coal mine after being verbally flogged during this race by you.

Erwin & Godwin:
(Team Number 8) I thought that these brothers would be one of the teams to beat, but they just don't seem to be firing on all cylinders or something. They seem to meander through each leg, kind of jogging to keep up with the pack, but don't seem to have any fire or intensity about the whole thing. Maybe they're still bummed about having their water pistols taken away. Hell guys, you got to shoot flaming arrows... isn't that a decent alternative? Pick up the pace boys, or you'll be heading home soon.

Lyn & Karlyn:
(Team Number 9) Ladies, the word of the day is "Karma." You couldn't be bothered to stop and offer help to Tyler and James when they were stuck with a flat and a broken jack, and then you were actually surprised when your car suddenly wouldn't start and you fell back to last place? Oh ladies, do you not understand how this universe works? Well you seem to be quick to point out what you feel all the other teams are doing wrong, but you might want to start with reviewing just how you two have been going about playing this game. Not well, I'll warn you... and you don't have any ground to give considering where you're sitting in the ranks.

Horses, Oxen, and Arrows... Oh My!

2006-09-25T14:36:00.001-07:00

As we open, we find our adventurers getting ready to leave the Great Wall. One by one we see our teams off, and get to hear what the think about themselves/the race/life in general, as they start on their next leg.

First, the Models. They rip open their clue and reveal they are on an all-expense paid trip to Outer Mongolia… via a 963 mile voyage by bus and train. Those lucky dogs. The models pontificate about how much rosier everything is now that they’re sober and they are no longer living in the gutter as addicts. Let’s check back in and see if that attitude is still holding at about mile 900 of this upcoming leg, shall we?

Next off are Duke and Lauren. Duke generously tells us how he has no problems with gays or lesbians in general… but when it’s his daughter, he views it a little differently. I imagine Duke has no problem with the prison system either… unless a prison is going to be built near his neighborhood. He’s probably pro-nuclear power too, unless he finds out there are plans to build a plant within 100 miles of his house. These things aren’t conditional, Big Daddy. I’m sorry to tell you, if you have a problem with your daughter, you DO have a problem with gays and lesbians. But reacquaint yourself with your daughter and get past it… because that’s just one facet of her. Otherwise you’ll be throwing your baby daughter out with the bathwater.

Then we see Peter and Sarah take off. Sarah talks again about the bad luck of blowing out her hydraulic knee. Worthless Peter sits behind her offering nothing. Sarah explains she can still get around, but it’s like riding on a flat tire. Peter would be an auto mechanic in the metaphor, right? Peter, you didn’t bring a spare tire? Fix-a-flat? Nothing??? Well, at least you’re not going to make your girlfriend dance on her broken-down prosthetic leg for spare change. Oh, wait a minute… I may have spoken too soon.

Next are the Beauties, and as they trot off we hear how close they’ve become after being randomly paired as roommates during the Miss America pageant. They mention how important it is, in a competitive world like they live in, to find someone that you can count on. Please ladies, we count on you to do something to help us tell you two apart. Different colored scrunchies or something? I’m having a hell of a time.

Now it’s Rob and Kimberly, telling us once again how they are at that point where they are deciding whether their relationship should go to the next level. Sweeties… it shouldn’t be this damn hard! Good relationships just progress to the next level, naturally. If you are questioning each other (not to mention constantly snipping and backbiting at each other), you have your answer! Put a fork in it for heaven’s sake, this relationship is done. (But by all means, stick around for a few more rounds because your squabbling is highly entertaining for the rest of us.)

Oh yes, and now the cheerleaders… squealing and clapping their way towards their next destination. They tell us how much stronger their relationship is since they constantly motivate and encourage each other. They seem determined to motivate and encourage everyone else they come in contact with as well, with the never-ending cheering, squealing and clapping in the back of the taxi, in the back of the pedicab, in the back of the airplane, in the back of the bus, in the back of the train…

Erwin and Godwin take off, and in a very mature statement they tell us that this race is all about building relationships with other people. There was nothing mature or relationship-building about them running around the SeaTac airport with toy water pistols. The airport security force just about built a relationship between this dumb-ass pair of brothers and the airport holding cell.

Tom and Terry enthusiastically scamper off while they tell us that although they’ve each traveled quite a bit separately, that this is the first time that they’ve traveled as a couple. They admit that it will be a challenge trying to make decisions together… like which matching outfits they should wear today.

Now it is Kar/Lyn, the single mothers, turn to leave. One of them (again ladies, scrunchies please?) tells us that what means the most to her about this race, is that she will be able to show her daughter what she was able to do. Ummm… so far you’ve been able to whine and complain and say a lot of mean stuff about a woman with one leg. Are these the proud moments you are looking forward to sharing when you get home?

And finally, Kentucky 1 and Kentucky 2 take off. After the Little Missus snaps at her husband for suggesting that she pick up the pace a little and jog to their next destination, we hear him telling us that his wife is very blunt and to the point… and that’s what he loves about her the most. Just out of curiosity, my good man… what is it that you like about her the least? Is it that she screeches at you and throws cast-iron skillets at your head when you come home and accidentally get coal dust on the protective plastic sofa covers?

So the teams all make it to the bus stop. The Models meanly taunt the Cheerleaders when they arrive, because they just missed the last spot available to sign up for the first departing bus. I’m not sure why they’re so mean all the sudden? Are they trying to flirt, like a TAR version of sticking their pigtails in the inkwell? I’m not sure. But knock it off, boys!

The first bus takes off, and the members of the second bus bond and joke and laugh as they wait like they’re the best of friends and they’re about to board a bus to Disney World… as opposed to competing against each other for a million dollars and getting ready to board a bus to Outer Mongolia.

Kentucky 1 and Kentucky 2 tell us how much they love meeting all of these different people that they otherwise would never have met in their life… like uh, Asians and gay people. “Honest to goodness,” they tell us in hushed tones, “we’ve never been around gay people.” The Missus continues… “But buddy, I like ‘em!” Wow. Kind of sounds like she just tried Buffalo wings for the first time or something, doesn’t it?

The first bus gets to the train station, and they find out the train doesn’t take of for a few hours, so the Beauties slink off to see if there are any other alternatives, and tell us that they’ve got to go do this conspicuously. Um, pretty girls? I think you mean inconspicuously. Conspicuously would be similar to the Cheerleaders’ / Tom & Jerry’s squealing and clapping approach to everything. But regardless how they label it, they don’t get very far before the Models are all up in their business, trying to see what the girls are up to. These guys… they really need to work on their flirting techniques.

The second bus arrives, so despite the 2-hour head start for some, everyone is grouped together again. While they wait, Peter and Sarah sit outside the station for a while to rest and get some sun.

Soon a small crowd has gathered, pointing and chattering away in wonderment about Sarah’s artificial leg. Peter the Useless then tells us that, “It’s good to have a physical disability, because we’re going to use that to our advantage.” And then in the creepiest moment to date, he tells his girlfriend to run around and dance, while he tries to collect spare change from the locals for the show. Not surprisingly, no one actually offers him any money, and instead they look at each other as if to say, “Stupid arrogant American”. On behalf of all of us, thanks so much Peter for improving our reputation in the world.

Soon all the teams are headed to their next task on a slow train to Outer Mongolia. Luckily, through the magic of television, we do not have to tag along on what was surely a long and grueling ride…and for those of us at home it is mere moments before they arrive at their next destination. Once there, all teams immediately pour out of the train, and chaos ensues as they all scramble to find cabs to take them to yet another hard-to-find location so that they can impatiently observe some solemn ritual dance before getting their next clue.

Cabs scramble every-which-way, and all teams are all simultaneously convinced that they are either at the top of the pack, or at the bottom. Truly, there is so much shuffling, whining, gloating, squealing, and clapping… it is hard to keep up. But suddenly we find the Cheerleaders and Tom & Jerry have successfully arrived at the mystical temple location first. There is much squealing and clapping. Soon they are joined by the squabbling Rob and Kimberly.

They must wait until it is time for the next mystical ceremony, and then they are treated to the sight of Papa Smurf and friends dancing and beating drums. Papa Smurf then hands them their next clue, and they discover they must now choose one of many old, broken-down, Russian military jeeps to drive to their next location where they must go horseback riding. Teams are alternately thrilled or terror-stricken when they discover that horses are going to be involved. I, personally, would be terror-stricken once I discovered old broken-down Russian military jeeps were going to be involved. Oddly, my husband would be thrilled.

The next group to arrive for the Papa Smurf Show is Sarah and Stupid Peter, Duke and Lauren, the Beauties, and Kentucky 1 and Kentucky 2. There is more Smurf dancing, clue giving, jeep choosing, and horse lamenting. Kentucky 1&2 kidnap a local and make him come with them to show them how to find horse camp, while the rest of the teams decide to go it alone with varying degrees of help from confused locals that try and point them in the right direction. Rob, of the constantly fighting Rob and Kimberly, stupidly decides that he has an internal compass and leaves the paved road on some cross-country trek to who knows where. Kimberly tries to question him, and Rob bites her head off. We wish them well.

Kar/Lyn, the water-pistol-shooting Brothers, and the Models finally find Papa Smurf and friends. More dancing, cluing, jeeping, lamenting. And now all of our teams and their jeeps are on their way towards horse camp.

There is a confusing parade of various dirt and rain-streaked jeeps, and I can’t quite keep up with everyone’s progress. Nothing of note happens until the Models suffer a flat tire, and are stuck and stranded on the side of the road with a spare tire, but a broken jack. Rob, who has as some point removed his head from his ass and found his way back to the main road, slows to help. He offers his jack, but it is strangely fused to the body of their jeep and he is unable to remove it. Kar/Lyn come by, slow imperceptibly, and screech “Peace out!” at the stranded team before hitting the gas and speeding away. They self-importantly rationalize that they aren’t being mean, they’re just trying to win. This, right after they holler, “Screw them!” towards the general direction of the models… which have ironically found themselves in the gutter once again.

It is at this point that I officially don’t like Kar/Lyn and wish bad things upon them.

We flash to the Cheerleaders, who have suddenly stalled their vehicle when they were unexpectedly forced to stop on a hill. (I would love to laugh about this, but in the not so recent past when I was a new driver, my friend and I took my father’s stick shift car on a trip to San Francisco… and I stalled that damn car all over that frickin’ city. So girls, I feel your pain.)

Stranded Cheerleaders. Stranded Models. The tension is intense. What will happen? Then suddenly, like a blessing from God, a kind local stops to help the Models. He lends them his jack, and then continues on to actually change their tire for them. This man is sweet. The boys should get his name and address and send him a thank you card. They do not. Their mothers are embarrassed. Simultaneously, brunette cheerleader soothes blonde cheerleader with supportive words… and squealing and clapping. Blonde cheerleader takes a big breath… and fantastically, suddenly gets the car to start. Much, MUCH, squealing and clapping.

Sarah and Stupid Peter arrive at the horses first. Sarah “switches out” her foot so that she can fit it in the stirrups. I consider how handy it would be if I could switch out certain body parts as needed. Something to think about… but definitely a subject for another blog.

The Beauties arrive next. They happily put on their Mongolian costumes before choosing horses. There is too much camera time on one of the Beauties as she straps on her hat. We wonder why. We will find out soon.

Kentucky 1 and Kentucky 2 are nearing the horse camp. The loud-mouthed Misses stupidly directs her hen-pecked husband directly into a big pit of mud, and their jeep gets stuck. LM Misses then harangues her husband for being such a fool, and then tells kidnapped local to go get help. Kidnapped local, happy to escape, takes off. I don’t think we ever hear from kidnapped local again.

Water pistol brandishing brothers arrive at horse camp. Soon after arrive Duke and Lauren, Tom & Jerry, squabbling Rob and Kimberly, and bitchy Kar/Lyn. They all pass the stranded Kentuckians, and laugh like hell. Not on camera, but we know they do.

Then there is lots of activity as various teams put on Mongolian garb and climb on horses. Kimberly frets about being on horseback, and wants to know if horses can smell fear. No, but her ass of a boyfriend can, as proven by him instantly becoming an impatient patronizing asshole. “Come on, it’s just like a car baby… steer him, it’s just like a car.” Kimberly, immediately noticing there is no steering wheel on the horse, clings helplessly to her ride as the not-so-stupid horse heads right towards a low-hanging branch. She is unceremoniously swept to the ground. Rob/Ass suddenly pretends to care, but doesn’t even bother to dismount to see if she’s okay. Instead he stupidly towers over her and yammers, “Oh my God, dude… I don’t know what to do!” Get the hell off your horse, and HELP HER UP, you dumbshit! Rob/Ass’s mother is embarrassed.

There is more random horseback riding. Teams saunter, gallop, and trot to their next task. Sarah and Stupid Peter are the first to arrive to discover it is a Detour. This time they must either tear down a big tent and pack it properly on the back of a camel, or lead an ox-driven cart to the river and fill up water jugs. Sarah decides she’d rather do the tent, and they start to work. Stupid Peter starts bitching and complaining. Sarah hunkers down and tries to get things done in spite of him. Soon Stupid Peter discovers tying knots is beyond his ability, and although they are close to done with the task, he insists that they switch to the other one. Sarah goes along with it, and they choose an ox-cart. Their ox gets one look at Sarah’s foot, freaks the hell out, and charges away. They chase him down, bring him back around… and then he sees the foot again and, surprise, charges away. Sarah cries. Stupid Peter bitches. They go back to the tent.

In the meantime, the Beauties have led their ox to water, and successfully completed their task. However, they discover they must ride their horses back the way they came, and cannot do so unless they are properly wearing every element of their Mongolian costume. The blonde one (whichever) can’t find her helmet. Ahhhh… now we understand the previous queer editing. The Beauties panic, and go in search of the missing Mongolian helmet.

Kentucky 1 and Kentucky 2 received a replacement broken-down jeep, and finally arrive at horse camp. As the Stupid Peter and Sarah drama plays out, along with the mystery of the missing Mongolian mud hat, the other teams begin arriving at the Detour and choosing tasks. Duke “I-love-gays-as-long-as-they’re-not-my-daughter” and Lauren start tearing down a tent. Water-pistol-brandishing-brothers grab an ox cart, as do Tom & Jerry, the Models, and Kentucky 1 and Kentucky 2. Bitchy Kar/Lyn decide to tear down a tent, and Rob/Ass and Kimberly squabble as they choose an ox cart.

The Beauties continue to search for their hat, as Duke and Lauren finish their task, get a clue, and make their way to the Hotel Mongolia… first by riding their horses back to their jeeps, and then driving their broken-down jeeps to the hotel. Bitchy Kar/Lyn can’t tie knots either, and decide to grab an ox cart. WPBB (water pistol brandishing brothers) finish their task, but can’t find one of their helmets either. Stupid Peter stops whining enough to finally learn how to tie a knot, and he and Sarah take off next. Rob/Ass and Kimberly scream at each other, as the Models, and Tom & Jerry finish their task and ride off. WPBB find their missing hat, and ride off as well.

Rob/Ass and Kimberly keep it together long enough to finish their task. Wait, what the hell? The Cheerleaders finally show up, and start tearing down a tent. No information is given as to what these two have been up to since miraculously getting their car to start back up on that damn hill… and clearly the production staff isn’t talking. Guess we’ll all have to by the DVD at season’s end and look for some missing footage.

The Beauties cry over their missing hat, as the Kentuckians finish their task. Finally, one of the Mongolians, who probably ran to the nearest village 5 miles away and stole a hat just to be able to be the hero for the Beauties, gives them what appears to be their missing hat. They hug him and kiss him… and he smiles REALLY big. The Beauties are finally on their way.

The Cheerleaders speed fold-n-pack to make up time, and get their clue. Bitchy Kar/Lyn finish shortly after.

The Cheerleaders and bitchy Kar/Lyn get back to their jeeps, and neither of them can get their cars to start. Surprisingly, the locals rush over to the perky Cheerleaders and help them get on their way first. Who would have guessed? Bitchy Kar/Lyn seethe. Fortunately for bitchy Kar/Lyn, the Cheerleaders aren’t too bright, and immediately start heading in the wrong direction. Bitchy Kar/Lyn are finally on their way, and unfortunately for us, head in the right direction.

Stupid Peter and Sarah arrive at the next location, with The Models right behind. It’s a Roadblock, and they must shoot a flaming arrow into a large fire pit before they can run to the pit stop. Stupid Peter looks stupid on his first try, but then gets the hang of it and makes his mark. They run to the pit stop and are Team Number One, and get a trip to Mexico as an additional reward. Stupid Peter takes all the credit, and then we hear Sarah’s voiceover as she tells us that there are things that she is learning about Stupid Peter that she’s not all that impressed with. She tells us that she’s not making judgments now, but she is making note of things. Sarah, we’re making judgments now, and you need to drop this dork at your next available opportunity.

Teams arrive, and flaming arrows continue to fly. The Models finish, then Duke and Lauren, Tom & Jerry, the Beauties, squabbling Rob and Kimberly, and Kentucky 1 and Kentucky 2. Missus Kentucky whines about twisting her ankle on the way to the Pit Stop, but doesn’t limp. Hmmm. WPBB discover arrows are more difficult to brandish than water pistols, but finally hit the target. Bitchy Kar/Lyn arrive, hit the fire pit, and take the last spot on the mat.

The Cheerleaders show up at dusk, and shoot flaming arrows everywhere but the target. After setting southern Mongolia on fire, they finally give up… and without a single squeal or clap, trudge up to the Pit Stop and are Philiminated.

They cry, and we cry… because we would much rather have their squealing and clapping around next week, as opposed to Kar/Lyn’s bitching. *sigh*

The Standings Before Episode 2

2006-09-23T19:05:00.000-07:00

Balil & Sa'eed eliminated
Vipul & Arti eliminated
Tyler and James in first place

Tyler & James:
(Team Number 1) As expected, these two are the team to beat. They take the top spot, and a bonus $20K prize to boot. They're physically strong, and a good team that works well together. They have confidence and trust in each other, and watch each other's backs. But what's this? There's already a little flirt going on between team Model and team Beauty Queen...! Will we get some inter-team romance this season? We can only hope!

Duke & Lauren:
(Team Number 2) These two are going to make me cry every episode, aren't they? They both so obviously want to mend the distance between them, that this whole experience is going to be very emotionally charged for them. They're already crying like crazy, and they're in second place! Heaven help us all if they get sent home anytime soon. I'm really pulling for them... although there was that one uncomfortable moment when Duke joked that he'd being trying to ask his daughter out for years. Hmmm... that might give us another whole layer as to why he was so upset when he found out she was gay.

Peter & Sarah:
(Team Number 3) Well, I didn't figure that these two Iron Man competitors would be too far from the top, but even so they had to overcome a lot this first leg! I didn't know how Sarah was going to make it up that wall, but she she did, and beat all but two teams doing it. These guys are strong, both physically, and as a unit... they have a really strong support system in each other. I don't know what impact this hydraulic fluid leak in her knee is going to have (who even knew you could have a hydraulic fluid leak in your knee?), but if she can scale a wall with a leaky knee... there isn't much these team CAN'T do physically.

Dustin & Kandice:
(Team Number 4) This is not a team to be taken lightly. These two ladies are strong, fit, smart, and work well together. They bounced back nicely from the less than helpful taxi driver that dropped them off at the wrong restaurant, and never lost their cool. Plus, they’ve caught the eye of the guys of Team Model. It’s never a bad thing to align with the team in first place, either strategically or romantically.

Rob & Kimberly:
(Team Number 5)Well, there are fireworks between this couple, but not the romantic kind. They both seem to expect the worst of each other, and that’s not helping in the teamwork area at all. They finished okay, in the middle of the pack… but they got lucky this time. Squabbling couples never make it very far in this game, and based on the glimpse in the preview things only get worse for these two.

Kellie & Jamie:
(Team Number 6)These two squealed and clapped their way all the way through the first leg. They are quite the cheerleaders, that’s for sure. Clapping to encourage their taxi driver, clapping to encourage the pedicab driver… they’re having the best time ever! And they are truly entertaining to watch, even if they are cringe worthy every once in a while. They paused and puzzled for a moment over whether Muslims worship Buddha… then they squealed and clapped because they got their airline tickets and were on their way. I don’t know how long they’ll be around, but it will be a lot of fun to watch them while they’re here.

Erwin & Godwin:
(Team Number 7)Erwin and Godwin didn’t have the best of luck this round. They got lost trying to drop off their rental car, had their squirt guns taken away at the airport, had a confused taxi driver leave them at the wrong location, and found out that none of the 14 languages they speak did them a bit of good in Beijing. They’re lucky to still be in this race. This sloppy play should be a wake up call, and hopefully they’ll be more on track starting with the next leg.

Tom & Terry:
(Team Number 8)Tom and Terry are having a grand time! The teamed up with the Cheerleaders in the Detour competition, and there couldn’t be two teams that could be better paired! The Cheerleaders stopped clapping for the first time all day though when Tom and Terry did a better job of repeating choreographed moves than they did. Hopefully these two keep the good times rolling, because they are going to be a lot of fun to watch.

Lyn & Karlyn:
(Team Number 9)Well we’ve found our snarky team of the season. These two had a lot of bad things to say about Peter and Sarah, and I figure they’ll only be one of many targets of this team. They did overcome a tough physical obstacle to get to the pit stop though, so I think they may have surprised even their selves at how capable they can be. I still don’t feel a strong drive to win from these two however… so I don’t think they’ll be around too long.

David & Mary:
(Team Number 10)As much as I liked this team in the beginning, they’re not as supportive and sweet as I first imagined. I mean David is fine… but I think all those years of raising kids while her husband made all the decisions for the family has been building up for Mary. Because now she’s asserting herself all over the place, and not necessarily being very nice about it. David is being pretty tolerant, but these two may not finish very well if Mary doesn’t tone it down a little bit and work with David a little better.

Good Luck... Travel Safe... GO!

2006-09-18T21:11:00.000-07:00

Well, it appears the producers are determined to counteract the boring family edition that they served to us last year, with surprised filled, action-packed, physically challenging version this fall! We lost two teams, and the remaining ones nearly wiped themselves out climbing the great wall of China. And that’s just episode one!

It was sad to see Balil & Sa’eed and Vipul & Arti go. They all seemed like nice people and good teams. However, nice isn’t nearly as exciting to watch as squawking, sniping, and flirting… and we have all of the above left to entertain us!

The squawkers? Well that would be Rob and Kimberly. These two are trying to determine if they should be partners for life. Uh, I don’t think they should even be partners in bridge. The times they were nice to each other all appeared forced, and only seemed to occur when they suddenly remembered that they were being filmed for a national TV audience. I mean, there was more than one team that mistakenly drove into the SeaTac airport, looking for where to drop of their rental car… but this little couple was instantly at each other’s throats about it, and this was only 10 minutes into the show! I know that extreme pressure can bring about good things… like diamonds, for example. But for these two, I think the pressure of the race is going to be a very, very bad thing. But oh so entertaining to watch!

Now another team we have to put in the squawkers category is David and Mary. Mary started out explaining to us that where they come from, the husband makes all the decisions while the wife just takes care of the kids. But she is sure fired up about this opportunity for them to work “50/50” and have a voice of her own! And boy… did we hear that voice. She was bossy from minute one, second-guessing whatever David did, and not giving him much credit for what he did right or his attempts to help her throughout the challenges. Their bright-eyed wonderment of seeing all of these new sights is kind of fun to watch, but mostly enjoyable because it makes Mary speechless for a moment or two.

And the snipers of this season? Most definitely Lyn and Karlyn. These two aren’t pleased at all about the benefits that Peter and Sarah are receiving as a result of her disability. As a team they got to pre-board a fight because of her leg, and Lyn and Karlyn had a snit-fit. “She can run the Iron Man, but she can’t stand in line?” Niiiice, ladies! You know, you too can have the benefit of pre-boarding if you just give up one of your legs. What’s that…? Never mind? Hmmm… thought so. Plus, no one is giving you grief over your advantage in China. You said yourself the people of China love folks from Alabama ever since “Forrest Gump” came out. (WTF???) Uhhh… I’m not going to even try to sort through that one. These two single moms did tough it out though, scaling the wall to the pit stop, which was no easy feat. But if they keep burning so much energy, hating on the other teams, they’re going to run out of steam well before the finish line. (But secretly we will love to watch them in the meantime.)

And the flirting starts early this year! The male models and the beauty queens are slowly circling each other, in a dance that will hopefully become more and more entertaining in the weeks to come. Now one of the models has a girlfriend (don’t remember which), so he’ll just have to be the wingman. But it’s always loads of fun when there are some romantic sparks between teams.

And these two teams are good! The boys are in first place, and well equipped to stay there. And the beauties are a pretty strong team as well…. fit, fast, and smart. This could be a super alliance, if they decide to get together and trust each other. But this game never seems to enable teams to pair up for any long period of time. There are too many factors random (bad taxi drivers, lucky wins in Roadblocks and Detours) for teams to stay side by side for long. So we may just have to be content to watch the flirt dance.

Now, I’m sure flirting isn’t the right term to use, but the other two teams that seem to enjoy each other’s company is the Cheerleaders and the Leprechauns! It can’t officially be a flirt, right… between two girls and two unusually tiny gay men? But they all seem to have the same attitude about the race… like a, “Wheeeee, we’re here!!” type of thing. The Cheerleaders clapped their enthusiasm through the entire first leg. I’m sure if any of the taxi drivers knew enough English to say so, they would have asked the girls to shut the heck up. But luckily for the girls, they didn’t. And their energy was contagious, because soon the Leprechauns were clapping to encourage their drivers as well. Keep it up, ladies! (all four of you) You have the perfect attitude for this thing, and are making all of us at home smile!

And Edwin and Godwin, you may be book smart as all hell, and have enough degrees between you to wallpaper the walls. But you whipped out toy guns to run around with in the airport? Are you crazy??? You two make my head hurt.

Finally, my sentimental favorite, Duke and Lauren. These two just make you want to pull for them. There’s all this internal drama going on, and yet this totally obvious desire on both of their parts to bridge the gulf between them. These two should come with a hanky warning, because there is still so much raw emotion between them that you can’t hardly help but get pulled into it. I loved how well they did this first leg, and how genuinely thrilled they were to be there, as well as how strongly they supported one another. I hope that lasts, regardless of how they place. I’m pulling for these two!

We've Got Ourselves a Race!

2006-09-17T20:54:00.000-07:00

And the race is on!! I’m so happy, I just love this show. I thought the opening was cool, with all the sea planes flying in formation on their way to land in Puget Sound. And then, the teams appear! Here are my thoughts…

Peter and Sarah, the triathalete team… Dating? Wellll, that’s news, right? That wasn’t disclosed in the pre-show interview, was it? Another new relationship being wrung through The Amazing Race wringer. Although I think these two are going to weather it better than Rob and Kimberly, because they’ve done a lot of traveling and competing together.

Balal and Sa'eed, are going to pull over during the race to pray? You know, I hope they stay true to that. I would be truly impressed if in the midst of chaos, they consciously pulled themselves out of it, and remembered what their personal priorities are. Do I think it will happen…? I guess I’m not sure. We’ll have to keep and eye on these guys.

Rob and Kimberly, I loved during their little interview when he was saying that Kimberly can’t control him, “and she needs to learn that.” Her eyes kind of flicked down and then shot to the side to look at him. Yeah. Kimberly didn’t like that. These two will be fun to watch.

Dustin and Kandice, the wonder twins! You know, I give them a bad time, but they look like a lot of fun. And heck, they can really sprint… they may actually have what they need to stay in this thing! And I need to find out who does their hair… that’s a great shade of blonde. (no, seriously… who does your hair?)

David and Mary… I still think these two are so cute. They fit so well together! I think their little southern drawl will make others underestimate them, but they’re scrappy!

Erwin and Godwin… aww, they dressed alike just like the wonder twins did! But man, the similarities end there, huh? Long flowing hippy hair, and short crew-cut jock hair. They do cover both ends of the spectrum though! That could be handy.

Duke and Lauren just about made me cry. I mean, first you see Lauren’s eyes just deaden when her dad says he’s got “just a teeny bit of disappointment” in his daughter… and then HE breaks down. Man, I didn’t know I was going to have to be scrambling around for a tissue only five minutes in. Okay, I secretly hope these two just kick butt, so they have something to bond them together for the rest of their lives.

Vipul and Arti… she made me laugh, even just coming up the dock. She is Gung HO! She can’t wait to get at this thing! Arti couldn’t even get her to hold his hand. She’s like a spring all wound up and ready to explode. Someone needs to learn how to bottle that energy… she could power a small city!

Kellie and Jamie… oh the guys are going have fun with these two. Not only how they look, but the things they say! “You could put us in a cardboard box, and we’d find a way to have fun?” Trust me, men all over America are picturing these two in a cardboard box together having fun. They’re also all rushing out to reserve doorknob costumes for Halloween.

Tyler and James: the ex-drug addicts / models. Way to turn your life around, boys! The before and after pictures tell quite the story. They gave us a little Zoolander pose, and then a laugh to let us know they don’t take themselves too seriously. I hope not, there’s nothing less fun to watch then guys with egos. Hopefully these two are full of fun, because I think they’ll be around a while.

Lyn and Karlyn. My first question is, who’s watching the kids? Kudos to you two for getting out and seeing the world, but I always wonder who they get to watch the little ones when they’re not even allowed to tell anyone where they’re going. Hmmm… something to ask when the race is over.

And finally, Tom and Terry. When I saw them hop out of the plane, I couldn’t believe it! I knew they were trying to be very diversified this season, but I had no idea they had found a couple leprechauns to participate in the race! How tall are these guys… 4’2”? Will they even be able to reach the pedals on the rent-a-cars?? But they’re feisty; I’ll give them that. Kind of like those mean little yappy dogs that look cute from a distance, but clamp on to your leg with a growl and won’t ever let go.

Ready, Set, RACE!

2006-08-30T22:30:00.000-07:00

CBS is getting ready to introduce a brand new race! No, not another tribe on the controversial race-divided season of "Survivor: Cook Islands"... but the latest running of "The Amazing Race" that kicks off on Sunday, September 17th.

This time it kicks off in Seattle, and will take us to... who knows where?! That's one of the reasons that "The Amazing Race" is such a popular show. It's an adventure for all of us, even those of us watching from the comfort of our own home. I know there are spoilers out there, folks that have already uncovered what corners of the world the race will be taking us this time. But for this journey, I like to discover it along with the racers. I find out with them, when they tear open their clues... and look forward to seeing each location through their eyes and struggles.

As much as the locations are a part of the show though, the real reason we come back week after week is the participants. Everyone comes to this race with a story and a relationship, and everyone leaves it with a story that is amended, and a relationship that is changed. How and why it is changed is what we get to discover as we travel along with them through each leg of the race. Just like pottery in a kiln, the race puts these pairs through tremendous pressure and heat. Some bond together and are even tighter and closer by the end of the race. Others, that may have entered the race with a small fracture or crack between them, are split apart even further by the end.

This is something that this summer's run of NBC's "Treasure Hunters" was missing. I think the producers of that show focused so much on the clues and the locations and the history, that they missed where the real story was... the people. I did watch that show (every damn episode), and although I liked the history lesson... I noticed that I felt the same about every team on the last episode as I did on the first. They were two-dimensional to me, and they never seemed to grow or change. I didn't really care who won or lost... but by the end I did want to crack open my American history book again, so kudos for that!

"The Amazing Race" however, is a bonding experience for everyone... the ones that run it, and those of us that simply watch it. We get to know and care about these teams by the end, and we are truly sad each week to see one of our favorites eliminated.

So join me as we find out what "The Amazing Race" has in store for all of us this season. Have your world map ready, and your box full of push pins close by. Let's see where they go, and what they do... and watch in amusement and dismay as they do whatever it takes to win!

Let's Meet the Teams!

2006-08-27T23:00:00.000-07:00

It's another season of heavy backpacks, sleeping on sidewalks, and running through airports. Who would sign up to do such a thing? Well, let's find out!

Let's take a closer look at each of our teams this season. First we'll identify why it seems that each were chosen to participate. There's always some factor for each team that's going to make them a source of interest or entertainment. This is what we'll call "The Hook".

Then we'll take a look to determine how ready they appear to be for the challenges of the race. There are three elements that always seem to impact the teams and their ultimate success. (Okay, there are probably way more than three, but these are the ones that I've chosen. Feel free to let me know if you disagree, however. Drop me a note at: entitledtoyouropinion@butnotchangingmymind.com ).

Back to my three choices...

Teamwork: You just have to work well together to do well together. Not that we don't all tune in each season just to watch the teams that aren't getting along! I fully admit, that's more than half of the entertainment value. But if you want to be one of the teams at the end, entertaining or not, you need to work together.

Strength: Some of these challenges... oh boy! You've got to have some strength and endurance to pull them off. How many waterfalls are they going to have to scale, or jars of sand are they going to have to transport, this season?

Experience: It is a race around the world, after all. If you've traveled a lot, and have some foreign languages under your belt, it is a distinct advantage.

So let's visit with each team a little bit. We'll see how they compare, and share some first impressions.

Balil & Sa'eed

2006-08-27T22:00:00.000-07:00

Balil & Sa'eed
Best Friends

Balil: Medical Supply Technician, 37
Cleveland, OH

Sa'eed: Power Lineman, 39
Cleveland, OH

The Hook: Two best friends, that happen to be Muslim. They're traveling in a race around the world, at a time when folks are more likely to judge some books by their covers.

Teamwork: aaa
These two seem to have a good camaraderie, but definitely different personalities. Sa'eed is more calm and relaxed, while Balil is more excitable and fearful. Hopefully the differences will compliment one another, as opposed to pull them apart during the stress of the race!

Strength: aaa
There wasn't much mention of physical activity or training on the part of either of these two. So I'll have to go middle of the road here. We'll have to see how they do!

Experience: aaaa
They both have military backgrounds, and both have done quite a bit of international traveling both together and separately. That should help them over the inexperienced travelers.

These two seem like easy-going, likeable guys. I think they're both wondering if the fact that they're Muslim will flavor how they are viewed by the other racers and the other people they will be interacting with. Both expressed a desire to represent a different side of the Islamic faith than what is portrayed in the media. I think that's a fine goal, but I honestly hope these type of pre-race concerns are all behind them by the first leg or so... and they can just concentrate on, and enjoy, the race. That's one of the reasons I like this show so much. It's not so much about where people come from before the race, it's about how they handle themselves during the race. The Amazing Race is a great equalizer, and it tends to separate people by character... as opposed to gender, race, or religion.

Balil & Sa'eed are both family guys, in it for the sake of their families. If they keep that in mind, I think they should do fine.

If you'd like to learn more, view their official pre-show interview.

David & Mary

2006-08-27T21:00:00.000-07:00

David & Mary
Married Parents

David: Coal Miner
Stone, KY

Mary: Homemaker
Stone, KY

The Hook: A coal miner and his wife from Kentucky, suddenly taken out of their environment to race around the world.

Teamwork: aaaaa
These two seem very comfortable with one another, and supportive of each other. They've already decided that they will split the challenges, with Mary taking the riskier/scarier ones, and David taking those that require strength. I like the fact that they've already thought that through, and have an approach in mind. I think they'll work really well together!

Strength: aaa
I don't know what physical strength it takes to be a coal miner, but it takes endurance, and a strong resolve to keep at it until the job gets done. I think that attitude will be valuable. And Mary has been working hard at losing weight and getting in shape since she found out they were going to be on the show, so it seems she's going to give it everything she's got!

Experience: aa
Neither of them have been very far from home, and probably have very little travelling experience, let alone experience outside the country. But Mary has been working to learn key phrases and words in as many languages as she can. So they're certainly ready to give it a go... and I'm sure they'll gain experience even if they aren't starting out with much.

These two are just the cutest couple. I admit, when I first saw that it was a coal miner and his wife, I just figured that they put them in the show because of all the tragedy in the coal mining industry lately. And maybe they did. But it doesn't change the fact that these two are so incredibly excited to be going off on this adventure. They have that bright-eyed expectant outlook on things, just thrilled to be on the show and determined to remember every detail, regardless of the outcome. They told their three kids they were going off to be on Survivor, only because none of them had seen The Amazing Race before because it was on after their bedtime. They're going to get to watch it now, I bet!

If you'd like to learn more, view their offical pre-show interview.

Duke & Lauren

2006-08-27T20:00:00.000-07:00

Duke & Lauren
Father and Daugher

Duke: Tour Company Owner, 52
Narragansett, RI

Lauren: Speech & Language Pathologist, 26
Warwick, RI

The Hook: Duke & Lauren have been estranged since Lauren announced to the family that she was gay. Now they will have to work together in a competition where success is dependant upon teamwork, communication, and trust.

Teamwork: aa
This is the big factor for this team, isn't it? It's hard to tell from a introductory blurb whether there are hurt feelings that run deep between these two. I'm sure we'll find out early on in episode one! But lets assume, that because they both agreed to participate in this race together, that there's a chance they can work things out enough to be a strong team.

Strength: aaa
He seems fit, she's young. I think relative to some of the other teams they should be pretty strong.

Experience: aaa
Both have quite a bit of experience traveling domestically, but not so much abroad. Airports are airports, but their lack of travel through international ports will hurt them against other teams that have traveled around the world.

I always want the parent/child teams to do well. I don't care so much where they finish, I just hope they work well together and grow closer through the experience. I don't think this team will be one of the last standing, though... I just don't think that they can bridge the gap between them fast enough to be one of the strongest teams. But I bet, since they're both intelligent and strong-minded, they'll be entertaining to watch!

If you'd like to learn more, take a look at their official pre-show intereview.

Dustin & Kandice

2006-08-27T19:00:00.000-07:00

Dustin & Kandice
Best Friends

Dustin: Reigning Miss California, 26
Riverside, CA

Kandice: Reigning Miss New York, 24
New York, NY

The Hook: Have you figured it out yet...? They're pretty, they're fun, and they're both the reigning Misses of their respective states that competed in the 2005 Miss America pagent. Yeppers... they'll be lots of folks tuning in just to watch these two!

Teamwork: aaaaa
Since they met while competing against each other in the Miss America pagent, and they became best friends, I'm assuming that competing with each other in the race that they will make a good team. I may be wrong here, but if I am... the hair pulling will make great TV!

Strength: aaa
They both seem to be fit. One of them (the blonde one) is a Rockette, the other one (uh... the other blonde one) says she grew up with 5 brothers and played a lot of sports as a result. But fitness and strength are two different things, and they'll have a tougher time in some competitions against teams of young strong guys.

Experience: aaa
Both of them admit they have limited experience traveling internationally, and not much foreign language knowledge. But they're young, cute, blonde, American, and beauty pagent contestants. There's not a guy on the planet that's not going to stop what he's doing to help them out, so they get bonus points for that!

You know... I really want these girls to do well. It would be so refreshing to have a couple of young ladies underestimated because of their looks, actually take the prize. But I'm afraid at some point their inexperience will catch up with them. They did say they finished in the top 50 of the Miss America pagent. I think they'll definitely do at least as well here!

If you'd like to learn more, take a look at their official pre-show interview.

Erwin & Godwin

2006-08-27T18:00:00.000-07:00

Erwin & Godwin
Brothers

Erwin: Insurance Company Manager, 32
San Francisco, CA

Godwin: Financial Analyst, 29
San Francisco, CA

The Hook: Two highly competitive brothers that will have to manage impatience with each other in order to work together effectively as a team.

Teamwork: aaaa
I think, as it is with most brothers, they will bond together very tightly if given a common enemy. However, when alone with each other, they'll probably spark against one other quite a bit. Godwin, the younger brother, admits he'd like to step out of the shadow of his older brother a bit. We'll have to see if he can do that without jeopardizing the strength of their team.

Strength: aaaaa
Both seem to be strong physically. I think in most physical challenges they will be one of the teams to beat.

Experience: aaa
Again, limited travel experience. Erwin knows some Spanish, while Godwin know 14 languages! The unfortunate thing is that 13 of the 14 languages he knows are no longer used in the modern world..???? Okay, I'm fascinated by this! What could these languages be, and why the heck would he want to learn them, let alone 13 of them? I'm all curious about this quirky fact. Regardless, Godwin's overall experience with language may help them, so I tossed them an additional point.

If these two can keep their cool with each other, I think we may see them as one of the final three. But brothers... they are so unpredictable!

If you'd like to learn more, take a look at their official pre-show interview.

Kellie & Jamie

2006-08-27T17:00:00.000-07:00

Kellie & Jamie
Best Friends

Kellie: Broadcast Journalism Student, 22
Columbia, SC

Jamie: Recent College Grad, 22
Columbia, SC

The Hook: Wha...? Two teams with the same hook? Another team of cute, spunky, attractive girls? Cheerleaders no less??? I feel shorted. Then there needs to be at least two teams of guys that are waterpolo players, or baseball players, or lifeguards, or firemen... you get the drift.

Teamwork: aaaa
Being best friends that have competed together before, they should be pretty strong. However, I noticed in their interview that Jamie (the brunette) tends to talk over Kellie (the blonde). Now, if this is how it has always been and Kellie's okay with it, there may not be a problem. But, if the introduction of a TV camera in the mix has suddenly brought out this limelight hogging nature of Jamie... we may be in for some fireworks! But since they are one of two teams made up of young attractive girls, I have a feeling that they will instantly peg the Dustin/Kandice team as their immediate competition (for attention!). And having a common nemesis early on, may encourage each one of these teams to pull together as strong individual units.

Strength: aaa
Again, they are probably fit, but are not going to be as strong against some of the guys, or some of the teams that have at least one guy. It's a fact of nature we can argue until we're blue in the face... guys are simply able to lift more, push more, and carry more. Although in a footrace, these girls may be some tough competition!

Experience: aaa
Neither of them have any experience travelling internationally, and between them they have skills in only one foreign language: Spanish. But they get the same bonus as the beauty queens... cute and sweet will get you lots of help in a foreign land, whether you know the language or not!

A team of two girls have yet to win The Amazing Race, and I think it's a combination of not being as physically strong, and tending to be too trusting and dependant on other teams. But prove me wrong, girls! I hope you do well.

If you'd like to learn more, take a look at their official pre-show interview.

Lyn & Karlyn

2006-08-27T16:00:00.000-07:00

Lyn & Karlyn
Best Friends

Lyn: 4th Grade Teacher, 32
Birmingham, AL

Karlyn: Program Analyst, 32
Helena, AL

The Hook: Two working moms leave family and familiar routines far behind, to see how they do in a fast-pasted adventure around the world.

Teamwork: aaaaa
These two have know each other for almost twenty years. They've seen each other through a lot, and know each other well. They shouldn't be surprised by anything the other does or says, and will inherently know where one another's strengths and weaknesses lie.

Strength: a
Compared to the other teams, neither of them are very physically strong or fit. They've both been working on it to get ready for the race, but I'm afraid they will be one of the weakest teams in this area.

Experience: a
Neither of them has any travel experience outside of the country, and have next to no foreign language skills. But as Karlyn said, they're just going to "wing it"!

These two talk about being excited to be in the race just for the experience. I hope they really soak up all the experiences they do have, because I don't think they have the drive or the strength to make it very far. But they'll have lots of stories and adventures to share with their friends and family when they get back home.

If you'd like to learn more about this team, take a look at their pre-show interview.

Peter & Sarah

2006-08-27T15:00:00.000-07:00

Peter & Sarah
Friends

Peter: Clinical Prosthetist, 35
Laguna Beach, CA

Sarah: Motivational Speaker, 31
Trabuco Canyon, CA

The Hook: Sarah has a prosthetic leg, and Peter is a clinical prosthetist. Both are Iron Man competitors, and figured that the next big race to compete in was this one! They are hoping that Sarah will become the first person with a physcial disability to win The Amazing Race.

Teamwork: aaaa
These two are friends, and know each other from competing together, and from previously working together. However, have they every spent 24/7 together in stressful conditions like this? Peter is a good support for Sarah and whatever special needs she will have. They seem to respect each other, and should work well together.

Strength: aaaa
They get lots of points. Even with Sarah's disability, they are in fantastic shape, and stronger than most. Heck, I have two legs and would never consider competing in a triathalon, let alone the Iron Man. Seriously... right now I'm sitting on my couch, writing a website about watching TV. Could I possibly be less active? The only reason I can't give them full points is I don't know what challenges lie in store for them, and Sarah's disabilty may actually be a disablity in some situations. She can run and bike and swim... but can she climb over uneven terrain, ski, skate, rappel, and any of the other crazy things they may think up this season? I don't know. I'm thinking there's not much you can throw at this woman that she can't handle, but compared with some of the other strong teams, they may have some unique struggles.

Experience: aaaa
Okay, again not a lot of international travel... but since there isn't a lot of that going around, they aren't at a disadvantage to a lot of folks. And they brought up a good point in their interview. They've had to travel a lot together for Iron Man competitions, and are used to lugging stuff around and dealing with the extra security and boarding issues that Sarah requires. That general travel airport experience should help them. Plus he speaks German, and she is fluent in Spanish. Nice!

These two are a strong team. They're driven, they're competitive, and they don't shy away from challenges. I think they'll be one of the final teams to beat.

To learn more about them, take a look at their official pre-show interview.

Rob & Kimberly

2006-08-27T14:00:00.000-07:00

Rob & Kimberly
Dating

Rob: Bartender, 31
Los Angeles, CA

Kimberly: Public Relations, 28
Los Angeles, CA

The Hook: Dating for two years, Rob & Kimberly are going to use The Amazing Race as a "trial by fire" experience to determine if their relationship is strong enough to last a lifetime.

Teamwork: aaa
Okay, I love when teams go on this show to "test" the strength of their relationship. That means we're going to get some priceless moments of drama-filled television viewing! Because when a fairly new couple takes on this challenge, its like fast forwarding their relationship three years in 30 days. They are with each other night and day with no breaks from one another, and facing physical and emotional challenges they wouldn't ordinarily share this early on. Rob and Kimberly just moved in together, and are trying to figure out if each other is "the one". Luckily for us, they've decided to figure it out on national television! They don't know quite how they're going to perform as a team, so I guess I don't know either. So we'll just have to go middle of the road here with the points.

Strength: aaaa
They're both young and in good shape. They should be a fairly strong girl/guy pair.

Experience: aa
No mention of international travel, or foreign languages. Hmmm... hopefully they adapt quickly and can think on their feet.

I honestly hope they do well, and live happily ever after together. But after all, this is a TV show, and we want it to be entertaining. So a couple stress-induced lovers spats wouldn't necessarily be a horrible thing. (Come on, you know you all watch car races just to see if anyone crashes... this is the same principle!)

If you'd like to learn more, take a look at their pre-show interview.

Tom & Terry

2006-08-27T13:00:00.000-07:00

Tom & Terry
Dating

Tom: College Admissions Director, 39
New York, NY

Terry: Special Events Director
New York, NY

The Hook: These two were chosen because they are going to be so much fun to watch! They've been dating two years, and like "The Hippies" of last season, are just going to try to laugh their way all the way to the finish line. Their easy banter will be fun to watch all season.

Teamwork: aaaa
These two both have an easy going attitude, and appear like they'll support each other well. You never know with dating couples though... there may be a couple tiffs along the way. If they get distracted by being mad at one another it may impact how they do. But hopefully Tom and Terry can quickly brush off any disagreements they may have, and focus on the race.

Strength: aa
They've been practicing carrying heavy backpacks, and have been doing a lot of walking in preparation... but I don't think that will help them agains some of the really strong young teams.

Experience: aaa
They've done some traveling, and they know a little Spanish... but they don't have a lot of experience overall. However, they've got a TON of personality, and I think they will find folks willing to help them wherever they go.

I'm not sure that these two will make it to the end, but I do hope they stay around for a good long time, because they're going to be incredibly fun and entertaining!

To learn more, take a look at their official pre-show interview.

Tyler & James

2006-08-27T12:00:00.000-07:00

Tyler & James
Best Friends

Tyler: Model, 29
Los Angeles, CA

James: Model, 27
Los Angeles, CA

The Hook: Well, now we're talking! Here's the yin to the beauty pagent/cheerleader yang. Two young guys, professional models, lots of energy and fun. Now that's a hook!

Teamwork: aaaaa
These two seem to be a good balance for one another. They've been through a lot, so the stresses of the race aren't going to be seen as life or death situations for them. One is calm and methodical, the other is quick tempered and driven... but there are times for both in this race. I think they will be a very strong pair.

Strength: aaaaa
Here is the young, fit, dual-guy team that everyone else will be competing against in the physcial challenges. They are definitely the team to beat in this category.

Experience: aaaa
These two seem to have the most international travel experience, and not just to big cities. They've traveled together, and it appears have had past trips trying to find "obscure dots on the map". That will come in handy here! There is no mention of foreign languge skills though... that's the only thing that keeps them from getting a full sweep of points.

Okay... at least on this end of the starting line, this looks like the team to beat. But the great thing about this show is that just one small mistake can knock a team out. One wrong turn on the Autobahn, and you're looking Phil in the face as he tells you that you're the last team to arrive. So, they have the most potential, but it's still anyone's race!

If you'd like to learn more about this team, take a look at their official pre-show interview.

Vipul & Arti

2006-08-27T11:00:00.000-07:00

Vipul & Arti
Married

Vipul: Sales, 29
Windermere, FL

Arti: Nutritional Educator, 27
Windermere, FL

The Hook: I'm sure that one of the reasons Vipul & Arti were chosen is because they will be the first Indian-American team to run the race. But they're also just really nice people, that we're going to enjoy watching each week. Don't underestimate nice!

Teamwork: aaaaa
These two seem very close and supportive. Once again, they appear to balance one another nicely. They've known each other for over seven years, and seem to care deeply for one another. They have respect for each other, and vow to treat others that they interact with along the way with respect as well. And one little thing that I like about them a lot, they held hands through the whole interview! I don't think any of the other couples did that!

Strength: aaa
They have been bumping up the workouts more in preparation for the race. They're fairly young and seem to be in good shape... but they aren't at the same level as some of the more fit teams.

Experience: aaaa
They've traveled a little bit internationally, and have some foreign language skill. Every little bit helps! They have more experience than most.

Overall, I think they'll comfortably stay in the middle of the pack. But unless they start showing some competitive fire, I don't think they'll be one of the teams around in the end.

To see more about this team, watch their official pre-show interview.