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The Amazing Race => The Amazing Race Discussion => Topic started by: puddin on January 25, 2009, 04:19:33 PM
Title: TAR 14 in the Media/News/Videos
Post by: puddin on January 25, 2009, 04:19:33 PM
Please keep this thread for news and media only, please don't turn it into a open discussion thread ........
thanks in advance
eta: if you see your posts disappearing it is because this thead is not open for discussion and it has been moved to the appropriate thread.
Title: Re: TAR 14 in the Media/News
Post by: puddin on January 25, 2009, 04:20:23 PM
adding this:
• BVM TVGuide article: (http://forum.realityfanforum.com/index.php/topic,17788.msg367514.html#msg367514) Amazing Race (returns on Feb 15, 2009 at 8/7c PM CBS) Whats so amazing about season 14 of the Amazing Race? The first episode opens with a death-defying challenge. But even better: "less airports" says co-creator and exec producer, Bertram van Munster. "Very often the contestants already know what plane they're going on, so there's very little drama there." Expect plenty of other drama, though and even the first ever deaf contestant. Players will also suffer through blizzards in Central Siberia and go for the gold with Olympic-themed challenges in Beijing.
Title: Re: TAR 14 in the Media/News
Post by: puddin on January 26, 2009, 10:20:36 AM
Meet the new teams on 'The Amazing Race' By DERRIK J. LANG – 1 hour ago
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Most contestants on "The Amazing Race" must tackle language barriers during their trek around the world. As the reality series' first-ever deaf contestant, Luke Adams had double the trouble. The 22-year-old recent college grad and his mother Margie are among the 11 two-person teams racing for the $1 million prize in the upcoming 14th season.
"I thought it would be easy because my mother and I have always communicated really well," the longtime "Amazing Race" fan, who doesn't speak or read lips, said through an interpreter. "In the airports, my mom had to do all of the work because she had to do all of the talking. It was kind of hard for me to depend on her to do all of that."
"In the beginning, I think Luke didn't have a whole lot of trust that I was going to communicate all of the information that I was receiving to him properly," said Margie. "I would ask a question or for directions, and it would take five minutes to get the answer, then I'd give him a 30-second reply. He'd say, 'No, you didn't tell me everything.'"
Other teams this season include pairs of stuntmen, Southwest Airlines flight attendants, former National Football League cheerleaders and University of Louisville college athletes. Brother-and-sister team Victor Jih, 35, and Tammy Jih, 26, both graduated from Stanford University and Harvard Law School and now work as corporate litigators in California.
"Having seven years of higher education under our belts, we thought it would give us a big advantage because we're good at learning," said Tammy. "We went into this race knowing that everything we would face would be difficult and new and things that we're not familiar with, but we were really comfortable in the fact that we're good learners."
Beginning at the Los Alamitos Joint Forces Training Base near Long Beach, Calif., the Emmy-winning CBS reality competition (premiering Feb. 15 at 8 p.m. EST) will follow the teams for 12 episodes as they travel over 40,000 miles in 22 days to nine countries, including — for the first time — Romania as well as Switzerland, India and Russia.
"We shot in the city of Krasnoyarsk and the city of Novosibirsk," said "Amazing Race" executive producer Bertram van Munster. "The teams get from one city to another via the Trans-Siberian Railroad. Of course, it started off nice, but we got into this Siberian snowstorm with below-zero temperatures, which we weren't used to. It was pretty exciting."
At 68, Mel White is the season's oldest contestant. The gay-rights activist and former speechwriter for Pat Robertson and Billy Graham is teamed up with his 38-year-old son Mike White, the actor-screenwriter who penned such films as "School of Rock" and "Nacho Libre." Despite the frantic pace of the race, Mike insists he didn't bicker much with his dad.
"Compared to some of the other teams, I think we got along like a Hallmark card," he said.
Title: Re: TAR 14 in the Media/News
Post by: puddin on January 26, 2009, 11:12:32 AM
Amazing Race Montage
<< HQ toggle
Meet the teams
<<HQ toggle
Title: Re: TAR 14 in the Media/News
Post by: puddin on January 26, 2009, 12:00:13 PM
CBS ANNOUNCES THE 11 TEAMS FOR THE 14TH INSTALLMENT OF THE EMMY AWARD-WINNING "THE AMAZING RACE" PREMIERING FEB. 15 ON THE CBS TELEVISION NETWORK
Six-Time Emmy Award-Winning Series Hits the Road for the 14th Edition, Featuring One of the Most Grueling Race Courses Ever Covering 40,000 Miles and Nine Countries
CBS today announced the 11 Teams set to compete in THE AMAZING RACE 14. THE AMAZING RACE 14 premieres Sunday, Feb. 15 (8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network. Phil Keoghan is the host.
These contestants will travel one of the most grueling courses ever assembled on the Race - spanning 40,000 miles and nine countries in just 22 days. Teams will be faced with a multitude of extremes, including the world's second tallest bungee jump, bone-chilling Siberian temperatures followed by the suffocating heat of India, and an Olympic-sized challenge that leaves Teams gasping for air. For the first time in the history of the Race, Teams will travel to Romania and Siberia.
"Heading into our 14th season, I wanted to pull out all the stops. We have extreme climates, intense roadblocks and less time in airports, which adds up to an exhausting course for the Racers. Whether you're a screen writer, a Harvard graduate, a jockey or a carpenter, this Race will test your stamina, your heart and your will to win," said Bertram van Munster, executive producer/co-creator of "The Amazing Race."
This 14th group of Racers features an eclectic cast that includes a Team of brothers who are stuntmen, a pair of flight attendants, a brother/sister Team who are Harvard lawyers, an accomplished feature film writer/producer/actor and his father, a Team of former NFL cheerleaders and the Race's first ever deaf contestant and his mother.
Title: Re: TAR 14 in the Media/News
Post by: marigold on January 26, 2009, 12:23:18 PM
An interesting article:
Amazing Race Contestants Gearing Up
There are bound to be a lot of obstacles in the way when trying to race around the globe, and for one team on the new season of The Amazing Race there's an extra challenge beyond the normal language barriers: Luke Adams, 22, is the show's first deaf contestant, and doesn't read lips or speak at all. His mother Margie is his partner, and he speaks through an interpereter.
''I thought it would be easy because my mother and I have always communicated really well,'' he tells the Associated Press through an interpreter. ''In the airports, my mom had to do all of the work because she had to do all of the talking. It was kind of hard for me to depend on her to do all of that.''
Another noteworthy team is actor/director/screenwriter Mike White, who's racing alongside his dad, Mel White, the season's oldest contestant at 68. He's a gay-rights activist and former speechwriter for Pat Robertson and Billy Graham, while his son wrote School of Rock and Nacho Libre, and Chuck and Buck and has appeared in many movies as well.
''Compared to some of the other teams, I think we got along like a Hallmark card,'' Mike says of his chemistry with his father during the race.
Link to the article: http://www.ok-magazine.com/news/view/11532 (http://www.ok-magazine.com/news/view/11532)
Title: Re: TAR 14 in the Media/News
Post by: marigold on January 26, 2009, 12:36:04 PM
An interesting article:
Meet the new teams on The Amazing Race
New teams on 'The Amazing Race' include stuntmen, flight attendants, deaf college grad
Most contestants on "The Amazing Race" must tackle language barriers during their trek around the world. As the reality series' first-ever deaf contestant, Luke Adams had double the trouble. The 22-year-old recent college grad and his mother Margie are among the 11 two-person teams racing for the $1 million prize in the upcoming 14th season.
"I thought it would be easy because my mother and I have always communicated really well," the longtime "Amazing Race" fan, who doesn't speak or read lips, said through an interpreter. "In the airports, my mom had to do all of the work because she had to do all of the talking. It was kind of hard for me to depend on her to do all of that."
"In the beginning, I think Luke didn't have a whole lot of trust that I was going to communicate all of the information that I was receiving to him properly," said Margie. "I would ask a question or for directions, and it would take five minutes to get the answer, then I'd give him a 30-second reply. He'd say, 'No, you didn't tell me everything.'"
Other teams this season include pairs of stuntmen, Southwest Airlines flight attendants, former National Football League cheerleaders and University of Louisville college athletes. Brother-and-sister team Victor Jih, 35, and Tammy Jih, 26, both graduated from Stanford University and Harvard Law School and now work as corporate litigators in California.
"Having seven years of higher education under our belts, we thought it would give us a big advantage because we're good at learning," said Tammy. "We went into this race knowing that everything we would face would be difficult and new and things that we're not familiar with, but we were really comfortable in the fact that we're good learners."
Beginning at the Los Alamitos Joint Forces Training Base near Long Beach, Calif., the Emmy-winning CBS reality competition (premiering Feb. 15 at 8 p.m. EST) will follow the teams for 12 episodes as they travel over 40,000 miles in 22 days to nine countries, including -- for the first time -- Romania as well as Switzerland, India and Russia.
"We shot in the city of Krasnoyarsk and the city of Novosibirsk," said "Amazing Race" executive producer Bertram van Munster. "The teams get from one city to another via the Trans-Siberian Railroad. Of course, it started off nice, but we got into this Siberian snowstorm with below-zero temperatures, which we weren't used to. It was pretty exciting."
At 68, Mel White is the season's oldest contestant. The gay-rights activist and former speechwriter for Pat Robertson and Billy Graham is teamed up with his 38-year-old son Mike White, the actor-screenwriter who penned such films as "School of Rock" and "Nacho Libre." Despite the frantic pace of the race, Mike insists he didn't bicker much with his dad.
"Compared to some of the other teams, I think we got along like a Hallmark card," he said.
Link to the article: http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Meet-the-new-teams-on-The-apf-14153938.html (http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Meet-the-new-teams-on-The-apf-14153938.html)
Title: Re: TAR 14 in the Media/News
Post by: marigold on January 26, 2009, 12:59:22 PM
An interesting article:
Latest Amazing Racers Includes Hollywood Player, Deaf Man
NFL cheerleaders face off with Division 1 college athletes, flight attendants take on movie stuntmen, and the screenwriter of School of Rock and his clergyman dad do battle with Harvard-schooled lawyers on the latest season of The Amazing Race.
But, Hollywood players, buff dudes and blonde babes aside, the most interesting team on the 14th cycle of the hit CBS reality show is arguably a mother and son from Denver. Luke Adams, 22, has been deaf since birth. On a show where the language barrier can stymie the fiercest of competitors, Luke and his mother Margie will have a fresh, albeit daunting, challenge as they trek more than 40,000 miles through nine countries in 22 days.
The journey begins Feb. 15 at Los Alamitos Joint Forces Training Base outside Los Angeles. Phil Keoghan returns to guide the 11 teams as they make their way through Switzerland, India, Russia and, for the first time ever, Romania. They'll make the world's second-tallest bungee jump and survive the bitter cold, below-zero temperatures of Siberia and the extreme-heat of India, all for the shot at a million bucks.
"Heading into our 14th season, I wanted to pull out all the stops," says show mastermind Bertram van Munster. "We have extreme climates, intense roadblocks and less time in airports, which adds up to an exhausting course for the Racers. Whether you're a screen writer, a Harvard graduate, a jockey or a carpenter, this Race will test your stamina, your heart and your will to win.
Link to the article: http://ca.eonline.com/uberblog/b80767_latest_amazing_racers_includes.html (http://ca.eonline.com/uberblog/b80767_latest_amazing_racers_includes.html)
Title: Re: TAR 14 in the Media/News
Post by: puddin on January 26, 2009, 01:28:53 PM
The Amazing Race 14, Meet The Teams! (With Phil commentary)
Title: Re: TAR 14 in the Media/News/Videos
Post by: puddin on January 26, 2009, 02:39:56 PM
Title: Re: TAR 14 in the Media/News/Videos
Post by: puddin on January 26, 2009, 02:42:09 PM
More Siblings on Next 'Amazing Race' Roster By Roger Catlin on January 26, 2009 1:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) It was a brother and sister team that won the $1 million prize on "The Amazing Race 13," so the contestants on "The Amazing Race 14" that begins next month announced Monday, seem to have more than the usual share of siblings - three.
There are the Siblings/Lawers of Tammy Jih, 26, of San Francisco and Victor Jih, 35, of Los Angeles; the brothers/stuntmen team of Mark Munoz, 48, of Los Angeles and Michael Munoz, 51, of Maui (they're also only 4'9" tall each); and the sisters and former collegiate athletes Lakisha Hoffman, 28, of the Bronx, N.Y., and Jennifer Hoffman, 24, of Louisville.
There are two parent/child teams among the 11 groups running, but the one to get the most notice is Margie Adams, 51, and Luke Adams, 23, both of Denver because he's been deaf since age two and is the show's first contestant to use sign language to communicate.
But the other parent/child team is pretty good, too: Mel White, 68, of Lynchburg, Va., is a father in more than one sense; he's also a clergyman; his familiar looking son, Mike White, 38, of Santa Monica. Mel Mike is a writer, director and actor in Los Angeles who has written "Nacho Libre" and "School of Rock," in which he also starred with Jack Black. He was also Buck in "Chuck & Buck."
There are two teams of daters: Amanda Blackledge, 23, and Kris Klicka, 24, of San Diego; and Jennifer Hipka, 26 and Preston McCamy, 28, of Columbia, S.C.
And there are two married couples: Steve Cole, 43, and Linda Cole, 52, of Martinsville Va.; and Brand Hunt, 52, and Victoria Hunt, 47 of Columbus, Ohio.
Of the friends, there are former NFL cheerleaders Cara Rosenthal, 26, of Boca Raton, Fla., and Jaime Edmondson, 29, of Ft. Lauderdale and the flight attendants Christie Volkmer, 37, of Choctaw, Okla., and Jodi Wincheski, 40 of Houston.
Producers promise less time and airports and more on "one of the most grueling courses" covering 40,000 and nine countries in 22 days that will feature the world's second tallest bungee jump, the stifling heat of India and the freezing temperatures of Siberia, visited for the first time on the race, as is Romania.
Host Phil Keoghan starts the new season of "The Amazing Race" Feb. 15 on CBS.
Title: Re: TAR 14 in the Media/News/Videos
Post by: marigold on January 26, 2009, 03:39:04 PM
From Variety:
'Amazing Race': Make a pit stop here
Our next Q&A participant is “The Amazing Race” co-creator Bert Van Munster (and possibly his wife/partner Elise Doganieri if she’s available).
“The Amazing Race” is always on my must-see list. Aside from the usual mix of interesting contestants, it gives me the opportunity to learn about other cultures and see places I never would otherwise. Kind of like traveling from my sofa. And it remains the only reality show to win the Emmy in the six-year-old category.
The new season of the CBS show, its 14th edition, begins Sunday, Feb. 15 at 8 p.m. (New racers are pictured here.) You probably have plenty of questions about past season, where we’re going together this upcoming season or how they come up with those crazy tasks.
By now, you know the drill: 1) Hit the comment button below and ask your question by Jan. 29. 2) You may ask more than one question but we are looking for quality, not quantity. Asking more will not guarantee that you’ll get an answer. In the spirit of fairness, we try to give plenty of folks a chance. 3) Read through the other comments to make sure you’re not repeating something that’s already been asked. 4) Be clever and have fun. 5) The person who asks the best question will receive a prize.
Title: Re: TAR 14 in the Media/News/Videos
Post by: michael on January 26, 2009, 10:51:37 PM
New `The Amazing Race' teams include cheerleaders, stuntmen, lawyers Derrik J. Lang, The Associated Press
LOS ANGELES — Most contestants on "The Amazing Race" must tackle language barriers during their trek around the world. As the reality series' first-ever deaf contestant, Luke Adams had double the trouble.
The 22-year-old recent college grad and his mother Margie are among the 11 two-person teams racing for the US$1 million prize in the upcoming 14th season.
"I thought it would be easy because my mother and I have always communicated really well," the longtime "Amazing Race" fan, who doesn't speak or read lips, said through an interpreter. "In the airports, my mom had to do all of the work because she had to do all of the talking. It was kind of hard for me to depend on her to do all of that."
"In the beginning, I think Luke didn't have a whole lot of trust that I was going to communicate all of the information that I was receiving to him properly," said Margie. "I would ask a question or for directions, and it would take five minutes to get the answer, then I'd give him a 30-second reply. He'd say, `No, you didn't tell me everything.' "
Other teams this season include pairs of stuntmen, Southwest Airlines flight attendants, former National Football League cheerleaders and University of Louisville college athletes. Brother-and-sister team Victor Jih, 35, and Tammy Jih, 26, both graduated from Stanford University and Harvard Law School and now work as corporate litigators in California.
"Having seven years of higher education under our belts, we thought it would give us a big advantage because we're good at learning," said Tammy. "We went into this race knowing that everything we would face would be difficult and new and things that we're not familiar with, but we were really comfortable in the fact that we're good learners."
Beginning at the Los Alamitos Joint Forces Training Base near Long Beach, Calif., the Emmy-winning CBS reality competition (premiering Feb. 15 at 8 p.m. EST on CTV in Canada) will follow the teams for 12 episodes as they travel over 64,000 kilometres to nine countries, including -- for the first time -- Romania as well as Switzerland, India and Russia.
"We shot in the city of Krasnoyarsk and the city of Novosibirsk," said "Amazing Race" executive producer Bertram van Munster. "The teams get from one city to another via the Trans-Siberian Railroad. Of course, it started off nice, but we got into this Siberian snowstorm with below-zero temperatures, which we weren't used to. It was pretty exciting."
At 68, Mel White is the season's oldest contestant. The gay-rights activist and former speechwriter for Pat Robertson and Billy Graham is teamed up with his 38-year-old son Mike White, the actor-screenwriter who penned such films as "School of Rock" and "Nacho Libre." Despite the frantic pace of the race, Mike insists he didn't bicker much with his dad.
"Compared to some of the other teams, I think we got along like a Hallmark card," he said.
Title: Re: TAR 14 in the Media/News/Videos
Post by: apskip on January 27, 2009, 03:09:45 PM
It's easy enough to infer this anad if it were really important(which I don't think it is) I could get people I know in Transylvania to translate. I think it says several Transylvanian villages are involved in addition to Brasov and Bucharest (is there anything there other than the transfer to the train?) I have hypothesized coming back to Bucharest for the Parliament Palace.
Title: Re: TAR 14 in the Media/News/Videos
Post by: puddin on January 27, 2009, 05:27:48 PM
Wow, what translator did you use? I did three and they all sucked, :lol:
That looks like google translator, cos it's the same as what I read. http://translate.google.com/translate?prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cotidianul.ro%2Famazing_race_a_filmat_in_premiera_in_romania-71475.html&sl=ro&tl=en&history_state0=
I agree with puddin that it did sound a little bit like their list of locations came from somewhere like RFF rather than the official media release though
Title: Re: TAR 14 in the Media/News/Videos
Post by: puddin on February 05, 2009, 12:16:26 AM
reposting these here so they don't get buried
The Amazing Race 14 Mike & Mel White Promo http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5mTMu-dy6cs
The Amazing Race 14 Margaret & Luke Promo http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JE2eyi3Iq38
The Amazing Race 14 Victor & Tammy promo http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vjik9xMjM-w
Title: Re: TAR 14 in the Media/News/Videos
Post by: georgiapeach on February 08, 2009, 04:28:25 AM
Reality TV likes what it sees in San Diego's talent pool By Karla Peterson Union-Tribune Staff Writer 2:00 a.m. February 8, 2009
San Diego may be famous for its beautiful weather and active, outdoorsy lifestyle, but thanks to America's love of reality television, San Diegans are becoming a hot couch-potato commodity.
When the new edition of CBS's “The Amazing Race” kicks off Feb. 15, a San Diego team will be in the running – the second consecutive season to feature a local team. The latest installment of “Survivor,” which begins Thursday on CBS, has a San Diego contestant. And the current season of Fox's “American Idol” has a strong contender in Westview High School senior Arianna Afsar of Rancho Peñasquitos.
Sadly, local chef Richard Sweeney was the fourth contestant to be eliminated from the current season of Bravo's “Top Chef,” but former Carlsbad resident Naomi Crespo is one of the last women standing on ABC's “The Bachelor.”
In recent years, San Diego has been the home of two contestants on “Project Runway,” a member of the “Top Chef” final four and one “American Idol” semifinalist. The region had a champ in Amy Finley, who was living in La Mesa when she became the Season 3 winner of “The Next Food Network Star.”
What makes San Diego such a good talent pool for reality TV? Being close to Los Angeles helps. So does our melting-pot population, which is diverse enough to include chefs, fashion designers, singers and – in the case of MTV's “A Double Shot at Love With the Ikki Twins” stars Rikki and Vikki Mongeon – bisexual twin sisters.
But one of the big reasons San Diego has been so good for reality TV is because San Diegans don't look like they spend much time watching it.
“I think of San Diego as being an independent and life-loving city. People in San Diego are going out and doing things they enjoy, as opposed to being couch potatoes,” said Nick Gilhool, casting director for Magical Elves, the production company behind “Top Chef,” “Top Design” and the first five seasons of “Project Runway.”
“In San Diego, your life is about wanting great experiences and setting yourself up to have them, and that is very attractive to casting people like us, because you are living life on your own terms.”
That was certainly the case for “Amazing Race” contestant Kris Klicka, who was so turned off by the idea of appearing on a reality show that when CBS casting associate Erika Shay approached him at the Ivy Hotel in the Gaslamp Quarter, he brushed her off and walked away.
“I thought she was asking me if I wanted to be on 'The Real World,' and I knew for a fact that I wouldn't want to be on something that shows the ins and outs of pretty much every part of your life,” said the recent San Diego State University graduate, who will compete on the globe-trotting show with his girlfriend, Amanda Blackledge. “That's what's cool about 'The Amazing Race.' It does show the real you, but it's not like people are watching you sleep at night.”
While “American Idol” finds the bulk of its contestants through huge casting calls (the auditions at Qualcomm Stadium in 2007 drew more than 12,000 “Idol” hopefuls), CBS casting director Lynne Spillman said at least 50 percent of “The Amazing Race” and “Survivor” contestants are recruited by Spillman and her staff, who look for candidates everywhere they go.
Since San Diego is geographically convenient and demographically desirable, they often find what they are looking for right here.
“When we're doing last-minute casting, we're not going to get on a plane. We need to make it a drive, and it's easy to drive to San Diego,” Spillman said. “For shows like 'Survivor' and 'Amazing Race,' you want people who are active and outdoorsy, and you have a very active and outdoorsy lifestyle. But it's also a metropolitan city, where people can be students and bankers and lawyers and still have that kind of life.” Like Klicka and Blackledge, “Survivor” contestant Sydney Wheeler is a perfect advertisement for living the beautiful San Diego life. Which is why casting associate Shay approached Wheeler when the part-time model was hanging out at the trendy Bar West in Pacific Beach.
In addition to having that sun-kissed look that looks so good on TV, Wheeler, Klicka and Blackledge share a San Diego spirit that casting directors love. It's a spirit that comes from being from somewhere else.
Blackledge came here from Redwood City to go to college. Klicka was born here, moved away as a youngster and moved back when he turned 19. Last year's “American Idol” local was Carly Smithson, who was born and raised in Ireland. Sweeney was cooking for Confidential restaurant in the Gaslamp when he became a “Top Chef” contestant, but he is from Long Island, N.Y.
“A lot of people relocate to San Diego from other places, and I think it takes guts to pick up and move across country to somewhere because you like the city,” Spillman said. “People love San Diego, and they have taken a leap of faith to get there. And you know those kinds of people are not going to be scared.”
“Survivor” contestant Wheeler, 24, a native of Raleigh, N.C., moved here five years ago to study interior design at the Art Institute of California in Mission Valley. In the process, she picked up a useful reality-TV education.
“In my past five years in San Diego, most of the people I've met are transplants, and I can see why these types of people are being picked for reality shows. They are really interesting people, and they really want to be doing something with their lives,” said Wheeler, who lives in Cardiff.
“Reality shows are hard to do. Your life is being thrown in front of the camera, and it's all about taking that risk and going with the flow and liking it.”
When the San Diego Film Commission promotes the city as a destination for film and TV productions, the commissioners talk up the weather, the geographical variety and the free film permits. They don't spend much time talking up the TV-friendly people because they don't really need to. The word is already out.
“One thing I always hear is that people who move here tend to be alpha-type people who are open to doing things that are out of the ordinary,” deputy film commissioner Rob Dunson said. “We are also known for our beautiful people. When the Super Bowl was here, that's what all of the commentators were talking about, how beautiful the people are.”
Title: Re: TAR 14 in the Media/News/Videos
Post by: puddin on February 08, 2009, 06:22:48 PM
Phil Keoghan of Amazing Race with Ryan Manno at the 2009 Grammys Ryan and Phil discuss near death situations and the longevity of the show
Dynamic cast!
Title: Re: TAR 14 in the Media/News/Videos
Post by: georgiapeach on February 08, 2009, 06:51:43 PM
Quick summary!
Quote
How do you stay fresh?
We have an advantage because we never go back to the same locations ever...
We go to Siberia and Roamnia, Siberia is totally unlike anything we have done in all 14 seasons...
And we have the new faces. Audiences love the teams, but love going to the locations too.
We have freshened up the graphics, the maps, the music, it was time for a little spring cleaning.
Most dynamic cast since season 7! I felt the same way after this as I did after shooting 7... There was something special about seasons 7, 5, 3, 1....There is something really unique about this cast in Season 14!
Were you ever scared or apprehensive? (Phil tells the story of being held up by immigration in the Ukraine and making it to the mat seconds in front of the first team.)
What is your favorite place?
I love NZ, love Italy for the people, but I live in the USA because it offers opportunity, and it is a piece of everything in the world, it has a global feel.
Oh this is good! Thanks puddin!
Title: Re: TAR 14 in the Media/News/Videos
Post by: georgiapeach on February 10, 2009, 01:50:44 AM
LOOK!! :hearts:
Title: Re: TAR 14 in the Media/News/Videos
Post by: georgiapeach on February 11, 2009, 08:00:56 AM
ET video, mostly a rehash, although BVM says India will be hysterical!
ET gives you a sneak peek of the brand new season of "The Amazing Race."
The host of the show Phil Keoghan tells ET what sets "The Amazing Race" apart from all the other reality shows.
"Our show is about those diversities that I mentioned," he says. "You do not see reality shows I believe, that have this type of diversity. The type of diversity that 'Amazing Race' has."
The producers of the the Emmy Award-winning reality show are promising some surprises and many "hysterical and unusual" moments. This season's globe-trotting contestants will once again perform a series of challenges in exotic locations around the world while competing for the $1 million prize.
Click the video to hear more on the longevity and popularity of the show from Phil Keoghan, and meet the show's first deaf contestant. "The Amazing Race" premieres on CBS this Sunday, February 15 at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT.
http://www.etonline.com/news/2009/02/70654/
Title: Re: TAR 14 in the Media/News/Videos
Post by: puddin on February 11, 2009, 08:35:08 PM
HQ toggle (when processed, youtube has been slowwwwww)
Title: Re: TAR 14 in the Media/News/Videos
Post by: puddin on February 12, 2009, 11:15:13 PM
'The Amazing Race' is back with more scenery, fewer days
CBS' The Amazing Race can't match the ratings success of American Idol, Dancing With the Stars or Survivor, but it has outshined all of them in claiming trophies: Race has won the Emmy for best competition-reality series for six straight years, ever since the category was created.
Now, with a 14th edition that kicks off Sunday (8 ET/PT), the series is making several subtle shifts in its formula, which might corral more travel-hungry viewers.
"The show has been on the air for eight years; it needed a new coat of paint," executive producer Bertram van Munster says. (Last season averaged 11.2 million viewers, down 5% from the previous cycle.)
Gone are the lengthy scenes at airport ticket counters as contestants jostle for available flights, a frequent complaint of fans. Cameras will linger longer on the breathtaking scenery that's the show's hallmark.
And in cosmetic fixes, Race's route will be updated with Google maps, the show will sport new graphics and a new opening sequence, and the musical score will get a tuneup. "We had a little too many cymbals crashing," van Munster says.
In all, this 12-episode season travels 40,000 miles in just 22 days, a week shorter than past editions. Racers begin in Los Angeles and hit their first pit stop — Stechelberg, Switzerland — in Sunday's premiere, after they've wrangled 50-pound wheels of cheese down a steep hill.
Then they traipse across Europe and Asia, stopping in India, China and Thailand, before hitting the finish line on the Hawaiian island of Maui. Along the way, the show treks for the first time to Romania and Siberia, where contestants endure a 13-hour ride on the Trans-Siberian Railroad and face a major snowstorm.
"When you go from Siberia, where it's bitter cold, to India, which is unbearably hot, that's a shock," van Munster says. "We really wore these people out."
This season's racers are a more diverse lot: The show's 11 teams include Luke Adams, 23, a deaf college graduate from Monument, Colo., who travels with his mom, Margie, 51.
"We had to work a little harder because I can't hear," said Luke in a telephone interview interpreted by his mother, who noted that their choices were limited in some challenges. But "I'm a big fan and I've been watching since Season 1, and I really wanted to be the first deaf person on the show."
Also on the chase for the $1 million prize: a brother/sister team of Chinese-Americans with Harvard law degrees; a pair of former NFL cheerleaders; two flight attendants; diminutive stuntmen brothers; and Mike White, a screenwriter (School of Rock) and actor (Chuck & Buck) who travels with his gay activist dad, Mel.
While the fourteenth season of any series is usually time that last rites are being administered, CBS's "The Amazing Race" marches into Season 14 with a renewed vigor and freshness, according to longtime host Phil Keoghan. Speaking from Los Angeles, Keoghan spoke of the endurance of the competition series, how the contestants are chosen and what brings him the most joy in his host role.
Keoghan said that conscious efforts have been made this season to keep the show from growing stale. "The network really wanted to freshen everything up including the graphics and the music; all the dressing elements of the show. And that now with all the other stuff that we've always been able to keep fresh, I think it's given us something that's a premiere show like Season One out of the gate; that's how fresh it looks to me."
"The Amazing Race" has been a groundbreaking show in that it has regularly brought an eclectic group of people to each season's casts. "I've gotta tell you," Keoghan said, "to CBS's credit, they have consistently made quite radical choices with casting [but] the final say goes to Les Moonves and he has an unbelievable eye for talent and knowing what's going to work on TV." Case in point, Keoghan explained that one of the teams in the new season (Margie and Luke) is a mother and her deaf son, who doesn't read lips and will rely completely on his mother to communicate. "It would've been an easy one to shy away from them. Most people would say 'we don't want to get into too extreme a choice. It's going to be too hard for them.' But we've had an amputee, we've had a short person, we've had gay, straight, tall, short. We've had such extremes with the casting that I love being a part of it because I love that we don't shy away from any combination that works." Other contestants this season include a gay father and son, sibling lawyers and shapely blonde flight attendants, who say in the season premiere that they are ready to use their looks to get them far in the game.
While challenges may get bigger and scarier every season (in Sunday's episode, racers bungee jump off the second highest point in the world) Keoghan said there's another aspect of the challenges that appeal to him. "It's about immersing people in some aspect of culture in that place. Those to me are my favorite challenges. Milking a camel or this cheese challenge [where contestants have to carry 200 lbs of cheese down a slippery hill], which was such a huge effort. You kind of throw people something that is inherently part of the culture there... [for example,] they're in Cambodia and they have to go fishing and they have to do it the way people in Cambodia do it."
In terms of the show's popularity, Keoghan shared, "I feel like 'The Amazing Race' is kind of at a tipping point. Before, people would say 'you're that guy from that great race.' They sort of knew the face, knew the show, they'd heard about it but it hadn't gotten to that tipping point where it becomes a part of people's vernacular where it was mainstream or where it was a recognizable show to just about anyone on the street. Now, people get the name right, people have seen it, people say, 'Oh, I know that show, The Amazing Race. I love this team or I love that team.' But the thing I consistently hear from people is we just love it when you just show us the world."
The fact that the race itself literally goes around the world, Keoghan initially wanted to convey the grand scope of that fact at the starting line of the race. He revealed that at the beginning of the series, "I wanted a line that sort of encapsulated what was awaiting the teams and what was awaiting the viewers and I came up with this line. I felt like I needed something to set up the premise. I came up with this line, 'The world is waiting for you.'"
Keoghan added that it's the world that is truly the biggest appeal of the series. "Yes, we have a great show, yes, we have a great cast but what people really love about the show, one of the big pulls or draws of the show is that we're the show that is part of the world and we'll show them the world in a way that they just don't get to see anywhere else in mainstream media."
Another popular draw of the show is the testing that the various relationships go through in the course of the race. To hear Keoghan describe it, it's not just the already weak relationships that are subject to the pressures of the race. "I don't know if even some of the strongest relationships aren't going to be tested somehow during the whole journey because it is very stressful. It's hard enough to take a family trip on the weekend and go away for a camping trip. In a perfect relationship there's still going to be some tension but now you've upped the ante and you put a million dollars out there and you've got other people racing to get there before you... you really create a lot of tension, a lot of energy there that manifests itself and teams really testing their relationship."
Keoghan, who is also an author of the book "No Opportunity Wasted: Creating A List For Life," clearly finds much joy in helping people make the most out of their lives. "It's uplifting. It's invigorating. It makes people want to get out there and do things. There's something very cool about working on a show this long and being a part of something that has that kind of energy." The host also said that he's heard first hand from past contestants how the race has impacted their lives. "I stay in contact with many of the racers. They email. It's changed their lives for the better. The audience loves to see the changes that people go through and the idea that they're pushing themselves. It's a unique opportunity to work on something that actually does something positive, I think."
When asked if he ever stands on the sidelines and secretly wishes he could do the challenges that he sees play out season after season, Keoghan admitted that he's not a newbie at doing extreme challenges. "Since the age of 19, I have spent most of my career doing crazy things. I have an unofficial world record for bungee jumping where nine of us jumped off a bridge at one time. I have my reindeer skiing license, which I got in 1998... I spent three days in a nudist resort [and] I putted a golf ball across Scotland last year in four days. 107 miles. One golf club, many golf balls lost from the West coast of Scotland to the East. So I've spent my entire career doing many of the things that they do on the race."
"The Amazing Race" kicks off its latest season this Sunday at 8:00/7:00c on CBS.
Title: Re: TAR 14 in the Media/News/Videos
Post by: puddin on February 13, 2009, 06:15:10 PM
Today's News: Our TakeWhat's In Store for the New Amazing Racers Feb 13, 2009 05:52 PM ET by Robyn Ross Amazing Race The 14th installment of The Amazing Race kicks off Sunday (CBS, 8 pm/ET) as 11 teams dash around the world toward the finish line and the $1 million dollar prize. TVGuide.com checked in with Murtz Jaffer, editor of InsidePulse.com and host of Reality Obsessed, to get his take on the teams to watch, what's up with those pit stops, and why patience is the key to victory.
TVGuide.com: Who are your teams to watch? Murtz Jaffer: There's one team that I'm favoring and that's Cara and Jaime, the cheerleaders from Florida. One is 26, one is 29 [and] typically younger teams win the race. Everybody wants two females to win this show. They're my heavy favorites right now, I have a feeling about these two.
Another team that I like is Tammy and Victor, the lawyers. Victor is modeling his game-play style on Rob and Amber [Season 7]. You drop Boston Rob and I'm obviously going to pick you. I like the fact that Tammy is 26 and Victor is 35, that's a really good age. You got the mature one who's not that old but has still been around, and you have the younger one to dominate the physical. Plus they both went to Harvard.
Mark (48) and Michael (51) Munoz, the stunt brothers, are another team. They remind me a lot of Jon and Al, the clowns [Season 4]. Whenever Jon and Al were at the airport they'd put on their noses and make nice with the ticketing agent and I can see [Mark and Michael] doing a lot of tricks and stuff. [Their height —4'9"] can work for them, it can work against them, too. We'll never know what we're going to get in a challenge with them. They're either going to kill it, and we'll be like, "Oh my god, I can't believe those guys won" or "I feel so bad for them, this is totally not fair." Either way you're entertained.
TVGuide.com: Are there any other interesting teams? Jaffer: Everybody is going to be talking about Margie and Luke. Luke (22) is the first-ever hearing impaired contestant. Communication is a big thing on the race. Teams that do well are the ones that don't freak out at the ticketing agent, that keep their cool. Obviously Margie (50) is patient, she had to learn sign language to communicate to her son [Luke]. In the pandemonium of the whole, "Let's go, we gotta go to the pit stop," they're going to be more concentrated on doing their own thing. Boston Rob and Amber have long said that that has always been their secret; they just did not care what anyone else was doing.
TVGuide.com: So who's most likely to go first? Jaffer: Linda (52) and Steve (43), the married couple, are going to be in trouble. Brad (52) and Victoria (47) are also going to be in trouble, once again because of age. On Survivor you can get past age. You have the opportunity to align and you can bring in people to make up for any deficiencies you may have, whether it be social, physical, or survivalist. On The Amazing Race sorry, if you're old you're not going to be able to run as fast. It's over.
TVGuide.com: Can you tell us any other scoop about this season? Jaffer: Less airports. It gets annoying when one team just kills at a challenge and all of a sudden they go to bed, the airport opens at 7 am, and they're all evened up again. Very annoying, I'm sure, for the contestants and for the people watching. I think that reality shows now, in 2009, are actually learning. And that's a very big thing — not just going with the status quo. The Amazing Race has learned that these airports and conjoined pit stops have to go.
Also, they are going to suffer through blizzards in [Russia] and I'm also hearing that there's going to be Olympic-themed challenges because the teams went to Beijing. Other locations that were featured are Switzerland, Austria, Romania, Siberia, Thailand, and Beijing.
There are no alpha male teams at all, not one. It's such an interesting thing to make a reality show, you have to make it fair and it's hard to answer what is fair. One person could say it's only fair that they have two males on the show because that means that the race wasn't watered down. So now if two older people win, I'm always going to say, "Well yeah, they won that season with an asterisk," because they didn't really have to face two 30-year-old guys. At the same time, you put two 30-year-old guys there and they're going to win every single time. My ideal casting would be two 30-year-old guys that are like Napoleon Dynamite because then you still have two 30-year-old guys but they're not these physical power houses
Title: Re: TAR 14 in the Media/News/Videos
Post by: anon1akacolby on February 14, 2009, 04:04:00 PM
Mike White's dream is reality on 'The Amazing Race'
The writer and actor got hooked on the show during the writers strike. Being paired with his dad made it even better. http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/la-et-white14-2009feb14,0,2659399.story (http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/la-et-white14-2009feb14,0,2659399.story)
By Chris Lee February 14, 2009
CBS' Emmy-winning reality show, "The Amazing Race," has seen its share of eclectic contestants come and go over the series' 13 seasons: beauty pageant winners and bickering married couples, jock siblings and even little people. But this winter's installment marks the first time that "Race" has included a "Hollywood star" in its contestant ranks -- even if that famous face hardly counts as a household name. Enter Mike White, the actor-screenwriter-producer-director who's best known for writing hit comedies, including "Nacho Libre" and "School of Rock" (in which he also plays a supporting role). White, a former producing partner of Jack Black, calls himself a "scholar" of CBS' multiple-Emmy-winning reality show and a self-professed "weird reality fanatic" who began his quest to become an "Amazing Race" contestant during the Hollywood writers strike in late 2007. "I couldn't write. I'd been watching for so long, I was just like, 'I want to go on the show!' " White recalled. "I made a tape with a friend and sent it in. It wasn't like I tried to pull rank. We just sent in an audition and they called."
In fact, White, a Pasadena native who earned his stripes as a writer for Judd Apatow's late, great 1999-2000 television series, "Freaks and Geeks," places his burning ambition to be on "The Amazing Race" right up there with his abiding goals in life. "It's definitely on the bucket list," White said over a plate of roasted vegetables at the Brentwood Country Mart earlier this week. "Do 'The Amazing Race,' do a few movies, die happy."
But that doesn't quite explain how the whippet-thin Hollywood hotshot -- whose boyish physical presence and unblinking demeanor can't help but bring to mind the slightly demented naif-stalker he portrayed in 2000's oddball dramedy "Chuck & Buck" -- wound up on the physically arduous, globe-spanning obstacle course/time trial, which kicks off its 14th season at 8 p.m. Sunday.
Before White could take his place at the starting line, he had to persuade producers to cast him despite his professional pedigree; unlike so much programming on VH1, "The Amazing Race" had largely resisted anything resembling "celebreality" stunt casting until White came along (one exception being the casting of "Survivor" alumni Rob and Amber in Season 7). Then, White's original partner, filmmaker Jon Kasdan (who wrote 2007's "In the Land of Women"), dropped out during semifinal callbacks. And in a turn of events that surprised White as much as anyone, the show's casting director helped choose Kasdan's replacement: White's father, Mel White, a 69-year-old documentary filmmaker, author and leader in the gay evangelical Christian movement -- one of the oldest contestants to appear on the show. "I thought I'd collapse," Mel said of his expectations at the outset. "I thought when Michael said go, I'd fall down dead."
As well, Mike White had to overcome his own professional misgivings. "You feel a little weird as a writer of scripted television for many years to say you're a fan of reality TV. You feel like a traitor. But I am a total fan. There are life lessons that can be derived from reality television. It was a . . . blast."
It's hard not to harbor certain suspicions about Mike White's motivations -- namely, that his appearance on "Race" is some kind of Andy Kaufman-esque gag -- especially if you are at all familiar with White's view-askew comedy. Plumbing the aesthetic of discomfort for laughs as well as pathos, White's well-meaning but often dim-witted characters tend to find their bliss only after coming through the fire of ritual humiliation (see: Jack Black as a doofus music teacher in "School of Rock" or Molly Shannon as a misguided animal rights zealot in White's directorial debut, "Year of the Dog").
But to hear him tell it with wide-eyed sincerity, White didn't do the show for greater fame. He wanted to go on in large part to shake himself from complacency. "No matter what your job is, to be kicked out of that bubble is a healthy thing. You're asked to do things you'd never do. And the whole time it's slightly embarrassing, slightly humiliating. You get over yourself."
When Kasdan suffered what White jokingly refers to as a "nervous breakdown" during a battery of psychological tests administered by show producers, White had already won the admiration of Lynne Spillman, casting director for "The Amazing Race." She gauged him as someone who "was doing it purely for the love of the show and not for any kudos or fame."
After the two became chummy, White invited Spillman to a party at his house, where she met the openly bisexual filmmaker's friends and family members with an eye toward casting a replacement. Which is when she met Mel White, a prize-winning documentary producer and bestselling writer who ghost-wrote the autobiographies of such religious firebrands as Billy Graham, Jerry Falwell and Pat Robertson. After undergoing three decades of "anti-gay" therapy in conjunction with the church, however, White came out of the closet in 1994 with his autobiography, "Stranger at the Gate: To Be Gay and Christian in America."
"He was fascinating: opinionated, complex, sarcastic," Spillman said. "I didn't realize he was Mike's father at first. I tried to be cool, but I was so excited. Mike said, 'You gotta be kidding! He's the only person I'm not funny around.' "
Added Mike White: "To be perfectly honest, I'm competitive. I wanted to win. As much as my dad is spry for someone who's almost 70, he is still 20 years older than the next-oldest person on the show."
Nonetheless, both were persuaded that the experience would be positive and provide for plenty of father-son bonding that occasional lunches and cross-country visits can't approximate. Still, boundaries had to be established upfront. "Right at the beginning, he told me, 'Dad, don't go aggro on me.' I had to look it up. What's 'aggro'?" recalled Mel White from his home in Virginia. "I thought it was agriculture. But it's aggro-vated. He knows I'm a gay Christian activist. I'm aggravated half the time!"
Asked if he learned anything surprising about his son while traveling together under the battlefield conditions of reality television, Mel White grew suddenly emotional. "I couldn't pay for what 'The Amazing Race' did for me, to have this time with my son," he said.
Shooting wrapped in late November, after the racers hit five continents, 15 countries and traveled 30,000 miles. But so far, neither White has seen any footage from the show outside of a quietly hilarious CBS promo in which father and son are introduced simply as "writers" and shown pecking away at side-by-side laptops, doing tandem yoga and tooling around on Segway PTs. Mike White admits he stage-managed the commercial to temper people's expectations. But it seems like he also couldn't resist imposing some small measure of his comedic worldview on the show.
"They always have people doing this sporty stuff like volleyball," he said. "What would be the laziest thing we could do for our promo? Let's just ride on Segways in our neighborhood! I was thinking, 'Let's just do the goofiest stuff possible.' "
Title: Re: TAR 14 in the Media/News/Videos
Post by: mswood on February 15, 2009, 01:27:42 PM
Here is what Aint it cool has to say. Hercules Has Seen Big-Deal Writer-Actor-Director Mike White Compete In CBS’ THE AMAZING RACE!!!!
http://www.aintitcool.com/node/40133
I am – Hercules!!
Mike White is the “Freaks and Geeks” vet who went on to write and star in “Chuck & Buck,” “Orange County,” “The Good Girl” and “School of Rock.” He more recently wrote and directed the hilarious and harrowing “Year of the Dog,” one of 2007’s best movies if you’re asking me.
Dad Mel White is described as a writer, filmmaker, professor, pastor and gay-rights activist.
On tonight's "Amazing Race," the Whites are seen racing against a deaf guy and his mom, a pair of dwarf sibling stuntmen, a pair of sibling Harvard Law grads, a pair of hot redheads, a pair of blonde flight attendants and a pair of twentysomethings from The Bronx.
Have a look at all the contestants here.
Notes on tonight’s premiere:
* The trademark jetliner CGI is gone; the series has a new set of opening titles.
* The race starts in Los Alamitos, Calif., then heads east.
* It turns out that both Whites are gay. I’ve suspected the younger White might have homosexual leanings since I saw the brilliantly creepy “Chuck and Buck,” but I don’t recall him earlier making mention of his orientation. Indeed, CBS’ press materials only identify the elder White as gay.
* The deaf kid doesn’t read lips, and so must rely entirely on his mother to deal with the hearing world.
* The little people, as one might expect, make their livings as stunt doubles for child actors.
* The first road block, involving a dam, is fricking nightmarish.
* Further into the episode, teams must each transport four 50-pound cheese wheels down a steep, slippery slope using fragile antique cheese carriers. Contestants often lose control of these mammoth lumps of cheese, causing the wheels to turn into potentially deadly dairy projectiles as they careen downward.
* There’s more crying when the first team hits the finish line than when the last team does.
* The ending is quite exciting. The last-place team hits the finish line only seconds after a not-last-place team.
Title: Re: The Amazing Race 14 Locations, spoiler summary on page 1
Post by: TARAsia Fan on February 15, 2009, 09:30:01 PM
Just to let you all know. I'm writing the famous TARAsia Fan Amazing Race recap. Right now!
Now back to writing.
Title: Re: The Amazing Race 14 Locations, spoiler summary on page 1
Post by: TARAsia Fan on February 16, 2009, 01:35:18 AM
Here's the recap (http://www.fangsbites.com/2009/02/amazing-race-14-dont-let-cheese-hit-me.html)!
Title: Re: TAR 14 in the Media/News/Videos
Post by: puddin on February 16, 2009, 02:00:15 PM
I found this clip on UGO
Amazing Race 14 - Team Interviews - PowerWe talk strategy with the lastest crop of racers!
Title: Re: TAR 14 in the Media/News/Videos
Post by: mswood on February 16, 2009, 02:03:52 PM
Here's the recap (http://www.fangsbites.com/2009/02/amazing-race-14-dont-let-cheese-hit-me.html)!
That was quick, dont you have a job?
Because of the job, I made sure I finished it last night. No more foot dragging on recaps.
Title: Re: TAR 14 in the Media/News/Videos
Post by: puddin on February 16, 2009, 04:17:38 PM
We Go to Some Places Where I Know No American Show Has Ever Been Shot” – RealityNewsOnline’s Exclusive Interview with The Amazing Race’s Co-Creator, Director, and Executive Producer, Bertram van Munster by Teeuwynn Woodruff -- 02/16/2009
The Amazing Race 14 premiered Sunday! In anticipation, RealityNewsOnline’s Teeuwynn Woodruff sat down with co-creator, producer, and director Bertram van Munster to talk about the multiple-Emmy winning reality series and why it is so successful. What does he have to say about this season, last season, and plans for future seasons? Read on to find out everything!
RealityNewsOnline: Hello, Bertram, and thank you for talking to RealityNewsOnline today!
Bertram van Munster: Thank you!
RNO: Do you have anything you can share with us about the upcoming race?
van Munster: Yes. But first I would like to talk about the last race, if that’s okay?
RNO: Sure!
van Munster: It leads into the next one. What I’m doing now, I’m going to more and more original places. The casting – for some mysterious reason – is getting better every time. Maybe we’re actually getting good at this, little by little!
Like in the last race, for instance, we went to places like Cambodia, and to Kazakhstan. Cambodia is a place that, if you had gone there ten years ago to Angkor Wat, they would shoot you and arrest you. Now, we can shoot an entire television show there.
The fact that we can get more exotic and phenomenal places in this crazy world is just really fantastic! And Kazakhstan, of course, we were shooting there and got a lot of cooperation from the government. Of course, they were slightly scared that we would do another Borat. That’s the only thing everyone was worried about! “Are you going to do the Borat?” Borat wasn’t even shot in Kazakhstan. It was shot in Romania. But they were all afraid we were going to do a Borat on them.
We weren’t doing a Borat. But we were still running around [with people] dressed up like a cow. It’s a little odd, but really fun.
What I’m doing now, in the new race coming up… I’ve got to tell you, we have beaten ourselves with getting a cast that is really, really good – which is instrumental to the success of the show. And then I laid out a race that is going through a lot of original territory – where people constantly say, “Nobody speaks English! I can’t take it anymore!” And that is exactly why we go there. “Remember? This is why we take you around the world.”
They get so frustrated because nobody speaks English. I find that kind of odd. Of course nobody speaks English. But they’re almost insulted that nobody speaks English. “How can you take me to a country where nobody speaks English?”
RNO: I think a lot of Americans are used to feeling that everybody will speak their language. It’s a big difference when they are exposed to different cultures like they are on the race.
van Munster: And [expect them] to kowtow and say, “Yes, we speak fluent English. Where do you want to go, sir?” That’s not the case at all. You see a lot of generosity on the part of people they run into. You see also a lot of stubbornness. You see some very exotic locales.
We go to some places where I know no American show has ever been shot. Ever. Of that I can assure you. So, it’s going to be really, really unique. And, in terms of weather, we go from extremely hot to extremely cold to extremely hot – rain and misery and what have you. Every piece of weather you can imagine, we have in the show. And that, included with the language barriers, and food, and pressure… I can assure you that this thing is off the scale!
RNO: The new locations and cast are ways you keep the show fresh. Is there anything else you do to keep the show interesting and evolving?
van Munster: The challenges. You know, the challenges in the show this time around are really original, and cultural in nature. [Some of them] are just a huge pain in the ass to do as challenges.
RNO: It must be an incredible logistical challenge to put the race itself together. Do you have to have backup challenges ready?
van Munster: In the past I have had moments… We were once shooting in Central America and there was this huge storm coming in, and I had to change one show completely. We couldn’t stay there. I have back-up challenges, and I even have back-up countries we can go to in case something really gets off track.
When I lay out a race, I run the whole thing myself. Twice. I start up by doing exactly what the teams are supposed to do. I get on this plane, I see what all the connections are, and I make all these connections for myself. So I know it works. Then I hand it over to my logistical team – but I know it already works before I hand it over to them.
RNO: Are there any countries you would love to race in, but haven’t had a chance to do so?
van Munster: No. I mean, what’s on the menu this time around is very original. I have to tell you, the logistical side of things is actually the most logical. Planes fly the way they fly. They have calculated these flight patterns long before we invented The Amazing Race. So, there is a logic to it.
You can look at it two ways. You can look at it like this is an un-overcomeable pile of information you don’t understand. Or you can look at it through the logic of how airlines fly their planes and how they make their money. That’s how I look at it. If you look at it from that perspective, there’s a great deal of logic to it.
Now, of course, not everybody has the time and energy to look at that kind of logic – particularly the contestants, because they are always in a hurry, you know, trying to cut each other off.
RNO: They’re in a race.
van Munster: They’re more in panic mode all the time. You have to just step back and look at the logic of the whole thing and then you’ll say, “Oh! That’s what’s going on.” Nobody takes the time to do it.
RNO: I have noticed that, when the teams take the time to really read their clues tend to do a lot better.
van Munster: Absolutely. It makes all the difference in the world. We can tell them that 100 times, and they won’t listen anyway – which makes for exciting television. Sometimes they are very individualistic in their decision-making in this race, and sometimes there is a little herd mentality going on [where] they all make the same huge mistake.
RNO: Have you ever seen teams do something you had no idea a team would ever do – running off in an entirely different direction?
van Munster: I see them all the time doing things they shouldn’t be doing. It’s the craziest thing. Sometimes, in the middle of the race, they get so panicky. Sometimes you see just a total breakdown of their energy. They just make the weirdest decisions that have nothing to do with the instructions they have.
RNO: Then you just have to follow along and see what happens?
van Munster: Well, there’s always a camera team with them, so I don’t care if they try to go off to North Korea, as long as there’s a camera team with them.
RNO: How do you make the call between giving a team penalty time for doing something wrong in the race vs. making a team go back and do what they were supposed to do?
van Munster: Well, speeding is a very dangerous thing. Countries have different rules, different regulations, so we are very careful with speeding. The camera team [tells teams] if they think they are driving unsafely. They call us and say they are driving unsafely and we have them pull over on the spot. That’s just the way it is. They have to adhere to the speed limits.
Our biggest worry is that people are going to get hurt. So, we are very, very strict with it. They know that up front. That is not a last-minute decision.
If someone comes to the mat [Pit Stop] and doesn’t have a clue in their hand – if you just stumble upon it by accident… Sorry, pal. You have to go back and find your clue.
RNO: When you cast teams, do you generally have an idea about who’s going to do well on the race and who isn’t?
van Munster: You know, all of us together have never been able to pick a winner. We have never, ever been able to pick it – which is good. So, the audience sees what I see happen. When you put people under pressure and make them race for a million bucks, someone will make an irrational decision. We see them do it all the time, and they are really smart people. They’re exhausted and under pressure.
RNO: Are there any specific teams that have surprised you by how well or poorly they have done on the race?
van Munster: You know, I am always impressed with the older guys. It also confirms what I’ve said – this race can be run by anybody. You don’t necessarily have to have incredible athletic ability to win this thing.
If you step back, and as you say, read your clue and really calculate which way you want to go, you’re just as good as the guy who runs six miles ahead of you and makes a mistake somewhere.
RNO: When you’re casting teams, do you look for a balance between different types of teams –athletic, young, old, etc.?
van Munster: Yes. We look for folks in all ages in good physical and mental health. We look for pre-existing relationships. We want people who love each other, people who want to break up, people who are not sure of their relationship, brothers, sisters, gay, whatever.
[Running the race] people look at each other very differently… It is a life-changing experience, to the point that when they come back and sit in their living rooms they say, “What the hell just happened to me? Was I really doing this?” Seeing these people is almost like holding up a mirror for the audience.
RNO: Do you think you’ll ever do another All-Star race?
van Munster: I personally don’t like All-Star reality shows. There are so many great competitors, I don’t see the point. Just because you’ve done it before doesn’t make you a star, it just means you’ve done it before.
I think it’s more fun to see different people every time – really original, new people. To me, that’s more exciting. CBS’s opinion may differ from mine on that one. But, if it were only up to me, I would say no.
RNO: Are there any new game elements – like the Yield or Fast Forward – in this race?
van Munster: I like to keep that a surprise, but there are some new game elements that are really a lot of fun. It will be minor tweaks… but enough to throw the teams off.
RNO: How do you pick the greeters for a country?
van Munster: I just make it up. I see a guy walking down the street – I mean, last time, I had a guy who sells lottery tickets! I saw him in Brazil and thought he’d be a nice greeter. But now I’m making some changes, and you will see some very funny changes in the show that are going to be much more elaborate – who the greeters are and how they are going to get involved.
RNO: So, my colleagues wanted me to ask if you would ever accept a team made up of two reality TV writers?
van Munster: Absolutely! I don’t see any reason why not. Everybody’s welcome.
RNO: I’ll tell them that. Is there anything else you’d like to tell our readers?
van Munster: You know, to do a reality show like this one, you have to take a leap of faith. That’s why it’s still a reality show. A lot of reality shows are manipulated, they’re discussed – we don’t do any of that. That is where the leap of faith comes in.
RNO: I think that’s one of the things that keeps The Amazing Race interesting to watch. As are seeing how people behave in such an unusual situation.
van Munster: The great thing is, we turn them loose, then they have to get themselves somewhere and somewhere else, and do the challenges. We have control points at the challenges, but otherwise they are on their own. The reality is they are completely on their own for 50-60% of the race.
We’re the only show that goes around the world. We’ve made a lot of friends around the world. People get excited and generous, and they are nice and friendly. Just like we saw with the Russians last season with Toni & Dallas.
Oh, and common sense always wins. It applies to the racers and it applies to us.
RNO: Thank you so much for talking to us today.
van Munster: Thank you, and tell your colleagues to send a tape!
Title: Re: TAR 14 in the Media/News/Videos
Post by: puddin on February 17, 2009, 09:47:22 PM
'The Amazing Race': 'The outcome for us is a surprise every time'
Here are the answers to your questions for Bertram van Munster and Elise Doganieri (pictured below with the show's host Phil Keoghan) about "The Amazing Race," which bowed its 14th edition Sunday.
I have not yet chosen a favorite team in the latest incarnation, but it's hard not to root for filmmaker Mike White and his dad.
"The Amazing Race" has won six consecutive Emmy Awards for outstanding reality program — and remains the only show to ever win that category. In addition van Munster won the 2007 Directors Guild of America award and van Munster and Doganieri — along with producing team Jerry Bruckheimer, Jonathan Littman, Hayma Washington, Amy Chacon and Mark A. Vertullo — won the 2005 Producers Guild of America award.
Van Munster's other credits include ABC's "Oprah's Big Give," the Discovery Channel's "Raw Nature," ABC's "Profiles From the Front Line," syndicated series "Wild Things" and Fox's long-running "Cops." Prior to her producing career, Doganieri, a graduate of the Fashion Institute of Technology, worked in advertising and in 1994 co-founded an Internet consulting firm.
I sat down with the ever so charming Bertram and his equally charming wife and partner Elise Doganieri at the "Race" offices a couple of weeks ago. The office was a real treat for this fan of TAR. It was like a museum of previous seasons with totem poles and puzzles and other reminders of challenges past. You'll notice in the video behind Bertram and Elise is a painting that a local did based on the fish puzzle contestants did at a Roadblock in Zanibar during the All-Star season.
They answered all of your questions with enthusiasm. I've transcribed most of the answers here and will be posting the full videos shortly — as soon as I figure out the little glitch in the Flip software that makes everyone sound like they just inhaled helium.
Title: Re: TAR 14 in the Media/News/Videos
Post by: TARAsia Fan on February 23, 2009, 03:07:42 AM
I've got your episode 2 recap right here (http://www.fangsbites.com/2009/02/amazing-race-14-your-targets-is-your.html)!
Title: Re: TAR 14 in the Media/News/Videos
Post by: apskip on February 25, 2009, 08:28:38 AM
I found the RealityNewsOnline interview with Bertram van Munster very revealing on two points:
1. His claims about not using Borat per se in Kazakhstan (season 13) are totally undercut by the way in which CBS publicized that epiosde, which was Borat, Borat and more Borat.
2. The reference to a weather issue in Central America could have been one of two things, the AR8 Family Edition visits to Panama and Costa Rica or the not-filmed opening episode of AR12 rumored to be from some East Coast city to Belize, then replaced with a pullback to a Los Angeles to Ireland opening episode. I am betting on the latter since we never found out why the Belize episode was not the opener.
Title: Re: TAR 14 in the Media/News/Videos
Post by: georgiapeach on February 25, 2009, 12:22:54 PM
Belize was never scheduled to be the Season 12 opener.
It was however, scheduled to be a leg in TAR 8, which had to be cancelled due to a hurricane.
Title: Re: TAR 14 in the Media/News/Videos
Post by: TARAsia Fan on March 02, 2009, 05:22:32 PM
A day late thanks to the snow, but the recap has just been put up.
Title: Re: TAR 14 in the Media/News/Videos
Post by: georgiapeach on March 03, 2009, 02:34:09 PM
Kynt and Vyxsin will be featured on TONIGHT's TV Guide Channel's Reality Chat, discussing the TAR 14 season.
Times:
Channel Date & Time Episode Get More
TVGN 237 Tue, Mar 3 8:00 PM Reality Chat Included: "The Bachelor"; "Survivor: Tocantins---The Brazilian Highlands"; "Amazing Race 14"; Top... more VCR+: 8406
TVGN 237 Wed, Mar 4 3:00 PM Reality Chat Included: "The Bachelor"; "Survivor: Tocantins---The Brazilian Highlands"; "Amazing Race 14"; Top... more VCR+: 3203
TVGN 237 Thu, Mar 5 5:00 PM Reality Chat Included: "The Bachelor"; "Survivor: Tocantins---The Brazilian Highlands"; "Amazing Race 14"; Top... more
Can't wait! :hearts:
Title: Re: TAR 14 in the Media/News/Videos
Post by: TARAsia Fan on March 03, 2009, 02:34:53 PM
The Pink & Black Attack are back! :hearts: :hearts: :hearts: :jumpy: :jumpy: :jumpy:
If I can, I'll transcribe their guest spot! :yess: :yess: :lol: :lol:
Title: Re: TAR 14 in the Media/News/Videos
Post by: puddin on March 06, 2009, 10:52:08 AM
thanks to traveler224
Kynt and Vyxsin from Amazing Race 12 appear on Reality Chat, March 3, 2009.
Title: Re: TAR 14 in the Media/News/Videos
Post by: puddin on March 06, 2009, 04:54:45 PM
March 6, 2009 12:55 PM
Adalian Column: Reality Is the Small Screen’s Survivor By Josef Adalian
There is no cure for reality TV.
This fact will no doubt crush many who work in the business of television, people who have silently prayed for the end of unscripted programming ever since Richard Hatch first strutted naked across the small screen on “Survivor” in the summer of 2000.
These folks generally regard reality as some sort of mutant virus that needs to be purged from TV’s bloodstream. They regularly pounce on any of the genre’s failures or controversies as an opportunity to proclaim its demise.
Not gonna happen, at least if recent events are any indication. If anything, it turns out that reality shows seem to get better with age, rather than fade out quickly.
Last week, ABC’s “The Bachelor” ended its 13th season with a blockbuster finale that scored higher ratings than younger, supposedly “hotter” shows such as “Lost,” “Heroes,” “The Office” and “House.” A series that just a year or two ago was presumed dead by most industry insiders was suddenly dominating the pop culture zeitgeist, from the pages of People to the global Internet partyline that is Twitter.
Meanwhile, CBS last month announced it’s bringing back “Survivor” for its 19th and 20th cycles next season. “Ugly Betty” and “My Name Is Earl” have tried to steal the spotlight away from time to time, but nearly a decade after it premiered, “Survivor” continues to dominate the 8 p.m. hour on Thursdays.
Over at NBC, one of the network’s biggest success stories this season has been the surging ratings for “The Biggest Loser.” Marking its fifth year in October, the franchise continues to lure audiences, even against the biggest show on TV, Fox’s “American Idol.”
And speaking of “Idol,” despite the best efforts of some journalists (and everyone who works at networks not named Fox) to spin otherwise, in its eighth season, the series remains a dominant force in pop culture. Its ratings are down somewhat, but it has shed viewers much more slowly than the typical scripted hit.
Likewise, even if ABC’s “Dancing With the Stars” suffers a bit of erosion this month without the presence of rubbernecker magnet Cloris Leachman, it almost certainly will continue to attract millions more viewers than most comedies or dramas currently on TV. And that’s after more than 125 episodes.
There are other unscripted tentpoles of varying ages and success levels scattered across the TV landscape.
“The Amazing Race,” which also has cheated death a few times, continues to do a nice job anchoring CBS’ Sunday lineup. “Hell’s Kitchen” has helped Fox turn Thursdays from an embarrassment into an asset, while in the summertime, CBS’ “Big Brother” and Fox’s “So You Think You Can Dance” dominate the warm-weather cultural scene.
And on the cable side of the business, MTV’s never-ending “The Real World” cannot be ignored (even if it becomes less and less real with each successive season). Bravo’s “Project Runway” has grown big enough to spark multimillion-dollar legal wars between giant conglomerates.
The recent success of “The Bachelor,” however, is the clearest proof of just how indestructible the reality genre has become.
This was a series, after all, that went from a peak of 25 million viewers in 2002 down to barely 8 million in 2005. It has been copied so many times, by so many networks, even the original was beginning to feel a bit like a parody of itself.
ABC Entertainment President Steve McPherson easily could have decided to ditch the show when he took over the network. He chose to stick with it.
“I saw it as a great asset that had fallen on hard times creatively,” Mr. McPherson told me recently.
A good call, clearly.
“It’s a miracle, man,” creator Mike Fleiss told me last month. “How many shows have reversed a trend like this?”
Mr. Fleiss traces the turning point for his show’s resurgence to 2007, when Bachelor Brad opted to reject both his suitors. Since then, “Rather than force the format (onto the contestants), we’ve made the show more real and less predictable,” he said.
That statement likely will produce guffaws among the cynical types who found last week’s “Bachelor” finale to be the ultimate in reality show manipulation. No way, these folks argue, did Bachelor Jason decide on his own to change his mind about which woman he loved.
Given the ratings and fierce reactions from viewers, however, it’s clear that millions of Americans had no problem believing in the genuineness of the unscripted drama ABC served up last week.
Those who doubt the power of such programming continue to underestimate the very real appeal of a TV genre that shows no signs of fading any time soon.
Title: Re: TAR 14 in the Media/News/Videos
Post by: georgiapeach on March 08, 2009, 02:58:41 PM
I'm not seeing your pic, 2old4tech....
Is it me?
Title: Re: TAR 14 in the Media/News/Videos
Post by: 2old4tech on March 08, 2009, 03:02:14 PM
No, it was me. First time uploading a pic. I didn't do it right. I looked up your instructions in Support. Sorry for the size. :groan:
Title: Re: TAR 14 in the Media/News/Videos
Post by: puddin on March 08, 2009, 03:11:05 PM
Thanks 2old4tech, I get Time magazine but usually toss it out :lol:
Title: Re: TAR 14 in the Media/News/Videos
Post by: TARAsia Fan on March 08, 2009, 03:28:05 PM
I saw that in my issue!!! :neener:
Title: Re: TAR 14 in the Media/News/Videos
Post by: georgiapeach on March 08, 2009, 03:38:01 PM
Oh NICE!! Thay you for sharing that!! :hearts:
Title: Re: TAR 14 in the Media/News/Videos
Post by: TARAsia Fan on March 10, 2009, 03:04:21 PM
I wondered where this thread went. Here's the recap (http://www.fangsbites.com/2009/03/amazing-race-14-it-was-like-caravan-of.html) for the last episode.
Title: Re: TAR 14 in the Media/News/Videos
Post by: beau_30 on March 12, 2009, 11:28:35 AM
I'm not sure where this goes, But Amanda and Kris are on The Bonnie Hunt Show
Title: Re: TAR 14 in the Media/News/Videos
Post by: Slowhatch on March 21, 2009, 01:08:40 AM
Mountain Hardwear is getting their brand out (http://blog.mountainhardwear.com/2009/03/mountain_hardwear_gear_appears.html). They were issued the gear at the Krasnoyarsk dam and started wearing it at the Detour.
Title: Re: TAR 14 in the Media/News/Videos
Post by: TARAsia Fan on March 21, 2009, 10:52:51 AM
Good pickup, Slowhatch. :tup:
Title: Re: TAR 14 in the Media/News/Videos
Post by: TARAsia Fan on March 22, 2009, 01:52:30 AM
Here's the recap (http://www.fangsbites.com/2009/03/amazing-race-14-shes-little-scared-of.html) for Episode 5. Finally.
Title: Re: TAR 14 in the Media/News/Videos
Post by: tvfan on March 23, 2009, 08:10:51 PM
Check out this clip from next week's show... It looks like Margie is pushing herself too hard - I hope she is ok - I think they're my favorite team! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3qY_Q_qNlVE (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3qY_Q_qNlVE)
Title: Re: TAR 14 in the Media/News/Videos
Post by: TARAsia Fan on March 23, 2009, 08:14:50 PM
I posted that in the Insider videos here (http://forum.realityfanforum.com/index.php/topic,18417.msg384504.html#new).
Title: Re: TAR 14 in the Media/News/Videos
Post by: TexasLady on March 24, 2009, 10:41:40 AM
Check out this clip from next week's show... It looks like Margie is pushing herself too hard - I hope she is ok - I think they're my favorite team! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3qY_Q_qNlVE (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3qY_Q_qNlVE)
Welcome to RFF tvfan! I like Margie too and I hope she was just dehydrated because heat exhaustion would take some recovery time.
:welcome: :ty4posting :welcome:
Title: Re: TAR 14 in the Media/News/Videos
Post by: puddin on March 29, 2009, 01:45:20 PM
13 Amazing Reasons to Watch Amazing Race Today 9:00 AM PDT
CBS Broadcasting Inc.
Amazing Race has been one of our fave reality competitions since the beginning. And we're not alone. The show has won 11 Emmys since its 2001 premiere, with no other competitor able to take away its Outstanding Reality Program Competition crown since the category was first created in 2002.
But this season is extra-special. If you aren't already setting aside an hour on Sunday evenings for this fabulous show, we have 13 incentives (one for each decent season of the show—we don't acknowledge season eight's unfortunate Family Edition) for you to travel the world from the comfort of your sofa.
1. Phil Keoghan: He's the best reality host on TV. Period. No one seems more delighted to bestow a trip for two from Travelocity (or his signature arched eyebrow) on deserving players. And when he signed to Margie and her deaf son, Luke, that they were team No. 1 on the first leg of the race? Still. Have. Tears. Can Phil be any more perfect? Why, yes, he can: Dude is about to ride his bike across America to raise money for MS and promote cycling for health, the environment and the economy. Swoon.
2. Cool, Cool, Cool, Cool Places: It's safe to say we'll never make it to Siberia (brrr), except as armchair travelers with the Racers, so how else are we going to get a peek into how ordinary people survive out there? (Hint: vodka!) And Transylvania? Shut up!
3. Cool People: Personal conflict is the foundation of most reality shows, but honestly, we prefer filmmaker Mike White proudly celebrating "Dad, you did awesome!" after Mel's triumph in a physical challenge. Even when Mel was struggling, son was worried but never critical. Aw.
4. More Dramatic, Less Traumatic Challenges: This may change as the competition gets tighter, but so far, no one has been asked to shave their heads or eat four pounds of meat or a live (and wriggling) octopus. Sure, they had to run across Novosibirsk in their underwear, but surely it was worth it to see Phil in his skivvies? (It was to us.) The Vampire Remains Detour—dragging around coffins in the shadow of Dracula's castle, complete with bloody impaling—was just inspired and wonderfully creepy.
5. Air Traffic Control: Airport footage has been drastically curtailed this season. As Phil told us, "An airport in Istanbul looks like an airport in Houston," and we'd much rather see where the Racers are going, not where they're waiting. And waiting. And waiting.
6. Quality Control: Nearly every single team in season 14 is better than nearly every single team in season 13. (We are looking at you, third-place finishing oafs Andrew and Dan.)
7. They Got Game: With the exception of some early eliminees, most of the contestants in this season are reasonably fit. Sure, some may be disadvantaged by age (Mel) or height (4'9" brothers Mark and Mike), but absent are the bumbling oafs of seasons past (see item 6).
8. R-E-S-P-E-C-T: Victor has issues, and the cheerleaders may not have the nicest cabbie manners, but no one in this group is shoving their wives or getting arrested.
9. Breathing Room: As Phil told us, this season is more about "letting moments breathe, where people look out into the landscape and really soak in pertinent moments, like Gus in season six walking the paths of his ancestors and...out to the ships that brought the slaves out from Africa. [Or in season three when] Ian looked out over Vietnam and remembered when he was there last during the Vietnam War. Those moments have always resonated with fans. And I think we're facilitating more of those this season."
10. Pass the Kleenex: The season 14ers also take the prize for the most compassionate. In the slums outside Jaipur, India, Luke (who was born deaf) sobbed as their taxi passed children eating garbage, and we just wanted to hug him along with his mother, Margie, who later said, “It makes us realize how lucky we are.” Noble much?
11. Smashing Stereotypes: It was Harvard-grad lawyers Tammy and Victor who wandered lost and squabbling in the woods (epic fail), while the makeup mavens (NFL cheerleaders Cara and Jaime and flight attendants Christie and Jodi) have proven to be savvy and surprisingly unflappable competitors.
12. Rule Reversal: Adding anonymity to the U-turn may result in less direct confrontation, but it's more fun for us to see the Racers trying to figure out who was responsible. And no one guessed that sweet Margie and fresh-faced Luke were responsible for ousting Amanda and Kris—their strongest competitors.
13. Playing to Win: Despite some halfhearted caravanning alliances (with the inevitable ditching), these teams seem to be more cognizant than their predecessors that they are here to win a million bucks, not make besties or hook up with the competition (ahem, Dallas and Starr). And that's why we're rooting for all of 'em!
Title: Re: TAR 14 in the Media/News/Videos
Post by: puddin on April 04, 2009, 08:29:07 PM
Jolt Energy Gum has teamed up with The Amazing Race with cool graphics from prior shows on the front. Also, you can get FREE Amazing Race stuff when you collect Jolt packs. Check it out! http://www.joltgum.com/
Title: Re: TAR 14 in the Media/News/Videos
Post by: TARAsia Fan on April 05, 2009, 08:59:19 AM
From Michael Zuidema of the Grand Rapids Press:
Quote
CBS should find some athletes for 'Amazing Race' Posted by Michael Zuidema | The Grand Rapids Press April 05, 2009 08:00AM
Athletes have never been afraid of the reality TV spotlight.
Jocks routinely cut a rug on "Dancing With the Stars," a former WWE diva appeared on "Survivor" and a backup QB actually was "The Bachelor."
But they've never been on "The Amazing Race."
It's hard to say why. The $1 million prize must be enticing for the competitive type, and it's not like CBS has to worry about athletes having a distinct advantage. All it takes is one incompetent cabby and you're eliminated.
Personally, I think it would be great if sports figures went on the show. And here are my top five picks for teams:
Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal -- It's not like the show doesn't thrust other dysfunction couples on the air. These two would seem tame by comparison.
Chris Webber and Gary Payton -- Judging by how goofy they are on TNT and NBA TV, they could add some much-needed levity.
Tim Tebow and John Daly -- One is a God-fearing altar boy. The other scares God to death. Hilarity ensues.
Venus and Serena Williams -- It's about time there was an intimidating female team.
Dick Vitale and Bobby Knight -- "We're going to India, baby! ... Coach Knight, please stop strangling Phil Keoghan."
That's true...But I we'll relive that moment of: "Jon sit down! He can't see!" "NO!" :lol:
Title: Re: TAR 14 in the Media/News/Videos
Post by: TARAsia Fan on April 12, 2009, 02:11:18 AM
I've caught up! :jumpy: :jumpy:
Here's the recap (http://www.fangsbites.com/2009/04/amazing-race-14-gorilla-gorilla-gorilla.html) from the last episode.
Title: Re: TAR 14 in the Media/News/Videos
Post by: TexasLady on April 12, 2009, 11:35:23 AM
Excellent recap Ken! You reminded me of some things I'd forgotten, like Mark and Mike's sabotage and the difficulty with Luke not hearing so Margie could give him directions, Victor being the decision maker yet again.
Title: Re: TAR 14 in the Media/News/Videos
Post by: TARAsia Fan on April 12, 2009, 01:43:05 PM
Thanks, TL. I caught several things upon my second viewing like Kisha's sneezing in the cab, a couple of Mel's one-liners and Jaime's laughing at the post-race confessional.
Title: Re: TAR 14 in the Media/News/Videos
Post by: TexasLady on April 12, 2009, 02:12:13 PM
Thanks, TL. I caught several things upon my second viewing like Kisha's sneezing in the cab, a couple of Mel's one-liners and Jaime's laughing at the post-race confessional.
You're welcome. I know I sure didn't notice Kisha's sneezing or Jaime's laughing. When the race teams were announced I didn't think I'd care for Mike and Mel, but I love them! Their sense of humor is infectious. :lol:
Title: Re: TAR 14 in the Media/News/Videos
Post by: TARAsia Fan on April 12, 2009, 03:33:29 PM
This isn't from TAR14, but TAR2. Blake from Blake & Paige and the great Toms Shoes (http://www.tomsshoes.com/) is in an AT&T commercial.
Title: Re: TAR 14 in the Media/News/Videos
Post by: Slowhatch on April 14, 2009, 09:56:47 AM
TAR 3: NYT article (http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/08/technology/internet/08samaritan.html?_r=1) about online searchers features photos of Dunottar castle and Stonehaven. All they had to do was ask us... :lol:
Title: Re: TAR 14 in the Media/News/Videos
Post by: puddin on April 14, 2009, 10:38:26 AM
TAR 3: NYT article (http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/08/technology/internet/08samaritan.html?_r=1) about online searchers features photos of Dunottar castle and Stonehaven. All they had to do was ask us... :lol:
We'd be drooling at the chance to help :lol: :jam:. Very cool article Slowhatch.
Title: Re: TAR 14 in the Media/News/Videos
Post by: puddin on May 04, 2009, 02:04:12 AM
Do any of you follow Josh Wolk's recaps at EW? This guy makes me "pee" my pants :lol:
Urine It to Win It
Quote
Jaime continued her love affair with the world's taxi drivers. Considering how difficult a time she and Cara were having even finding a cab, I'm even more convinced that there's an international dispatcher who has put out a worldwide APB to all cabbies to beware of and avoid two redheads in a green jacket. One cabbie who made the mistake of picking them up looked terrified after he realized his mistake: When Jaime leaned over the seat with her clue gnome, he recoiled as if she'd just produced a fistful of anthrax. Perhaps after this show the fear of Jaime will spread to all workers, let alone cabbies, and long after the show has ended everyone will still duck when they see her coming. Jaime will not be able to so much as enter a Banana Republic without every salesperson leaping behind a rack of khakis and hiding until she goes away.
Quote
Meanwhile, Jaime and Cara seemed to still be a lost cause. They resourcefully told a cabbie to take them to the opera by pretending to sing…and then he dropped them off at the wrong opera house. Realizing their mistake, they yet again had to struggle to find a taxi, at one point yelling, ''Emergency! Emergency!'' into the window of an empty cab. This cabbie had gotten the warning about Back Luck Redhead, and drove away. When they finally got a cab, we got the first in a series of 18 or so shots of Jaime ranting in the back while Cara gazed out the window, attempting to find her Happy Place.
Quote
Luke applied Margie's powder like he was painting a picket fence. And she got frustrated saying, ''Will you stop with the white?'' and ''He made me look like Alice Cooper.'' Actually, she looked like she had just head-butted the corpse of Tammy Faye Bakker.
http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20276352,00.html
Title: Re: TAR 14 in the Media/News/Videos
Post by: puddin on May 09, 2009, 12:06:11 PM
Bonnie Hunt, we will have to wait until Friday to see the Amazing Race winners on her show.
Friday, May 15, 2009
"The Amazing Race" Winners: The race is now over, and Bonnie is pleased to welcome the winning team! Hear about how the end went down -- and what they plan to do with that million-dollar prize!
Title: Re: TAR 14 in the Media/News/Videos
Post by: Jobby on May 09, 2009, 12:12:37 PM
Do any of you follow Josh Wolk's recaps at EW? This guy makes me "pee" my pants :lol:
Urine It to Win It
Quote
Jaime continued her love affair with the world's taxi drivers. Considering how difficult a time she and Cara were having even finding a cab, I'm even more convinced that there's an international dispatcher who has put out a worldwide APB to all cabbies to beware of and avoid two redheads in a green jacket. One cabbie who made the mistake of picking them up looked terrified after he realized his mistake: When Jaime leaned over the seat with her clue gnome, he recoiled as if she'd just produced a fistful of anthrax. Perhaps after this show the fear of Jaime will spread to all workers, let alone cabbies, and long after the show has ended everyone will still duck when they see her coming. Jaime will not be able to so much as enter a Banana Republic without every salesperson leaping behind a rack of khakis and hiding until she goes away.
Quote
Meanwhile, Jaime and Cara seemed to still be a lost cause. They resourcefully told a cabbie to take them to the opera by pretending to sing…and then he dropped them off at the wrong opera house. Realizing their mistake, they yet again had to struggle to find a taxi, at one point yelling, ''Emergency! Emergency!'' into the window of an empty cab. This cabbie had gotten the warning about Back Luck Redhead, and drove away. When they finally got a cab, we got the first in a series of 18 or so shots of Jaime ranting in the back while Cara gazed out the window, attempting to find her Happy Place.
Quote
Luke applied Margie's powder like he was painting a picket fence. And she got frustrated saying, ''Will you stop with the white?'' and ''He made me look like Alice Cooper.'' Actually, she looked like she had just head-butted the corpse of Tammy Faye Bakker.
http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20276352,00.html
:funny:
Title: Re: TAR 14 in the Media/News/Videos
Post by: RealityFreakWill on May 11, 2009, 08:36:19 AM
There were only three teams left Sunday night on CBS' Emmy-winning show "The Amazing Race," but one team beat out the competition in the exciting season finale!
Siblings and Harvard Law graduates Victor and Tammy Jih, crossed the finish line before the other two teams; former NFL cheerleaders Cara Rosenthal and Jaime Edmondson, and the show's first deaf contestant Luke Adams and his mother Margie.
The teams left Beijing and headed to Hawaii for the last set of challenges which included sorting through surfboards that represented different parts of the competition, and luau preparations involving pigs!
After completing the final challenge and jumping in a taxi, Victor and Tammy earned bragging rights as well as the $1 million prize.
http://www.etonline.com/news/2009/05/73822/
Title: Re: TAR 14 in the Media/News/Videos
Post by: georgiapeach on May 11, 2009, 09:44:52 AM
Thanks Will! Heee...I have that exact picture in my camera!! :hearts:
Title: Re: TAR 14 in the Media/News/Videos
Post by: slayton on May 31, 2009, 05:18:58 PM
The Amazing Race Blog: Kynt & Vyxsin’s Pink And Black Blast - Amazing Race Season 14 - AFTERMATH (http://www.fancast.com/blogs/kynt-vyxsin-amazing-race/the-amazing-race-blog-kynt-vyxsin%E2%80%99s-pink-and-black-blast-amazing-race-season-14-aftermath/)
Title: Re: TAR 14 in the Media/News/Videos
Post by: walkingpneumonia on June 05, 2009, 07:59:35 AM
Looks like the Philiminator is on the cover of The Hollywood Reporter. I haven't read it yet - something about comparing Phil :tup: and "he who's name we don't speak" :meow: from "the other show we don't mention".
Title: Re: TAR 14 in the Media/News/Videos
Post by: puddin on June 05, 2009, 02:09:13 PM
EW ranks reality tv and they rank TAR #2 right behind Survivor.
20 Best Reality-TV Shows Ever
2. THE AMAZING RACE (CBS, 2001-present) The global dash has taken home six Emmys for its nail-biting challenges, superior production values, and far-flung destinations. All this, and the family-friendly hit remains must-see without relying on sex appeal or mean-spiritedness. Best season: 2 Chris and Alex passed the bickering Tara and Wil in a final sprint to the finish line.