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tanbuns:
Television News: The Amazing Race 7: Don't You Be Listening To Miss Cleo Now, Darlin'
So by now, if you doubt the power of the cards, you’d probably best be reconsidering, as they are three for four in picking winners for reality TV shows. They’ve correctly picked Lisa of Big Brother 3, Jun of Big Brother 4 and Freddy and Kendra of The Amazing Race 6, and in The Amazing Race 5, they picked Colin and Christie, the second-place finishers and by far the strongest team in that season. So now I’ve brushed off the dust and whipped them out again. I will perform another three card reading for each team. As in past readings for TAR, the first card will determine how they start off in the race, the second will determine how well they work together as a team and the last will determine when and if they are eliminated. I’ll take the teams alphabetically, starting with Brian and Greg.
Brian and Greg:
First card: Nine of Wands. The Nine of Wands shows a bruised man leaning on a wand and glaring at a series of wands in a fence shape. He has clearly attempted and failed at something, but is wiser for his experience, even if he isn’t happy that he failed. This probably means that Brian and Greg start out cocky, thinking that as the only alpha male team they’ve got the game sewn up, only to learn that they’ve missed a crucial flight or charter. They’ll limp through the first leg, but survive it and come out wiser and stronger.
Second card: Ace of Swords. This is the strongest Ace in the tarot deck, which means that Brian and Greg probably get along better than most of the other teams. They work together well and manage to be a force. There is the possibility of too much of a good thing, however, and they may think that they don’t need to interact with the other teams at all.
Third card: The Star. Ohhhh-kay. That ain’t good. The Star, while usually a positive sign, seems to represent bad, bad things a-happening in the readings I do. The team that got the Star in the TAR5 reading was Dennis and Erika, who went out first, and the team that got it in the TAR6 reading was Jonathan and Victoria, who were the fightiest fighters that ever fought. So either Brian and Greg are out early or they fight non-stop. Since the Ace of Swords contradicts the latter, it has to mean that they have an early exit.
Summary: Taking these three cards together, it appears that Brian and Greg start off the race thinking they’re already the winners and are surprised to find out how competitive the other teams are. After a rough first leg, they emerge and work together, only to get tripped up and eliminated a few legs down the line.
The tarot cards have spoken. Brian and Greg come in eighth.
Debbie and Bianca:
First card: Queen of Pentacles. This Queen is not one who revels in otherworldly pleasure, but one who is down to earth and trustworthy. She is resourceful and not afraid to do what needs to be done. Getting her as a first card probably means that Debbie and Bianca start off quite strong, getting along with the other teams and more or less kicking ass on the tasks. They may have trouble with one or two things, but with a positive attitude, they will be able to overcome them.
Second card: Knight of Pentacles. Ooh, a Pentacles court match. A court match is almost always a good sign, and the Pentacles are the earth suit, which is an exceptionally good sign, meaning that the earth energy of the reading is doubled. Onto the Knight- this Knight is hardworking, unwavering and thorough. He constantly keeps his eye on the goal and will not stop until it is achieved. Having him as a card describing their relationship on the race is a tricky one to interpret, but I think he serves mostly as a counterpoint to the queen: showing that as one member of the team works hard and gets overstressed, the other will step in to let her cool down and vice versa, somewhat of a tag-team effect. We’ve seen this be very effective over the course of the race, so this should bode well for Debbie and Bianca.
Third card: The Magician. Well, that’s a very positive reading. The Magician is one of the strongest cards in the tarot deck and to get him as a final card is a very good sign, indeed. He represents power, concentration and perfect action, just when it is needed most. The last all-girl team to pull him was Linda and Karen, who set the record for female teams on the race. Does this mean Debbie and Bianca break it?
Summary: It’s good. It’s very good. It’s just about on par with the readings I got for Colin and Christie and Freddy and Kendra. Taking the cards together, we see that Debbie and Bianca start strong, having a good understanding of what the race is like. They work well together, sharing the responsibility and continuously surge through the rounds. They make it to the final round and, surprising everybody, land on the mat first. That’s right, folks- Debbie and Bianca will be the winners of The Amazing Race 7.
The tarot cards have spoken. Debbie and Bianca come in first.
Lynn and Alex:
First card: Ten of Wands. The Ten is not a promising card for the start of a journey. It represents overburdening oneself and struggling. Now, while this may be as simple as Lynn and Alex just packing too much in their backpacks, it could also mean that they take the race a little TOO seriously and end up panicking and falling behind because of it. If they are to succeed, they will need to relax and learn that they can’t control everything.
Second card: Page of Cups. The page represents a connection with the emotional and intuitive side of our personality. As a relationship-based card, it represents deep connections between two people and a strong mutual understanding. Lynn and Alex will get along extremely well if this is any indication.
Third card: The Emperor. The Emperor is a card of authority and regulation. He is strict and completely by-the-book. What this means with regards to the race, I have no earthly idea. The closest thing I can think of is that they either don’t listen to the rules correctly and are knocked out due to a time penalty or are able to use another team’s rule infraction to their benefit. Flip a coin- it could be either one.
Summary: Taking these three cards together, it seems that Lynn and Alex start out panicking and flustered, unsure of what to do, when or how. They manage to chill out and last a few legs, successfully working together and determining that their relationship is a success. Towards the end, they are either tripped up by a rules infraction or squeak out due to someone else’s mistake. The finish is not strong enough to show a top three, but they do seem to make it some ways in the race.
The tarot cards have spoken. Lynn and Alex come in fifth.
Megan and Heidi:
First card: Seven of Swords. The Seven is a card of dishonor and oversight. The man on the card is so busy stealing five swords, he doesn’t notice he has left two behind. This could mean that Megan and Heidi try something that backfires spectacularly (like, say, trying to lead another team astray and getting lost themselves) or it just might mean that they’re trying to strike out on their own without help from another team. Whichever, it’s not a promising start.
Second card: Two of Swords. The Two represents a stalemate, which, again, is not promising. It can mean that they disagree strongly on a course of action to take, it can mean that they are split on which Detour option to take, or it can mean that they realize they really don’t get along after all. Whichever, there are sure to be some awkward moments between them.
Third card: The Tower. Oh, ook. The Tower is never a positive card. It represents upheaval, disaster and destruction. The last team to get the Tower was Jim and Marsha, who experienced a potentially game-ending injury less than thirty seconds after the race began. Now, I’m not saying that one of them loses all her headbands in a freak ceremonial fire accident, but something happens on the first leg that could put them completely out of the race, and given the negative overtone of the entire reading, I’m willing to bet it does.
Summary: Bad. Baaaaaad. Megan and Heidi start out up to no good and find out they’ve outfoxed themselves. After they experience this setback, they start to become standoffish towards one another and are desperate for the leg to end. By the time they limp onto the mat- last- they are more than ready for loser lodge.
The tarot cards have spoken. Megan and Heidi come in eleventh.
Meredith and Gretchen:
First card: Eight of Cups. The Eight is an interesting card to get when determining the start of a journey, as it symbolizes reaching a turning point during a journey, and thus would make much more sense as the second or third card. As it is, it most likely represents the weariness aspect of the card, showing that Meredith and Gretchen have no idea how hard the race was. They will struggle, but will make it through at least the first couple of legs.
Second card: Three of Pentacles. Well, that’s about the best card to get. The Three represents teamwork at its most efficient and competence. This can explain how Meredith and Gretchen get past the physically stronger teams- by outthinking them and working together well as a pair. They probably won’t make it to the end on teamwork alone, but may last longer than couples that are bickering or outright fighting.
Third card: Wheel of Fortune. The Wheel of Fortune is always a card I find personally hard to interpret. I feel that it can represent almost anything, but seems more certainly to represent some sort of turning point or destiny. As it is, it means that Meredith and Gretchen do not win, but make it further than people expect them to. They may not make it halfway, but they do make it a comfortable way in the race before elimination.
Summary: Taking the cards together, we see that Meredith and Gretchen start off weakly, but manage to pull together with strong teamwork. Experience and smarts pay off for them as they bypass some of the dumber, less cohesive teams. They make it a few elimination rounds before getting knocked out.
The tarot cards have spoken. Meredith and Gretchen come in seventh.
Ray and Deana:
First card: Eight of Swords. Ohhh, don’t fence me in, whoa-whoa-whoa- sorry. Okay, so the eight shows a blindfolded, tied-up woman attempting to make her way out of a maze of swords. She has no idea where she’s going, if she makes a wrong move she’ll be cut and if she panics and runs for it, she’s done for. This card shows us how taking a deep breath and just thinking for a minute instead of rushing willy-nilly into whatever the problem du jour is is much more effective an approach. As the leader card, it means one of two things for Ray and Deana- either they are able to successfully work while everybody around them is totally losing it or they end up freaking out and not being able to work together at all.
Second card: King of Wands (upside-down). An upside-down king is never a good sign. The King cards by nature are all bold and strong. This translates into the upside-down card as well. However, all the positive associations are now reversed into negative ones- meaning that this king is not creative, charismatic and inspirational, but rather stuck in one frame of mind, screaming all the time and a complete downer. Hmm... does that sound like anyone from last season to you? As the relationship card, it’s not a good sign for Ray and Deana- the fact that it’s a masculine card means that Ray is probably dominant and not in a good way, choosing to yell at and berate Deana rather than encourage her along.
Third card: The Devil. Oh, joy! This really is just a bundle of love, in’t it? The Devil represents hopelessness, ignorance and a loss of freedom, none of which signify any kind of success on the race. As a final card, it likely means that after making it through the first couple of legs, Ray and Deana are on the verge of a breakdown. They just can’t work well together and end up imploding and limping into the Pit Stop just to get Phil-iminated.
Summary: Outlook not so good. Taking these cards together, it appears that Ray and Deana get off to a rocky start, panicking and wigging out. They refuse to work together well and one of them likely ends up screaming at the other at more than one point on the race. After a couple of miserable legs, they are unable to make it any further and collapse in disgust and defeat.
The tarot cards have spoken. Ray and Deana come in ninth.
Rob and Amber:
First card: Six of Pentacles. The Six is an interesting card to get as a starter. As it is, it can represent either having or not having what is necessary to succeed. It can mean finding a unexpected help along the way to give a large advantage, or it can mean that what is needed is juuuuuuust out of reach. As it is, it means that Rob and Amber probably start out not expecting how hard the race will be and getting kicked in the teeth at least once before the first day is out. However, once they get their groove going on, a surprise assist will let them make it to the top of the pack, where they will dance and sing and totally make out.
Second card: Four of Swords. Ooookay. Hmm. Most of the cards in the Sword suit are about aggression and going for the gold, which would seem to fit Rob and Amber’s mentality. However the Four is the one exception- it represents quiet contemplation and preparation. As their relationship card, it likely means that once they get started racing, they know exactly how to succeed and prosper, working every angle and jumping through every loophole. They will likely be one of the more effective teams over the course of the race.
Third card: The Moon. And just when everything looked perfect, the Moon rears her head. The Moon is a card of fear, bewilderment and losing direction. She comes up just when everything seems to be looking great and her attack is unexpected. What it means for Romber is after dominating the early parts of the game, they find themselves at a sudden disadvantage that, try as they might, they just can’t recover from. It might be a mistake in an airport that just puts them too far behind like Mary and Peach or it might be a day from Hell like Hayden and Aaron. Whatever it is, it does them in, knocking a very strong team out of the running.
Summary: Taking the cards together, we see that Rob and Amber start out cocky, but after a humbling beginning regroup and assess the race with a new perspective. They race strongly through the first half of the race, winning at least a couple of legs in the process. However, just about halfway through, something happens that is so horrible and devastating that they just cannot recover from it, much to the other teams’ relief.
The tarot cards have spoken. Rob and Amber come in sixth.
Ron and Kelly:
First card: Four of Cups. The Four is a card of reflection. We see a man sitting under a tree being tempted by a gold cup (looking very similar to Buddha’s period of meditation, it might be noted.) He neither notices nor seems to care about the cup, so deep into thought is he. This card also represents selfishness, which might mean that Ron and Kelly refuse to help any other team out at the beginning of the race, thinking that they are strong enough to get through it without any help from others.
Second card: Page of Wands. The Page of Wands is the human equivalent of the yappy little terrier that will grip onto the end of a rope and you can swing the whole thing, dog and all, over your head at a thousand miles an hour and the dog will not let go. The Page is always energetic, rushing to get things done and having a hell of a time doing it. As their relationship card, it means that Ron and Kelly work together and do it quickly as they push steadily through the race.
Third card: The Hanged Man. Oh, dear. The Hanged Man represents a paradox that I have explained before- that we can succeed only by surrendering and going with the flow. The fact that this card is so contradictory to the first two means that Ron and Kelly not only don’t choose this possibility, it means they don’t even consider it. They just bulldoze through everything when a subtle touch is just what is needed. This will probably result in them ignoring something crucial or being so caught up in what they’re doing that they don’t realize it’s the exact wrong thing to do. Whatever the case, it spells an early exit.
Summary: Taking the cards together, it seems that Ron and Kelly start out and go through most of the race running separate from the other teams. They don’t care about any other teams, they are simply looking out for themselves. Ironically, when they make a critical mistake early in the game, it is likely that another team could have helped them out. They will be a surprise early exit and a reminder that an ounce of prevention beats a pound of cure.
The tarot cards have spoken. Ron and Kelly come in tenth.
Ryan and Chuck:
First card: Knight of Cups. This is the Knight most people picture when thinking of the code of chivalry- he is a gentleman, a romantic and a lover. He knows what must be done and he does it, even when times look very grim indeed. Getting him for a first card means that Ryan and Chuck start out the game as the guys everybody likes. They are the comic relief, the team everybody hopes sticks around so that the mood is more jovial. It doesn’t say much for their actual racing ability, but their charm will clearly be their strongest weapon in the race.
Second card: Four of Wands. The Four represents excitement and celebration. It usually is a sense of relief after a hard day’s work. It doesn’t make much sense as the second card, but if we switch this for the first card and the Knight of Cups for the second, it paints a clearer picture: showing that Ryan and Chuck get along with the other teams well, but aren’t exactly the strongest team at the beginning. After a rocky start, they will build in strength until they are at the top of the pack.
Third card: Temperance (upside down). Temperance is a card normally about balance. In an upside-down position, it means extremes. As a final signifier, it means that Ryan and Chuck are one of the earliest teams out, or they’re still in it at the finale. Judging from the overall ‘rough start, good finish’ theme to the reading, I’m going to guess that it is the latter of the two.
Summary: Ryan and Chuck don’t have an easy beginning to the game. They are out of shape and they have a hard time competing with the other teams. However, once the stress begins to wear on some of the more high-strung teams, they are able to use their wits and southern charm to breeze right past the harried teams. They make it close to the very end, only to lose in a heartbreaker.
The tarot cards have spoken. Ryan and Chuck come in fourth.
Susan and Patrick:
First card: Queen of Wands. The Queen is a lover of life, one who takes every moment and appreciates it. She also leads a very busy, active life and is a natural athlete. As the beginning card, she probably symbolizes a very good opening leg for Susan and Patrick. They may not be as strong as some of the other teams, but they are able to use their brains and social skills to leap to the head of the pack. They will probably ally with at least one other team before the first leg is done.
Second card: Three of Cups. The Three is an card of exuberance and friendship, showing three young women dancing and toasting excitedly. As the relationship card, it can only mean that Susan and Patrick get along like gangbusters on this trip and find a new level of friendship in their relationship. As the Three can also refer to joining together and working well, it bodes rather well for their chances in the race.
Third card: The Chariot. The Chariot is a victorious card, one that symbolizes a personal victory. While this may seem to point to a win, I need to point out that the Chariot does not refer to winning a competition, but more to winning a personal battle. As the final card, it likely means that Susan and Patrick remain in the running on the final leg of the race and cross the finish line to the cheers of the other teams. It is not as strong a winning indicator as we might think, but it does signify a strong run.
Summary: Taking the cards together, we see that Susan and Patrick start off strong and never let that grip go for their entire run of the race. Their social graces and smarts will save them and result in the other teams frequently helping them out. Although I don’t believe they win (Debbie and Bianca’s reading is just too powerful to overcome) they are likely very close behind landing on the mat.
The tarot cards have spoken. Susan and Patrick come in second.
Uchenna and Joyce:
First card: Two of Wands. The Two of Wands is a card that signifies boldness and the willingness to take a risk. It can also represent originality and a sense of success. For the first card in the reading, it means that Uchenna and Joyce likely start out the race intending to run it by following the pack. Once this proves to be less than successful, they take a risk by branching out on their own, deciding to run the remainder of the race without worrying about other teams. How successful this is depends on the last two cards.
Second card: Page of Pentacles. And all becomes clear. The Page represents success, prospering and making plans work. That it comes up as Uchenna and Joyce’s relationship card likely means that the better they do in the race, the better their relationship gets until they are kicking ass and smiling the whole way through.
Third card: The Sun. The Sun is a very positive card, representing a revelation, a renewed burst of vitality or becoming assured of your own power and success. As the final card, it means that Uchenna and Joyce make it quite far in the race. The lack of a victorious affiliation with the card probably means that they don’t win, but it would not be surprising at all to see them be one of the three teams crossing the finish line.
Summary: It’s pretty darn good. Uchenna and Joyce start out unsure of themselves, but after choosing to ignore the other teams and worry only about themselves, they become extremely successful and a major force in the game. Their personal success will outweigh their success in the game, as Debbie and Bianca and Susan and Patrick will edge them out at the finish line, but they will finish the race much happier people than when they started.
The tarot cards have spoken. Uchenna and Joyce come in third.
And there you have it. According to the cards, the first three teams out, in order, will be Megan and Heidi, Ron and Kelly and Ray and Deana. The teams in the middle will be Brian and Greg, Meredith and Gretchen, Rob and Amber, Lynn and Alex and Ryan and Chuck. Uchenna and Joyce will come in third, Susan and Patrick will come in second and Debbie and Bianca will win it all. Ladies and gentlemen, start your engines!
Written by Jonathan; TVRules.net
puddin:
'Amazing Race 7' kicks off
By PATRICIA OCAMPO and MARTIN KUEBLER
For JAM! TV
Engaged teammates Rob and Amber.
Just three weeks after the finale to a less-than-stellar season, "The Amazing Race" gears up for another frantic dash around the world tonight (9 p.m. ET on CTV/CBS.)
The reality show survivor is finally attracting more viewers and leaving behind the low ratings that initially threatened to stop this race in its tracks.
Encouraged by a fiercely loyal fan base and two back-to-back Emmy nods for Best Reality Show (beating out the popular "American Idol," "The Apprentice" and "Survivor") CBS held on to the show. It was recently renewed it for an eight and ninth instalment, to air in 2005-06.
"The Amazing Race" is hoping to continue the sprint up the ratings charts with tonight's two-hour premiere, hosted by Phil Keoghan. Producers have enlisted "Survivor: All-Stars" winner Amber Brkich and her controversial castmate-turned-fiance "Boston" Rob Mariano to the Race. With any luck, some of the legions of "Survivor" fans will follow them over.
Eleven teams of two will race around the world for a million bucks. We'll be the 12th team on this race, tracking every emotional breakdown, navigational mix-up, and taxi-driver spat along the way.
A brief look at the 11 teams toeing the start line:
Meredith and Gretchen are a husband/wife team who were encouraged by their children to apply. He's a retired executive with a passion for swimming; she's a former flight attendant and registered nurse who loves to cook, bike and garden. True fans of the show, they've watched every season and have often imagined themselves as contestants. They seem like a like a very pleasant couple - a team that would enjoy the Race and be fun to watch. Therefore, they will probably be eliminated first.
Brian and Greg are brothers - one's a bartender, the other's a bouncer. So obviously, they work well together. Aside from a few road trips, they haven't travelled much. They list international travel as a weakness, and boast language skills consisting of "English, English, English and English." Still, they're confident about their chances. Sure -- what are the odds of encountering international travel and foreign languages on a race around the world?
Best friends Debbie and Bianca, on the other hand, are experienced travellers. Both have spent years living and backpacking abroad. Spain, Ireland, Thailand and London are just a few of the places they've visited. Bianca has experience with language barriers as an ESL teacher. They have the potential to become the first female team to win the Race, but admit suffering one weakness: a tendency to get cranky when they go without food. That probably won't be a problem on this show, as long as they like pounding back a barrel full of live sea urchins.
Susan and Patrick are the first mother-son team on "The Amazing Race." She obtained her degree while raising two kids, and now she works at Miami University in Ohio. He's a writer in Hollywood who left college 30 credits shy of his degree. In your face and all that you stand for, Mom! Who wants to bet that when they get booted off (and they so will -- blood relatives have never won... it's something about traveling with family) she says that she's proud of her son and he says that he thinks his mom is cool and they both say they can now be friends and not just family? Who wants to bet that at that moment, across the country, countless shoes will be thrown at countless television sets?
Lynn and Alex are a gay couple hoping to test the strength of their four-year relationship on the Race. Good thing they happened to stumble into a reality show. They work together as executive assistants and think that living together 24/7 will give them an edge over the other teams. Lynn is looking forward to the possibility of getting married in Amsterdam (that would be quite a detour) but Alex hasn't yet told his father about his sexual orientation. Any bets on how long it'll take Dad to figure it out?
Rob and Amber are this season's engaged couple (you can recognize them by the giant red targets on their backs.) The Survivor: All Stars winner and runner-up have apparently become professional reality stars; their upcoming wedding will be broadcast on TV later this year. Self-professed fans of The Amazing Race, they signed on for the fun and adventure and plan to go far in the Race. Gee, isn't it nice to know that if you win a million dollars on one reality show, you can always pull strings to try for another million bucks on another reality show? Wow, and who said life wasn't fair?
Ron and Kelly are dating. He can teach Rob and Amber a thing or two about surviving. Ron was a prisoner of war in Iraq. A video of him in captivity was widely circulated on the news networks, so you could say that he's a reality television veteran. He's sure cleaned up well. And he has the beauty-pageant-calibre girlfriend to prove it. Kelly was Miss South Carolina 2002 and graduated cum laude, despite having a learning disability. Let's hope the disability isn't connected with map reading. Or taxi-fare negotiating. Or, you know, adapting to stressful situations. Because that would be a huge disadvantage. But since she's a peppy pageant alum, she'll no doubt doggedly prance her way through any adversity. In a swimsuit and heels, if need be.
Megan and Heidi are roommates, and while not actually sisters, have still managed to become identical twins. Incredible! Heidi is a full-time mother and Megan is a fashion designer (that must be where they got those nifty headbands.) Interestingly, Megan also has an extreme phobia of flying. So apparently, they plan to get around the world in a taxi.
Ray and Deana are another dating couple hoping to use the Race to test the viability of their on-again/off-again relationship. They have also done everything humanly possible to prepare for the Race. They've charged up stairs loaded with backpacks! They've lifted weights! They've practiced karate! They've painstakingly analysed tapes of past episodes, hoping to glean wisdom from the racers of seasons past! Oh, and Ray promises that their inevitable bickering will be "creative and funny." Creative bickering on a reality show! How refreshing!
Ryan and Chuck are lifelong friends. You might as well call them Joe and Joe. Average, that is. Ryan's a contractor and Chuck is a boiler tube salesman. Ryan's married and Chuck is single. They're white, religious, slightly overweight, and in their early thirties. And they both raise prize-fighting emus in their spare time. Just kidding -- had to spice their bio up somehow.
Uchenna and Joyce are this year's token minority couple on the Race. Their marriage was strained after he was laid off from Enron and she was laid off from WorldCom. They each worked for corrupt companies? Well, if they still have that kind of bad luck, then they sure won't go very far in this race, which often comes down to finding needles in haystacks and dealing with weather-related flight delays. Oh, and if they win, they would like to use the prize money for in-vitro fertilization. After witnessing first-hand the greed and callousness of corporate America, they want to bring a baby into this world. Well, if they still have that kind of optimism after all that, then they sure won't go very far in this race. Just kidding. Great attitudes help on this race. Generally. Well, not last season. Oh, never mind.
http://jam.canoe.ca/Television/2005/03/01/946185.html
puddin:
On the road again: Emmy-winning 'Amazing Race' opens its 7th installment
Bianca, Debbie, Susan, Ryan, and Chuck (from left) pause to read a clue in the Plaza de Armas in Lima, Peru, on the special two-hour season premiere of The Amazing Race 7 at 9 tonight.
By MIKE KELLY
BLADE STAFF WRITER
For the past two television seasons, it has topped the category of Best Reality Competition in the Primetime Emmy Awards, beating out such high-profile series as Survivor and American Idol, as well as Donald Trump's unintentionally hilarious boardroom knife fight and ego-fest, The Apprentice.
It's The Amazing Race, and the seventh and newest installment of the show premieres with a two-hour episode at 9 tonight on CBS.
For those who aren't familiar with TAR's format, it pits two-member teams against each other in a race around the world, with instructions and clues given at several checkpoints along the way. Unlike some "reality" programs, nobody gets voted off this show; elimination is the booby prize given to teams that finish last in various segments of the race. The winning team picks up a $1 million prize.
Though earlier installments of The Amazing Race have featured their fair share of pretty faces, buff bods, and empty heads, not to mention the requisite scheming and plotting, they've generally been entertaining in a more wholesome way than most of their reality TV counterparts.
That's primarily because there's not as much scheming and back-stabbing. It's tough to be Machiavellian when you're sprinting to catch a rickshaw.
This time out, the 11 teams begin their race around the world in Long Beach, Calif., with the first destination being Lima, Peru. Teams include the series' first-ever mother-son duo, as well as the oldest combo ever to participate. But in the best example of stunt casting, one team consists of a pair of reality-show veterans, Rob and Amber of Survivor All-Stars fame.
Amber Brkich, 26, won the top prize of $1 million on CBS's Survivor All-Stars last year, and Rob Mariano, 29, took the runner-up prize of $250,000. Now the two are engaged and back on TV looking to fatten their bank accounts even more.
Some of their competitors aren't thrilled that this wealthy young couple has been given another shot at riches, but both of them - particularly Rob - are worthy opponents who react well under pressure and don't waste time dithering or arguing over strategy. More important, they've already shown that they're fun to watch, which doesn't do anything to hurt the show's potential ratings.
As Rob says early on in TAR's premiere show, "We've experienced the sleep deprivation, the malnutrition [on Survivor] … any problem that's going to arise is not going to be a physical problem for us."
Other pairs who look as if they might be interesting:
● Lifelong friends Debbie and Bianca: "Debbie and I are both fearless, we're tough, we're intelligent, we're strong, and we CAN win this thing," says Bianca.
● Mother and son Susan and Patrick, from Hamilton, Ohio: "Patrick and I certainly have a devious side to us, and yes, we are willing to lie to get ahead," says the somewhat frightening Susan, who works at Miami University.
● Chuck and Ryan, buddies from South Carolina: "Everybody's goin' to think we're just two plain ol' hillbillies 'til we open up and show 'em what we're made of," says Ryan, who sounds just like, well, a hillbilly.
● Gay male couple Lynn and Alex: "We have pretty sharp claws," says Lynn. "But we only use them if you tick us off," adds Alex.
● Retired couple Meredith and Gretchen, both in their late 60s: "Our key strategy from the beginning is that old age and treachery can outperform youth and experience," says Meredith.
● "On-again, off-again couple" Ray and Deanna, from Youngstown, Ohio: "If it's not Ray's way, it's the highway, and that's where we butt heads," says Deanna, whose testy relationship with Ray seems destined to implode by episode 3, if not before.
Based on tonight's premiere episode, it's going to take a combination of brains, brawn, teamwork, and plain dumb luck to win the race. It doesn't take long to see which teams appear best equipped for the grueling journey - or at least which ones are destined to be left in the dust.
A hint: Bluster and bravado count for little in the overall strategy of a competition like this.
OK, so the challenges faced by competitors on The Amazing Race are not much more "realistic" than those encountered on a tropical island or a set made up to look like Donald Trump's office. But watching people deal with unexpected setbacks - or turn on each other like vipers in the middle of nowhere - can be entertaining, and even kind of inspiring, in a way.
And if it inspires you enough, here's a bit of interesting information for you:
CBS is already accepting applications for the next installment of The Amazing Race, which for the first time will feature four-member "family teams" instead of duos. The teams could consist of parents and kids, in-laws, extended family members, or lots of other combinations. Details can be seen online at www.cbs.com.
Contact Mike Kelly at:
mkelly@theblade
or 419-724-6131.
puddin:
Bad LANGuage: AP's Pop Culture Blog
Tue Mar 1, 1:02 PM ET Television - AP
By DERRIK J. LANG, Associated Press Writer
Phil Keoghan, the eliminate-'em-with-kindess host from CBS' "The Amazing Race," called up Bad Language to discuss the seventh edition of the reality TV race around the world, which premieres Tuesday night. Even though this New Zealander is a softy, BL noticed some underlying animosity toward "Survivor" host Jeff Probst, who lent Keoghan two of his most famous castaways. Here's what the Kiwi said:
BL: Hi, Phil. So everyone is talking about Rob and Amber from "Survivor" being on "Amazing Race" this time around. What do you think about it?
Keoghan: It's getting a lot of attention and that means the show gets a lot of attention. If we want to stay on, if we want to be a show that people are going to tune into to see, then we have got to be dynamic and we've got to be fresh and exciting every season and they have allowed that to happen.
BL: Wow. Sounds like Rob and Amber hold a lot of power.
Keoghan: They certainly hold a lot of power in terms of getting media attention. I mean, we're talking about it right now.
BL: OK. I'll change the subject then. Where has "Race" not been that you'd like to go?
Keoghan: I couldn't even begin to think of the places we haven't been to yet. Japan. Mongolia. Nepal. Indonesian. Papa New Guinea. All through the Pacific Cook Islands. Vanuatu. There's so many places left in the world. We've hardly tapped the Caribbean. The cool thing about "Amazing Race" is we could continue for a hundred series.
BL: What about space? Ever thought of having the finish line in space?
Keoghan: I don't think that's ever been discussed. It's certainly on my list of things to do before I die. I once signed up for a media trip to space with NASA (news - web sites). They were taking applications. I'm ready to go. I'd love to be out there awarding someone a million dollars up in space. You've got me thinking.
BL: OK. Well, it was my idea. I get to go, too. Before you put your jetpack on just yet, I hear you're doing a road trip across the United States to promote the show and your book "No Opportunity Wasted." You're starting your trip on CBS' "The Early Show" in New York and ending it on CBS' "The Late, Late Show" in Los Angeles. Will you be stopping by one the "CSI" shows along the way?
Keoghan: I'd love to be a guest on that show. I haven't been asked, but I'd love to.
BL: Yeah, they'll probably ask Jeff Probst first.
Keoghan: Oh, thank you.
BL: What teams should viewers look out for on the seventh edition of "Amazing Race"?
Keoghan: Definitely Ron and Kelly. You know he's been a POW. She's a beauty queen. She wants more from the relationship; both are very competitive. There's the mother-son team, a dynamic we've never had on the show before. She's quite straight in the sense she works in the judicial system and he's gay man, a wannabe writer in Hollywood. And there's Lynn and Alex, who are a gay couple from California. They're one of the funniest teams I think we've ever had. And they're not the good-looking model gay guys. They're more of your everyday ... (Pauses.)
BL: Everyday gay?
Keoghan: I don't know what I'm trying to say. They just look like your everyday guys.
BL: What changes can viewers expect this time around?
Keoghan: There's some rule changes. The consequences, for instance, of coming into a non-elimination leg last are different this time around. It's better I leave that surprise for you and the viewers to experience when it comes on.
BL: Don't they already get their money taken?
Keoghan: Mmmmhmmm.
BL: There's more?
Keoghan: Yep. It's surprising and it certainly makes things difficult.
BL: Speaking of difficult, the eighth season of "Amazing Race" will features families with children and the minimum age limit is 8 years old. Yikes!
Keoghan: I don't think it's 8. I think it's 12. (He confers with his publicist.) It's been lowered to 8? OK, well, I didn't know that. That's news to me.
BL: So would you let your 9-year-old daughter go on a race around the world?
Keoghan: Yeah, I would if she was with the right people. It wouldn't be with me because I don't want to compete. I have no desire at all to apart of any reality show. If she was in the right mix with the right family, absolutely. I just have no desire to take her myself.
BL: Why not?
Keoghan: You're under a microscope, let's be honest. I admire every single person that goes out there and puts themselves on this race. I just wouldn't want to subject myself to that kind of scrutiny. Look how, in the span of this conversation, we've analyzed teams and talked about them. I don't wish to be analyzed like that. I prefer watching.
BL: Well, thanks for answering my questions. Good luck on your road trip. Remember, if you get tired, just pull over on the side of the road and rest.
Keoghan: Ah, that's very kind of you to say.
BL: And make sure you drink lots of water.
Keoghan: Well, you're very caring all of a sudden.
BL: All of a sudden? I'm always caring.
Keoghan: I wasn't expecting that lovely support. I thought it was reserved just for Jeff, but now I feel I'm getting special treatment, too.
BL: There's enough love to go around for all reality show hosts.
Link thanks and credits to NotNow
http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ap/20050301/ap_en_tv/bad_language_phil_keoghan_1
puddin:
Amazing Race producers share the secrets of their success
By Elisa Chia, TODAY
Who, what, The Amazing Race? On paper, the adventure-reality television series seemed like a terrific idea. It would be a travelogue with a twist: 11 pairs of contestants would race around the world for a US$1 million ($1.64 million) prize.
In reality, it was a logistical nightmare. Unlike reality series such as Survivor or The Bachelor, the Amazing Race was not filmed in one location. Hence, creators-producers Elise Doganieri and Bertram van Munster had to apply for countless travel and filming permits.
Just listening to the husband-and-wife team talk about the size of the production crew was distressing.
"We usually start with around 60 people," said van Munster. "Then, in each country, we would recruit 100 or more locals," Doganieri added.
In all, the crew could number as many as 2,000 people around the world. "That's everybody, drivers, PAs... you know," said Doganieri.
She added: "Nobody knew who we were and there wasn't a lot of help."
That was then. The first season debuted in September 2001.
Three-and-a-half years, seven seasons and two Emmy awards later, the husband-and-wife are enjoying the fruit of their labour.
"We have countries and tourism boards contact us, saying 'We want you to run through our country'," said Doganieri.
"Now, we go to a country and we get better access. They'll say, 'You want to film in the pyramids?'"
Granted, there are also countries that want to cash in on the series' popularity and use the show as a platform to reach millions of viewers worldwide.
"Some tourism boards tell us, "We'll do this, this, and this for you. But when push comes to shove they don't do anything, but they benefit," van Munster said, declining to name the culprits.
Fans of the Race comprise another obstacle.
"It is a problem now," van Munster said, laughing. "When we run down the streets with cameras, people come up and go, 'Oh, there's The Amazing Race.' So it's almost like the Pied Piper (in that they follow us)."
"It doesn't matter where we go - Singapore, India or wherever - they all know."
Doganieri added: "But, we are in and out of a place so quickly that by the time somebody realises that it is The Amazing Race, the contestants will have got on a bus or into a taxi. Like Bertram said, you really cannot keep up. It's very difficult."
Of course, the show also owes its success to the colourful contestants. These are selected by Lynn Spielman, who also does the casting for Survivor.
Of the contestants, van Munster said: "They don't have to know anything. They can bring as many Vuitton suitcases as they want - actually I wouldn't advise that - and know as little as possible. It's not that complicated. It's not a geography quiz by any means."
He chuckled: "I love it when people pronounce Nice as 'nice'."
The city in France is pronounced "niece", by the way.
The couple also couldn't stress their concern for the contestants' welfare enough.
"We're extremely careful with what we do. We outline the challenges so they will be tested first," said van Munster. "If it is tricky - certain stretches of road, for example - we hide ambulances in the bushes. We always have doctors, hospitals and a helicopter standing by in very primitive areas."
With the show's international success, will the producers allow people from other countries to join the race?
"No. Right now, it is strictly Americans," said van Munster. "If anybody wants to buy the format, he or she is welcome to do so and include other nationalities. - TODAY
Catch The Amazing Race 7 every Wednesday at 2230 SST
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/entertainment/view/135189/1/.html
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