Topic: Amazing Race 7 on-line / Articles/ Library

[tanbuns]

Here is an article I found about TAR7 contestant Kelly McCorkle, who is teaming with former Iraqi War POW Ron Young.

Staffer out to prove ‘beauty queen’ is not ‘shallow’
By Emily Horne
 
You think life on the Hill is competitive? At least you don’t have to pose in a bathing suit and high heels for your keep.

Kelly McCorkle, who joined the staff of Rep. Jim DeMint (R-S.C.) in January, came to Capitol Hill fresh from her reign as Miss South Carolina 2002. McCorkle, who won the title of Miss South Carolina on her third entry into the pageant, placed in the top 15 of the Miss America competition and made over 450 public appearances during her reign — a schedule that would exhaust most lawmakers.
   
“Being Miss South Carolina was such an honor,” McCorkle reflected. “For kids to come up to you and say you’re an inspiration to them … I will carry that with me for the rest of my life.”

McCorkle, a native of Greenville, S.C., is one of De-Mint’s two legislative correspondents. Her policy areas include veterans affairs, defense, Social Security and education, which is dear to her heart.

“I was diagnosed with dyslexia and auditory processing deficits when I was 5,” says the 25-year-old staffer. “Teachers told my parents I would likely not graduate from high school and certainly not from college. Even my dance teachers said training me was a waste of time and money.”

McCorkle would later make learning disabilities and education her pageant platform. “It’s a part of who I am,” she says. “I’m not embarrassed about having [dyslexia].”

McCorkle credits her religious faith and the support of her family for helping her find her passion for dance and graduate from high school a year early. “I hated school and was just miserable there, though my grades were OK,” McCorkle said.

After graduation, McCorkle headed to New York to study with the Joffrey Ballet and Alvin Ailey dance company. While in New York, McCorkle heard about an opportunity to dance in the Miss South Carolina pageant back home. “I had never thought of entering a pageant, but I thought ‘Hey, it’ll be on TV,’” she said, laughing. The gig led to competing in the pageant the following year, which won McCorkle scholarship money to study at North Greenville College.

“I identify with Sandra Bullock in ‘Miss Congeniality,’” McCorkle says, “because before I got involved with pageants I assumed all the girls were stuck-up and snotty.”

Well, isn’t there some truth to most stereotypes? “I was pretty shocked when I got to Miss America and some of the other girls had really filthy language and bad morals. I kept thinking ‘And you want to be a national role model?’ But most of the girls were awesome.”

Another beauty-pageant myth revealed: Contestants do use glue on their bottoms to keep suits from riding up. But McCorkle said she was not aware of any alternative uses of Preparation H (which some say is used to smooth a puffy or lined face).

McCorkle got involved with politics in the same accidental way she came into pageants. “I had actually hated politics until a friend, Rita Allison, ran for lieutenant governor of South Carolina in 2001,” McCorkle said. “I did some campaign events for her and really fell in love with the energy of the crowd and the people I met. I don’t know how I ever thought politics were boring or irrelevant.”

While traveling as Miss South Carolina, McCorkle often encountered DeMint and his staff. When the lawmaker suggested she work for him after her reign, McCorkle interviewed for a position on his Senate campaign. The job she was offered, however, was in Washington.

“It’s very strange for me to come to a place where everyone is your age, single and enjoying it,” she said. “Everyone at home is getting married and starting families, and in Washington, it’s OK to be focused on your career.”

Fellow staffers seem to enjoy having a beauty queen in their midst. “I’m pretty modest about the title because I know a lot of people equate ‘beauty queen’ with ‘no brains’ or ‘shallow,’” said McCorkle. “My staff all knows, though, and they seem to like to tell people. Most people just ask a lot of questions, though other women have been known to get a little catty.”

McCorkle has attracted media attention for her yearlong relationship with former POW Ron Young, whose Apache helicopter was shot down near Karbala, Iraq, last March. Young, a member of the 1st Battalion of the 227th Aviation Regiment, and McCorkle were first set up when he escorted her as she passed on her title last April. The two have been together ever since.

McCorkle and Young recently had dinner with Sen. Zell Miller (D-Ga.), who is encouraging Young to pursue a political career.

And McCorkle herself? “I want to keep working for Congressman— hopefully soon Senator— DeMint as long as he’ll have me. But I can see myself running for Congress someday.”
 

[tanbuns]

Here is an article on TAR7 contestant Ron Young Jr........

http://premierespeakers.com/3134/index.cfm


Ron Young
POW During Operation: Iraqi Freedom

Growing up in Lithia Springs, Georgia, Ron Young, Jr. had dreamed of flying jets since he was a young child of five. When he learned he could fly Apache helicopters if he joined the Army, he enlisted. On March 23, 2003, during his first combat mission in the Iraqi war, he and his copilot, Chief Warrant Officer David Williams, went down with their Apache Longbow helicopter amidst fierce gunfire about 50 miles southwest of Baghdad. In desperation, the two warrant officers eluded the pursuant Iraqi soldiers who were close on their heels and shooting at them for more than an hour before they were finally taken captive and held as prisoners of war for 22 days. Two attempts were made to rescue the pilots, but the fire was so heavy – “like a hornet’s nest” – that those first efforts were unsuccessful. Finally, Young, Williams and the other five POWs were rescued by the Marines. “That was awesome… beyond words. I was ecstatic… greatest day of my life,” Young said. “I felt as if I had won the lottery of life." Ron is currently working as a cable news special contributor for coverage 

[tanbuns]

Another article on Ex POW Ron Young


Ex-POW speaks at local banquet

Atlanta man supports war and president

By James L. Rosica
DEMOCRAT STAFF WRITER


Being a POW for 23 days hasn't changed Ron Young's opinion of the American presence in Iraq.

"We're doing the right thing for the right reasons," he said in an interview. Young, an Eagle Scout, was in Tallahassee on Wednesday to speak at the local Boy Scouts' Golden Eagle fund-raising banquet.

The former Army helicopter pilot was shot down near Karbala in a firefight on March 24, 2003. He was in an Apache with fellow soldier David Williams, helping clear the way for ground troops.

The men were captured and held for almost a month. At one point, Young said, they didn't know whether they would be killed by their Iraqi captors or by American bombs when they were moved to Baghdad.

At one point, "I prayed for 12 straight hours," he said. "I kept thinking, 'Are we going to live through this? Just give me a sign.'"

In the capital, they were held with another group of American prisoners, including Army Spc. Shoshana Johnson. Finally, the Marines got a tip to their location and freed them.

Freedom began Young's transformation into a war hero, wanted speaker - and possible political candidate.

"Zell Miller has become a friend," Young said, referring to the U.S. senator from Georgia, Young's home state. "He's ... I'd say, 'encouraged' me to think about running for office some day."

In the meantime, Young is out of the Army and a salesman for a company producing hazard gear for chemical and biological weapons. Not that he mas much time to sell - he said he now spends half his month on the road on the lecture circuit.

In the coming weeks, Young, who now lives in Atlanta, is scheduled to speak in Michigan, Washington state and to walk in an Armed Forces Day parade in South Carolina.

He's also long-distance dating Miss South Carolina 2002 Kelly McCorkle. She asked him to be her date last year at the pageant when she passed on the crown.

"He's the most amazing man I've ever met," said McCorkle, who now works in constituent relations for U.S. Rep. Jim DeMint, R-S.C., in Washington.

"He strongly believes in supporting his country and his president," she said of Young. "And he's just so funny. He makes me smile nonstop."

His remarks to the Scout supporters will be serious, however.

"I'll be talking about making a difference, developing a strategy for changing people's lives," he said. And about his 23 days in captivity.

"Even as a POW, you could tell some of them were happy we were there," he said. "There's definitely a bunch of Iraqis who hated Saddam and wanted him gone.

"Of course, now they want us gone," he added. "They don't want to be occupied indefinitely."

But some Army families were told this week to expect a 120-day extension after U.S. commanders asked for at least 10,000 more troops in Iraq.

"We have to stay the course," Young said. "There's no way we can pull out now without destabilizing (the provisional) government."

[puddin]

Wow ..I'm impressed thank you for the articles Tanny  :<(  I remember this now..wowowow
 His partner Kelly sounds like a real sweetheart ..YAY a Beauty Pagaent Queen with morals  {l{

[puddin]

  Local team competes in next ‘Amazing Race’/2-10
By Richard O Jones

By Richard O Jones


JournalNews

HAMILTON — Somebody in town is keeping a big secret.

Somebody in Hamilton knows who the winners are in the seventh installment of “The Amazing Race” reality television series on CBS.

Following the completion of the sixth “The Amazing Race” Tuesday night, CBS announced the competitors for the next event, and Susan Vaughn of Hamilton and her son Patrick are among the 11 teams.

But they’re not talking about it, because according to their agreement with CBS television, they could forfeit the $1 million prize — if they are, indeed, the winners.

The Emmy Award-winning reality adventure series pits teams against one another in a race around the world for a $1 million prize. “The Amazing Race” will begin with a special two-hour premiere, 9 p.m. March 1.

Patrick, 26, is a graduate of Hamilton High School now living and working in Los Angeles as a writer. Susan, 54, is a Hamilton resident who works as the director of the Office for Judicial Affairs for Miami University.

Although she is currently out of town on university business and unavailable for comment, she left specific instructions with her husband John Vaughn, who also works for Miami University in the Information Technology Services.

“I have a note here that she left me,” he said. “It says, ‘Please remember not to talk to any press.’”

But Holly Wissing, spokeswoman for Miami University, said that she believes Susan and Patrick will do quite well in the competition.

“I’m not at all surprised that she and her son were chosen,” Wissing said. “She’s a very polished and savvy professional.

“I imagine Susan will be a real tough contestant because she thinks well on her feet and can maintain her calm. I don’t know how the race will turn out, but she’s a winner in my book.”

The competitors for the upcoming “The Amazing Race” include Rob Mariano and Amber Brkich, the runner-up and winner of the CBS series “Survivor: All-Stars.” They are now engaged.

The Vaughns also competed against a stockbroker and his girlfriend from Youngstown, Ohio; two 20-something female friends from Woodbridge, Va.; a gay couple from West Hollywood, Calif.; a married couple from Houston; a motivational speaker who was also an Iraq War prisoner of war from Georgia and his girlfriend; two 30-something male best friends from South Carolina; a retired couple from Easton, Maryland; female roommates from Oak Park, Calif.; and two brothers from Santa Monica, Calif., one a bartender, the other a bouncer.

“The Amazing Race” sent these 11 teams on a trek around the world for approximately 30 days, according to CBS spokesperson Kim Sartori. At every destination, each couple had to compete in a series of challenges — some mental and some physical — and only when the tasks were completed did they learn their next destination.

Couples who are farthest behind are gradually eliminated as the contest progresses, with the first team to arrive at the final destination winning $1 million.


Contact Richard O Jones at (513) 820-2188, or e-mail him at rjones@coxohio.com.


source~


 http://www.journal-news.com/news/content/news/stories/2005/02/09/

 
   

[Hi-Fi]

official site with pics of the teams! (^.#

http://www.cbs.com/primetime/amazing_race7/

[Hi-Fi]

I'm so stupid! I just saw the thread about the site. Sorry, puddin.

[Hi-Fi]

I didn't like the teams at all...but i aways hate them at first {l{

Since i know and like Amber from Survivor, i'm kinda rooting for her. But i think the mother in the mother/son team seens nice.

Let's see.

[puddin]

Don't be so hard on yourself Hi-Fi  ]**] ..its OK

[puddin]

 |#' YAY Hi-Fi ..would you please show your Amber/Rob support in our I Love Ron & Amber thread ?

[tanbuns]

DELETED!  8-)'

[puddin]

 ^&#


Ronald Young Jr.
Ronald Young Jr.
Rank/Branch: CWO/Army
 Unit: Aviation Battalion, 1/227th Company C, 4th Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, based in Fort Hood, Texas
Date of Birth
Home City of Record: Lithia Springs, Georgia
Date of Loss: 23 March 2003
Country of Loss: Iraq
Loss Coordinates: Karbala, about 60 miles southwest of Baghdad
Status: POW/Iraq
Category:
Acft/Vehicle/Ground: AH-64D Apache Longbow
Personnel in Incident: Chief Warrant Officer David S. Williams and Chief Warrant Officer Ronald Young Jr
Source: Compiled by Last Firebase Veterans Archives Project from one or more of the following: raw data from U.S. Government agency sources, correspondence with POW/MIA families, published sources, interviews.
Date Updated: 29 March 2003

REMARKS:
Chief Warrant Officer (CWO) Ronald Young Jr.'s mother said she wrestled with a foreboding feeling Sunday evening and feared something horrible had happened to her son.
"I just had a mother's feeling. I just felt like Ron was there with me, I felt like he put his arms around me," said Kaye Young.
That Sunday March 23, the 26-year-old Apache helicopter flyer from Lithia Springs, Georgia, became a prisoner of war.
Under heavy fire, his chopper went down in Karbala, about 60 miles southwest of Baghdad. Captured along with Young was CWO David S. Williams, 30, of Florida.
Both are with the Aviation Battalion, 1/227th Company C, 4th Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, based in Fort Hood, Texas. Williams is a 12-year veteran.
Young enlisted about 31/2 years ago, after two years of college, because he wanted to learn how to fly, said Kelly Lively, one of four siblings.
"He's always wanted to fly. That's why he went into the military -- to learn to fly. He's very proud to be serving his country," she said.
"He's an outstanding guy. We love him and support him. We're hoping and praying that he comes home," Lively said.
Kaye Young said she started worrying earlier in the day when she saw televised video of a fallen Apache helicopter that had the bat-wing insignia of her son's unit, the "Vampires" -- so called because they usually fly at night.
Later, an Army chaplain and officer from Fort McPherson came to her home. "They said, 'We're here on behalf of the U.S. government and are here to tell you that your son Ronald is listed as missing in action.'"
"I started screaming, 'I knew it, I knew it, I knew it!'," Y oung said.
Young told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that her son called her a week after leaving Texas in mid-February to head to the Persian Gulf.
"He called to tell me he was safe and to tell me some things he needed," Kaye Young said. "He wanted an MP3 player and electric shaver. I started to cry as he hung up, and he said, 'Don't do that. I'll be fine,' " she told the newspaper.
Ronald Young Jr., a graduate of Douglas County High School in Douglasville, Georgia, studied mechanical engineering at Southern Polytechnic State University in Marietta, Georgia, before joining the Army.
He'd almost experienced battle in 2001, receiving deployment orders for the war against terror in Afghanistan just after September 11, 2001. But the orders were canceled before he had to go.
Kaye Young said the family had a very open discussion back then about the possibility Young might not come home.
"He had told me if he was ever asked to give his life for his country, he hoped that he'd be able to do that honorably -- and he seemed very glad to do that, if that was needed," she said.
Ronald Young Sr. said his son was living out his dream of being a pilot. 

[puddin]

Feb 11, 2005
By Aaron Earls
TIGERVILLE, S.C. (BP)--Kelly McCorkle, 2002's Miss South Carolina, will be part of the seventh season of CBS' reality show "The Amazing Race."

McCorkle, a 2001 North Greenville College graduate, will be teamed with her boyfriend Ron Young, a former Iraq War POW.

McCorkle currently works as a legislative correspondent for U.S. Sen. Jim DeMint of South Carolina. Young is a student at the University of Georgia and a motivational speaker.

After growing up with a learning disability, McCorkle graduated cum laude from North Greenville College, which is affiliated with the South Carolina Baptist Convention. After winning the Miss South Carolina pageant, she was a top 15 finalist in the Miss America contest.

The race proved to be a life-altering experience for McCorkle. "God taught me so much about myself through the whole experience," McCorkle said. "I am really excited about the show."

In a pre-race interview with CBS, McCorkle and Young discussed their life experiences, their relationship and their thoughts on the upcoming race. "I think our strength as a team is that Ron and I are both very competitive. We hate to lose," McCorkle said. "So I think we are going to have the right attitude, the drive to not give up and go all the way to the end and be the first to arrive at the last stop."

McCorkle also talked about another factor that will help them in the competition. "Our life experiences will bring a lot to the table," McCorkle said. "There won't be anybody in this race that has been through what we've been through."

The Army helicopter flown by Young and fellow Chief Warrant Officer David S. Williams was shot down during heavy fighting in central Iraq in the early days of the war.

The men and several other American military personnel were rescued by a group of Marines after three weeks of captivity, when the Iraqis guarding them abandoned their positions.

The Amazing Race will follow McCorkle and Young and other couples as they compete in different challenges around the globe. The last team to arrive at the various pre-determined stopping points may be eliminated from the race. Eliminations continue until only three teams remain. In the last stage of the race, the first team to arrive at the final destination wins $1 million dollars.

The Amazing Race season will begin March 1 at 9 p.m. Eastern on CBS.
--30--
Aaron Earls is a writer in North Greenville College's public relations office.

source~
http://www.bpnews.net/bpnews.asp?ID=20129

[puddin]

Posted on Sun, Feb. 13, 2005
 

Ohio lovebirds, family join `Amazing Race'

Two teams from state among former `Survivor' competitors March 1

By R. D. Heldenfels

Beacon Journal television writer


Although the big national attraction for the next Amazing Race will be the return to prime time of some Survivor lovebirds, the series will also have a strong Ohio flavor.

Two teams on the show -- which begins March 1 -- are from Ohio, including Ray Housteau, 44, of Canfield and Deana Shane, 27, of Youngstown, who are described as ``dating on and off.''

Here's CBS' summary of them:

``Ray is a stockbroker and Deana is a marketing and promotions executive. Their primary motivation for participating in this Race is to put their on-again/off-again relationship to the test and see how they fare.

``Ray, who is 17 years older than Deana, has worked as a stockbroker for 18 years. A former college and semi-professional football player, Ray describes himself as cocky and admits that he's never wrong about anything. He enjoys weightlifting, singing and karate.

``Deana is admittedly just as determined and competitive as her teammate. She grew up camping in the backwoods of Ohio and has never traveled outside the United States. Deana's favorite hobbies include lifting weights, karate, hunting and fishing. Both admit they are looking for some answers to what the future holds for their relationship and are hoping the Race will provide some.''

Then there's Susan and Patrick Vaughn, from Hamilton (although Patrick now lives in Hollywood), the first mother-son team on Amazing Race. Here's what CBS had to say about them:

``Susan is the Director for Judicial Affairs for Miami University in Ohio and Patrick is a writer. Their primary motivation for participating in this Race is to see the world with each other and have stories to share for the rest of their lives.

``Susan has been married to Patrick's father for 34 years and also has a daughter, Elizabeth. She earned her college degree as a nontraditional student, since she was a mother at the time. She enjoys shopping, gardening and traveling and describes herself as stylish, demanding and prepared.

``Patrick says he is extremely close with his family, and they've always been very supportive of him, including when he told them he was gay. However, his mother disagreed with his decision to drop out of college (Miami U) 30 credits shy of his degree. Patrick describes himself as Machiavellian and strategic. Both are avid fans of the show and watch it religiously.''

As for those lovebirds, it's ``Boston Rob'' Mariano and Amber ``I'm With Rob'' Brkich from Survivor: All Stars. That's not only their claim to fame, it's their living. CBS lists Mariano's occupation as ``Runner-up, Survivor: All Stars,'' and Brkich's as ``Winner, Survivor: All-Stars.''
 
source~
http://www.ohio.com/mld/ohio/living/10889771.htm

[puddin]

thanks Banzai..good for clothing clues too )

[tanbuns]

February 19, 2005

Former UO Cheerleader's Life Takes 'Amazing' Turn
By Mark Baker
The Register-Guard

If you're a Duck or Beaver fan and lived in these parts back in 1987, you probably remember him best as the guy who took a howitzer-of-a-gum-wad-shot to the face from Oregon State's Gary Payton during a Civil War basketball game in Corvallis.

Well, Uchenna Agu, a former University of Oregon cheerleader and one of the best horizontal jumpers in the school's illustrious track-and-field history, is back in the news. This time, it has nothing to do with track and field or a four-stick wad of Doublemint.

Agu and his wife, Joyce, will make their debuts March 1 on the hit CBS reality-TV program "The Amazing Race," the Emmy Award-winning show in which two-person teams race around the world for a $1 million cash prize. The Agus, who now live in Houston, will compete in the seventh edition of the "Race," a year after Eugene twins Karli and Kami French finished fifth out of 11 teams in the fifth edition of the show.


Uchenna Agu and his teammate, Joyce, make their way to the next destination at the Playa Hermosa in Ancon in Lima, Peru, on the two-hour season premiere of "The Amazing Race."
 
Uchenna Agu said he couldn't yet talk about his experience on the show, which already has been taped. All contestants sign a contract that precludes them from speaking with the media before their elimination from the show has been televised or all the episodes have aired, said Mitch Graham, a spokesman with CBS.

"They sent in their application like everybody else and were chosen," Graham said.

Uchenna, 40, and Joyce, 44, have been through some tough times in recent years, according to a Web site promoting the show. He worked for Enron and she worked for WorldCom, now-bankrupt companies that suffered highly publicized accounting scandals. Uchenna is now an energy broker and Joyce is a sales manager.

As is typical of the show's dramatic promos, the couple are painted as having a strained relationship. The program mentions their failed attempts to have children and that claiming the $1 million prize could pay for additional in-vitro fertilization procedures.

Graham would say nothing else about the show, other than that the first leg takes the competitors to Peru. A promotional video for the show at www.cbs.com shows Uchenna Agu racing in a car and screaming about going to Peru as he utters, "That's what I'm talkin' about!"

John Gillespie, the former South Eugene High School and assistant UO track coach, isn't surprised that the 1986 Pac-10 triple-jump champion was selected for the show.

"He's competitive. He's got a great attitude about doing things. He's more than an athlete," said Gillespie, who was Agu's jumping coach at the UO. Agu, initially a nonscholarship "walk-on" at the UO, worked to become one of the school's most successful jumpers. Gillespie also said Agu has great "people skills" and is a good strategist.

His favorite memory of Agu was when Gillespie told him that he would shave his mustache if he cleared 26 feet in the long jump, a mark he had never topped, at the Texas Relays in 1986. Agu jumped 26- 3/4 , still the fourth-best mark in UO history. Although Gillespie couldn't be there, he picked Agu up at the Eugene Airport holding his mustache in a plastic bag.

After using up his track and field eligibility in 1986, Agu decided to give UO cheerleading a chance and used his great athletic skills to excel. He apparently still has some of those skills, as evidenced by a clip of him doing a back flip on the CBS video.

But probably nothing prepared him for the "gum incident" of Jan. 10, 1987, an episode that gained some national coverage - including a blurb in "Sports Illustrated" - and launched an acrimonious relationship between UO fans and Payton.

Payton claimed that one of the UO's male cheerleaders called him a "hookhead" during the game in Corvallis. He thought it was Agu because he was the one holding the bullhorn. Agu was quoted in a later Register-Guard story saying he didn't even know what a "hookhead" is.

"None of the cheerleaders do," Agu had said. "I didn't call him a hookhead. There was no name-calling. He just threw the gum at me and hit me in the face."

What would Payton, now with the Boston Celtics of the National Basketball Association, think about all of this? It's unclear. He was unavailable for comment because he's on a break during the NBA's All-Star Game weekend.

When asked about the incident Friday, Agu said, "Oh, we don't have to mention that. Gary's a good guy. That's all in the past."

So, did he really call Payton a "hookhead" 18 years ago? Agu laughed and said, "I refuse to confirm or deny."

Graham, the CBS spokesman, assured that there would be no "gum-throwing" competition on this latest edition of "The Amazing Race."

[puddin]

RACE NEWS: "The Amazing Race" starts again on March 1, and many fans are aghast that "Survivor All-Stars" participants Rob and Amber will be participating.

Sure, it's stunt casting, but Rob and Amber have proven proved to be a pretty watchable pair of reality veterans in the past, and as "TAR" contestants go, they can't be any worse than "Big Brother" veteran Alison, one half of a whiny, annoying couple who appeared on an earlier edition of "The Amazing Race."

Let's hope that the next "TAR" is not filled with the kind of bone-headed "model/actor/whatevers" that packed the most recent race. I couldn't have been less thrilled that Freddy and Kendra, aspiring models with the personalities of wilted lettuce, won the race. Kendra's comments about "ghetto Africa" where people "keep breeding and breeding in this poverty" sure didn't make me feel all warm and fuzzy about her.

All the "normal" people were eliminated early in the most recent race, and the show got less and less interesting as it was dominated by would-be models, actors and people with too much plastic surgery. Let's hope the next race has more people such as like previous "TAR" winners Chip and Kim, a married couple who really struggled during the race but showed class and grace along the way.

By the way, CBS is now accepting applications for the eighth, yet-to-be-filmed "TAR," which will allow families to race instead of duos. "Teams will be expanded to four members from two, and all teams will be comprised exclusively of family members.

"Examples of `family edition' teams could be traditional families (mom, dad and two kids), blended families (newly married with stepsiblings), four sisters, four brothers, multi-generational (grandparents and grandchildren) or engaged couples with in-laws-to-be, etc.," according to CBS' press release.

Racing with your in-laws? Now that ought to be interesting.

source~

http://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/chi-tribtv,1,3096468.story?coll=chi-news-hed

[puddin]

Keoghan: Seventh 'Amazing Race' the best
Saturday, February 26 2005, 16:53 GMT -- by Daniel Kilkelly


The Amazing Race host Phil Keoghan has told viewers to expect a fantastic seventh season of the show.

The new season will see former Survivor contestants Rob Mariano and Amber Brkich competing as a team. The pair met during the Survivor All-Stars competition, which Brkich went on to win, and have since become engaged.

However, Keoghan has warned viewers not to automatically assume that they will win the show's $1 million prize.

Keoghan told Zap2it, "A lot of time on Survivor is spent sitting down and working out what you are going to do. There's no time to contemplate like that in The Amazing Race, where you have to make decisions in the moment, on the fly, very, very quickly.

"To me, this is actually the very antithesis of their experience on Survivor, so viewers will see them reacting to a completely different experience here."

He added, "I know I said this before about race five, but I honestly believe number seven is the best race that we have ever had.

"That has a lot to do with the teams we have, and I can assure you that the show has moved back to its roots in terms of the things that made people fall in love with this show in the first place."

http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/article/ds19522.html

[puddin]

Keoghan to criss cross US for CBS' 'The Amazing Race' 
 
Indiantelevision.com Team
 
(26 February 2005 2:00 pm)
   
MUMBAI: The host of CBS' popular reality show The Amazing Race Phil Keoghan will embark on a 10-city, cross-country Tour in the US from 2 March. In India the show airs on Axn.
 
 
He will drive in a car to promote the upcoming The Amazing Race 7 and casting for The Amazing Race 8. The tour begins in New York City and culminates in Los Angeles on 14 March. During his journey across the US, Keoghan will encourage families who are seeking the ultimate family adventure to apply for The Amazing Race 8, which will be the shows first-ever all family edition.

Keoghan will appear on CBS' The Early Show on 2 March. He will finish his tour with an appearance on CBS' The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson.
 
Keoghan will also appear at book stores in several cities along the way to sign copies of his new book N.O.W. - No Opportunity Wasted. Mercedes-Benz will provide the transportation for the cross-country trip. Phil will be traveling in the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, which is the flagship Mercedes-Benz sport utility vehicle.


http://www.indiantelevision.com/headlines/y2k5/feb/feb252.htm

[puddin]

TELEVISION
'Amazing Race' mom, son battle 'Survivor' winners


JOHN KIESEWETTER

GANNETT NEWS SERVICE

Susan and Patrick Vaughn of Hamilton, Ohio, are the first mother-son team on "The Amazing Race" because Susan's husband refused to go on the adventure.

 "We have traveled 14 times to Europe, but when we travel, we fight over maps and everything," John Vaughn says.
"So my son said, 'I'll do it!' "

On the seventh season premiere, airing from 9 to 11 p.m. Tuesday, CBS will show Susan, 54, and Patrick, 26, embarking from Long Beach, Calif., to Peru on their globe-trotting journey. They're competing for $1 million against 10 other teams, including Amber Brkich and "Boston Rob" Mariano, who won $1 million last May on "Survivor: All-Stars."

But the popular reality series won't show the drama leading up to that point -- how Susan, the judicial affairs director at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, and her family kept the secret during the taping Nov. 15 to Dec. 20.

When Susan went to buy a backpack, she couldn't tell the salespeople where she was going, for how long, or whether she expected hot or cold weather. "They gave her a lot of strange looks," says John.

When she missed library and civic theater board meetings in Hamilton, about 25 miles north of Cincinnati, people would ask John when he would next see or hear from his wife.

"We had a wide range of friends who asked a lot of questions. We finally had to make up this story about her being in Mexico with a friend at a training program, and that she'd be out of touch," says John, who also works at the university.

"It never occurred to them to guess that she was doing 'The Amazing Race.' They had no idea," John says. "Now everyone is really excited about it. They feel like it's happening to their family."

Viewers might see some tension between Susan and Patrick, who is trying to establish a career as a writer in Hollywood. Patrick tried to tell his mother that a portable hair dryer and curling iron were not needed for the trip.

"And she told him, 'They're essential if millions of people are going to see me on television,' " John recalls.

CBS' publicity also makes it clear that Patrick is openly gay, and Dad is fine with that.

"He's my son, and I'm very proud of him. He is who he is. The fact that he's gay is just an element of his life that we accept."

http://www.theolympian.com/home/news/20050226/living/95479.shtml

[puddin]

 banzai they edited out alot such as Aaron & Haydon did not quit or give up during the lock task , they were told that the Mt was closing and had to leave and could not finish the roadblock  ,so they had no choice and were forced to take the 4 hr penalty  *8

[puddin]

 {l{  lol banzai

[puddin]

Megan Baker and Heidi Heidel

Occupations:
Fashion designer; stay-at-home mother

Hometown(s):
Oak Park, Calif.

Who they are:
Blond best friends

How you'll know them:
They fret that their California Girl good looks may prompt some to label them "the Barbie Twins," but they aren't above using them to win the race. "We're more respectful than giggly, smiling girls trying to get something," says Heidel. "But we will flirt if we have to." Adds Baker: "We're going to use everything we have. If we have to butter somebody up, we will."

Amber Brkich and Rob Mariano

Occupations:
Former administrative assistant; former construction foreman

Hometown(s):
Canton, Mass., and Beaver, Penn.

Who they are:
The engaged couple who already won $1 million on Survivor All-Stars

How you'll know them:
Since they've already copped some reality-show cash, running this Race makes them seem greedy, and they don't care. "I'm not too concerned about the other teams hating us," says Mariano. "I know the only reason they feel that way is because we have been to the ballpark before. But maybe if they get to know us, they'll feel better."

Uchenna and Joyce Agu

Occupations:
Energy broker;
sales manager

Hometown(s):
Houston, Tex.

Who they are:
Married but hoping to get closer

How you'll know them:
They are a real hard-luck couple. He lost his job with Enron; she lost hers with WorldCom. Plus, their attempts at in-vitro fertilization have so far failed. "You don't expect those sort of challenges," says Uchenna. "It puts jumping out of an airplane or bungee jumping down the largest canyon in the world into perspective."

Brian and Greg Smith

Occupations:
Actor/bartender;
bouncer

Hometown(s):
Santa Monica, Calif.

Who they are:
Big (as in tall) brothers

How you'll know them:
They've got the size and strength to come out on top, but since they've never traveled internationally before, they may run into problems very quickly. "My mom said, 'I'm afraid you guys don't know much about geography. Are you sure you'll be OK?'" says Greg. Brian isn't worried. "We'll figure it out," he assures. "I just can't wait to get out there with my best friend, my brother."

Debbie Cloyed and Bianca Smith

Occupations:
Photographer/writer;
high school English teacher

Hometown(s):
Los Angeles and Woodbridge, Va.

Who they are:
Best friends since childhood

How you'll know them:
How you'll know them: Every day is like Christmas for this duo. "Our backpacks have little surprises to give to each other along the race," says Cloyed. "I can't tell you what they are, though, because I don't want to spoil it."

Ron Young and Kelly McCorkle

Occupations:
Motivational speaker/army vet;
legislative correspondent for a U.S. senator

Hometown(s):
Villa Rica, Ga., and Greenville, S.C.

Who they are:
A former Iraq War POW dating the 2002 Miss South Carolina

How you'll know them:
"When the stress level goes up, I become military," admits Young. Adds McCorkle: "When we get stressed, picture him being the drill sergeant saying, 'Come on! Do this!' And I can see myself saying, 'Don't talk to me like that!'"

Alex Ali and Lynn Warren

Occupations:
Executive assistants in the TV industry

Hometown(s):
West Hollywood, Calif.

Who they are:
The gay couple

How you'll know them:
They might be the most fun-loving couple the Race has ever known. "Our biggest strategy: just have a good time and enjoy ourselves. Experience the experience," explains an enthusiastic Warren. "You see people on this show who aren't enjoying it, but you have to remember that the race is like a bonus. You've already won just by getting picked."

 
 
Susan Vaughn and Patrick Vaughn

Occupations:
Director of judicial affairs at Miami University in Ohio;
writer/lyricist

Hometown(s):
Hamilton, Ohio, and Hollywood, Calif.

Who they are:
Mother and son

How you'll know them:
They may seem like a sweet Red State family, but don't be fooled. "This is our plan," says Patrick. "We'll come off as the most unsuspecting pair of Midwestern rubes, but we're going to be all about the smiles and making friends with everybody and then screwing them over. I told my mom that's what it takes to win, and we want to win." 
 
Ryan Phillips and Chuck Horton

Occupations:
Boiler tube replacement salesman and landscaper

Hometown(s):
Landrum, S.C., and Inman, S.C.

Who they are:
Good ol' boys and best friends

How you'll know them:
These guys will be the Race's working-class heroes. Says Horton, "We still get out there and work the tractors and backhoes. We're not models or froufrou types. We're meat-and-potato guys."

Meredith and Gretchen Smith

Occupations:
Retired corporate executive;
retired flight attendant

Hometown(s):
Easton, Md.

Who they are:
The spunky sixtysomethings

How you'll know them:
Every Race seems to have one senior-citizen team that loses out, but this married pair of 60-plus-year-olds think they can break that trend if they stick with their strategy. "At our age, you can do everything everyone else can do, except you run out of gas a little sooner," says Meredith. "Sleep deprivation, strange foods, odd hours... the different locations are going to take their toll. We're going to have to learn how to handle ourselves in situations we haven't experienced before."

Ray Housteau and Deana Shane
Occupations:
Stockbroker;
marketing and promotions executive

Hometown(s):
Canfield, Ohio, and Youngstown, Ohio

Who they are:
On-again, off-again daters

How you'll know them:
"I don't consider [the other teams] anything but an obstacle to my winning a million dollars," says Housteau. "To me, they're not really even people in the context of the race." These two may become "Colin and Christie: The Sequel."

[tanbuns]

The Amazing Race 7 - A Preview
by Phil Kural -- 02/28/2005
 
Only three weeks after Freddy & Kendra won The Amazing Race 6, it's time for 11 more teams to race around the world for a million dollars. Click right here if you're ready to meet the teams and find out what Phil has to say about each of them.

Wow, I feel like Freddy & Kendra just crossed the mat. Wait a second - they did! CBS sure didn't waste any time between seasons of The Amazing Race, did they? I mean, I'm not mad at all - in fact, I'm pretty excited. I think this season has some of the most diverse teams we have seen so far, and it looks like they cast some pretty fun personalities this time. Let's get to meeting the teams, shall we?

Brian & Greg (Brothers) - Brian is a 27-year-old actor/bartender. Oh God, here we go already with the actors and models. Greg is 24 and is a bouncer. Both hail from Santa Monica, CA. I know what you are thinking right now - these three are destined to be in the final three. I disagree right from the get-go. First, they have never traveled out of the country before. That is going to hinder them big time. Second, they are both very competitive. That's not always a good thing. There always has to be someone who is competitive, and someone that is cool under pressure. I don't see that with these guys. They will last pretty long, but not a final three team in my eyes.

Debbie & Bianca (Lifelong Friends) - Okay, I need to say this right away - they are going to win the race. They will break my curse, I can feel it! I love these two, and I'm making them automatic Sentimental Favorites. Why do I love them so much? They come across as friendly and loving, but competitive and driven as well. Debbie is 25 and a photographer, while Bianca is 26 and a high school teacher. They have done extensive traveling both alone and together. Debbie is very competitive and Bianca is cool and laid back. They are doing the race so that they can travel the world and put their combined traveling experience to the test. Oh yeah, they are going to win!

Lynn & Alex (Boyfriends) - Both are executive assistants from West Hollywood, CA. Lynn is 30 and Alex is 22. While they have been together for four years now, Alex has yet to "come out" to his parents, although they have met Lynn before. Well, if they don't know yet, they do now! Lynn has lived abroad for some time, and thinks that will help him run the race. He wants to run the race to see if he and Alex are compatible enough and to put their relationship to the test. Lynn's other motive is to hopefully get married in Amsterdam. What the hell does that have to do with The Amazing Race? These two don't seem very interesting. I'm going to peg them as one of the first three teams eliminated. Maybe I'll be wrong, but I think I'm right on this one.

Megan & Heidi (Roommates) - Megan is a 26-year-old fashion designer, while Heidi is a 31-year-old stay at home mom. What's up with those bandanas around their heads? They look like they were extras in the Olivia Newton John video for "Physical." Megan has an extreme phobia of flying, and is hoping to conquer that. Umm, I don't think this was the show for her. They are doing the race simply for the challenge and the experience, and although I think that's a good reason to do the race, I don't think it's going to get them far. In fact, I think they are another team that will fall by the wayside early. Definitely in the bottom three. Beauty can only get you so far!

Meredith & Gretchen (Retired Couple) - Aww, how can you not love the resident old couple? I think these two are going to stand up to the test! Both are retired and big fans of the show, who are also doing it because of the challenge and experience. Hmm, they picked greedy people for last season, but for this one, it's more people that want the experience over the money. This should be interesting. Anyway, Gretchen is 66 and a retired flight attendant. Meredith is 69 and a retired executive. I think they are going to do rather well. They look pretty tough for old folks, and this show has taught me never to underestimate anyone. Look how far Teri & Ian did on the third season! Will they be in the top three? I don't think so - but don't think they are going down without a fight!

Ray & Deana (Dating Off and On) - Okay, this team is a train wreck waiting to happen. Ray is 44 and Deana is 27. He's a stockbroker, and she's in marketing and promotions. They are hoping that their on again/off again relationship can get a little steadier because of the race. I don't see that happening. Ray is very competitive and admits that he is never wrong. Is anyone else thinking "Jonathan" right now? Deana says that she is competitive as well, but has never traveled outside of the United States. I'm worried about this team - VERY worried. There is no doubt in my mind that they are going to be around for awhile, but I think they are another team that might end up with a not-so-positive outlook after this is all said and done.

Rob & Amber (Engaged) - Do I even have to introduce these two? Unlike Alison and Donny from the fifth season, I actually don't mind watching these two! Rob & Amber are both former Survivors and became engaged during the finale of Survivor: All-Stars in May of 2004. He is 29 and she is 26. Before their reality TV blitz, Rob was a construction worker and Amber was an administrative assistant. I think they are going to be around for a good while. They will definitely be a final three team. They won't win, but they will get very far. We know how competitive and manipulative Rob can be, and don't sell Amber short - she's just as competitive. These two will be fun to watch. I'm actually rooting for them!

Ron & Kelly (Dating) - Ron is a 28-year-old former Iraq POW that hails from Villa Rica, GA. How could they list that as his occupation? That's terrible! Kelly is a 26-year-old legislative correspondent from Greenville, SC. She is also a former Miss South Carolina 2002. Another team that is doing the race strictly for the adventure, these two have had a rollercoaster of a ride for the past few years now, and have no plans on slowing down, at least, that's what their CBS profile says. I don't see what's so wonderful about them. Yeah, they have a great story, but I'm not in love with them, which is what I'm thinking the editors want us to be. I could go either way. Another team that I'm not so sure about. Not a final three team, but not a team that will go early.

Ryan & Chuck (Best Friends) - Both from South Carolina, Ryan is a general contractor and 31. His lifelong friend, Chuck, is 32 and in sales. I love when people are in "sales." What exactly does he sell? That's so shady! These two are doing the race so that they can travel the world together. Ryan is married with one child, while Chuck is still singe, to the dismay of Ryan. Why? If he wants to be single, let him! Chuck is very religious and works with the youth at his church. He's fluent in Portuguese. That's always a good thing! I don't really have any problems with this team, and I also have no problems naming them a final three team. They definitely have what it takes, and my premonition is that they are going to get very far.

Susan & Patrick (Mother/Son) - Wow, we finally have a mother/son team! Both are from Hamilton, OH, but Patrick now resides in California. She's 54 and a director for judicial affairs, and he is 26 and a writer. Okay, I love this team. Automatic Sentimental Favorites! They are doing the race to travel the world together and have some stories for many years to come. They look so cute together as a mother/son team. I think I like them so much because I would love to do the race with my mom. You don't know funny until you meet Mama Kural. Susan describes herself as stylish, demanding and prepared, while Patrick says he is strategic and Machiavellian. I'm hoping that this team defies the odds and gets very far. I'm not going to place them in the bottom three because I think they can really do this. I hope they make it to the end, but I'm not going to place them there. Like I said though - Sentimental Favorites!

Uchenna & Joyce (Married) - These two sure do have a story! Both worked for companies that went bankrupt in a very embarrassing way. He worked for Enron and she worked for WorldCom. Uchenna is an energy broker and is 40-years-old. Joyce is 44 and a sales manager. They are doing the race so that they can regain some of the closeness they lost during their rough times. Also, they have had some trying times with their relationship because they have been unable to get pregnant. Well, not so much Uchenna, but Joyce. They have hinted that if they win the money, they will use some of it for in-vitro fertilization procedures. I have no idea what that is, but I'm assuming it will let them have a baby! Why not just adopt? Anyway, I don't think any of that matters since I'm pegging them as a team to be one of the first three gone. I just don't think they have what it takes, and I'm willing to be they both freak out before they go. They both look like they are on edge!

Now that you know the teams, and how I feel about them, I'm sure you can't wait to read my recaps! As I said before, Rob & Amber, Ryan & Chuck and Debbie & Bianca will be the final three teams. Debbie & Bianca and Susan & Patrick are already Sentimental Favorites because I said so. Uchenna & Joyce, Megan & Heidi and Lynn & Alex will be the first three teams eliminated. I predicted Debbie & Bianca as the winners, so let's hope I didn't just curse them into second place. I guess we'll find out when The Amazing Race 7 premiers - Tuesday, March 1, at 9 p.m. ET/PT.

Phil Kural is a recent graduate from Temple University, with a degree in journalism. You can reach him at pkural@gmail.com with any feedback that you may have.

[tanbuns]

Posted by: Simonsdrum on Monday, February 28, 2005 - 04:26 AM PST
   
It's time to travel around the world, get really peeved at non-speaking cab drivers, eat food cockroaches won't eat, perform crazy stunts and lose it with your team mate on national television. Yes, it's time for another season of the Amazing Race.

By Simonsdrum
www.tvspaz.com


Brian & Greg are brothers from Santa Monica, California. Brian is an actor/bartender and Greg is a bouncer. Their primary motivation for participating in the Race is to travel the world with each other, meet new people and hopefully land more acting auditions because they are tired of serving drunk celebrities. Brian, the older of the two is a competitor at heart whose greatest accomplishment in life was starting every basketball game his high school varsity season after being cut the prior two seasons. Poor Brian, he just labeled himself the jock from high school that comes back to the 10 year reunion still trying to relive the glory days because he hasn't done much with his life since then. Greg graduated from Auburn University and also spent time as a walk-on football player. In other words, water boy. Recently, Auburn University contacted Greg demanding his degree back. These two brothers are confident and ready to compete. Despite their limited traveling experience and knowledge of the Race, they figure that this will be easier than ducking their landlord when he comes looking for the rent.



Debbie & Bianca are best friends from Los Angeles, California and Woodbridge, Virginia, respectively. Bianca is a high school teacher and Debbie works as a photographer. Yawn. Bianca graduated from James Madison University with a B.A. in International Affairs and Spanish Art History. She currently works as a high school teacher because what the hell else is she going to do with a International Affairs and Spanish Art History degree? Because Bianca hasn't learned her lesson yet, she is working on finishing her master's degree in Education with a concentration in multicultural studies. Bianca's favorite hobbies are traveling, reading and making homemade outfits for her 5 cats. Debbie graduated summa ***** laude in under three years and is currently a freelance photographer in LA. In other words, paparazzi. A wild child at heart, she enjoys doing wild and crazy stuff like going to art museums, and reading classic literature. Side note: I had two former roommates that had similar backgrounds as these two ladies. Both graduated with 5 useless degrees magna ***** laude. Both like to do crazy stuff like knit and read Harry Potter novels. One roommate is now a Target cashier and the other gained 120 pounds and moved out to live with her drug dealing boyfriend who lives off her parent's money and her hospital secretary income. Those magna ***** laude degrees really paid off!! Debbie and Bianca's primary motivation for participating in the Race is to travel the world with each other because no one else will.



Lynn & Alex are a gay couple from West Hollywood, California. What makes them unique is that they....actually, nothing is unique about a gay couple from Hollywood. (Lynn & Alex both work as executive assistants which means neither of them are attractive enough to give hummers to their boss for promotions. With their four-year anniversary on the horizon, they signed up for the Race as a means to test the strength of their relationship and to meet and date gay Europeans.

Lynn is well traveled and well-laid as he lived abroad in Germany before settling down in Los Angeles. He and Alex met at a club four years ago and after extensive medical testing, have been together ever since.

Alex has not informed his father about his sexual orientation and thought this might be a better way of telling his father instead of going on Maury Povich.


Megan & Heidi are roommates from Oak Park, California. Megan works as a fashion designer and Heidi is a full-time mother. Both are extremely competitive and like to wear 80's style head bands. These California beauties decided to sign up for the Race for the challenge, competition and to learn how to spell challenge and competition. Megan has an extreme fear of flying and hopes to conquer her fear by being on the Race. If that doesn't work, she hopes to become a member of the Mile High Club as an alternative.



Meredith & Gretchen are a husband/wife team from Easton, Maryland. Meredith is a retired executive and Gretchen is a retired nurse/flight attendant. Both found love late in their lives. Finally, there's still hope for me!! Meredith is a retired executive who spends his time fishing, biking, playing golf, teaching swimming and beating up anybody that makes fun of his girlie name. Gretchen is a retired flight attendant and registered nurse who spends her time cooking, biking, gardening and golfing. She apparently does everything under the sun to avoid the stigma of having a man in her life named Meredith. She admits she can be quite loud when upset. Amazing Race producers hope that means she turns into a raging *****.



Ray & Deana are a dating (on and off) couple from Ohio. Both are fearful of commitment so their primary motivation for participating in the Race is to put their relationship to the test or to see if there is anybody else in the world better than the one they are with now. Ray describes himself as cocky and admits that he's never wrong. Ooo Goody - Potential raging lunatic. Deana is admittedly just as loony as her partner and hopes that they become the most dysfunctional team on the show.



Rob & Amber are an engaged couple from Canton, Massachusetts and Beaver, Pennsylvania, respectively. Tee Hee - she's from Beaver. Boston Rob and Amber might be familiar to reality TV - they competed with each other on Survivor: All Stars. Amber won while Boston Rob rode her coattails. Then he asked the money (I mean Amber) to marry him. Prior to their Survivor experiences, they had boring jobs and boring lives. But after winning Survivor they want to compete in every single reality show on TV. Their primary motivation is to not get beat up by the other teams in the first episode.



Ron & Kelly are a dating couple from Villa Rica, Georgia and Greenville, South Carolina, respectively. Ron is a former Iraq War POW after his Apache helicopter was shot down in Iraq. He was interrogated, held captive and later rescued by the US Marines. I remember the rescue well, Ron was the hunk who was in his pajamas. Which proves that even under severe crisis, he still looks mighty fine. He returned to the States and met Miss South Carolina in 2002. They have been inseparable ever since. Their primary motivation for participating in the Race is strictly for the adventure while women everywhere hope the Race breaks this couple up and Ron is single again. Okay, maybe it's just me who's wishing that. Kelly, Miss SC has always had determination being that she grew up with a learning disability. Crap, Now I can't say anything bad. This couple hope to go far in the race. Their first method of strategy, sabotaging their biggest competition - Boston Rob and Winner.



Ryan & Chuck are lifelong friends from South Carolina. Ryan is a general contractor and Chuck works in boiler tube replacement sales. Ryan's motivation is to travel the world, Chuck's is to become the first boiler tube replacement salesman on television. No worries there. Ryan is married, Chuck is not. Both are very religious although Ryan harbors a secret hatred for Chuck since he lives a sex-crazed single bachelor life. Oh wait, that's me. No, I wish that was me.

Although their southern drawls sometimes fool people, (Hey, that happens to me too!) make no mistake: They are very smart and ready to play.



Susan & Patrick are the first mother/son Team in the history of THE AMAZING RACE. Susan is from Hamilton, Ohio and Patrick lives in Hollywood, California. Susan is the Director for Judicial Affairs for Miami University in Ohio and Patrick is a struggling writer with mommy issues. Their primary motivation for participating in this Race is to see the world with each other and because Mom Susan said she cut her son off financially if he didn't do it.

Susan has been married to Patrick’s father for 34 years and also has a daughter, Elizabeth, who she secretly thinks is a disappointment. She describes herself as stylish, demanding (DUH!) and prepared for making her son feel as guilty as possible if he disagrees with her. Patrick says he is extremely close with his family especially his mother. Although supportive of his gay lifestyle, the family was upset when he drop out of college to become a gay go go dancer. Failing that, he listed himself a writer on his resume and began writing recaps of reality shows. Uh Oh! Patrick describes himself as Machiavellian and strategic. Others describes him as flaming and conniving.



Uchenna & Joyce are the only married Team from Houston, Texas. The token black team, They are suffering some hard times since both worked for now-bankrupt companies that experienced highly publicized accounting scandals: Enron and Worldcom. Both want to regain some closeness that they lost during the layoffs. They hope to win so Joyce can have more in-vitro fertilization treatments since they desperately want children. I wonder if they tried while in the backseat of a car in the woods with a six pack and a broken condom. I hear that always work.


Let the race begin! On Tuesday, March 1, 2005. At 8 - PM

Simonsdrum