Air Date: 11/12/09
View Date: 11/19/09
We started off seeing the tribes after the first merged tribal council, which showed us another blindside, this time of a former Galu member and a holder of an immunity idol. Russell used his idol as well, and his other tribe members are loving the fact that he no longer has that protection. The majority of the tribe plan to take him out next.
We then got a look at Natalie killing a rat and bringing it back to camp to use as food. She made a big show of how disgusting it was, but also how hungry she was. Russell is bound and determined to find the next immunity idol, and he had already started formulating his plan to retrieve it before leaving for the reward challenge.
At the reward challenge, the tribe members were split into two teams. Then, in groups of two, they had to race out onto the course and retrieve poles with black and white coconuts on them. They then had to arrange the poles as a team so that the white coconuts revealed a four digit number. The crew learned from past challenges and made each team's number different so they couldn't cheat. Then, a blindfolded tribe member had to use their sense of touch to find the same number on a combination lock which would raise a flag. The winning team would be taken to a natural rock slide accompanied by a picnic lunch. One person would have to sit out, which was Natalie. She got to choose one team to support, and would receive whichever outcome they got.
The purple team consisted of Kelly, John, Shambo, and Dave. The yellow team was Brett, Mick, Russell, and Jaison. Purple's number was 4673, which was then passed on to a blindfolded Monica. 7346 was the number Laura needed to find for the yellow team, which was much slower in determining their number. Purple came through in the end and earned their reward. Natalie had backed yellow, so she accompanied them back to camp.
The team that won the reward challenge also received a clue toward finding the immunity idol, which they agreed to share with all of the members of the former Galu. They continued to stragegize while enjoying their day of relaxation, and all but Shambo wanted Russell out next. Back at camp, Russell set right to work looking for the idol and found it yet again without a clue. Russell is so the man! He originally planned to keep this information to himself, but instead chose to tell Shambo about it who responded with shock as expected. She shared the information that Russell's name was on the chopping block, which is exactly what he wanted so that there would be another complete blindside. Their plan was to take out Laura, but if that plan fell through then there could be some support for knocking off Monica.
At the immunity challenge, there was only one immunity necklace up for grabs. The tribe members would have to use grappling hooks to try to retrieve two bags containing puzzle pieces. The first three to retrieve their bags would move on to the next round. In the next round, they would have to try to place one of their puzzle pieces onto a board of shapes, thus toppling down another piece that they would have to place. The person who placed all of their pegs first would win immunity. Mick was the first to retrieve both bags and moved on to the next round. Shambo then got both bags and also moved on. Russell and Laura both snagged their second bag at the same time, but Russell's dropped and Laura proceeded on in the challenge. Once Laura got her first piece, she just blew through her entire board and kicked everyone's butts. With back-to-back immunity wins and just being generally disliked for her dominance around camp, particularly with the girls, she had better watch out. Personally, I think she is really cocky, but almost in a mean way, whereas Russell is cocky with a smile.
Shambo revealed during private interview that Kelly would be going out because Monica wasn't a threat. Jaison was let in on the secret, and he shared it with the other members of Foa Foa. They all agreed to keep the information from the former Galu and play up that Russell was next to go. Dave convinces that the former Galu that they did not need to worry about the idol now, even after some members expressed concern knowing that he found the previous one without a clue. Laura agrees with him, and the deal is done. However, Russell thought he overheard that Natalie would be going home, which leads him into a state of confusion. He shared this member with Jaison, who indicated that they still had a few hours to try to sway them to vote for Russell.
Eric was so pissed off sitting in the jury tonight that he looked absolutely thrilled when Russell pulled out that idol. He was practically jumping out of his seat with each vote for Russell. The first seven votes pulled out were for Russell, none of which counted. Yet all former Galu members' faces dropped as the votes continued to come. Kelly was blindsided, and Laura was pissed. She said something along the lines of “He just stirred up a whole lot of trouble with what he just pulled”. Honestly, he did exactly what he was supposed to with the idol, and it was one of the best uses of the idol in Survivor history.
10 words or less: Russell rocks! He is sooooo the man!
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Survivor
View Date: 11/19/09
We started off this episode with the discussions around the tribe after the major blindside at tribal council. There are now just 6 members of the previous Galu tribe remaining, while all 4 of the Foa Foa tribe to make it to the merge were still in the game. We were also reminded that Shambo, while a part of the original Galu tribe, is conspiring with Russell, which evens out the vote.
The next morning while the rest of his tribe sleeps, Russell starts searching for his next idol. It also turns out that John knows that Shambo has flipped sides, and is trying to decide what to do with that information. When she approaches him, he will not commit to which way he would vote to take out Laura.
At the reward challenge, the tribe members were split into two teams of 5. One member of the team would lie face down on a cradle. The other four members would be manning ropes to pull the cradle around a ring bearing 15 flags. They then had to get the person in the cradle back to a log to place the flag. The first team to get all 15 flags into their correct slots on the log would win reward. They would be whisked away to an island with a waterfall and a picnic lunch. They were also provided with a Palm Pre (talk about advertising) so they could have a handheld device to record a once in a lifetime opportunity.
The purple team consisted of Brett, Russell, Laura, and Dave pulling Natalie in the cradle. Shambo, Jaison, Mick, and Monica pulled John in the cradle on the yellow team.
purple leads from the start, while yellow keeps losing their flags and falls behind. Yellow keeps it pretty close, natalie hangs out of cradle keeping as little as possible in to allow for the most reach. Purple wins with natalie almost falling out during the last two flags.
Back at camp, Jaison approached Monica looking for her vote, and Monica figures out that Shambo is voting with the former Foa Foa. Jaison should have probably left well enough alone, because now they're at a disadvantage in my opinion. After coming back from the reward, everyone goes off to look for the idol. Laura and Dave vow not to let it fall into Russell's hands, so she follows Jaison on his search while Dave follows Russell. Russell figures out what is going on and starts sprinting through the woods. Dave winds up losing him, and Russell heads back to where they were just searching. Flipping over his first rock, he finds the idol yet again!
During the immunity challenge, the tribe members get one chance with one rock to break a series of tiles hanging close together. Each member is assigned a color, and if a tile of their color breaks, they get a spear. The spears are then shot at a target in the next round. The person who lands closest to the center of the target wins immunity. Laura fails to break a tile, so she has no shot at winning this immunity and ends her streak at two. After the first round, Brett earned two spears, while Jaison, Mick, and Monica each had one spear. Monica was only able to get to the last round because Dave broke one of her tiles instead of his. All other members failed to connect with the tiles. Brett hit target, then the only person that came closer was Mick. On Brett's second shot, he lands low, and Mick won immunity.
On to the strategizing, and Shambo states hands down that she is voting Laura at tribal council, and she will not be swayed. Galu talk about voting for Russell yet, and John can't believe that his tribe members have absolutely no analytical skills. Monica tells Foa Foa that she will be voting for John, but will really be voting for Natalie with the other Galu members. Mick, being a pretty smart guy, doesn't trust Monica. However, Galu didn't let John in on the plan. On the other side, Russell decides the only way he can get this to work is to tell John that his team is after him. The talk turns to ties, and John was still trying to decide what his best move was.
At tribal, Russell chooses not to play the idol, and the votes come down to Laura and Natalie, and the first round ends in a tie. The next round, the eight members whose names were not displayed got to vote again, and they could only choose between Laura and Natalie. Meanwhile, Eric is sitting in the jury saying “This is good shit!” After the second vote, one person switched sides, and Laura was voted off. More stunned looks by former Galu members, and incredibly smug looks from both Foa Foa and the jury, at least Eric.
10 words or less: John's right: no strategic skills whatsoever.
We started off this episode with the discussions around the tribe after the major blindside at tribal council. There are now just 6 members of the previous Galu tribe remaining, while all 4 of the Foa Foa tribe to make it to the merge were still in the game. We were also reminded that Shambo, while a part of the original Galu tribe, is conspiring with Russell, which evens out the vote.
The next morning while the rest of his tribe sleeps, Russell starts searching for his next idol. It also turns out that John knows that Shambo has flipped sides, and is trying to decide what to do with that information. When she approaches him, he will not commit to which way he would vote to take out Laura.
At the reward challenge, the tribe members were split into two teams of 5. One member of the team would lie face down on a cradle. The other four members would be manning ropes to pull the cradle around a ring bearing 15 flags. They then had to get the person in the cradle back to a log to place the flag. The first team to get all 15 flags into their correct slots on the log would win reward. They would be whisked away to an island with a waterfall and a picnic lunch. They were also provided with a Palm Pre (talk about advertising) so they could have a handheld device to record a once in a lifetime opportunity.
The purple team consisted of Brett, Russell, Laura, and Dave pulling Natalie in the cradle. Shambo, Jaison, Mick, and Monica pulled John in the cradle on the yellow team.
purple leads from the start, while yellow keeps losing their flags and falls behind. Yellow keeps it pretty close, natalie hangs out of cradle keeping as little as possible in to allow for the most reach. Purple wins with natalie almost falling out during the last two flags.
Back at camp, Jaison approached Monica looking for her vote, and Monica figures out that Shambo is voting with the former Foa Foa. Jaison should have probably left well enough alone, because now they're at a disadvantage in my opinion. After coming back from the reward, everyone goes off to look for the idol. Laura and Dave vow not to let it fall into Russell's hands, so she follows Jaison on his search while Dave follows Russell. Russell figures out what is going on and starts sprinting through the woods. Dave winds up losing him, and Russell heads back to where they were just searching. Flipping over his first rock, he finds the idol yet again!
During the immunity challenge, the tribe members get one chance with one rock to break a series of tiles hanging close together. Each member is assigned a color, and if a tile of their color breaks, they get a spear. The spears are then shot at a target in the next round. The person who lands closest to the center of the target wins immunity. Laura fails to break a tile, so she has no shot at winning this immunity and ends her streak at two. After the first round, Brett earned two spears, while Jaison, Mick, and Monica each had one spear. Monica was only able to get to the last round because Dave broke one of her tiles instead of his. All other members failed to connect with the tiles. Brett hit target, then the only person that came closer was Mick. On Brett's second shot, he lands low, and Mick won immunity.
On to the strategizing, and Shambo states hands down that she is voting Laura at tribal council, and she will not be swayed. Galu talk about voting for Russell yet, and John can't believe that his tribe members have absolutely no analytical skills. Monica tells Foa Foa that she will be voting for John, but will really be voting for Natalie with the other Galu members. Mick, being a pretty smart guy, doesn't trust Monica. However, Galu didn't let John in on the plan. On the other side, Russell decides the only way he can get this to work is to tell John that his team is after him. The talk turns to ties, and John was still trying to decide what his best move was.
At tribal, Russell chooses not to play the idol, and the votes come down to Laura and Natalie, and the first round ends in a tie. The next round, the eight members whose names were not displayed got to vote again, and they could only choose between Laura and Natalie. Meanwhile, Eric is sitting in the jury saying “This is good shit!” After the second vote, one person switched sides, and Laura was voted off. More stunned looks by former Galu members, and incredibly smug looks from both Foa Foa and the jury, at least Eric.
10 words or less: John's right: no strategic skills whatsoever.
Project Runway
View Date: 11/19/09
The final episode of the season started off with Carol-Hannah feeling miserable due to her illness was and really struggling. She started off the day very upset and overwhelmed, and was getting sympathy and hugs from both Christopher and Logan. The helpers then stayed in the work room continuing with the collections while the final three went to have their hair and makeup consultations. Some of the fittings were rather stressful, but Carol-Hannah really lucked out for once this week and her fittings went fairly well. The fact that this is the first time there were three girls in the finale and it could really be seen in the workroom, in a very stereotypical way. The ladies were feeling very overwhelmed all around, and emotions were running over.
The last day started with Carol-Hannah feeling much better, and the work continued. Their last day of work finishes with a flurry and stress all around. The day of the show, the designers needed to wake up very early in order to have enough time for all of the prep work with the models, etc. They make their way to the tent where they will be showing their collections in the customary Project Runway fashion, then head back to get ready. There is a huge time crunch, and even Tim Gunn flies off the handle quite a bit backstage. Even with two minutes left to go and the audience seated, models were still getting dressed, but everything comes together at the last minute.
Althea was first to present her collection. She explained her inspiration as Sci Fi movies of the 1950's and 1960's, and that she was presenting a take on what the modern woman would wear in a future scenario. I didn't see her inspiration in many of her pieces, and the construction on her final dress, which fit like a glove, was quite poor as it puckered where it wasn't supposed to.
Carol-Hannah was up next, looking fabulous and presenting a beautiful line. So many of her pieces could be worn by women of many shapes and sizes, which was really nice to see. Even the outfit she was wearing fit really well with her collection.
Irina explained how her collection was inspired by New York itself, as home is where the heart is. I likes the way her clothes looked going better than coming down the runway, because the backs were very detailed and flattering. I could have lost the hats, but her collection was very good and very detailed.
Of the three, I liked Althea's collection the least. I really like the wearability of Carol-Hannah's line, but Irina's was stunning. The judges commended how well finished Irina's line was, but disliked that the whole line was black. Carol-Hannah's line was respected for structured draping, but Heidi commented that the collection didn't really flow well. The judges questioned that Althea's inspiration didn't quite come through in several of her pieces, but were very excited by the separates and sportswear.
Carol-Hannah was the first to be declared out, which was a tad disappointing that she was out first. Irina won this season, and rightfully so. She has consistently been the best throughout the season, and put together a very detailed and cohesive collection. Obviously, Althea was then out. The right person won this season, based not only on her collection but on the season as a whole.
10 words or less: Another season in January already?!?
The final episode of the season started off with Carol-Hannah feeling miserable due to her illness was and really struggling. She started off the day very upset and overwhelmed, and was getting sympathy and hugs from both Christopher and Logan. The helpers then stayed in the work room continuing with the collections while the final three went to have their hair and makeup consultations. Some of the fittings were rather stressful, but Carol-Hannah really lucked out for once this week and her fittings went fairly well. The fact that this is the first time there were three girls in the finale and it could really be seen in the workroom, in a very stereotypical way. The ladies were feeling very overwhelmed all around, and emotions were running over.
The last day started with Carol-Hannah feeling much better, and the work continued. Their last day of work finishes with a flurry and stress all around. The day of the show, the designers needed to wake up very early in order to have enough time for all of the prep work with the models, etc. They make their way to the tent where they will be showing their collections in the customary Project Runway fashion, then head back to get ready. There is a huge time crunch, and even Tim Gunn flies off the handle quite a bit backstage. Even with two minutes left to go and the audience seated, models were still getting dressed, but everything comes together at the last minute.
Althea was first to present her collection. She explained her inspiration as Sci Fi movies of the 1950's and 1960's, and that she was presenting a take on what the modern woman would wear in a future scenario. I didn't see her inspiration in many of her pieces, and the construction on her final dress, which fit like a glove, was quite poor as it puckered where it wasn't supposed to.
Carol-Hannah was up next, looking fabulous and presenting a beautiful line. So many of her pieces could be worn by women of many shapes and sizes, which was really nice to see. Even the outfit she was wearing fit really well with her collection.
Irina explained how her collection was inspired by New York itself, as home is where the heart is. I likes the way her clothes looked going better than coming down the runway, because the backs were very detailed and flattering. I could have lost the hats, but her collection was very good and very detailed.
Of the three, I liked Althea's collection the least. I really like the wearability of Carol-Hannah's line, but Irina's was stunning. The judges commended how well finished Irina's line was, but disliked that the whole line was black. Carol-Hannah's line was respected for structured draping, but Heidi commented that the collection didn't really flow well. The judges questioned that Althea's inspiration didn't quite come through in several of her pieces, but were very excited by the separates and sportswear.
Carol-Hannah was the first to be declared out, which was a tad disappointing that she was out first. Irina won this season, and rightfully so. She has consistently been the best throughout the season, and put together a very detailed and cohesive collection. Obviously, Althea was then out. The right person won this season, based not only on her collection but on the season as a whole.
10 words or less: Another season in January already?!?
Project Runway
Air Date: 11/12/09
View Date: 11/13/09
This was the first part of the two-part finale, where we got to see the start of the top three's collections as Tim Gunn went to their homes. Irina did run into a problem with a main part of her collection. She was originally going to use T-shirts with pictures of Coney Island under a more tailored outer design. Unfortunately for her, the pictures were copyrighted and not available for use. This really stressed her out because now she had to rethink her whole line.
Then all of the designers headed back to New York about 7 days before fashion week. While sitting around in their rooms, Althea and Irina find out that Carol-Hannah is very sick and wouldn't be coming in that day. She did come in the next day, but still felt pretty awful. Everyone got down to fitting their models and working on their collections when a surprise was thrown their way: they had to create another look that fit in with the feel of their remaining collection. But they would not be alone. The last three designers eliminated from the competition were brought back and randomly chosen to work with the remaining contestants. The six headed off to mood with $150 and gathered their supplies, and their main models picked the girls for the 13th look. Back to work, then on to home. But once back in their rooms, Carol-Hannah's illness returns with a vengeance and she's not sure if she can go on with Fashion Week. And that is the cliff hanger we were left with leading into the season finale.
One unusual thing that happened was that Michael Kors and Nina Garcia met with the designers to provide them with advice regarding putting on a runway show. Ideas included how best to set up a line presentation, with some basic ideas like start big, end big.
10 words or less: I really hope Carol-Hannah can continue. She's my favorite.
View Date: 11/13/09
This was the first part of the two-part finale, where we got to see the start of the top three's collections as Tim Gunn went to their homes. Irina did run into a problem with a main part of her collection. She was originally going to use T-shirts with pictures of Coney Island under a more tailored outer design. Unfortunately for her, the pictures were copyrighted and not available for use. This really stressed her out because now she had to rethink her whole line.
Then all of the designers headed back to New York about 7 days before fashion week. While sitting around in their rooms, Althea and Irina find out that Carol-Hannah is very sick and wouldn't be coming in that day. She did come in the next day, but still felt pretty awful. Everyone got down to fitting their models and working on their collections when a surprise was thrown their way: they had to create another look that fit in with the feel of their remaining collection. But they would not be alone. The last three designers eliminated from the competition were brought back and randomly chosen to work with the remaining contestants. The six headed off to mood with $150 and gathered their supplies, and their main models picked the girls for the 13th look. Back to work, then on to home. But once back in their rooms, Carol-Hannah's illness returns with a vengeance and she's not sure if she can go on with Fashion Week. And that is the cliff hanger we were left with leading into the season finale.
One unusual thing that happened was that Michael Kors and Nina Garcia met with the designers to provide them with advice regarding putting on a runway show. Ideas included how best to set up a line presentation, with some basic ideas like start big, end big.
10 words or less: I really hope Carol-Hannah can continue. She's my favorite.
Revolution OS
View Date: 10/10/09
This documentary provides the story of the development of the computer operating system Linux. There are interviews with the original creators of the operating system, as well as the developers of free software sharing. Specifically, the software developed to counteract the consumerism and profit quest of Microsoft.
I felt that this film was very preachy about the horrible big business methods of other software companies. It was dry and rather boring. I think the only people that would really enjoy this movie were major computer guys and those anti-big business.
10 words or less: Won't be watching this again.
This documentary provides the story of the development of the computer operating system Linux. There are interviews with the original creators of the operating system, as well as the developers of free software sharing. Specifically, the software developed to counteract the consumerism and profit quest of Microsoft.
I felt that this film was very preachy about the horrible big business methods of other software companies. It was dry and rather boring. I think the only people that would really enjoy this movie were major computer guys and those anti-big business.
10 words or less: Won't be watching this again.
Searching for Schindler
Author: Thomas Keneally
Completed: 10/14/09
This book, by the author of Schindler's List, about the writing of the book and then the production of the movie. Basically, this is the tale of the author's involvement in the story of Schindler. It starts with Mr. Keneally learning about Schindler from a salesperson and store owner who was saved by him in the war and had been collecting information for years. As the author learned more about the history of the Schindler Jews through interviews, letters, and historical documents, he felt more and more compelled to write the tale.
The book Schindler's List was written and became a critically acclaimed and award winning hit. It got into the hands of Stephen Spielberg, who wanted to make it into a movie but was involved with other projects at the time. He did keep it in the queue. 10-15 years after the book was written, the movie director felt it was finally time to make the film, and that he could do it the justice it deserved. Keneally and the person who started the book's journey were on-site during the construction and filming. They were even able to accompany the filmmakers to awards shows.
This was a very interesting book. Prior to reading this, I had only seen the movie. Since seeing this and learning more of the story behind the film, I have decided that I need to read the book and learn the parts the movie left out or changed. And anything that leads me to want to read and learn more is good in my book.
10 words or less: Made me want to read more of the story.
Completed: 10/14/09
This book, by the author of Schindler's List, about the writing of the book and then the production of the movie. Basically, this is the tale of the author's involvement in the story of Schindler. It starts with Mr. Keneally learning about Schindler from a salesperson and store owner who was saved by him in the war and had been collecting information for years. As the author learned more about the history of the Schindler Jews through interviews, letters, and historical documents, he felt more and more compelled to write the tale.
The book Schindler's List was written and became a critically acclaimed and award winning hit. It got into the hands of Stephen Spielberg, who wanted to make it into a movie but was involved with other projects at the time. He did keep it in the queue. 10-15 years after the book was written, the movie director felt it was finally time to make the film, and that he could do it the justice it deserved. Keneally and the person who started the book's journey were on-site during the construction and filming. They were even able to accompany the filmmakers to awards shows.
This was a very interesting book. Prior to reading this, I had only seen the movie. Since seeing this and learning more of the story behind the film, I have decided that I need to read the book and learn the parts the movie left out or changed. And anything that leads me to want to read and learn more is good in my book.
10 words or less: Made me want to read more of the story.
Y: The Last Man- Unmanned
Author: Brian K. Vaughn, Pia Guerra, Jose Marzan Jr.
Completed: 10/29/09
This graphic novel is about the world after a virus wipes out all living creatures with a Y chromosome. Or so it appears at first. It then turns out that there are two known males remaining in the world, a man and his monkey. At this point, however, the world, or at least the United States, is in total disarray. The women have split into factions, some who want to take over the formerly male roles held by their significant others, Amazons who follow in their namesake's path, and women who want to change how the world works. It has become very much a fend-for-yourself society where one of the most important possessions is a motorcycle.
The lone guy, on the other hand, wants nothing other than to travel to Australia and find his girlfriend, whom he wants to marry. He and his monkey are threatened by every woman they meet on their way to Washington DC, where he encounters his mother. She and a few others figure that he could be the answer to the future of the species, and they send him on a mission to find a doctor's research in Boston. He must travel in disguise, but they start their trip.
I really liked this book. After I finished reading this, I was so upset because there wasn't more. Unfortunately, I only had the first volume, but I will definitely have to pick up more in the series.
10 words or less: Must read more...
Completed: 10/29/09
This graphic novel is about the world after a virus wipes out all living creatures with a Y chromosome. Or so it appears at first. It then turns out that there are two known males remaining in the world, a man and his monkey. At this point, however, the world, or at least the United States, is in total disarray. The women have split into factions, some who want to take over the formerly male roles held by their significant others, Amazons who follow in their namesake's path, and women who want to change how the world works. It has become very much a fend-for-yourself society where one of the most important possessions is a motorcycle.
The lone guy, on the other hand, wants nothing other than to travel to Australia and find his girlfriend, whom he wants to marry. He and his monkey are threatened by every woman they meet on their way to Washington DC, where he encounters his mother. She and a few others figure that he could be the answer to the future of the species, and they send him on a mission to find a doctor's research in Boston. He must travel in disguise, but they start their trip.
I really liked this book. After I finished reading this, I was so upset because there wasn't more. Unfortunately, I only had the first volume, but I will definitely have to pick up more in the series.
10 words or less: Must read more...
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