Air Date: 11/5/09
View Date: 11/10/09
With Foa Foa down to four tribe members, they are desperately hoping for a merge to try to save any of their numbers. Lucky for them, the two tribes walk toward each other down the beach and discover the two tribes are merged. Accompanying the news is the typical feast. Foa Foa went right to work trying to save their butts by getting to be buddy-buddy with the members of Galu. The tribe renames themselves Aiga, which means “extended family” in Samoan. Russell starts bargaining with former Galu tribe members by letting them in on the fact that he has the immunity idol. After all of his worming around, he seemed to have the majority of votes going to Laura for the next tribal council.
The elimination challenge consisted of “Survivor T-Ball”. Each person would hit the ball off a tee and score the number of points indicated by the section landed in. The sexes were split, with the guys playing against the guys and same for the girls. Two immunity idols were up for grabs, one for the guys and one for the girls. John took the prize for the guys on the last hit, while Laura snagged the women's. There were several looks of disappointment around the tribe now that their plans were foiled.
Monica and Erik conspire to flush out the idol, and several members of the former Galu tribe want to vote off the Foa Foa members one by one. There are all kinds of discussions and suspicions flying around camp before tribal council. Jaison comes up with the idea of getting rid of Erik in a complete blindside, mostly because of a lack of trust. Then the girls start discussing voting off Erik, brought up originally by Natalie. No one yet knew that Erik has the idol in his pocket on the way to tribal council.
Lots of means and petty words were slung at the former Foa Foa members, shown mainly coming from Erik. Yet even while that was going on, there were lots of rolling eyes from members of both former tribes. Russell plays the idol, for apparently no very good reason. After two votes were shown for Jaison, Jeff kept reading Erik's name, and he started looking really confused. Erik was voted off, and became the first member of the jury. As it was a total blindside, he didn't think he needed to play his idol, so both should be back in play after being rehidden.
10 words or less: Things fell into place for former Foa Foa.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Project Runway
View Date: 11/5/09
This was the final challenge for the designers before moving on to Fashion Week at Bryant Park. The contestants were taken to The Getty Museum to find inspiration in anything they found there. Althea was inspired by the architecture of the museum, while Irina chose a painting by Rubens. Gordana was moved by a Monet which reminded her of Europe and made her miss home. Carol-Hannah and her model were both completely enamored by a European history room, particularly a 17th century bed. Christopher felt that he chose the most unusual inspiration in a fountain on the grounds, with grey stones and places of green algae.
It was determined that all of the designs were great work this challenge, even though the designers had a critical eye toward each dress. Christopher was eliminated based on the judges feeling that he needed more experience and advised him to continue working hard because he had much potential. The judges advised that Gordana had some construction issues in her dress during this challenge, but I though it was beautiful. Althea was deemed to have a mess of a dress, but the judges were impressed by the risks she took and the complexity of her designs. In the end, Gordana was eliminated, leaving Carol-Hannah, Irina, and Althea moving on toward Fashion Week.
10 words or less: I think the right people are moving forward.
This was the final challenge for the designers before moving on to Fashion Week at Bryant Park. The contestants were taken to The Getty Museum to find inspiration in anything they found there. Althea was inspired by the architecture of the museum, while Irina chose a painting by Rubens. Gordana was moved by a Monet which reminded her of Europe and made her miss home. Carol-Hannah and her model were both completely enamored by a European history room, particularly a 17th century bed. Christopher felt that he chose the most unusual inspiration in a fountain on the grounds, with grey stones and places of green algae.
It was determined that all of the designs were great work this challenge, even though the designers had a critical eye toward each dress. Christopher was eliminated based on the judges feeling that he needed more experience and advised him to continue working hard because he had much potential. The judges advised that Gordana had some construction issues in her dress during this challenge, but I though it was beautiful. Althea was deemed to have a mess of a dress, but the judges were impressed by the risks she took and the complexity of her designs. In the end, Gordana was eliminated, leaving Carol-Hannah, Irina, and Althea moving on toward Fashion Week.
10 words or less: I think the right people are moving forward.
The Amazing Race
View Date: 10/25/09
The teams started out in Dubai, and were first instructed to take a locked briefcase to a yacht and golf club to find their next clue. Once there, the couples found a roadblock, where one member of the team had to row an inflatable dinghy to a yacht anchored off-shore. There, a sheik handed them a watch, which they had to interpret as their next clue. The time on the watch was the code to open their briefcases and obtain their next clue. This was a really tricky task for the Globetrotters, while everyone else zipped right through it.
The next clue was a detour, where the teams had to choose between gold or glass. In gold, the teams had to go to a jewelry store and weigh out exactly $500,000 of gold based on the exchange rate. However, the rate changed approximately every minute, so the teams had to work very quickly. In glass, the teams had to assemble twelve hookahs based on those displayed. Most teams chose glass, but the poker players, the gay brothers, and the Globetrotters successfully completed gold.
Once the detour was completed, the teams made their way to a water park and go down a very steep water slide to receive their next clue. That clue directed the couples to the pit stop, also located at the resort containing the water park. The water slide was real trouble for several teams, but none more so than Mika and Canaan. Mika, terrified of both heights and water, absolutely refused to go down the slide, and were eventually passed by the last place Globetrotters. Thus, Mika and Canaan were eliminated from the race.
10 words or less: It can be very hard to overcome your fears.
The teams started out in Dubai, and were first instructed to take a locked briefcase to a yacht and golf club to find their next clue. Once there, the couples found a roadblock, where one member of the team had to row an inflatable dinghy to a yacht anchored off-shore. There, a sheik handed them a watch, which they had to interpret as their next clue. The time on the watch was the code to open their briefcases and obtain their next clue. This was a really tricky task for the Globetrotters, while everyone else zipped right through it.
The next clue was a detour, where the teams had to choose between gold or glass. In gold, the teams had to go to a jewelry store and weigh out exactly $500,000 of gold based on the exchange rate. However, the rate changed approximately every minute, so the teams had to work very quickly. In glass, the teams had to assemble twelve hookahs based on those displayed. Most teams chose glass, but the poker players, the gay brothers, and the Globetrotters successfully completed gold.
Once the detour was completed, the teams made their way to a water park and go down a very steep water slide to receive their next clue. That clue directed the couples to the pit stop, also located at the resort containing the water park. The water slide was real trouble for several teams, but none more so than Mika and Canaan. Mika, terrified of both heights and water, absolutely refused to go down the slide, and were eventually passed by the last place Globetrotters. Thus, Mika and Canaan were eliminated from the race.
10 words or less: It can be very hard to overcome your fears.
Top Chef: Reunion Dinner
View Date: 11/4/09
Tonight's Top Chef was a little different than before. Several fan favorites from seasons past returned for a dinner and talk.
Fabio (5) hosted a dinner for fellow former cheftestants (with season number in parentheses), Tiffany (1), Harold (1), Marcel (2), Ilan (2), Casey (3), Hung (3), Dale (3), Lisa (4), Richard (4), Stefan (5), and Carla (5). We got to hear a brief summary of what the chefs had been up to since their season, then saw them mingle over drinks.
Fabio then had the chefs gather around and brought out a knife block, having one representative from each season choose a knife. Each season was to prepare a course based on the order of the knife pulled. Each team would also have $500 for shopping. Fabio, being the host, did not participate in the cooking and essentially acted like Tom. It was really nice seeing the chefs relaxed in the kitchen and really doing their thing. The only team that seemed to be a little stressed was Marcel/Ilan, who had issues during their season, and Marcel continued to push buttons.
Season 3 had the first course, and did a trio of seafood. Season 1 made the second course with a scallop dish, but included a very high end wine. Season 2 had the third course with a salt encrusted snapper and a ratatouille. Season 4 prepared corn-fed beef with a corn theme throughout the dish. Season 5 prepared the dessert for the meal. While the chefs ate the delicious meal they had prepared, we got to reminisce about the past.
10 words or less: They need to stop inviting Marcel to these things.
Tonight's Top Chef was a little different than before. Several fan favorites from seasons past returned for a dinner and talk.
Fabio (5) hosted a dinner for fellow former cheftestants (with season number in parentheses), Tiffany (1), Harold (1), Marcel (2), Ilan (2), Casey (3), Hung (3), Dale (3), Lisa (4), Richard (4), Stefan (5), and Carla (5). We got to hear a brief summary of what the chefs had been up to since their season, then saw them mingle over drinks.
Fabio then had the chefs gather around and brought out a knife block, having one representative from each season choose a knife. Each season was to prepare a course based on the order of the knife pulled. Each team would also have $500 for shopping. Fabio, being the host, did not participate in the cooking and essentially acted like Tom. It was really nice seeing the chefs relaxed in the kitchen and really doing their thing. The only team that seemed to be a little stressed was Marcel/Ilan, who had issues during their season, and Marcel continued to push buttons.
Season 3 had the first course, and did a trio of seafood. Season 1 made the second course with a scallop dish, but included a very high end wine. Season 2 had the third course with a salt encrusted snapper and a ratatouille. Season 4 prepared corn-fed beef with a corn theme throughout the dish. Season 5 prepared the dessert for the meal. While the chefs ate the delicious meal they had prepared, we got to reminisce about the past.
10 words or less: They need to stop inviting Marcel to these things.
SYTYCD
View Date: 11/3/09
The World Series interfered with this show yet again. It was decided that, due to scheduling concerns, the judges would eliminate two more dancers at the end of the show. Additionally, it was determined that Brandon, eliminated last week
Noelle and Russell: This duo performed a Jamal Sims hip hop routine with tennis racquets. This routine was a lot of fun to watch, and a really interesting concept from a new choreographer. She looked rather sloppy several times. The judges weren't thrilled with the routine, and I agree that Noelle may be in trouble at the end of the night.
Ashleigh and Jakob: The pair performed a Viennese Waltz choreographed by Tony and Meredith, to be modeled on a couple's first dance at their wedding. It was a very pretty routine, and the two looked, from an unexperienced eye, like they were made to dance this number. She has really come on since joining the top 20, and he is probably the best dancer in the competition.
Bianca and Victor: Tyce DiOrio choreographed a Broadway number for these two based on The Color Purple. I thought they could have brought more energy to a number that was obviously meant to be jumping. Something just fell a little flat to me, but she did better than he did. The other thing I noticed was that they weren't in step when they should have been. I agree with the judges in that they needed to lose themselves more in the dance and the characters, rather than as technically they did.
Mollee and Nathan: Nakul Dev Mahajan choreographed this season's first Bollywood number. I haven't really liked a Bollywood number since Katie and Joshua's in Season 4, but I think this probably came the closest. I really liked his performance, and thought he really captured the character and the dance style. Mollee had a notable performance as well, and I think this number will be remembered in a good way.
Channing and Phillip: This duo performed a Tony and Meredith samba that was described by the choreographers as a very technical piece. There were definitely some awkward moments in this piece, and it didn't have the energy the music demanded. The dancers readily admitted that they struggled with this number, and it showed. If the best thing they can say is that the costume color really suits her well, that's really not a good thing.
Karen and Kevin: Tabitha and Napoleon choreographed a hip hop number for this duo, placing Kevin in his comfort zone while Karen was in hers last week. You could totally tell he is a hip hop dancer, but you really couldn't tell she wasn't. She kept up with him, and her sexiness was amazing as always. Tabitha and Napoleon gave us a routine unlike just about any hip hop number we have yet seen on this show, including several lifts and gyrations.
Kathryn and Legacy: This couple performed a contemporary number by Stacey Tookey. It reminded me of Ivan's number in Season 2, where someone really puts forth something totally unexpected. Legacy went above and beyond anything that was anticipated from him. His partnering was wonderful, and he looked totally confident in his abilities. He is a much smaller person than others on this show, yet he made the lifts look effortless. She was beautiful, the number was beautiful, and this partnership is wonderful.
Pauline and Peter: The couple was provided a Wade Robson jazz number based around the theory of discarded characters from Van Gogh's Starry Night coming back to haunt him after getting rid of them. He really captured the character in this performance, while her performance was somewhat lacking. He has really impressed me, and has continued to impress me since making the top 20. This was a fun routine, and a yet another very memorable Wade Robson number. It reminded me of the
Ellenore and Ryan: Miriam and Leonardo, who performed on the show last season, choreographed and Argentine tango for this pair. This number received a standing ovation from the judges, which always says good things. His power in the lifts was phenomenal, and the number made her look incredibly sexy. They continued through her dress getting stuck on her heel, and did not lose their concentration throughout.
Noelle, Russell, Channing, Phillip, Bianca, and Victor were called out as the couples in danger, with Russell and Channing being asked to stay. These were very appropriate choices and, after reviewing the numbers, I think the judges chose correctly. I am very happy that Russell got to stay this week and the judges didn't eliminate him before the public got to vote. Noelle performed very much a standard female contemporary solo, but Victor chose a very powerful piece of music unlike most in his style of dance. Bianca seemed rather frantic in her solo, while Phillip was so into his dancing he seemed to not notice the end of the song.
If I were the judges, I would send home Phillip and Noelle, but alas, my vote doesn't count. Both of the guys had much better solos than the girls. The vote for the girls was not unanimous, but it was determined that Noelle's solo saved her tonight. The guys received almost no discussion, but Phillip was let go tonight. So that leaves only one tapper left in the competition.
After last week's episode, there were many complaints that the public's opinion was not given a chance to count in the eliminations. This week, I am even more upset because, while the eliminations were fair, they did get rid of two people who had a fan base that may have saved them for another week.
10 words or less: No public vote for two weeks is ridiculous.
The World Series interfered with this show yet again. It was decided that, due to scheduling concerns, the judges would eliminate two more dancers at the end of the show. Additionally, it was determined that Brandon, eliminated last week
Noelle and Russell: This duo performed a Jamal Sims hip hop routine with tennis racquets. This routine was a lot of fun to watch, and a really interesting concept from a new choreographer. She looked rather sloppy several times. The judges weren't thrilled with the routine, and I agree that Noelle may be in trouble at the end of the night.
Ashleigh and Jakob: The pair performed a Viennese Waltz choreographed by Tony and Meredith, to be modeled on a couple's first dance at their wedding. It was a very pretty routine, and the two looked, from an unexperienced eye, like they were made to dance this number. She has really come on since joining the top 20, and he is probably the best dancer in the competition.
Bianca and Victor: Tyce DiOrio choreographed a Broadway number for these two based on The Color Purple. I thought they could have brought more energy to a number that was obviously meant to be jumping. Something just fell a little flat to me, but she did better than he did. The other thing I noticed was that they weren't in step when they should have been. I agree with the judges in that they needed to lose themselves more in the dance and the characters, rather than as technically they did.
Mollee and Nathan: Nakul Dev Mahajan choreographed this season's first Bollywood number. I haven't really liked a Bollywood number since Katie and Joshua's in Season 4, but I think this probably came the closest. I really liked his performance, and thought he really captured the character and the dance style. Mollee had a notable performance as well, and I think this number will be remembered in a good way.
Channing and Phillip: This duo performed a Tony and Meredith samba that was described by the choreographers as a very technical piece. There were definitely some awkward moments in this piece, and it didn't have the energy the music demanded. The dancers readily admitted that they struggled with this number, and it showed. If the best thing they can say is that the costume color really suits her well, that's really not a good thing.
Karen and Kevin: Tabitha and Napoleon choreographed a hip hop number for this duo, placing Kevin in his comfort zone while Karen was in hers last week. You could totally tell he is a hip hop dancer, but you really couldn't tell she wasn't. She kept up with him, and her sexiness was amazing as always. Tabitha and Napoleon gave us a routine unlike just about any hip hop number we have yet seen on this show, including several lifts and gyrations.
Kathryn and Legacy: This couple performed a contemporary number by Stacey Tookey. It reminded me of Ivan's number in Season 2, where someone really puts forth something totally unexpected. Legacy went above and beyond anything that was anticipated from him. His partnering was wonderful, and he looked totally confident in his abilities. He is a much smaller person than others on this show, yet he made the lifts look effortless. She was beautiful, the number was beautiful, and this partnership is wonderful.
Pauline and Peter: The couple was provided a Wade Robson jazz number based around the theory of discarded characters from Van Gogh's Starry Night coming back to haunt him after getting rid of them. He really captured the character in this performance, while her performance was somewhat lacking. He has really impressed me, and has continued to impress me since making the top 20. This was a fun routine, and a yet another very memorable Wade Robson number. It reminded me of the
Ellenore and Ryan: Miriam and Leonardo, who performed on the show last season, choreographed and Argentine tango for this pair. This number received a standing ovation from the judges, which always says good things. His power in the lifts was phenomenal, and the number made her look incredibly sexy. They continued through her dress getting stuck on her heel, and did not lose their concentration throughout.
Noelle, Russell, Channing, Phillip, Bianca, and Victor were called out as the couples in danger, with Russell and Channing being asked to stay. These were very appropriate choices and, after reviewing the numbers, I think the judges chose correctly. I am very happy that Russell got to stay this week and the judges didn't eliminate him before the public got to vote. Noelle performed very much a standard female contemporary solo, but Victor chose a very powerful piece of music unlike most in his style of dance. Bianca seemed rather frantic in her solo, while Phillip was so into his dancing he seemed to not notice the end of the song.
If I were the judges, I would send home Phillip and Noelle, but alas, my vote doesn't count. Both of the guys had much better solos than the girls. The vote for the girls was not unanimous, but it was determined that Noelle's solo saved her tonight. The guys received almost no discussion, but Phillip was let go tonight. So that leaves only one tapper left in the competition.
After last week's episode, there were many complaints that the public's opinion was not given a chance to count in the eliminations. This week, I am even more upset because, while the eliminations were fair, they did get rid of two people who had a fan base that may have saved them for another week.
10 words or less: No public vote for two weeks is ridiculous.
Naked
Author: David Sedaris
Completed: 9/18/09
This memoir features snippets of the author's life that are pieced together chronologically. He is an observer of nature, and provides witty commentary about his history.
This book, and this author in general, have received rave reviews. Honestly, I didn't think that much of it. I had a really hard time getting through it. And for being one of America's most renowned humorists today, I really didn't find it that funny. There were some points that made me smile or even chuckle, but those were few and far between.
10 words or less: I don't get what all the fuss is about.
Completed: 9/18/09
This memoir features snippets of the author's life that are pieced together chronologically. He is an observer of nature, and provides witty commentary about his history.
This book, and this author in general, have received rave reviews. Honestly, I didn't think that much of it. I had a really hard time getting through it. And for being one of America's most renowned humorists today, I really didn't find it that funny. There were some points that made me smile or even chuckle, but those were few and far between.
10 words or less: I don't get what all the fuss is about.
Ella Enchanted
This is a lovely fairy tale starring the truly enchanting Anne Hathaway as the aforementioned Ella. Ella is presented the gift of obedience at birth by her fairy godmother. But it is unlike most other gifts, in that she immediately had to do exactly as anyone told her, and in literal interpretation. As a young adult, she had learned to hide her situation or at least make an acceptable excuse in most circumstances. After her mother's death, her father marries another woman who brings her two spoiled daughters, and your standard Cinderella situation proceeds.
Ella, by this time, had become a protester against the current regime. The current prince and soon-to-be king, Char, was the talk of the kingdom and essentially had rock star status. After a protest, Ella gets in trouble in the woods and is saved by char. He then finds out just how his uncle, the regent, is abusing the powers of his role and destroying his kingdom. Char and Ella travel across the kingdom, she trying to find her fairy godmother to remove the spell, and him trying to right the wrongs and discover just how awful his uncle really is.
This is a family favorite, even though the younger generation has not seen it as much as the adults. This is just a very cute movie that draws on stories that everyone knows, yet is unique in its own right. The cast is wonderful, with Joanna Lumley and Minnie Driver joining Miss Hathaway in key roles. Just a great family movie that is appealing not only to kids but adults as well.
10 words or less: A must-see family favorite.
Ella, by this time, had become a protester against the current regime. The current prince and soon-to-be king, Char, was the talk of the kingdom and essentially had rock star status. After a protest, Ella gets in trouble in the woods and is saved by char. He then finds out just how his uncle, the regent, is abusing the powers of his role and destroying his kingdom. Char and Ella travel across the kingdom, she trying to find her fairy godmother to remove the spell, and him trying to right the wrongs and discover just how awful his uncle really is.
This is a family favorite, even though the younger generation has not seen it as much as the adults. This is just a very cute movie that draws on stories that everyone knows, yet is unique in its own right. The cast is wonderful, with Joanna Lumley and Minnie Driver joining Miss Hathaway in key roles. Just a great family movie that is appealing not only to kids but adults as well.
10 words or less: A must-see family favorite.
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