The remaining twelve called themselves “Aiga.” According to Brett, this a Samoan term for extended family and hahaha, as I was reading the blog of Jeff Probst, this is what he said;
“Extended family? Gimme a break. (Truth be told, Brett probably really means it and Brett is the kind of guy that outside of the game you’d be friends with, your families would dig each other, and you’d end up having a lifelong friendship. But this is in the game and that’s a different story.)”
“Plus, think about it, Brett had to research that name before he even left America, which is downright irritating. Not sure why it’s irritating, but it is. Maybe it’s because Brett is so likable.”
No need for me to doubt, Brett reminds me of JT of this season. He was a “nice guy high” on camp. Almost everyone liked to be his friend and like JT, Brett was playing an “under-the-radar” game to his advantage. Unluckily, the game was really on when he broke the boys’ alliance.
Russel’s Dominance Came to an End
This was the first time I saw Russel H was out of his comfort zone. His social game was slowly disappearing. You could clearly see in his poker face that he was already scared for his life and whoa, he played his hidden immunity idol during the Tribal Council.
I am not sure if playing the hidden idol was a good shot for Russel. I could not read what’s exactly on his mind that time but I was sure, Russel could not anymore control his paranoia and that alone, he was forced to play the idol.
I am not sure what will happen to Russel but here’s my take, the next episode will be intense, just like this merged episode, and honestly, I like Russel to stay but the road to survival will be very difficult. Perhaps, Russel needs to turn the heat down and be submissive (just for the meantime) with the numbers.
“Who’s Erik, Our Erik?!”
These were the words of Shambo upon the shakeup in Aiga’s camp. Brett and Dave were threatened by Erik’s aggression. Erik was gunning for Monica and just by watching it, I was confused. Why Erik (the season’s proud womanizer who held two degrees, Psychology and Sociology) wanted Monica out when that plan could wait? Call me bias but my decision remains the same. Erik and Monica were one of my first impression bets and if it’ll come to a point they need to get rid with each other, that could have happened in the final episode. Who knows? This season could be Aras-Danielle (season 12) all over again.
But it was too late.
Erik’s plans backfired at him. He was again a victim of blindside and became the first member of the jury. It’s disappointing he did not play the hidden immunity idol before the votes were announced.
Plain and simple folks: Erik was one of the physical threats of this season, sadly, he ended his game off. His outspoken attitude devoured him. His confidence already became a danger to his alliance and Dave could not do anything but forced to break it.
As what Erik said in his Reality News Interview, Survivor is “one of those crazy games of opposites where you become weaker but you become stronger. You see the most disgusting side of human beings but you also see the most beautiful part of human beings when they become raw and real. Even if it goes against you, it’s still beautiful. Sometimes we make mistakes but sometimes we make great decisions that are very human spirited.”
Erik at Ponderosa
Erik the day after
Who are the Wildcards and the Dark Horses?
Two Galu members won this week’s immunity challenge.
John did not waste time. His focus was unbreakable and boom, hit the ball with a bat and scored 5. In women’s side, Laura wowed everyone. She hit the ball with great power and zoom, she scored 4.
This was the great thing about female-after-male Immunity Challenge. It was an open ground for Laura to win. Her chances were high. For John, he might have a hard time defeating the other alpha males but still, his chances were not slim. John could dominate.
I opened this post by saying Brett’s playing style reminded me of JT’s. His charismatic demeanor can probably help him go farther with a best friend along the way.
The only question is, if Brett is JT, who’s Stephen? It’s hard to pick who’s the Stephen of this season. Stephen was all-brains and perhaps, Dave can handle to be in that position.
I don’t know with the Foa Foa three (Mick, Jaison and Natalie). They were totally the underdogs in this episode and only Russel was making a huge effort to advance. But seems like, Russel’s playing style somehow reminded me of Randy in Gabon. Russel’s sharp understanding of the game can either yield errors or winners for him. No matter what, Russel still needs the help of the three to survive.
With respect to Monica’s game, inactiveness was not an answer. She needed to weigh things at the right corners and breeze through. She was a beautiful woman and yeah, I am excited to see if she uses it and flirt her way to survival.
Katherine Heigl does it again. Her latest romantic-comedy film, The Ugly Truth, was crazy. I watch it last night and I could not stop laughing. The most hilarious scene was the restaurant meeting. Abby, played by the 2007 Emmy’s Best Supporting Actress (Katherine Heigl), was wearing an underwear with vibrator inside. Accidentally, Abby could not find the vibrator’s remote control, which flew in the hands of a young kid sitting behind them.
Abby was in great pleasure while talking to her colleagues. Mike, the male chauvinist host of the show THE UGLY TRUTH as played by Gerard Butler, was sitting next to Abby and he’s the only person in the group who knew why Abby behaved uncomfortably.
That scene was really crazy. All I did was laugh and laugh even my stomach was already aching. Katherine Heigl nailed the CEVICHE scene. She really acted like a woman who was totally out of her comfort zones.
Critic Ratings:
It’s a bit upsetting this film received negative feedback from several boards of critics. Rotten Tomatoes only gave it 15% approval rate while the AV Club marked it a D.
That’s all right, The Ugly Truth was still a major success. Wikipedia reveals its gross revenue reached $104,863,190.
Personal Ratings & Insights:
I am not a big fan of romantic comedy films. The Ugly Truth is not the kind of film I regularly want to watch. This genre is not even in my top list of movies of all time. But, I am laughing my lungs out watching this movie and that alone deserves a nod. Although the script is not made for “Oscar’s Best Picture,” The Ugly Truth is still in its solid state and it echoes the events in real life.
Most people create set of rules when it comes to romantic love without understanding these rules only destroy the fluidity of a relationship. No matter how you justify it, love is probably the hardest algebraic expression that has no specific answer. Even the experts in psychology could not exactly explain its mysteries.
Love happens naturally. You can’t fight it no matter how painful it is and that’s the ugly truth.
Interviews:
The boys’ alliance (Erik, Brett, John and Dave) in Galu was heating up. They immediately elected Shambo as their leader and that leave three girls (Monica, Laura and Kelly) in vulnerable positions.
Heck, I could not understand why these boys wanted Monica out. If These boys singled out Monica as a weakling in challenges, was that enough to vote her out? Monica played with confidence during this episode’s reward challenge.
It was all good when Shambo appointed Brett to be the leader of the challenge. Foa Foa was trying to survive, finding pairs and trying to catch up but Galu did not feel threaten. Who sealed the challenge with a win? It was Monica. Monica does not deserve to go.
Foa Foa Losing Streaks
At Foa Foa camp, Mick was overanalyzing the reasons of their loses. It’s quite ridiculous to listen to him. Mick believed in superstitions when in real life, he’s a doctor- a strong believer in science. The truth of the manner was superstitions had nothing to do with Foa Foa’s downfalls.
All of them showed confidence in challenges but the consistency was not there. They could not simply pick up the broken pieces and zoom through. Perhaps, is it because they were all hungry and they could not 100% focus? Maybe. Physical comfort was also a big factor here.
But I wonder why Galu could still win two challenges in a row when they were just alarmed by Russel S unexpected exit.
Mental toughness, this was probably the one thing Galu had but Foa Foa did not have from the start.
I was not sure if Foa Foa still got the numbers in the next episode’s merge. Back in season 18, Jalapao was 3-1 in the final four although they were completely underdogs during the merge (4-6). For now, Foa Foa’s hopes to stay in the game was all up to Russel H. If his cunning skills will work, bringing Mick, Jaison and Natalie in the circle, they can survive. If not, no Foa Foa in the final four.
And Jeff Probst agreed with me,
THE MIRACLE
“The miracle would be making it to the merge and then making something happen. Big and immediate. Count on Russell to give it his best shot… If there is a crack in Galu’s armor he will find it and he will do his best to exploit it in the most beneficial way. Thus, Russell is Foa Foa’s only hope at this point. He’s just crazy enough to risk it all on a wild plan. Natalie is very sharp and if he holds onto her, together they could make something happen.”
Galu Wins Immunity!
Liz and Natalie were quick in fishing the puzzle pieces but Dave had a hard time. He was struggling. Foa Foa was in the lead.
They were first in the puzzle board but each one (Mick, Jaison and Liz) had a different idea. Emotions were everywhere and seems like they were working as individuals rather than as a group.
Galu managed to regroup themselves and chose to stay focus on what they’re doing.
Luckily, Brett, Dave and Kelly pulled it off. They found the pattern, stayed on track and success.
Galu wins immunity and coming to merge at 8!
BUT, is there really a merge or living only in same camps (like in season 5 in Thailand)?
Tribal Council
For that, the Foa Foa five found themselves sitting at the Tribal Council again. Jaison admitted his mistakes and claimed he was deserving to go. Yet, Russel H was not convinced. He and the group decided to oust Liz instead (4-1).
Here’s what Jeff Probst thinks,
“WAS LIZ THE RIGHT VOTE? That’s a tough one. I think Liz had a great attitude, but the trust factor was too much. I imagine this was one of those votes when you had to really trust your gut.
Question of the week: Will Foa Foa win another challenge or will they continue to crumble?”
SURVIVOR PHILIPPINES SEASON 2 Updates
Suzuki became the fourth member of the jury and it’s really frustrating this 21-year-old student did not do anything to stay longer in the game. Suzuki’s efforts were out the line. His social game was passive and he was all too nice. He had the hidden immunity object at hand and gave it up. For this, no one should be blamed for Suzuki’s exit but he himself alone. He had chances even when he gave the hidden immunity object to Shaun but those chances were left in ashes.
Shaun was a threat and he needed to go since the merger but he survived four tribal councils in a row as a Sonsorol. First tribal council, Shaun was saved by the immunity necklace. During the back-to-back Tribal Council, his social game worked on his benefit and luckily, he was still safe. Fourth Tribal Council, Shaun got 5 votes but was saved by the hidden immunity object, which Suzuki gave him.
As of last night, only five castaways were in a roll. Amanda, Mika, Jeff, Justine and Charles. My first impression bets are now down to two (Amanda and Jeff) but nevermind, Amanda won the last immunity “endurance” challenge (d. Shaun) that lasted for nearly six hours standing at the middle of a bamboo plank with only one hand supporting a bucket filled with water.
I knew Amanda could play a great social game although she did not win that challenge but I was still very glad she won that necklace and outplayed, outlasted the alpha male of the group.
Last night, Amanda won the reward challenge with a loved one. I appreciated if she chose Jef and her best friend over Mika and her dad. Plain and simple: Jef and Amanda were in one team since day one and the time has come for them to create a plan that will take them to the final two.
Amanda already brought Mika with her during the phone call reward and yes, it’s a bit disappointing her social game was off last night.
Strategizing with Mika could only mean her demise now that the three at camp (Justine, Charles and Jef) are gunning for her and Mika.
Geez, Amanda needs to save herself. If she’s ousted, I am down to one first impression bet, Jef and as I see it, Jef’s chances being in the final two is pretty slim. Of course, there are still ways she can destroy the bond between Justine and Charles but do you think Jef can outplay the two?
Episode 6 of Survivor Samoa was certainly one of those gripping moments you could not forget. Russel S. nearly died because of too much exhaustion (dehydration to be specific) and I kept wondering why he still chose to participate in the challenge when he was already feeling ill.
As I see it, Russel S was too hard of himself that moment. He’s the leader and he’s probably too concern what his other tribematess thought when he chose not to play. I don’t know how this episode turned out if Russel S chose to sat out and gave the responsibility to Dave instead.
What do you think?
Jeff Probst wrote a lengthy post about this event and you can read its entirety in PopWatch.
“During the early stage of the challenge when they were pushing the sphere, I was completely unaware that Russell was struggling. I noticed he was tired but that is not unusual during a challenge and so I thought nothing much of it.”
Probst wrote.
“As a result, I had no idea that he actually had already passed out for the first time while he was standing at the maze, but that is exactly what our doctors think happened. They think he had already passed out once before I even got to him.”
“When a Survivor appears to be in trouble, our first rule is to give them the chance to save themselves or see if one of their tribemates can help them before we make any decision about sending in medical, safety, or our water rescue team. We do this because it is their game, their adventure and whenever possible we want them to make the decisions about their fate.”
“But in this case, it happened so fast that I didn’t even consider waiting. I just instinctively called for medical to come in and get to work. Because our medical team is so well run they were prepared for someone to pass out or get injured even before the challenge began. That’s what they do, they prep before the challenge about what could possibly go wrong so they are ready for it. They knew dehydration could be a factor and so when Russell went down they had a plan in place and were helping Russell within seconds of me calling them in.”
“For the next 45 minutes we monitored Russell’s vital signs. We gave him water from his canteen. We gave him oxygen. We propped him up and gave him time to try to relax and get calm.”
“I explained to him that he had already passed out two times, but his recollection at that point was so foggy he didn’t understand. He thought he was fine and was demanding to be put back into the challenge. In fact, I don’t think he even realized that everybody else had already been sent back to camp and the challenge called off.”
“After Russell was removed we then had to make a decision whether to continue with our double tribal council or cancel it.”
I salute Jeff Probst. He remained calm and choose to approach this terrifying event with professionalism. He was afraid when he saw Russel just fell on his knees but Jeff kept the series of events under his control. He made the right decision to stop the challenge and ruled that Russel S needed to leave the game for good.
Some televiewers would probably not agree with what he did but I still give Jeff my respect. Not all reality TV hosts can equal the intensity of what he did. There were no scripts in there and you could not sense a shake in his voice. Maybe there were some we did not see behind the scenes but Jeff was still there and hosting.
Allow me to quote what Jeff said during the Tribal Council,
“It was the scariest moment I ever had on this show. Nineteen seasons, I have never been more afraid in my life at how bad things were. Russell was in terrible shape.”
I was glad the crew decided to cancel the double tribal council. Galu Men (Erik, Brett, Dave and John) wanted to oust Monica and I did not absolutely understand why.
They kept saying Monica was a weakling in challenges. OK, let me say Monica was probably weak at some physical aspects of the game but did she fail the group during the gross food challenge? Was she annoying in the camp? Did she regularly complain “It’s very COLD here” when it was raining hard for more than 24 hours?
Sometimes, I find it hard to understand how other people think. They completely think they are in power over the others. This can be very dangerous eh?
Plain and simple folks, I want to be one of those alpha males when I join SURVIVOR but it does not mean I will not be overconfident of my position.
That’s why; it’s quite a shock to see Erik talked a lot during the Tribal Council. His words were way out of the line. He’s becoming a bit overbearing person.
During the tribal council, the competition between Foa Foa and Galu were heating up. Erik was aggressive in exchanging words with Foa Foa and it was not a good sign at all. If Erik thought he’s in a better position that others, that was a big mistake. I wanted Erik to go farther in this game but geez, he’s making some things complicated. And when things gone wrong on your side, everyone wants you out.
Russel S RNO INTERVIEW
Five years ago, they created a song (My Boo) that has been my best duo single of all time and now, and WIKIPEDIA confirms it folks,
Usher and Alicia Keys are set to release their new studio albums this December 2009. Alicia Keys opens the month with The Element of Freedom.
“I eliminated all of the boundaries and all the limitations, so that you can feel your freedom and express your freedom in every way you possibly can.” Alicia said.
Right now, her debut single “Doesn’t Mean Anything” is at my track list and I am playing it all the time.
At last, he’s really back after a year of waiting.
Usher’s sixth studio album is called Raymond VS Raymond and comes out on the eighth of December. Its debut single entitled “Papers” says it all. I could say I am not 100% into this song but man, all about this song is good.
Usher goes deep, he is letting his emotions flow naturally and he is giving me sets of emotions to feel when a relationships comes to an end. This is what “Papers” is all about.
Usher and Alicia Keys, these two complete me. Their songs are the reason why I am alive and still smiling. With their release of their new “award-winning” masterpieces, this will be a Merry, Merry Christmas to me.
I will not be surprised if I just found myself right at the middle of a music bar and go home holding two discs all at once.
Mark your calendars, folks. No excuses this time!
Anci opened 2009 with a straight-set win over Petra Kvitova in Brisbane
She was already in my dreams and I giggled every time I think of her remarkable big forehand. Yesterday, I was reading the Q&A section in Anci’s website and geez, it is hard to believe we have lots of similarities.
This young and beautiful Serb, who was the champion of 2008 Roland Garros, loves music and yeah, her genre is R&B. I am addicted to Rhythm and Blues and it’s unbelievable my beloved tennis player listens to it before or after her match.
Question from Keisha: Hi Ana. I’ve heard that you like r&b. Do you like Rihanna?
Anci: Yes, she’s one of my favourite singers.
Ana Ivanovic also watch Jack Bauer in 24. Wow, I watch 24 too. I was glued to 24 from season one to five after it brought home the bacon for Best Drama Series in Emmy Awards on 2006.
One year ago, I took the “Who’s 24 Character Are You?” quiz in BuddyTV.com and the result is David Palmer. David Palmer was an African-American who played the president in season one and two and oh yeah, the 2008 Linz Open Champion digs for David Palmer.
You want proof? Here you go,
Question from Marco: I know you love the show 24. Who is your favourite character?
Anci: I really like the character President Palmer.
I don’t drink. Drinking liquor is not an unacceptable activity to those who want to have packs in their stomach (LOL) and yes, I was surprised Anci does not also drink.
Question from Deborah: Hi Ana , I’m sure that every player have their own way to celebrate a victory. What about you? How do you celebrate your victory? Good luck
Anci: I usually have a nice dinner with my team. I may have one glass of wine, but I am not a big drinker.
Hi Ana, I think you’re great on the tennis court. I wondered if you drink alcohol and like beer?
Anci: I almost never drink alcohol. There’s nothing wrong with it, but I am not really a good drinker. I would be drunk after just one beer! But very occasionally I will have a glass of wine or champagne.
Not to be forgotten, when Anci was interviewed by Elie Seckbach, a correspondent from Fanhouse, Anci admitted she wants to take up psychology if she’s going to school on a regular basis. I am much interested in psychology. My four years in school was one of the rockin’ and best moments and I am proud Anci wants to pursue psychology.
No doubt, Anci and I have numerous topics to talk about when we are together. Oh geez, I am having butterflies in my stomach while writing this post, hahaha. If possible, I just want to have a direct flight in Belgrade and run towards Anci to hug her tight.
Can I also kiss her? Anci was in a romantic relationship with Fernando Verdasco for three months and this man kissed her, why not I?
Please understand my insanity Adam Scott, kissing Anci satisfies my all.
I know, I know, I sound delusional in writing this post but who knows, love will always be a mystery.
And to those people who call my Anci a loser, you are more of a loser than her. Judging her is a big mistake and you are not Sven G, Darren Cahill, Craig Kardon or Scott Brynes, to decide whether or not she’s playing good enough. Folks, why can’t you simply see the positive sides of her weaknesses? Are you one of the richest people listed in Forbes? Anci is.
Anci already won a clay grand slam as a professional for just five years. She climbed the number one spot in womens tennis and stayed there for twelve weeks.
Just wait for her to come back. Once that level of confidence is under her control, it’s more than a huge party in womens tennis.
Ana Ivanovic: she’s not only the woman of beauty and talent, her life is also an inspiration everyone can look up to.
Anci is a SURVIVOR and I wonder if she is also watching SURVIVOR SERBIA.
Foa Foa was upset again in back to back challenges and Ashley was voted out.
Who Stood Out?
This episode was quite predictable. Galu was dominating again. All nine members were powerful. Each one of them was doing their own thing to win a challenge.
During the Reward “Gross Food” Challenge, Galu was in fire. They were clearly winning.
Brett was in a bit screwed up with his smoothie against Mick, who drank his smoothie like a thirsty dog but all went well for the Tee-shirt designer. Brett finished his smoothie and another point for Galu.
What Monica did during this challenge was unbelievable. She was not complaining anything. She just drank the “sea urchin” smoothie and done, no puking or whatsoever. This law student was making a statement. Her confidence level was going up as this competition went on.
Unluckily, it was Ashley who brought her tribe down. The “sea slug” smoothie was all too much for her and she could not continue.
But, I was wondering why I did not saw Erik drank a smoothie. Russel S did not sit him out. What went wrong with the editing?
The Immunity Challenge
Russel H and Liz held the basket for Foa Foa and Russel S and Laura for Galu. Before this challenge started, I was already in doubts why Foa Foa chose Russel H for the basket. Russel H was physically strong and he did good but do you think Foa Foa had their chances if they went for Mick or Jaison instead?
Much appreciation for Liz though. She held the basket longer than Russel H. She was clearly having the better arms that time.
Personally, the one name that played this challenge with an ace was John. It was raining hard. They were all wet but John was still in the aggressive position when making his shots.
Ashley did not make a single shot though (based on the editing).
Who to Watch Out?
Rain poured hard in Samoa. It was hard to believe no one wanted to quit. Hooray for them!
But watch out for Shambo. She was pissed for not joining the meat reward after the gross food challenge. Shambo did something great during the challenge and she deserved the reward. However, Shambo chose to be away from the tribe from the very beginning.
Russel S could see that and this was probably one of the reasons why he picked Shambo to visit the other camp. Or, was he threatened by Shambo’s presence?
Ashley’s RNO Interview
SURVIVOR PHILIPPINES SEASON TWO UPDATES
Tara and Echo, both ex-Korror members, were ousted one after the other in Tribal Council and became the second and third member of the jury, respectively.
Tara accepted the defeat with no traces of enthusiasm at all. She talked and she cursed like it was all about life and death.
I salute Echo. Although this twist was one of the moments where no one was expecting it, she still chose to accept the decision with an ease.
Echo played a great social game but in the game of SURVIVOR, no one was safe even you think the numbers was on your side.
Seven remaining, four ex-Airais (Shaun, Amanda, Jef and Mika) and three ex-Korrors (Charles, Suzuki and Justine). The three men were in alliance but it was not 100% solid. Shaun was now in the position to roll the game in his hands.
Anything could happen.
Patrick Jane is the man
He reads patterns of behaviors without getting too serious about it.
He always thinks outside the box.
And he understands that “… it’s the good ones that are the most dangerous”
Thanks Bruno Heller for coming up a show like this!
Before coming to Samoa, let me visit the events in Palau.
Marvin Kiefer was already ousted in SURVIVOR PHILIPPINES Season 2 and became the first member of the jury.
This strategic move was expected but I kept wondering why Marvin didn’t do anything to advanced further. No doubt, Marvin was a physical threat but it does not mean he couldn’t play a social game.
Back in SURVIVOR AFRICA, Ethan Zohn did not dominate the challenges but he did not receive any votes against him. He was a threat, yes but his techniques to escape the cut was working well and that’s the reason why he won it all.
That’s the biggest mistake in Marvin. His emotions devoured him. He chose to be alone than get back inside the camp, ask questions and let the numbers rescued his fate.
SURVIVOR SAMOA
Galu ended their winning streak in the Immunity Challenge but that’s okay,
Monica survived the cut and her tribe chose to vote out Yasmin, who was helping out the least around their camp. (Photo: CBS)
But what kept me wondering was,
Jeff Probst was not around during the reward challenge played by only three castaways in each tribe.
What happened to Jeff?
I have read Probst’s blog in POPWATCH and this is what he said,
HOST-LESS CHALLENGE INSIGHT – We have talked about doing something like this for a long time. A challenge in which nobody is there. Nobody tells them anything. We just watch to see what they do. This was a major experiment. How would it work without having me there to moderate and oversee everything? And for the record, I wasn’t hiding in the bushes, “just in case.” When we commit, we commit. I was back in my tent reading an old copy of Rolling Stone. Poor Michael Jackson.
And as you saw, the host-less challenge worked so well CBS is probably figuring out how they can do a “Host –less Tribal Council” as well! Hope not. I have not yet paid off my mortgage.
-My reaction to this:
Geez, Jeff needs to come back. The challenge looks blank without him. Come back, Jeff P!
Yet, all went good. Dave won the game for Galu and they brought home the chickens.
While these three was gone for the challenge, Erik found the hidden immunity necklace at their camp.
That was cool. Immunities for Russel H. and Erik. What does this mean? Erik, with his educational background in Psychology and Sociology, could now play as The Mentalist and secure a position in the merge.
But Erik must not overestimate or underestimate Russel H. He’s playing a unbelievable social game.
All in all,
Deserving win for Foa Foa. Their time has came.
Do you think the momentum has shifted? I hope it’s not. I wanted Monica to stay. Galu FTW!
Nole achieved his third title of the season in China, 14th of his career time.
You are welcomed to read by post, go to MATCH POINT 40
