Survivor: Gabon, Finale Recap

Rock on Bob.

Bob is a superman. Slow, steady, and competent. Matty and Kenny started out with a good lead over him in the first challenge, but he came on strong, but both of them faltered, and Bob edged out Sugar for the win. I love that.

Not much to say about Kenny getting voted out. He had a really good run there for a while, but his successes clearly went to his head. His obsession with Bob not giving him the idol was totally psychotic. I was totally giving him the benefit of the doubt that he knew it was stupid, but was trying to use it as a weapon to sully Bob with the jury. The problem was that the jury totally didn't buy it (Bob was too smart and deflected the criticism handily), but worse, after he was voted off it seems Kenny had bought his own stupid reasoning. Disappointing coming from someone who seemed to be smarter than that. He was classy when he left, but the anger still got to him for final tribal.

The final challenge was a real surprise. Suzie? I was shocked at how poorly Bob did, I mean, I expected him to be right in it. I knew Bob was gone if he didn't win. Suzie, after winning, revealed again just how in over her head she was. I totally understand that she wanted to celebrate her win. I mean, we see that kind of behavior every season when someone finds a hidden immunity idol and immediately rushes to tell someone. Stupid move, always, but people can't resist the temptation to brag. Suzie was no different, and given how the move saved her life, she was excited about it. But just had no clue of how insensitive she was being. Also, she was, for the first time in weeks, feeling powerful, and wanted to explore flexing her muscles. So in her head she came up with this plan to vote off Sugar, but instead of telling Bob that, she tried to, well I don't know what she was trying to do. But no one understood her "subtext", and again she just ended up coming off stupid. The riding of the coattails can definitely get people to the end, we see it over and over again. The problem is that often the players that do that aren't really doing it as a real strategy, they are doing it because they aren't insightful enough to do anything else. I'm sure she is a perfectly nice mother and wife, but with a few very notable exceptions, she wasn't a very good Survivor.

Sugar is totally crazy. She is sweet, she is mean, she makes dumb moves, she makes interesting moves, she was just totally all over the map. But she saved this season from utter boringness, orchestrating just about every interesting twist the show has seen. Her choice to force Matty and Bob into a tie-breaker was awesome. Like everyone else in America, I had hoped to see Suzie go, just for the delight at seeing a final three with three worthy competitors. But while I totally liked Matty, he played a very boring game, just with a lot of heart, so Bob had the edge for me. Plus, BOB PRACTICED. Holy cow. I do not understand how you can go on Survivor and not know how to start a fire blindfolded and underwater. Jeff made a similar comment at the reunion show. The challenge is not a surprise. And it cost Matty a million dollars.

I usually don't really like the final tribal council. The jury members, salivating for one last moment in the spotlight, are tempted to either be an idiot or to take their silly questions way too seriously. That is one reason I will always love James, because he always kept it real at tribal and did not try to amp up the drama. Even Charlie showed how much he has been hanging out with Corrine back at Ponderosa and was just a little rude. I was shocked at Marcus, whom up until now I'd thought seemed like a cool guy. But, as boring as Suzie was, what exactly makes him think she is a bad role model for her son? Yeah, she beat you big guy, I don't see what is so evil about that. Very disappointed in him, that was totally ridiculous. Kenny was still obsessed with Bob not giving him the idol, which is laughable. Matty was a little weird, but you always expect the last person voted off to still be pretty emotional about it.

Randy and Corrine were a joke. In fact I have to say I've been defending Corrine all season because I thought she was funny, but wow, that was over the line by a mile. But you know what kept it ok? In a twist, none of the final three took their questions seriously. Usually when the jury acts up, the final contestants do their best to give the jury the answers they want to hear, or at least to do as little damage as possible. Bob though, is actually an honorable man, and was simply not going to stop giving Sugar and Suzie a little respect no matter how much the jury prodded him to do so. And Sugar was a total hoot, clearly completely unconcerned with actually winning. She came to Survivor with her own goals, and actually winning was not one of them. She knew people weren't going to vote for her, and rather than groveling for a spare vote or two (and I think she had the arguments to deserve the win) she just brushed it aside. I kinda love that. I mean, I think she gave up way too early and way too easily, but what else was she supposed to do in the face of Randy and Corrine? But she totally had the last laugh on both of them. Randy was a total ass, as expected, and once again Sugar put him in his place, calling him a jerk or something, leaving him to stand there spluttering. He didn't expect that, and it was awesome. Her flip-off of Corrine was also satisfying. Bob and Suzie, while not nearly as confrontational, also openly laughed at the ridiculousness of some of the questions. Good on them.

I wish I knew who the three people were that voted for Suzie. Matty, well, he was in an alliance with her I guess. But give me a break. When it was clear Sugar wasn't even trying, for a moment I wondered if Bob would win unanimously. It must have been Kenny and Crystal, also voting for their original tribemate. But were I in that jury, it would take more than blind loyalty to get my vote.

The reunion show was pretty unremarkable. Marcus again came across poorly, and Randy and Corrine came off as truly sad. Crystal had no excuse for her poor performances, but at least she was a good sport about it. Kenny was a little weird, but that is because Kenny is a little weird. Count me as one who thought Ace had a fake accent, so that was surprising. More of the girls actually looked attractive rather than looking like cheap hookers though, which was nice. And then there's Sugar. Holy cow she looked amazing, in a class all of her own! I had a similar love for Kenley on Project Runway last season, I just love that 1940's glamour.

Overall, this was not a great season, but it had plenty of great moments. Now I just have to wait patiently for Brazil.

Survivor: Gabon, Episode 11 Recap

Help me! I'm falling off the Survivor bandwagon, and I can't get up!

Still watching, just not so into blogging about it. I blame you Radha, for not keeping up with me. ::grin::

In short, Bob is awesome. Since it is pretty obvious that Suzie is going to float to the end, I am perfectly fine with Crystal getting voted off. As Sugar put it, let the nice people finish. Sugar cracks me up. She has been a real mover in the game, but I can't get over feeling that all of her big moves have either been mistakes or due to what I think are stupid motives. (I mean, wasn't she totally pissed at Kenny for lying to her and getting her to vote off Ace? But she started this episode in a totally tight alliance with Kenny and Crystal. Transition much?) I totally appreciate her making every move, but I have a hard time rooting for her when she either doesn't understand or care about the glory of playing the game.

But she is also kind of a bitch, as evidenced by her open mocking of Randy, and then tonight by the way she gave her idol to Matty, rubbing salt in the fresh stab wounds in Crystals back. Subtle is not in her vocabulary, which makes for some great TV.

Bob really concerned me when he started feeling guilty about lying to Kenny, and told him he would give him his immunity if he won. Dude. "Oh, I am so sorry that I am trying to beat you in this game of chess, why don't I just give you my Queen?" I HATE IT when they talk about "integrity". Why should you feel guilty about playing the game? Isn't that WHY YOU ARE THERE? Kenny, to his credit, is totally going for it. Are they editing him to sound super cocky? Yeah, and at this point I don't know if he has the votes to win anymore. But at least he is totally owning it. I mean, wow, plotting to get the immunity idol from Bob to turn around and vote him off? Awesome. Horrible, and I'm glad his plan failed, but still awesome. And though Bob scared me there for a while, he at least wizened up and played smart.

Favorite moment - back at camp, when Matty is complaining that he is the next to get voted off, and Sugar says "Yeah, that sounds pretty accurate." HA! Matty has no game though. Complaining does not constitute a strategy. The only reason he is still around is because Crystal couldn't help but gloat, which pissed Sugar off. I don't want him to win, but I'm always happy to have more likable options in the end. Sugar said him, "Just let me do the thinking." And she was right. I mean, ouch.

Again, I just have to say that I was impressed with Crystal as she was voted off. I think a person's true character comes out in a moment like that, and she was really classy. Good for her. I hope they make her run down Broadway to the David Letterman theatre for the reunion show, just so she can show off what she can really do.

Daughters Of The Revolution like creepy dolls

NOTE: I wrote this post back in December sometime, saved the draft so I could attach the picture, and then got busy with other things. It is January now, but better late than never.

Yesterday was one of those super nice days where, despite the intermittent rain, it was 60 degrees outside, which is always appreciated at this time of year. At least by yours truly, as we all know David is insane and was dissapointed he didn't get snow. Weird, right?

He found out about an open house at the Daughters of the Revolution headquarters, and since they advertized free refreshments, I tagged along. I had other incentive, because we also met up with Christina, a friend of his from college who has a super cool job in the government getting pro-environment bills passed. We walked through the ellipse past the White House Christmas Tree, which is decorated with a hair-net of lights, which is kind of weird and funny looking, but whatever. I still like christmas trees, regardless of how badly they are lit. The DAR headquarters is in a beautiful historic building just down the street from the White House, so getting a chance to look around was cool. In the center was a huge library where they have all of their massive collection of geneology, and a few choirs took turns with the Christmas carols. One group was a foursome of women, and I noticed one was reading her lyrics from a choirbook in braille. I found that fascinating, and wonder if she was just reading lyrics, or do they have notations for music also written in braille?

The office rooms located all around the building have been "sold" to various states, who come in and decorate the rooms with historical furniture. I don't know why. But some of the old wall papers and rugs were pretty awesome. Upstairs they have what they call the "Children's Attic", and the docent there was very excited to tell me that the room had been decorated for Christmas by showing a childhood fantasy of all the old dolls having a Christmas tea party, because, you know, after everyone goes to sleep the dolls come to life and have a tea party. Of course, being fully aware that after the tea party the dolls were going to go on a murderous rampage and kill everyone in the house, I got out of the room while the going was good. As if any doll isn't evil enough, these were all 150 years old with matted hair and fading face paint and totally looked like zombie dolls that just wanted to eat brains. That docent was on crack or something, very, very creepy.

They also had door prizes, and we were confident we were going to win...and we did! Well, Christina did, which was close enough. She got a spectacular not-to-be-forgotten official Daughters Of The Revolution coffee mug. David and I were very supportive. (And happy we didn't have to carry home yet another mug to a home where no one drinks coffee, although they do sometimes come in handy for dipping cookies into milk.)

Afterwards Christina took us to this awesome little restaurant she knew that uses all farm-fresh food and stuff. We had to wait like an hour to get in, but boy was it worth it. All the food was delicious, and I can't wait to go back and try some of the other things on the menu.

Student Loan Debt

I've been learning a lot about saving money for kids lately. Savings bonds, 529 plans, vs. just opening up a savings account. Helping a kid save for the future seems like a simple idea, but of course money is rarely that simple. Lots of decisions to make, priorities to set, and tax consequences for all of it. It is a lot to think about, but I think it is time and effort well spent, trying to help the next generation get started on the important task of learning to become financially secure.

Of course, it isn't like it is just a lesson you learn as a kid and then never have to think about again either. All of us adults need to keep our eye on the prize as well, continuing to educate ourselves and set up our own financial priorities. Life has a way of getting in the way of that, making it difficult to maintain at times. But that doesn't mean we stop trying.

Anyway, I've got some awesome instrumental Christmas music playing in the background, and for some reason it is making me all philosophical. Enough with that! lol

I mentioned before that student loan debt is something I'm dealing with, and have for most of my adult life. Since I'm not the only one in the family with some student debt already accrued or looming in the near future, lets talk about that for a minute.

There are two kinds of student loans. The first are governmental, that you get after you fill out your FAFSA and are generally distributed by the school you are attending. Then there are private student loans, that are given by private companies rather than the government. Student loans are, often times, totally necessary for someone wanting to get through school, and under the right circumstances, are a necessary part of the process of getting an education. However I don't think lenders or schools often do a very good job at really explaining the consequences of student loans to young people. It isn't free money, and though everyone thinks that when they grow up they will make lots and lots of money, trust me, paying back loans is totally annoying. The more money you make, the more money you spend, and that loan payment is always preventing you from spending (or saving) money on something else.

The other thing about student loans, that they never really tell you, is that no matter what, you will pay them back. Even if you completely fall apart financially and declare bankruptcy, you still have to pay back your student loan debt. It never goes away, unless you die. Since none of us intend to die, that means you are going to pay it back. So the first piece of good advice is to take out as little as is possible. The money is tempting. I've been there, and I've taken it. But always remember it isn't free.

Loans from the government are generally at a low interest rate. I started out paying about 5.75%. Every June the rate is adjusted depending on what the economy is doing, and this year the interest rate dropped, I'm now paying between 3 and 4.5%. It is always nice when they drop, but it won't be too long and they will start going up. Private student loans are another story. They can charge you any interest rate they want. They can charge you 8%. They can charge you 15%. They can charge you 25%. So be very careful about taking them out, you really don't want to if you don't absolutely have to.

Once you start paying them off, pay them off. Sometimes you can defer payments, but unless it is a real emergency, don't! Even if they aren't demanding payments, the interest is still accruing. Even at a low interest rate, that interest can really add up. When I first started paying off my 30K I was paying about $200 a month just in interest. So if I had been making the minimum payments they were asking for, which was $356, over half of my payment was instantly eaten up just by interest alone. I don't know about you, but I thought that sucked. So for the entire year I put every extra penny I could dig up into my loan payments, doubling and tripling the payment every month. It wasn't always easy (we SO WANT to go see Tina Turner in concert, but it is just too much money for us right now), but by making those extra payments I've saved thousands of dollars in interest payments. I'm still paying about $100 a month in interest. But I'm closer to where I want to be, which is paying $0 in interest. :)

Even if you get all your loans from the same lender, they are still broken up into how much money you took every semester. When you graduate you can consolidate them into a single loan, and there are pros and cons to doing that depending on how things are set up. If you don't consolidate, when you start paying them off, identify which loan has the highest interest rate, and put all of your extra pennies into getting that one paid off first. I mean, that makes sense, right?

Debt sucks. And it can be overwhelming. But whatever you do, don't think you can just ignore it or wait until later. There are times money can be tight and you have to make tough decisions about which debt to prioritize. But as a general rule, make sure any student loan debt IS the priority.

(Have I freaked you out yet Kyle? Heh.) Anyway, this is partly why I wanted to start all the kids saving money. If they have a little nest egg to help out come college time that decreases their need for loans, well, I can't think of any better gift to give someone. Let's get them started out right!

Comments? Questions?

survivor: Gabon, Episode 10 Recap

Is this 10 or 11? I don't know.

Look, I'm busy with Christmas planning. But last nights episode reminded that even from an overall lackluster season, brilliance can emerge from the most unlikely of places.

Bob is so brilliant that with one fell swoop (well, plus his first fake idol) he quickly made up for the fact that he has been miserable at the outwit for the past twenty whatever days. He came up with a brilliant plan, then totally let Corrine have the credit for coming up with it. Smart.

And I have to say, I was totally rooting for them too. They had Kenny and Crystal wrapped around their finger. "You guys are so smart, what do you think we should do?" At that moment, I wanted Corrine to win it all. She is mean, but she isn't uncomfortably miserable like Randy or Fairplay or that crazy guy who quit smoking. I just love her. Unfortunately, Kenny was just smart enough to insist on flushing the idol out, although whether it was smart or not is now totally up for debate, as he just painted a huge target on his back. (And, knowing he was doing that, why didn't they change plans and try go to Matty instead? I think, had they swayed Matty instead, Corrine would still be there.) Frankly, I think Kenny just lost. If he could make it to the end he has a shot, but I wonder if Matty and Sugar and Suzie will forgive him. As they all know, Bob will walk away with it if he were to make it, so I'm pretty sure that they will get rid of him at the first opportunity, but sometimes anger makes people do stupid things, so who knows.

What is funny, is that everyone seems to have forgotten that Sugar still has the idol. At this point, assuming Bob doesn't make it, I think she has a great shot at winning. For me, voting between her and Matty is a total tossup. He played a better physical game, but Sugar has done more that effected the games outcome. Crystal has done a lot too, but she just seems too unlikable to win. Suzie has no shot, but at this point she will be final three for sure. If I were Sugar, I'd gun for Bob, Kenny and Matty, in that order.

My favorite at this point is Bob, with a virtual tie for second between Sugar, Matty and Kenny, then Crystal and finally Suzie. I think any of the top five have a decent argument to make though, and heck, even Suzie won the fire challenge by a mile. Just depends on what psycho Randy thinks.

He made TWO FAKE IDOLS. And people believed him both times!! Bob deserves a special place in Survivor heaven for that.

Cape Onion and the very rare weeds

I never did finish talking about our Canadian vacation. Where did I leave off, up in Newfoundland I think.

After we left Gros Morne, we drove up the coast up towards Viking territory. Well, what was Viking territory, for a little while, a long time ago. On the way, right at the northern tip, we stopped at nature sanctuary that was called, if I can still remember right, Cape Onion. It was right by this picturesque little village, very beautiful. The park itself was unremarkable, a bunch of limestone gravel with flat bushy plants on this little hilltop with the ocean on three sides. A park guide took us and a couple of others around to show us what there was to see. When we first got out of the car, she led us over to a bunch of little weeds and said "By the time I'm finished with you, you are going to be terrified to take a step all around here." In my head I was like "Yeah right." I mean, I consider myself pretty environmentally conscious, but still, like I'm gonna be afraid to step on a weed?

The first thing she showed us was a small, flat, bush. "This," she said, "is a 400 year-old tree." Say what? Turns out that because of the cold and the high winds, nothing can get tall. These same trees grow all over the place, and grow nice and tall elsewhere, but here on the cape they are no more than a few inches tall, growing flat along the ground in cute little bonsai fashion. "Step on one of these and you could kill something that has been growing for hundreds of years." Point taken, but still, the trees were pretty obvious.

I love this photo. See all the trees on the ground? This is a forest, just the craziest forest you've ever seen. Love it.

Then, she pointed out another tiny plant, one that was a similar color to all the gravel and so blended in and was much harder to see. "This is called" -crap, I forgot what it is called, sink foil? Something like that, David will remember, I'll update this when he gets home - "and it grows here and no where else. Step on this and you risk killing off an entire species of plant."

Holy crap! She was right, we were all on tiptoes for the rest of the trip. About halfway through the tour a couple of cars drive up to join us. These people hadn't heard the warnings, and my group was totally hating on them as they carelessly walked over to see us, trampling on these precious plants all the way. It was a group reaction, I could see everyone getting angry, which was really pretty funny.

Down by the water, we saw some Minke whales jumping around in the ocean, which was really cool. Out in the horizon we could see mainland Canada, Labrador to be specific. Our guide told us that in the winter, the ocean can freeze solid all the way across, and occasionally polar bears will wander across looking for food. Wow. We were at the wrong time of year to see any icebergs ourselves though, darnit. Many restaurants in town will take boats out to harvest the iceberg, and then sell drinks to tourists using "15,000 year old ice-cubes". Heh.

The last awesome thing were these bizarre formations in the gravel, and unfortunately my photo doesn't really show the phenomenon very well. But there were these little circles all over the place. Turns out it is a product of the frost. As the ice forms, melts, freezes, melts, the process slowly pushes the larger rocks out, leaving the smaller pieces in the center. The process can take a long time - I can't remember if she said decades or centuries now, but probably centuries, because the shift would be miniscule each season. So there are just all these little circles in the ground all over the place. It was pretty awesome.

Do you want to work forever?

I am obsessed with money. It is a trait that I'm sure has annoyed people over the years when I tell them I can't go out to dinner because I have to triple my student loan payment that month. But it is a trait that has been a real asset, considering that until very recently the periods where I was making good money were inconsistent at best. (Hey, hey, an actor's life for me!) But despite the lean times, I've never had to live paycheck to paycheck, and I find that a real blessing.

Now that my paycheck is steady, I'm finally getting close to realizing some of my financial goals. I paid off $13000 in student loan debt this year, which is something I'm pretty proud of. Of course, that isn't even half of what I owe, but it is still awesome progress - I think I've saved myself somewhere around $7000 in interest had I been making minimum payments for the life of the loan. Not bad! However, I'm going to have to cut back on that this year, as I also need to focus on some of the other goals I have - getting my emergency savings account fully funded as well as getting a Roth IRA going. I've done lots of research over the years, but only had a portion of the money I needed to get serious about my retirement. The time to get serious, is now. And if you are reading this, you should start thinking about it too. In fact, if you are related to me, then I absolutely insist that you keep reading this. Considering how perfect our family is, I still suspect that none of us are particularly educated on the financial stuff or the importance of planning for retirement. Well, something tells me Liz knows a little something about what I'm talking about. And I'm sure Scott knows plenty about taxes and investments that the rest of us mere mortals will never need to know. lol But there is no reason why all of us can't get it together. Take that power for yourself. Because what better feeling is there knowing you have the resources to take care of yourself and your family?

Maybe what I'll do is break this into a couple of posts, because obviously people write whole books on this. But, as we get into the Christmas season where we all want to spend more money than we have, lets remind ourselves to stop and think about it. Credit cards, while certainly a useful tool, are also a road into financial oblivion. Do not be tempted to buy things you cannot afford. If you have credit card debt, then you've just identified goal #1. Pay that debt off as soon as you can. I use my credit cards for just about everything, because it is easier than paying cash most of the time, and also because I get 1-3% cashback on all purchases, which is a small but nice discount. But I pay off those credit cards at the end of every month. I haven't paid interest on my credit cards in years, with a few exceptions associated with moving expenses. Never just make the minimum payment, or you will be trapped forever paying interest instead of earning interest with that money invested somewhere else. Seriously, pay those cards off, in full, as soon as possible.

Ready, set, go! Next time I'll talk about how much money you should have in your savings account, and then I'll get you excited about how totally awesome Roth IRA's are. There is great power in becoming financially secure. And once you taste it, it becomes addictive. So join me in the journey, I promise you won't regret it.

Alphacat

Who needs Saturday Night Live when you've got this guy on Youtube? With apologies the SNL guy, this is best Obama impersonation I think we are likely to see. (Bonus: Morgan Freeman!)

Be honest, you don't really like turkey do you?

I'm not having turkey for Thanksgiving this year. You know why? Because turkey sucks! The one exception that proves the rule is the year my aunt and uncle injected the bird (using actual syringes!) with some kind of sauce, covered the skin with mayonaise and then cooked the whole thing on a barbeque pit. That year the turkey was delicious. But never before and never since has the turkey been any more than a non-offensive meat to get piled under the mashed potatoes and gravy.

So this year, now that I don't have to go to work, we've decided to eschew the tradition that was forced on us by those damn stupid Pilgrims, and we're gonna create our own tradition of eating food that actually tastes good. We don't have the final menu yet (going shopping tonight), but I think it will be something like this. Homemade bruschetta with tomatoes and bread and parsley from the farmers market. Crab cakes, and not the crappy frozen ones, but some real quality stuff from the seafood butcher. (Or whatever that guy is called, and again, not the guy at the Safeway.) Mushrooms stuffed with fresh cheese and garlic. David won't eat this, but just for me he knows how to make this super yummy dish where he roasts onions and eggplant in some olive oil in the oven, and it is like vegetable candy it is so delicious. Then for dessert, forget some boring pie. We're making homemade cinnamon rolls.

Now that is a tradition I can believe in.

Here is another article I read on the subject.

Recount in Minnesota

This article is a must-read for all of you election nerds out there. You always hear about election recounts being messy affairs, and this article has actual examples of voter stupidity of why that is never as simple as it sounds. I mean, there are people who take the time to vote but then also vote for their write-in candidate of choice, "lizard people". I mean, really? What do you do with that?

Anyhoo, there are ten examples, some seem obvious what the voter intent was, others are more challenging. Throw in a bunch of lawyers, and you really have a mess. Worth a quick read.

Early Thanksgiving in Idaho

Last week David and I flew to Idaho to see David's family. My favorite part, other than Moms cooking (homemade stuffing, YUM), was playing with Colton, the very adorable one year old. Such a good baby, the kid played and played and didn't cry once. Also, all the dogs, whom I am deathly allergic to, are all getting on in years and so are much calmer and easier to get along with. Can I just say I hate that I am allergic to dogs? I mean, I've always been more of a cat person than a dog person, something to do with being chased by too many dogs on an early morning paper route as a kid. But still, I grew up with pets of all kinds and I love animals. But now a dog licks me and I get itchy and scratchy all over, it totally sucks. I had a little cut on my knuckle and after the dogs licked me it was a swollen, red, itchy mess for the rest of the night. Life just doesn't make sense sometimes.

Anyhoo, here are some cute family pics:

Because being a Freshman is a choice!

Survivor: Gabon, Episode 9 Recap

We start out with me groaning in disgust, as Bob tells Sugar about his fake immunity idol. For serious Bob? Believe me, I was ready to write a four paragraph grievance of how Bob had let me down with his absolute dumbassery, as I couldn't begin to imagine what he was thinking the upside of trusting Sugar could possibly be. But, having seen the episode, let's just move on for now.

Corrine, who remains a bad guy in the best of Survivor tradition, hates everyone but realizes she needs some game stat. I like that. Randy, who remains a bad guy in the worst of any possible definition, hates everyone and seems to have confused his strategy for getting screen time with the strategy of actually performing well in the game. I don't like that.

Who doesn't like the auction? It always produces some drama and excitement, and right off the bat Sugar is clearly gunning for Randy, which makes me like her. Considering he is the de facto frontrunner at this point, Kenny displays some real weakness in his inability to focus. Spend the damn money, you have to play to win. Corrine plays it smart, and waits for her moment to get a game changer. It doesn't end up helping her, but that is a risk worth paying $500 for. But leave it to Randy to be weirdly hateful when he gets a plate of cookies for the tribe. What the? I 100% believe that in his head, Randy is playing all of this on purpose, thinking it will somehow help him. However, you can't pretend to be this much of an ass if don't already have tendancies to assiness. Sugar, in the first of her two masterstrokes, plays him beautifully, and as he mockingly offers her the last cookie, she snaps it up and immediately hands it to Matty. If tribal council had happened right then, I would have given her the million dollars right there no questions asked, what a gorgeous moment. Randy's head virtually exploded, and Jeff, who was having all of his Christmases at once, refused to interfere. I. Love. Survivor.

With Bob off collecting priceless video footage of himself hiking in the African hills around exile "island", Randy turns to Corrine and says, "Here is a plan. I will pretend to be crazy (HA!) and make everyone mad at me, then when Bob comes back with the Idol we'll convince him to give it to me to blindside everyone else, and we can vote off Susie for revenge. Isn't that a great plan?" To which Corrine's secret thought bubble has to say "That is a lame plan, but it doesn't risk me and it is theoretically possible for that plan to work, so since I have no other options I say lets go for it." I love that they can't seem to comprehend the possibility that Sugar might have the idol. Nick Lachey must have really laid it on thick about exile to them.

Randy of course has no problem getting everyone to hate him. Matty's reaction to his implosion is fantastic. "Dude, don't do this." Matty was, actually, their best bet at swinging something, but Randy killed that possibility right quick.

Bob returns, and while Corrine and Randy dawdle, Sugar makes her second move of genius. She gets Bob alone and says "Give Randy your fake Idol, and in exchange for letting me bask in the superawesomeness of watching Randy utterly humiliated, you not only get another three days but I promise I will totes help you out later." I have little idea of what Bob actually thinks about the game of Survivor, but knowing he is a marked man anyway, takes her lifeline. Suddenly I realize that this entire season has been a lead up to this episode. And while it won't end up being a favorite season of mine, I at least realize that the last eight episodes have all been worth it, just for this. Sugar can barely contain herself at tribal council she is so filled with secret glee. But she isn't the only one, and Crystal makes me love her all over again during the vote when she starts yelling to the camera about how much she hates the person she is voting for. Cut to Jeff (not to mention everyone else, including me) trying really hard not to pee his pants in delight.

Randy plays his idol. He and Corrine have a that delicious smug look, as do Marcus and Charlie, and Jeff strings out the moment as long as possible. "This......is...........not an idol." Sugar and Crystal do everything except the "Nyah nyah" taunt, laughing their way to another week, as Randy, DESERVEDLY, goes home. I hereby title this post, "A little bit of Sugar helps the medicine go down."

That feeling you are feeling is the joy coming back to Survivor again. Such a refreshing beverage.

I still think this is a weak season overall, but the genius of Survivor is that even a lame season can bring a moment of pure juicy and delicious perfection. With my lowered expectations, at this point I can say I'd be down with just about anyone winning, excepting Susie, since despite her fire win, which was significant, still hasn't shown an ounce of ability at the outwit. Corrine is really going to have to fight for it next week, although we will see if Sugars promise to Bob actually means anything or not. (Notice he still voted for Susie, so she possibly has an out.) More importantly, I am VERY CURIOUS about the teaser that shows Bob telling Corrine about getting the idol that Marcus threw into the ocean. If true, that would be a significant bit of hidden awesomeness, cleverly hid by the editing. If not true, well, lets just wait and see what happens before I start complaining about Bob again. But that is possibly the best teaser for "Next time on...Survivor" they have ever had.

This is Mozart. Seriously.

Making the world a better place

Dave White, who is, occasionally, even awesomer than me, postulates that the world is an inherently better place since Kylie Minogue came into it. How can you argue with this?



Admit it, you liked it. Plus, Dave is totes down with the Baz, and can I just say I am so freaking excited to see Australia!!!

Personality via blog

This site somehow, in about two seconds, supposedly analyzes your blog to tell you what kind of person you are. What do you think, does this sound like me?

ESFP - The Performers

The entertaining and friendly type. They are especially attuned to pleasure and beauty and like to fill their surroundings with soft fabrics, bright colors and sweet smells. They live in the present moment and don´t like to plan ahead - they are always in risk of exhausting themselves.

The enjoy work that makes them able to help other people in a concrete and visible way. They tend to avoid conflicts and rarely initiate confrontation - qualities that can make it hard for them in management positions.

Hearing me ramble on about Survivor tells them all that? Uncanny! But to quibble: just because I prefer all of the conflict in my life to be played out on a tropical island in TV-friendly high-drama fashion, I don't see why that means I like "soft fabrics" and "sweet smells". (I do like bright colors though.) For the record, my favorite smell is a very common I'm sure tie between cinnamon and baking bread, neither of which really count as "sweet".

Survivor: Gabon, Episode 9 Recap

This is going to be short. I could say it will be short because I'm currently on vacation in Idaho, and the family is all downstairs and we will be eating early Thanksgiving dinner before too long, plus there is a totally adorable one-year old running around whom I need to go play with some more. And that, actually, would be true. However, the real reason this will be short is that this season pretty much sucks and I'm bored with it. Charlie? I mean, really?

The thing is, I love the blindside, and I certainly can't get mad at Kenny, who was pretty awesome to manage that maneuver. And I love rooting for the underdogs, and by all accounts the underdogs have made a huge move. The problem is simple - I don't really like anybody. Well, I sorta like Corrine, which is funny considering how awful she is, but she approaches her awfulness with a smile. But Randy is simply miserable. Crystal, whom I've long had a soft spot for, is simply too abrasive to win my benefit of the doubt anymore. Charlie nailed it when he said her outbursts were selfish and counterproductive. Sugar is likable enough, but seems totally adrift in a game she doesn't really understand, and I'm pretty convinced that when she comes home she is going to cry and be very regretful about the way she played the game. She already regrets voting off Ace, and I bet she regrets voting off Charlie too.

The immunity challenge was surprising - I mean, Susie is the best fire builder? I'll give her props for that, but the fact that Sugar was her only competition makes it a bit hard for me to root for anyone else at this point. I mean, who should I root for at this point? Bob is great, but doesn't seem to be playing the game at all, and I need at least a little outplay from the winner. Matty has been likable, but is really coming apart at the seams. I guess it is a toss up between Kenny and Corrine, but even then the truth is that in all the seasons of Survivor I've never found myself caring this little about the result. That sucks. Thing about the amazing outwit players we've had over the years, and Kenny is now the best we can get? Cause I like Survivor, and I enjoy enjoying it. But all the negative annoying folks are lasting longer than they should which isn't fun to watch. I want Randy gone next week, but I don't see it happening.

Whatever. I have dinner to eat. ::sigh::

Change we can believe in

Obama is a Mac user? As if we needed another reason to like him? (C'mon, you just KNOW Bush is a PC guy.)

Psych? Am I crazy?

So some exciting news from work. Well, first some unexciting news. I was helping a patient get out of a stretcher and I pinched a nerve or something in my left wrist. It didn't seem that big of a deal, but it was still sore several hours later so my charge nurse sent me to the ER to get it looked at. FOUR HOURS (and a few xrays) later I was sent home in a splint with a prescription for ice packs and lots of ibuprofen. So I've been wearing this splint at work for the past two days, mostly just to remind me not to lift anything, which is super annoying, although it did have the perk of getting me out of some poop cleaning, and I can't deny that was a win situation. But still. This morning I had to go to employee health to make sure all the paperwork was in order in case I have to file for workman's comp or something, but I'm not really expecting it to go that far. I'm off the next week for vacation, and I intend to be in 100% by the time we get back.

OK, now for the exciting news. Starting in mid-December I'm going to start orienting on the psych unit at the hospital. I'll keep working my current floor on weekends, and will pick up 12 or 16 hours a week learning psych. I'm pretty excited about it, it will be a very different and new slice of nursing to learn. And, considering that at this point I've had this job longer than any other job I've ever had (excepting my two years at Mega Video in high school), mixing things up a little is a good thing for a change junkie like me. The only thing is they don't wear scrubs on psych, meaning I'm going to have to go out and buy some new khakis and polos to wear. (I'm not wearing my regular clothes into the hospital. Hospitals are gross. Really. Tangent, but if you must bring your children in to visit someone, make sure they don't touch anything. Seriously.)

Last night I took care of this lady whose doctors didn't want her to eat or drink anything as they were afraid something was up with her pancreas and wanted to give it a little rest. She wasn't so much confused as just she could care less what the doctors wanted. I walked into her room and she was on the phone apparently talking to 411 saying "Can you connect me to the Hospital Cafeteria please?" Twice I came into her room and she had rummaged through the garbage can and found a paper cup and was drinking from it at the sink. GROSS!! Don't drink out of cups that have been in the garbage!! I thought she was going to try and leave when I took the second glass away from her, but luckily she decided it was time to go to sleep, so I dodged that bullet. I feel very sorry for the day nurse taking care of her today though, I'm sure she is busy being a handful at this very moment.

Survivor: Gabon, Episode 8 Recap

Let's cut right to the chase today. The merge feast was boring. I still don't quite understand why people attribute so much power to the immunity idols. Yes, it is better to have one than not to have one, but only if no one knows you have one. So the one hidden on the beach? Not nearly as interesting as the producers thought it was. Yes, everyone sitting there wants it. But no one is going to take it, as it would only put a huge target on their backs. Had someone been brave enough to take it for themselves, well, that might have been interesting. But no one did. Marcus was patting himself on the back for throwing it into the sea, which I didn't really understand. And Randy is an utter jackass. I want him gone so bad, I hate him I hate him I hate him, and not in a good Rich Hatch or Godfather Rob kind of way.

Overall this episode wasn't as good as it should have been, and overall I have to blame casting, although I guess it is all a matter of circumstance how things turn out. But there were a few things I enjoyed:

#1. Marcus listing the reasons Crystal isn't a good athlete, starting with "She can't run fast." Devastating.

#2. The challenge showdown between Matty and Bob. Matty has heart, there is no denying it, and his girl giggles were hysterical. Also: WHY is Bob not a favorite to win this thing? The camera ignores him, the other players don't seem to particularly trust or like him, and I just don't get it. To me he is one of the most interesting players there and has been from the very beginning. What gives?

#3. Marcus getting voted off. While I didn't like the outcome (see below), a blindside is always more interesting, and even though it was premeditated I didn't think Susie was brave enough to make a big move like that. I have to give Crystal props for making it happen, and while it seems strange to be giving props to Crystal for anything, this was definitely her doing.

#4. Corrine, Randy and Charlie being "pretty sure" that Sugar doesn't have the idol. Wow they must really think she is stupid. I mean, she kind of is, but how many times have they sent her to exile now? Why would you even consider that she doesn't have it?

Hmm, that might be it. As for things I didn't like:

#1. Sugar crying about voting Ace off. Drove me nuts. If you can't own your game, you don't deserve to be there.

#2. Randy. I hate him I hate him I hate him. But I have to wonder how much of that is for the camera after Matty said "Randy is a good guy." It is possible that Matty is just that stupid. But it gives me pause. Corrine is obviously working it for the camera too, so maybe Randy is just playing a role here. Still, it is very off-putting.

#3. Like I said, the hidden idol at the feast was a total bust. Too bad, because had it worked out differently it might have been very interesting. As it was, not so much.

#4. Marcus getting voted off. He is a natural leader, and I liked having him around. Susie voting him off was less a grand strategy on her part and more just feeling her moment of power and wielding it with abandon. (I wonder if she is going to cry about it next week? Heh) Coming from such a dominant team, Marcus never really had to prove himself, so I can't get too upset really. But I just liked him. Oh, it was also awesome when Bob basically said "If I'd known last week that this was going to happen, I would have voted Susie off instead of Dan." I'm not sure exactly why, at that moment, he thought that would have been better, but it was an interesting thing to say right in front of her.)

Things I am way excited about next week? Seeing Corrine and Charley react to no Marcus. It is going to be awesome. Will Corrine murder Susie on the spot? Will Charlie break down into tears? The possibilities are as endless as they are delicious.

Without a merge, Matty is in big trouble. I wonder if this is going to be a season where our final three is Crystal, Susie and Randy. ::sigh:: There is no way to tell how it is going to work out, but at this point I have to say my favorites are Kenny, Corrine and Bob, with Matty close behind, but I don't really see a way for them all to survive that long.

History

On the way home from picking David up from school, we noticed a line out front of a CVS. We commented that it was weird, but didn't think that much about it.

When we got home we decided to treat ourselves to a little celebratory dinner in Obama's honor. So we went to this Belgian place in our neighborhood that we've been talking about going to since we moved here, but since it is a little more expensive (and we can't read most of the menu) we've just never gotten around to it. So tonight, we did. I had a delicious sea bass on a bed of spinach and mushrooms, and David had one of the most tender steaks I've ever tasted. Plus as a side we got mac and cheese made with truffles - to die for.

On the way home we decided we needed something sweet to munch on, cause we were planning on watching a Netflix. So we stopped by a different CVS, and there was an even longer line outside. We walked in, and when we got up to the register we asked the cashier what the line was for.

"They're waiting to get the newspaper." She said. "They've been here four hours now, and we're not sure when the paper is arriving."

People are celebrating. I love that.

Initial Reaction: Relief

We were watching TV and just heard a huge scream go up from our neighbors, many of whom are African-American. Pretty amazing. I can't scream, I'm just relieved.

Yes We Can

I Baracked the vote this morning. There were maybe 100 people in line, but after about ten minutes a poll worker came out and said "Does anyone have a last name starting with G-L?" So she took me and about four other people and we got to pass all the suckers with names that started with A-F and M-S who were waiting forever. So that was nice. Then I rewarded myself with donuts.

Survivor: Gabon, Episode 7 Recap

The Fang tribe is sad. Very sad. Matty, whom so far has had an appealing underdog quality about him, is getting demoralized by all the losses and is getting cranky. Crystal, with her Olympic Gold Medal tucked in her pocket is clearly someone who is used to winning as well, and is getting paranoid and grumpy. It is hard to watch, because I really liked these guys in the beginning, but all the whining, while totally understandable at this point, just isn't fun to watch. When Crystal spills some rice and then tries to make a martyr out of herself by not eating, it's just like, please, can we vote this team out and put them out of their misery? You know those two are going to be totally embarrassed when they get home.

Anyway, on to a challenge. The keep-away conceit is simple, but unless I'm mistaken at least is something original. Evil Randy is of course really good at it, as is Marcus, and even Bob gives it a really good go. Sugar is useless. I'd love to see the decision making process of why they chose Sugar for that position over, say, Crystal with her big long arms and strength. But instead we just get to see Sugar giggle and run around the field much in the same way, minus the giggling, that I did playing eighth grade gym class basketball - I didn't want to be there and so did the absolute minimum to keep the gym coach off my back. The thing is, I was 13, and I wasn't playing for a million dollar prize. On Jeff Probst's blog, he keeps saying we are going to fall in love with Sugar, and while I do find her adorable, I so far have little reason to enjoy her game playing. Anyway, shocker, Fang loses as quickly as is possible, and the victors take the helicopter ride off into the sunset. I always love the adventure rewards, but this one gets pretty scant screen time. They even squeeze in the letters-from-home reward, which pushes Bob over the edge into hysteric tears, which is both adorable and a little uncomfortable.

I don't really get the idea behind sending Sugar to Exile every time. At this point they must be pretty certain she has the idol. It just seems mean. From a strategic point of view, I guess I understand, but even a heartless "outwit" game enjoyer like me is starting to feel bad. Sugar is spending most of the game all alone, well, alone except the camera man. Not that I guess she is really missing anything fun back at camp, and at least there she gets to stay fat on fruit. But still, it is still pretty heartless.

Challenge #2 is the old barrel-roll. But in a twist we are playing for individual immunity before we merge, and both tribes have to vote someone out. It isn't the biggest twist, but I approve even of minor ones, so this sits fine with me. Plus, we are getting very close to jury selection and still have a lot of excess baggage around. The only thing that strikes me about the barrel roll is how little anyone understands the strategy behind it. Everyone was so focused on keeping their own balance, that they were all too afraid to attack and simply make the other person fall in first. But whatever, watching people fall into water is enjoyable enough, and it still stacked up pretty much in an order you would expect. However I must protest any further challenges where Bob takes off his shirt. Seriously, give that guy an eclair stat.

Kota has to decide between Dan and Susie. My favorite exchange of the season happens with Corrine and Susie. Corrine says, "I just really like you and so wanted to let you know we are voting for Dan." Suzie: "Oh, that is good to know, because, heh heh, I was going to vote for you otherwise." Corrine: "I HATE YOU AND WANT TO STAB YOU IN THE FACE!" This was good for a few reasons. One, it is the first interesting thing Susie has done in seven weeks. Second, it reminds us that while Corrine has been laying low while she's been winning everything, she is clearly out of her mind crazy and hopefully will be contributing more to my enjoyment of the show as the merge approaches and she actually has to start playing. Game. On.

The golden alliance of three replaces poor old Jackie with evil Randy, a move that infuriates me even though I totally understand. You want to take the cranky old guy who no one will vote for to the end. So though none of them are ready to say it yet, I'm sure he is on their short lists for final two. I also get that they don't want to take Bob to the end, since he would probably have a good shot at beating them, but they also don't really seem to trust him, which is something I don't really understand. Probst, you guys gotta do a better job at explaining stuff like that. Anyway, they get paranoid about Dan having the idol, so they split their votes, but Dan still goes home. I liked our Nick Lachey lookalike enough, but I can't say I'm really going to miss him either. I mean, dude wore a tie to tribal. (I also liked Corrine's bedside psych eval of him: "I wonder if he was a fatty growing up, cause he is so needy." Ha!)

On Fang, it quickly comes down to Sugar, who has to decide between Ace and Crystal. She has been totally useless during the game so far, and finally she decides to play in a big way, and votes for Ace. I really didn't see that coming, and this was, for me, the first surprise of the season. FINALLY! I have mixed feelings though, because while it made for a great tribal surprise, and while I've never actually liked Ace, at all, he has been the only player really playing. (Other than Kenny who has done a pretty good job at working Sugar.) I guess you don't know who you really love until they are gone, because I have to say I'm a little sad. But do you know who is going to be really excited? Marcus.

Next week, if I'm reading between the lines, seems to be the merge. Good, cause then Marcus/Charlie/Corrine are going to finally have to start playing. I wonder if their loose alliance with Randy and Bob is going to hold up, or if Kenny will be able to organize against them. Randy hardly needs the help, but he is clearly being set up as the villain, and the only way that ends good is for him to be voted out. I can see him getting too comfy and over-reaching. Let's hope anyway. (Is it bad if I am also hoping he gets eaten by a hippo? OK, maybe just chased? Cause that would be AWESOME. At the very least I'd like another pineapple to the face. Please?)

UPDATE: Follow this link to see a Corrine video confession to some crazy.

One more...

Holy cow I can't wait until this election is over so I can stop talking about all of this. Sorry to the family, hopefully more fun blogs are upcoming!

Equality

It's always better when doing the right thing is also funny. My family must sure be glad none of them live in California anymore, otherwise I'd be harassing them way more with this stuff. lol

Another reason I love me some Mac

No on Prop 8
October 24, 2008
Apple is publicly opposing Proposition 8 and making a donation of $100,000 to the No on 8 campaign. Apple was among the first California companies to offer equal rights and benefits to our employees’ same-sex partners, and we strongly believe that a person’s fundamental rights — including the right to marry — should not be affected by their sexual orientation. Apple views this as a civil rights issue, rather than just a political issue, and is therefore speaking out publicly against Proposition 8.

I've never loved my iPod more.

Survivor: Gabon, Episode 6 Recap

Well, we reached a critical turning point for me with this episode. As I've been saying, I'm totally into the Marcus/Charlie/Corrine domination. But my heart always goes out to the Matty/Crystal/Kenny underdogs. However I think I'm mostly ready for them to be put out of their misery so the game can move on and get rid of that bastard Randy.

The reward challenge was a familiar one. I actually thought the red tribe had a shot at this. But Kelly was a terrible pace setter, and they proved - again - they are unable to come together as a team. Matty has heart, but I loved it when he was holding about three feet of the skinny part and was screaming at Ace, who was struggling with the bulk of the snake, to hurry up. Crystal again disappoints, although she is still probably one of the stronger female athletes, she just doesn't have the endurance. Get that girl a gel pack stat!

The immunity challenge was more fun, because for a fleeting second it actually seemed like the red tribe was actually going to pull off an upset thanks to Matty and Kenny thinking outside of the box and sprinting over the top of the obstacle. I like that. But - AGAIN - when it comes time to put the puzzle together they all just stand around and watch Ace struggle. ::groan::

Matty seems like a really nice guy. He is even willing to play the game, making a pact with Ace to get to the merge. The thing is, the game part obviously doesn't come naturally to him, or he would have realized that that alliance doesn't help him in any way. He was the one with the power (along with Crystal, Kenny and perhaps Kelly), he should have had Ace crawling to him, not the other way around. He was just so desperate to feel like he was making something happen to better his game, and I just don't think he is wired to understand the complexity of the game part. Too bad, but oh well.

Crystal is weird. But unless the producers are going to have a sprinting challenge, I just don't think she has much more to offer my viewing pleasure. (Note to producers: WHERE IS THE SPRINTING CHALLENGE?!?!) And her breakdown - and I don't mean the crying, I mean her wild overreaction to Kelly - was terribly off-putting.

Kenny - well, I still like Kenny. Go Kenny!

Sugar absolutely mystifies me. Whatever bad I had to say about Matty, multiply it times a hundred for Sugar. Why, tell me, why did she give the idol to Ace? I can't come up with a scenario where that could have possibly made any sense to her. Fortunately Kenny talks some sense into her, so she steals it back, but even this is done with minimal explanation. I don't get her. It was cute that she cried about eating food when her tribe was hungry. I don't really get why Kota keeps sending her to Exile. It's just kind of mean.

Randy can't go soon enough. I will be very sad if he makes it to the jury. He is just awful.

I was, of course, hoping for an surprise Ace vote. Or even Sugar. I have no love for Kelly, but she would have been a very useful tool for Matty and Crystal and Kenny had they had any brains. Clearly they don't. Producers: this is getting boring. Do something. Team decimations are only interesting if you have a breakout character like Stephanie to root for. And even then it was more painful than anything. Merge early, I dunno. And, whatever you do, you had better make sure that Randy gets what is coming to him.

PS - I bag on Ace, cause I think he is full of it, but I have to say he is absolutely the most interesting character on the show at present. He is smarmy and relatively unlikable with a fake Indian-British accent, but at least he is smart and playing. I'm afraid this would all be an unmitigated disaster without him in the mix.

You've been served.

How long before the election for Presidency becomes a reality show on CBS? Not soon enough I say!

Hat tip: Josh

Still hungry for Tso's

This was the slowest weekend I've ever worked. We started out with empty beds on the unit, so I only had three patients instead of the usual four. By the end of the day Sunday, all but one nurse was down to two patients, which is crazy, and still the ER was totally empty. I go back again tonight, and while I expect there will have been a bunch of admissions today, I'm still wondering what to expect. Hopefully they won't send a nurse home, cause then you run the risk of getting new admissions and suddenly your slow night turns into a 5 patient night.

Some wheels are turning to let me spend a day on the inpatient psych ward. No, not as a patient, the cooling air may have my goat but it hasn't rendered me insane. Yet. Hmmm. Is having someone's goat really an expression, or did I just totally make that up?

We tried to get some General Tso's chicken last night only to find that my favorite local Chinese place was closed. There was paper over the windows, but when I peered in I could see remodeling going on. I am just praying they are sprucing the place up, because if they close and I have no more local access to my Tso's, then life just got a whole lot sadder.

Boy Bands for Obama

Hey moms, this silly is for you.

John McCain Roasts Obama Alfred E. Smith Charity Dinner

You gotta watch these videos, about ten minutes each. Both of them are very funny. I wish there was more funny in politics. I would have watched more of the debates if it were a little more like this. lol

Obama Roasts John McCain Alfred E. Smith Charity Dinner

Gettysburg

Truth be told I wasn't all that excited about going to Gettysburg. It just didn't seem like something that would be all that interesting, but boy was I wrong. History is super exciting under the right circumstances, and the museum and car audio tour (you listen to a CD while you drive around the battlefield) are all really well presented. The strategies, the ebb and flow of the battles, it all comes to life as you learn about just what happened. It also didn't hurt that my dad and Uncle Rod are nerds and knew a ridiculous amount of trivia about the events, which also helped sweeten the experience.

I think it helped a lot that we were there at a perfect time of year. The weather was perfect, the trees were just starting to turn which was gorgeous, and it wasn't as crowded as I'm sure it gets in the summer months, and this all helped take away some of the creepiness of places like the Wheatfield and Devil's Den.

What is amazing is that this wasn't really that long ago. America is such a young country. For the first time I understood why Southerners might still have some pride in the Confederate Flag. I mean, I'm glad they got whooped, because there is no good argument for slavery, even dressed up as "states rights". But for the common man, who were the ones actually out there doing the combat, it really was a matter of pride, and I can understand wanting to honor that. (Of course I can still understand why African-Americans would be offended by honoring that, which is what makes it a complicated issue.)

We went on what really was a pretty bad ghost tour once it got dark. Our guide was very charismatic and fun, but couldn't tell a good story to save his life. I guess I'm doomed to be a theatre critic for the rest of my life, but David and I just giggled to each other at every tortured segue. It was still fun to be out and about at night, and I never turn my nose up at a walk, so overall it was a lot of fun. But still I was hoping for something actually, you know, scary.

We had some really good apples. And french fries. And homemade chocolates. One store had a bag of "chocolate babies", which was a bag of chocolate in the shape of little babies. I couldn't decide if it was funny or creepy. (We didn't buy them.)

So if you get the chance, go out there. We spent two full days, and probably could have found more to do if we'd had the time. Very fun and interesting. Funny that I've lived in DC over a year, and with the possible exception of the Lincoln Memorial, I really haven't gotten into the history of this city. The White House just seems like a modern building to me, so it was surprising seeing photos of it with Union troops lined up outside. I love that. The American History Museum has been closed since we arrived for renovations, but it should be opening back up again this November, and I can't wait to go visit.

As usual, had a great time with my family. Even if my mom popped the air mattress. ::grin:: You're welcome back anytime!

More proof that dolls are All Evil, All The Time

Survivor: Gabon, Episode 5 Recap

Apologies to anyone who cares that I missed recapping last weeks episode. I was busy being awed by killer assassin bugs up at Gettysburg. Seriously. I will say that I was bummed Jacqui got the boot, if only because, unlike Kenny, I think she is way hotter than Kelly. However, Kenny was still very smart to pick Kelly - assuming her apparent uselessness at challenges doesn't doom them, she is the perfect flip vote to get you ahead. Too bad I don't like her - what was up when she was badmouthing Crystal at tribal? Um, calling out your hoped-for alliance doesn't seem all that smart girlie. Just saying.

But bygones are bygones, and lets get to last nights episode. Note to producers: an elephant across the way "near" camp isn't nearly as interesting as you seem to think it is. While I personally would love to see a wild elephant that close, you spent an awfully long time - time that could have been devoted to revealing how pathetic GC is, for example - sitting around ooohhing and aaahhhing at an elephant way off in the bushes. I'm sure it was dramatic in person, on TV, not so much. I know you feel like you have to prove that Africa is indeed awesome, but don't worry, I'm already sold. Until the elephant starts knocking their shelter over, I'm just not that interested. Amanda catching a shark was way better.

I'm convinced Ace has a fake accent. It just comes and goes in intensity. However he must have lived abroad at some point, because his use of language is a little fancy. After watching the pathetic GC get into an argument with Crystal over nothing, he says "Watching them fall apart is very pleasurable". Do you know what else is pleasurable Ace? Watching you get a shield to the face in the challenge. Do you know what was even more pleasurable? Watching you get a pineapple and a half a watermelon in the face at the same time. I know Nick Lachey didn't do that on purpose, but it was awesome. I give you credit for being a good athlete, and unlike some at least you are playing the game. You are just not doing it in a way that makes me like you. Like at all.

I can't wrap my head around Sugar. I like her, she is adorable. But her game is pretty weak, which means I can't totally get behind her.

The only thing I have to say about GC isn't even about him. It is about noting that there is very obviously a racist producer on Survivor. Season after season, we get a totally lame young black guy. Gervais, Clarence, the king of them all quitter Osten, I know there are more but they are rarely that memorable because they end up leaving so quickly, or like the guy who stole Yau-Man's car last a long time despite being totally lame because everyone knows they aren't a threat. There are plenty of awesome young black guys out there. Could we please hire one of them sometime? I mean, really.

Did anyone notice, and I'm sure you did because the cameras were loving it too, at just how much love Marcus was giving Charlie after the fruit challenge? Charlie is in heaven right now. Marcus is either just a very touchy-feely kind of guy (he did have an arm around Nick Lachey too at one point), or else he is brilliantly manipulating Charlie into become a disciple. At this point I can't tell which it is, but either way I am totally ready for Marcus to win it all.

I find myself rooting for Crystal and Kenny and Matty, because I'm always drawn to the underdogs. But I also want Marcus and Corrine and Charlie to win. So I guess I've got torn allegiances at this point. I was VERY happy to see GC go, even if it would have been more interesting to see Sugar get surprised. But here is what I never really get. Everyone always totally freaks out when they find out someone has the idol. "OH NOES! Sugar is so powerful now!" Look at it this way. Right now you have almost as much power, because you know she has it. If you blindside her, the idol goes back out there and who knows who will get it? Remember the Four Horseman, who thought they had all the power until they were totally tricked by the people who knew they had it? Chill out about the idol for now. And after that tribal, Sugar pretty much knows that you know, which will mean lots of fun second-guessing intrigue at the next tribal you go to (which presumably will be next week), which means lots of fun for a game-player like me.

I know there is no way this season is going to measure up to last season, which was the best season ever. But there is still plenty going on for addicts like me. But I will admit, beyond the fruit to the face, my favorite moment was the intro promo, when with the aid of some CGI Jeff breathed fire that formed "Survivor". He is so awesome.

Vacation over, back to work

My parents and uncle were here this week, so I've got some bloggable events to talk about, but I work the next two nights, so check back in a few days. Also I know by the time I get some time to blog it will be time for another episode of Survivor, so I know this will depress you all but I might not have much to say about the latest episode, which I just watched this morning. But I gotta grab some dinner before heading off to my night shift, so no time now.

But while we were out in Pennsylvania, David and I spotted a huge and awesome assassin bug. Remember the movie "Starship Troopers" where those big bugs stuck the tubes into people heads and sucked out their brains? Well that is pretty much what these bugs do. Sadly it wasn't eating at the time we saw it, but we did get to scare a young boy scout when he asked us if the bug could bite. So, that day rocked.

I love the 80s

For all you fans of the 80s, here is the fabulous "Take On Me" video from A-ha, only the words to the song have been changed to reflect what is actually happening in the video. You know how I enjoy the funny.

[title of show] is the best thing since laughing

David and I took a very quick run up to NYC this weekend. The goal: see the Broadway production of [title of show]. David saw the show in 2004 at the then brand new NY Musical Theatre Festival, and since then this company of four have taken their destiny in their own hands and through a genius combination of talent and self-promotion managed to find Broadway producers. I am in awe of them. The show was supes fun, full of laughs and inside jokes, but at its most powerful as a mirror saying "Yes, you can!".

For more insidery fun, who sits in front of us but Jen Cody and Hunter Foster (it was funny watching him not react when the show starts talking about his sister Sutton), and in front of them was John Patrick Shanley. Behind us somewhere was Mamie Duncan-Gibbs, who must have been there with a few friends because they all hooted when she was mentioned.

I'll admit it made me really miss the Broadway community. I'm quite confident that we made the right decision in leaving NY when we did, it was far too much of a sacrifice to have continued. But at its best, it was pretty darn awesome, and these [tos] kids are awesome for making their dreams come true.

We'd sort of planned on seeing a matinee, but nothing at TKTS really caught our imagination. We'd wanted to see "Billy Elliot", which is still in previews, but we balked at the $136 ticket. $136!! We were staying with our good friend Tommy, and instead e decided to slum it at the movies instead, and saw Bill Maher's "Religulous". I always take these kinds of one-sided "documentaries" with a grain of salt, as he "interviews" ordinary people who have no chance of debating someone as smart as him, or, in some cases, as even coming across as half-intelligent. But, in its best moments, he makes a compelling argument for the virtues of doubt. In a world where we have psuedo-religious political leaders who campaign on "never blinking" and are incapable of ever admitting to a mistake, I find the argument powerful and comforting. (I'm sure Maher is super disappointed that he finished shooting the movie before Sarah Palin entered the stage, because I'm sure he'd have plenty to say about her religious views.) But still, the movie isn't for anyone.

The trip was too fast to plan any time to see any of our other NY friends. Next time we come back we'll have to have a little par-tay somewhere. We had a way too fast breakfast with Tiffany Sunday morning before catching our bus back to DC, but it was just that, way too fast. I miss you Tiffany!!

So I worked last night and I found out that a 26 year old patient we've been seeing on our floor on and off for several months finally passed away on Sunday. She was very sick and in lots of pain, and I'm relieved that she isn't suffering like that anymore. But still it is so sad, no one that young should be that sick. It had been a week since I'd seen her last, just poking my head in her room when I was leaving. I sometimes try and say goodbye to people I know even if I'm not taking care of them that shift. I'm not always very good at it, but in this case I'm glad I did, because the last thing I will remember about her is a smile.

My parents and Uncle Rod are coming for the week to hang out. We're headed to Gettysberg this weekend which will be fun. I don't really know what we will do until then, but those things have a way of working out. And, no pressure guys, but it had better be fun because we've had to say "no" to no less than four couchsurfers, whom all seemed really fun and interesting. ::grin::

Survivor: Gabon, Episode 3

I love the way in these early episodes that they don't even try to be subtle about foreshadowing who is going to lose the challenges. One conflict is set up, and that conflict is explored all the way through tribal council. Because really that is what I want to see. Not the conflict itself, per se, but the interactions between people. I'm just trying to get to know people. One more throwaway week to go where someone starts talking and you start and say "Who the heck is that and why have I never seen them before?", and then we'll be in good territory again.

So lets see. Ace is not growing on me. I am a big lover of accented people, but at one point I turned to David and said "Is his accent real?", and then two seconds later someone on the show made the exact same comment. Sometimes it sounds British, and sometimes it sounds, well, that kind of British that you hear in India, if that makes any sense. Which to me = fake. Also he is acting extremely cocky considering his entire alliance consists of Sugar.

Sugar, however, is growing on me, despite her bad taste in men. Not that I expect many great things from her, but it was enjoyable when she was attacked by ants. And anyone who finds the idol gets a point from me, even if it did seem on the easy side (Nick Lachey must be so sad after seeing last nights episode.) Question: Did she really come close to an elephant in the jungle or was that just "clever" editing?

The first challenge was kinda boring, I always cringe a little at the wrestling challenges. But what jumped out at me was that the Gold Medalist finally looked like an athlete. She must have gotten some new, lighter shoes or something, because she totally outperformed GQ, or whatever his name is. Last week I was giving him the benefit of the doubt as he was put in a hard position with the whole "be our leader" thing. But he seems intent on fulfilling the typical quota of the lazy African American man position. I don't know why the producers seem to love that "type", but they've had one almost every season the show has been on. And anyone who takes breaks during the challenge is to be mocked, period.

But this weeks battle is about Ace vs Paloma. Frankly I didn't really care much. Paloma seems nice enough, but I don't know her well enough to root for her. And while I doubt I will ever have a warm feeling towards someone who is speaking in a fake accent (what kind of strategy is that?), at least he has the potential of being a game changer. Especially now that he has the idol. However the look on his face when he got his second vote was priceless.

I will give Paloma credit for approaching the bitch pharmaceutical rep, I forget her name, but doesn't she look a lot like Erin Moran? And in a good way. Anyway, I like that she sort of seems to be running the show over at alliance land. When she is talking to the gay boy and he gushes "You are so smart!" I laughed out loud, but also appreciate his game. I bet she LOVES hearing that. But I can't wait for her and doctor-boy turn on each other, because that will be awesome. So for now, I want them to the end.

Oh, also props to the video game guy for coming from behind to win the math puzzle. That win was earned. I can see him totally growing on me, even though he lost his girlfriend already. They are going to have to get rid of the other old lady soon, but that wedding video guy is really annoying. Along with GQ, that team is pretty much a mess. But I'm glad they are winning some and aren't just getting decimated.

I'm very curious about next weeks "rate your team" challenge. It is pretty early for something like that, so that is bound to shake things up. We'll see how smart the bitch is after all.

Head Of Skate

I missed the Matt Damon quote (hey, I don't pay attention to EVERYTHING), but still, this is pretty funny satire.

See more funny videos and funny pictures at CollegeHumor.

Seriously?

Jeff Probst has a sense of humor

As if you needed another reason to love Probst, do yourself a favor and watch this video of Jeff giving an Entertainment Weekly reporter a tour of the Tribal Council area. Stay through til the end for more proof of why Jeff deserved his Emmy as best Reality Show host.

Sarah Silverman hearts Obama

If you know who Sarah Silverman is, and if you think she is funny, and if you heart Obama too, then you should go here and watch her appeal to Jewish voters for Obama. If you don't, then you probably shouldn't, as she tends to use very, uh, colorful language, which is why I'm not actually embedding the video here. But it is hilarious.

Survivor, saving me from the winter blues

SURVIVOR: GABON, EPISODES 1&2

The music, the animals, the Probst. My life is complete again.

I don't know that I'm going to do complete recaps this season, or at least the recap formula isn't going to be my goal this time around. However, I love dishing about it, which probably often will mean talking about everything that happened, so who knows how this column will actually turn out. Basically I am just trying to give myself some cover if I feel lazy and don't want to be as thorough as I've sometimes been in the past. But don't get me wrong. I still think Survivor is the best show on TV. Ever. (What, you thought I was going to say "The Honeymooners"?)

New this season: actual interaction with the animals and scenery they show in the montages. Usually they get some wildlife photographer to go out and get all this great footage, but always at an undetermined distance away from the actual contestants, whom rarely see the whales or sharks or monkeys or waterfalls or whatever. But this time we start in an absolutely gorgeous green valley, which we revisit for the challenges, which I am stoked about. The valley is a nice change from the nondescript locations of previous shows. And one of the camps has a close encounter with some elephants in the dark, which is awesome, although the event gets overshadowed with some dude getting the slow death award by giving himself a nasty gash in the head that is bound to get infected. Unfortunately he is no Jonathan and I doubt I'm going to feel all that sad when he starts crying about how unfair it is that he has to leave in another episode or two.

So we had two episodes back to back, which was great. The first four episodes are usually a bit of a throwaway as we are just trying to get to know the players, and it is hard to get too worked up about who gets booted, unless it happens to be someone who is, you know, attractive. Cause then it is a bummer. Luckily that didn't happen this time. Almost. But not. Well, yet.

Immediately I'm intrigued by Crystal, who won an Olympic Gold relay medal in Athens, although sadly I don't actually remember her (and there is no doubt that I watched her race). If they'd gotten, say, Lauren Williams, who lost two Olympic relay medals by dropping the baton, I would have been so stoked. Still, this is a girl who should be fun, athletic, and who should know how to talk to the camera to make things fun. So imagine my surprise when she falls to pieces on the first challenge, and then blames her sneakers - that she picked out to bring with her - for being too heavy. Hmmm. Still, she has a fun personality and is very mom-pretty, so I'm still into her. But please, please, let there be a race that she can dominate cause that would be totally awesome.

Obviously I am totally loving Charlie and his boy-crush on Marcus, who reminds me terribly of Patrick Wilson. I also love, of course, that Marcus is cool enough to not be freaked out by it, and seems (so far) to be genuinely taking advantage of the bond to make a pretty real alliance with him. They pick two pretty girls to go with them, and talk about (but never actually approach) Boy Scout Bob to be their swing. Not only good strategy, but at this point in the game they all seem like the kind of people I'd love to see win. (As long as Corrine tones down the "I'm not here to make friends" nonsense. Save that stuff for later.) I loved when the boys were talking about how smart Corrine is, and the camera cuts to a shot of her talking to someone and nodding, as if she were saying "Yes, yes I am the smartest person here."

I guess I'm fine with them calling it "Exile Island" even when it is a little camp by a lake and not, technically, an island. I do like the twist of choosing shelter over the clue. Separates the men from the boys. I thought they were foolish for sending Nick Lachey I mean Dan to Exile, but it turned out to be a smart move as his team got a huge case of the paranoia and almost voted him out thinking he had the idol. The one team has lost every challenge so far, and I HATE blowout seasons, but if we have to go down that boring road, I'd rather they go out spectacularly, and so if they start voting out their strongest players that is fine with me. I can understand voting out the entirely unpleasant Michelle, who starting things out with a totally annoying chip on her shoulder and dug her own grave a little every time she opened her mouth. And I liked the old lady, but at this point in the game you have to go for strength. Sorry moms!

The jury is still out on the video nerd, who is both at times very appealing (seeming very athletic when he was climbing on the balls to untie the keys) and then gets dangerously close to Cook Islands Billy territory as he gets attention from a real live girl in Michelle. Also on Sugar, whom I like a lot (much like I also like 1940's inspired Kenley over at Project Runway), but it is yet unclear whether she really has the skills to be interesting on this kind of show or if she will just be follower Indian boring.

Medical side note: Gillian is a nurse, but yet was complaining about it being too dark for her to help the unpleasant wedding-video dude when he cut his head and is bleeding profusely all over his face. Um, maybe you can't heal it, but couldn't you at least put pressure on it? (Heh, it looked pretty cool though, I bet all the cameramen were like "No! Don't mess up my shot!") Also, medically speaking, why don't any of the residents at my hospital look like Marcus? Just asking.

Am I wrong, or is this the first season Jeff is wearing shorts?

Yeah, so maybe not a true recap, but I can't resist talking about it all. I was getting all depressed because it is getting cold outside, but at least I will have Survivor to warm my heart.