Posted on 08/24/2006 7:29:17 AM PDT by cuz_it_aint_their_money
Yes FReepers and FReeperettes, its time once again for another season of Survivor.
This time they are in the Cook Islands, in the middle of the South Pacific.
I was going to start off this thread by informing you all about how Mark Burnett’s Production Company has decided to split the tribe along ethnic backgrounds. But that subject has been pretty much beaten to death on at least three different threads. So. . . .
I would like to point out that for all their talk about “minorities” not applying to the show as much as “whites” and about how they had to send their casting producers out to round up minorities, they apparently didn’t have to look too far.
Of the 20 contestants recruited for this season, no less than 13 are from California!
And of those 13, NINE are from the greater Los Angeles area!
So much for diversity!
Here are your hyphenated tribes for Survivor: Cook Islands!
The “European-American” Tribe: (front row, first half, left to right) Blue Buffs
Adam Gentry, 28, copier sales, San Diego, California
Jessica Smith, 27, performance artist/roller derby girl, Chico, California
Parvati Shallow, 23, boxer/waitress, Los Angeles, California
Candice Woodcock, 23, premed student, Fayetteville, North Carolina
Jonathan Penner, 44, writer/producer, Los Angeles, California
The “Latino-American” Tribe: (back row, first half, left to right) Red Buffs
Cecilia Mansilla, 29, technology risk consultant, Oakland, California
Oscar "Ozzy" Lusth, 25, waiter, Venice, California
Cristina Coria, 35, police officer, Los Angeles, California
J.P. Calderon, 30, pro volleyball player, Marina Del Rey, California
Billy Garcia, 36, heavy metal guitarist, New York City, New York
The “Asian-American” Tribe: (front row, second half, left to right) Green Buffs
Brad Virata, 29, fashion director, Los Angeles, California
Becky Lee, 28, attorney, Washington, D.C.
Anh-Tuan "Cao Boi" Bui, 42, nail salon manager, Christiansburg, Virginia
Jenny Guzon-Bae, 36, real estate agent, Lake Forest, Illinois
Yul Kwon, 31, management consultant, San Mateo, California
The “African-American” Tribe: (back row, second half, left to right) Yellow Buffs
Rebecca Borman, 24, makeup artist, Laurelton, New York
Nathan Gonzalez, 26, retail sales, Los Angeles, California
Sundra Oakley, 31, actress, Los Angeles, California
Sekou Bunch, 45, jazz musician, Los Angeles, California
Stephannie Favor, 35, nursing student, Columbia, South Carolina
Anyway, enjoy!
Take care and I’ll be back next week with the Survivor’s Bios and my initial predictions.
Till then,
Freepmail me if you want to be added to or removed from the Survivor Ping List.
a preview of what Survivor:Race War will be like
Stereotype olympics
Mind of Mencia
http://youtube.com/watch?v=Z4DTAngL00Y&search=stereotype%20olympics
White guy, Mexican, Arab, Black and Chinese
Woohoo. This Freeperette is very excited about watching a bunch of left coasters tear each other apart. Between Survivor, Amazing Race, and Lost gearing up, I just might survive without my Deadwood and Entourage.
But 20 survivors? I've only been watching for a couple of seasons, but isn't that a lot?
This is gonna be sooooooooooooo much fun to watch, and deep as I am in suffering "So You Think You Can Dance" withdrawal pangs, I'm thrilled to get your ping.
My first read on the odds is to put Latino and Asian tribes at a distinct early advantage because they have 3 guys.
Yes, it is more than they have had in the past.
When the show was first introduced, they had 16 survivors, split into 2 tribes of 8 each.
Since then, they have had as many as 18 players, split into 3 tribes of 6 each or 2 tribes of 9 each.
If they are keeping with the 39 day time frame, then they will need a couple of "double elimination" tribal councils or move the schedule around and have tribal councils closer to each other than every three days.
I was at first repulsed by the premise of splitting the tribes up by race... but then I thought it through... in order to win at Survivor you have to reach out beyond your own tribe and make alliances with folks from other tribes.
The dynamics of watching this happen, especially when 4 tribes are reduced to 2 at some point... and then again when the final merge happens will be quite interesting. The person who can seamlessly work their way into several strategic alliances across tribe lines will win this. The people who "stick to their own kind" will be voted off quickly.
By the way, Cuz. Thanks for doing this again!
Hope all is well with you and Mrs. Cuz, and all the Cuzlings.
Did not notice that, 14 out of 20 are from California.
obvious wanna be actors
Thanks for the ping! Really, really ready for the new seasons to start for Survivor and TAR!
You and the media. I don't see why everyone is so hyper about this. No one got repulsed by groups divided by sex or age and this is no different. It's just a publicity stunt - nothing more, nothing less. But you're right, in order to win you have to be able to get along with everyone or lie very well.
In a totally un-PC scenario, I'd love to see:
Latino team - turning their canoe into a low-rider, having long siestas, and rolling seaweed smokes.
Black team - breaking into gangs, freakin' over the water challenges, and rolling seaweed smokes.
Asian team - calculating morning, noon, and night on the odds of boots and puzzle strategies, and rolling seaweed smokes.
White team - burning crosses as their fire, fretting over their coconut blackberries, and rolling seaweed smokes.
LOL! That is the funniest thing. :) Pinging you pookie to post # 3.
Hey, better yet. Divide them by Dummies and Freepers!
Hi, cuz. I heard Rush talking about this yesterday. I got the impression he doesn't watch the show, but he was still a riot the way he was speculating who would win and why. :)
I think I'll let you post it...in a comment...if you so desire ;-)
I don't know if I'll be able to stomach the race thing.
My daughters went to a horrible public school that was very into the multi-culturalism thing. I couldn't stand it (and my girls are now in private school).
I am so sick of multi-culturalism, and I watched Survivor to escape things like that.
Did "So you think you can dance" have a thread? I was looking for one.
I loved that show and was so happy the Benji won.
I was an Invasion junkie...I can't believe ABC cancelled it after one season... I knew something was amiss when I saw Sheriff Tom was going to be the FBI's top tracker on Prison Break
Now I'll never know if the hybrids take over the world, if Larkin's baby was a mega hybrid...bwaaaahh..
I'm shamed to admit how much I've anticipated "Survivor's" return.
Did you see the article about the professor who wrote a chapter of his book just about Survivor spoiling? Amazing what a big game spoiling has come.
Thought three tribes at the beginning of last season was strange since it lasted only three days. This could be interesting as there would not be a merge so quickly.
Loved Invasion also. The fans were left with a cliff hanger of an ending.
Rush was talking about this yesterday and he was hilarious. Watch for the P.C. police to come out in full force this season.
Why does the White team have a kook (roller derby girl) and no one else does?? Every team should have a performance artist/fire walker/ rollerskater.
I look for the Asian team to win as all their castaways seem to have real jobs and not wannabe actors/musicians.
Thank goodness I have Project Runway until the start of Survivor!
I thought they started out with 20 at Palau and kicked two off right away when they chose up sides - one was I think John and the second was that lady who had written 75 songs about Survivor and thankfully was booted off before she could sing all of them. Wanda, was it? I couldn't believe how pointless that first "pick teams for dodgeball" elimination was.
I just finished watching repeats of Vanuatu on OLN - man, but I hated that season.
Geez - so many Californians....why didn't they save themselves some production costs and just do "Survivor-Catalina?"
I look at it as Jonathan and Wanda never really got to play the game, never actually "got voted out" and therefore were never really part of the season.
I all reality, the game didn't start until the tribes were split into 2 tribes of 9 each.
But "technically" you are correct.
I'm with you, cuz! It seemed stupid at the time - yeah, let's get all those people out there and send 'em right back. All I can remember is Wanda standing up and singing, fists clenched, as they rowed toward land. I've tried bleach, but the image remains in my brain.
I swear, that watercraft entrance is second only to what's-her-name arriving on the "barge" like Cleopatra at Marquessas (at least I THINK it was Marquessas).
I'm starting to think I have no life.
Ding! Ding! Ding!
Correct again! It was Sarah that made the grand entrance "ala-Cleopatra". It was also Marquesas that first subjected us to Bahston Rob a.k.a. "Da-Robfahder".
It's scary - my initial inclination was to say "Sarah," actually.
Cuz - you are just a treasure trove of Survivor Trivia! You da man! (Or da woman!)
Thanks for the ping Cuz, I'm on board and hope not to be bored by this ethnic tribe stuff. Whose brain f@rt was that anyway???
Thank you for the ping! I'm ready for action!
WHEN? WHEN? WHEN? Can you tell me what night is the first show? Did I miss it tonight? I had to work late and just got home. Oh, rats! Always a day late and a dollar short.
Hee!
"My first read on the odds is to put Latino and Asian tribes at a distinct early advantage because they have 3 guys."
That was my first observation as well.
What?!? That show is still on?
If they wanted so many Californians they could have just taped in L.A. They have racially segregated "Survivor" all the time there.
Exactly, WVR. Been there, done that, don't want to watch it on tv.
Cuz, you've run a great thread for years, but now please take me off the ping list. I'll miss you guys, but not the show.
Sorry to see you go.
Anytime you want to be added back, just FReepmail me!
Cuz
Does anybody out there know of another free picture hosting website other than tinypic.com? Anybody?
Thanks in advance, Cuz
NFP
NFP
Thanks NFP,
My office firewall prevents me from accessing photobucket,
so I'll have to check out when I get home.
Cuz
Thanks for the ping! I also use Photobucket for free photo storage / hosting.
The Raratonga Tribe - (Blue Buffs): Adam, Jessica, Parvati, Candice, Jonathan
The Aitutaki Tribe – (Red Buffs): Cecilia, Ozzy, Cristina, J.P., Billy
The Puka Puka Tribe – (Green Buffs): Brad, Becky, Cao Boi, Jenny, Yul
The Manihiki Tribe - (Yellow Buffs): Rebecca, Nathan, Sundra, Sekou, Stephannie
Well, as promised, here are the Survivor Bios (at least what I thought was pertinent) and my thoughts.
Enjoy!
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Adam Gentry, 28, copier sales, San Diego, California
CUZ’s thoughts: Not much to go on with Adam’s bio. He has a degree in Marketing, works as a copier salesman, hobbies include going out with friends, going to the beach, working out and playing sports, is single. Overall, Adam will probably make the Jury.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Jessica Smith, 27, performance artist/roller derby girl, Chico, California
CUZ’s thoughts:This gal seems to be the reincarnation of last season’s Courtney. A “performance artist” who specializes in “fire-related” performances and a roller derby queen who goes by the “stage name” of “Flicka Flame”. Jessica is single (DUH!) and a complete flake! Which means she should do well and will probably at least make the Jury, if not the final four.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Parvati Shallow, 23, boxer/waitress, Los Angeles, California
CUZ’s thoughts: Parvati grew up on a commune, put herself through college and received a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism (just what we need, another liberal info-babe) and loves all sorts of outdoor activities. She is single and will probable be an early boot. Sorry folks, she may be easy on the eyes, but I doubt she makes the Jury.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Candice Woodcock, 23, premed student, Fayetteville, North Carolina
CUZ’s thoughts: Even though Candice may appear to be your typical “bubble headed blond”, don’t let her looks deceive you. She is one sharp cookie, having received a Bachelor of Science Degree in biology and psychology with a minor in chemistry, she didn’t stop there. She is also working on her Master's Degree in physiology and biophysics, after which she plans to attend medical school. Of course, all that “book learnin” won’t help her out when it comes to dealing with back stabbing tribe mates. Therefore, I doubt she makes the Jury.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Jonathan Penner, 44, writer/producer, Los Angeles, California
CUZ’s thoughts: Even though he is listed as a writer/producer, Jonathan is probably better known as an actor, having had regular roles on the TV series "Grapevine", "The Naked Truth" and "Rude Awakening." (I know, I’ve never heard of them either!) However, I have seen him in guest appearances on “CSI”. And you may have seen him on "The Nanny", "Seinfeld" and "Arrested Development", as well. Jonathan is married and has two children. My gut says Jonathan makes the Jury.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Cecilia Mansilla, 29, technology risk consultant, Oakland, California
CUZ’s thoughts: Cecilia’s bio doesn’t give us much information, other than she has a Bachelor's Degree in international relations with a double minor in Japanese and Spanish literature. Yep, just what everyone needs to survive in this game. The magic crystal coffee mug says: “Here’s another one that doesn’t make the Jury.”
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Oscar "Ozzy" Lusth, 25, waiter, Venice, California
CUZ’s thoughts: Ozzy has two years of community college under his belt, but no degree. He can however, dive to 30 feet and hold his breath under water for three minutes. He is skilled at designing traps, building shelters and surviving in the wilderness on his own. If he watches himself and doesn’t irritate his tribemates too much, Ozzy should make the Jury.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Cristina Coria, 35, police officer, Los Angeles, California
CUZ’s thoughts: First and foremost, Cristina is a cop. That automatically puts her over and above most of her competitors. (At least in my eyes.) She comes from a long line of cops and has overcome being crushed up against her patrol car by a drunk driver and being shot by a murder suspect. The second almost causing her the lose of her right arm. Cristina is a scrapper and should make the Jury, and I wouldn’t be surprised if she makes the final four.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
J.P. Calderon, 30, pro volleyball player, Marina Del Rey, California
CUZ’s thoughts: There’s not much to say about John “J.P.” other than volleyball is his life. He eats, sleeps, plays, teaches and even coaches volleyball. And when he’s not doing any of those things, he dreams of volleyball. Have I mentioned he LOVES the game of volleyball? Yep, here is another player with absolutely no skills in playing the game of Survivor, so. . . He is an early boot and doesn’t make the Jury.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Billy Garcia, 36, heavy metal guitarist, New York City, New York
CUZ’s thoughts: Billy is one “heavy dude” (In more ways than one, If ya know what I mean.) A “heavy metal guitarist” and songwriter for the band Forsakken, Billy is also pursuing a carrier in professional wrestling where he goes by the stage name of "Spanish Fly." (Hoo-Kayyy! I’m not EVEN gonna touch that one!) Needless to say, I doubt Billy makes the Jury.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Brad Virata, 29, fashion director, Los Angeles, California
CUZ’s thoughts: Brad is this Season’s token poofter. A fashion designer specializing in “Denim”. I’m gonna say that Brad will alienate his tribe mates and be an early boot. He doesn’t make it to the Jury.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Becky Lee, 28, attorney, Washington, D.C.
CUZ’s thoughts: I’ll admit, Becky has me running in circles. On the one hand she is a lawyer! (boo hiss!), but on the other hand, she is a fellow Pennsylvanian. Then again, she is “passionate about creating awareness of the specific needs of battered immigrant women, such as language access and cultural competency.”(Talk about your liberalspeak!) But at the same time, she enjoys playing completive sports, while her favorite sport is football and her favorite pro-team is the Pittsburgh Steelers. I’m just going to have to make a judgement call and say that Becky not only makes the Jury but, makes the final four as well.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Anh-Tuan "Cao Boi" Bui, 42, nail salon manager, Christiansburg, Virginia
CUZ’s thoughts: "Cao Boi" (pronounced Cowboy) is a Vietnam War refugee who moved to the United States when he was 11 years old. He has served in the Army, (82nd Airborne Division), is a member of the Loyal Moose Lodge #1470 in Christiansburg, Virginia, 82nd Airborne Division Association, Boy Scouts of America and Cub Scouts of Vietnam. He has worked as a photographer, a used car salesman, a fisherman and a farm hand. He currently works as a nail salon manager. He is married and has two children. Cao Boi will probably make the Jury.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Jenny Guzon-Bae, 36, real estate agent, Lake Forest, Illinois
CUZ’s thoughts: Jenny’s occupation is one that I rank above Lawyer, and below used car salesman. She is however married with one child. Therefore, while she won’t make the Jury, she shouldn’t be the first booted either.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Yul Kwon, 31, management consultant, San Mateo, California
CUZ’s thoughts: Yul is another one who just can’t seem to make up his mind what he wants to do for a living. He is a member of the Washington D.C. and California Bar Associations, but considers himself a management consultant. He once worked as a legislative aide to Senator Joseph Lieberman, and helped draft sections of the Homeland Security Bill. I doubt Yul will make the Jury.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Rebecca Borman, 24, makeup artist, Laurelton, New York
CUZ’s thoughts: Rebecca’s claim to fame is she has received an Emmy Award (Outstanding Make-Up on a Daytime Talk Show) for her work on "The View," where she still works and does make-up for former Survivor Elisabeth Hasselbeck. (Gee, I wonder where the producer’s got her name from?) Rebecca will probably not make the Jury.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Nathan Gonzalez, 26, retail sales, Los Angeles, California
CUZ’s thoughts: Nathan is a wannabe musical artist, specializing in acoustic and rock with a hip-hop flavor. Of course he has to pay the bills, so Nathan is currently working as a shoe salesman in a major department store. (Now I ask you, would you buy a pair of shoes from this guy?) Here is another who probably will not make the Jury.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Sundra Oakley, 31, actress, Los Angeles, California
CUZ’s thoughts: Sundra proudly states that she is an actress, who works as a cocktail waitress at a Hollywood nightclub to pay the bills. She has appeared on “CSI: MIAMI,” "Strong Medicine," "Sex and the City," several national commercials and has appeared off Broadway. I know, I know. But I find myself liking Sundra and think she will make the Jury.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Sekou Bunch, 45, jazz musician, Los Angeles, California
CUZ’s thoughts: Sekou is a professional jazz musician. He plays electric bass, double bass, clarinet, guitar and piano and has recorded and performed with Will Downing, Lalah Hathaway, George Benson, Quincy Jones, Coolio, Michael Jackson, Liza Minnelli, Luther Vandross, Roger Daltry, Paul Anka, Anita Baker, Wayne Shorter, Ray Charles and Ice Cube, among others. He has also appeared in the feature films "Coming to America," "Wild Orchid" and "Byrd." He is also the father of 3, stepfather of one, has a fiancée and at the age of 45 is a grandfather of two. (Hey, don’t knock it! Your’s truly is only 49 and the grandfather of four!) I like Sekou and think that if his size doesn’t slow him down too much, he should make the Jury and maybe even the final four.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Stephannie Favor, 35, nursing student, Columbia, South Carolina
CUZ’s thoughts: Stephannie has a Bachelor of Science Degree in business management and marketing, has served as a member of the Armed Forces in Desert Storm, and earned the distinction of CTM (Competent Toastmaster) in the Toastmasters International Organization. This should serve her well in communicating with the others in her tribe. However, even that will not help her make it to the Jury.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Well, there you have it. With just their bios to go on my early predictions are as follows:
Pre Jury Boots: (in no particular order)
Parvati, Candice, Cecilia, J.P., Billy, Brad, Jenny, Yul, Rebecca, Nathan, and Stephannie.
Members of the Jury: (again, in no particular order)
Adam, Jonathan, Ozzy, Cao Boi, Sundra (and two of the final four).
The Final Four:
Jessica, Christina, Becky, Sekou
Cuz’s pick for Ultimate Survivor:
This is a tough one. At first glance, I would say it’s a toss up between Christina and Sekou. But since I’ve got more men on the Jury than women, I’ll have to give Sekou the slight edge. Sekou takes the win with 4 of the seven Jury votes.
Of course, I’ve been known to be wrong before! In fact, I think the only one I had pegged correctly was Tom Weston of Survivor: Palau. So my record for picking the correct Ultimate Survivor at the beginning of the Season is a measly 1 in 12! (so far! :~D )
Take care,
Freepmail me if you want to be added to or removed from the Survivor Ping List.
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