The Final Fours

Tonight marked the final Wednesday night of the 22^nd season of Survivor and we are left with the Final Four plus another Final Four. Like I said, there is a Final Four – Boston Rob, Special Agent Phil, Natalie the Snitch and her sapphic lover, Natalie. But there is also another Final Four left on Redemption Island – Holy Roller Matt, Mike the Benevolent, Valley Girl Wannabe Andrea and Boston Rob’s old buddy, Grant. With only the two-hour season finale left on Sunday night, a lot has to happen. 

That’s two sets of four that have to be dealt with in only 120 minutes. And 15 of those minutes will be wasted “paying homage” to those that were already eliminated.

Two Final Fours, what are they thinking? Are they mad? Well, at least it should be very interesting. It may be even mind-boggling.

Here is my take on the Final Fours:

Holding on by the skin of their teeth are the Final Four on Redemption Island. Most likely, only one of them will make it back to compete for the title of Sole Survivor. With that in mind, this is how I feel about them.

Valley Girl Wannabe Andrea sucks. There is no nice way to put it. After stabbing her chum Matt in the back twice, she had the gall to blubber about being lied to by the people she trusted. She doesn’t need to come back to Wisconsin as far as I am concerned.

I was pulling for Mike the Benevolent until he pulled that boneheaded move last week. Did he honestly believe by giving the creeps from Ometepe time with their loved ones rather than spending time with his mother was going to get him anywhere? Come on.

That leaves Holy Roller Matt and Boston Rob’s old buddy, Grant. I am torn because I want it to be whoever will cause Rob the most anguish when they get back in the game. I thought that was Matt until tonight when Rob stuck the knife in Grant’s back and twisted it about seven times. I need to see Boston Rob squirm.

Now for my opinion of the Final Four left back at camp.

Natalie the Snitch is a young kid who doesn’t know any better. She’s only 19; that’s her only excuse. However, she should decide who she loves more, Boston Rob or Natalie. She either has her head up Rob’s ass or her nose buried in Natalie’s armpit. She better make her mind up soon.

I was disappointed at the limited amount of face time that Special Agent Phil received in tonight’s episode. Granted, he made the most out of what he did get, but I still wanted more. He makes the finale must-see TV whether he is on the jury or in the finals.

A month ago I couldn’t stand Ashley. Now I find myself rooting for her. She is the only one that has enough brains to realize that Boston Rob needs to go. Unfortunately, it is probably too late.

It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to discern that I am not a big fan of Boston Bob. It’s beyond me that some of the same people who hated Russell Hantz are fans of Boston Rob. He is just as arrogant and evil as Hantz, plus he also has that moronic accent. What does Ambah see in him?

Sunday’s finale should be quite compelling, if only to see how they are going to deal with two Final Fours. The icing on the cake would be if that slimy rat, Boston Rob didn’t win.

Before I close tonight, I need to ask a question. Am I the only one who felt a little sorry for the Furry Farmer during the duel on Redemption Island tonight? He was at such a disadvantage not being able to spell. I’m just saying, I felt bad for him.

Sunday night can’t come soon enough. I can’t wait. Until next time…from the booth.

A Few Of My Favorite Things

Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kitten
Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens
Brown paper packages tied up with strings

Cream colored ponies and crisp apple strudels
Doorbells and sleigh bells and schnitzel with noodles
Wild geese that fly with the moon on their wings

Girls in white dresses with blue satin sashes
Snowflakes that stay on my nose and eyelashes
Silver white winters that melt into springs

These are a few of my favorite things

While Maria Rainer let us know in the Sound Music that these were a few of her favorite things, my list of favorites is slightly different.

Here are a few of my favorite things:

FOOD FAVORITES

Apple – Granny Smith

Kenosha Pizzeria – Casa Capri circa 1975

Pie – Blueberry

Cheese – Mozzarella

Ice Cream – Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough

Sausage – Italian

Pasta – Rigatoni

Snack – Beef Jerky

Kenosha Drive In – The Spot

Homemade Dish – Mom’s Perone Macaroni

TELEVISION FAVORITES

Drama – The Wire

Drama Character – Omar Little, The Wire

Sitcom – Leave It To Beaver

Sitcom Character – Andy Griffith, Andy Griffith Show

Reality Show – Survivor

Reality Personality – Gordon Ramsay

Reality Contestant – Russell Hantz, Survivor

Game Show – Match Game

Game Show Personality – Charles Nelson Reilly

Late Night Talk Show Host – David Letterman

British Sitcom – Are You Being Served?

British Sitcom Character – Jimmy Venables, After You’ve Gone

British Game Show – Whose Line Is It Anyway?

British Game Show Personality – Tony Slattery

SPORT FAVORITES

Baseball Team – Milwaukee Brewers

Baseball Player – Prince Fielder, Milwaukee Brewers

Baseball Uniform – Milwaukee Braves

Basketball Team – Marquette Warriors

Basketball Player – Larry Bird, Boston Celtics

Basketball Uniform – Houston Rockets circa ’89-‘95

Figure Skater – Dorothy Hamel

Football Team – Green Bay Packers

Football Player – John Anderson, Green Bay Packers

Football Uniform – Green Bay Packers

Hockey Team – Milwaukee Admirals

Hockey Player – Jaromir Jagr, Pittsburgh Penguins

Hockey Uniform – Chicago Blackhawks

Roller Derby Team – Holy Rollers

Roller Derby Male – Ralphie Valladares, Los Angeles Thunderbirds

Roller Derby Female – Punky Bruiser, Holly Rollers

Soccer Team – Arsenal Gunners

Soccer Player – Lionel Messi, FC Barcelona

Softball Team – The 400 Club

Softball Player – Bruce “Hollywood” Meyers

Softball Uniform – The 400 Club

Wrestling Brand – World Class Championship Wrestling

Wrestling Individual Male – Ric Flair

Wrestling Individual Female – Stacy Keibler

Wrestling Tag Team – Fabulous Freebirds

RANDOM FAVORITES

Rock Group – The Who

Album – The Who By Numbers, The Who

Song – Oh Holy Night

Movie – Bang The Drum Slowly

Christmas Movie – We’re No Angels (1955)

Politician – Joe Andrea

Color – Blue

Number – 73

Day of the Week – Thursday

Season – Autumn

Job – Announcing Softball at Finney’s West

Quote – “From here on in, I rag nobody.”

Mother – Milly Vagnoni

Happy Mother’s Day to all our Mothers, whether they are still with us or in Heaven smiling down on us. Each one is a very special lady. Until next time…from the booth.

The Good Old Days

Because I wasn’t feeling up to it last night, the Survivor: Redemption Island review is being written on Thursday, just like the good old days.  Maybe not being able to do the blog last night was actually a blessing in disguise. Even though this is the second season since Survivor moved to Wednesdays, I am still not used to it. Invariably, after posting the blog, I go to bed thinking that tomorrow is Friday. Not this time. Nope, I’m writing my Survivor recap blog on Thursday, just like the good old days.

Unfortunately the show isn’t like the good old days. Not even close.

For example, the Reward challenges have become blatant commercials. This season it was Sears Craftsman Tools and Sprint G4 Phones.

The Immunity challenge rewards have become laughably ridiculous. In the past you were lucky to win fishing hooks, a net or a flint. Those basic items all have been awarded again this season – along with lawn chairs, pillows, tarps, bowls, a brunch complete with coffee and mugs, the afore mentioned tools, a luxury lunch, a picnic, cheeseburgers, chocolate cake and milk.

What happened to eating bugs and worms? This is friggin’ Club Med compared to what Hatch, Rudy and Sue Hawk went through in season one.

Another huge departure from the good old days is the quality of the competitors. They are a bunch of whiny, mindless fools that act as if they have never seen an episode of this award-winning reality show. They have no idea how to play the game.

If Boston Rob would say, “Jump”, his empty-headed marionettes would reply in unison, “How high?” Then afterward, Natalie or Ashley would gush, “Boston Rob is so smart.” Morons.

As evidence as to how chowderheaded these people are, this is the first time in Survivor history that a tribe has stayed completely intact after the merge. Ometepe stayed one big happy family under the guidance of the cunning Boston Rob.

How did that work out for you, Andrea? Tricky, tricky, that Boston Rob.

Reluctantly, I have to give the members of the Zapatera tribe some credit. Much to my chagrin, on day 6, they conspired to eliminate Russell Hantz. They knew that they had to get rid of the greatest player in Survivor history. Unfortunately, they did it too soon and were decimated by Boston Rob’s gang of faithful zombies.

That being said, there are only two episodes left of season 22 of Survivor, next Wednesday and the finale on Sunday, May 15. Hopefully, Grant, Natalie, Ashley and Special Agent Phil will figure out that they need to blindside their fearless leader, Boston Rob. It won’t be easy though; he still possesses a Hidden Immunity Idol.

Although it clearly appears that the good old days are long gone, something has to happen pretty quick. With only two shows left, not only do we have Boston Rob’s crew, but also Matt, Mike, Andrea and the Furry Farmer left on Redemption Island.

That means six people must be sent terminated and sent to be part of the jury in that short time. This should be interesting.

Based on the assumption that only one of the contestants from Redemption Island will make it back to compete for the finals, I would love to see Mike be that person.

Not only is he a capable competitor, I want to see it when the boneheaded move he made last night blows up in his naive face. Who gives up the chance to spend time with his loved one in order to possibly win favor with the Zapatera tribe? Even the Furry Farmer knew it was a dimwitted move.

If only one person from the current bunch on Redemption Island does get “back in the game”, this is how I think things will shake out. The final three will be Boston Rob, Special Agent Phil and Natalie.

Here is the reasoning for my picks:

Boston Rob, because, as I have stated ad nauseam, the rest of people remaining are numbskulls unable to think for themselves.

Special Agent Phil, because Boston Rob feels that the pink panty-wearing undercover operative has annoyed or offended everyone to the point that nobody will vote for him.

Natalie, because Boston Rob has a soft spot in his heart for her. Ambah had better watch out!

Now if things don’t go to form, all bets are off and I would have a final three of Special Agent Phil, Matt and the Furry Farmer.

Here is my reasoning for these picks:

Special Agent Phil, because has he annoyed or offended everyone to the point that nobody will vote for him. It will be interesting to see his special agent training at work.

Matt, because I need to see what he has to say to the people that backstabbed him, not once but twice, especially Valley Girl wannabe, Andrea. If I’m not mistaken, he actually said a word that had to be bleeped out last night. Could be interesting.

The Furry Farmer, because I would find it very entertaining to see how he answers the questions the jury throws at him. The over/under for dag gummits would be 6.

Today is Thursday and tomorrow will definitely be Friday, just like the good old days. I just hope that there will be some semblance of those good old days in the final two episodes of Survivor: Redemption Island.

Until next week…from the booth.

Thanks!

I just wanted to take a moment to thank each and everyone one of my facebook friends for the thoughtful words and the birthday wishes. I tried to thank all of you on facebook throughout the day and I apologize if I missed anybody. Your kindness was quite overwhelming and although I know who you are, I thought it would be nice to list all of you here on my blog. 

Here is that impressive list:

Judi C, Louise C, Pat V, Peter P, Lynne H, Anne M, Peter N, Cindy B, Reenie C, Jim T, Cindy C, Les R. Mary M, Gary K, Penny M, Annie V, 
Mia V, Debbie L, Scott L, Jake L, Leon C, Christine T, Pete T, Mandy T, Keith T, David T, Margaret M, Bev C, Scott K, Chris W, Mary Beth L, Randy C, Mike B, Jim S, Rose C, Scott N, Linda E, Craig S, Nicoletta L, 4-Names, Mark C, Frank C, Jamie C, Julie S, Gary S, Dave V, Nancy V, Char F, Marie H, Dale C, Bill J, Susan M, Eric F, Ron B, Bonnie S,
Jenny P, Bruce C, Katelyn H, Andrea E, Ken G, Clyde A, Melissa H, 
Liz G, Nicky M, Mike M, Teddy H, Matt S, Dan D, Ray S, Brian G, 
Larry R, Matt S, Sammy G, Jill G, Karen R, Jayne L, Sharon C, 
Shawn H, Leon R, Sue S, Randy L, Jerry R, Zach G, Dave M, Linda C, Brad N, Mike C, Karen N, Lynda E, Mary U, Gus C, Toby M, Jim W, 
Scott S and Randy N.

These kind words came from Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Nevada, Arizona, Alaska and even England. Again, if I missed anyone’s state, I apologize.

Also, special thanks for the cards, calls and gifts from Mom, brother Joey and his wife Nancy, sister Teri and her husband Mike, brother Mike and his wife Amy and my nephews, John and Ryan, Auntie Janet, and Uncle John, Uncle Joe and Auntie Joanne, Uncle Dave and Aunt Bonnie, cousin Susan and her boys Alex and Nick, cousin Annie and her daughter Mia, my dear friend Bev and her husband Paul, my friend Sue and my friends Reenie and Gus and their twins, Casey and Cody.

All of you made May 2, 2011 a very happy day for me. Thanks once again. Until next time…from the booth.

My Royal Family

In case you live in a cave, Prince William and Kate Middleton were declared man and wife at London's Westminster Abbey, in front of a congregation of around 1,900 and a worldwide television audience estimated at as many as 2 billion. I woke up this morning around 6:30 CDT, shortly after the Royal nuptials had taken place. It didn’t matter; I hadn’t missed a thing. Through facebook, I was able to get a blow-by-blow recap thanks to my Royal Family.

Where did I get my Royal Family? Let me explain.

About five years ago I became friends with a wonderful lady named “Bev” from Essex, England. Although her actual name is Beryl Cooper, I first knew her as Bev. Since then, I have discovered that she is known by many names, Doris, B and Bel to name only a few.

Through Bev, my Royal Family on facebook has grown exponentially. Here is the hierarchy:

Bev Cooper

Ben Cooper, Bev’s son

Louise Cooper, Bev’s daughter (a princess in her own right)

Debbie Lammas, Bev’s baby sister

Scott Lammas, Debbie’s husband

Sue Symes, Bev’s oldest sister (this blogs number one British fan)

Margaret Martin, Bev’s older sister

Emma Groves, Margaret’s daughter

Christine Tulley, Bev’s older sister

Carol Ostwald, Bev’s older sister

Keith Taylor, Bev’s younger brother

Mandy Taylor, Keith’s wife (became quite emotional during the event)

David Taylor, Bev’s youngest brother (sported a tuxedo on facebook for the event)

The banter on facebook amongst my Royal Family was truly unbelievable. It was far more insightful than anything I could get from Meredith Vieras and her cohorts on the Today show. I was able to get a true sense of what they were feeling during the course of events.

It brought to mind the massive amount of comments made on facebook during the Super Bowl. This was equally impressive. All of these comments and remarks made me wish that I had set my alarm clock and joined them.

Unfortunately I did not. However, thanks to my Royal Family, it was if I was right there with them. Again, I thank them for that.

Well it’s almost time for tea, so I had better get going. Until next time…from the booth.

Boring!

Perhaps I have been watching Survivor too long. Maybe 22 seasons is a bit much. Or, possibly I have become jaded with the award winning reality show. All I know is that for the past six weeks there has been absolutely no suspense at Tribal Council. Sure, Jeff Probst gets Special Agent Phil to act like a moronic buffoon and the Furry Farmer usually says something that is unrecognizable to most human beings, but in the end you know exactly who is being voted off and sent to Redemption Island. Things have become quite mundane and downright boring!

Even with the “twist” tonight, everyone knew that Steve was also going with the Furry Farmer to join Matt and Mike on Redemption Island. Was there ever a doubt? Not in my mind.

By the way Probst, your little trick isn’t working. No one is fooled when you first read all of the votes for the person that you want us to believe could possibly be voted off. Then the remainder of the votes are for the person that everyone knows is going home.

You have done this religiously the last four or five weeks. Boring!

Being a longtime Survivor Geek, I still feel compelled to continue watching, but enough is enough. Boston Rob and his gang of mindless zombies are getting the best of me. I swear that if I hear one of them say, “Boston Rob’s so smart” one more time, I will scream.

Rather than boring you even more by continuing to rant about how bored, I will do a quick recap of season 22. With eleven episodes in the book, there are only two more Wednesdays left before the big finale on Sunday, May 15.

Remaining on Redemption Island are Matt, Mike, Steve and the Furry Farmer. The only one out of this group to have a remote chance of getting back in the game is Mike. He has plenty of smarts and does very well in challenges.

It would be extremely interesting to see Matt do something, but he is totally spent emotionally. It’s a dirty shame, I think the thought of him returning tightens Boston Rob’s sphincter.

Then there are the six left from the old Ometepe tribe and it’s time for them to start slitting each other’s throats. Now that I think of it, that might just be interesting.

The only thing is they are so unlikeable; I have a real hard time rooting for any of them. Let’s see if I can come up with somebody to pull for.

It certainly won’t be Natalie. She is too much of a whiney little snitch and often has that deer in the headlights look on her face, especially when Boston Rob is around.

Ashley is quite similar to Natalie, only not nearly as dim. Plus, she does fill out her bikini bottom quite nicely, but I guess that’s not enough. Heavy sigh…

Special Agent Phillip was entertaining for most of the season, however he just acts weird now and in a very bizarre, tiresome manner. I want him to go away and take his pink skivvies with him.

Boston Rob doesn’t need anyone pulling for him; the title of Sole Survivor is his too win. He’s just so damn cocky and that stupid accent of his…

That leaves only Andrea and Grant to choose from. Although she is from Wisconsin, Andrea is easily the most annoying, sickening competitors there is this season.

Someone should tell her that she is from Random Lake, Wisconsin not the San Fernando Valley in California. Like for sure, you know what I mean?

The only thing more irritating than the way she talks is her facial expressions. I don’t know which is worse, when she is nodding mindlessly in agreement with Boston Rob or when she scrunches up her nose and looks like she is annoyed for absolutely no reason at all.

I guess that leaves me with just Grant to support. He really hasn’t done anything obnoxious or stupid and he was the sole person with big enough cojones to eat the fish even though Boston Rob told all his disciples not to.

There you have it, I am officially a Grant backer. Let’s just hope that he can do something to make things a little less predictable. He has to, I can’t handle any more boring Survivor.

If you haven’t already done so, make sure that you vote in my new poll located on the right side of the blog. Until next time…from the booth.