Tuesday, 25 October 2005

Amazing Race 8 – Episode 5

“I’m so excited we’re getting out of the country.”

Yeah, me too. What fun is the Amazing Race if you’re only touring the east coast (midwest *cough* midwest). Then again, the Amazing Race producers have double the people this season – so much higher airfare costs. But here’s the real reason families haven’t left the US yet:

“Hable inglés?”

“A little”

“Burrito.”

My favorite thing about the Amazing Race is how a multiple-hour lead can evaporate waiting for an airplane or the next destination to open. It keeps things interesting for everyone.

Detour: Rhythm or Coos?
Coos – spying fake birds seems more interesting than running around town collecting instruments. I think I’d find a greater sense of progress with the birds.

Based on the edit we watched, the fake birds in the trees we in the same position as their representation on the sheet-of-birds. Position seemed like at least as effective way to identify the birds as color – though color is probably easiest to communicate to someone else.

How do you dress for a non-elimination round? Let’s have Phil respond,

“Did you know it was illegal in Panama to wear underpants on top of underpants?”

Current Standing of Garrick’s Favorites:

  • Lintz – #4

Tuesday, 18 October 2005

Amazing Race 8 – Episode 4

The 7-person PartyBike has got to be the dorkiest thing in the world…it’d be perfect on ElimiDate. But in the real world? Dorky.

Between the log sawing and blackjack – what would I do? Log sawing. Cards and me just don’t get along. The closest I normally get to a poker hand is Wil Wheaton’s audioblog.

Current Standing of Garrick’s Favorites:

  • Lintz – #3

Wednesday, 12 October 2005

Amazing Race 8 – Episode 3

The mudding challenge – very cool. I gotta give the Aeillo family props for making 14 attempts through the mud bog.

The AOL laptop clue in the middle of the Rocket Center was completely dorky and worthless…well….aside from product placement. Reminded me of the ‘assemble something at IKEA’ challenge they had a couple seasons back.

I’m still not sure if it’s the 4-person teams, families, or all the time they’re spending on the East Coast, so far the season isn’t working for me or Jen. It feels much less exciting and exotic than the world travel of previous seasons. No language or currency issues, lots of driving. Makes armchair travel much less thrilling.

On the plus side, free BP and Arco gas – for life – is definitely one of the coolest awards ever.

Current Standing of Garrick’s Favorites:

  • Lintz – #2
  • Aeillo – #8, eliminated. Crap.

Word from Claire

“How can you not mention the all time best line in any season of TAR from last night’s episode: ‘If you haven’t noticed, gravity is currently pushing on me.’ –Phil”

Tuesday, 4 October 2005

Amazing Race 8 – Episode 2

On a good note, the suitcase-exchange Road Block in the Tidal Basin is one of Amazing Race’s best challenges; it’s place appropriate, anyone can do it, it’s sexy, and success is a random process of elimination. As always, a good road block like this shakes up the rankings.

It feels like the teams are spending 80% of the time driving around New England. I’m sure its pretty, it doesn’t seem as exotic nor as entertaining as flying around the world.

On tonight’s elimination; if you read a map and send your team the opposite direction down the freeway – be man enough to admit it right away. Don’t blame your son for missing an exit you never passed. Yes, Rogers Family Dad, I’m talking to you and thanks for owning up to it in the end.

Current Standing of Garrick’s Favorites

  • Lintz – #2
  • Aeillo – #5

Tuesday, 27 September 2005