Last night's Survivor wasn’t bad at all. Yau-Man’s really beginning to prove himself as a competitor, not just some weak old man. While over at Ravu, Rocky’s mouth proved to have been opened one too many times.

Let’s recap.

So the dude got picked on a lot for being on the wimpy side ( I even went at him several times in my recaps). But alas, it’s time to let up on Anthony. Besides, everyone’s weak in some area. And born and raised in Compton, CA where he says he witnessed drive-bys and brains on the ground, he was still tough enough to come out of that and go on to graduate from Yale. I’d say that’s got to count for something. So come meet Anthony, see what he has to say about himself, Rocky, and the game in general.

Shireese: They really seemed to give you a hard time, did you enjoy yourself at all while you were out there?

Anthony: They didn’t show how much I actually did enjoy myself. It was the best time and the worst time.

Three cheers for the Survivor producers. They know a dud when they see one, and tag Survivor Fiji, you’re it! So it’s no surprise, or more like just one more piece of evidence that there is a God, when damn near at the beginning of the show, Jeff breathed out that now infamous game changing phrase, “Drop you buffs.” Then the commercial came. “The tribes of Moto and Ravu as you knew them are no more,” he picked up after the break.

Ha-lle-lujah! Ha-lle-lujah! Of course I’m singing the soulful version of Handel’s Messiah redone by the master of R&B himself, Quincy Jones, back in the 90’s, but I digress.

When it was all said and done, Anthony went out in true bitch fashion. No seriously, I checked under his shorts when he was taking his walk of shame. I saw panties; they said Thursday. Poor thing—how could he have known that his swan song would air on Wednesday instead.

Also in this episode, two new personalities began to emerge. Not that we haven’t already noticed them, but last night I got a new flavor to savor from these boys. I’m talking about Earl and Alex. And might I just add that Earl in the freaking man! Bet you anything he’s going to win. I just bet you.

Anyway, let’s do this!

Preempted by March Madness last week, this week’s episode has been bumped up a day for the same reason.

Don’t forget to tune in tonight at 8pm on CBS, then come back here tomorrow for the complete recap.

Still roughing it, the Ravu tribe was tired, starving, and delirious. But Earl and Yau-Man still had enough of their senses about them to realize they’re the only two tribe members that had clues to the idols whereabouts. With that knowledge in hand, they decided to work together.

Earl took the rest of the team out in search of food. And surprisingly, or maybe it shouldn’t be, on his command, everyone just upped and set out. Left alone, Yau-Man began to dig, and dig, and dig, and dig, but nothing.

Meanwhile over on the other beach, Moto was reading tree mail, which gave them a choice of reward in the event they won the next challenge. Items to choose from included necessities like fishing supplies, and accessories, like toiletries and a manual coffeemaker. Need I say which one they chose? Rocky, at Ravu was talking about choosing chocolate cake, but Earl put a quick stop to that. After he put his foot down, they chose fishing gear and potatoes. But would they get it for once?

He got sick, she got the boot, either way they both had to get out. Come see what Gary had to say about Sylvia, what Liliana had to say about being casted as a fiesty Latina, and what they both had to say about Lisi's coments.

Here they are...
Shireese: So once it settled in that you weren’t going to be in the game was that disappointing, or were you thinking I’m just happy I’m healthy?

Gary: Well it was very disappointing for me, because I wanted to make my kids proud of me and all that stuff. If I could have absolutely gone any further, I would’ve you know. But then I was a bit concerned. I got two granddaughters I want to see around for a while too. So when it’s spinning around for a while and you’ve never had that before, you get a little bit scared. As far as physically, I kept up. I upheld my end in all the challenges. I mean eatin’ the pig snout, that was a cake walk.

Shireese: How did that taste?

Survivor began with a bang last night as Ravu came back to camp pissed and Rocky exploded. But before we get into that, it’s at least nice to see that they’re not happy about the latest victim’s departure as is the case sometimes. Notice it’s been back to back to back women given the boot over there.

Ok, now back to the good stuff. So they were back at camp, Earl said they should talk about it, and Rocky went off on Anthony. I mean just a full on verbal assault. He irritates me he said. He bitches and moans he said. And worst of all Rocky said he didn’t “deal with people like that unless it’s a broad.” Hold up! Wait a minute! Isn’t this the same mutha…(shut my mouth) who was punked (and not the Ashton Kutcher way) into submission by Dreamz the first night on the island? He tried to stand up for himself but instead went off sulking like a baby by his lonesome. Please Rocky, you just found somebody weaker to pick on.

Found just three weeks before they headed out to Fiji, Sylvia Kwan was celebrating her son’s 18th birthday, when Survivor casting directors just had to have her for the show. Little did she know then, her decision to go would later make her famous for being bossy. Whether or not she’s bossy is debatable. But one thing’s for sure, this lady is hilarious. Come see what she had to say about being one of the older cast members, who she’s rooting for and whether or not she thinks she’s a boss.

This is Sylvia.

Shireese: I just want to start singing Kelis’ song right now. Have you heard of her? She has a single out called Bossy (laughs).

Sylvia: (laughs) You are so mean.

I said it before, and I’ll say it again. Nineteen people was way too many. It couldn’t be more evident than when after each episode is said and done, someone’s voted off and I’m kinda left feeling eh, who cares. Last night was no exception.

Maybe it’s the haves and have-nots concept that isn’t working. After all isn’t that the whole premise of the show, that they all have-not, and are struggling to have or at least sustain in an unfamiliar geographical location and social environment? Without that dynamic Moto, the haves tribe, just leaves you in a haze of boredom,--their only salvation, maybe, in Dreamz, the story of his former homelessness, and his potential to do something crazy like back in episode one. Sophomoric yes, but very entertaining.

Speaking of Dreamz, two good things did come out of this episode. Alex is looking better, and better, and Dreamz should never put on a shirt. Other than that, this season’s kinda chugging along like a road trip that takes you through the lone star state. You fall asleep a few times only to wake up each time and be like, “damn we’re still in Texas?” It’s just that in Survivor’s case, it’s like, “damn, we still got 15 more to go?” I can’t deny it, I was definitely longing for American Idol’s results show. So I ask you, is Survivor loosing it’s appeal, or is it still as engaging as ever?

Today I sat down with Erica that latest castoff from Survivor. See what she thought about, being backstabbed by Rocky, who she's rooting for, and what she tought about Earl.

Survivor fans, here's Erica!

Shireese: I guess I want to start off with Rocky, because I was so shocked that he totally backstabbed you. What did you think of that?

Erica: You know what, when I got a chance to look at it, I was really shocked. And it wasn’t so much him writing my name down. It was the campaign. Mookie kinda said it, which I expected that from Mookie, but he was the actual person that went out and campaigned.

Usually when one is described as flying under the radar it’s bad thing. It’s typically a person who doesn’t have a persuasive or strategic bone in their body, so they latch on to the majority or someone who does, thus saving themselves from even the thought of being a target. Then the next thing you know, they’re in the final two and you’re wondering how they’d even get there. Can anyone say Sandra, the Survivor Panama victor, whose name never even appeared on the parchment until it was time to choose the winner.

But usually is not always.

There is another such undetected thing, which radar is not sophisticated enough to pick up on. It’s called the Stealth Bomber, the aircraft used in wars that can hone in on it’s target,--but is hard to be observe by the enemy--then strike without warning.Yes, in the twice defeated Ravu tribe, there is a Stealth among them. Can you guess who this mastermind is? Cast you vote in this poll.

Now read on and see if you’re right.

No one wants to be the first one kicked off Survivor, but 27-year-old fashion stylist Jessica deBen seems to be taking it all in stride. See what she thought about her three short days on the island and the 18 other people she shared it with. And am I the only one, or does her answer to my question about how it felt to be kicked off in the moment seem wierd? Just something I picked up later.

Come meet Jessica...

Shireese: So how does it feel to be the first one voted off?

Jessica: Not as bad as I thought.

Shireese: Oh ok.

Jessica: I thought it would be like hell on earth to watch it on TV, but I was sitting at the bar with my Mom, drinking martinis kinda laughing like, "look what a goofball I can’t believe I did that.”

I was so excited about the new season of Survivor, and even more excited about getting to discuss it again with you folks. Little did I know legions of fans felt the same way. I was sitting comfy at my desk this morning when I heard a distant roar…

“Shi-reese, Shi-reese, Shi-reese.”
“Say what,” I said to myself. I went over to the window and it grew in strength.
“SHI-REESE, SHI-REESE, SHI-REESE.” There, 14 stories below, the streets were filled with people demanding my recaps.

Ok, so maybe the only fanfare I really got this morning was a horn honking for me to get out of the way, if you can call that fanfare at all, but hey, I’ll take it. Anyway, enough of my rock star dreams. This, season’s opener was filled with Dreamz of its on, and it was a handful.

Come see what I mean.

Fresh off the heels of the ethnic divide, Survivor will bring in race’s play cousin class as its 14th season’s theme. Everyone'll start out living in the lap of luxury, but a change on day three will quickly put an end to that madness, creating a tribe of haves and have-nots. Throw in two hidden immunity idols for good measure and it sounds like this one’s going to be interesting.

So let’s start the four day countdown. And I know what you’re thinking—the show begins Thursday, so technically the countdown is three days. But I’m not counting down ‘til the show starts; I’m counting down ‘til when we come together, root for, get annoyed by, and/or make fun of the19 millionaire wannabes they’ve got lined up for us this time around. And let me air my first observation by saying I think 19 is one too many castaways. I think it might make for a slow start just like last time. Anyone else with me?

Be sure to watch Thursday at 8pm on CBS. Then drop by on Friday to get the recap, and come back on Mondayfor the interview with the first person to get the boot. Don't forget to post any questions you have for that unfortuante soul in the comments. Get it in by noon on Friday, and I’ll do my best to pose it to him or her.

Oh wait--observation number two just came to me. Where's the cuties? Don't believe me, check 'em out of yourself.

Ok, so I wasn't rooting for him to win. Yes, yes I know. But what a great guy this man is anyway, and in my opinion so in love with Becky, though he didn't admit it. I first encountered him in the halls at CBS, right after Survivor Live. Jena Morasca ci-host of the show was talking to him about something--wasn't quite paying attention. And what did he do, other than remind her that Becky was doing non-profit work to help women. The woman was no where around; no one was even talking about her, and yet she was still on his mind. You could see how proud he was of he, by the way he beamed as he spoke of her deeds. And I just thought, every girl would be so lucky to have a Yul in their lives. So since you've read a thousand Yul interviews by now, forgive me if I stayed on the relationship thing too long. Hell, I'm surprised he didn't get sick of me. But then again, that's just the kind of man he is--curious, warm, inviting. The kind of man that remembers your name, after he's been interviewing all day, and before that just got off the red-eye from LA. He's genuine in his response, passionate about friends, family and goals--plainly just a joy to be around. And now, he has one million reasons to show for it.

Come meet Yul...

So they didn't win, but they're still very interesting, and candid, candid, candid. Come get to know Ozzy, Becky, Sundra and Adam a little better. With Ozzy and Sundra pursuing acting careers, and Becky doing a lot of community work, I have a feeling it won't be the last time.

Ozzy

Shireese: How did it feel to come so close and not win?

Ozzy: I was really, really bummed. Kinda had to let it go—I think it probably happened for a reason. There was probably a few flaws in the way I played the game. It came down to that one vote and um, you know, if I was going to lose to anyone, I’m glad it was Yul.

Ok, so I was wrong. But I still say Ozzy should have won. Ozzy played a better game, Yul just played the idol. You didn’t think I was givin’ in that easy now did you?

Remember when I said that if Yul was the godfather than somebody else was god? Well that still holds true. Just turns out that that somebody was not a somebody at all , but rather a something. And that something is the idol, or fear of Yul using the idol, because had he not had the idol his ass would have been grass a long time ago. That white alliance was gunning for him, but flip-flop Jonathan saved him. Then Yul revealed the idol. Aitu wanted to go to the final four with him, and the rest of them were to stupid to think of the idea to force him to play it and make everyone be on an even playing field, which by the way they should have done as soon as they found out he had it. But what’s done is done.

Oh and one more thing. Was that whole final three thing not the stupidest twist I’ve ever seen. Becky being there was insulting to the game. And further more, it would have been nice to see that Aitu four really fight it out. But anyway, here we go…

I’d like to preface this recap by saying clearly I don’t know what the hell I’m telling about, well at least not when I comes to strategy, because, and I’m now ashamed to admit it, but I actually thought Parvati was going to be the winner. What’s more I even thought Yul was a sandwich short of a panic basket for getting rid of Jonathan, but now it seems like it really doesn’t matter. And I don’t know about you, but I have no idea where this game is going. Nevertheless, that won’t stop me from putting in my two cents ( which lately hasn’t been worth the cooper, bronze or whatever the hell they use to make pennies, it’s made from) so here they are: I declare Ozzy the winner, or at least he should win.

But first here’s what went down last night…

There are two kinds of smarts: street smarts and book smarts. I have been convinced for quite some time that the former is more valuable and can get you much further in life than the latter ever had the potential to even hint at. Last night’s episode just served to proved me right. Was it not street smarts that allowed King Solomon to decide who was the mother a child that two women wanted way before DNA was discovered. Because in essence, street smarts is really just street talk or slang for wisdom anyway. And for all the postulating the Yale graduate Yul did about the mathematical probability of one’s endurance during that one challenge when they were hanging on the poll, he still couldn’t see that this time, Jonathan was the one to keep. People are crediting Yul for being smart. Ok, I’ll give him that. They say he’s a good strategize guy. Ok, I’ll give him that too. But tell me now who’s more in charge?

Today, I implore you fellow Survivor fans, to take a closer look at Yul. Has that idol really made him a power player, or turned him into the most unlikely victim of being putty in someone with street smarts’ hands? If in fact Yul is the godfather in this game--as the reader slickmentioned, and even Yul said himself in last nights episode--then I hold that somebody else is indeed god (lowercase g intentional).

Let’s do this…

Candice—the first true schemer, in my opinion to go, she was also known for her blossoming romance with Adam, which never really got too heated (Damn!). See what she had to say about him, Jonathan, and you know me, I couldn’t let her go without posing a question about the race thing.

Shireese: What were you thinking when you decided to mutiny? Was that something you planned once you heard Jeff say it, or was that really a last second decision?

Candice: There were a lot of facts and [Becky and Yul] said that they were afraid that I was going to flip, which made me think okay, if they’re afraid that I’m going to flip, that puts me even higher on their target list to get rid of. So I was feeling kind of vulnerable and threatened there. I thought these people are really smart, and all strategizing. I may get relatively far with them, but I can’t be guaranteed. I’m here to win; I want to get far; I want to get to the end. So I thought I had a better chance of doing that and having more influence over how things happened if I went to Raro.

When I interviewed Nate last Wednesday I unfortunately punked out a bit, and didn’t tell him that I was the one who thought he was a sellout. But I still posed the question to him just the same. Read on to see how he defends himself, what he thinks about Jonathan, and what he’s planning for the New Year.

I never thought I’d say this, but I’m actually happy Jonathan wasn’t the one to go last night. What came over Candice? It was like all of a sudden she morphed into a bitch, got too big for her britches, and then got the boot. Guess she was so used to running all over, she thought she could do that to everyone. However this time Goldie Locks had another thing coming. And it’s exactly what she gets. But first, here’s how it all went down

Talk about open and honest, these ladies weren’t holding anything back. So let’s just jump right in it. Oh, and just for kicks, check out the blog blooper at the end. We all make mistakes, and this time the jokes on me and Jenny.

You just gotta read on…

Here in the Survivor Recaps, there's no question too big or too small. So when kd asked a question in my last entry's comments, I decided to pose it to you all.

Here's the problem--kd can't decide who's hotter, Ozzy or Yul.

My two cents:
Yul definitely has the better body, but Ozzy has a certain charm. It's a hard one, but I'm going to go with (drum roll please) Ozzy. I don't know, I just like him. Now's your turn. Cast your vote for the finest dude of the former Aitu crew!

Be sure to keep those questions comin'. Maybe next time your query will be posted in Survivor Reader Speaks Out.

This week on Survivor…

Ok, sorry for the long gap, and if you’re wondering what that whole thing’s about, that’s just me taking a little time out to do the cabbage patch, the roger rabbit, the running man and any other old school dances you can think of, in celebration of Nate’s exit. Remember in The Wiz, when a short-haired Diana Ross finally defeated the Wicked Witch and everybody broke out into song and dance—yep that’s me up there. O happy day, sing with me now. O hap--ok, I’ll snap out of it.

Let’s get into the events that led up to Nate getting tossed.

Just had to get one more in. Here we go…