I just hung up the phone with past Survivor contestant and my dear friend Gillian Larson. As I've mentioned many times, after competing on Survivor, Gillian came up with a tremendous fundraising idea called Reality Rally. This event, which will be held in Temecula California this April is an Amazing Race type challenge that combines Reality Rally stars with teams. The event brings out the competitive spirit in all these former contestants and the money earned goes to Michelle's Place, a breast cancer resource center. If you have ever wanted to meet your favorite reality TV contestants, this is the place for you!
Speaking of Reality TV contestants, Gillian spent the weekend with this year's Survivor contestants at the finale. She was able to meet and chat with all but 2. I asked her if Survivor South Pacific would be well represented at this year's Reality Rally and the answer was a very firm yes! In fact, Brandon called her today to get all the paperwork to participate. Papa Bear, Jim, Christine, Albert, Simhar, Stacey and actually it seems the whole cast she spoke to want in. Of course I asked about Ozzie and Coach and Gillian tells me that Ozzie has already attended a pre-Reality Rally event. (I know...I missed it...how did that happen?)
To be sponsored for Reality Rally this year, each contestant must raise $400 in donations. By going to the Reality Rally website (link is on the right of this blog), you can click on the Reality Stars link and see who has already committed. Check back often because new Reality stars are added daily. You can also donate to help make sure your favorite star gets to attend. You can also make plans to attend yourself or ask your company/workplace to sponsor. Sponsors get special perks--check the site.
One question I asked Gillian was what she thought of this season's Survivor going overboard with religion. Gillian said, "I think several contestants cottoned on to the idea that focusing on religion would aid them in their game." Both Gillian and I agree that in the end, you have to win competitions to "Survive".
As I've mentioned in past blogs, Gillian tells me that the show is "all about the editing". What you see onscreen is what the producers want you to see but nothing is fabricated, scripted or set up. The best scenes are included that work to make a great story for us to watch. For instance, Gillian mentions how wonderful Rick's personality was when she met him over the weekend. He's very outgoing, fun, etc., but that didn't come through on the show because it wasn't highlighted. Personally, I always thought he was hiding somewhere in a corner minding his own business! This also was the case with winner Sophie. Since the show focused so much on Ozzie, Coach and Hantz, Sophie wasn't seen on camera very much, so we didn't get to see how she played this game. Gillian mentioned and I know most of us agree that this season could have been renamed "The Ozzie, Coach and Hantz Show".
Speaking of Hantz, I asked Gillian what she thought about Brandon giving up Immunity. ""Young and naive," Gillian responded. Two words that pretty much sum him up, huh? Alright I would have added stupid, but Gillian isn't usually critical of anyone.
Gillian mentioned the one thing she minded both when she played and it continues today is the "burning of the buff". She tells me that one rule of Survivor is that you MUST wear your buff at all times and it must be showing. It becomes your badge of honor and having to burn it is a very sad moment in every contestant's journey. I suppose that's why they make them do it, but I do understand how a contestant would want to keep that forever to remind them of a very special time in their life. I asked if they are given a replacement and Gillian tells me yes, but she states "but it's not THE buff".
Well, that's it for Survivor for this season. I will be heading over to American Idol at the beginning of 2012. The web address will be www.ouramericanidolblog.com, but I don't have it started yet. I'll email when I do.
Thank you so very much to Sal and all the regulars for keeping this blog going during a tough time for me. I appreciate all your help and also your comments--even PK's! LOL See you all soon. Bloggergal
Speaking of Reality TV contestants, Gillian spent the weekend with this year's Survivor contestants at the finale. She was able to meet and chat with all but 2. I asked her if Survivor South Pacific would be well represented at this year's Reality Rally and the answer was a very firm yes! In fact, Brandon called her today to get all the paperwork to participate. Papa Bear, Jim, Christine, Albert, Simhar, Stacey and actually it seems the whole cast she spoke to want in. Of course I asked about Ozzie and Coach and Gillian tells me that Ozzie has already attended a pre-Reality Rally event. (I know...I missed it...how did that happen?)
To be sponsored for Reality Rally this year, each contestant must raise $400 in donations. By going to the Reality Rally website (link is on the right of this blog), you can click on the Reality Stars link and see who has already committed. Check back often because new Reality stars are added daily. You can also donate to help make sure your favorite star gets to attend. You can also make plans to attend yourself or ask your company/workplace to sponsor. Sponsors get special perks--check the site.
One question I asked Gillian was what she thought of this season's Survivor going overboard with religion. Gillian said, "I think several contestants cottoned on to the idea that focusing on religion would aid them in their game." Both Gillian and I agree that in the end, you have to win competitions to "Survive".
As I've mentioned in past blogs, Gillian tells me that the show is "all about the editing". What you see onscreen is what the producers want you to see but nothing is fabricated, scripted or set up. The best scenes are included that work to make a great story for us to watch. For instance, Gillian mentions how wonderful Rick's personality was when she met him over the weekend. He's very outgoing, fun, etc., but that didn't come through on the show because it wasn't highlighted. Personally, I always thought he was hiding somewhere in a corner minding his own business! This also was the case with winner Sophie. Since the show focused so much on Ozzie, Coach and Hantz, Sophie wasn't seen on camera very much, so we didn't get to see how she played this game. Gillian mentioned and I know most of us agree that this season could have been renamed "The Ozzie, Coach and Hantz Show".
Speaking of Hantz, I asked Gillian what she thought about Brandon giving up Immunity. ""Young and naive," Gillian responded. Two words that pretty much sum him up, huh? Alright I would have added stupid, but Gillian isn't usually critical of anyone.
Gillian mentioned the one thing she minded both when she played and it continues today is the "burning of the buff". She tells me that one rule of Survivor is that you MUST wear your buff at all times and it must be showing. It becomes your badge of honor and having to burn it is a very sad moment in every contestant's journey. I suppose that's why they make them do it, but I do understand how a contestant would want to keep that forever to remind them of a very special time in their life. I asked if they are given a replacement and Gillian tells me yes, but she states "but it's not THE buff".
Well, that's it for Survivor for this season. I will be heading over to American Idol at the beginning of 2012. The web address will be www.ouramericanidolblog.com, but I don't have it started yet. I'll email when I do.
Thank you so very much to Sal and all the regulars for keeping this blog going during a tough time for me. I appreciate all your help and also your comments--even PK's! LOL See you all soon. Bloggergal
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