Survivor:

But I am really enjoying all the machinations this season -- maybe people aren't making the best possible choices, but this is the first season in a long while where I've truly felt that at least everyone was trying to strategize.

I think the reason the post-merge leg of this season has been so good is because the tribe reshuffle split personal and strategic alliances whose strengths no-one had a good handle on and because there are so many fair to poor players actively strategizing. I usually wish for a game loaded with smart players but I'm glad that's not the case now because then I wouldn't have Dreamz trying to vote of his left foot while Alex hides under a big pile of coats hoping it'll all work out somehow.

I love Dreamz and his "strategy" of basically agreeing with the last person he spoke with. "My best ally is Jeff Probst. We are going all the way together" "Dude, we have to vote off Jeff Probst." "Oh, yeah, now that you mention it, I think I should vote Jeff off."

Excellent Kentucky Derby.

And then - -the Barbaro special. I cried and cried. My eyes are still sore from all the tears and it was more than an hour ago.

Yeah, what a race!

And I taped the Barbaro special. I couldn't watch it. I will, but later. When I have more emotional reserves.

Yes. Smart move.

Shit, if Michael Matz and Peter Brette can talk about him w/o getting upset, then why can't I?

Of course, Michael Matz is a Big Damn Hero.

TAR: How cool that the finish line is in San Francisco!

TAR: Wait, did Phil just say 28 days? Damn, that's fast. How many legs is it?

I'm just glad Mirna and Schmirna didn't win.

Me too.

I wanted the BQs to win but that last Detour kind of makes me feel better about Erik and Danielle. (They must communicate better than it looks to those of us on the outside.)

Well, or at least he's listening when she's talking.... Also, I'm impressed they didn't totally lose it, with all the snafus and bullshit they had.