Russell Hantz is Out!

I had a whirlwind taste for Russell during his entire run in Survivor. I hated him at the initial stage of the game at Samoa, then loved him after the merge. I loved how he busted Boston Rob's and JT's ass in Heroes vs Villains but hated how cocky he was to the end because no one knew exactly how he was playing the game. But now, adding to the fact that I had enough of his face, I just hate him. You can honestly say I am a Russell hater.

I was thrilled when Zapatera (or at least the six of them) decided to throw the challenge last week. I was in total agreement on that. If there is someone in your tribe that you really hate and is pulling you down, then you must get rid of him as soon as you get the chance. I thought and still think that having one man up was Zapatera's chance of getting rid of Russell. But come to think of it, if Ometepe could stand Philip, why could Zapatera not stand Russell?

I probably just had enough of cockiness on TV. I am sure that Russell is one of the greatest players in Survivor history, but there was just too much of him already. Enough said, I was happy that he was finally out of the game for real. I had a big smile on my face when he lost. But him crying before leaving was definitely bad. It was awful, as Sarita had said. Everyone felt Russell's embarrassment (yes, I thought of it that way and I am sure most fans did). It was also a feeling despair and everyone knew at that point (just in case others did not know it yet) that Russell indeed loved the game so much.

Let's move forward to.... Phillip's saggy bottom panties. I love seeing the rest of Ometepe get disgusted about seeing the unwelcome sight of Phillip's bottom. But I am sure it is disgusting. You know it is when you already suspect Phillip is not in his right mind. If Phillip was that big, he could have rivaled Charlie Sheen by now (oh, I just needed to reference Charlie Sheen because everyone does).

I like seeing Zapatera winning it again. Who told you about Ometepe's momentum? They had none at all. Or probably Zapatera is just a complete package. I think it's getting obvious that I am rooting for Zapatera now.

If you look at my previous blog, you would know how I also despise the presence of Rob because there is just too much of him on CBS. But I appreciate the fact that he now has found the interest to look for the hidden immunity idol. His tribemates should realize, however, that they are enabling him to be the ringleader. Well, it is nice if it is your strategy to let him think that way but if you're just simply following directions, then you're letting him grab that one million dollars without having to sweat.

It was a loss to see Cristina go. I really think she was a very smart player and she could have gone wonders had there not been a Boston Rob and of course, Phillip, in her team.

Now I am rooting for Sarita.

My take on American Idol's Top 13

I am pretty satisfied with the Top 13. My top 3 picks, as well as my secret pick, all got in. I just probably have some misgivings about a couple of them. Here is a rundown of what I think of the top 13.


Scotty McCreery:
I hate country music. But I love this kid. I did not warm up to him during his audition but as more of his character is revealed, I believe he is a good guy. I still hate country at this point. But Scotty has a very strong charisma. It's probably the way he tilts his head when he sings or the way he moves his lips. I'm kind of nervous for him once they go into theme weeks. I don't know how his voice could make it to a pop or even a rock song. I'm still thinking about its effect on R&B or soul.


Lauren Alaina:
I never really paid attention on her Top 24 performance because she was going to make it whatever happens. I don't really feel that she is 15 when she sings. There is such a maturity in her voice and the way she moves that it tells me she's got plenty of experience. I feel though that she is overconfident. If she was probably not packaged as a popstar, I would think of her as the next Crystal Bowersox. But I think we can go for a Kelly Clarkson right now.


Pia Toscano:
I was a bit skeptical about her after her performance in the groups round. I thought she, along with her groupmates, had excellent harmony, but I never thought she was a great individual singer. I also thought she got until the Top 24 because she was pretty and hot. The first time I watched the Top 12 girls night, I got too sleepy in the end that I was not able to listen attentively to Pia's performance. But when I woke up, I watched it again and I can say it was fantastic. With all the praise she got, I guess it was pretty obvious she was going in.


Karen Rodriguez:
I'm not a fan of hers. I thought her rendition of Hero was boring. I thought she is still in because she was chosen from MySpace. I don't really see much potential on her voice but hey, I'm not a talent scout. I love her Latina twang though.


Thia Meguia:
I was not really too excited about the Top 12 girls night because collectively, the girls had poorer performances than the guys. I also did not listen attentively to Thia, and I did not bother re-watching her performance. I love the quality of her voice, yes, but I think she has not got it yet. I think she's pretty boring. But I am proud of her as I know she is a fellow Filipino.


Jacob Lusk:
Isn't just he cute? I don't like his music style but his personality is just too interesting. I like his voice and how he sings, but I don't like the genre of music that he sings. I wish to hear more of his voice and how it would go on a rock song. I believe he will go far to this competition based on the consistency he has shown so far. He was my third choice.


Casey Abrams:
Oh yeah! I have watched his Top 24 performance for about 10 times now and I'm probably going to watch it after I place a period on this sentence. [Watching] I love the "you're mine" at the end of his song. I love how J.Lo reacted to it. Casey is fun, unique and so much talented. I can't wait to see more of him. He was my first choice.


Paul McDOnald:
I love the way he sings. I love the gentleness and toughness he exudes. I am so envious of that smile. I wish my teeth were as white as his. I think his moves are just awesome. His voice reminds me of Counting Crows. And he was my third choice.


Haley Reinhart:
I initially loved her performance but the more I read about how critics did not like it, the more I hate it too. But thinking about the performance again, I love her growl but I hated how she was moving all over the stage looking like an awkward Marilyn Monroe. I think she's cute.


James Durbin:
Yeah, he's got plenty of story - his Asberger's and his baby while he is young and a struggling dad. But I think he's too cocky. Maybe he's nice in person but his screaming is just too much for me. And that tail oh that tail.


Ashthon Jones:
I think she got in for the same reason Paige Miles got in allegedly last season - race. Kendra or Lauren Turner should have been there in her place. They probably needed to have a darker African-American woman on the show to show more diversity.


Stefano Langone:
I think he got in because he is good looking. I hate that.


Naima Adebapo:
I'm a Naima fan. I love her hair and her skin. She may be singing a lot of old songs but you can never get past her soul. She also has this spirit of a real singer and a real person. I hope she goes far enough. She is my fourth choice at this point.


I am glad about Jordan Dorsey's and Clint Jun Gamboa's departure. It just proves to show that egotistical men don't go that far.


I have managed not to reveal my secret bet until this point. It's Scotty. Haha.