n0nsensical

Don't forget, it's the two-hour season premiere of TAR 9 Tuesday, February 28 at 9 PM ET/PT. I've finished watching or re-watching seasons 1-7, and as you can tell, I am excited. Interestingly, starting with the second episode on March 7th, the show is reportedly being moved to the 10 PM timeslot. The teams have been up on the official CBS site for a while, and with bios copied for your convenience, they are:

Lake & Michelle
Married Parents

Lake & Michelle are a close-knit married couple from Hattiesburg, Mississippi. They met as freshmen in college and have been married for 13 years.

Lake is a dentist who has limited traveling experience outside of the United States. While he describes himself as energetic and motivated, Michelle notes that he's your typical Type A personality, very impatient and always looking for ways to do it better.

Michelle is a stay-at-home mother of three who works part-time in Lake's office. She claims that she's much more laid back than her husband and hopes this won't cause friction between the two while taking part on THE AMAZING RACE. Michelle sees herself as being loyal, kind and loving and is running the Race to prove to herself and Lake that she's capable of accomplishing things.

While Lake & Michelle are both aware of their personality differences, they feel they work well together and hope their differences will actually help them as they travel the world on the Race.


Danielle & Dani
Childhood Friends

Danielle & Dani are childhood friends hailing from Staten Island, New York. The two beauties met over 10 years ago and have been inseparable ever since.

Outgoing and talkative, Danielle, who recently graduated from St. Johns University with a degree in Speech Pathology, has limited experience when it comes to traveling abroad and is eager to see what this globetrotting adventure has to offer.

Dani recently graduated at the top of her class from Wagner College. She describes herself as being fun-loving, wild and eager to get out of Staten Island. Like her teammate, Dani also hasn't traveled very much. She hopes the Race will provide her with the chance to explore all the different cultures in the world.

Armed with bold personalities and a fearless attitude, the duo believes that anything is possible with good looks and thick accents, which they aren't afraid to use if it helps them to win the $1 million prize.


BJ & Tyler
Best Friends

BJ & Tyler are bohemian best buds who first met four years ago during the Semester at Sea program, where they shared the experience of sailing around the world. One of their most memorable moments was starting a dance party in the streets of downtown Guilin, China, which turned into a mass gathering of hundreds of Chinese men. They have been friends ever since, whether bouncing on trampolines at Burning Man or spontaneously swimming in the San Francisco Bay.

BJ is a graduate of Harvard University, while Tyler graduated from UC Santa Cruz after completing two semesters abroad--one in Hungary, the other in South Africa. Both have traveled the world extensively and speak several languages including Spanish and Japanese.

Both BJ and Tyler share a love of adventure, travel, and good times. After graduating from college, BJ moved to California to pursue surfing, karate and frisbee. Meanwhile, Tyler fell in love with a Japanese girl and decided to impress her by walking the 2000-mile length of Japan.

Their primary motivation for taking part in THE AMAZING RACE is to share in the adventure of racing around the world, meeting new people and, of course, winning $1 million.


Ray & Yolanda
Dating

Ray & Yolanda have been dating for five years. An accomplished athlete, Yolanda ran track with Ray's cousin at the University of Florida. One day while visiting his cousin at the track, Ray was introduced to Yolanda, but it wasn't until later that the two were reacquainted and exchanged phone numbers.

Natives of Florida, Ray & Yolanda now reside in Chicago, Illinois. Yolanda grew up in Gainesville, Florida and was a math and science teacher in Miami before she recently moved in with Ray, who is originally from Jacksonville. After receiving his law degree from the University of Miami and practicing law in South Florida, Ray accepted a position as an attorney in Chicago.

While Ray is said to be the more disciplined of the two, both describe themselves as opinionated and stubborn. Yolanda admits that she has a bit of trouble finishing what she's started and Ray claims that she often runs late. Nevertheless, Yolanda & Ray enjoy working out together and are looking forward to the adventure of the Race and the thrill of competition.


John & Scott
Lifelong Friends

John & Scott met in high school and have been friends for more than 25 years. The men differ in that John admits to being too controlling at times where Scott is not controlling at all.

John, who is single, lives in Boston, Massachusetts, where he works as a wealth manager and artist. He also plans to pursue a career in real estate one day. When he's not working, John enjoys spending time on Cape Cod with his two Great Danes, Hector and Percy. His proudest accomplishments include purchasing and renovating his 1883 brownstone and completing the Boston to New York AIDS 250-Mile Bike Ride.

Scott, who is in sales, currently resides on Cape Cod, Massachusetts. He describes himself as a fun and gregarious person whose personal motto is "live, live, live." He claims that the most exciting moment in life has yet to happen.

The lively duo share memories from road trips they've taken to New York City and Provincetown, Massachusetts. However, you won't hear of any far off places that they've traveled to because John has a fear of flying and hasn't been on a plane in over eight years! One of the main reasons for going on the Race is John's hope that he will overcome his fears while both friends will be able to see the world together.


David & Lori
Dating

David & Lori are a couple from Manhattan, Kansas who have been dating for three years. Although Lori is ready to get married, David would like to get his career off the ground before he ties the knot.

Describing himself as intelligent and compassionate, David has done little traveling, but is eager to explore the world. He received Bachelor's of Arts and Science degrees from Kansas State University. A musician who is very involved with his local underground music scene, David's many bands have released three full length CDs and have played in several local music festivals and venues across the country. His one phobia is heights.

An assistant manager at Pizza Hut, Lori says she is energetic, understanding and willing. She also believes herself to be more spontaneous than her partner, who is more reserved and likes to have a plan. Nevertheless, they look forward to working together as they travel around the world and learn about different cultures on THE AMAZING RACE.


Eric & Jeremy
Friends

Jeremy & Eric, best friends from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, met while running college track at Johnson County Community College. Both are admittedly cocky, very competitive and strong athletes. They are avid volleyball players who frequently compete in local tournaments.

Sarcastic and patient, Jeremy is well-traveled and ready for the adventure of a lifetime. He works as a valet and is hoping the Race will help him to make something of his life.

Eric, who works as a waiter and a bartender, has little experience traveling outside of the United States. A two-time NJCAA Track and Field All American in the pole vault, Eric describes himself as being athletic and outgoing. His biggest pet peeve about his teammate is that Jeremy won't take criticism.

The former collegiate athletes hope their physical abilities will help carry them past the competition to the $1 million prize.


Fran & Barry
Married 40 Years

Fran & Barry have known each other for 45 years and have been married for over 40. The proud parents of two children, this adventure-loving couple makes their home in Summit County, Colorado. Although they travel a lot, the word “vacation” is not a frequently used term in their home. They prefer to refer to their trips around the world as “adventure travel.”

Fran, who is 61 years old, is a retired accountant who describes herself as having a positive outlook on life. Fran enjoys skiing, biking, and hiking and has climbed all of Colorado’s 54 14ers, which are the Colorado mountain peaks that exceed 14,000 feet. Fran admits that she’s running THE AMAZING RACE to show that “old people” can compete just as well as most 25 year olds.

Barry, who is 63 years old, thrives on challenging himself and loves to compete. A retired urologist and former battalion surgeon with the 173rd Airborne Brigade in Vietnam, Barry describes himself as outgoing and dependable. His biggest disappointment with regards to Fran was that she refused to bungee jump from a bridge in New Zealand. Although he does point out that she made good by agreeing to skydive.

Having traveled to more than 45 countries together, these high school sweethearts are hoping their previous traveling experience will give them an advantage over the other Teams.


Lisa & Joni
Sisters

Lisa & Joni are sisters who have lived apart from one another for almost 20 years. After their father passed away, Joni opted to stay in Texas with their mom, while Lisa moved to Florida. The sisters hope their experience on THE AMAZING RACE will help them to reconnect with one another and make up for lost time.

Lisa, who lives in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, is also a mother of two and has been married for seven years. Several years ago, Lisa accomplished her longtime goal of opening her own art gallery. She's an avid artist who enjoys anything creative and describes herself as smart, determined and competitive.

Joni, who resides in Katy, Texas, is the mother of two and has been married for 10 years. She has never traveled outside of the United States and is quite eager to see what the world has to offer. Funny and headstrong, Join claims to be a people person who is much more patient than her teammate.

This outgoing twosome are loud, rambunctious, and each stand over six feet tall. If they win the $1 million prize, both Lisa & Joni admit that they would like to get some plastic surgery.


Joseph & Monica
Dating

Joseph & Monica have been dating for the past three years. This fun-loving couple met at a local bar in Fayetteville, Arkansas during college when Joseph claims he "just about broke his neck when Monica walked through the door." After a brief separation for a few months, they missed each other tremendously and decided to give their relationship a second try. They've been together ever since.

Joseph describes himself as confident and funny, while Monica is independent and tenacious. Born and raised in the South, the couple shares a love of country music, wakeboarding and traveling. Joseph's proudest accomplishment has been building and selling his first home.

Although Monica's primary motivation for taking part on THE AMAZING RACE is to pay off her student loans, both she and Joseph are eager to take part in an experience that will bond them for life.


Wanda & Desiree
Mother and Daughter

Wanda & Desiree are a mother and daughter Team with a close-knit bond. Both women have a great sense of humor and enjoy shopping, traveling and cooking.

Wanda, a corporate trainer, is married and lives in Smyrna, Georgia. Fluent in Spanish, Wanda has previously lived in New York and Puerto Rico. One of the accomplishments for which Wanda is most proud is earning two college degrees while raising her daughter. More recently, Wanda was able to share in the excitement of watching Desiree graduate from NYU.

Desiree resides in New York City where she works as a writer. Currently in a steady relationship, she describes herself as passionate and artistic. An only child, her biggest pet peeve about her mother is that she tends to be overprotective.

Although they are definitely playing to win, Wanda & Desiree also hope to expand their knowledge of different cultures while seeing the world on THE AMAZING RACE.

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Fremen

Wow! Thanks for the extensive post, n0n.
The previews look real exciting. I sure hope it's better than last season.

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Plummie

I really like the Amazing Race. I'm going to have to set my Tivo to record this season. Also they are showing reruns on OLN of all previous seasons.

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Derwood

on GSN as well

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heywatsup

thanks for the writeup!
i personally cant wait for this season as i really enjoyed the last few ones. Looks to be a very interesting season as well

Siege

My sister is making me tape it for her tonight, haha. But then again, I probably won't have the time to watch it either.

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highthief

Have they ever had more than one or two minorities a season? It seems strange, isn't the US about 25% ethnic by this point?

At any rate, couldn't bear to watch last season - stumbling around the US was pretty boring. The fun is in watching people cope with foreign languages and customs and culture.

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fresnelly

You weren't alone in this. I enjoyed it for what it was, but am looking forward to the more exotic locations. I find it funny how strongly the commercials are highlighting the differences between this edition and the last.

As to the lack of minorities, it's a shame. I actually smacked my forehead in disbelief last season when the lone minority team was introduced with the last name of Black. America is so diverse, and its more interesting to watch a broader range of westerners cope in the world at large.

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Locke7

Yup, looking forward to it. Last season was boring without really traveling very far, excited to see a bunch of the crazy places they go. I'm really hoping the pull out some cool challenges this year, lately they have been getting a little soft.

Min

My work schedule has prevented me from watching this series for the passed two years. I will make a point to watch tonight.

n0nsensical

It was pretty good. I already obligatorily like BJ & Tyler and David & Lori, and Desiree is definitely not too hard on the eyes. I usually don't care too much for the South American locations, but Sao Paolo looked really cool. I now want to go there. No Roadblock? I thought that was odd or is it always like that in the first episode and I just never noticed before?

__________________
"Prohibition will work great injury to the cause of temperance. It is a species of intemperance within itself, for it goes beyond the bounds of reason in that it attempts to control a man's appetite by legislation, and makes a crime out of things that are not crimes. A Prohibition law strikes a blow at the very principles upon which our government was founded." --Abraham Lincoln

Derwood

my favorites right now are BJ/Tyler, Wanda/Desiree and th Nerds. The frosties have to go, as do Lake and Michelle.

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"You can't shoot a country until it becomes a democracy." - Willravel

highthief

Exactly. I think the way American blacks for instance, respond to visiting Africa (and the responses Africans have to them) is very compelling. I could see similar things happening with people of other ethnic backgrounds, if only there were any on the show!

Also, can we get a hot bisexual pair of girls on the show, instead of a gay male couple over and over again? A little gratuitous T&A goes a long way.

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mrklixx

Tian Kitchen from season 4 definitely has a door that swings multiple ways.

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Lucifer

Lisa and Joni simply shriek too much for women over the age of 15! They've got my vote for next team to come in last. But this seems to be shaping up as the "horn-dog" race. Eric and Jeremy are gunning for Dani and Danielle.

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fresnelly

Double exactly! I can't tell you how badly I would've liked to have seen the Paolo family running around in Italy, last series.

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Daval

When the old couple decided to do the climbing I was pretty excited because I knew it was firstly going to be entertaining, and secondly, due to this stupid decision they would most likely be eliminated.

I'll take the annoying old sisters though, they were more annoying than the old couple and not nearly as entertaining.

I'm liking pretty much all of the teams so far. I'm guessing Lake, i.e. the Alpha Male will be cast as the 'villain' this round.

Otherwise I'm liking the teams this year, it should be a good race.

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highthief

Glad to see those complaining old sisters or whatever they were gone.

"Oh, driving a car is so hard! I never thought I'd have to endure such agony on this game show!"

Your children are ashamed of you at this moment, lady.

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Derwood

as long as the hippies are winning, i'm okay

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Daval

Although unusual for a 'to be continued' episode to happen this early in the race, I definately saw it coming when people were still doing the checkpoints at 10:45pm last night.

I really hope the hot pink girls keep up and do not get eliminated, leaving the belt pouch behind was a huge mistake but looks like they will come out allright. The Moscow episode has really mixxed up the rankings, the taxi drivers not knowing where things are has really messed them up.

I've been to Moscow and I can tell you, it is absolutely huge, easily the biggest city I have ever been to in my life. The population is well over 10 million and the city just sprawls out in every direction.

I am hoping that the old folks kick it this next episode - they annoy me.

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Derwood

i really hate that CBS pushed this show to a later time slot. I know they are pushing "The Unit", but you would think that content-wise, the new show should be later. Plus I think of AR as a family type show, but that's impossible now. Makes no sense to me at all.

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Daval

I agree, I liked it better when it was earlier.

Is the Unit or Convictions any good?

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"It is impossible to obtain a conviction for sodomy from an English jury. Half of them don't believe that it can physically be done, and the other half are doing it."
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Derwood

I have watched neither

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Fremen

I've watched The Unit. It's easily one of the best new shows out now.
It's becoming a must see for me like Lost, Battlestar Galactica, Survivor, and The Amazing Race.
When I watched last night's episode, I kept having flashbacks of watching Rat Patrol as a kid with my father.

Anyway, why was the old guy looking so stunned during the doll search?
They just kept showing him with his jaw dropped open.

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Derwood

too bad about Wanda and Desiree. I liked them (despite the Mom's neuroses). My hippies are still in it, and I'm always happy to see the oldtimers advance. Lake and Michelle are the only team even close to being "villains" this season and even that's a stretch. Can't really say there is any one team I'm dying to see get the boot at this point.

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fresnelly

At this point, I'm mostly pulling for Dave and Lori, but I generally like all the teams. Seeing them hop on trains, planes and taxis, as well running through the streets, sure beats the SUV highway trips of the family edition.

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highthief

I agree. Had to force my wife to learn how to use the VCR so we could watch the next day!

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Daval

I was in Grand Cayman for a week so have only now caught up on my taped Amazing Races.

First, Wanda and Desiree, although I was a big fan of Desiree and I think she is one of the the most naturally beautiful girls I have seen on the race, her and her mom were kind of dumb as stumps. You could argue that most of the problem was on the mom, but Desiree should have stepped up and taken over. Shame to see them go, but a deserved elimination.

Now, the double D's, they were great eye candy for sure. They made the really poor mistake of trying to follow another team, not a top team, but another team at the back of the pack. Fatal mistake.

I did kinda of feel bad that they were yielded, and I don't think that was really necessary, and the yield is what caused them to be eliminated (they woulda been ahead of ray and yolanda), they too were a deserved elimination.

I am shocked at how well the old folks are doing. Even though they seem to have cataracts and miss the clue box at least once on every leg.

I still like mojo - but mainly for the eye candy effect, she is cute as hell.

I guess I'm probably rooting for the hippy's they're having a great time, are fun to watch, and work well as a team.

__________________
"It is impossible to obtain a conviction for sodomy from an English jury. Half of them don't believe that it can physically be done, and the other half are doing it."
Winston Churchill

fresnelly

The extra puzzle pieces in the statue roadblock was brilliant. Mean, but brilliant.

/me checks air fares to Italy

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Building an artificial intelligence that appreciates Mozart is easy. Building an A.I. that appreciates a theme restaurant is the real challenge - Kit Roebuck - Nine Planets Without Intelligent Life

Derwood

The Double D girls will be in a Maxim/FHM/Playboy spread by June at the latest (no source, just my intuition)

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Daval

i'm hoping for Playboy personally.

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"It is impossible to obtain a conviction for sodomy from an English jury. Half of them don't believe that it can physically be done, and the other half are doing it."
Winston Churchill

Fremen

Can anyone tell me how to get to Palomino, Italy?

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m0rpheus

Thats who I always choose to root for. Which team is having the most fun on the race.

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n0nsensical

I really enjoyed the previous episode in Germany. Those wacky Germans are so funny! Whenever TAR goes there you know it's going to be a good time.

__________________
"Prohibition will work great injury to the cause of temperance. It is a species of intemperance within itself, for it goes beyond the bounds of reason in that it attempts to control a man's appetite by legislation, and makes a crime out of things that are not crimes. A Prohibition law strikes a blow at the very principles upon which our government was founded." --Abraham Lincoln

n0nsensical

Ok, everyone who didn't like Tuesday at 10, how does Wednesday at 8 sound?

__________________
"Prohibition will work great injury to the cause of temperance. It is a species of intemperance within itself, for it goes beyond the bounds of reason in that it attempts to control a man's appetite by legislation, and makes a crime out of things that are not crimes. A Prohibition law strikes a blow at the very principles upon which our government was founded." --Abraham Lincoln

Derwood

Wednesday's are WAY better. 10pm was just too late for me

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"You can't shoot a country until it becomes a democracy." - Willravel

Catdaddy33

I'm glad they moved it to 8pm Wed, my daughter likes to watch it and they moved it past her bedtime and she insisted that we not watch it until she could.

fresnelly

Great episode tonight. I'm going to miss Lori and Dave, though they seemed to be losing steam. She was a cutie.

Also, just a hunch, but I bet Kayak Water Polo is a "Popular Italian Sport" like Obstacle Coarse-Log Rolling is a "Popular Canadian Sport".

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Building an artificial intelligence that appreciates Mozart is easy. Building an A.I. that appreciates a theme restaurant is the real challenge - Kit Roebuck - Nine Planets Without Intelligent Life

Daval

ROFL Great post

__________________
"It is impossible to obtain a conviction for sodomy from an English jury. Half of them don't believe that it can physically be done, and the other half are doing it."
Winston Churchill

n0nsensical

I'd say that was the worst episode this season easily. There was no competition at all. Everyone just went straight through in almost the same places they started. This is why people shouldn't complain about bunching, because this is what happens when there is no bunching. Apparently it got killed in ratings too even worse than after the move to 10 PM, and 8 is not that great for me either.

__________________
"Prohibition will work great injury to the cause of temperance. It is a species of intemperance within itself, for it goes beyond the bounds of reason in that it attempts to control a man's appetite by legislation, and makes a crime out of things that are not crimes. A Prohibition law strikes a blow at the very principles upon which our government was founded." --Abraham Lincoln