Author Archives: Ryan Jacobson

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Who will win Survivor: Second Chance?

After one of the most popular seasons in the history of Survivor, Survivor: Cambodia – Second Chance has reached its final episode. In a season with more blindsides and twists than ever before, the final six have been determined. Some of the finalists were frontrunners from before the show began based on their past performance from their original season, but others, nobody could have predicted would make it to the end of the game (i.e. Kimmi.)

Before the finale tonight, let’s take a look back at the pre-game predictions for the final 6, and make one final prediction as to who will end up being the sole Survivor.

To see the pre-season predictions for the entire cast, click here.

(Ranked in order from least to most likely to win.)

6. Kimmi Kappenburg (Ranked #14 most likely to win it all back in September.)

(photo credit: cbs.com)

(photo credit: cbs.com)

 

SEPTEMBER PREDICTION:

If Kimmi Kappenberg does not survive until there is a reward challenge that involves the tribes receiving chickens, I am rioting. After 14 years, Kimmi is back and we may finally get to see her play the game. Back in the Australian Outback we only saw Kimmi survive 1 tribal council, in which the tribe unanimously voted off Debb in the first episode. As a result, we never really got to see Kimmi play the game.

Kimmi has the potential to be a mastermind strategic player, and I desperately hope that she sticks around long enough for us to see her plot and scheme.

Like Shirin, there is a chance she could be seen as a challenge liability, which, on any other season, would make her an early target. This season, however, may have just the right amount of bigger early targets, which could help Kimmi fly under the radar right to the merge.

Final Prediction: She almost gets voted off many times before the merge, but manages to survive. Once the merge happens everyone forgets about her, and she cruises to the end of the game. She will be much more mature and likable than she was 14 years ago, and will be voted off in 4th place, due to the fact that she is well liked by the jury. She doesn’t win, but at the reunion she is so grateful for being able to actually play the game, and making it to the end. And Jeff Probst says the word “redemption” 6 times when referring to her.

FINALE PREDICTION

BY FAR the biggest let down of the season was the fact that Kimmi did not lose her mind about her tribe eating chickens. Her only confrontation was the result of Monica’s desire to save the clams from being depleted. Socrates himself could not have predicted that Kimmi Kappenberg would get into an argument about eating animals, and be the one that was PRO EATING them.

I have always been a Kimmi fan, but am thankful that we were finally able to see her play the game, even though her presence was minimal. Her lack of screen time  suggests that she was not a mastermind, but more of a follower. A few weeks ago, she was shown trying to form a female alliance, and that ended up lasting only a few minutes.

She was also much better at challenges than anticipated. She was never a challenge liability, and held her own in all the tribal challenges.

In September, the bold prediction was made of Kimmi coming in 4th place, and that is still a strong possibility. Regardless of her finish, she does not have a shot in hell at winning, but she has certainly redeemed herself, and should be very pleased with her second chance at playing the game.

5. Tasha Fox (Ranked #6 most likely to win back in September)

(photo credit: cbs.com)

(photo credit: cbs.com)

 

SEPTEMBER PREDICTION

Tasha has decided that this time, instead of playing nice, she will simply “ask God for forgiveness” when the game is over. Tasha means business and has come to win this game. She was on the “brains” tribe in Cagayan, but she is also a physical force to be reckoned with; winning the second most individual immunities of any female contestant ever.

Once again, Tasha is starting the game with Kass, the woman who was mostly responsible for Tasha being voted out of her original season. Not only will she not let Kass screw her over again, I expect Tasha to completely own this game, voting out Kass, and just about everyone else along the way.

Final Prediction: Tasha will make the final 3, but will have pissed off too many people to get their jury votes at the final tribal.

FINALE PREDICTION

I am not sure Tasha has done enough evil that she has to ask her church and God for forgiveness, but she certainly played the game hard, and came to win. She did not shine in the immunity challenges this year, as she did in Cagayan, despite the fact that it seemed like nearly every challenge was a second chance for Cagayan players to redeem themselves.

As predicted, Tasha voted out Kass and, with the exception of Savage and Fishbach, everyone else whose name she wrote down.

I will stick to the prediction that Tasha will make the final three, but will have no chance of winning. The ONLY way Tasha can win is if she is in the final three with Keith and Kimmi. If that was the case, she would get the votes from Jeremy/Spencer/Savage and all she would have to do is convince 1-2 of the other jurors that she is not the devil, and hope they send their vote her way. I would say there is a 1% chance of this happening at best.

4. Keith Nale (Ranked #16 most likely to win back in September)

(photo credit: cbs.com)

(photo credit: cbs.com)

SEPTEMBER PREDICTION

Typically the older members on a tribe are seen as a physical liability, but that is not the case with Keith. He was a challenge beast in San Juan Del Sur, winning more individual immunity challenges than anyone else.

The concern with Keith, however, is his ability to relate to the other castaways and form solid bonds with them. I can see him butting heads with some of the ladies on his tribe, particularly Kass and Kimmi, and if the girls can bond together, Keith will probably be their number 1 target.

In fact, I am anxiously awaiting the first time that Kass is appalled by Keith “hocking a loogie” at camp.  The argument will inevitable be dubbed #spitspat by CBS and the hashtag will magically appear on our screen in hopes that we all tweet about the dispute.

Final Prediction: Keith will probably fly under the radar for a while, but will be remembered for his impressive immunity run in his prior season, and will be voted off mid jury.

 

FINALE PREDICTION

I was wrong with Keith butting heads with some of the ladies on his tribe, and we hardly got any footage or montages of him spitting all over the place. In fact, the only time we saw talk of anyone disliking Keith was last week when he forgot Tasha’s name as he was having a stroke deciding who to pick to join him on the reward.

At this point Keith could beat Kimmi, and he could potentially beat Tasha, but since Tasha is not too fond of Keith, and he doesn’t even know her name, the odds of them ending  up in the final three together as extremely unlikely.

It is not out of the realm of possibility that he could beat any of the remaining five if he makes it to the finals, but as he is the biggest remaining challenge threat, he will likely be voted out the first time he does not win immunity.

Pre season prediction had Keith finishing mid jury, but it looks as though he will come up just short of the finals, just like he did his first season. But, if CBS decided to give away another million dollars for “America’s Fan Favorite” like they did when their boy Rupert didn’t win All-Stars, Keith would be the richest man in Shreveport, Louisiana.

3. Spencer Bledsoe (Ranked #7 most likely to win back in September)

(photo credit: cbs.com)

(photo credit: cbs.com)

SEPTEMBER PREDICTION

I predicted Spencer to win his first season from episode 1 and he made it to 4th place. Spencer has everything you need to win this game: he is likable, athletic, intelligent, and strategic. The problem with that is he also has everything you need to be voted off immediately in an all-stars season: he is likable, athletic, intelligent, and strategic.

On top of that, he is also one of 4 returning Cagayan cast members, and you can be assured that the other 16 players are very, very aware of that.

Final Prediction: Spencer will be a huge asset to any tribe he in on pre merge. Once the merge happens, he will be toast once he loses individual immunity. 9th place

FINALE PREDICTION

As predicted Spencer was likable, athletic, intelligent and strategic. In fact, he played the game exactly the way I assumed he would. He narrated much of the season, and his story was developed so America would be rooting for him as an underdog, much like the way his story was developed in Cagayan.

What I overestimated, however, was the Cagayan 4. I can imagine how difficult it must be to trust someone that voted you out in a prior season, but if Woo, Tasha, Spencer and Kass made a pre-season alliance and stuck to it, things could have turned out much better for them. Sure Tasha and Spencer are in the finale, but they would have a much better shot at winning the prize if they were in the finals with Woo and Kass.

I predicted Spencer to be voted out at the merge the first time he didn’t win immunity. Fortunately for him, he found himself a friend in Jeremy at the perfect time.

2. Kelley Wentworth (Ranked #2 most likely to win back in September)

(photo credit: cbs.com)

(photo credit: cbs.com)

SEPTEMBER PREDICTION

Before the season starts, this game is Kelley’s to lose. With her father, Dead Weight Dale, safely being miserable on his couch at home, she can easily fly under the radar. She is a super fan of the show, and she is physically and mentally capable of winning challenges.

I predict Kelley to be the head of an all girls’ alliance, and call all the shots. Kelley is ready to play a ruthless game, and has the potential to be a break out star of this legendary season.

Final Prediction: She will deserve the win, but will fall short and come in 2nd place.

FINALE PREDICTION

Amazingly, Kelley was predicted as the second most likely to win the game back in September, and on the night of the finale is still the second most likely to win the game.
Kelley was predicted to form an all-girl alliance, which she did in a way. If you call whatever Kelley, Kass, Ciera, and Abi-Maria had an all-girl alliance. She was, however, solely responsible for the biggest move in the game; voting out Savage.

In September I predicted Kelley to make it to the finals, and not receive enough votes to win, and while I still do not think she will win, it is not because I think she would lose in a vote. If Kelley makes the finals, I think she will beat any of the remaining finalists. The issue for her is going to be making the finals. The only person she may have on her side right now is her former San Juan Del Sur cast member, Keith. Sure she has an idol, which she will be able to save until the final 5 if Keith loses the first immunity challenge. And sure that idol will advance her to the final 4. But, if Kelley can not win the final immunity challenge, she is a goner.

If, however, Kelley can win the final 4 immunity challenge, she will likely be 1 million dollars richer come 10pm tonight. Crazier things have happened.

1. Jeremy Collins (Ranked most likely to win back in September. No big deal)

(photo credit: cbs.com)

(photo credit: cbs.com)

SEPTEMBER PREDICTION

 

If Jeremy had started San Juan Del Sur on the other tribe, he could have won the game. He had the unfortunate luck of being placed on a tribe (and on a season) with little game play. Jeremy was ready to play the damn game, but he didn’t have the opportunity. This time around Jeremy will be with 19 other players that are ready to play, and he will have all the tools he needs to win Second Chances. 

Final Prediction: Jeremy will once again form an alliance with the ladies of the tribe, and I expect him to take those ladies to the final four with him. He will then do what Russell Hantz failed to do, and win the million dollar prize.

FINALE PREDICTION

While I was way off with the way that Jeremy would win the game, I was spot on with the fact that he was there to play the damn game, and wasn’t going to let a second opportunity go to waste.

This time Jeremy decided to bond with the guys, and have secondary relationships, albeit solid ones, with the ladies (with the exception of Tasha, who was his Natalie this season.)

Like Kelley, Jeremy has an idol and can play it through the final 5. If Keith wins immunity at 6, and Kelley uses her idol, Jeremy could be in trouble if he does not use his idol.

If he makes it past the first tribal with his idol in tact, the only way he will not make the finals is if Wentworth wins final 4 immu

nity. Even if she does, he has solid relationships with all the remaining finalists (as he is in a solid alliance with Spencer, Tasha, and Kimmi, and he was on his original season with Kelley and Keith) so he should not have an issue making it to the finals.

In the finals, although Spencer and potentially Wentworth could be more persuasive in telling the jury why they should win, Jeremy has friends all over the jury, and will have more than enough votes to beat any remaining player. If he is in the finals he wins, hands down.

He is by far in the best spot, and nobody deserves it more than he does.

 

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Top 100 Songs of 2015 Part 4 (70-61)

Songs 100-91     Songs 90-81     Songs 80-71

70. Love Me, The 1975

“Love Me” is the first single off The 1975’s upcoming sophomore album due out in early 2016. The 1975 gained national attention with their 2013 self-titled debut album, and found great success with their hit single, “Chocolate.”

From the guitar hook intro, “Love Me” stands out from the rest of the songs on the radio today, and continues to demand your attention throughout the rest of the track. The bands name could not be more fitting, as “Love Me” will transport you back to the 70’s with their synth-pop rock, as this track in particular sounds like something David Bowie would produce today. In fact, David Bowie will be releasing his 25th studio album in January and has already released two tracks, in the event that anyone actually cares about 2016 David Bowie.

 

69. Made For You, Alexander Cardinale

Perhaps the most romantic song of the year, “Made For You” is bound to be the first dance at many wedding receptions this coming year. For all you non-romantics out there, if the song itself isn’t enough to induce nausea, the video should do the trick. Despite the God awful acting in the video, and the fact that the bench hasn’t moved in 80 years, the idea behind the video is touching even for the most miserable Grinch.

Regardless of your romantic side, Alexander Cardinale’s impeccable vocals and the songs catchiness collide to form a song that is nearly impossible to dislike.

68. Uh Huh, RØMANS

Looking at the lyrics to this song you would think it is a track off of Adele’s new album. But, fear not, this is no sappy break up song. If you gave Sam Smith a healthy dose of speed, I would imagine that this would be the type song that he would create. In fact, I challenge you to not think of Sam Smith on speed when giving this a listen.

The song begins with a saddened RØMAN, a 29 year old British singer, songwriter who recorded this track in his parents basement. When the calypso beat kicks in around the :55 mark, you quickly realize that this is no Adele/Sam Smith protégé and is in fact a unique, up and coming bloke from the other side of the pond presumably desperate to get out of his parents basement before reaching his thirties.

67. Another Night On Mars, The Maine

The Maine is an American rock band that formed in Tempe, Arizona back in 2007, and released American Candy, their fifth studio album back in March.

Whether you are in high school, college, your thirties, sixties, or anywhere in between, “Another Night in Mars” should resonate with some group of friends you have had during your life. Hopefully, they have not been forced to hold your hair back or drag you into/out of the shower one too many times, and came to the conclusion that being your friend may not be worth all the hard work and baby-sitting.

“Another Night on Mars” is a fun track that begs for a group of friends to form a circle, drape their arms across each other’s shoulders, and sway back and forth while completely butchering the words; preferably on a high school dance floor.

66. Honey, I’m Good, Andy Grammer

Was it one of the most overplayed songs of the year? Absolutely. But, was it also one of the catchiest songs of the year? You bet. From pre schoolers to the elderly, everyone loved singing along with Andy Grammer’s “Honey, I’m Good.”

The video features couples that have been together anywhere between a few months and 70 years, singing along and holding up numbers signifying how long they have been “committed” to each other. You can’t help but wonder how many wives forced their husbands to partake in the shoot, and how many of these people would actually say “no thanks, they’re good” to a hottie in a bar that wanted to hook up with them. But, it is a lovely concept, nevertheless.

 

65. Mess Around, Cage the Elephant

The first single off Tell Me I’m Pretty, Cage the Elephant’s fourth studio album (set for a December 18 release) is “Mess Around.” The album was produced by Dan Auerback, lead singer of The Black Keys, and it does not take a music expert to see the similarities. “Mess Around” could easily pass as a Black Keys song, but Cage the Elephant has just enough uniqueness and distinction that they make the song their own.

Because of the song’s “hang ten”, surf vibe, one would expect a music video along the lines of Annette Funicello and Frankie Avalon in skimpy bathing suits gyrating on the beach.  The video, however, is basically a frightening “talkie” movie from the early 1900’s, which is bound to give you nightmares if you are anything like me.

64. Home, Dotan

Born in Jerusalem in 1986, Dotan Harpenau A.K.A. Dotan, grew up in Amsterdam and it wasn’t until he reached his twenties that he taught himself how to play the guitar and sing.

Known for producing his all of his own music, Dotan found massive success in Europe in 2014, particularly in Holland, with his hit “Home,” an upbeat track that sounds like it could be the latest Bastille hit. The build-up from the chanting of “we are coming home, we are coming home….” from the 3:07-3:51  mark is one of the most exciting parts of any song in 2015, and the climax of the song at 3:52 satisfies all the anticipation and all expectations.

While Dotan is not big in the States yet, expect “Home” to slowly gain exposure, and introduce the country to this brilliant singer-songwriter with the potential to make some big waves in 2016.

63. Saint Cecilia, Foo Fighters

Just when you thought the Foo Fighters were taking a break and resting their ailing bodies, not only do they release an amazing EP, but they release it for FREE, and dedicate it to the victims of the terrorists attacks in Paris.

The EP, Saint Cecilia was an impromptu recording session that happened as the band was staying at Saint Cecilia luxury hotel in Austin, TX. Saint Cecilia is the patron saint of music and poetry.

One may think that “Saint Cecilia” would not have the quality we have come to expect from the band, simply because it was “thrown together” so quickly. This is not the case, as “Cecilia” is loud, gritty, passionate Foo Fighters at their best, and proves that they are one of, if not the, best band making music today.

62. Let Me Down Easy, Sheppard

Before Australian band Sheppard found great success in the States last year with their hit “Geronimo,” the band released “Let Me Down Easy,” way back in 2012 (in Australia) on their EP Sheppard. The band finally decided to release it internationally in January of 2015, and while it did  not reach the level of success as “Geronimo” here in the States, it is just as enjoyable.

Despite the fact that it is about being dumped by a girlfriend, “Let Me Down Easy” may be one of the most fun songs of the year. Easy to sing along to, and upbeat, the song is bound to help you forget about all your woes, if only for a few short minutes.

61. Roots, Imagine Dragons

In one of their darkest releases to date, Imagine Dragons proves that they can do it all. “Roots” is about the highs and lows of being successful musicians, and specifically about finding an escape and remembering where you came from during a crazy tour schedule.

It lacks some of the pop-rock that Imagine Dragons may be known for, but in its place is a rap-rock sound that works, seemingly effortlessly.

 

Songs 60-51 Friday!

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Top 100 Songs of 2015 Part 3 (80-71)

Click here for Songs 100-91       Click here for Songs 90-81

80. Cut the Cord, Shinedown

Shinedown’s second song to make the top 100 is the lead single off their 5th studio album, Threat to Survival. According to the band’s Facebook page, the song is a “statement to the world that you will not give up, you will not give in, and you refuse to fail.”

“Cut the Cord” is loud, aggressive, in your face, and the type of track one would expect from the hard rock band. Even though it is a hard rock song, it offers a positive message to its listeners. In an interview with Billboard, lead singer Brent Smith said of the song…

“It is a wake up call reminding us all that we can control our own destiny by finding the courage and tenacity to destroy whatever it is that’s holding us back.”

“Cut the Cord” is a hard rock song that any music fan can appreciate and enjoy.

79. Get Closer, Life in Film

British band Life in Film has been together nearly 5 years, but just released their first full length album, Here It Comes. Their first single, “Get Closer,” is fast, upbeat, catchy, and according to the band, was written in just a few hours. Lead singer, Samuel Fry, told Interview Magazine that the song was written in reflection of “where he has been, and where he may be going next.”

If Life in Film can continue popping out hits like this in just a few hours, they will be going very big places for sure.

78. 2 Heads, Coleman Hell

Canadian electric artist, Coleman Hell had one “hell” of a year as his debut single blew up on the charts. He writes and produces all of his own music on keyboards and programs, and his “2 Heads” features the beloved banjo sounds without even using an actual banjo.

Besides having the coolest name in the business, Coleman Hell is a go-getter, releasing the song all by himself and having the song streamed nearly 10 million times before a record label stepped in.

He describes his music as songs that people will be able to dance to, but also have meaning to them. Coleman Hell has a style of his own, and based on his determination alone, should continue to thrive as a stand alone artist, with or without a record label backing him.

77. Can’t Break me Down, Billy Idol

Kings & Queens of the Underground, Billy Idol’s first album in nearly ten years (if you don’t count his Christmas album. Yes, Billy Idol released a Christmas album in 2006. I was just as confused as you are) was released in late 2014, as was this track.

Being 60 years old does not stop Idol from releasing “Can’t Break Me Down,” one of the best pop-punk-rock tracks of the year. The “BANG, BANG, BANG” chorus is more catchy than any Taylor Swift song, and more fun to sing than just about anything else on the radio this year.

Billy Idol still being alive is impressive enough due to the amount of drugs he presumably has done in his lifetime. But, the fact that he can come out with his best work since 1990’s “Cradle of Love” is a downright miracle. Clearly he means what he says, and nothing, not even decades of alcohol and drug abuse can break this rock icon down.

76. Fire and the Flood, Vance Joy

It seems that everything Vance Joy has done the past few years has been gaining the attention of an increasing amount of alt rock fans. “Rip Tide” introduced us to the 28 year old Australian singer-songwriter, 2014’s “Mess is Mine” proved that he was not a “one hit wonder,” and this years “Fire and the Flood” confirms that he has staying power, and is on the verge on becoming one of the biggest names in terms of male singer-songwriters.

While “Fire and the Flood” could easily be seen as a man creepily attempting to stalk the home of his ex-girlfriend, the pleasantness of Joy’s soothing voice makes it difficult to feel anything but sincerity and sympathy for the Aussie.

 

75. Stressed Out, Twenty One Pilots

“Stressed Out” is this years rap song for rock fans. It seems that each year there has been one “alternative hip-hop” track that makes a splash on rock stations across the country (i.e. any Eminem or Macklemore song), and Twenty One Pilots had that honor this year.

The song is about the nostalgia for childhood and the responsibilities of adulthood. While few people seriously long to be 6 years old permanently (I hope,) it is likely that many people wish they could go back in time and spend a few moments as an innocent child nestled in your mothers arms while she sings you to sleep, especially when your hectic adult life is not going so smoothly.

Twenty One Pilots are rap/hip hop/alternative rock with a pinch of pop. They have songs that will make fans of any genre turn up the radio when their music comes on, and they have fans of all ages slaughtering the lyrics to their brilliant tracks. Expect only bigger and better things from Twenty Pilots in the coming years.

 

74. Save It for a Rainy Day, Kenny Chesney

Fact: There is nothing on Earth worse than a buzzkill. Kenny Chesney is aware of this, and has written “Save It for a Rainy Day” as a reminder to all those buzzkills out there that want to ruin their friends good time. Chesney reminds us all to focus on the positive, and let your worries slip away, even if for a brief period of time, and especially if there are friends, sunshine, and beer involved.

“Why lose another beautiful day over something out of our control? Whether it is a girlfriend leaving, or a crumby boss, the reality is simple; they don’t care that they’re ruining your day. And they’re not, you are! It’s your choice how you’re going to feel… a lot more than any of us realize” says Chesney of “Save It for a Rainy Day” in a July 14, 2015 article with Rolling Stone Country.

Everyone needs more friends like Chesney, and less friends like their buzzkill friends.

73. Now or Never, Atomic Tom

Atomic Tom first burst onto the scene with 2010’s “Take Me Out,” and using just their iPhone’s performed the song on the New York Subway. The video, which should have WAY more than 1.2 million views, helped the band distinguish themselves from the rest of the alt-rick pact.

Atomic Tom has been relatively quiet since then, however, and one could have assumed that they were another alt rock one hit wonder. But, by the grace of God, Atomic Tom is back, and better than ever with their hit “Now or Never.”

The track, their debut single off their latest album ERA, which the band offered for just $1 for one week back in September as a thank you to their fans, is the epitome of modern day alt-rock. It is loud, catchy, and powerful. Atomic Tom is one of the best alt-rock bands around today, and as “Now or Never” gains more momentum, the band may finally begin to receive the recognition that they deserve.

(On a side note: If you can listen to their song “This is How We Like to End” off their debut album The Moment, and not instantly fall in love with it, you and I need to have a long conversation about what you are doing with your life.)

 

72. Like I Can, Sam Smith

“Like I Can” may be the most pop heavy song on the countdown, but it certainly has the potential to get the blood flowing and adrenaline rushing. It’s one of Sam Smith’s more upbeat songs, and in terms of meaningful lyrics, the song is as relatable as any other song of the year.

Much like Adele, Sam Smith has gone through some serious relationship heartaches, and I, for one, along with millions of other fans, couldn’t be happier about that.

The two artists have also given us the opportunity to hear every song they have ever written performed by just about every contestant that has been on any singing reality show the past 5 years. Jordan Smith and Regina Love’s performance of this song on this season’s The Voice, however, is one of the best. It took several hours to get through this episode because I rewound this performance and estimated 78 times.

https://youtu.be/hcNvyQIzE6s

71. Lampshades on Fire, Modest Mouse

And the award for the most traumatizing video of the year goes to…… Modest Mouse with “Lampshades on Fire.” Not since 1994’s “Black Hole Sun” by Soundgarden has a video been so shocking.

The song itself, an honest attempt at the band expressing their concern about humans destroying Earth, is surprisingly profound. If anyone can decipher the lyrics, there is a much bigger meaning to the song than just having a huge party and getting destroyed.

Goal of 2016: learn every word and sing it in karaoke without looking at the monitor once. If that doesn’t get a standing ovation from the drunk crowd (A.K.A. my friends) I don’t know what will.

Songs 70-61 Coming soon!