The parking lots have finally been cleared of the remains of one of the most horrific winters in recent memory. Winter is finally over, and summer is rapidly approaching. Nothing says summer is right around the corner more than the Misquamicut Spring Fest, held at Misquamicut State Beach in Westerly, RI.
This is not like any other “summer kick off” festival around the country. This festival is located on the beautiful shore of the “Ocean State”; one of the most popular summer destinations in New England.
You can smell the salty ocean, and hear the pounding of the waves as you line up for your favorite rides and refreshments. Even though it is not yet warm enough to lay on the beach or go into the ocean, you still can get the feeling of summer, because your senses are familiarizing themselves with the sounds and smells of summers past.
“This festival is the unofficial kick off to summer, so, for a town that is known for their beaches and summer entertainment, this is the most exciting time of the year”, s
ays Matthew Morin, one of the head directors of the festival.”
From the rides, and games, to the shopping tents and live entertainment, the Misquamicut Spring Festival has something for everyone. Couples on dates were competing in a rock-climbing race against each other. Newlyweds were enjoying a fine glass of wine, while tasting the local chowder. Couples with children were enjoying their day with rides and carnival games. And elderly couples, among many others, were relaxing and listening to the live music from local great, Jason Cardinal.
There truly is something for everyone at the Misquamicut Fests. However, do not worry if you could not attend this weekend’s festivities. This weekend marks the unofficial opening of Misquamicut Beach, so many of the opportunities at the fest, can be found somewhere along the shore of Misquamicut, along with a slew of other forms of entertainment that can keep you occupied for an entire season.
For the thirty-first season of Survivor, CBS has decided to let the public vote for their favorite previous castaways that they think deserve a second chance at the game. CBS took the liberty of narrowing the field to 32 castaways, 16 men and 16 women, that have only played the game one time, and who they deem “worthy” of a second chance at a million dollars. While the pool of potential castaways has some noticeable omissions, at least there is a wide range of castaways eligible. Unlike many “All-Star” Reality TV seasons whose cast is mostly contestants from recent seasons, there is a strong likelihood that Survivor: Second Chances will include castaways that haven’t been seen on our screens since 2000-2001, which is a lifetime by Reality TV standards.
The following are the sixteen men, ranked in order of least to most likely to return, competing for your votes to play the game one more time.
16. Jim Rice, Survivor 23: South Pacific
Jim Rice, originally from Survivor: South Pacific, will need a miracle if he wants to play the game again. (photo credit: cbs.com)
Jim Rice, a Medical Marijuana Dispenser, from Denver, CO, has his work cut out for him, if he plans on returning to the game. With a strong batch of male contestants to choose from, Rice, likely did not make enough of an impact on his season, and fans will have a difficult time remembering who he is. His best bet will be to have some sort of open house night at his marijuana dispensary, in which free samples will be distributed if you log on to cbs.com and throw a vote his way.
15. Troyzan Robertson, Survivor 24: One World
Troyzan Robertson, Survivor: One World, needs your vote, if he expects to play the game again. (photo credit: cbs.com)
With 4 men in their 50’s, and 3 men in their 40’s, the older guys are going to have a tough time competing for the 3 or 4 spots they are likely competing for. Troyzan is up against some tough competition in his age bracket, and will likely not beat enough of them to make it back on the show. If this season took place immediately following his original season, he may have had a chance, but it is likely that too much time has passed, and the public will not give him their support.
Plus, the fact that he look like this (below) in his “Second Chance” photo, is doing him absolutely no favors.
Troyzan, looking quite different than his “One World” days. (photo credit: cbs.com)
14. Max Dawson, Survivor 30: Worlds Apart
Survivor superfan, and professor, Max Dawson, may need all his former students to power vote, if he hopes to play the game that he loves, for a second time. (photo credit: cbs.com)
Fearing that Max did not last long enough this season to have made enough fans to vote for his return, (besides me) it does not look good for Professor Dawson. If anyone should know how to win this game, it is Max, as he has taught college courses on Reality TV, and Survivor. It would be interesting to see what he has learned from his first-hand experience, and what changes he would make. Would he still walk around naked? Probably. Would he still talk incessantly about his Survivor knowledge? Doubtful. Would he stick his wart covered feet in the pot used for boiling water? 0% chance.
You live, you learn.
13. Woo Hwang, Survivor 28: Cagayan
Will viewers find Woo Hwang worthy of a second chance? (photo credit: cbs.com)
Woo Hwang was very well liked by his tribe mates, and the general public, back on season 28, and finished in 2nd place. While Woo may have played a decent game, it was a very boring game, and it is doubtful he would do anything different if he was given a second chance. Woo may have a lot of fans, but whether or not his fans are dying to see him play the game again, remains questionable.
12. Stephen Fishbach, Survivor 18: Tocantins
Stephen Fishbach may have played a great game in Tocantins, but will viewers give him another shot at the million dollar prize? (photo credit: cbs.com)
Much like fellow Survivor: Second Chance candidate, Sabrina Thompson, from Survivor: One World, Stephen Fishbach played a near flawless game. And like Sabrina, his one flaw was allowing himself to go to the final two with someone that was all but guaranteed a win. Stephen did not ditch JT, much like Sabrina did not ditch Kim.
But Fishbach knows how to play the game, and has since been writing about the show, and studying for this opportunity. The only question is if America will think they will get anything new from JT’s right hand man, or have we seen everything he has to offer, and fail miserably without the southern charmer by his side.
11. Vytas Baskauskas, Survivor 27: Blood Vs. Water
Likely to be right on the verge of making the show, Vytas Baskauskas desperately needs your votes. (photo credit: cbs.com)
The older Baskauskas brother may have an uphill battle if he wants to make a second appearance on Survivor, the way his younger bro, Aras, winner of Survivor:Panama, did when they played Survivor: Blood Vs. Water.
Luckily for Vytas, he was surprisingly likable on season 27, and should be right on the cusp of returning to the game. If his brother’s supporters show Vytas some Baskauskas love, don’t be surprised to see to see him this fall.
Predicted Male Cast.
10. Keith Nale, Survivor 29: San Juan Del Sur
Keith Nale from season 29, has a good chance of making it back on the island, just two seasons later. (photo credit: cbs.com)
Keith Nale has one very important thing going for him; he was a fan-favorite just last season. It is likely that Keith is still fondly remembered by most Survivor fans, and many people should be throwing votes his way. He was humorous, likable, and a surprisingly great challenge competitor. There are a good amount of older men in contention for the cast, but Keith may very well be able to sneak in to snag one of the ten coveted spots.
9. Brad Culpepper, Survivor 27: Blood Vs. Water
Former NFL player, Brad Culpepper, is fighting hard to get a second chance at becoming the Sole Survivor. (photo credit: cbs.com)
Love him, or hate him, you probably remember Brad F’ing Culpepper from Survivor: Blood Vs. Water. Brad’s game was mainly focused on protecting his wife, Monica, who finished the game as the runner-up.
Now, Brad is vying to play the game as an individual, and is sure to bring a boatload of drama and controversy with him, which is precisely the reason why he has a good chance of being voted back by the public.
8. Jeremy Collins, Survivor 29: San Juan Del Sur
Jeremy Collins, tribe leader on season 29, will likely get a second chance at leading himself to a million dollars. (photo credit: cbs.com)
Jeremy Collins dominated the first half of season 29, and his closest ally, that he was not married to, ended up winning the game. Jeremy gained the respect of Survivor fans around the country, and played the game as hard as he could. CBS had no choice but to invite him back, and it is doubtful the American public will deny him his second chance that he deserves.
7. Terry Deitz, Survivor 12: Panama
Terry Deitz has been waiting nearly ten years for his second chance at winning Survivor. (photo credit: cbs.com)
There is no question as to why Terry Deitz has been asked back for Second Chances. The question is, why has it taken 19 seasons to ask him back? Terry Deitz is a stud, and at 55 years old, will be able to compete against any of the younger guys in any physical challenge.
Terry is arguably the most deserving final three, non-winner, of all time. If season 12 had a final three, rather than a final two, Deitz would have won, hands down.
If this vote is based on who deserves a spot on next season, Deitz should be the number one choice. That is, if people can remember what a powerhouse he was, and hopefully, still is.
6. Shane Powers, Survivor 12: Panama
One of the more memorable cast members of all time, Shane Powers, will likely be playing the game again. (photo credit: cbs.com)
From the same original season, and tribe, as the aforementioned Terry Deitz, is Shane Powers. Powers may be one of the most memorable cast members of all time, for his over the top outbursts, epic meltdowns, and monumental confrontations.
Apparently going cold turkey with cigarettes was a major factor behind Shane’s erratic behavior. And rumor has it that he is back on the smoking kick, and will, therefore, have to go cold turkey again. That is reason enough to vote for this casting gold.
5. Jeff Varner, Season 2: The Australian Outback
After 14 years, Jeff Varner may get a second chance at Survivor. (photo credit: cbs.com)
Jeff Varner has had some of the worst luck of any past Survivor. His tribe was days away from merging with the advantage, when his tribemate, Mike Skupin, fell into the fire and was evacuated from the game.
Varner was then the first person voted out at the merge due to the fact that he had one vote cast for him at a previous tribal council, because his former tribe member, KIMMI KAPPENBERG (!) blabbed her big mouth to the opposing tribe.
Jeff Varner is a pure entertainer, gives amazing confessionals, and deserves a second chance at winning Survivor. And the thought of him and Kimmi on the same tribe 15 years later, is almost too much to handle.
4. Andrew Savage, Survivor 7: Pearl Island
Andrew Savage will get his chance at Survivor victory, or there will be one angry Survivor fan from Westerly, Rhode Island that will not be watching season 31. (photo credit: cbs.com)
If Andrew Savage does not make the cast of Survivor: Second Chance it will be the biggest Reality TV casting tragedy of all time. This guy had the game won, until Survivor: Pearl Islands revealed its “Outcast Twist”, which brought back two previously voted off contestants. Jeff Probst himself has said that Savage deserves a second chance because of the awful twist. In a 2012 interview with Gordon Holmes, when asked which former contestants Probst would like to see return, Probst says…
“Andrew Savage (“Survivor: Pearl Islands”) because I still think we screwed him with our poorly thought out “Outcast” twist. “
If you are a true Survivor fan, you will probably agree, that Andrew Savage’s return to the game has been 24 seasons in the making.
3. Spencer Bledsoe, Survivor 28: Cagayan
The brains behind “The Brains” tribe in Survivor Cagayan, Spencer Bledsoe hopes to surpass his previous fourth place finish, and win Survivor: Second Chance. (photo credit: cbs.com)
Spencer Bledsoe was so loved by fans that I would have bet my bank account that he would be back within a few seasons of his Survivor: Cagayan appearance. Spencer was a fan favorite since the premiere of his first season. He will be on Survivor: Second Chance. And he will be a fan favorite yet again.
2. Joe Anglim, Survivor 30: Worlds Apart
Even though Joe Anglim is still on the jury of Survivor: Worlds Apart, don’t miss him too much. He will be back in September to swoon over fans yet again. (photo credit: cbs.com)
The fact that Joe Anglim is a favorite on Survivor:Worlds Apart, coupled with the fact that he is one of only two guys in their twenties eligible for season 31, he will be back, guaranteed.
Hopefully, for Joe, he will be able to quickly bond with the Survivor family that has been gathering for years before his Survivor debut, and will be able to get in some alliances that will keep him safe until the individual portion of the game.
1. Mike Holloway, Survivor 30: Worlds Apart
Can Mike Holloway dominate two seasons of Survivor in a row? (photo credit: cbs.com)
There are two possibilities here:
1. Mike garners more votes than anyone else, gets voted into the cast of Survivor: Second Chance, and plays back-to-back seasons.
2. Mike garners more votes than anyone else, gets voted into the cast of Survivor: Second Chance, but wins Survivor: Worlds Apart, and becomes ineligible to play the Second Chance season.
Who I will be voting for, in case anybody cares.
1. Andrew Savage
and because I am forced to vote for nine more people…
For the thirty-first season of Survivor, CBS has decided to let the public vote for their favorite previous castaways that they think deserve a second chance at the game. CBS took the liberty of narrowing the field to 32 castaways, 16 men and 16 women who have only played the game one time, and have been deemed “worthy” of a second chance at a million dollars. While the pool of potential castaways has some noticeable omissions, (more on that later) at least there is a wide range of castaways eligible. Unlike many “All-Star” Reality TV seasons whose cast is heavy on contestants from recent seasons, there is a strong likelihood that Survivor: Second Chances will include castaways that haven’t been seen on our screens since 2000-2001, which is a lifetime by Reality TV standards.
The following are the sixteen women, ranked in order of least to most likely to return, competing for your votes to play the game one more time.
16. Mikayla Wingle, Season 23: Survivor South Pacific
Mikayla Wingle, the most unlikely returnee for season 31 of Survivor. (photo credit: cbs.com)
It is easy to understand why CBS thinks that Mikayla deserves a second chance. She was placed on a tribe with a less-than-stable Hantz, who is the reason why she was voted off pre-jury in season 23. What is difficult to understand, however, is how the vast majority of the general public will remember who she is. Unless she somehow gets the support from her one-time boss, Hugh Hefner, Mikayla will be watching season 31 from her living room.
15. Stephanie Valencia, Survivor 22: Redemption Island
Stephanie Valencia will likely lose her spot to female castaways that played the villain even better than she did. (photo credit: CBS Broadcasting Inc.)
Stephanie was known for two things during her stint on season 22; being Russell Hantz’s biggest supporter, which ultimately managed to land her in 14th place, and being the female villain of the season. She succeeded at the latter, and was disliked by her tribe, as well as the majority of viewers. While being known as a Survivor villain is generally a lock for getting you on another season, Stephanie is up against two other female villains (see #’s 2 and 3) that would make her look like Little Red Riding Hood compared to them. Therefore, she will not make the cut.
14. Natalie Tenerelli, Survivor 22: Redemption Island
It is likely that Natalie Tenerelli (above) did not stand out enough on her season to receive enough votes for her to return to season 31. (photo credit: cbs.com)
At 19 years old, Natalie Tenerelli is the youngest female to ever have played Survivor, and the youngest player to ever make the final 3. Unfortunately for Natalie, she was so far in Boston Rob’s shadow, that you could barely see her. She defines what it means to ride coattails to the end of the game. Even the jury of her peers didn’t remember her, as she received zero votes to win. She is well liked sweet, and beautiful, but completely forgettable; which is detrimental when you need the public’s vote.
13. Sabrina Thompson, Survivor 24: One World
We know Sabrina Thompson has what it takes to make it to the end of the game, but she may not have what it takes to give it another attempt. (photo credit: cbs.com)
Sabrina played a near flawless game her first time around. The only thing she did wrong is allow herself to go to the final 3 with Kim Spradlin, who is one of the greatest players the game has ever seen. The question is, does the public feel as though we will get anything new from Sabrina, should she be invited back. We saw her game, and it was great, but do we need to see it again? Doubtful.
12. Monica Padilla, Survivor 19: Samoa
Monica Padilla is vying for one of the coveted “young, beautiful woman in a small bikini” spots on season 31 of Survivor. (photo credit: CBS.com)
Monica Padilla was part of one of the biggest tribal collapses in the history of Survivor. Her tribe went into the merge with a 8-4 advantage over the other tribe. They were so disastrous that they ended up finishing 12th-6th, and 4th place. Monica ended up in 6th place, but fought hard until the end, and never gave up. Not many people are remembered from her season, because it was the season of Russell Hantz, but Monica is a surprising but solid choice by CBS. Unfortunately, for her, she will be splitting votes with the other 4 young, pretty brunettes, and she may not gain enough support to return for season 31.
11. Peih-Gee Law, Survivor 15: China
CBS decides that Peih-Gee Law (above) deserves a second chance, sixteen seasons after she appeared in season 15, set in China. (photo credit: cbs.com)
Peih-Gee Law became a breakout star in Survivor: China back in season 15. She was outspoken, and confrontational, which was welcomed entertainment in an otherwise boring season. Peih-Gee became an underdog that many people rooted for, and finished the season in a respectful 5th place.
Bottom Line:
If CBS has a significant amount of pull in who gets casted, then expect to see Peih-Gee make the final cut. If, however, the vote is weighed heavier by the public vote, Peih-Gee will likely not receive the public support. The combination of a lackluster, non-popular season, coupled with the fact that it aired eight years ago, may be more strikes than Peih-Gee can overcome.
Predicted 10 Females for Cast of Survivor 31: Second Chances
10. Kelley Wentworth, Survivor 29: San Juan Del Sur
Kelley Wentworth wants to play Survivor again, but this time, without her grumpy father. (photo credit: cbs.com)
Kelley Wentworth was voted out last season, in large part, because of her father with whom she has had quite a tumultuous relationship. Kelley could have been a contender last season, but the Blood vs. Water twist shortened her time, and landed her a pre-jury boot.
Kelley has two things going for her with this vote:
1) She was just on last season and fresh in the minds of even the casual Survivor viewer.
2) She is the only young blonde girl vying for the sexy girl in a bikini spot. As ridiculous as that sounds, it is likely all of her brunette competitors will be splitting votes with each other, (i.e. Mikayla, Stephanie, Monica, Natalie, Ciera) and Kelley will find herself getting all the votes from those that prefer blondes.
9. Teresa T-Bird Cooper, Survivor 3: Africa
Teresa “T-Bird” Cooper may finally get the second chance, 27 seasons in the making. (photo credit: cbs.com)
The idea of T-Bird getting a second chance, is almost too exciting to put into words. Way back in season 3: Africa, she was a great strategic player, and was not given the credit she deserves. Survivor: Africa, while nowhere near as popular as its two predecessors, was still quite a phenomenon, and many members of those casts are still fondly remembered today. Hopefully enough long-time fans can remember how great she played the game the first time around, and will vote for her to return.
8. Tasha Fox, Survivor 28: Cagayan
Tasha Fox, formally part of “The Brains” team on Survivor: Brains vs. Brawn vs. Beauty, may be smart enough to get people to vote for her to return for Survivor: Second Chances (photo credit: cbs.com)
It was nearly impossible to not root for Tasha Fox on last spring’s Survivor: Cagayan. She was part of “The Brains” tribe, which ended up making more awful decisions than the Beauty and Brawns tribes combined. She was a fierce competitor, winning three individual immunity challenges in a row, which a female has not accomplished since season 7.
Tasha is likable, intelligent, competitive, strong, and a huge fan of the game. Having had her season air just last year, there is a good chance that Tasha will gain enough support to give her another shot at the title of Sole Survivor.
7. Carolyn Rivera, Survivor 30: Worlds Apart
Carolyn Rivera, currently in the final 6 of Survivor: Worlds Apart, could potentially be back on our screens in September. (photo credit: cbs.com)
Being one of only two woman in her fifties that made the top 32, Carolyn Rivera may have an edge on her fifty-something competitor, Teresa Cooper; Carolyn is currently on Survivor: Worlds Apart. This means that Carolyn is at the peak of her popularity, and has plenty of Twitter followers and Facebook fans. Teresa was on Survivor in 2001, WAY before Twitter, Facebook and other social media.
The one caveat with Carolyn, however, is that she is one of two contestants in the top 32 that may actually be ineligible to participate next season. Since this is a “Second Chances” season, if Carolyn happens to win Worlds Apart, she will be disqualified from the poll, and if she finished in the top ten vote getters, the eleventh place female will take her spot on Second Chances.
Bottom Line:
It is likely she will be voted in, as she is a great game player. There is, however, pretty much a 50/50 chance of her winning the game at this point, so we may not be seeing her play again just yet.
6. Shirin Oskooi, Survivor 30: Worlds Apart
Shirin Oskooi, who finished in 8th place on this seasons “Survivor Worlds Apart”, will likely give it another go on “Survivor: Second Chances”. (photo credit: CBS)
The timing of this vote could not have come at a better time for Shirin. She was voted off the current season just two weeks ago, and she has been the center of a lot of the Survivor buzz this season, particularly the past few weeks. If nothing else, she is controversial, and most importantly, memorable. Love her or hate her, she will be remembered.
This bodes very well for Oskooi, as she is still very much a part of the current season, which will surely garner her a magnitude of votes.
5. Ciera Eastin, Survivor 27: Blood Vs. Water
Ciera Eastin ditches her mother, former two time Survivor contestant, Laura Morett, this season, for the opportunity to see what she can do on her own. (photo credit: cbs.com)
Ciera Eastin was an out of nowhere, breakout star in Survivor: Blood Vs. Water. She famously voted off her own mother at Tribal Council, and chose to pick rocks at the final 6, rather than vote with people she no longer wanted to be aligned with. CBS would not be foolish enough to not include Ciera on Second Chances, and the public would be just as foolish to not vote for her every day until the polls close.
4. Kimmi Kappenberg, Survivor 2: Australian Outback
Kimmi Kappenberg appeared on Survivor back in 2001, and has all but disappeared from the spotlight since the show aired. (photo credit: CBS)
A whole new generation is potentially about to experience the loud mouth, over the top, vegetarian from Long Island, NY, and there is at least one person out there that is willing to create hundreds of fake email address every day, just to vote her back on.
If Kimmi Kappenberg is on next season, and we don’t see a challenge where the reward is chickens, there will be hell to pay.
3. Abi-Maria Gomes, Survivor 25: Philippines
Can Abi-Maria Gomes top her evilness from season 25? We will likely get that answer in September. (photo credit: CBS)
Perhaps the biggest female villain in the history of the show, Abi-Maria Gomes will play this game again, that is all but guaranteed. She was so hated by her tribemates, and the American public, that she received the nickname “the demon.”
With that being said, CBS LOVES villains, and I am sure they have been chomping at the bit to get Abi-Maria back on the island, to see if she is still as evil as she was back in season 25.
She may not get the public vote, but will will certainly have CBS’s vote, and that may be all that matters.
2. Kass McQuillen, Survivor 28: Cagayan
Kass McQuillen is a lock for “Survivor: Second Chances” (photo credit: CBS)
If anyone can play a better villain than Abi-Maria, it is this woman, Kass. She is the epitome of a Survivor villain, and that is why she will be back for her second chance. She is unlikable and brutally mean, but is entertaining and buzz-worthy. Not only will she return, but she could be one of the main factors in why this season is happening in the first place. #ChaosKass will be shoved in your face, and the hash tag will be shoved down your throat for as long as CBS can keep their evil queen around. Which hopefully, won’t be long.
1. Kelly Wiglesworth, Survivor: Borneo
After 15 years, Reality TV’s original “rat”, Kelly Wiglesworth will be back on our TV screens in September. (photo credit: CBS)
Prayers have been answered, and dreams are coming true. Kelly Wiglesworth, the original “rat”, is playing the game again after 15 years. It is widely rumored that Wiglesworth has never seen an episode of Survivor, including her own original season. She is just too cool to be bothered.
Kelly “River Guide” Wiglesworth is playing Survivor, 30 seasons after she helped make it a phenomenon, and Survivor fans couldn’t be more excited. She is a Survivor legend, and it is time to see if she has what it takes to finally win it all.
In case you were wondering, I will be throwing my votes to the following ladies.
Kelly Wiglesworth, Kimmi Kappenberg, Teresa “T-Bird Cooper” Tasha Fox, Kelley Wentworth, Monica Padilla, Ciera Eastin, Shirin Oskooi, Carolyn Rivera, and Peih-Gee Law
