Alignment problem solved!

So sorry for the alignment problem!!

Seems like blogger has a big bug here... and its something that is giving me a big headache!

But.. fraid not... problem is fixed!!! Now we can continue my updates on TARA 2

Stay tuned!

Crazy TARA Timing on AXN Channel

One thing about TARA that I simply *MUST* comment on - the timing of the program on AXN.

Why, oh why, must AXN air the show simultaneously together with The Amazing Race 12 (US Version)?!?!?

Now by doing so, AXN is just making it easy for its viewers to compare both versions of the race. You watch the US version on Monday, and then the Asian version on Thursday. Heck, there's even repeats throughout the week if you missed any. Now, who can genuinely say that TARA is just as good as TAR? Look carefully on the editing, storyline, and even compare the tasks/challenges. Something amiss??

Let me run down for you my own observations/comparisons:

Editing - TAR focuses on the tasks and real race, whereas TARA is just a maze of confusion. The beginning is slow, focusing on how contestants get their transportation and maybe even too much on them reading the clues (next time you just count how many times they showed it). Then at the end of the show, its just one whirlwind of a clip, and before you know it, contestants already reached the checkpoint. Did you even see the last few teams completing their tasks?

Storyline - Oh. Now, did anyone at all notice WHY all other contestants hate the dancing moms so much? No? I didn't catch it either. If this is an important storyline, then they should at least try to play it in!

Detours - Did anyone notice how obvious all detours are? Like there's not really any choice, e.g. delivering 3 rounds of food or just fish up coins from the tank? Or how bout climbing many flights of stairs vs absailing down a wall? Duh.. No challenge at all. That is why the last team can never catch up.

Furthermore, with simultaneous airing, isn't it a little confusing? I almost wanted to write something about Ronald (Asian Dad) until I realised.. opps.. he's from TAR not TARA! If only AXN is smart enough to air TARA after TAR ends, then they would at least manage to capture the same viewership throughout the year. Now, what will we all watch when TAR and TARA ends???

C'mon AXN. Do you think your Asian viewers are brainless morons?

Season 2!!

Wow... in a blink of an eye, a new season begins..

(and obviously, since I'm still writing here, that I didn't get picked to enter!)

So now we have a sneak peak into the 10 contestants for this year. At first glance, they all seem to be a pretty looking bunch - but over the next few weeks, will they all have pretty personalities?? We shall see..

Lets see if there's the stereotypical teams....

The athletic one: its a tie, gym buddies Adrian & Colin and buddies Marc & Rovilson

The old couple: Henry & Terri (although they don't look THAT old)

The good buddies: Oh.. too many here but Paula & Natasha wins, cos they've been best buds longest

The on again -off again dating couple: Edwin & Monica

The "potential" gay team: looks like the gym buddies Adrian & Colin has that potential, but we'll see what happens next week

The model team: Well, obviously from a good looking bunch of contestants there would be many of these teams! - model cum actor cum singer cum vj cum dancer.. well, you know, in the entertainment industry

The one no one expects to win: housewives Ann & Diane. Face it, no one ever expects housewives to win

The one with most drama: OOhhh... we shall find out more in the next week! (isn't that what attacts us to the show?)

One thing nice about this season, is that they put someone with disability in it, i.e. a deaf Adrian. I guess that does make it up in someway for being shallow (don't tell me you didn't know all the contestants are good looking?).

Now wait for it... 22nd Nov... and then log back into this blog for the commentaries!

Leg 1 = Kuala Lumpur

The starting point of TARA1 journey is from Dataran Merdeka (Independence Square), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. This historical site is where the Malaysian flag was hoisted for the first time on 31st August 1957. At the southern end of the field is one of the tallest flagpoles in the world, standing at 95m in height.

Other nearby places of interest: Sultan Abdul Samad Building probably one of the most photographed buildings in Malaysia,

Royal Selangor Club,

National History Museum,

Kuala Lumpur Memorial Lubrary,

St. Mary's Anglican Cathedral

Next stop is the Berjaya Times Square, where the contestants had to rappel down from the 8th floor of the complex. Times Square is one of the largest shopping mall in Malaysia (though not really that popular). It also has a hotel, indoor theme park and IMAX theatre.

Next, they proceeded to the Komplex Budaya Kraf (Cultural Craft Complex) in Kuala Lumpur. This place offers the many variety of Malaysian handicrafts such as batik, silk, pottery, pewterware, etc. This was where the contestants had a detour, either to make a batik painting or do pottery. Next up was a carting ride at City Carting Enterprise in the Shah Alam Stadium. And lastly, a check in at the KL Tower or Menara KL. This 421m tower is situated on Bukit Nanas. Next to it is the Bukit Nanas forest reserve, that the contestants had to go through to reach the tower (or they cannot check in - poor Andrew/Syeon). This is the 4th tallest telecommunications tower in the world, and the tallest in South East Asia. If anyone wants to go up, they have to pay RM8 (USD $3) to reach the observation deck. Alternatively, you can dine in at one of the few revolving restaurants in the tower.

Revisiting TARA1

Yellow dot = start of TARA 1

Green line = final journey

The entire journey at one glance

TARA 1 ReVisited

In anticipation for the coming Season 2, we shall re-visit the routes taken by the teams in The Amazing Race Asia Season 1 soon.

Stay tuned!

Rejected...

No recalls from TARA... I guess that means I'll only be watching it from home :( Don't worry... you'll all still get updates and my comments in this blog. Keep an eye out for this blog!