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Joined: Sep 29, 2008 Posts: 19683 Location: Albany, GA
Posted: Thu Sep 10, 2009 5:10 pm Post subject: The Amazing Race- Season 15- MEET THE CAST
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CBS reveals identities of 'The Amazing Race's fifteenth season cast By Christopher Rocchio, 09/09/2009
CBS has revealed the identities of the 12 teams competing on The Amazing Race's fifteenth season, which will premiere with a special two-hour episode on Sunday, September 27 at 8PM ET/PT.
Like all previous The Amazing Race editions, members of the 12 teams competing on the show's fifteenth installment have a pre-existing relationship with one another. Seven teams consist of couples who are married or dating, two teams are made up of family members, and three teams are friends or co-workers.
In addition to the first-ever contestant with Asperger's Syndrome, the cast also includes two members of the Harlem Globetrotters, a team of professional female poker players, and a former Miss America winner.
The 12 teams competing on The Amazing Race's fifteenth season made stops in eight countries over the course of 21 days, and their journey is being billed by CBS as "one of the fastest courses ever assembled" for the long-running reality series.
"This season we wanted to keep the racers and our fans on their toes and make sure no one gets too comfortable," said The Amazing Race co-creator and executive producer Bertram van Munster.
The Amazing Race's fifteenth season also features one of the show's quickest eliminations ever -- as one team is sent home before they even leave the starting line at the Los Angeles River.
In addition, the show's upcoming installment will include a "Switchback" that sent teams back to the site of one of the series' most infamous "Roadblocks," a surprise appearance by one of America's most beloved entertainers, a visit to the world's tallest building, and a twist on a Japanese game show.
"Have you ever seen Japanese tourists following a tour guide with a little flag? Well, our contestants are going to be the tour leaders," van Munster told The Associated Press, adding the teams complete several tasks in Tokyo.
"Each team is going to have to run a group of 20 tourists through the center of Tokyo as fast as they can. Whoever brings their entire tour group to the Pit Stop first will be the number one team."
The 12 teams competing on The Amazing Race's fifteenth season -- and their CBS-supplied profile information -- are:
"Teammates" Herbert "Flight Time" Lang and Nathaniel "The Big Easy" Lofton
Herbert is a 32-year-old from Brinkley, AR. Nathaniel is a 28-year-old from New Orleans, LA. Both are Harlem Globetrotters.
CBS says: Their athletic talent brought these two friends together five years ago when they met at the Harlem Globetrotters training camp. Herbert, aka "Flight Time," stands at 6'3" and believes he can get along with anyone on the planet. Nathaniel goes by the name "The Big Easy" and towers over his competition at 6'9."
"Engaged Couple" Lance Layne and Keri Morrione
Lance is a 41-year-old lawyer from Salem, MA. Keri is a 33-year-old finance manager from Peabody, MA.
CBS says: Lance and Keri have known each other for over two years. Lance proposed six months ago and they are planning to be married this fall. Lance, a black belt in Karate, has an uber-aggressive personality and does not shy away from confrontation. Keri admits to getting frustrated when he interrupts her and fails to listen to her input, but Lance insists that he is always right and does not need to listen.
"Professional Poker Players" Maria Ho and Tiffany Michelle
Maria is a 26-year-old from Arcadia, CA. Tiffany is a 25-year-old from Los Angeles, CA. Both are professional poker players.
CBS says: These two professional poker players have been friends for over five years and have been going head-to-head at the tables the entire time. From Vegas to Monte Carlo, both have been the last females standing in a male-dominated sport on more than one occasion. Well traveled, extremely competitive and strong-minded, these savvy players can deal with the cards they are dealt and will not be afraid to battle to the end.
"Married Yoga Teachers" Eric and Lisa Paskel.
Eric is a 41-year-old and Lisa is a 43-year-old. Both are yoga studio owners and instructors who currently reside in Encino, CA.
CBS says: Eric and Lisa have been married for over 18 years. Both are vegans, who have a passionate and fiery approach to their personal and professional lives, and are extremely dedicated to helping others.
"Father/Son" Gary and Matt Tomljenovich
Gary is a 47-year-old construction manager and mortgage banker from Laurel, MT. Matt is a 22-year-old student from Bozeman, MT.
CBS says: Gary is a PC and Matt is a Mac. Gary enjoys hunting and Matt enjoys video games. Gary enjoys classic rock and Matt enjoys metal. This father and son duo do not have a lot in common and they never have... that is why they are running the RACE. They are eager to share the experience of a lifetime with one another and establish a bond for the rest of their lives.
"Friends" Zev Glassenberg and Justin Kanew
Zev is a 26-year-old from Sherman Oaks, CA who is currently unemployed. Justin is a 30-year-old VP of development for National Lampoon from Los Angeles, CA.
CBS says: Zev and Justin's friendship started six years ago when they were working as camp counselors and the two have been very close ever since. Zev has Asperger's Syndrome, but they do not let it affect their relationship. They share friends and interests, and the friendship is as mutually beneficial as any friendship could be.
"Dating On-and-Off Couple" Garrett Paul and Jessica Stout
Garrett is a 28-year-old day trader from Aptos, CA. Jessica is a 27-year-old freelance editor from Larkspir, CA.
CBS says: One word to describe this Team is passionate. Garrett and Jessica met while in Barcelona on a study exchange program and have been dating on and off for seven years - during which time they have had three major breakups. Jessica is used to addressing issues head-on, while Garrett opts to ignore her, shying away from confrontation.
"Dating Couple" Marcy Maloy and Ronald Shalita
Marcy is a 60-year-old advertising photographer. Ronald is a 59-year-old stock trader and math tutor. Both reside in San Francisco, CA.
CBS says: Marcy and Ron both believe that at 60 you can be strong, sexy, vibrant and energetic. After meeting on an online dating website, they are looking forward to sharing the intense experience that the RACE can provide and hope this helps determine whether their relationship is destined to last. Both are exceptionally fit, have great people skills and high energy.
"Newly Dating Couple" Mika Combs and Canaan Smith
Mika is a 22-year-old aspiring singer who previously appeared on Fox's short-lived The Hills-like Nashville reality series. Canaan is a 26-year-old professional songwriter. Both resides in Nashville, TN.
CBS says: These southern sweethearts will charm you with their fresh faces and wide eyed enthusiasm for life. They have only been dating for a few months, but admit to spending every waking hour together since they fell in love. Mika grew up in Hazard, Ky. and moved to Nashville, Tenn. two years ago to pursue a career in country music. Canaan is a professional songwriter.
"Brothers" Daniel and Samuel McMillen
Daniel is a 21-year-old student from Liberty, MO. Samuel is a 23-year-old student from Fort Worth, TX.
CBS says: Brothers for 21 years, Sam and Dan will tell you that their relationship did not truly start until last summer when they both came out and told each other that they were gay. While growing up, neither one of them felt comfortable coming out, but after doing so, they have discovered a new bond with one another and have become much closer.
"Dating Couple" Meghan Rickey and Cheyne Whitney
Meghan is a 23-year-old account executive. Cheyne is a 23-year-old student. Both reside in San Diego, CA.
CBS says: Meghan and Cheyne met on a grade-school tetherball court. Ten years later, they became a couple and have been going strong ever since. Other than a six-month period, where Meghan studied abroad in Italy, this couple is nearly inseparable.
"Married Couple" Ericka Dunlap and Brian Kleinschmidt
Ericka is a 27-year-old entertainer and former Miss America 2004. Brian is a 27-year-old marketing tour manager. Both reside is Nashville, TN.
CBS says: After meeting Ericka in college nine years ago, and asking her out every week until she said yes, Brian's persistence finally paid off. Ericka did decide to give him a chance and now the two have been married for over two years. Ericka's greatest accomplishment other then meeting and marrying Brian, was winning the Miss America crown in 2004.
OMGosh! One of them has Asperger's Syndrome and another guy is from Liberty, Mo., which is in my metro area. I have 2 teams to root for already!! _________________ cats can't fly and birds don't purr.
Joined: Sep 29, 2008 Posts: 19683 Location: Albany, GA
Posted: Mon Sep 14, 2009 4:24 pm Post subject:
Centenary Grad Takes Part in "Amazing Race" Courtesy: Centenary Sports Information
Release: 09/10/2009
SHREVEPORT-He has traveled the world entertaining crowds around the country and around the world with his teammates. Soon he will be traveling with only one of those teammates and together take part in one of the greatest road trips of their lives.
Herb Lang, a 1998 graduate of Centenary College and member of the Harlem Globetrotters, and fellow teammate Nathaniel Lofton will compete against 11 other teams on the CBS program, The Amazing Race 15.
Lang attended and played basketball at Centenary College, graduating in 1998 with a degree in health sciences and physical education. The oldest of nine children, he went on to star at Centenary College, where he was a first-team all-conference selection and a conference scoring champ. During his senior year at Centenary, he won the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) Slam Dunk Contest. Shortly thereafter, he was invited to the Harlem Globetrotters training camp in 1999 and will soon begin his 11th year with the team.
According to the teammates, their athletic talent brought the two friends together five years ago when they met at the Harlem Globetrotters training camp. While getting to know each other, Lang and Lofton discovered that their occupation and need to entertain others were not the only things they had in common. They both live in Louisiana, have two children and shared the same college basketball coach.
Recently, they lost one of their best friends and teammate, Chris Richardson, who passed away in December - and both continue to struggle with that loss. The three were commonly referred to as the "three amigos" throughout their inner circle.
Lang believes he can get along with anyone on the planet and that he brings joy and laughter to all corners of the globe. Standing at 6'3," he is known among his colleagues as "Flight Time." Lofton, who goes by the name "The Big Easy," towers over the competition at 6'9," and admits to being worried that seating could present a problem on some of the flights.
Both have traveled extensively with the Globetrotters. Lang has traveled to more than 60 countries, while Lofton has traveled to more than 30. Despite their love of exploring new places, and their extensive knowledge of other countries, they're eager to see how well they can travel together when it is just the two of them.
Even if their fancy footwork does not translate to winning the $ 1 million prize, they both are confident that their relationship will remain the same regardless of where they end up in the Race.
The Amazing Race 15 premieres Sunday, Sept. 27 at 8pm ET/PT on CBS.
Joined: Sep 29, 2008 Posts: 19683 Location: Albany, GA
Posted: Mon Sep 14, 2009 4:33 pm Post subject:
Thursday, Sept. 10, 2009
Michelle, Ho confirmed for Amazing Race
It might not be a surprise but Tiffany Michelle and Maria Ho have officially been confirmed as contestants on The Amazing Race season 15.
CBS officially released a list of the cast on Wednesday and both Michelle and Ho were featured prominently on the The Amazing Race website.
"We're excited to go out there and represent for the women," said Michelle in a video available on CBS.com. "No female team has ever won and we're used to doing what no other women are doing."
Also taking part in the season are two members of the Harlem Globetrotters, a former Miss America and her husband, dating aspiring country singers and eight other teams.
In the poker world Michelle and Ho are famous for being the last woman standing in the World Series of Poker Main Event in consecutive years. Ho came in 38th in the 2007 Main Event to score $237,865 while Michelle won $334,534 for coming in 17th in the 2009 Main Event.
This summer Ho narrowly missed out on the final table of the $10,000 WSOP Limit event by coming in 11th for $41,040.
Ho and Michelle are active in the entertainment industry and both have worked as on-camera talent for various poker news outlets.
The announcement isn't all that shocking considering that Michelle and Ho were rumored to be taking part in the show in mid-July and both were notably absent from the 2009 WSOP Main Event.
Michelle even mentioned on her Twitter that she would be gone filming a new project for several months in the summer.
Reality TV is nothing new for poker players as Jean-Robert Bellande appeared on Survivor: China in 2007 and Annie Duke was a cast-member of Celebrity Apprentice earlier this year. Bellande was eliminated early in Survivor but Duke made it all the way to the last two players in Apprentice before losing to Joan Rivers.
Season 15 of the The Amazing Race premieres Sept 27 on CBS.
Joined: Sep 29, 2008 Posts: 19683 Location: Albany, GA
Posted: Mon Sep 14, 2009 4:43 pm Post subject:
'Amazing Race' features Liberty brothers Posted on Wed, Sep. 09, 2009 01:50 PM
Daniel and Samuel McMillen, brothers from Liberty, will appear on the new season of CBS’ “The Amazing Race.” Dan, 21, is a business major at William Jewell College. Sam, 23, is a medical student. (We think he attends or attended Texas Christian University in Fort Worth. If you know the McMillens, e-mail us at starfyi@gmail.com.)
Oh, and they’re both gay. “Sam and Dan will tell you that their relationship did not truly start until last summer, when they both came out,” according to their network bio.
Also among the dozen “Race” teams: a pair of Harlem Globetrotters, two best friends from L.A. (one with Asperger’s syndrome, a milder form of autism), and six romantically involved duos.
The course spans eight countries in 21 days. The show premieres Sept. 27.
Here's the brothers' bio from CBS:
Brothers for 21 years, Sam and Dan will tell you that their relationship did not truly start until last summer when they both came out and told each other that they were gay.
Growing up Christian in a conservative community, neither one of them felt comfortable enough coming out at an early age but after doing so, they've found a whole new bond with one another and instantly became closer through honesty and trust. Sam and Dan will tell you that being gay is only one of the many aspects of their lives.
Dan describes himself as organized, open-minded and spontaneous and hopes to gain a new sense of appreciation for his life from running the Race with his brother. His hobbies include exercise, volunteering and traveling.
Sam claims to be optimistic and happy-go-lucky and his hobbies include cinema, logic games and anything involving the outdoors. Communication may be the biggest challenge for this Team, as they claim to be polar opposites. From academic interests to how they approach tasks, these brothers are very different in everything they do. Due to his passive mentality, Sam will need to be more vocal to overcome Dan's blunt, assertive personality in order to contribute to the team while on the road.
Sam is pursuing a degree in medicine while Dan has one more year left at William Jewell College to complete his business degree. When asked what former Team they would model their style of play after, Sam points to Nick and Starr because they maintained a positive attitude which carried them to the $1 million prize. Dan identifies with the competitive style of Rob and Amber. Both brothers hope that the Race will take their new found closeness to the next level and help them forge an even stronger bond.
Joined: Sep 29, 2008 Posts: 19683 Location: Albany, GA
Posted: Mon Sep 14, 2009 4:50 pm Post subject:
Salem/Peabody, Mass. couple to compete on ‘The Amazing Race' By Gina Carbone
September 09, 2009 12:59 PM
CBS has announced the 12 teams competing in the 15th edition of “The Amazing Race,” which premieres Sept. 27.
Among the teams are two Harlem Globetrotters; a former Miss America and her husband; professional poker players; a former camp counselor with Asperger's syndrome; aspiring country singers; yoga instructors; and an engaged couple from the North Shore of Massachusetts.
That engaged couple is Lance Layne, 41, of Salem, Mass., and Keri Morrione, 33, of Peabody, Mass.
They've been dating for more than two years and Lance proposed this winter.
According to their CBS bios, “Lance, a self-made trial attorney and black belt in karate, has an über-aggressive personality and is admittedly confrontational — he describes himself as having a ‘street persona' and will do whatever it takes to win. Keri is a health care finance manager and while she likes to take the kinder and gentler approach to dealing with certain situations, she admits that she is equally as competitive.
“Keri's hobbies include jogging, jet skiing and shopping. Lance's hobbies include karate, weight training, and following the Red Sox, Patriots, and Celtics.
“Lance loves the competition aspect of the Race and Keri loves to travel. Both are eager to compete and put their relationship through the rigors of the Race. They have not lived together around the clock before, or necessarily had to work as a team….and believe this experience will be good practice for the rest of their lives together.”
Joined: Sep 29, 2008 Posts: 19683 Location: Albany, GA
Posted: Sun Sep 20, 2009 11:36 pm Post subject:
MSU alumnus travels world for 15th season of 'The Amazing Race' By Cole Bertsos
(Last updated: 09/16/09 11:27pm)
For Eric Paskel, life is about seizing the moment. Lucky for him, he didn’t expect just how amazing the moment could be.
Eric Paskel, an MSU alumnus, and his wife Lisa Paskel, will be featured on the upcoming 15th season of reality show “The Amazing Race,” which begins airing Sept. 27 on CBS, after a client passed their name along to those in charge of casting for the show.
“It was just like, ‘OK, here’s this great opportunity to be together, do this really crazy stuff, see the world and let people see who we are and how we work,’” Lisa Paskel said. “It was exciting, it was a challenge — I love a challenge.”
For those unfamiliar, “The Amazing Race” follows between 10 and 12 teams made up of pairs of people with pre-existing relationships such as family members, friends and co-workers.
Although the challengers have to not only complete the race itself, they’re also required to make it to several checkpoints, while competing against the other teams and the clock to complete their tasks the fastest. The goal is to finish first, winning $1 million.
“It’s funny because the show came to us, we didn’t come to them,” Eric Paskel said. “It’s not something that would have popped up on my radar.”
The pair, who were suggested to the casting crew by a client, said they were never very familiar with the show before becoming involved with it.
“The reason why I knew about the show was because when I watched football on CBS every once and a while I would see these crazy promos for this show where people were doing some pretty wild stuff,” Eric Paskel said. “So when I saw the name, I recognized it.”
Although the show wasn’t an opportunity the couple sought out, the two jumped at the chance to have an adventure, and to spend some much needed quality time together.
“(It was) time with Eric that was long overdue,” Lisa Paskel said.
In addition to being a unique experience for the pair, MSU students will be able to see a fellow Spartan run the race.
“(They’re) close to home and you’re connected with them in some way,” said Anne Bailey, a prenursing sophomore. “You can brag about your school a little bit.”
The couple, who owns four yoga studios called Yoga Shelter located in Birmingham, Royal Oak, West Bloomfield and Grosse Pointe, currently lives in California.
Lisa Paskel said with all the retreats and trips they go on with clients and other people, the time together was something they were very much looking forward to.
“We rarely get to travel without a slew of people,” Lisa Paskel said.
Though the spot on the exciting, adventure-filled show was unexpected, sometimes you just have to say “yes” when this sort of thing comes your way, Eric Paskel said.
“Life is to be lived,” Eric Paskel said. “You only die once.”
Joined: Sep 29, 2008 Posts: 19683 Location: Albany, GA
Posted: Mon Sep 28, 2009 4:19 am Post subject:
Bozeman, Laurel men to compete on The Amazing Race Posted: Sep 25, 2009 05:23 PM EDT
Updated: Sep 25, 2009 05:23 PM EDT
The Emmy award winning show, The Amazing Race kicks off a new season Sunday with a pair of Montanans competing in this season's race around the world to win the $1 million prize.
Father and son, Gary Tomljenovich, 47, of Laurel and Matt Tomljenovich, 22, of Bozeman will take on 11 other teams during the CBS show's world-wide race.
On the biography page of show's Web site, the two Montanans say they have many differences, but share a bond in their common sense approach to problem solving, something they hope will help them win.
"Gary is a PC, Matt is a Mac. Gary enjoys hunting, Matt enjoys video games. Gary enjoys classic rock, Matt enjoys metal. This father and son duo do not have a lot in common and they never have ... that is why they are running the Race. They are eager to share the experience of a lifetime with one another and establish a bond for the rest of their lives," according to their profile on The Amazing Race Web site. "Despite their many differences, these two share a bond in their common sense approach to problem solving, which at times, has been said to be uncanny."
Gary is a local construction manager and mortgage broker. Matt is a student in Bozeman. He graduated from Billings Senior High in 2005.
The season premieres at 7 p.m. Sunday on this station. Tune in every Monday to Montana This Morning where the show will track Gary and Matt's progress as they travel to faraway places, hoping to grab the grand prize.
Joined: Sep 29, 2008 Posts: 19683 Location: Albany, GA
Posted: Mon Sep 28, 2009 4:23 am Post subject:
Five questions with Sam and Dan McMillen of 'The Amazing Race’ Posted Thursday, Sep. 24, 2009
The McMillen Brothers
For Sam McMillen and his brother, competing this season on The Amazing Race means more than just a chance to win a $1 million prize. They’re also letting the world know something about them that was, until recently, kept secret — even from one another: They’re gay. "We wanted to come out on the show," says Sam, a 23-year-old TCU graduate. "We knew that our story would be great for people to hear." Sam and Dan McMillen say they never truly bonded as brothers until last summer, when each came out to the other. "He said, 'I have something to tell you,’ " Sam remembers. "I said, 'No way. Me, too.’ " Now the two are closer than ever. They also make a fine Race team. They were one of 12 duos chosen to compete in the wild race, which spans eight countries in 21 days. The two-hour season premiere airs at 7 p.m. Sunday on CBS. Sam moved to Fort Worth in August 2004. He completed five years of study at TCU this May, earning two bachelor’s degrees, one in biology and another in anthropology. He moved back home to Kansas City, Mo., two weeks ago. Dan is a college student in Liberty, Mo.
1 How did you get involved in The Amazing Race? Was there a long, involved selection process?
It started in February. Dan literally turned 21 on Feb. 11. You have to be 21 to apply for the show and the deadline for the application was Feb. 14. He found out on his birthday that the deadline was just three days away. So he called me in Texas and said, 'Hey, we need to make a video now.’ So basically he made a video of himself, and he held up a picture of me while I was on his cellphone talking. We told our story and they contacted us. They were like: 'Hey, send us another video. We want to get to know you.’ They liked our story because it’s unique and because it makes a great dynamic as a sibling relationship.
2 Are you a fan of the show? Have you watched it for a long time?
I had never watched it. I never watch a lot of TV. I was always busy with school and I worked full time while I was a full-time student. But Dan has seen every single episode since it first aired. So he was the one who initiated it. But I wanted to do it as much as he did once I learned about it. And we had such a fun time.
3 Were you much of a world traveler before the show?
Prior to everything with TheAmazing Race, Dan and I had only been to Mexico. That’s one of the reasons why we wanted to do it. Because we’re such big fans of travel and cultures, and I wanted a chance to see all of those things that I had read about in textbooks and never seen for myself.
4 Why did you choose Fort Worth and TCU? What was the attraction?
I absolutely love Fort Worth. It actually reminds me a lot of Kansas City. We stepped out of the cab when I got there to visit the first time, and I knew right away it was the place for me. I would love to be able to go to the osteopathic medical school there, just because I really love the town.
5 Any misgivings about coming out on national TV?
Maybe we’re just a little nervous. We’ve found in the past that it seems to be all some people want to talk about and we get pegged. Not that we’re ashamed or embarrassed. It’s just that it’s only part of who we are and what we’re about. There are many other things to recognize about us.
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