*TTOW!*

The astonishing, awesome, amazing race is back on target!! Last night's episode was typical exhilarating fare for the fastest hour on television. Here are some quick takes:

- I hope the Hippies stay around simply because they are so entertaining! One of the best moments in the episode last night was when the Hippies jumped out of the bushes and scared Frat Boys. Hilarious! TTOW! (pronounced "ta-tow") is the "power word" for BJ & Tyler, which reminds me of the old Batman comics. You know, *Bam!* and *Ka-pow!*

- This race has some tough girls! I am especially impressed with Monica (of MoJo), Yolanda, and Lori. Great attitudes and pluckiness all around.

- Have you noticed how Lake blames his own mistakes on the TEAM? Wowza, does that get under my skin.

- Going from a warmer climate (Brazil) to such a cold one (Russia) seems to make the race that much harder. And then throwing in the double leg must have been a back-breaker. Of course, those three little words ... to be continued.... don't make it easy for the viewers, eh?!

- At the mat in Red Square, the look of disappointment on Frat Boys' faces was just classic. Poor things, not only did they not win the leg (which also meant they didn't win a prize- ha!), they had to keep racing (boo hoo). I'm sure you can sense my overwhelming sympathy. *snort*


- After Dani left the travel pack in the changing room, I had to rework her previous quote: "We're not racing this race with our muscles or our bodies, but with our hearts. And certainly NOT our brains!" She's just lucky her pack didn't get stolen! Stupid mistake.

And finally, through episode three, the teams have divided quite emphatically for me. This is always subject to change...


Teams I Love To Love
The Hippies
Ray & Yolanda
The Nerds
Mo Jo
The Senoritas

Teams I Love To Hate
Frat Boys
The Pinks
Lake & Michelle
Fran & Barry

- Julie, Special AR Correspondent -