Guess Who's Back? It's time to find the next Ultimate Blogger! Last year after an amazing season filled with it's own drama, twists, and a huge reveal that shocked us all, James Voges was declared the Ultimate Blogger. Now he is living the grand life of a champion and has come to Portland to help us produce season 2. Twelve contestants will blog over four fast and furious weeks for a $1000 prize package and the title of Ultimate Blogger. After each challenge the hosts and a special guest judge will determine who has immunity from being voted out of the competition. After all the challenges, twists, and voting, we will find our Ultimate Blogger.

View the Ultimate Blogger 2 website here.

Comments (2)

Comments on this Entry:

(james on Mar 6, 2006 11:54 PM) yes indeed!

(VampireFaust on May 31, 2007 7:52 AM) Is the Ultimate Blogger competition still going on?

But this isn't a game with two winners. Only one will be the Ultimate Blogger, and it remains up to the former contestants who wears that crown. After all the votes were counted the winner won by a single vote. A fitting end to the Stalin Alliance.

And so, let's all enjoy this final "live" episode where the winner of our $500 dollar prize package is revealed. Congratulations to all our players, but today we celebrate THE ULTIMATE BLOGGER.

Click here to view the challenge (24.2MB - MP4) Click here to download QuickTime

Comments (41)

Comments on this Entry:

(Steve Schroeder on Jun 6, 2005 4:01 AM) Please note: when the final shredded contestant meets his fate the audience is not booing that contestant, but rather booing us for shredding him. He had many many fans in that rather large live audience.

(george on Jun 6, 2005 4:35 AM) CONGRATULATIONS JAMES!

(Kevin Erickson on Jun 6, 2005 4:41 AM) a brilliant finale, dudes. laff riot!

(Kevin Erickson on Jun 6, 2005 4:46 AM) oh also us viewers should thank steve, mike & jona for all the hard work. this has been mega entertaining.

(Andrew J on Jun 6, 2005 5:03 AM) Yep, kudos due to one and all. Thank you, thank you, thank you. So good. KUDOS!

(Kevin (not Erickson) on Jun 6, 2005 7:04 AM) Congratulations James and great job Lyova! Did I hear the final vote of 6-5 for James right? Was there an UHUB staff vote in there to break a tie?

(WuJie Shanghai on Jun 6, 2005 7:16 AM) Thanks to Mike, Steve, and Jona for coming up with a great concept and making it happen. You put a tremendous amount of work into this project Congratulations to both Lyova and James for making it to the end. And of course James, You know how I feel. I think Lyova was great and I think he found out that he is an excellent Blogger and an excellent writer. If he sticks with it he will go far. You, however, have a unique ability to entertain, make people think, and touch peoples hearts. I believe you deserve the title and you should be very proud. I remember an email you sent me at the beginning of this thing where you talked about the incredible talent and the wonderful blogging skills of all the other contestants. In comparing yourself to them you felt that you were not even in their league. Well the contest is a combination of many things, I think more than just blogging and strategy. I think it includes elements of exposing yourself to the world, touching people, and of course, getting comments and getting people to chat back and forth over a particular subject. You have the ability to get epople interested and get them thinking and feeling. All the bloggers are wonderful, Anyone could have won the prize. I am very proud of you. And of course, you are one the the 10 nicest people in the world. I know that for a fact ! Somehow I think some of those folks began to get a fell for that by the end of the contest. Love Ya Dad And how do we get ahold of you ? ? ?

(TAB on Jun 6, 2005 7:16 AM) Congratulations James!!! (you like this, yes? my little bitch...) (wow! your voice really sounds different on that speaker phone contraption! almost as coherent as any sane individual's...who would have thought? heh heh *wink*)

(DCS on Jun 6, 2005 8:28 AM) Awesome job James.

(Jez on Jun 6, 2005 9:08 AM) Congrats James! Wow, I'm gonna miss this, great job you guys! I really am looking forward to The Ultimate Blogger: The Australian Outback, or The Ultimate Blogger: Africa, for that matter.

(willow on Jun 6, 2005 9:50 AM) JAMES WINS!! JAMES IS THE ULTIMATE BLOGGER!!! Congratulations friend. And congratulations to Steve, Jona and Mike who have created the Ultimate Internet Sensation. This expiriment was a fantasic success and I think I can speak for (almost) all of the contestants when I say we are very lucky and very proud to be a part of it. Thank you, thank you, thank you. I love you James. I love you Steve. I love you Mike. I love you Jona. I love you fellow contestants. I love you commenters. I love you UBUBUGUHUG. Thank you.

(ksouth on Jun 6, 2005 9:52 AM) Rad. LV KS

(Adam Kline on Jun 6, 2005 10:52 AM) I think my favorite part was the last three seconds of that final video, when G.E. Smith and the Saturday Night Live Band faded us to black. That said, congratulations to everyone ever.

(matt on Jun 6, 2005 11:25 AM) this whole thing has been beyond rad. seriously, you guys are on some next gen internet shit right here. i feel like i just saw the future. good work all you guys. ps: what up adam!

(boggart on Jun 6, 2005 11:27 AM) Congratulations, James!

(Mikey on Jun 6, 2005 11:33 AM) Thanks to all the viewers. This thing has consumed us for six weeks and it was totally worth it. It feels like a huge weight is gone, but instead of feeling free I feel a little empty. I am on a self-imposed "no new projects for a week" regimen.

(Morgan on Jun 6, 2005 2:19 PM) well, it has been a great series. i really hope this comes out on dvd. MY FACE IS IN THE EPISODE!

(Steve Schroeder on Jun 6, 2005 2:28 PM) Thanks for all the kind words. I want to talk about the vote. I mean, I think both of those guys win because of what they accomplished, but the vote was interesting. I think Lyova's immense support from viewers of the game hurt him in this vote. He was very popular, and I think this might have rubbed some of the previous contestants in the wrong way, since he was so new to blogging. Lyova was also more controversial than James. James's kind deeds of helping people with entries and such might've really paid off for him. Not to take away from James' blogging, because it was excellent. All the contestants were great, everyone who helped us with videos and webstuff deserve thanks. DVD is coming. It will probably be a few months, but it is coming. Hours of footage. Over an hour of challenge videos, tons of video from contestants, all the challenge entries, behind the scenes footage from producers and contestants, backstage emails and ichats, plus much more!!!!!!!

(Lyova Lyubov on Jun 6, 2005 3:09 PM) But where is James...?

(Joel Conrad Bechtolt on Jun 6, 2005 3:50 PM) HELP! My brother wants to fight! I don't want to fight my brother! Someone help! http://straightuptruth.blogspot.com/ Love, Joel Conrad Bechtolt 8th Runner-Up (or something like that) Season One, The Ultimate Blogger

(Steve Schroeder on Jun 6, 2005 4:01 PM) This is the 2500th post and/or comment on The Ultimate Blogger!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 2500!!!!!!! STREAMERS!!!! BALLOONS!!! Hey Joel, should we put that blog in the sidebar as your blog now?? In that blog you should link to your weird movies your putting up on your .mac account.

(Joel Conrad Bechtolt on Jun 6, 2005 4:07 PM) Please put that (http://straightuptruth.blogspot.com/) in the sidebar. I will try to figure out the weird movie links on .mac being referenced on my blogger thing. Just as I was getting used to Moveable Type... Oh well, learning rules. As KRS-ONE says (check the acronym for those who don't know) "Knowledge Reigns Supreme Over Nearly Everyone" Nearly Everyone, Joel Conrad Bechtolt (Happy to be the 2501st post and/or comment on The Ultimate Blogger!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!") PS: For the Millionth time, thanks a million Urbanhonking, Steve Mikey, and Jona for a wonderful experience.

(Joel Conrad Bechtolt on Jun 6, 2005 4:50 PM) Steve, Hey I think I got the link figured out! Go here to check my work: My Blog Language is fun! Even HTML! Watshi No Name Wa Bechtolt, Joel Conrad Desu Ka!

(willow on Jun 6, 2005 5:06 PM) I'm missing this already.

(karsh on Jun 6, 2005 7:41 PM) Congrats, James. You got my vote simply for coming to my site and commenting. Good show, old chap.

(Joel Conrad Bechtolt on Jun 6, 2005 9:29 PM) Hey guys, Check out my cooking fiasco, live and direct! http://homepage.mac.com/straightup/iMovieTheater35.html http://homepage.mac.com/straightup/iMovieTheater36.html http://homepage.mac.com/straightup/iMovieTheater37.html It was fun (but it kinda hurt!) Love, Joel

(james on Jun 6, 2005 9:37 PM) thanks everyone!! it was such an incredible show... im so sad its all over. and i forgot it was monday! how ridiculous... i am so used to being a day ahead in taiwan!! i just now realized the last video would be up! thank you so much lyova for being such a pal... i miss you dearly! and willow! i will always be a merit badger at heart! all the contestants were so wonderful, it was an honor to compete with everyone. I just want to make it clear, though, that i am excepting this as stalin, the lines between james and lyova are thin and blurry. each word, chat, email, post, picture, film... was done side-by-side... i could have never made it this far on my own. oh steve, jona, and mikey... the show was incredible! im so happy to have been a part of this. i really look forward to meeting you... and everyone. so... i hope to make it to portland this weekend. anyone up for a picnic or something? sorry... i have some horrible jet-lag... and i think i fell asleep 3 times trying to write this comment... oh... dad... you can reach me at 206-527-2165.

(james on Jun 6, 2005 9:39 PM) hi mom!

(Azure on Jun 6, 2005 10:48 PM) This weekend?!? That hardly gives us any time to plan fun Urban Honking events for you! Also, COME VISIT!! :)

(Joel Conrad Bechtolt on Jun 7, 2005 2:38 AM) James, I just called you. It is very late/ early and I just got out of the hospital. I hope we can picnic in Portland! Call me anytime, I left my number on the number you posted, may your travels be safe! Love, Joel

(Lucie on Jun 7, 2005 4:49 AM) See James, you give out your number on a public forum and freaks like Joel WILL CALL YOU. Let that be a lesson to you. Congratulations to you on your win, which I think is well deserved because in retrospect, despite your humble silence, it's obvious how much you must have contributed to much of Lyova's work. Congratulations again and again and again to Mikey, Steve and Jona, for being brilliant, enthusiastic and a little bit lucky which put them WAY over the top. Congraulations to everyone who has participated in this phenomenon, and now two important questions: When is season 2? Is Lyova getting a blog?

(Joel Conrad Bechtolt on Jun 7, 2005 7:44 AM) There is no such thing as luck. There is preparation met by opportunity. And brilliance. Let that be a lesson to you. Love, Joel The Freak 971-227-0769

(Andrew J on Jun 7, 2005 1:20 PM) One of the many measures of UB's success is that over the past couple of weeks, regardless of the situation, I keep finding myself repeating Lyova's gossip catchphrase in my head... every time I hear the mail drop on the doormat, read some awesome fact in a book, or hear a great news item on the radio, the commentary in my head runs "Ohhh interesting!". I just cannot stop my damned brain from doing it.

(Kevin on Jun 7, 2005 8:09 PM) I've had "Playboys & Pagers" stuck in my head for like a month... So Sonny, bring me M16 And Mimi, be my dancing queen James you shoot my video And Ritchie, you must lead the show Medya, in your Cadillac And Joel (drinks/brings) to heart attack Willow, whom I don't yet know Lois whose brain is many ??? This Karsh enjoy arithmetic That Crash, he don't like look at chicks (that is okay, yes?) But Lyova he will rule this things Because he is the blogger king

(Lyova Lyubov on Jun 8, 2005 12:13 AM) Thank you so much for these things you say!!! I am total overjoy that, even when I am shredded, I am not yet deceased within your brains! And this is also encouraging me to acquire my own blog... Your lyrics, Kevin, is very correct. Here is the things you are ambiguous about: "Joel drinks..." and "...brain is manyfold". I smile today.

(mimi on Jun 8, 2005 1:03 AM) yay! That was fun! Congrats to both Lyova and James for a fantastic showdown, and everyone who made Ultimate Blogger so much fun. God, I'm making myself vomit I sound so nice. Better get back to my blog for more bitching over there. xx

(Joel Conrad Bechtolt on Jun 8, 2005 6:59 PM) Joel does drink! Love, Joel

(Joel Conrad Bechtolt on Jun 9, 2005 5:58 PM) (ready to fall asleep from all the activity!) Go here: http://homepage.mac.com/straightup/iMovieTheater40.html Then here: http://homepage.mac.com/straightup/iMovieTheater41.html What does it all mean? Love, JCB

(Joel Conrad Bechtolt on Jun 19, 2005 8:57 AM) Now that I think about it, I would have rather seen a fistfight. I am dissapointed that James and Lyova have fallen off the face of the earth. 38 hits in two weeks? How dare you? Bye guys! Love, Joel Conrad Bechtolt (The Ultimate, ULTIMATE Blogger) #39

(Joel Conrad Bechtolt on Jun 22, 2005 11:46 PM) (Reprinted with permission from http://straightuptruth.blogspot.com/) Dear Readers, I have made the conscious decision to remove myself from the "Ultimate Blogger" community. It seems as though free speech is not a "reality" in that particular part of the world. I have been called: "Faggot", "Asshole", and worst of all, "Stalker" by people whom I respect. I have also been asked to "kill myself", by family members. This will not do, for me. I performed a scientific test, and came up with positive results. Some folks either A: Cannot handle the truth, or B: If they can't, or if they don't like what I say, good or bad, figure out how to stop it (the words they find disturbing). I have been called "insane", all my life, and contrary to popular opinion, do not find it encouraging. My feelings are not hurt. I am not "emo". Some folks are. I simply have been "laid" up, with a broken foot, and found the idea that I could still compete in this world, with only a laptop, and a little wit, fascinating. I am sorry if I hurt anyone's feelings. I have learned a valuable lesson. I will now get back to writing my book, making my movie, and recording all my new songs, which I find borderline excellent (but they still need a little work). Thank you to the creators of the wonderful contest, namely Jona, Steve, and Mikey. It was fun while it lasted. Good Luck, and Goodbye, Your Friend, Joel Conrad Bechtolt Much Props: Twenty-Something by Crash Italianolio by Eddie Hiho.org by James Straight Up Truth by Joel BlackGayBlogger by Karsh Professional-Lurker by Lois N/A by Lyova Medya Daily by Medya Mimi in NY by Mimi Regarding by Ritchey Hokie.us by Sonny Perfect Heart by Willow Yada Yada Yada!

(rebecca lemmo (k=aka, becky) on Mar 3, 2006 11:27 PM) hey, you... you're a hometown hero! way to go, dude.

INTRODUCTION

Welcome to the Ultimate Blogger WRAP UP. If you're new to the game, WELCOME! Here you'll be able to start from the very beginning and catch up to where we are now. This page will will grow as the game goes on and it will be your place to get the quick-n-dirty updates. If you're looking for the unedited contestant-entries, check out THE DEN. That's pretty much the UB playing field.

Also, alternatively, you can follow along with the mysterious, opinionated, never-boring inside
scoop team over at the UHUBUGGG. CAUTION: The opinions expressed within this group aren't necessarily shared with the official Ultimate Blogger staff. Who's running this thing? WE JUST DON'T KNOW.. or do we?

All of the challenges are all presented as a video, so make sure you have the newest version QuickTime installed.

IMMUNITY GOES TO LYOVA

Well, judging turned out to be a lot harder than we had expected. After going through all of the entries we picked Lyova's post on vodka and he was granted the very first immunity item; THE CYBER IMMUNITY HEADDRESS.

Read Lyova's Entry

Lyova was immune and Eddie was voted off.

IMMUNITY GOES TO JAMES, CRASH CRASHES OUT

On May 6th, at 12:25 p.m., our contestant Crash threw in the towel as an Ultimate Blogger contestant admitting that his performance was below his own standards, and his own blog was suffering as well as some overwhelming unspoken drama. We awarded James the Rainbow Immunity Goggles for his A/V post about the Casio SK-1 keyboard.

Read James' Entry

James was immune, Karsh was voted off and Crash threw in the towel.

IMMUNITY GOES TO MIMI

Our job is hard!!!! We spent something like 4 hours trying to pick a winner tonight. It almost killed us. After many votes and debates we are pleased to award the Psychedelic USB Cyber-Parrot of Immunity to Mimi for her evocative post of New York mornings.

Read Mimi's Post

Mimi was immune and Joel was voted off.

IMMUNITY GOES TO WILLOW

At the end of the evening we were left with Willow, or should we call her Nancy Novak, and her very sassy 3 interviews for the price of 1. Willow won the Spiritual Beard and Third Eye of Immunity and she was guaranteed a spot in the final 7.

But wait, there is more....

Along with winning immunity for herself, Willow is also granted the gift of immunity for one other contestant of her choosing. Willow granted her gift of immunity to James via matching Spiritual Beard and Third Eye. James is now the first two-time holder of immunity. WIllow's and James' immunity seemed to throw a wrench in the plans of the great alliance.

Read Willow's Post

Willow was immune and Sonny was voted off.

IMMUNITY GOES TO RITCHEY

Well, she did it folks; Ritchey won the Not Depressing At All Immunity Orthodontic Headgear and Braces. Many commenters had been claiming that she was robbed in the previous challenges, and while her entries have been very strong, she has never walked away with that sweetest of prizes. This time she turned in a brilliant and concise review of the Gillette Venus Vibrance shaver for ladies which was supplemented by a hilarious video. Congratulations Ritchey, you wore the equipment well!

Read Ritchey's Post

Willow was immune and a new twist was thrown into the game... no one was voted off.

THE CONTESTANTS DECIDE

This time we had given the grueling task of judging to the contestants themselves. All the power was in their hands; as they each make a list of the best posts to the worst posts.

Due to the tie last week we had an elimination twist! The contestants ranked their opponents based on merit instead of the judges picking a winner of immunity and the bloggers voting someone out strategically. We totaled the results to cut the lowest ranked two. We are sad to see those two go, they have been great additions to the game. Goodbye Lois and Medya.

IMMUNITY GOES TO LYOVA

Lyova was our first two-time winner of Immunity and the start of out sentimental immunity pieces for the winners. For Lyova we created the Belomagic Digital Nesting Dolls of Immunity. We hope the combination of cyber-future digitals combined with traditional Belorussian folk art brings a smile to his face, because his critique of the gossip form certainly brought a smile to our faces.

Read Lyova's Post

Lyova was immune and Willow was voted off.

IMMUNITY GOES TO MIMI

Mimi won an extremely close competition with her challenge stretching essay on what pop culture means and how one single event can affect it. Her writing was frank and stunningly thoughtful. With her victory Mimi gets her hands on the The Make-Believe (We Wish Could Be Real) U.S. Passport of Immunity, which assures he a spot in the final three.

Read Mimi's Post

Mimi was immune and Ritchey was voted off.

FINAL IMMUNITY GOES TO LYOVA

In a new record of winning immunity 3 times, Lyova won the Strategics Supremacy Fiery Flames and Face of Stalin (of Immunity). James and Mimi's votes would cancel each other out, therefore Lyova held the only vote. He will voted Mimi out and chose James to face off with him in the final two.

Lyova was immune and Mimi was voted off.

]]> Wrapup 2005-06-04T10:56:24-08:00 http://www.urbanhonking.com/ultimateblogger/archives/2005/06/who_will_win_th.html Lyova and James revealed shocking confessions and thrilled us with their excellent movie. We can assure you that all of us over here at the UB HQ were taken for a wild and grifted ride. It's now up to... 5845@http://www.urbanhonking.com/ultimateblogger/

Lyova and James revealed shocking confessions and thrilled us with their excellent movie. We can assure you that all of us over here at the UB HQ were taken for a wild and grifted ride. It's now up to the players to decide whether Lyova or James will win.

The competition is all over. Now we wait for the 10 previous contestants' votes, along with the 3 judges; to decide who take the title, THE ULTIMATE BLOGGER.

The last movie will be released Monday, June 6th 2005.

Also, there is a really legit article about The Ultimate Blogger on alternet right now. Check it out and tell your friends. INTERNET FAMOUS. I can't believe it all. HOW FUN!!!!

Comments (13)

Comments on this Entry:

(Ilych on Jun 4, 2005 10:57 AM) Will you give us a time for the movie? I really like how everything is live and interactive and not set in stone, but seeing the "season finale" at a set time with everyone else would be really nice. Real communal-like.

(boggart on Jun 4, 2005 11:24 AM) If the new server can take it... All that UB enthusiasts!

(J on Jun 4, 2005 3:01 PM) Speaking of confessions and all that good stuff... Did I miss something, or did we ever find out who BUGGER is? or UBUGGG? Or whatever the hell the initials are for that damn gossipy thang.

(james on Jun 4, 2005 4:47 PM) oh yeah... that was lyova and I

(james on Jun 4, 2005 4:50 PM) no... just joshing you

(Mikey on Jun 4, 2005 5:17 PM) We think we know (no confirmation, just a guess). But at this point in the game, it seems like revealing who it is would be silly. My guess is the person was anonymous so that they could critique the players w/o letting personal junk get in the way. Personal junk? Yeah, I think the person is close to UrbanHonking. So really, we should let it be an anonymous person rather than trying to figure it out and then create a bunch of a drama.

(J on Jun 4, 2005 10:07 PM) Sure, let sleeping buggers lie. I was just wondering if I had missed out on something in Lyova and James' video, cause the computer I'm on is having technical difficulties. Though if James and Lyova truly were BUGGER and then revealed their strategy for world domination via co-opting media outlets, I don't think I would be surprised.

(jason on Jun 5, 2005 1:51 AM) what i still want to know is where those fabulous padded room walls are that lyova posed in front of? where did those pictures go? i remember seeing them when it started but can't find them now.

(freddy on Jun 5, 2005 1:56 AM) You can find some of the photos here.

(Lyova Lyubov on Jun 5, 2005 4:03 AM) Freddy and Jason (sic) I have also just uploaded the more recent photos of James and myself unto Flickr...

(jason on Jun 6, 2005 8:13 AM) that still does not answer where those backgrounds came from? did you guys make them?

(Steve Schroeder on Jun 6, 2005 3:29 PM) they are photobooths in taiwan. apparently they are expensive and also they are awesome.

(Joel Conrad Bechtolt on Jun 7, 2005 5:50 PM) I love the way Steve talks! He's the guy!

I remember the first time we saw both of their applications. Lyova was passed around from person to person and everyone loved his application and they wanted to see more from him. James was someone we labeled as "creative" and his style was as excellent and his attitude was awesome. They both entertained, informed, made us feel good, and shocked us. It makes us very proud to have James and Lyova as our final two.

The final challenge is called "Confessions," and it could make or break this game for our two finalists. We have learned a great deal about our contestants, especially Lyova and James; they have revealed deep secrets about the game and their strategy... now we ask for secrets about themselves. Maybe something they've haven't told anyone. We must know more about The Ultimate Blogger.

What happens next is not entirely in our hands. We're bringing back all ten of the eliminated bloggers to help us decide which of these two is the more ultimate blogger. Who will the glorious former bloggers vote for? Who will Mimi choose? What about Lois? Or Joel? We're not just looking at this one challenge, but the entire game they have played. One of these two gentleman will win the title and the $500 prize package.

Click here to view the challenge (13.8MB - MP4) Click here to download QuickTime

Comments (66)

Comments on this Entry:

(Steve Schroeder on Jun 1, 2005 11:05 PM) Two addendums: -In the video, when I pull the pantyhose over my face my glasses break!!!!! -We just wanted to add that Lyova has informed us that the last two votes have been very very hard and intense and sad for him. Only one more video!

(willow on Jun 1, 2005 11:13 PM) BEST MOVIE YET! FUNNY, AND CREEPY, AND WEIRD, AND SINCERE! I LOVE YOU DUDES!

(Rebecca on Jun 1, 2005 11:40 PM) I am freaking out so hard right now! I am just gabbing about this competition and voicing my hypotheses to anyone who cares to give a listen. Like, what if Lyova and James are the same person?

(daniel on Jun 2, 2005 1:14 AM) long live the ultimate blogger! i have been showing people this fucking website(tub) all fucking day. and telling them; "you gotta watch all the god damn videos and read all of the entries/comments from the quick links real fucking fast cuz there are only two videos left and if you watch/read all of the old ones you can still be a part of the magic!" long live the ultimate blogger! long live creativity! long live the bind! Gods in the sky..... please bless the creators of this magnificant game with strong health and riches beyond their wildest dreams.

(piu piu on Jun 2, 2005 3:13 AM) you know, i think at least one of the posts should have been TEXT only as it seems the finalists have whittled themselves down according to their graphic HTML abilities- which is not necessarily a decent blog. James is great visually, but his blog is nowhere near as entertaining as willow or ritchey or mimi content wise. The last post was about the first sentence i'd seen him string together. Lyova seems to meld everything together (i think everyone should be asking where the hell does the guy get the time rather than anything else!), but i'd still like to have seen a post from everyone that excluded clever image tricks and videos, and just focused on GOOD WRITING

(james on Jun 2, 2005 3:14 AM) i learned everything i know from this.

(Jez on Jun 2, 2005 3:39 AM) I agree with Piu Piu. I think you guys should do that if you'll ever make The Ultimate Blogger, The First Sequel. Btw, you guys are bringing Crash back to vote too?

(james on Jun 2, 2005 3:52 AM) writing schmiting. most of my favorite blogs hardly write anything at all (example) . not to say it isn't important... i just think everyone has their thing, and blogs are becoming much more diverse than they used to be. actually, this is my first time using html... every bit of html i've used in this contest, i had learned specifically for and during the course of ultimate blogger. this contest was an opportunity for me to grow and learn more about my boundaries and capabilities as a blogger. one of the reasons i've become so much more visual than i used to be, is that it breaks down language barriers. most of my new friends can't read english (or very little of it), if my posts were centered around the english language, they wouldn't have any reason to ever visit my site.

(piu piu on Jun 2, 2005 4:03 AM) ...which is great, but for mimi and ritchey for example, the ultimate blogger was an opportunity to expand their writing skills...and it hasnt really offered the opportunity to do so...

(Lucie on Jun 2, 2005 5:02 AM) Oh gosh... Lyova's big moment is almost upon us. I'm shivering with anticipation.

(Lyova Lyubov on Jun 2, 2005 6:18 AM) Lyova

(M on Jun 2, 2005 7:21 AM) James

(piu piu on Jun 2, 2005 8:53 AM) .....smells

(Mikey on Jun 2, 2005 9:51 AM) About the writing vs. multimedia posts; There is an advantage in wowing the senses with sound and moving pictures. But for this final challenge, it's about everything that James and Lyova have posted so far (plus one more), and that tips the balance back in favor of the well written post. The video and the interactive are much more exciting to explore, but the well written posts give you so much more insight to the person. I remember some people weren't into the photo challenge, because they felt that blogging is about writing. It's important to remember that blogging is brand new, and it works very hard to not fit any single definition. Blogging is much more about "serial content" than any explanation that limits the type of content posted. Think of this as your "the-future-of-blogging" wake-up call. Multimedia is in... way in!

(WuJie Shanghai on Jun 2, 2005 9:52 AM) I am wondering if both of these guys are brilliant or if one of them is the mastermind behind the whole scheme. They have been controlling the game from the start. And the fact that between the two, my count may be wrong, they have won or been blessed with immunity 5 times, tells me that there is some real thought being put into this stuff and they obviously connect. Just look at the number of comments James received when he posted about the drink scandel in Taiwan. I am impressed. And I would love to hear the real whole story. Hopefully it comes out in detail in this last post.

(Joel Conrad Bechtolt on Jun 2, 2005 9:59 AM) I totally participated in the locking-Jona-in-a-room-full-of-crabs-thing. I feel bad. I like crabs. I wish Jona did, too. I guess it's all my fault. I love my little brother Jona.

(DCS on Jun 2, 2005 10:14 AM) Joel, if you're Lyova, it's over.

(Joel Conrad Bechtolt on Jun 2, 2005 10:14 AM) Hey WuJie Shanghai! You asked: "I am wondering if both of these guys are brilliant or if one of them is the mastermind behind the whole scheme." It's actually three dudes, Steve, Mikey, and my crab-fearing little brother, Jona, and they are all brilliant and from what I understand, each participate in their own way. Jona makes the videos you watch for the challenges. Steve and Mikey (as well as Jona) are both VERY funny, smart, talented dudes, who could probably win this contest had they not put it on. I applaud their efforts. Many people I know are addicted to this contest, and have enjoyed it far more than current television and movies. I think they're onto something... Thanks for having me in this thing, guys. One question: Do you think Medya's ears are blowing out smoke since there's no women to vote off? Will he even participate? If not, who will cast the tiebreaker? You guys are so good, I'm sure more will be revealed. Your Pal, Joel Conrad Bechtolt PS: WuJie Shanghai, thanks for watching!

(DCS on Jun 2, 2005 10:17 AM) Joel, I think Wu Jie meant James and Lyova?

(sarah on Jun 2, 2005 10:38 AM) mike, i totally hear your call about blogging being more than just writing. in fact, i love photoblogging, and i've enjoyed many of the multimedia aspects of this contest. but... piu piu is right. the use of multimedia was encouraged and rewarded in this contest (of course, b/c that's what you guys are good at and into), and that seems to have steered the contestants in that direction. it's not a bad thing neccessarily- there were many creative and amazing posts as a result. but it is something to keep in mind if were ever to do it again.

(Joel Conrad Bechtolt on Jun 2, 2005 11:19 AM) Hey! Speaking of photoblogging, check this out: http://homepage.mac.com/straightup/PhotoAlbum31.html It's called: "My Left Foot" Thanks dudes! Love, Joel

(Steve Schroeder on Jun 2, 2005 11:37 AM) Confessions

(nonnie mouse on Jun 2, 2005 12:13 PM) steve, if you want to earn the tape which may be holding your glasses together, the proper plural of 'addendum' is 'addenda'. But it's a tough call wether to come off as a little starry-eyed, or a nerd's dork. (it's clear which I am.)I'm glad you mentioned Lyova's anguish. ¿¿¿But wait, maybe he's just saying that to "play us all like violins."???joel, if you pretend long enough that you aren't a dick, eventually it becomes true. maybe. Be nice to medya, (or at least DON'T BE A DICK!) the dude lives in a world where having an ipod shuffle would possibly make him the hippest person he's ever met.

(sted on Jun 2, 2005 12:26 PM) i cant wait until it is revealed that lyova=jona+steve+mikey

(Steve Schroeder on Jun 2, 2005 12:33 PM) LYOVA IS REAL also Nonnie thanls for he addenda tip. i had no idea.

(sted on Jun 2, 2005 12:35 PM) wait... are you saying that lyova=david blaine's magic??

(Steve Schroeder on Jun 2, 2005 12:42 PM) very similar.

(Jenny on Jun 2, 2005 12:45 PM) I see both sides of this on the writing vs. multimedia issue. I do think multimedia was encouraged in this game, but I also think that I, for one, would not have had the time to read any more long, albeit well-written posts than I already did, and I didn't even read all of them. So for practicality's sake in a contest like this, as an audience member, multimedia worked really well for me. I also wanted to point out that making the videos does require some form of writing. . . you could think of it more as a screenplay. . .

(boggart on Jun 2, 2005 1:21 PM) Or making alliances, for that matter. It's also screenplay, somehow.

(Mikey on Jun 2, 2005 2:18 PM) I think it is important to note again that this game is "The Ultimate Blogger" and not a writing competition. Do people who have the ability to create multimedia have an advantage in the game? Perhaps. But they have this same advantage in real life/internet life. If more awesome a/v stuff is created because of Ultimate Blogger I would be quite happy.

(Joel Conrad Bechtolt on Jun 2, 2005 2:58 PM) Mikey, Right on. Blogging, I believe, is short for Web Logging", which means, like, logging (journaling) on the web, right? And since the web can do a tad more than text, everything is included. I would like to see an "Ultimate Videoblogger", "Ultimate Photoblogger", or whatever, contest. This contest was for the all-encompassing title of "Ultimate Blogger", which means: all bets are on. Right? Dig it, bros. Good show. If I was a gay man, I would give you all oral. Love, Joel Conrad Bechtolt Not The Ultimate Blogger (That's Lyova, not me) PS: Hey Nonnie, Nonnie: Your name is in one of my favorite Violent Femmes songs, I am not a dick, and you are "a little starry-eyed nerd's dork." Luv Ya!

(ritchey on Jun 2, 2005 3:28 PM) there is little call to be nice to Medya after all he has done! I am also torn about the multimedia/writing conversation. Certainly I feel that multimedia was pushed/rewarded more than writing in this competition, which puts me at a distinct disadvantage. At the same time, it's Mike and Steve's show, and if that's their vibe then that's their vibe. Plus, it forced me to learn a TON of new skills in a very short period of time. I now know how to use i-movie, etc. So even though my personal skills were not valued as highly as multimedia skills, I am still pleased with the result, which was that I lost the game but learned how to use i-movie. Yeah?

(Steve Schroeder on Jun 2, 2005 4:16 PM) I really don't enjoy the statement that Mike and I wanted to see multimedia stuff win. For most every challenge we had people help us judge. It was not OUR VIBE. Whenever posts that were writing centered captured the challenge better and entertained they were given immunity. The first challenge Lyova won for writing alone. Mimi won just recently over lots of a/v stuff. To think of blogging as writing is so restrictive. To think of this competition as a/v centered is just wrong.

(Mikey on Jun 2, 2005 4:37 PM) The idea of a/v being "better" was never part of the judging. No one won "points" for submitting MP3s or MOVs or anything. Each challenge was judged on the criteria of the challenge. In high school I used a/v stuff to get out of a lot of papers. I know first hand that shoddy a/v can trump a good paper and is usually a lot easier (or at least more fun). I don't think we let that happen here. It looks like what happened is that James posted some multimedia posts and inspired the competition. Had no contestants posted multimedia, then we wouldn't have seen this a/v arms race. (not that I am trying to "blame" James).

(Joel Conrad Bechtolt on Jun 2, 2005 5:04 PM) I love it when I'm "forced me to learn a TON of new skills in a very short period of time." It makes me feel alive. Yours, JCB

(Joel Conrad Bechtolt on Jun 2, 2005 5:07 PM) I simply respect James' A/V work, and his HTML skills, regardless of where he retained them through. Good job, James! You are deserving of being this contest's "Bo Bice", but alas, I must vote against you. Showing my hand, Joel Conrad Bechtolt

(Joel Conrad Bechtolt on Jun 2, 2005 5:10 PM) "To think of blogging as writing is so restrictive." Right on, Steve, Big Poppa. Down with all that, I am. -Joel

(mimi on Jun 2, 2005 7:56 PM) My skill is writing so it's what I relied on heavily, and if I had the time to learn new skills I would have... I didn't, but that's besides the point. It's a contest, and I think it's totally cool that the ultimate blogger gave everyone the chance to link into his/her skill, whether writing, video, photography etc. It's been an awesome contest in every way and I feel privileged to have gotten so far. I have to say I did start to sense a little james presence in Lyova's post when they became a little more technical. Perhaps they are twins split at birth? But I WILL STILL HUNT YOU DOWN LYOVA!!! James, bring out all the stops baby, even though you were a treacherous cunt too! xxx oh yeah, sarah email me re. strip clubs, I'm interest to hear your stories. and Joel, leave your blog link under your name so we can click on it.

(ritchey on Jun 2, 2005 8:41 PM) Mimi, we must vote for Lyova, yes? He was our brother. I no longer hate and fear him for betraying me. His love for us was not tepid, even though it was outpaced by his bizarre pact with James. He has masterminded this game and, in the words of the Guggenheim who died on the Titanic: "[he] played the game straight and to the end." Both James and Lyova are fabulous. But I think we all know who the real Ultimate Blogger is. I've said my piece.

(Rebecca on Jun 2, 2005 10:02 PM) I apologize if I am not the first to say this, but James looks sorta hot underneath all that electrical cord. I don't mean because of the tying, but in addition to it. The dude is tied up, and the dude is hot. I guess I apologize even if I am the first to say that, actually.

(Sonny on Jun 2, 2005 10:09 PM) Okay, I usually keep my mouth shut, but I can’t let Lyova win this competition. No offense…I think he’s a very creative guy, and I’ve enjoyed a number of his entries. However, he is not a blogger in that he does not maintain a blog…in this persona at least. How can the ultimate blogger not be a blogger? Two entries a week does not a blogman make. You know what I mean? Blogging is more than writing about what someone tells you to write about. It’s about sharing yourself with the world. Sometimes, it isn’t funny or entertaining, but it’s the real you. So as entertaining as Lyova is, the ultimate blogger he is not.

(ritchey on Jun 2, 2005 10:38 PM) Sonny, this contest didn't say you had to have some random personal blog on the side in order to compete. If having a personal blog means that you can't win the competition, then that should have been specified upfront. I think the contest provided a really awesome way for people to get INTO blogging. Lyova will certainly keep blogging now that he has proven himself so worthy. The final vote is decided by many factors: quality of entries, quality of strategy, personality. Although James is awesome (and I agree that he looks super hot in the video), Lyova is the clear winner on all fronts, as far as I am concerned. And I say this as someone who had my heart broken by him!! I feel very strongly about this.

(Craig on Jun 2, 2005 10:45 PM) Oooh, fiesty. Sounds like someone's jealous, someone who wishes they were primo blogman.

(Sam Sanderson on Jun 2, 2005 10:45 PM) Lyova is clearly the best blogger in this competition, regardless of any external factors cited. The winner of an unprecedented three immunities, the orchestrator of the winning strategy, and probably the most entertaining of all posters...these are facts not to be trifled with. Sonny, you are a good blogger, but good blogging does not an Ultimate Blogger make. Lyova had the strategy and diversity to keep people guessing and make his way to the final rounds.

(ritchey on Jun 2, 2005 10:47 PM) craig, is your burn directed at me? If so, I find it confusing. Please elaborate.

(Craig on Jun 2, 2005 10:49 PM) Sorry, pregnant comment. I was referring to Sonny.

(ritchey on Jun 2, 2005 10:52 PM) I am like, "Lyova should win," and you are like, "OOOh, JEALOUS!" and I am like, "huh?" Right? Right guys?? Seriously, though.

(ritchey on Jun 2, 2005 10:55 PM) p.s. Sonny, since when is there this definition of "blog" that says a blog must be x y and z? Blogs can be just photos, they can be just fiction, they can be comedy screenplays, they can be diary entries, or all of them. Lyova did share himself in this contest (his amazing lost-love entry blew my mind). We are being asked to choose the ultimate blogger based on this competition. And within the realm of this competition, the ultimate blogger is LYOVA. I know I said "I've said my piece" already and then I talked more, which is awkward. I am going to bed now. I love Lyova and James very much, and all the rest of you crazy nuts out there. goodnight, moon.

(Craig on Jun 2, 2005 10:59 PM) I've always thought the whole Lyova thing was pretty fishy. But at this point, whether he's real or just some sort of weird, Borat-esque character, he has kept us all entertained. Previous blogger or not, the guy has totally owned this contest.

(Steve Schroeder on Jun 2, 2005 11:31 PM) Why does everyone assume that Lyova is more of a schemer than James? I haven't seen that really, except that Lyova has put himself out there more confidently. James was a huge part of this Stalin thing, and he provided brilliant content. The Ultimate Blogger is up to those who vote. Sonny says James, Ritchey says Lyova. We will see.... We still have posts to read.

(Sonny on Jun 2, 2005 11:48 PM) I agree that Lyova has done well in this contest, but I would say that James has my vote on this if it comes down to blogging. We'll see if this last entry changes my mind though. As far as definitions go, Webster's named "blog" the word of the year in 2004, defining it as a Web site that contains an online personal journal with reflections, comments, and often hyperlinks provided by the writer. I know that seems kinda rigid, but that's the base; and if you don't make that distinction, what's the difference between a blog and any other website? Robin Williams is an entertainer. I don't know why I use him as an example, but I do. If he were in this contest, he would come up with a lot of funny material and he would be entertaining. But there is a difference between being a good entertainer and being a good blogger. I know it may be a small detail, but that's how I look at things. If I were to choose the ultimate blogger from the 12 original contestants, I would probably go with Mimi. There was a genuine quality about Willow's and Ritchey's posts that I liked too before the competition started to shape their entries. But yeah, everyone has their own tastes and their own opinions. I'm just saying that James stands out more to me as the ultimate blogger than Lyova. Either way, they've both done a great job. I tip my hat to both of them.

(WuJie Shanghai on Jun 3, 2005 1:55 AM) Hold your thoughts until after the last posts. Somehow I think there may still be some surprises. The only thing that would surprise me is if we are not all surprised, awed, and shocked with further twists in the action.

(Joel Conrad Bechtolt on Jun 3, 2005 3:34 AM) REVELATION: Ritchey has one "real" leg. Jealous?

(Joel Conrad Bechtolt on Jun 3, 2005 7:17 AM) The military has killed Sonny's soul.

(DCS on Jun 3, 2005 9:16 AM) "Yeah. I farted. JEALOUS??" There have been a few of Lyova's posts that I straight up didn't even make it through. I thought his Gossip entry wasn't worthy of immunity at all either. Granted, his punk rock entry ruled hard, and the STALIN unveiling was major mind eff. I'm going to go with Sonny a little bit. Mimi, Ritchey and James were consistently the most entertaining and interesting for me. I like how on the show 'Last Comic Standing', the comics that get voted off have to go onstage and prove themselves against a competitor of their choosing. This guarantees that the worst comic isn't going to win or go very far. It's a strategy trumper. In this game, even though I think the final two are very worthy, politics played a bit too large a role for me. Even the round when the contestants voted based on merit, the vote was entirely alliance driven. That's fine though. It's still really fun and cool and exciting.

(enjanerd on Jun 3, 2005 9:19 AM) Hey now... go back to being nice, Joel. I liked it when we got along.

(Joel Conrad Bechtolt on Jun 3, 2005 10:37 AM) Damn, I am so confused. I thought I was being nice..

(ksouth on Jun 3, 2005 10:38 AM) Hey you guys, I am totes confused. Are you faking it? LVKS

(willow on Jun 3, 2005 11:13 AM) I think everyone knows that I will vote for James. He pushed himself in many mediums. He used video, photos, and eventually writing. He contributed more comments and supplementary entries than anyone. He helped nearly every contestant with their posts. He played us all, but with honor. Lyova is entertaining, sure, but he's smoke and mirrors, man! In each challenge James revealed a little more of himself in a way that was both flashy and quiet. His entries were consistently good, and his strategy was amazing. Everyone keeps saying that Lyova masterminded the whole Stalin thing, but I happen to know that it was James who approached Lyova. Do not underestimate this man! Sonny, I am glad you're with me on this. Ritchey, I know there is no changing your mind. Other voters: listen to me! James is good! He deserves a prize package for his valor and honesty! Vote for James! VOTE FOR JAMES!!!

(enjanerd on Jun 3, 2005 3:27 PM) Willow, not just the prize package... James deserves the title of The Ultimate Blogger.

(willow on Jun 3, 2005 3:32 PM) Yes, Enjanerd, you are quite right. He deserves the title, and also perhaps a crown.

(Craig on Jun 3, 2005 5:55 PM) Pssh...merit badgers. It's Lyova's world, we just occupy a tiny space in it.

(WuJie Shanghai on Jun 3, 2005 6:01 PM) How much of what we see of Lyova was James?

(nonnie mouse on Jun 3, 2005 10:55 PM) (joel: that's the spirit!) Obviously the political hijinx, deal-making, and secret meta-alliances are how one steals a competition, continent, presidency, etc. Everybody knows Lyova is the "ultimate ULTIMATE BLOGGER", but is that what it's all about? don't count your votes until the chickens are hatched.

(Amber on Jun 4, 2005 12:10 AM) I know I don't count, but I vote for James.

(boggart on Jun 4, 2005 5:28 AM) Willow, the smoke and mirrors of Lyova really helped to make all this contest so fun. Besides, he wrote real well. Like WOW.

Absolutely mind blowing. This challenge is really what we all needed, I think. Even us here at Ultimate Blogger HQ had no clue to the depths of strategy that the strongest players in this game utilized. All three of the posts for this challenge were amazing. Whilesome people use anonymity to throw around grossly incorrect assumptions like that this challenge was easy to judge, it was exactly the opposite.... The judges sat here overwhelmed with glee and horror at how brilliantly all three of these people broke down the strategy and all the back stage goings on in this game. Mimi was frank and funny and said things better than we ever could while keeping the game in perspective. James gave us his best writing yet as he detailed the internal struggle he dealt with between being faithful to his scout's oath, or advancing thus far in the game via dark STALIN strategy. The post that took home immunity, though, was Lyova's. The depth of his post is staggering. His amazing post takes us deep into email conversations that pop and pop and pop, to his amazing news desk video where he uses ideas we were going to use in the finale episode, to his beautiful slideshow tribute for his fallen comrade Ritchey. The history, the strategy, the emotion. Staggering.

We are proud to present Lyova with the Strategics Supremacy Fiery Flames and Face of Stalin (of Immunity). James and Mimi's votes would cancel each other out, therefore Lyova has the only vote. He will vote either James or Mimi out and the other will face off with him in the final two. The results of Lyova's vote and the final challenge will be revealed Thursday, June 2nd 2005.

Comments (17)

Comments on this Entry:

(james on Jun 1, 2005 4:54 AM) woooo yi!!! good job lyova!! im off to the store to try and find russian and/or polish vodka to toast to this grand victory!

(rob ot on Jun 1, 2005 8:00 AM) speaking for myself, I don't think there is an unblown mind among the entire UB fanbase. I propose a globally synchronized toast to the brilliant inferno which was this victory, details (or idea-shoot-down) to be finalized via this forum.

(DCS on Jun 1, 2005 8:04 AM) I can't believe how awesome this is. I haven't ever gotten my mind blown this hard by a reality-tv show.

(ritchey on Jun 1, 2005 8:21 AM) I KNOW, RIGHT????

(Sam Sanderson on Jun 1, 2005 9:01 AM) I wonder who he will take with him to the final round? Another betrayal, perhaps??? It seems meaningless, as Lyova is clearly the "Rupert" of UB--likable, talented, AND POWERFUL. Very impressive.

(Steve Schroeder on Jun 1, 2005 9:08 AM) the difference is that rupert was a bit of a dolt when it came to strategy, and therefore was voted off too early for the amount of power he should've had. lyova has combined his talent and likability with brilliant strategy. discounting reality tv, though, is a silly move on his part. by the by, i should probably clarify that the harsh words towards the UHUBUGGG in this post and others come from me, and not mike or jona.

(ritchey on Jun 1, 2005 9:41 AM) I love you, steve.

(Mikey on Jun 1, 2005 10:42 AM) Steve has a burning passion to discover and discredit the UHUBUGGG (or as we have taken to calling her, "Bugger"). If any of you saw a certain secret video we put up, the reason for that tomfoolery (and the bruises on my body) was Steve believing I had info about the Bugger I wasn't sharing. While the producer's tiff is NOTHING compared to the epic and grand scheming of Lyova, it is something you'll see more of on the forthcoming Ultimate Blogger DVD.

(min on Jun 1, 2005 11:18 AM) but please someone tell me where the stalin pics are hidden? ii've looked and looked and come to the conclusion they are amazingly disguised, or my computer does not see them....

(enjanerd on Jun 1, 2005 12:23 PM) Go to one of either James's or Lyova's entries and view source. All their entries except for this last challenge has one hidden. Check out the hidden link on Mimi's most recent entry though... there's an interesting one there.

(james on Jun 1, 2005 12:35 PM) wow! how exciting!! and who is Rupert? what reality show is that? im itching to watch one now... all i remember about reality tv is faint memories of a bicycle delivery guy named puck... was that a real world? was that a competition too? boy... im really outta the cable world. i've only just gotten into the whole 24 hours of sex feet under dvd nonsense. and boy have i gobbled that up.

(piu piu on Jun 1, 2005 12:50 PM) thanks enjanerd james- sex feet under? freudian slip, or not?

(james on Jun 1, 2005 1:14 PM) ha... sorry. im a closet 'sex in the city' fan. we have a love hate relationship.

(james on Jun 1, 2005 1:39 PM) oh my god its june 1st already!!! and i still haven't found someone to take my room!!!! would anyone like to move to taipei this week?

(robin on Jun 1, 2005 4:34 PM) i completely relate, James. i havent seen reality TV in nearly 4 years (well, except the french version of "joe millionaire" -- here it was "Greg le millionaire", and he had been in porn as well as construction) -- so i dont have that reference anymore. but (until my dvd player broke) i completely did the same thing: discovered sequentially Sex and The City, 24 , and Six Feet Under (collectively: "24 hours of sex feet under?") as they arrived in the video stores here, devouring each one rent-watch-return-rentnext-repeat marathons.

(Lyova Lyubov on Jun 1, 2005 10:56 PM) Lyova

(piu piu on Jun 2, 2005 9:22 AM) ...smells of rotten russian eggs! x

The challenge today is, "Why are you the best player of Ultimate Blogger?"

We've read your posts, but that is only half of the game. We want to know about the other half of the game. We want to know why you have played the game better than anyone else. We need to know about the private back room deals and the scheming that you did. As the final three it's time to reveal your strategy to the world. We also want the run down on who you pushed out of the game, and ultimately, why you are the Ultimate Blogger.

You may be hesitant to reveal too much, but this is the most important immunity in the the game, and it will go to the person who we feel gives us the best picture of what has been going on. The winner of this immunity will get to choose their opponent for the final face-off in the last challenge. Winning this immunity guarantees you a 50/50 chance at winning the $500 prize package.

Entries are due at 11:59 PM PDT on Tuesday May 31st.

Click here to view the challenge (17.8MB - MP4) Click here to download QuickTime

Comments (18)

Comments on this Entry:

(Jez on May 30, 2005 3:31 AM) Oh God. Everyone I root for is now gone. Goodbye Ritchey ....

(Steve Schroeder on May 30, 2005 3:42 AM) Ritchey is amazing. We miss her already. We love her. 3 awesome dudes left. I love this competition and these people.

(daniel on May 30, 2005 3:52 AM) i love this stuff! i stay up each week until 4am to see the new videos. GO SECURE PIZZA COMPUTER! GO PIZZA! GO TEAM!

(Jez on May 30, 2005 3:57 AM) Is that Nancy Novak?

(Steve Schroeder on May 30, 2005 4:10 AM) TOTALLY JEZ!

(ritchey on May 30, 2005 7:41 AM) Lyova is a coward and an enemy of the people. My heart has become a small and incredibly dense ball of hatred in my chest. To wake up on this, our country's glorious Memorial Day, only to find that my comrade and brother for the past 5 weeks has betrayed me for a Merit Badger. My only goal in life now is to see Lyova crushed under the bootheels of tyranny, for he is a wretched coward. DO NOT LISTEN TO WHAT HE SAYS. In other news: I am going to have a yard sale today!! I never had one before! Do you think anyone will buy my old sunglasses and this "granpa" mug I found? Goodbye, Ultimate Blogger. You were fun while you lasted. The betrayal of my loved ones is a sour and distasteful brew to swallow...but swallow it I will/have. It's probably a blessing in disguise, because I have to go to my cousin's wedding in Abilene, Texas next weekend anyway. Sincerely, Ritchey

(flint on May 30, 2005 7:52 AM) uh, funny torture movie.

(Adam Forkner on May 30, 2005 9:22 AM) ritchey: fuggem

(karina on May 30, 2005 11:25 AM) Nancy Novak: harsh!

(J on May 30, 2005 11:42 AM) Dear Ritchey, I am sad to see you go. You were always entertaining and damn if you don't look good in headgear.

(Adam Forkner on May 30, 2005 2:39 PM) deep dish pizza

(sarah on May 30, 2005 2:45 PM) NO!!! ritchey IS THE ULTIMATE BLOGGER.

(ritchey on May 30, 2005 3:28 PM) I'M GONNA INTERVIEW EMILIO ESTEVEZ

(Craig on May 30, 2005 5:10 PM) Emilio is clearly to Ritchie as Mr.T is to, oh, THE REST OF HUMANITY!

(ritchey on May 30, 2005 7:04 PM) I AM KILLED HORATIO!

(jason on May 30, 2005 10:17 PM) Pizza Schmizza?? You doods have stepped to new lows.

(Mikey on May 31, 2005 8:44 AM) No one would think to look for the secure computer at a Pizza Schmizza. That is what makes it so secure!

(matt on May 31, 2005 11:23 AM) agreed pizza scmizza is a good place to hide a secure pizza computer (cue lazer sounds)

This truly is a worthy final four. They took us good and deep on this entry exploring pop culture and its effect on our contestants' lives. Mimi won an extremely close competition with her challenge stretching essay on what pop culture means and how one single event can affect it. Her writing was frank and stunningly thoughtful. With her victory Mimi gets her hands on the The Make-Believe (We Wish Could Be Real) U.S. Passport of Immunity, which assures he a spot in the final three.

This group of entries was comprised completely with what we call in the biz "Hot Stuffs." Ritchey gave us her loose interpretation of the term "year" by basing her post on 1977-1984. Her Star Wars movie was hilarious. James told us about his time in this last year in Taiwan and how it has truly changed his life through distinct cultural experiences. Lyova didn't give us 3, but he was solid with a year and he gave us an enthralling rundown of the Jarocin Music Festival in 1994.

Who will be eliminated?? We know it won't be Mimi, but the remaining three are all at risk. The importance of immunity is becoming painfully obvious to those bloggers who don't have it. It's hard to imagine this competition losing one of these 4, but that's what has to happen for us to find The Ultimate Blogger. After this vote we will be down to the final 3.

Comments (6)

Comments on this Entry:

(piu piu on May 29, 2005 5:41 AM) passport of immunity? i like ur style guys! v funny x

(mimi on May 29, 2005 10:40 AM) I love it! How funny! Thanks! xx

(Adam Forkner on May 29, 2005 11:27 AM) whoa shit is getting emo man oh man!

(hason on May 29, 2005 12:14 PM) so emo. I am like that girl crying on the last day of summer camp, I don't want anybody to leave.

(Joel Conrad Bechtolt on May 30, 2005 1:20 AM) http://homepage.mac.com/straightup/iMovieTheater30.html

(james on May 30, 2005 1:21 AM) congrats mimi!!!

Our final four have a new task that returns to the true roots of what it means to be a blogger, writing about pop culture. In Essential Era, the contestants will write about three pop culture events from one year of their choice. A lot of possibilities out there, and we're excited to see the results.

We also take a moment in the video to commend the players that made it to the final four. Congratulations, and may the best blogger win. This challenge will be due on Saturday May 28th, 2005 at 11:59 PM PDT.

Click here to view the challenge (13.8MB - MP4) Click here to download QuickTime

Comments (31)

Comments on this Entry:

(james on May 27, 2005 2:42 AM) A DAAC SHIRT!!!! IM WEARING THE SAME ONE@!

(Jez on May 27, 2005 4:15 AM) Willow? NOOOOOOOO (a la Darth Vader in Revenge of the Sith).

(ritchey on May 27, 2005 6:45 AM) I would just like to say that Willow is a wonderful person and that "someone had to go." I am all about deflecting catastrophe onto others, like Kabalevsky. If there is a finger to be pointed that seals someone's doom, let the finger be mine, not thine. This is the way that cowards and politicians think! And look how far THEY get in life. There, I said it.

(Liz on May 27, 2005 6:57 AM) I so sad Willow's missing out on the pop-culture entry! We'll miss you, WW!

(ritchey on May 27, 2005 7:06 AM) I'M GONNA INTERVIEW EMILIO ESTEVEZ!

(enjanerd on May 27, 2005 9:02 AM) Oh oh! Someone write about Mr. T!

(Joel Conrad Bechtolt on May 27, 2005 9:36 AM) I like Willow, even if she won't call me back! Love, Joel Conrad Bechtolt

(hason on May 27, 2005 10:07 AM) bye Willow, you did a great job.

(robin on May 27, 2005 10:18 AM) i dont need to go out dancing anymore. i can just keep playing these videos at high volume cuz 1994 was my year too! or is states rights records selling a soundtrack? bye, willow!

(Morgan on May 27, 2005 10:41 AM) is this going to be on a dvd? ULTIMATE BLOGGER THE COMPLETE FIRST SEASON.

(Craig on May 27, 2005 12:05 PM) Jane, Jane, Jane. Mr. T is totally played-out. He's got a comic book coming out and everything. In short, he's clearly back on top of the world where he belongs. I'll tell you who's due for a comeback. Larry Wilcox. Estrada may get all the pub, but Wilcox was always the glue holding that totally non-homosexual partnership together. You could probably even secure an interview for the cost of a cup of coffee and a promise to post a headshot.

(Joel Conrad Bechtolt on May 27, 2005 12:10 PM) Craig- That may be the gayest (not homo, just gay) post I've read all day. You nerd. Wilcox? C'mon. BTW: Readers, Of course, there will be a DVD. The dudes don't stop working. Ever. Creativity makes their earth spin. I hope yours is spinning as well as mine is.. Take care all. Love, Joel

(Joel Conrad Bechtolt on May 27, 2005 12:14 PM) I am however, a C.H.i.P.s fan.

(Craig on May 27, 2005 12:47 PM) If loving a man who is best known for wearing skin-tight cop uniforms and playing second fiddle to his Mexican partner is gay then you can gay me up. Gay me up real nice. 4 posts in a row is totally non-gay and cool.

(Joel Conrad Bechtolt on May 27, 2005 1:09 PM) Craig, Forgive me. I get a little ahead of myself. That's all. Be as gay as you need to be. God knows I do! No offense. Still friends? I hope so. Love, Joel

(Joel Conrad Bechtolt on May 27, 2005 1:11 PM) I am currently wearing eyeliner and drinking a beer with the gayest man anyone could ever meet. Know this, gay mafia. I love all y'all!

(Joel Conrad Bechtolt on May 27, 2005 1:13 PM) BTW" If you don't mind, Craig, I would love to use "gay me up real nice", if you don't mind. That is so funny! -Joel

(Craig on May 27, 2005 1:34 PM) You may. Use it with pride. You know what kind of pride.

(Jona on May 27, 2005 2:02 PM) Joel, All you have to do is take a minute to read what you've written before hitting the "Post" button. Again, it's not the software, it's you making typos and trying to outrun Safari and the server, which are faster than you in this case...

(Joel Conrad Bechtolt on May 27, 2005 4:11 PM) Craig is so funny. Jona, sorry for trying to outrun anything, it's hard with a broken foot! My bad, that I keep getting upset about that message, it always strikes me as odd. I'm not sure if typos make it come up, though. I'm not sure what: "Again, it's not the software, it's you making typos" means. Hmmm. I'm a little slow, maybe I'll get it. So if I: A. Slow down B. Stop making Typos. and most importantly, C. Stop "trying to outrun Safari and the server". Then I won't see the thing that says the stuff. Still don't get it ,but I'm trying everyday. Love, Joel

(Steve Schroeder on May 27, 2005 5:09 PM) Joel, when posting comments you can't hit the "stop" button in your browser after you have already hit the post button. this is causing a lot of your double posting. posting comments is not the same as loading websites. it is not the software. and then when you hit post a number of times this message comes up to stop evil companies from barraging us with thousands of spam comments. how many times are we going to have to go over this?

(Joel Conrad Bechtolt on May 27, 2005 6:58 PM) Sorry Steve, I get it. Sorry to take time away from your day to make you say it again. When I don't know something, I ask people who do. I suppose there's a second part I keep forgetting: LISTENING! Duh. Thanks again. -Joel

(Luke on May 27, 2005 8:37 PM) Jona's wearing a DAAC shirt! Jona's wearing a DAAC shirt!

(Craig on May 27, 2005 11:04 PM) Blur...Pavement...Weezer...man, good times. Good times.

(Joel Conrad Bechtolt on May 28, 2005 10:01 AM) I agree with Craig on the Weezer and Blur thing. Good times. I actually see Stephen Malkmus from time to time in Portland here, but I never got Pavement. Maybe I need to give them another try. I like the challenge the UB boys have put together. I like, from time to time, to revist the past, and one of the cool things, is seeing mistakes I have made, and things I missed. (you know music, fashion, etc.) It's cool when bands you used to hate turn up cool, for new reasons. It's cool when friends you used to have, are still cool. It's cool when mistakes can be corrected. I like this challenge. I'm gonna go download some Pavement now and see what happens. Good to hear from everyone, thanks for your emails. Love, Joel Conrad Bechtolt

(Joel Conrad Bechtolt on May 28, 2005 10:10 AM) So far, I like these titles: Spit On A Stranger Summer Babe Love Is Lies Date With Ikea Intellectual Shit Give It A Day If anyone has any other recommendations, I'm game. -JCB

(Craig on May 28, 2005 1:25 PM) I like Pavement although they can be very hit and miss. If you want your hipster music-geek friends to like you you have to listen to Pavement. But then again, hipster music geeks think Radiohead are the end-all be-all and I'll never figure that one out. Slanted and Enchanted and Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain are both good. Try: Silence Kit Cut Your Hair (of course) Range Life Summer Babe (you've got that one already) Two States Fame Throwa No Pavement album is as good as Parklife

(Joel Conrad Bechtolt on May 28, 2005 2:29 PM) Thank you, Craig. I listened to the stuff, and didn't quite get it. I enjoy all types of music, but my job for the next 5 days requires me actually hanging out with Def Leppard and Bryan Adams, the antithesis of the shoegazing Pavement. I gotta get these goofballs (Def Leppard and Bryan Adams) in my life for a few days, and switching from listening to "Rock of Ages" to "Cut Your Hair", is kinda driving me nuts. I like the big rock spectacle. I am a shallow, shallow, phoney, man. Hey I'm trying to photoblog now! It will get better. Here's my first attempt: http://homepage.mac.com/straightup/PhotoAlbum27.html Love To All On This Beautiful Saturday, Joel Conrad Bechtolt

(Joel Conrad Bechtolt on May 28, 2005 2:57 PM) Gotta catch up? http://straightuptruth.blogspot.com/ Love, Joel Conrad Bechtolt

(Kyle Hasselbacher on May 28, 2005 7:03 PM) My usual non-player entry: Pop culture, 1989. This was a tough one, but I'm loathe to lose my place as the uncontested Ultimate Blogger.

(robin on May 29, 2005 12:53 AM) did anyone else notice that Crash's 90-something series was the perfect answer to this challenge???

ey babes, looks like Lyova is our first two-time winner of Immunity. Now that we're well down past the half way mark we're going to make some sentimental immunity pieces for the winners. For Lyova we have created the Belomagic Digital Nesting Dolls of Immunity. We hope the combination of cyber-future digitals combined with traditional Belorussian folk art brings a smile to his face, because his critique of the gossip form certainly brought a smile to our faces.

Again we had an amazing array of entries. Ritchey comes blazing in early with her intimidating one on one with Madam X, where a little reading between the lines speaks volumes. Willow threw caution and pseudonyms out the window and gathered an amazing amount of gossip. I was very surprised to learn new things about some of my favorite celebs (Mike Sho likes to eat Pirate Booty while watching movies? Man! That is HOT!). Then James steps in with his focus on our own Lyova. Truly some investigative work took place, and Lyova's true nature has been debated, argued, and fought about since his application first appeared. The introduction to Lyova's two friends was just too much. "Mmmmm... interesting..." has become the catch-phrase du jour here at UB HQ. It was great to see a glimpse of Mimi's past and her role in the ongoing role of Trumpington the gossip columnist.

So now comes the elimination. Lyova is safe, but the others are all at risk. After the vote we will only be left with 4 challengers for the most prestigious title on all of the internets; The Ultimate Blogger

Comments (16)

Comments on this Entry:

(james on May 26, 2005 2:57 AM) nice! congratulations lyova!

(Joel Conrad Bechtolt on May 26, 2005 6:45 AM) Congratulations, my good friend.

(Joel Conrad Bechtolt on May 26, 2005 6:45 AM) Good contest, guys. I like it.

(stedman on May 26, 2005 11:04 AM) i cant believe its so close to ending. what will i read whilst djing when it is over??

(hason on May 26, 2005 1:35 PM) no matter who gets kicked off this round I will be bummed.

(Adam Forkner on May 26, 2005 2:22 PM) yes it is down to my favorites the strongest now is when things get a little harsh, a little sad, and more than a little awesome

(Joel Conrad Bechtolt on May 26, 2005 2:41 PM) These guys are all great. Word up, Adam!? You gotta tell me what the fuck you were doing at Holocene with your set the other night. You were talking about sine waves and kHz, but I was too drunk to get it! Nice to see you and Honey, we should hang out and make dinner some night. Love, Joel

(John Johnderson on May 26, 2005 4:34 PM) He was taking about sine waves and kHz, and there is NOTHING TO GET! BUDDY Sincerely, John

(james on May 26, 2005 6:31 PM) i totally dig the sine waves...

(mimi on May 26, 2005 6:44 PM) I just lost my job. For real. Damn those gossips.

(freddy on May 26, 2005 6:59 PM) Honestly? Because of your blog??? That blows. Good luck, Mimi.

(Jenny on May 26, 2005 9:26 PM) Does James get to vote? There can't be another tie, right? What about next round? Are there plans for more ties? This is getting really really good. Thanks dudes. Mimi, that totally sucks. What is their reasoning?

(Joel Conrad Bechtolt on May 26, 2005 10:50 PM) Mimi, if this is true, I am so sorry. If you wanna talk, I'm here. Your Friend, Joel

(mimi on May 26, 2005 11:17 PM) Thanks. Yeah, cause of the blog. And because it led them to do a background check and find out my SS number belongs to a dead person. Nice. Another NY curveball. And the worst thing? My blog is no longer a safe place. I have to edit even the Mimi side of life now, which sucks more than anything else. Anything. Even the fact my personal trainer told me my butt is 2 inches bigger than is acceptable.

(robin on May 27, 2005 12:44 AM) 1. mimi, that really really really sucks! 2. has it not been already established on ultimate blogger that you have a great ass? your personal trainer can make you do more situps, but he doesnt get to tell you that you're too fat. 3. why would james not get to vote?

(Joel Conrad Bechtolt on May 28, 2005 3:39 PM) http://homepage.mac.com/straightup/iMovieTheater28.html

Glorious gossip throws our bloggers into the realm of hot internet rumor sites challenging them to post some "hot juicy gossip". We're not looking for fiction, but for some tantalizing rumors. So join the ranks of Drudge, Gawker, and help put Ultimate Blogger in the gossip map!

On a side note, we apologize for the server downtime. We're making changes and improvements and hope to have no future problems! I think due to the late posting of this entry and other harsh situations the entries for this challenge will be due on Wednesday May 25th, 2005 at 11:59 PM PDT as opposed to the normal Tuesday night.

Click here to view the challenge (14MB - MP4) Click here to download QuickTime

Comments (35)

Comments on this Entry:

(laura on May 23, 2005 11:06 AM) i love the naughty night vision! steve is so sexy!

(ritchey on May 23, 2005 11:09 AM) can you please tell me who got voted off? Was it me? I can't watch the movie at work.

(Craig on May 23, 2005 11:11 AM) Medya and Lois.

(ritchey on May 23, 2005 11:12 AM) jeez. phew. ugh!

(ritchey on May 23, 2005 11:13 AM) who got immunity?

(matt on May 23, 2005 11:13 AM) the use of the entertainment tonight theme is dead brilliant. DEAD.

(Kevin Erickson on May 23, 2005 11:19 AM) You guys emulated/parodied that horrible style so perfectly that it's freaking scary. I don't know how you'll top this one.

(Joel Conrad Bechtolt on May 23, 2005 11:24 AM) Amazing. Jona, if you're out there, answer your phone so I can tell you how excellent this video is. Sooo good. BTW: If anyone wants to see these brilliant dudes in person, and are going to be in the PDX area tonight, go to Holocene tonight (1001 SE Morrison St, Portland, 97214 - (503) 239-7639) I'll be there, you should be to, to see Y.A.C.H.T. and NYC's "Sightings". Good show, boys. I feel like a proud poppa/ crazy uncle/ fanboy. Go Team! Love, Joel

(Steve Schroeder on May 23, 2005 11:25 AM) ritchey, there was no immunity per se as the only vote was by you guys. so like...if you survived the vote...then you were immune. the specific order of the vote is revealed in the video.

(ritchey on May 23, 2005 11:27 AM) thank you, uncle.

(Steve Schroeder on May 23, 2005 11:34 AM) get it?? Immunity and More is what we said was at stake. We are sneaky!!! whoa. trip out that Jona is playing a concert tonight. i bet the show will be "weird." because i feel like a zombie, and i bet jona does too.

(Joel Conrad Bechtolt on May 23, 2005 11:54 AM) The cool thing is, you guys (Jona, Steve, Mikey) can do all this shit on autopilot. Zombies or not. You can't quit. You won't stop. You don't stop. I get a vibe of true creative genius from you dudes. No adversity will stand in the way of your, pardon the nerdy trekkie reference, "prime directive". I am so happy to breath the same air as you guys, and to be involved in any little way I can. Jona will kill tonight because he doesn't know how not to. Believe. Love, Joel

(james on May 23, 2005 12:42 PM) wow... that was the most incredible movie i've ever seen.... and i just watched back to the future IiI!

(stacey on May 23, 2005 12:56 PM) this game is boring.. everything is predictable. medya had predict by changin the rule he will be voted off... not nice to see him out .

(Adam Forkner on May 23, 2005 1:07 PM) i hate to be an egoist prick only talking about myself but i am also playing that show at holocene tonight. as WHITE RAINBOW. apparently even though the promoter was desperately calling me for days trying to get me to help him with this show, when i agreed to play as white rainbow (as opposed to the apparently more popular band i have with my apparently more popular girlfriend, World) he seemed less than confident the night would be off the hook. so i IM'd with jona and asked him if he would play too. he said yes. we ate vietnamese together it was fun. later that night my room mate mark burden agreed to play the show as SILENTIST, his one-man metal drummer and piano thing that he does. and that's who the promoter was trying to reach via me on the phone over and over in the first place sightings booking agent also forwarded me a message dismayed about the last minute billing of the show. seemed that getting bands to play with sightings, through the avenues of people in bands they had been previously trying, had been a nightmare. so thats when i stepped up, got jona to step up, and burden finally committed. apparently the band sightings is a great heavy psyche noise thing. they on the reknownd indie noise label LOAD (the label that brought you lightning blot and forcefield and all that fort thunder noise). but they are also from NYC, which could be a good or bad thing. NYC bands seem to be a bit out of touch or behind the times these days. we'll see. at any rate, the show will start at 930 or so, it will cost a small amount of money (for this "hot shit" touring band) and will be fun. YOU COME

(enjanerd on May 23, 2005 1:25 PM) Huh... Stacey sounds surprisingly like Medya. Look at it this way: If one person had won all of the immunity challenges up until this point, would you still be claiming that anyone was cheated by "changing the rules" after the fact? That person really should have the opportunity to win all of the immunity challenges, right?

(Joel Conrad Bechtolt on May 23, 2005 1:44 PM) WAIT! Again I spoke too soon. Turns out Stacey is not Medya. She's worse. She is a DMB fan. I had no idea what that was until I read her blog and did a little googling. I was thinking it was like IDM or D'n'B or something like that turns out it is, yup you guessed it: Dave Matthews Band. Now keep in mind, I have nothing against Dave. I find it pretty cool that a bartender dude keeps at it and finds fame late in life, but people, we have to agree on one thing: There is something weird about the guy's fans. For instance, listen to this from Stacey's "blog": "Just someeeeee oneeeeeee please shoot me I MISSED my DMB tickets and can't find any now. It just really blows. I posted on Nancies.org about getting some; the ones on TicketBAS...master sold out in like two minutes and otherwise just ERG. They're so expensive on ebay; the sites that are reselling them are selling them for double the price. There are probably some good lawn tickets left but I am not allowed to sit there.. yay overprotective parents. I had such a blast last summer and was really looking forward to being able to go again. I knew like half of the songs last year and well.. I've done my homework this time And with the new album coming out soon!So, here's my shout out to any random stranger from this region that might have 2 extra reserved tickets for Darien 7/27. I will be your best friend. I will love you like, forever. I want to go so badly. Rob said he'd take me, lawn tickets, but I still can't do that. Hah.If you're a DMB-hater, grr at you. Don't even bother saying anything to me. I know you're out there." (end quote) L Fucking O L No wonder. Poor girl. I've said too much now and will quit, but in the words of the unpalatable "DMB": "What would YOU say?" Ha Ha Ha, Joel Conrad Bechtolt

(Joel Conrad Bechtolt on May 23, 2005 1:48 PM) Adam, I'm there. Let's have a beer and shoot the shit. I feel your comments and hope you have a great show. Love, Joel

(medya on May 23, 2005 1:49 PM) it is really sad that somebody like joel always thinks about you to destroy you....you joel what did do to you ? and now you attack to my nation? kurds? what did the kurd do to you ? Kurds are not Sonny Muslems. I myslef am a Jew Kurd. Kurds in Iraq are not counted as Sunny. and mind that , in Iraq, Kurds are the only friend of the americans... and in kurdistan of iraq , no American Solider been killed from the first day of the war... Joel , I am sick of you, you are at least 30 years old ! if you have a problem with me thats ok ! but dont attack to my nation .... just look at Kurdish Cinema...a Kurdish movie that got Canne Festival Award was a pro american movie ! while you american yourself are anti-american -(like micher mooor) we kurds been your only friend... I am really sorry that you annoyned Stacey too. she has been my friend since 3 years ago. I am sick of this game ! I wont come back here to check stupid comments like joels and others....why you should be my enemy ? what did I to do you ? and I didny even check your movie... I tried to download it , it is so slow. Mice and Steve, If I had been elemniated as I had been given the same chance with others I wouldnt get mad ! ...but you were so unfair to me...this is my last comment, and i wont come back here. please EVERYbody stop talking about me and my nation. me and my nation have did a great help to you americans...! we dont deserve your offense. bye bye unfair game.

(Joel Conrad Bechtolt on May 23, 2005 1:50 PM) BTW: Jona will ALWAYS "step up". It's what he does.

(Joel Conrad Bechtolt on May 23, 2005 2:31 PM) Another question: Who is "micher mooor"? Do you mean Michael Moore? If you do, how is he "anti-American"? He is a questioner. a seeker of knowledge. He does not have an agenda, nor his mind made up. It is why he is always asking the hard questions. It sucks you live in a place where this is as foreign to you as apple pie. I feel that if your people died helping my people, that is a thing. Not a good thing or a bad thing. A thing. I wish no one had to die for nonsense. However, your people helping my people gives you no right to write the sort of emails that you wrote. THAT YOU WROTE. Be cool. Always. Chilly J

(hason on May 23, 2005 3:30 PM) joel I am so pleasantly surprised to see you being the voice of reason. I wish no one had to die for this nonsense too.

(hason on May 23, 2005 3:36 PM) can I modify it to "pretty much the voice of reason"? because curds are in cheese, but Kurds live in Kurdistan (like the Armenians, they get mad dissed/slaughtered and don't have a proper recognized homeland)

(Joel Conrad Bechtolt on May 23, 2005 3:55 PM) Hason, I was simply commenting on the fact that I don't know shit from shit, Kurds from curds, therefore couldn't possibly make a disparaging and/or educated comment on anyone's nationality. I only speak to that I know, which, has been proven, is very little. It was a bad joke, only intended to voice that none of my comments were of racist or nationalist origin. A dick, is a dick, is a dick. Jew, Kurd, American, Iranian, or Martian. That's all. Thanks for your comments. Love, Joel

(hason on May 23, 2005 5:30 PM) okay, I understand now. I liked how you invited him to stay at yr house and talk about stuff. things get mad inflamed on the hinternets. so important to breathe deep and stay cool.

(mimi on May 23, 2005 5:43 PM) Medya Noone's dissing your nation. People are dissing you. You are sick, unpleasant and need help. Go see a psychiatrist before you hurt someone other than yourself. And stop preaching politics you quite blatantly do not have the mental capacity to comprehend.

(Joel Conrad Bechtolt on May 23, 2005 5:49 PM) Nice Mimi, I dig, Wish you were here tonight...

(WuJie Shanghai on May 23, 2005 6:16 PM) Hey James, I see from your blog that its your birthday. Happy Birthday !!!

(Azure on May 23, 2005 7:04 PM) That new sidebar is so great and useful! Also, I just asked Steve if UrbanHonking gets $ every time we click on those google ads and he said YES. So, EVERYBODY CLICK ON THOSE GOOGLE ADS!!!! Help some dudes out! Be awesome!

(Jona on May 23, 2005 7:31 PM) Here's a real nice behind-the-scenes montage that Daniel posted on his blog last night: Click Here If you don't know about Daniel's blog.. get into it! He posts new photos almost everyday and sometimes TWICE a day. it won't fucking kill you Azure, thanks for the clicks! Real nice.

(gene on May 24, 2005 1:32 PM) Click. Click. Click.

(bennr on May 24, 2005 7:05 PM) how come i cant watch this entire video - it wont go further than the intro heard it from the left side!

(Jona on May 24, 2005 10:34 PM) Ben, I don't know! I just watched it in its entirety.. no problems. hmm.. Anyone else having trouble watching the video?

(Kyle Hasselbacher on May 25, 2005 5:25 AM) My usual non-player entry: link-laden rumors at Toehold.

(Karina (1 of 2) on May 26, 2005 12:36 AM) I don't want to post the obvious, but it was clear from the first challenge who was going to be in the first five. All you guys, KEEP IT UP!!!!. other guys, we're (I'm) still reading your way awsome blogs!!! Hate the hater's, keep ruling for the rest of us! Karina

All the power is in their hands. as they each make a list of the most deserving to the least. We will compile and post the net results. This is the most important challenge to date as 2 contestants will be eliminated!

What is going to happen? We cannot wait to find out!

Comments (41)

Comments on this Entry:

(medya on May 21, 2005 6:42 AM) thats not fair ! everybody was given Immunity ,when it comes to my turn you delet the imunity role... you could say "we dont give immunity to Kurds" at first ! during this competttion even though in some challenges I was the best , I never gotten the immunity ...and now at the end when everbody gets the immunity except me ... no Immunity will be given . thats discrimination.

(medya on May 21, 2005 6:45 AM) as we kurds been facing descrimination for handreds of the year , by our occupiers -arabs-turks-iranians- there is a kurdish saying for descrimination "you could simply say (I dont give ride to Kurds) than doing all this"

(medya on May 21, 2005 6:54 AM) this is nt the game I applied to play , in that game's rule never I read such a thing... you should better tell the players about the law before the game , so they dont feel discrimination , when you change the law

(Steve Schroeder on May 21, 2005 8:13 AM) Medya, There is no such thing as "turns" when it comes to immunity. It is just luck so far that no one has won immunity twice. Immunity was always given by a panel of judges you came to a conclusion of a winner. You were close to winning before. Lois is also yet to win immunity. There is no discrimination. How can you say this is not the game you applied to play? When you applied there were no rules stated. And when we started we explained how it would work for that week, never for the whole game. We have only given you more power in this game, so I don't understand the reason you are upset. Steve

(Joel Conrad Bechtolt on May 21, 2005 8:35 AM) Don't be a pussy, Medya.

(Azure on May 21, 2005 10:28 AM) Are you serious, Medya? Just because you didn't get what you want doesn't mean it was descrimination against Kurds. Also, you haven't yet lost immunity. Immunity hasn't been "deleted." The power of granting it has just been transferred -- transferred to YOU, the PLAYERS. So make some deals, or whatever.

(medya on May 21, 2005 12:53 PM) i dony say it is discrimination to kurds because i didnt get it . i say it is discrimination to change the law before it complete a cycle ! before it comes to my turn they changed the law, they could wait untill the cycle be completed then for the next round , you transfer those who choose the immunity to another . not just when it is my turn , or lois's turn you change the law.

(Steve Schroeder on May 21, 2005 1:01 PM) There is no such thing a "getting a turn", Medya. Immunity must be earned. There is no cycle. If we did it the normal way this week someone like Lyova or James or anyone who already won immunity could have won it again. It would not necessarily been you or Lois.

(medya on May 21, 2005 1:06 PM) you are right in this way but the cycle had to be continued until everybody has the the same chance . me and lois hasnt given the same chance... while I was close to get immunity before , but the chance postponed my immunity for the next challenges.... and now Me and Lois , have to be judged by super allience not the "former" judges who had given immunity ... well I am not gonna continue this discussion ...it isnt important to me at all. but you had to wait 2 challenge to change the law.

(sarah on May 21, 2005 1:33 PM) Medya, I like you and find that you have some interesting insights to share with us. But the reason you haven't gotten immunity yet is because none of your posts have been the strongest in a challenge. Nothing in the rules says that everyone gets a chance at immunity. As a 'viewer,' I have even felt that the judges were being overly nice in giving immunity. It could easily have gone to 2 or 3 of the same people a couple of times in my opinion. Theoretically, the same person could get it every time by being the best/most creative writer. It's not that you're not interesting and creative, you're just up against some seriously strong competition!

(josh on May 21, 2005 2:37 PM) The game's not SUPPOSED to be fair, Medya. No reality-based competition ever is.

(freddy on May 21, 2005 2:44 PM) Medya, what you say is clearly ridiculous. No one ever promised you or anyone else immunity. The entire point of immunity is that it is merit-based, and thus it inspires the players to do their very best. It is a reward for creative, inspired, thoughtful blogging. That makes the game better, because it makes the posts better. If it is guaranteed to every player, there is no reason for the players to work hard on their posts. If you have not yet WON immunity, it's because you haven't EARNED it by having the best post.

(Joel Conrad Bechtolt on May 21, 20