# Amazing Race Family 10/18 - "Think Like an Office Chair"

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazing-race-family-10-18-think-like-an-office-chair/326836>\
**Category:** Cafe Society\
**Created:** [October 19, 2005, 12:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazing-race-family-10-18-think-like-an-office-chair/326836 "2005-10-19T00:29:22Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 20\
**Page:** 3

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**Author:** ![Mama\_Tiger](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/6de8d8/32.png) [@Mama\_Tiger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mama_Tiger)\
**Post date:** [October 19, 2005, 3:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazing-race-family-10-18-think-like-an-office-chair/326836/41 "2005-10-19T15:00:04Z")

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> [@](#):
>
> Did anyone else notice the “Hours of Operation” sign at Preservation Hall? Imagine the chaos if they really did open at 8 p.m.!!

They really do open at 8 pm, and until Katrina they were only closed like two days a year. And people start lining up to get in by 6 pm, especially during the summer months. My guess is that since they left Hattiesburg by 8 am, and it’s only about a one-hour drive to the Detour site, they were at Preservation Hall by midday so could be there and gone well before the place actually started operating. I also liked the way they had the racers run through the front door to the hall and out the back into the courtyard, so they could get the musicians into the shot. It truly is the most artfully crummy building I have _ever_ seen _anywhere_. But the music is to die for.

> [@](#):
>
> I didn’t realize [the Schroeders] were from New Orleans, does anyone know how they fared with Katrina?

They lived in Lakeview, and evacuated to Shreveport where they stayed with the Rogers, and are now in a rental home in Baton Rouge. CBS went with them when they went home to see the damage, and it was pretty grim. They were, however, “lucky” in that their house only flooded waist-deep. So a lot of Papa Schroeder’s artwork survived, as well as family photos and such above the floodline. Freakily enough, he painted a picture a year ago of New Orleans as Venice; after the hurricane, he had prints made for all the other TARFE teams. Except it shows New Orleans as a happy Venice, with the parades taking place on canals and everyone happy, which is a nice thought. Their house will be inhabitable again, presumably, although it will take major work, obviously, thanks to the mold. (And no, I don’t know them, I was just concerned and so checked up on news reports and the CBS story about their return home.)

If the Weavers learned the Great Lakes as HOPES, they’d better accept that HOPES are what they don’t have any of in this race!

Even if the Gaghans only had 2.5 pedalers for the bicycle task, don’t forget, they’re marathoners (and the kids 5-10Kers). If any team could pick up the slack not having four good pedalers, it’s this team. I think they just have poor navigation skills, because they seem to do quite well at the tasks, but always end up arriving near the end for the next task.

Phil started saying “the last team _may_ be eliminated” a season or two ago, so the teams wouldn’t be able to assume they could coast on a non-elimination leg. I for one think it’s a great idea.

But overall, what got me worst about this episode? I moved away from New Orleans on **July 25**. That means that according to the timeline wizards (on TWOP and Tarflies), who put this leg as having happened July 14-15, **I COULDA SEEN PHIL!!!** I was living **TEN FREAKING MINUTES** away from Preservation Hall! **AAAAAAUUUUUGGHHHHH!!!**

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**Author:** ![Slacker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/6bbea6/32.png) [@Slacker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Slacker)\
**Post date:** [October 19, 2005, 3:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazing-race-family-10-18-think-like-an-office-chair/326836/42 "2005-10-19T15:02:35Z")

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> [@rockle](#):
>
> Speaking of which … is it just me, or has the Voice-Over said “last team to check in MAY be eliminated” for every episode this season?

Almost. On the first episode both Phil and the clues said “WILL be eliminated,” as the first episode is always an elimination leg. After that, it’s always “may” until the non-elinimation legs are used up.

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**Author:** ![Terminus\_Est](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/terminus_est/32/3087_2.png) [@Terminus\_Est](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Terminus_Est)\
**Post date:** [October 19, 2005, 3:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazing-race-family-10-18-think-like-an-office-chair/326836/43 "2005-10-19T15:02:46Z")

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> [@zut](#):
>
> The Paolos (up from “poopy pants”): OK; while watching the show, I had an epiphany about this team. As the season progresses, a _normal_ team will get more and more tired and cranky, more apt to snap at each other, and then get frustrated and make big errors. But the Paolos live like that _all the time._ They’re _used to it_. So this team still sucks, but as the season progresses, look for them to appear stronger and stronger in relation to the other teams, simply because Killer Fatigue has no real effect on them. They’ve inoculated themselves. Anyway, is their second place finish in this episode a harbinger of things to come? They were helped quite a bit by the errors of other teams (getting lost, wrong Detour choice, nabbing the wrong trailer), but that’s my point: when it comes to stupid, the Paolos are in their element.

A team that gets stronger the more they bicker? Sweet Jesus, I hope you’re wrong.

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**Author:** ![BigDummy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/ee59a6/32.png) [@BigDummy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BigDummy)\
**Post date:** [October 19, 2005, 3:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazing-race-family-10-18-think-like-an-office-chair/326836/44 "2005-10-19T15:19:27Z")

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> [@Mama Tiger](#):
>
> Even if the Gaghans only had 2.5 pedalers for the bicycle task, don’t forget, they’re marathoners (and the kids 5-10Kers). If any team could pick up the slack not having four good pedalers, it’s this team. I think they just have poor navigation skills, because they seem to do quite well at the tasks, but always end up arriving near the end for the next task.

Plus they again got a weight benefit on the bikes, with the kids being lighter.  
Carissa: “I wish my legs were longer”  
Dad (breathing hard): “So do we, honey.” Heh.  
Do they ever list the exact results, times and all, for these things? I’d just be curious about everybody’s times around the track.

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**Author:** ![jsc1953](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/5daacb/32.png) [@jsc1953](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jsc1953)\
**Post date:** [October 19, 2005, 4:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazing-race-family-10-18-think-like-an-office-chair/326836/45 "2005-10-19T16:06:54Z")

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FWIW, the optimum strategy when playing that weird blackjack detour would’ve been completely contrary to how you would normally play. Since you only make progress if everybody wins, nboody should ever hit a stiff hand. So you’re playing until the dealer busts 3 times, which should happen considerably sooner than playing until all 4 players beat the dealer.

Just thought I’d share…

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**Author:** ![Slacker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/6bbea6/32.png) [@Slacker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Slacker)\
**Post date:** [October 19, 2005, 4:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazing-race-family-10-18-think-like-an-office-chair/326836/46 "2005-10-19T16:11:31Z")

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> [@jsc1953](#):
>
> FWIW, the optimum strategy when playing that weird blackjack detour would’ve been completely contrary to how you would normally play. Since you only make progress if everybody wins, nboody should ever hit a stiff hand. So you’re playing until the dealer busts 3 times, which should happen considerably sooner than playing until all 4 players beat the dealer.
> 
> Just thought I’d share…

[You don’t say?](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showpost.php?p=6699832&postcount=17) 😉

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**Author:** ![jsc1953](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/5daacb/32.png) [@jsc1953](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jsc1953)\
**Post date:** [October 19, 2005, 4:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazing-race-family-10-18-think-like-an-office-chair/326836/47 "2005-10-19T16:14:16Z")

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> [@Slacker](#):
>
> [You don’t say?](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showpost.php?p=6699832&postcount=17) 😉

Crap. that’s what I get for scanning too fast.

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Slacker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/6bbea6/32.png) [@Slacker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Slacker)\
**Post date:** [October 19, 2005, 4:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazing-race-family-10-18-think-like-an-office-chair/326836/48 "2005-10-19T16:17:43Z")

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I’ll admit that your strategy didn’t occur to me while I was watching it though, so I would have done the same thing the families did (although actually I would have chosen the log saw anyway).

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**Author:** ![Nutty\_Bunny](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/d07c76/32.png) [@Nutty\_Bunny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nutty_Bunny)\
**Post date:** [October 19, 2005, 4:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazing-race-family-10-18-think-like-an-office-chair/326836/49 "2005-10-19T16:21:39Z")

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> [@Hentor the Barbarian](#):
>
> He said “Now it’s your turn.” Fairly clever, **within** the spectrum of frat boy behavior.

I could’ve sworn I heard “Now _ **show us your** _ \_\_\_\_\_.”, but I suppose that would be a ballsy thing to say in front of the girls’ father. However, these are the guys who make “fart” and “wide load” jokes.

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**Author:** ![ElvisL1ves](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/5daacb/32.png) [@ElvisL1ves](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ElvisL1ves)\
**Post date:** [October 19, 2005, 4:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazing-race-family-10-18-think-like-an-office-chair/326836/50 "2005-10-19T16:23:52Z")

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> [@BigDummy](#):
>
> Carissa: “I wish my legs were longer”  
> Dad (breathing hard): “So do we, honey.” Heh.

And when they were leaving, the others were complaining “My legs are tired”, and she pipes in with “MY legs aren’t tired!”. The kid knows exactly how far she can go before getting a pop in the snoot. Not a bad achievement by age 9.

Does anyone else think the route planners are pulling a passive-aggressive stunt in retaliation for not being able to go to Europe this time? A mobile home dealership? A guy named Les at a gas station on the highway? _PartyBikes_ (I mean who the hell thought that was a good idea?).

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**Author:** ![Robot\_Arm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/robot_arm/32/18280_2.png) [@Robot\_Arm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Robot_Arm)\
**Post date:** [October 19, 2005, 4:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazing-race-family-10-18-think-like-an-office-chair/326836/51 "2005-10-19T16:31:26Z")

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For some reason, I keep hearing this episode title as dialog from the old 60’s _Batman_ TV series.

> [@](#):
>
> “Think, Robin, think; if you were the world’s largest office chair, where would you be?”
> 
> “Behind the world’s largest desk!”

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Nutty\_Bunny](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/d07c76/32.png) [@Nutty\_Bunny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nutty_Bunny)\
**Post date:** [October 19, 2005, 4:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazing-race-family-10-18-think-like-an-office-chair/326836/52 "2005-10-19T16:37:50Z")

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> [@Nutty Bunny](#):
>
> I could’ve sworn I heard “Now _ **show us your** _ \_\_\_\_\_.”, but I suppose that would be a ballsy thing to say in front of the girls’ father. However, these are the guys who make “fart” and “wide load” jokes.

According to TWOP, the concensus is “Now it’s your turn”. Oh well. I guess that would’ve been a bit much for a family show before 10 pm.

Even though you hear “tits” constantly while watching “What Not to Wear” on BBC America. I’d like to hear Clinton and Stacey say “tits”. Like I said, I’m 35 going on 12.

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**Author:** ![BigDummy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/ee59a6/32.png) [@BigDummy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BigDummy)\
**Post date:** [October 19, 2005, 5:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazing-race-family-10-18-think-like-an-office-chair/326836/53 "2005-10-19T17:00:57Z")

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> [@ElvisL1ves](#):
>
> _PartyBikes_ (I mean who the hell thought that was a good idea?).

Come on. The looks on their faces when they got all excited about being in a race car then found out it was a bike? Gold, I tell ya. Genius.

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**Author:** ![Hentor\_the\_Barbarian](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/8edcca/32.png) [@Hentor\_the\_Barbarian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hentor_the_Barbarian)\
**Post date:** [October 19, 2005, 5:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazing-race-family-10-18-think-like-an-office-chair/326836/54 "2005-10-19T17:02:51Z")

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> [@Nutty Bunny](#):
>
> According to TWOP, the concensus is “Now it’s your turn”.

What, you didn’t believe me?

> [@](#):
>
> Even though you hear “tits” constantly while watching “What Not to Wear” on BBC America. I’d like to hear Clinton and Stacey say “tits”. Like I said, I’m 35 going on 12.

Hey, I like tits too. I think she should have complied. I also think it’s hot when girls moon people (especially when I’m one of them). The show needs more of that.

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![ElvisL1ves](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/5daacb/32.png) [@ElvisL1ves](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ElvisL1ves)\
**Post date:** [October 19, 2005, 5:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazing-race-family-10-18-think-like-an-office-chair/326836/55 "2005-10-19T17:05:39Z")

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I just checked the team bios at CBS and realized Bill Gaghan works for the same company I do (at a different location). His job is to keep Asian airline customers happy, and that ain’t easy. I knew there was some other reason I liked him, besides the kids.

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**Author:** ![Nutty\_Bunny](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/d07c76/32.png) [@Nutty\_Bunny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nutty_Bunny)\
**Post date:** [October 19, 2005, 5:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazing-race-family-10-18-think-like-an-office-chair/326836/56 "2005-10-19T17:18:11Z")

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> [@Hentor the Barbarian](#):
>
> What, you didn’t believe me?

No, silly. 😉 It was just that I was so incredibly sure that he said “tits” (I rewound). Since my last post, I’ve read more posts at TWOP and there are still plenty of people who are as convinced as I was/am.

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![ElvisL1ves](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/5daacb/32.png) [@ElvisL1ves](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ElvisL1ves)\
**Post date:** [October 19, 2005, 5:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazing-race-family-10-18-think-like-an-office-chair/326836/57 "2005-10-19T17:28:51Z")

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> [@BigDummy](#):
>
> Come on. The looks on their faces when they got all excited about being in a race car then found out it was a bike? Gold, I tell ya. Genius.

I meant, who the hell thought the PartyBike was an invention the world was waiting for?

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![BigDummy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/ee59a6/32.png) [@BigDummy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BigDummy)\
**Post date:** [October 19, 2005, 5:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazing-race-family-10-18-think-like-an-office-chair/326836/58 "2005-10-19T17:37:52Z")

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> [@ElvisL1ves](#):
>
> I meant, who the hell thought the PartyBike was an invention the world was waiting for?

Ah. But it’s always fun. I saw one on Blind Date where the driver got it going really fast, then over-steered and spilled the couple onto the ground hard. Many laughs to be had. But then again, I’m told I’m easily amused. 🙂

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**Author:** ![Barbarian](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e19adc/32.png) [@Barbarian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Barbarian)\
**Post date:** [October 19, 2005, 6:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazing-race-family-10-18-think-like-an-office-chair/326836/59 "2005-10-19T18:09:57Z")

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I had to pause my VCR when Mamma Weaver uttered her line about the great lakes-- and my wife blurted out “WHAT did she say?” Man oh man…

I loved the party bikes-- nice way to put a light touch on the race track thing, especially with the Weavers. I get the impression that the show had already locked into the location, but when they finalized the Weavers, decided to cut out the ‘do a lap in a race car’ challenge.

The Schroeders: Wasn’t that the team where the dad said “I’m in charge because it says so in the Bible”? And it’s nice to see they were wearing such high quality boas that the florescent pink ink comes off on your neck in the rain…

Godlewskis and Gaghans are not long for this race if they have to keep navigating. They just make poor choices. And that “crying is a release” comment, while crying in the post-interview? You’re getting on my nerves…

The Pa\*\*\*oles definitely have the luck of evil. But so much whining over a PAPER CUT?! Kid, I oughtta smack you one upside the head. Og help us if they ever get on a train, because it’s gonna wreck.

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Nutty\_Bunny](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/d07c76/32.png) [@Nutty\_Bunny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nutty_Bunny)\
**Post date:** [October 19, 2005, 6:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazing-race-family-10-18-think-like-an-office-chair/326836/60 "2005-10-19T18:25:28Z")

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> [@Barbarian](#):
>
> The Schroeders: Wasn’t that the team where the dad said “I’m in charge because it says so in the Bible”?

No, that was the Rodgers family. You know, the guy that, after being booted, blamed his son for his mistakes. :rolleyes:

> [@](#):
>
> Godlewskis and Gaghans are not long for this race if they have to keep navigating. They just make poor choices. And that “crying is a release” comment, while crying in the post-interview? You’re getting on my nerves…

How much of a baby was she?! “Oh, thanks for making me _CRY_!” Bitch, how old are you, anyway? That was pathetic.

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