re: ta'shia's symbol - my guess is that it is an apotropaic device meant to ward off evil spirits or a good luck/good spirit thing, but i don't have any authority on the matter

re: everything else.

interesting show! i think Don is a weirdo, but i like the other Alts so far. they do seem pretty smart. i think the challenge priveleges are very interesting, and i wonder if the Alts forced a tie on purpose to make Brent decide (or if they will do that in the future, if not this time). Wasn't too shocked about who was evicted, I figured it was him or the rude guy (I WAS shocked he didn't get even ONE necklace). I was a bit offended on Hamin's part (and i didn't even really like the guy) for Ta'shia going off on him. BECAUSE he's black he should somehow "act" black? (and particiapating in voodoo is a requisite for "acting" black or even appreciating your heritage?) Please. This is the type of thing that I fear keeps racism alive - the you must follow the herd, all agree on one viewpoint, all vote a certain way, because you are a certain color or whatever.

I don't fault any of them for not participating in the ritual, but was a bit surprised at how many did not. It IS part of the show afterall (although apparently they had no idea what they were getting into...so I can understand some initial reluctance to participate in favor of getting your bearings and taking in the situation)