May 3, 2007

Question:

Hey Bruce
Heiko101 Tuesday, 5:51 PM EDT
I was wondering
1. What were the tribe dynamics at the original older men La Mina and who would have been outed first.
2. Had LaMina lost their first challenge after the 2 new tribes were made, and you took Misty's spot, how would have things worked out?

Thanks!

Answer:

RE: Hey Bruce
I think Shane would have been outed the first. He was quiting cold turkey from 3 packs of cigarettes a day and 30 shots of espresso a day and did not like the bugs, rain, working all the time, and was out of his mind. The first 3 days were kind of a shock to him.
I would have loved to team up with Terry and LaMina.
Thanks for the questions.

Question:

Bruce
yrbkmom Tuesday, 11:59 AM EDT
Just want to say, I really loved watching you on your season. It was very upsetting when you got sick! I think you could have easily won the whole thing. I hope they get an All Stars 2 going soon you would be my top pick.

Do you see any parallels between teaching and survivor, and do you think that since you were a teach that is what prepared you for dealing so well with Survivor?

Answer:

RE: Bruce
Dear yrbkmom;
I taught High School, Law enforcement, Karate, and Backpacking for many years. The years of teaching, dealing with students, problem solving, patience, and getting screwed over many times is just like being on Survivor. You will have students, parents, fellow teachers, and administrators that love you and hate you, but if you are proud of what you do, have the integrity, and bring out the best in people, it doesn't matter what other people say or do. I never let anyone ruin my day.
I felt I could have won. I hope they consider to give me an interview if they have an All-Stars 2.

Question:

Much respect to you master Bruuuuuuuce!
Legend-41 Yesterday, 1:44 AM EDT
Hello Bruce, It's an honor to ask you questions in this blog as i'm a huge fan of yours and how you played in survivor and was rooting for you to win. 1.) You had made a garden to reflect and meditate upon, but the others had made fun of it, and thought you were wasting time on maintaining it rather than spending time with them. How did you feel hearing their ridicule of it, and why not tell them of it's purpose? 2.) You had that serious intestinal blockage that took you from the game, did you need an operation for it and have you found out what caused it? 3.) Finally, would you return for allstars2 or future season if asked, so you can show everyone your FULL game? Thank you Sensei Kanegai

Answer:

RE: Much respect to you master Bruuuuuuuce!
Greetings from Exile Island;
1. I built the zen rock garden to bring art and beauty to complement my experience and surroundings. It was a mental thing. I made it at the tide line, so each morning I would have to clean and remove the garbage and leaves from each high tide at night. It would clear my thoughts for the new day, for the competition, and strategy. I'm also, a strong Christian and I prayed every morning for Thanks, my family, and the safety of the Survivors. (Funny that I got sick and needed the prayers). Several of the players would pray with me before competition. I said Grace before our meal with snails, but some were offended. I said it anyway.

Also, I gathered wood every morning and asked if there was anything else to do before I worked on the garden. I placed some of the rocks to represent the islands on the horizon and I sometimes made patterns into the sand to represent the wind or ocean currents.

2. Your body goes into shock from lack of water, no food, then a lot of food. I also, had over 3000 bug bites and I was allergic to some of them. I got more bites than anyone else, I think the bugs thought I was beef teriyaki. So my body shut down, blocked up, including the urinary bladder. I thought my abdominal artery burst because my father died 2 years ago from it. It was more painful than my rattlesnake bite. The 5 hour boat ride from hell during the storm was incredibly painful even though I was shot up with morphine. The doctor stuck a catheter stuck in me and a quart and a half of urine exploded out. The doctor said, I could have died if it ruptured. I said, "if that was Johnny Walker Blue Label, I would be rich." The doctor could not believe I was joking at that moment. True story. No operation. I ready to compete, right now.

Strong spirit, Bruce

Question:

Early game and Late Game
xlawlor Tuesday, 8:59 PM EDT
Hey Bruce,
Love your stuff on SSB. I've a bit of a two parter. Early on in the game when there was no fire you used shirts to filter the water. In subsequent seasons they didn't even try it, how safe is it exactly and could this be part of the reason you got sick? When you left the game it seemed like you were a huge swing vote. Were you part of team Aras, Cerie, Danielle or would you have played it different? Thanks Xavier.
P.S. How good would it be to have an Aussie on Survivor?

Answer:

RE: Early game and Late Game
1. Most of the Survivors that are chosen for the seasons have very little or no outdoor experience. I have taken 100 groups on a backpacking trip. My first backpacking trip was in 1957 and I'm only 40 years old. In Survivor Cook Island and Fiji, I think they got it easier, especially with all the food. The water could have been part of my problems, but I don't think so.
2. I promised to vote for the Final 6 with Casaya and then, I was actually going to flip to Terry. I was always on the outside of Casaya because I spent the important alliance-making time on Exile Island.
3. I think they should have 4 international teams of 5, including the Aussies. The Aussie medical team saved my life, so I feel I'm an Aussie.
Thank you for your questions, Bruce

Question:

Chances
Imphotog Tuesday, 2:45 PM EDT
Bruce, Love your enthusiasm. My question is in regards to casting and your take on it. Since you are such a student of the game, (enjoy your blogs), what advice can you give to fans to help them with a chance to get cast for Survivor? Also, what is your opinion on recruitment versus applicants? I'll hang up now and wait for your response.

Answer:

RE: Chances
Dear Imphotog;
If you never apply or have a negative attitude, you will never have a chance at anything. Don't be corny, but bring out the uniqueness and enthusiasm of why you are the perfect candidate. It's selling yourself as a million dollar commodity. I also, painted my envelope that you can see on youtube Bruce Kanegai.
I don't think people should be casted or recruited to be chosen for Survivor, but only the real fans who love the show. I was one of the recent rare ones who actually applied and not asked to be on the show.
Dream Big, Bruce

Question:

After the "Hoop-la"
rinuki Today, 3:30 AM EDT
Dear Mr. Kanegai, (may I call you Bruce?),

Need I say anything more than thousands enjoyed your season! Yes, we know there were great personalities, many interesting relationships, many behind the scenes goings on... and YES.... the wino in the outhouse! (Oops, as I apologized to Mr. Bob "Dawg" Mason,) I meant "wine in the outhouse". (We all know you and BobDawg met the real "whiners" the very next morning..." )

Anyhow, I am wondering how many people from other seasons of Survivor you have met, and how many are considered to be friends?!? Survivor, (even though it is a game), seems to have a very strong bonding effect on people who have been involved!?! Is this true, or is it mostly among those who play one season?

(PS. Next questions... Who has the most fun at the get-togethers to watch "Survivor"?.... Where do you all come together?... Do you get invited to other season's finales?...)

You are awesome as a Survivor! Thank you for your time, and sharing yourself with us!

Answer:

RE: After the "Hoop-la"
Greetings Rinuki;
No matter how you can share the Survivor experience with, including spouses, your children, relatives, close friends and charity events, only those who were on Survivor can understand the emotional, physical, and psychological impact experience. I can just smile, wink, or give a thumbs up and we understand. I just admire the ones chosen and the fraternity between us. I have met many Survivors at many events.
I enjoy watching the show with family, friends, and especially other Survivors. It's hard to get together with many Survivors on a Thursday night since many work. (I don't), We have a blast when we are together. I hope to rendevous with many of them for Cinco de Mayo at the Whiskey-A-Go-Go this Saturday night. Misty Giles married Nick Holmes of the band Miser and they are performing Saturday. Everyone is welcome to enjoy music and party.
Thanks for being a great fan, Bruce

Question:

Bruce/BobDawg/Jonathan
warriorfan7 Tuesday, 9:09 AM EDT
Just wanted to say I think you guys are great. I sign on SSB to read what you have to say. I think the 3 of you would be great on Survivor All-Stars 2. How would you feel about playing with BobDawg and Jonathan? Do you think you could align and take it to the final 3?

Answer:

RE: Bruce/BobDawg/Jonathan
To the great warriorfan7;
It would be an honor and exciting to team up with the BobDawg and Jonathan, along with terry and Ozzy. After a few shots of tequila and Jack, we would be in the final 3 or think we did.
Practice hard, Bruce

May 1, 2007

Comment:

Bruce Daaaarling!!!
snizz81 Friday, 2:00 PM EDT Watch
I love you..My son (age 8) loves you...He was SO sad to see you leave (as was I)-he still talks about "that guy Bruce." I don't even have a question for you, my son just wanted me to let you know that he was rooting for you! I will say thank you though, for giving him a good role model in the fact that you "toughed it out" for as long as you could...
Toodles!

Answer:

Snizz81,
Thanks for being a great fan and give my regards to your son.

Question:

ravuman Friday, 4:27 PM EDT Watch
Hey, Bruce! You were my favorite on Survivor:Panama along with Bobby. So I wanted to ask what was your favorite moment in Panama and just what exactly happened when you and BobDawg got drunk in Casa de la Charmin?

Answer:

Ravuman,
I’ve had many favorite moments on Survivor. The skull puzzle Reward Challenge was a great moment, because the moment I walk up on the beach and saw the 4 skulls hanging, I knew whatever the puzzle was, I could solve it. I was an art teacher for 34 years and I just finished a lesson on drawing portraits and skulls. I noticed that the 4 skulls, each had a different zygomatic bone (cheek bone). We, the Casay Tribe was so far behind La Mina. Dan and Sally were already solving the puzzle while we were still untying the last piece. I knew the skulls had to face Jeff and the cameras and all I had to do was match one zygomatic bone shape and the rest was simple. We had the puzzle done before La Mina had one piece in. We smoked them and won the first food reward.
We weren’t drunk, but enjoyed the bottle of wine. The camera crew kept waking us up during the stormy night every 2 hours, so at 4:00 am we looked drunk. How do you look when someone wakes you up at 4:00 am? Thanks for the questions.

Question:

Greetings Mr. Kanegai
Stimpy_150 Saturday, 1:59 AM EDT Watch
There are alot of questions I would have wanted to ask you...but most of them were answered in some of your post-unfortunate-good-bye dismissal from the game.

However, there are two questions that I do have:

1) Your bond with Danielle....honestly I knew it was there, but when I saw you raise your hand at the reunion saying you still would have voted for her even over Terry...honestly as a viewer, we didn't get to see how that bond formed, nor why it would make you give her your vote, even over Terry.

2) And on this one, I really mean no offense, but when you got carted out of the game, I gotta admit I was thinking: 'okay, no food for awhile...buuuuuut....the merge tasties, the breakfast challenge you won...no offense, but you had to know you were getting 'backed up'. :)

I grant you, you've been a 'Survivor', and I can't cast aspersions on you for that... :)

Answer:

Stimpy
Terry (Captain America) was my favorite all-time person on Survivor with his integrity, guts, athleticism, and the way he was a natural leader. They shoot over a hundred hours for one 45 minute show. I was an outcast on Casaya because of Exile Island. Danielle saved me from being voted off and we spent a lot of time talking. I have a daughter, Danielle, so I watched over her, especially when Shane did one of his blowups. I just said I would vote for her. Terry was on the rival tribe, married to a wonderful wife, beautiful kids, and a famous pilot. I don’t know what his financial position is, but I thought I would support her like I said I would. I’m not sure if it was down to Terry and Danielle, which way I would have voted. If any of the Survivors won, I would cheer for them. I like them all.

This was one of the hardest Survivors because it took a long time before anyone won real food. When you have gone over 2 weeks without food, but snails and coconut, you will eat the next pet that walks by. So, after the 3 meals, you really don’t know if you are going to be blocked up, plus I thought the medical team would help. After you eat a big breakfast, lunch, and dinner (during Thanksgiving) you don’t worry about getting blocked. The most painful was my urinary bladder was blocked, they couldn’t land a helicopter (30 min ride), so I took a 5 hour speed boat ride from hell, shot up with morphine, and almost died.

Question:

Whiskeyyyyyy
bmac39 Saturday, 3:02 AM EDT Watch
Mr Bruce, you and big bad bobdawg always talk about throwin back a few shots of whiskey here and there. I would like to know how bombed you guys really get. Then I would like to know the last time you killed a bottle of JD and the story that goes with it. Yea....thats all I gotta ask.

Answer:

Bmac39,
I am such a low-weight when it comes to alcohol drinking, but I am a lot of fun to be around during any celebration. I enjoy a great bottle of wine because I lived in France and California, I appreciate a good quality tequila, whiskey, or the top vodka. I will toast with the BobDawg (he is hardcore) or any Survivor anytime. I had dinner and Jack Daniels with Jonathan and BobDawg a couple of weeks ago. If we cross paths, I will seriously, buy you a drink and toast together to Survivor.

Question:

Good Going Bruce
SusaSusa Saturday, 9:31 AM EDT Watch
Enjoyed watching you. What I have found in watching Survivor, is that many young people have no paitence with older people (contestants). That is sad. They are always talking about the older people behind their backs. Just bothers me a bit, because all those young people are heading the same direction and get old too. They will only wish they were as cool and healthy as you Bruce. Godo job.

Answer:

SusaSusa,
Most people have been in a Survivor or spent a long time with strangers. The young people bond quickly, but the sharp ones will always look for experience, wisdom, and advice from Seniors (especially those who have accomplished many things) and use it to there advantage. All successful people learn from the giants of the past. A 24 year-old only knows what they learned in 24 years. I like to learn from the greats of past history. The young group on my show did have a lot of experience, but no patience.

Question:

cook island
alm2457 Sunday, 12:43 AM EDT Watch
If you were doing cook island, and ended up on the same tribe with Ozzy (greatest physical competitor) would you be eager to want to vote him off, like Jonathan, Yul and Becky wanted too?

Answer:

Alm2457,
If I was in the final four with Ozzy, he would be the first to go, just like Terry. I would be campaigning hard and fast to vote Ozzy off. Both were amazing, athletic competitors, but why would you want to compete with them for the million dollars?

Question:

Ask a Survivor (Part 6.1)
BillyKam@Malaysia Yesterday, 10:53 AM EDT Watch Konichiwa (Hello), Bruce, the True Survivor’ Sensei is Back, hope you came strong in your’ life after you been left from medical reason, that so hurt from american’ heart. I have some of the question, hope the Sensei can fix it.
1) After you been left the game from medical reason, were you disappointed that you can’t finish the game? Or maybe this better than vote out from the other at Tribal Council.
2) After 'Survivor : Panama--Exile Island', did anything change or it still normal than before playing the game.
3) If you won $1 million, would it change in your life?
4) Who did you like the most at 'Survivor : Panama--Exile Island'?

Ask a Survivor (Part 6.2)
BillyKam@Malaysia Yesterday, 10:55 AM EDT Watch
Think for it, after you been on exile island on the game, you popularity just went to top, but you just step down and stay behind to play the game, I always hope you came up someday and win it, but …, hope you can went well in your’ life. Let continue for the question.
5) How did you feel in the game when you step behind whether that you really are the next to go?
6) At ‘Survivor : Fiji’, who did you think will make to the final three, and who will win? And who is your’ favorite along this season so far.
7) At ‘Survivor : Cook Islands’, Yul is the 1st asian-american to win the game, did you like this season so far.
8) If your’ wife allow you to make at all-stars edition, how did you plan it nice.
That all, and arigatou so much for answering for my’ question so much, wish you all the best in your' life.

Answer:

BillyKam2AMalaysia,
--I was devastated and disheartened for a moment in the hospital, because I trained very hard to get in great condition. I was in better physical condition than was portrayed. I was going to flip to Terry and ask Danielle and Cirie (and Courtney) to vote against Aras and then, Shane. Both of them are strong competitors so you want to get rid of them. I know that I would have been in the Final Four. I’m proud that I was never voted out.

-My life has changed in a whole new wonderful direction. I took an early retirement, because I was suspended by the school district for going on Survivor. I make many charity appearances throughout the USA, home-teach troubled kids, I’m writing a motivational book, a cartoon for TV, golf, photograph, and ski.

--$1 million dollars would change anyone’s life including mine. I had all the money spent while I was on Survivor. I was just going to buy one thing for me, treat 20 teachers, secretaries, and custodians to a trip to Hawaii, donate to my Karate organization, churches and temples, set up scholarships, adopt more children through World Vision, buy a car for a couple of my friends who need it, a spoil my wife. It was all spent.

--I liked them all and hope we find time to have dinner and toast.

--Your heart stops when your name is read.

--Yau-man is my favorite in addition to Earl. ( I’m starting to like Boo and Stacey)
I should have been the first Asian to win. I think Yul put a curse on me so he could have the title. I thought Survivor Cook Island and Fiji had it so much easier with the food and fruits available. They had more food on the first day than I had the whole time.

--My wife would not make the decision. I would go in a heartbeat. I am training everyday to stay in shaped. I’ll be 60 years old and I can still kick a** seriously.

Question:

Teaching vs SURVIVOR
SantaRod Yesterday, 12:26 PM EDT Watch
Bruce, I enjoyed your time on the island. Great job. So disappointing what happened. I am a teacher also. So much is said about how "we" do it because of our nature. I respect your decision to leave the profession; I would drop it in a heartbeat to be on SURVIVOR, but consider returning with the experience a plus in the classroom. Do you miss it or are you relieved to be out?

Santa

Answer:

SantaRod,
I love teaching….I have over 100 years of professional teaching in my portfolio, including 34 yrs High School Art, 15 yrs law enforcement officer survival, 19 year Backpacking, 40 yrs Karate. It is an honorable career and my hat is off to you. I would have liked to have taught 2-5 more years in the classroom. Since the school district suspended me and tried to fire me I quit. I finished off the semester with positive energy. I have a residual income from an internet mall franchising business that is doing very well.

Question:

Bruce... One of the All-Time Favs
CPTMAC Yesterday, 9:27 PM EDT Watch
Bruce, GLAD to see you on SSB, and also here... one of the BEST moments in recent Survivor history was you and BobDawg in Casa Del Charmin with the last bottle of wine... Here's my question.... Courtney seemed to really give BobDawg the "business" about that last empty bottle... certainly YOU didn't get off "scot-free"? Didja'? Tell us about the way that whole thing came down that morning... Did "editing" just leave you out of the conversation, or didn't anyone get your face about the empty bottle?

Answer:

CPTMAC,
Great question. I was confronted and admitted that I drank the wine. BobDawg was fed up with the girls, so he came back strong at them about the wine. It was classic. Doesn’t anyone who seriously watched Survivor wonder what happened to the other 3 bottles? Did anyone know that I was cutting up all the raw fish to feed the tribe in the rain for an hour? BobDawg came and did some cutting later. I was always on the outside looking in. No one told me they were saving the last bottle. I didn’t even know where it was until BobDawg brought it in (bless his soul). It was so dark and everyone went to bed in the shelter in the pouring rain. I saw there was no room in the shelter so I went to the dry outhouse to sleep. It was either BobDawg or me that was going to get voted off the next TC. I think that that was a classic moment in Survivor and I’m glad I got to share it with the BobDawg. I’m glad it was so tiny because he would have been up all night striking his poses.

Question:

life now
ferrotrace Today, 1:41 PM EDT Watch Hi Bruce,
I wondered what kinds of things you were up to now? I know your bio is pretty updated, but I was just curious. Thanks for blogging so much and answering these questions.

Answer:

Ferrotrace,
I hope some of my answers before answered your question. I’m traveling a great deal for charity and going vacation, I don’t like getting up before 9:00 am unless it is skiing, golfing, or photography. I’m home-teaching, writing, volunteer for charity, and building my internet mall franchising business. Thanks for asking.

Question; Hey Bruce, Will we be see you on another survivor since you got sick and was force to go to the jury? I think you should get a second changes.