http://popwatch.ew.com/popwatch/2009/02/phil-keoghan-bl.html

What can I say? Season 14 is officially under way. It's actually pretty crazy to write season 14. I think we’ve really outdone ourselves this time around and also performed some spring-cleaning, if you will. We freshened up the graphics, the music, the maps, and we're letting the show breathe a little more when we have the opportunity to show off the spectacular places that we travel to each week. Maybe a little less airport process and a little more postcard moments.

Love our cast...so diverse and colorful, including our first-ever deaf contestant, a pair of Harvard grads, a carpenter, a jockey, former NFL cheerleaders, a Hollywood screenwriter and even a gay rights activist/minister. Of course, the other big stars of the show are the locations, including first-ever stops in Siberia and Romania. Because we never repeat ourselves by going back to the same locations, we have endless opportunities to keep it fresh. We have tons of drama, adventure and even a few occasions where I was forced to mediate several Mat meltdowns.
The Joint Forces in Los Alamitos, Calif. came out in full force to support us with two massive military helicopters. While flying into the start of the race, the teams were treated to a couple of spectacular rainbows. A good sign that we had a golden opportunity to create another Amazing season.
As always, the adrenaline started pumping right from the start. The teams have been waiting in anticipation for months or, in the case of Luke, who has been an avid fan since season 1, years. They all have a ton of built-up energy and they're eager to start the race. As I always say, the world is waiting for you.
Right out of the starting block our oldest racer, Mel White, suffers a groin injury. Not a great way to start the race, but something tells me he's not going to throw in the jock strap just yet. When it comes to comedy, the Whites are going to be the kings this season.
People ask me if I ever grow tired of racing around the world with the teams. But how could I when everything is so unique every time we make the journey. This isn't like going to the same old studio where you can guarantee 69 degrees and perfect weather. Just like the teams, we have to be ready for anything.

Speaking of unpredictable, Switzerland took us to a whole new level of mayhem. You know you're capturing classic television moments when all around you people are yelling out "watch out for the flying cheese." The locals lost it. The teams certainly lost it. And to be perfectly honest with you, no one in production knew what might happen next. Thank goodness for those fences or who knows where those cheese bombs might have ended up.

Personally there are many special moments that I will treasure when I look back on my time hosting The Amazing Race: Gus during season 6 when he pays tribute to his ancestors; Ian from Season 3 remembering his time in Vietnam. But being able to sign to Margie and Luke that they were team #1 on the first leg and knowing how much it meant to him makes this one of those moments I will never forget.