Just Doo It

Team Doo's Cha Cha strikes a pose after jumping into the downtown Standard's swimming pool -- clothes fully intact.


In case you're just joining us, we're still shocked (shocked!) here at Franklin Avenue after discovering that there's a copycat race in our midst.

Some poseurs threw a wannabe race around Los Angeles last weekend. (Read here for the ugly detail.) Sound familiar? "Race/LA," which the LA Times wrote about Wednesday, looks and smells like our own "Mike's Birthday Race 2003" and "Mike & Maria's Halloween Housewarming Race 2004" -- straight down to the clue locations.

I've heard from many of you today, downright flabbergasted at our wannabe rivals. "You should sue 'em!" several exclaimed. (Actually, I think our pals at "The Amazing Race" oughtta consider that tact, considering these fakers charge an entrance fee for their little race!)

But hey, we're the original... and the ones with the blessing and support of "The Amazing Race" producers and stars. So booyah. I say.

And as Team Doo member Lisa writes in the comments below, "Just by judging them by their looks from their photos, (and what else would you judge someone by?) the Amazing Housewarming Racers were way more fun. And fun-ny, I might add."

Speaking of Team Doo, the group -- who nearly were eliminated from the race when a suicide jumper held up traffic on the 710 -- have just posted their pics here. Here's another sample:

Team Doo races toward Felix Chevrolet to find a clue.