Thursday, April 30, 2009

Survivor Tocantins: "They Both Went Bananas"

jackie's tv blog, survivor

The show has started here on the East Coast. I'll be updating this entry with major events while my review will be posted later on TV Squad. As always, the real fun here is down in the comments section. Everyone is welcome, beverages will be served, snacks abound and ... if you got your order in on time, dinner will be served. Or not.

Stephen won reward, sent Erinn (he considers her an ally) to Exile, took Taj and JT with him -- natural springs, feast. That leaves Coach, Debbie, and Sierra at camp. Coach thinks it's a sign that the Jalapao will stick together.

BWAH! WAH! Coach won Immunity.

Sierra was voted out. Coach laughed. Stephen got one vote, Debbie two, Sierra four. Erinn voted for Stephen ... perhaps because he sent her to Exile?

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

American Idol Results Show - 4/29

Jackie's TV Blog, American Idol

Although I'm watching Lost, I have the other TV on in sight (muted) and will be posting the results of last night's voting.

Danny and Allison are safe. The one going home will be one of these three: Adam, Matt, and Kris.

Kris is safe. So, either Matt or Adam will go home. Surprising that Adam is near the bottom, isn't it? I think it will be Matt going, but they haven't announced it yet.

It is indeed goodbye to Matt Giraud.

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

American Idol does The Rat Pack Era

Jackie's TV Blog, American Idol

Although I was too young (and non-existent) for the Rat Pack era when it was ongoing, it's a genre I've grown to love over the years. Going into tonight, I had high hopes for Matt Giraud as I thought it was a genre in which he'd shine. He sang "My Funny Valentine." Simon thought it was great, but my feelings were more along the line with Randy -- good, but something a bit off.

Danny Gokey has Gokey-ized me once again after some lackluster performances as of late. Adam pulled another Adam while both Kris and Allison had decent performances.

Here's how I'm seeing the voting --
  • Adam will be safe. Adam is always safe. Adam will win this season unless someone gets Bullwinkle to pull a rabbit out of his hat.
  • While I don't adore Kris, he has this Jason Mraz/John Mayer thing going on. That's very popular. Plus, he's as cute as a button, kind of reminiscent of Peter Brady. He will end up coming in second or third this season.
  • Oh, Danny Gokey ... if he keeps up with the sort of performance he had tonight, he will be number two to Adam. If he fumbles again, he'll be number three behind Kris.
  • Matt Giraud will go home this week or next. I'd be interested to hear what kind of music he does down the line. I like his jazzy style, but he's not going to last much longer. He reminds me of a new age Boz Scaggs.
  • Then there's Allison. I enjoy her voice and admire her ability to hang in there as the only girl and such a young one at that. I think she will go home either this week or next. But we won't have heard the last of her.
Who's your choice for the win? Or, if not your choice, who do you think WILL win? And who goes home tomorrow night?

Sunday, April 26, 2009

The Amazing Race - "Having a Baby's Got to be Easier Than This"

Jackie's TV Blog, Amazing Race, TAR

Yikes! We're down to the final four and the show is starting on time here! I'll be writing up my review on the episode later tonight for TV Squad, but important events will be posted here. As always, everyone is invited to hang out in the comments -- I hear it's an open bar this week. :-)

BTW - I hear it's blog commenter Sizzie's birthday ... I hope it's a great one!

ARGH! Jaime and Cara got to the Pit Stop first ... and the leg's not over. It's the "to be continued" episode.

TV Bits, Photography, Roofus the Cat, and Stuff

Welcome to what just might be the most random entry I've ever made. I mean, I'm talking TV, Roofus the Cat, commuting, spring, life, and the fact that my space key on my keyboard has decided it will stick today. Clicking on any of the images will bring them up larger in a new window.


Roofus the Cat enjoying the sunshine earlier this week.

TV: Yes! A&E is FINALLY airing the finale of The Sopranos tonight! They've been pussyfooting around it for nearly two years. Sure, I know what happens -- I've read about it and have seen clips of the end. But I want to see the whole episode. I swear I've seen every other episode of the series at least twice by now. No, I don't have HBO and I'm too cheap frugal to spend the money on the DVD set.


With a ton of rain in the past few weeks, mushrooms seemed to appear overnight.

Health: I swear my immunities have been lacking since my knee replacement. I seem to pick up every bug that comes along. I told you I had a killer cold last week. Now, I still have lots of cold symptoms, but I think allergies are kicking in as well. I wake up congested, sneeze a lot, and am taking too much over the counter stuff daily. Blergh. The replacement knee continues to do well; the other one continues to fail albeit with a bit of improvement due to the warmer weather (I think). The year anniversary for the replacement knee is only a few weeks away -- May 14th. Oh ... and this swine flu stuff can keep its distance from me, please. Thank you.


It's SPRING!

Life: Grr, the elevator in my apartment building has been broken for two months. They worked on it this week and it worked for a day. I feel like I'm living in the apartment from The Big Bang Theory with its never-working elevator. Yes, it's only a three story building -- four if you count the laundry room in the basement. But it's still a big inconvenience for me, especially arriving home with groceries.

On a better apartment living note: My really loud and annoying fairly new next door neighbors not only had their cars towed (they weren't paying for the parking privileges), but due to complaints from other neighbors they were served with a cure or quit notice regarding excessive noise. Nope, wasn't my doing! Now I only know they're home when they allow their toddler to kick my dining room wall until I kick back.


Two trains head at each other, thankfully on different tracks.

Commuting: I took this photo as my train was stopped at a station and another one was arriving on the other track in Dunellen, NJ. The fluorescent lights and luggage racks are the reflection from inside my train. Yes, it's MY train. NJ Transit just won't recognize that fact.


MY train is fancier than theirs.

Commuting: Nah, not really. The engine on the back (there on engines on either end so the train needn't "turn around") is the same as on the previous image. I'm still not getting the fancy-schmancy double-deckers too often on my commute.


Oh! Boarded-up windows and police barriers on one of Roofus's rooftop buildings!

Life and Roofus: The window coverings appeared almost as quickly as mushrooms, along with a PD saw-horses and "do not cross" tape. I can no longer see through the building from the front. However, the back and part of the roof is all still crumbling away and open. I think they plan to take down the marquee there as it's starting to really strain at the lions' heads. But it's been like this for a week now. I don't know what's up. I just know that Roofus the Cat doesn't seem to be affected by it.



Next stop, Suspicious Acts, NJ. Really ... that could be anywhere in the state, right?

TV: To whomever is responsible for the television ad campaign for tourism in Canada, stop it. I mean it. Stop it now. Have you seen these commercials? They have to be the absolutely-freaking-most-annoying ads I've ever been subjected to. Well, perhaps those Head-On ads were worse, but ...! I don't want to hear people screaming. I just don't. What if blind people are tuned in? They'd have no idea that folks are screaming because a seal swam by. Sheesh. Boycott Canada until these ads are GONE!


Have I mentioned it's spring?

TV: I tried getting into Harper's Island, but dropped it off my viewing list on rather rapid order. I just don't care about the characters -- I think I'd off a few of them myself just to see them die. If I want to waste my life watching overly dramatic deaths, I'll get out my old videotapes of Halloween or something. Yes, I like murder mysteries, but this show just isn't my cuppa. On the other hand, I've been watching Southland. I enjoyed Third Watch by the same folks behind Southland. So far I'm not as totally into the show as I was Third Watch or Homicide, but it's keeping my interest.



More banks will probably become nightclubs as the recession continues.

Life: Even with the recession, I'm working more hours than ever before on my job. That is good as (a.) I'm gathering hours for my FMLA leave requirement for a second knee replacement and (b.) I can use the money. The side writing gigs have taken cuts over time. I'm glad I didn't foolishly quit my job and think I could make it freelancing for a living. In just two years I can see what I can get in my early retirement package and then consider whether that and writing gigs will work.

But chances are, I'm going to have to keep the day job for many years to come. At least, in this economy, I have a proven track record with the company (almost 30 years) and about as much job security as a person can have. The company is stable and I'd have to do something incredibly stupid and out of character to get fired.


Roofus is sleeping on that windowsill once again.

Roofus and Stuff: The people in that apartment have noticed Roofus. I saw them peeking out the window for him -- either that or they were checking for birds. They weren't looking at the street or the train station. And, one day, I saw them open the window and put something out on the ledge. I believe it was food. So far I haven't seen the person and Roofus at the same time. I'm thinking that Roofus probably avoids humans as much as he avoids everything other than rooftops, balconies, windowsills, and birds.

I've seen more of my alma mater this weekend than I have in years. That Craigslist killer guy did his undergraduate work at SUNYA. Well, nowadays they call it U of Albany or something like that. I always said the pre-med students there were a bit too intense. Me? I studied English. That's always great for landing a job later on, right?

It's going to be in the 90s here today. I call RIDICULOUS! I want spring. I don't care for really hot temperatures. I like spring and autumn for the daytime temps in the 70s. It's like we've gone from winter to summer. Sigh. I refuse to go out.

I'll be returning later with The Amazing Race. Can you believe we're down to the final four? Yikes! I hope you all can stop by!

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Survivor Tocantins: "It's Funny When People Cry"

jackie's tv blog, survivor

Without even seeing the show yet, I would guess that has to be Tyson's line (the episode title). I want Coach gone, I want Tyson gone.

The show has started here on the East Coast. Everyone is welcome to gather in the comments area for snacks, beverages, and show talk! I'll update this entry with major events as they air. My review of the show will be posted over at TV Squad later tonight. Let's see if Sierra can make a comeback!

JT, Erinn, Tyson, and Deborah won reward -- local entertainment and a feast. JT told them to send Stephen to Exile. He told us he didn't want Sierra to find a second idol if there is one.

Debbie won Immunity. At least it wasn't Tyson.

Woohoo! Taj flipped it again -- TYSON was voted out!

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

American Idol Results Show 4/22

Jackie's TV Blog, American Idol

Not surprisingly, Lil Rounds is the first to go tonight. I'm watching Lost, but keeping tabs on AI in the background. We have one more going home tonight. I'm thinking it will be either Anoop or Matt. But I'll let you know!

They're doing the bottom three for the second boot. Anoop is in the bottom three. Now Allison has joined Anoop. One of the two will be going home.

Allison is safe. Anoop is going home.

Sunday, April 19, 2009

The Amazing Race: "Our Parents Will Cry Themselves to Death"

Jackie's TV Blog, Amazing Race, TAR

Oh my. The show is starting on time here on the East Coast tonight. Once again, I offer my apologies for not posting a lot. I'm still working extra hours at work and have battled a cold since Tuesday. It's not a serious cold per se. But every time I go to bed, my sinuses and throat fill up with ick. Therefore I'm hardly sleeping. And due to working extra hours (which I must take as I rarely am offered them), I'm going around groggy-headed this week. Blech.

Anyway ... onto the show. My full review will be posted later tonight on TV Squad and everyone is welcome to party in comments!

Pit Stop -- Three teams arrive almost all at once --
1. Jen and Kisha -- won a trip to Barbados
2. Tammy and Victor
3. Margie and Luke
4. Cara and Jaime

Explosions betweeen Margie and Luke at the Pit Stop.

Mark and Michael last, Philiminated.

Thursday, April 16, 2009

Survivor Tocantins - "The Biggest Fraud in the Game"

jackie's tv blog, survivor

The show has started here on the East Coast. While my full show review will be posted at TV Squad later tonight, I'll update this post with the major events as they air.

Of course, the real fun is in the comments! Join on in!

Brendan, JT and Debbie won reward -- whitewater rafting and a picnic. They sent Stephen to Exile Island (alone).

Tyson won immunity again.

ARGH. They listened to Coach! Brendan was voted off. ARGH!

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

American Idol Results - 4/15

Jackie's TV Blog, American Idol


Although I'm watching Lost, I'll update this with the big events which I can see on a muted TV in the background ...

Allison and Adam are safe. Anoop is in the bottom three. Kris is safe, Lil is bottom three. Danny is safe, Matt is bottom three.

Anoop was sent back -- Lil and Matt are bottom two.

Yikes. Lil is safe and Matt has to sing for the judges.

THE JUDGES USED THE SAVE ON MATT! Next week, two will be eliminated if I'm remembering right.

Sunday, April 12, 2009

The Amazing Race - "Rooting Around in People's Mouths Could Be Unpleasant"

Jackie's TV Blog, Amazing Race, TAR


Argh. Due to golf, the show is way delayed once again. 60 Minutes began at 7:39 PM ET here in the NYC area. So I don't expect TAR to begin until around 8:40 PM ET (or so). Once it starts, this post will be updated with the major events and my full review of the show will be posted over on TV Squad. Everyone is welcome to join in with comments!

8:38 PM ET -- we're starting!

Pit Stop
1. Margie and Luke - won a trip to Puerto Rico
2. Jaime and Cara
3. SORT OF Kisha and Jen, but they can't be checked in without their travel documents which they left at the Roadblock. They must go get them and have no money.
3. Tammy and Victor
4. Mark and Michael -- But they have a four hour penalty (two two hour penalties) for using their personal possessions to pay for cabs.
4. Kisha and Jen
5. Mark and Michael - 3:10 penalty time, got checked in. It's a non-elimination leg, so they're still in the race. The time remaining on their penalty and the speed bump await them in the next leg.

Happy Easter!

Jackie's TV Blog, holidays

Although Zoetawny has so much going on in her life right now, she took the time to make us an Easter logo for the blog. She does rock! I hope everyone has a good holiday.

Plus, I want to share some pictures I've taken during the week of our favorite roof cat, Roofus -- (clicking on any of the images will open them larger in a new window) --


Roofus on the move.

Roofus checking out the window.


Roofus thinking about the birds on the fire escape railing.


Whoa! I usually don't see Roofus when I return home from work (it's a morning thing), but there he is all curled up on the windowsill. This is the view from the train station.


Windowsill Roofus from ground level.


Windowsill Roofus from ground level zoomed a bit.

Thursday, April 09, 2009

Survivor Tocantins: The Dragon Slayer

jackie's tv blog, survivor

Welp, according to the promos, the merge is on tonight! The show has started here on the East Coast. While my full show review will be posted at TV Squad later tonight, I'll update this post with the major events as they air.

Of course, the real fun is in the comments! Join on in!

The merge has gone down and they're pigging out ... er, eating.

Tyson won the first individual immunity. Jeff is making Joe get his infected knee checked by medical.

No one will be voted out tonight -- Joe was evacuated due to his leg.

Wednesday, April 08, 2009

Quickie American Idol Update -- April 8 Results

I'm actually watching Lost, but have a second TV muted in the background. The bottom three are: Anoop, Scott, and Lil. That's pretty much what I thought it would be although I had Kris in there instead of Anoop.

I think it's a toss-up who goes home -- Scott or Lil. I'm thinking Lil. I'll update this post with more results soon.

Whoops! I was wrong there. Lil was the one they sent back first. It's between Anoop and Scott and both Lost and AI are in commercial at the same time. Grr.

Scott and Anoop were separated by only 30,000 votes in the bottom two. Anoop is safe, Scott is singing. I know this sounds mean, but I hope the judges don't save him.

And they didn't. Bye-bye Scott MacIntyre.

Tuesday, April 07, 2009

American Idol - The Top Eight Sing

Jackie's TV Blog, American Idol

Tonight the final eight sang songs from the year of their birth.

Gosh, I feel old.

Overall, I totally agree with the judges about Lil Rounds version of "What's Love Got to Do With It." She was imitating Tina Turner rather than anything else -- down to the outfit, the heels, and the moves. I think she's going to be in trouble.

I think it could be time for Scott MacIntyre to go if Lil doesn't. For me, he's the same week in and week out whether he has a guitar or a piano. Kris Allen also had a weak performance tonight, but I think it will be between Lil and Scott going home. Anoop rebounded.

The best performances of the night came from Allison Iraheta, Matt Giraurd, and (sigh, it pains me to say this) Adam Lambert. I was truly impressed with Matt, in particular. However, Adam's performance was very theatrical and we know he's not going anywhere but to the finals even though I don't like a lot of what he does. He did do a good job on the record-selling performance side of things and that's what it's all about. Danny Gokey was good tonight, but more middle of the road.

I looked around for songs from my birth year that I would sing if I could sing. Although the date says the next year, this was actually released and a hit in my birth year:



I remember singing this one in the car with my brothers and father. My father could really sing it well. The other song I'd want to sing from that year would be "Folsom Prison Blues" by Johnny Cash if only for the line "I shot a man in Reno just to watch him die."

Is there a song from your birth year you'd sing (if you could sing)? I just Googled my "songs from" and my year of birth. Because ... obviously I was too young to remember them.

Sunday, April 05, 2009

TV, No TAR, and Stuff


Now, there's some New Jersey love if I ever saw New Jersey love, eh? Actually, it's rather foolish placement of an advertising sign with its bottom half behind the bench at the Dunellen (NJ) Train Station. The bottom half is WPIX Channel 11 Morning News. (Clicking on any of the images will open them larger in a new window.)

Onto some TV doings --

I was a bit disappointed that Bonnie Hunt didn't have Mike and Mel from The Amazing Race on her show this week. I could have gone without seeing Christie and Jodi the week before. I'm at work while The Bonnie Hunt Show is on, but I record it every day. Buddy TV ran an interview with them. I'm surprised to hear that Mike is a vegan and barely ate during the race. Here I was feeling all kinds of sorry for Mel due to his age and injuries (yet amazing perseverance) and Mike's not eating! I find it interesting to see that they thought Margie and Luke are more sneaky a team than shown.

I did watch Lost this week, but found it a bit confusing. I was tired when I watched it. Perhaps my mind just wasn't working quite right. Maybe the Lost Entangled will help me out.



I watched the finale of Life on Mars and got confused by that, too. A mind is a terrible thing to lose. Okay, they're really from Mars and it was all just a mission? Odd.

Taj needs to stop taking chances on Survivor! After all, she's my castaway in the blog pool! Sheesh!


Roofus was fast asleep in the gloomy fog near the Plainfield Train Station yesterday on my way to work.


Although it's been a bit on the cold side most days, spring has sprung. Achoo!


I walk this empty street
On the Boulevard of Broken Dreams
Where the city sleeps
and I'm the only one and I walk alone
-- "Boulevard of Broken Dreams" by Green Day

I thought the song went nicely with the photo I took walking to the train station pre-dawn ... which I did a few times this week. Every Monday lately, I've been going in early to work and I had to a few other days, too.

There is no Amazing Race nor a Cold Case tonight. But I'll be writing up my Reality Clack column for CliqueClack TV and I have an article in mind for TV Squad, too. At least I won't have the pressure of writing up two shows knowing I have to get up before 5 AM.

Thursday, April 02, 2009

Survivor Tocantins: "One of Those Coach Moments"

jackie's tv blog, survivor

The show is starting! While my full review will be up later over on TV Squad, this post will be updated with major events. Everyone is welcome to join in on the fun in the comments area!

Timbira won reward -- BBQ at a waterfall. From Timbira, Joe went to Exile Island and chose Erinn to go with him.

Timbira won Immunity.

Sydney was voted out with the Stephen, Taj, and JT alliance voting her.

Wednesday, April 01, 2009

American Idol 4/01 Results Show

Jackie's TV Blog, American Idol


My apologies for the lack of updates the last few days. I've been a bit under the weather and overworked at the same time. Yes, I believe I've become a zombie.

In the bottom three tonight are Megan, Allison, and Anoop. Based on last night's performances I think it will be between Anoop and Megan leaving ... most likely Megan. I'll update this when they announce it.

Allison is safe. Anoop is safe.

Megan is going home.