Last Week's Hits, Misses and Somewhere In Betweens

Not in an particular order, these are the shows I watched and enjoyed last week...

The HITS

HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER -- This is one of the few half hour long format sitcoms I'm really watching these days. The half hour sitcom has fallen out of favor with me since, oh ... perhaps the 'Seinfeld' or 'Mad About You' days. Not 'Everyone Loves Raymond', y'know. But I am enjoying 'How I Met Your Mother.' Neil Patrick Harris is a standout in his role of Barney and I love to watch his character's lines steal the show. This week's episode introduced a new love for Ted. Will it be the one? Well, of course not or the show won't have a premise! Sheesh! Once he meets his wife, it's all kind of over. If you're looking for something fun, lighthearted, cleverly written ... suit up! And, watch the show. If you go to the website for the show, check out Barney's Blog. What's scary is that I think I know a few guys like him. Yikes!

LOVE MONKEY -- What can I say about this one? It's the second episode and I'm hooked. Tom Cavanagh is perfect for his role; the NYC scenes are realistic and not filmed in Hollywood or Toronto; the music scene is lively; the characterization works; the cast is diverse (like the real world) without being exaggerated on a stereotypical level. While the premise of the show is Tom looking for love, most likely in all the wrong places, the show's story revolves around the music scene and just plain life, as well. Love it!

AMERICAN IDOL -- Oh, such a guilty pleasure, I know! Call the audition shows a freak show, whatever, I'm entertained. Simon's lines often crack me up when the worst of the horrible are auditioning -- he says what I think but I'm too polite to say. Well, sometimes he's a bit more harsh about some things such as weight. But when he talks pure singing talent (or not), he's spot on! I get a kick out of the auditions as much as I do once the finalists come forward.

Other Hits: 'C.S.I.' - 'Without a Trace' - 'Law and Order: Criminal Intent'

The SOMEWHERE IN BETWEENS

LOST -- Well, this was better than the last episode which I panned as a Miss in my last Hits and Misses entry. But, still... more questions raised, nothing answered. We're off on new tangents (save the baby!) while not addressing much of past issues with the exception of Charlie's drug background. I was entertained. It kept my interest. But they really have to start addressing some of the previous mysteries and stop just introducing new mysteries. It's starting to remind me of a bad novel I wrote in the 80s in which I had all these fantastic ideas and couldn't wrap up the plot at all.

C.S.I.: NY -- This is usually a "catch on the rebound" show for me. I tend to watch the reruns or every now and then tape the show as it's against 'Law and Order', but this past week's 'L&O' was a rerun. I like the show. I was initially put off by it as I'm a NYC purist. If you're going to have a show set in the city, it should be filmed in the city. (Plus, it's neat to see the shows filming on the streets!) Also, in its first season they had that dark gritty blue tint to the show. I felt like I was wearing blue sunglasses while watching it. I still can't watch those early shows in that odd tint and darkness. This week's show was based on the "sport" of subway surfing which really wasn't. I thought the TWU should be thrilled about how their conductor was portrayed. Heh.

The MISSES

THE FOUR KINGS -- I had it on in the background, but it didn't even catch my interest. Instead I ended up reading. As much as I want my unrequited crush on Josh Cooke (darn, he's a cutie) to work, the show is just not entertaining me.

*****************************

I watched other shows and still have a few things I taped which I must watch. One show I taped which is in an absolutely horrible time slot is 'Crumbs.' It's the kiss of death to put that show against 'The Office' and 'C.S.I.'. I wanted to take a peek as it's got Jane Curtain and Fred Savage in the cast. It sounds like a nice sitcom (unlike that recent one with Henry Winkler!) and I want to give it a go. But, geez... ABC... get it out of that time slot!

What did you watch and enjoy this week? What did you watch and wonder why you were wasting your life on "this"? Tell me! :-)

The Best? The Worst? 7000 Channels and Nothing Good On TV?

Oh, I know the photo has nothing to do with television, but I always feel I should have some kind of image there. And, the model was kind enough to sit still for me to take it.

Later on tonight, I'll be posting the East Coast Update for the So You Think You Can Dance results show. It starts in about an hour here (9 PM ET) and I'll have the results posted by 10 PM ET for those who wish to discuss the show or those folks from other time zones who just can't wait to know who got the boot this week. I personally think Cedric, although he's a dear, might be going. But I haven't a clue about the girls.

However, that's not why I brought you here. No, really. Hey, look at the title of the entry! AOL had one of their polls about the best and the worst on television this past season. TV Squad picked up on that with an article. I thought it would be interesting to see what you guys thought as compared to both AOL and TV Squad readers. My own favorites certainly differ from their results.

For Best Drama, the AOL visitors chose House (29%) with Grey's Anatomy on its tail (28%). Heroes and Lost tied at 17% each. The Sopranos got a paltry 9%. Hmmm... I think my favorite drama this year was my workplace. Er... ahem. No, my personal favorite drama this season was Heroes. Lost lost out because the "fall season" was not so good for me.

In the Best Comedy category, AOL visitors chose Ugly Betty (30%), The Office (28%), Two and a Half Men (26%), How I Met Your Mother (9%), 30 Rock (7%). My own personal sitcom watching is a bit at a low ebb the last several years, but I'd have How I Met Your Mother on the top of my list. Neil Patrick Harris as Barney is a hoot! Suit up as we head to the next category!

Ohhh.... Best Reality Show! AOL visitors chose American Idol (39%), Dancing With the Stars (28%), The Amazing Race (15%), America's Next Top Model (10%), Project Runway (8%). What? No Survivor? Oh, no they didn't...! I think this season's Survivor: Fiji was one of the best in years and I have to put my Yau-Man Chan in there. I wasn't so thrilled with The Amazing Race this season as I'm not too keen on "all-stars" versions of reality shows, nor was I overly thrilled with the "all-stars" they chose.

Best New Show was next. Well, the AOL visitors got one right, methinks. They chose Heroes (38%) and so do I. Ugly Betty (32%), Jericho (12%), Friday Night Lights (11%), and 30 Rock (6%) filled out the poll. Gee, where's National Bingo Night on the list? I mean, that's such a fascinating show! (You should read that with sarcasm, of course.)

The Worst New Show, deemed as such by AOL visitors, was Pussycat Dolls Present: The Search for the Next Doll. Also on the list were 'Til Death, The Game, Happy Hour, Twenty Good Years. I don't think I can argue with their choices although the only show on that list I've seen at all is 'Til Death. That top worst one sounds like a doozy. I'm glad I didn't see it.

Best Season-Ending Cliffhanger is an interesting category. There surely were some good ones this year. Lost (32%) tops their list, as well as my own personal list. Then came C.S.I., Heroes, Ugly Betty, Battlestar Galactica. I think the C.S.I. one was better than Heroes, too. I was so psyched for a major showdown between Peter and Sylar on Heroes that I felt a bit letdown.

Best Villain chosen on the AOL poll was Ben (28%) from Lost. The order of the other top-runners was: Sylar from Heroes (26%), Tony from The Sopranos, The Miniature Killer from C.S.I., and Cheng from 24. You know, I don't think I could call it between Ben and Sylar. I think they're the best villains we've had in years on television. Both are quietly creepy. I like that in my villains, don't you?

The AOL poll strayed a bit with "What Heroes power do you wish you had?" Time travel won their poll. Me? I don't know. Maybe I'm getting old. But as a veteran of knee surgeries and odd new aches and pains each year.... Claire's healing power looks awfully good to me!

They have a lot more on the poll itself, but I thought those were the most interesting categories. How would you answer?

2006 - The (TV) Year That Was - My Favorite Shows

What a year it was in television, eh? Hits, misses, a lot of somewhere in betweens...

I've been pondering my favorites and, if I had to list them in some sort of order, the Number 1 television show experience for me would be Heroes. I've become addicted to the show from the character of Hiro to the tagline "Save the cheerleader; save the world." I've been a lifelong comics fan of sorts (falling in and out of the medium at times) and I find this show exciting and mesmerizing. Like a graphic novel unfolding before us, I can't wait to see the latest chapter. Kudos to Heroes! I'm not sure where the story is going, but I'll be joining it for the ride.

My Number 2 choice is more for the entertainment value than the storyline... American Idol. Call me shallow, I don't care. I never miss an episode of the show from auditions through the finals. I'll admit I've never bought a record by any of the chosen Idols, but that's beside the point. I have my secret crush on Simon Cowell (shhh!) and love to watch his reactions throughout the show. 2006's finalists were a great mix of talents and not-so-talented, perhaps more talented than myself, but does Covais ring a bell? Crooners, rockers, country and western - AI has it all. I'll be watching the new season to see if they can top last season's entertainment value rating with me.

The Amazing Race 9 (spring 2006) rolls in at the Number 3 slot in my rankings. With the exception of the Family Edition (8), this show has long been a favorite of mine. In 9, the winners were the ones I loved to watch all season long, unlike the latest season. In the latest season (10), I was ambivalent about who won in the end, so that keeps the season from ranking high on my favorites. I still liked the show, mind you. But I like it better when the winners are ones I cheered on throughout the season. BJ and Tyler of season 9 absolutely rock!

Those would be my Top Three shows, but many more made the ranks of my Top Ten. (Okay, seven more.) I'm not sure how I'd rank them. The latest season of Survivor has been one of my all-time favorites - I hope they keep such a diverse cast on the shows without separating the tribes by race. I'm still hooked on C.S.I. and the Law and Order shows. I'm still hooked on Lost although I'm leery of their actual plots and whether they're going to tie up loose ends and plot holes.

Although "all stars" versions of reality shows aren't tops with me, I thoroughly enjoyed Big Brother 7: All Stars except for Mike Boogie winning it all. I didn't like him in his season and he wouldn't have even made the show if not for Will Kirby. However, if that was the price to pay for watching another season of the Evil Dr. Will on the feeds and on the show, it was a price well justified. After all, I was entertained.

I'm iffy on Jericho, so my personal jury is still out with that one. I've recently discovered the joys of Ugly Betty and Criminal Minds, but so recently that I can't place them on a list of favorites.

If I had to name a favorite sitcom of the year, I'd say How I Met Your Mother is... wait for it... legendary! I definitely like it best when Marshall and Lily are a couple, but I fear this show would lose its bite without Neil Patrick Harris as Barney. He makes the show or, more accurately, the character of Barney makes the show. Suit up and sit down to watch it if you're not already a fan!

My favorite animal show (yeah, I have those) is Meerkat Manor on Animal Planet. The ongoing intro by Sean Astin is a bit much show after show, but the meerkats are intriguing and addicting to watch. The show is realistic in that the life and death of the meerkats is only documented and they don't interfere with the course of nature. Nature, of course, can be cruel at times. I find it sad when they actually give the various meerkats names and then they're carried off by hawks or killed by rival meerkat gangs, but that's life. This show is still a hit with me.

What were your favorites in 2006?

TV Doings This Week

Yikes! What a TV week ahead of us, starting tonight! Before I get into some of my viewing plans, just a quick mention on the photo. I took this one a while back as the stereo sign lined up nicely with the double "stereo" lamp post. I liked the way it turned out messing around with a photo editor above. The original shot is at the bottom of the post and was taken in North Plainfield, NJ. And, no. That has nothing to do with television.

Sunday: Argh. I have to write up two shows tonight -- The Amazing Race for TV Squad and Cold Case for CliqueClack TV. Barring any sports delays, TAR begins at 8 PM ET and my other shows schedule is clear. Good. Then comes 9 PM ET -- Cold Case starts, but there's also a two-hour Celebrity Apprentice starting at 9 PM. Waah! I know CA will be available online tomorrow and rerun on Saturday night, but I'd really rather watch that than CC! Throw into the mix that A&E has a Sopranos episode I want to see on at 10 PM (repeated at 11) -- what a night I have!

So, my plan is: Get my Reality Clack column for CliqueClack TV out of the way this afternoon except for the TAR bit. Watch TAR with a post going here as is my standard. Take notes on TAR and Cold Case as they air. I'll write up both reviews at 10 PM, hopefully to be done by 11 PM so I can catch the second airing of The Sopranos episode. As I write, I'll have the second hour of Celebrity Apprentice on in the background. I guess I can catch up with the first hour online. Sunday nights didn't used to be this complicated!

Monday: In the 8 PM (ET) prime time hour, I'll watch The Big Bang Theory and How I Met Your Mother. I will have to write up a review of TBBT for CliqueClack TV. But I probably won't do that until after I've watched Heroes. My 10 PM hour has lots of possibilities for background as I write -- Saving Grace on TNT or maybe the new Animal Cops Phoenix on Animal Planet.

But then, later on, I have to absolutely positively see Letterman! He has two (not one, but TWO) of my all-time favorite guests on! First, Jack Hanna and animals. Those segments are priceless. Not only are the animals always fantastic, but I love the banter between Jack and Dave. Then, he also has Russell Brand on. That guy's a trip to a delightfully quirky place.

Tuesday: Ah, a relatively easy TV night. Two hours of American Idol, then I want to catch Trust Me (which I haven't seen) on TNT. Letterman has Stupid Pet Tricks, always a must see segment for me.

Wednesday: I plan to check out the new cooking reality show, The Chopping Block, on NBC in the 8 PM hour. Then it's American Idol and Criminal Minds on during the second hour. I'll record CM. LOST is a repeat. Even though I know it's going to be canceled, since they promise answers at the end of the season, I'm sticking with Life on Mars in the 10 PM hour. Letterman has on Tom Brokaw, another guest I enjoy. So I'm staying up.

Thursday: Gee, I think I'll watch Survivor for a change! Heh. Of course, I'll be writing that episode up for TV Squad. I see Bones is also a new episode running up against Survivor, but I'll catch it on the FOX website. In the second hour of the night, I'll probably catch Hell's Kitchen ... a show I've been keeping up with on the FOX website for the most part this season.

Friday: I sleep. Er, I watch shows I've recorded or shows on the Internet. Or, I catch up with my Bonnie Hunts recorded all week. Or I read. I sometimes catch Wife Swap. I'm not proud.

What are your TV plans for the week?

Today's musical non sequitur:
If there’s music we can use it
We need to dance.
We don’t have that time
For psychological romance
No romance
No romance
No romance for me mama
Come on baby tell me what’s the word.
Ah – word up.
-- "Word Up" by Cameo

A Tale of Two Swords...

Oh, my goodness, I don't think I've ever had such a sword-filled Monday evening.

First there was How I Met Your Mother. The friends found a nude painting of Marshall that Lily had painted when they were in college. Although there was another storyline in which Ted was trying to fire his ex-boss Hammond Druthers, the painting was the true fun instigator of the episode.

When they "told" Marshall about finding the painting, the hints revolved around "I have a new dart." New dart, of course, is nude art. Yeah, it's a bit sophomoric, but funny nonetheless. Barney talked Lily into painting him nude; Lily and Marshall demanded money. In the end, Barney got the Ken Treatment. Little Barney never showed. But, his stance with the sword leads me into...

...Heroes!

Here's a quick bullet-point update on last night's Heroes (not necessarily in the order of occurrence) followed by some of my thoughts (feel free to share your own thoughts or ideas):

• Niki/Jessica is in jail. She turned all Jessica on the guards and eventually ended up in the good ol' padded cell.
• Micah still wants his Mom, D.L. isn't so sure.
• Matt Parkman, the mind-reading cop, teamed with his FBI buddy to raid HRG's (Mr. Bennett's) paper company in search of Sylar.
• Either HRG or The Haitian blocked their thoughts from Matt and the raid was a bust.
• Claire met up with The Haitian wanting him to restore Zach's memories of her. We find he can only erase memories, not restore them.
• Hiro, Ando, Isaac, Simone, and Nathan all met up at Isaac's studio.
• Peter was comatose at the beginning of the show, probably due to absorbing so many powers from his Sylar encounter, as well as with others.
• Sprague, the radioactive-hands dude, is in a shack in the desert.
• Sylar is indeed still alive and still a captive of Mr. Bennett and Company. He's not doing so well and there's huge cockroach crawling around in his "room." I'm talking one of those really huge ones like a Madagascar hissing cockroach or something.
• Mr. Bennett met up with Suresh in NYC and they both lamented over Eden. Suresh is leery of him.
• Hiro and Ando found the sword Hiro sought in a museum. Hiro slowed down time all around him to steal it only to find it was a replica, not a real sword at all. And, not only that, but a replica donated by the notorious Mr. Linderman. The incident showed that Hiro's encounter with the dinosaur took place in the museum, not back in time.
• Claire either tried to jolt Zach's memory or create a new knowledge of her powers by re-enacting the falls from the building videotape - "this is my first attempt."
• Peter's coma and fever broke and he ran from the hospital (really ticking off his mother).
• Peter started roaming the streets of Manhattan trying to make arrangements to fly to Las Vegas to a desert area as he's sure he'll be combusting soon.
• As he walked along, he spotted the newest hero - an invisible man (played by Christopher Eccleston of Dr. Who fame). Like Jessica of Jessica/Niki, he wasn't using his powers for good. He was pickpocketing and stealing. They struggle, Peter's eyes light up once more.

Okay, those were the basics of this episode, "Godsend."

First, I want to know more about the mysterious, yet notorious, Mr. Linderman. I'm beginning to get the feeling he may be Mr. Bennett's boss, but I could be off-base. Also, the sword replica. As you see in the photo of it, it bears the same design as the tattoos on Jessica and Matt Parkman (other places, too). What's the significance? It looks like the mangling of a Japanese character or perhaps the mix of two.

Remember the business card Mr. Bennett passed to Matt during the raid? Well, I went to the URL they listed for Primatech Paper - "Paper, People, Performance. Primatech, since 1962." There are a few things about this... first, if you call the toll free phone number on the card and then ask for the hiring department, you'll be given a code to open the application on the site. I did so and completed my application. I got a brief note back telling me they were reviewing my qualifications. On the phone they said they were looking for "motivated people with abilities to fit our needs." Huh, you don't say. On the application there's a place to sign up for newsletters or text messages. I signed up for the email newsletters.

The second thing about Primatech I'm wondering is the date. 1962. Is there any significance to that? Could it have been the year Suresh's Dad started his research? Or, perhaps the year that HRG (Horn-Rimmed Glasses, now known as Mr. Bennett) was born? I don't know. I can't recall any specific references to that year.

As for the characters, I'm so loving Hiro! I even like Ando; he plays so well off of Hiro. I'm glad that Nathan is perhaps not a bad guy, but bad gal Jessica can go far away. I'm not thrilled with that whole storyline although I enjoy Micah and D.L. I wish that Eden had stayed around instead of Jessica/Nikki, though. I'm hoping that Claire (whom I enjoy) can get Zach's memory back or rebuild the knowledge - I like Zach although he seems to be non-gay now. (That was a brouhaha before the hiatus!)

What will the new hero bring to the mix? Other than his invisibility, that is. He was shocked that Peter could see him. Now, if Peter hooks up with him, he can be invisible, too.

Peter Petrelli - Peter Parker -- coincidence or not? With great power comes great responsibility.

I'm looking forward to next week's show as the story is...
.... to be continued.

Broadcast Networks Announce Fall TV Season - What's On or Not

It's that time of year again. The major broadcast networks are announcing the fall schedules. What shows didn't make the cut? What new shows can we expect? I've poked about the web for the information to pass on to the readers here.

Let's talk CBS first...

Canceled shows (or those not on the fall schedule) include: Jericho (that's going to upset some blog readers), Close to Home, The Class, and The King of Queens.

Returning shows: The Amazing Race (mid-season), Cold Case, 60 Minutes, How I Met Your Mother, The New Adventures of Old Christine, Two and a Half Men, Rules of Engagement, CSI: Miami, NCIS, The Unit, Criminal Minds, CSI: NY, Survivor, CSI, Shark, Without A Trace, Ghost Whisperer, Numb3rs, 48 Hours Mystery. Just a personal note -- I don't watch or enjoy all of these shows, but I understand all returning except one. Who out there is watching Rules of Engagement? How'd that get renewed?

New shows: Viva Laughlin, Swingtown, Moonlight, Cane, Big Bang Theory, Power of 10, Kid Nation. As time goes on, I'll post more on these shows.

It's on (or not) on NBC...

Canceled or just plain gone: Andy Barker P.I., Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip, The Black Donnellys, The Real Wedding Crashers, Kidnapped, Raines, Crossing Jordan, Grease: You're the One That I Want, Identity, 20 Good Years, Thank God You're Here. Hmmm... nothing I'll miss so much there, I guess. It's too bad Raines wasn't given more of a chance. I was getting into the show. And, I think the messing with the schedule killed Crossing Jordan. I haven't watched it since it left the Sunday night time slot. Although not on this list, it appears The Apprentice will most likely not return... at least not to NBC.

Returning shows: Friday Night Lights, Law & Order, Law & Order: Criminal Intent, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, Deal or No Deal, 30 Rock, The Office, Heroes, Scrubs, ER, The Biggest Loser, Las Vegas, My Name Is Earl, 1 vs. 100, Dateline, Football Night In America, Medium, Saturday Night Live. I know some of the blog readers are going to be gleeful about the FNL renewal! Me? I'm a Law and Order and its franchises fanatic, so I'm happy. I had faith in Heroes and knew that was slated. L&O, I was worried about a bit more.

New shows include: The Bionic Woman, The IT Crowd, Chuck, Journeyman, Life, Lipstick Jungle, The Singing Bee, World Moves, and Heroes: Origins. Again, more on these at a later date.

What can we expect from ABC?

Bye-bye, canceled or just not there: The Nine, Six Degrees, The Great American Dream Vote, Show Me The Money, Day Break, In Case of Emergency, The Knights of Prosperity, What About Brian, George Lopez, According to Jim. Okay, I'm not upset about any of these. I know some blog readers watch What About Brian, though. I'm sorry.

Returning shows: Grey's Anatomy, Ugly Betty, October Road, Notes from the Underbelly, Men In Trees, Brothers & Sisters, Wife Swap, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, Desperate Housewives, The Bachelor, Dancing with the Stars, Lost, Supernanny, America's Funniest Home Videos, Boston Legal, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, 20/20, Primetime. Yes, fans... DWTS has a fall season slated!

New shows we can expect to see: Big Shots, Carpoolers, Cashmere Mafia, Eli Stone, Dirty Sexy Money, Cavemen, Miss/Guided, Private Practice, Pushing Daisies, Sam I Am, Women's Murder Club, Oprah's Big Give. I mentioned a while ago that the Geico Cavemen were going to get their own series, so we'll have to see if they're good for more than thirty seconds, eh? There are surely some intriguing show titles here. Of course, more on them in due time.

Keep in mind, these announcements are only about the fall schedule. They don't include the summer programming which is headed our way.

Your reactions? Are your favorite shows returning or are the gone too soon?

'Big Brother 7: All Stars' - Live Feeds Report - Sunday 8/27 Into The Afternoon

Did you see the snow? I only saw rain here today, but it was Christmas in August for our favorite (and not so favorite) Big Brother houseguests! As I previously mentioned, they blocked us from Christmas. Oh, that's so wrong, isn't it? I feel Scrooged.

Here are today's events leading well into the afternoon hours from that Big Brother House of Christmas In August Loot:

• Will said Neil Patrick Harris was there, he's thrilled. The gifts included a camera, a PSP player, a DVD player and DVDs, new pillows, new clothes, and more.
• Danielle went to bed after they finished the big party.
• Will was like a kid on a sugar rush going on about the day while George thought it was "So COOL!"
• Neil Patrick Harris allegedly ate slop. I can just imagine what his How I Met Your Mother character Barney would react to that - it would be legendary! He also filmed a Diary Room segment.
• Will flirted more with Janelle. At one point, as she napped on the bed, he got on the floor and said he'll be able to move to the bed when his girlfriend dumps him over the show.
• Janelle reminded him they're just friends and his response was: "I know! And that's how people get pregnant!"
• They all napped. So, I took a bubble bath while listening to Mozart, then napped myself. Ah, that felt good!
• Erika thought that Janelle got better clothes from the Christmas in August than she did.
• Will is worried that a new shirt he received might make him look gay. "Does this make me look gay?" He may wear it on the live show. [Editor's note: Too bad Marcellas isn't around to critique it!]
• Will talked to Erika more about the money split. [Editor's note: I imagine we'll keep hearing talk of this with her until the Erika split, planned for right after the Danielle split. How's them splits for ya, Erika?]
• George is saving the spoon and its slop that touched the lips of Neil Patrick Harris. [Editor's note: Now, if he gave it to Howie, it would end up on Ebay!]
• Janelle and Erika schemed about taking out Chill Town. Act or not?
• Danielle told Will that she didn't want her family to see her walking out the door another loser in the game. [Editor's note: When in doubt, use sympathy votes!]
• Danielle noticed that Erika was acting a bit subdued and asked if something was wrong. Erika told her that there was no way she could beat her (Danielle) in the final two.
• Danielle muttered to herself that she should have kept Marcellas in the game. She realizes that Erika has turned.
• Danielle questioned Janelle about her reasoning in voting out James. Janelle told her it was because she heard that James planned to backdoor her (he did) and the really bad acting throwing comps.
• Danielle told Janelle that Erika just told her she was putting her (Danielle) on the block. Janelle played dumb. "Really? How did she say it?"
• Danielle told Janelle it was all right, it was just a game. [Editor's note: It is, but it's a game with big stakes and she wanted to win it. Now, to ME, it's a game. I win or lose nothing and as long as I'm entertained, that's all I need. But if I were in it for the money in the house, I know I'd feel it was all much more than a game.]
• Danielle fussed that the Diary Room needs to call her because it's un-freekin-believable that she's going on the block because people are scared she'll win. [Editor's note: Well, it may have a bit more to do with Chill Town just wanting her gone.]
• Danielle is sure she'll be voted out and all of a sudden becomes Janelle's friend and confidante. She told Janelle that she hopes she (Janelle) wins. Too little, too late, methinks.
• Danielle regrets trusting Erika and feels she should have realized that she wouldn't be on her side.

And that's it for now. Remember, the show is on at 8 PM ET/PT and tonight's show will be the nominations and Will's Internet Lovefest bits!

TV Newsy Bits - Monday, February 5, 2007

No, I didn't watch the Superbowl. My upstairs and downstairs neighbors both invited me to their Superbowl parties. Oh, not because I'm really popular, I don't think. I believe they invited me because they were planning on being noisy. I avoided the game itself, but through the miracle of that good ol' Internet, I've seen most of the commercials! For me, this one with Oprah and David Letterman is the best. It was a well-kept secret leading into the game when most of the other ads were already publicized. And, if you're a Dave fan, you know the history behind these two. To see the commercial and other Late Show with David Letterman video clips, check out the CBS website.

In other TV Newsy Bits:

• Tonight's programming on all the major networks is all new, no repeats. Plan your TV watching accordingly. For me, it's How I Met Your Mother, The Class, Heroes and whatever I feel like at 10 PM. Tonight we should find out who Claire's father is. Uh-oh. (My bet is on Linderman although I shouldn't encourage wagering in this blog.)
• Remember the Kelly Pickler clone (Jamie Lynn Ward) on last week's American Idol with the sob story about her "Daddy shootin' her stepma, then himself..." -- well, it's just not so according to the stepmother. I'm getting tired of sob stories on the show and trumped-up ones irk me even more. UPDATE - the story linked above isn't the one I meant to link. Oops. This article has the skinny.
  
• Keeping with the American Idol theme, last season's Elliott Yamin not only recently went through a makeover, but his new single is due out on February 13th. I enjoyed his voice a lot, the sob story (though legit) not so much.
• Keep in mind that Lost returns this Wednesday evening at 10 PM ET/PT. At 9 PM there will be a one hour recap kind of show.
• I know you're not about to forget that Survivor 14: Fiji premieres this Thursday at 8 PM. I know that.
• Jericho returns February 21, but there will be a special recap kind of show on February 14th. How's that for a Valentine's Day date activity? "Oh, let's watch the world blow up!"
• Celebrity Spider has the goods on the models selected for the next America's Next Top Model.

Tonight, Tonight ... on TV

We're back to a dilemma for me tonight. First off, have I ever mentioned how I hate this fall/winter season with an extended break in between programming bit? Heroes returns tonight (9 PM ET/PT) and I can't remember what was happening in the last episode. It seems like it was a good six years ago or so!

I'll be watching the new episodes of The Big Bang Theory and How I Met Your Mother in the 8 PM hour. I'll be writing up the BBT episode for CliqueClack TV, but not before I watch Heroes.

NBC has a new Chuck on at 8 PM ET/PT and a new Medium on at 10 PM ET/PT. The CBS line-up is all new episodes tonight. FOX has a new House followed by a new 24. ABC has a new 2-hour The Bachelor followed by a new True Beauty. TNT has The Closer (new - 9 PM ET/PT), then a new Trust Me.

I'll be watching the 8 PM CBS hour, then Heroes, then True Beauty as I write up TBBT. I don't really have to think for True Beauty. I'll record The Closer and Trust Me. Gack, too much TV and too little time to watch it all!

What are you watching?

'The Four Kings' Debut

Okay, so I fell for the hype. I watched 'The Four Kings' on Thursday night. A rerun of 'C.S.I.' at the 8 PM hour opened the slot for me. I have this thing for NYC based shows. I know it's nothing to do with fine production values or clever and witty writing -- I just like to see places I actually know when I watch a NYC based show.

Um... I don't think I know this place. I know no one, even folks with inherited apartments, with an apartment like that. The premise of the show is that one young guy inherits his grandmother's rent controlled apartment, his three best friends from childhood move in with him and we follow their fun adventures and frolicking. Well, perhaps not a lot of frolicking; only one character seems ambiguous enough to adequately frolic. Now, I like Josh Cooke. He was in 'Committed' -- a show I actually enjoyed the heck out of and felt never had a chance. So, I'm glad to see him as the "cute" guy in the cast. I'm also familiar with Seth Green, but the other two main cast members are unknown to me.

I'm out to the jury on this one. It didn't snag me first shot like 'How I Met Your Mother' did at the real start of the season. It didn't turn me off, either. It just kind of left me sitting there. To me, it seemed run of the mill white bread NYC based, but not the NYC I know. Due to the Josh Cooke factor, I'll give it another shot next week. I want some hilarity. Give me some hilarity, NBC.

Holiday Television Programming - This Week Monday to Friday (Dec. 11-15)

Remember back to your childhood when it took absolutely forever for Christmas to arrive? Ah, but that's not the way of the adult world, is it? We blink and the holiday is right around the corner, blink again and it's here. Without further ado, here are some of the television specials, holiday movies, and more that I found through to Friday, December 15. Keep in mind that my list isn't everything that's out and about on the tube -- I don't include premium cable programming, nor local programming outside of the NYC area. You may want to check your local listings in addition to checking this list.

Monday, December 11:

• Although I won't be making specific entries for them, keep in mind that shopping networks such as QVC and HSN are full of gift ideas and marketing throughout the week.
• Weekday shows Rachael Ray, Ellen DeGeneres, and Martha (amongst others) will have holiday content throughout the week.
• Noon ET/PT - Lifetime - Call Me Claus (movie)
• 2 PM ET/PT - Lifetime - A Different Kind of Christmas (movie)
• 7 & 10 PM ET/PT - ABC Family - Mary Poppins (movie)
• 8 & 10:15 PM ET/PT - TNT - The Wizard of Oz (movie)
• 8 PM ET/PT - CBS - How I Met Your Mother - "How Lily Stole Christmas"
• 9 PM ET/PT - NBC - The Year Without a Santa Claus (movie)
• 9 PM ET/PT - Lifetime - A Christmas Wedding (movie)
• 9 PM ET/PT - TLC - Crazy Christmas Lights
• 10 PM ET/PT - TVLand - 100 Greatest TV Quotes and Catchphrases - new episodes all this week.

Tuesday, December 12:

• 11 AM ET/PT - AMC - Miracle on 34th Street (movie)
• Noon ET/PT - Lifetime - Holiday in Your Heart (movie)
• 2 PM ET/PT - Lifetime - Home for the Holidays (movie)
• 7 PM ET/PT - ABC Family - The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus
• 8 PM ET/PT - ABC - How the Grinch Stole Christmas: 40th Anniversary Special Edition (narrated by Boris Karloff)
• 8 PM ET/PT - ABC Family - Santa Baby (movie)
• 9 PM ET/PT - USA - Elf (movie)
• 10 PM ET/PT - ABC Family - Pinocchio's Christmas

Wednesday, December 13:

• Noon ET/PT - Lifetime - Christmas in My Hometown (movie)
• 2 PM ET/PT - Lifetime - Santa Who? (movie)
• 4 PM ET/PT - USA - Elf (movie)
• 7 PM ET/PT - Cartoon Network - Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer
• 7 PM ET/PT - ABC Family - Rudolph's Shiny New Year
• 8 PM ET/PT - ABC Family - I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus (movie)
• 10 PM ET/PT - CBS - C.S.I. NY - "Silent Night"
• 10 PM ET/PT - ABC Family - Jack Frost
• 10 & 11 PM ET/PT - TNT - Christmas in Washington 2006
• 10 & 11 PM ET/PT - Bravo - Top Chef - "Holiday Spirit"

Thursday, December 14:

• Noon ET/PT - Lifetime - If You Believe (movie)
• 2 PM ET/PT - Lifetime - Stolen Miracle (movie)
• 4 PM ET/PT - HGTV - Decorating Cents Home For the Holidays
• 7 PM ET/PT - ABC Family - Little Drummer Boy
• 7:30 PM ET/PT - ABC Family - Little Drummer Boy: Book II
• 8 PM ET/PT - NBC - The Office - "A Benihana Christmas"
• 8 & 10:30 PM ET/PT - ABC Family - The Polar Express (movie)
• 8 PM ET/PT - Bravo - Christmas in Rockefeller Center
• 9 PM ET/PT - TBS - Seinfeld - "The Strike" (Festivus episode)
• 9 PM ET/PT - Lifetime - Crazy for Christmas (movie)
• 9 PM ET/PT - Food Network - Sandra Lee's Semi-Homemade Holiday
• 9 PM ET/PT - Bravo - A Clay Aiken Christmas
• 10 PM ET/PT - TLC - Holiday Blunders
• 10 PM ET/PT - Food Network - Nigella Bites Christmas Special

Friday, December 15:

• 10 AM ET/PT - Cartoon Network - Charlotte's Web (animated movie)
• Noon ET/PT - Lifetime - Like Father, Like Santa (movie)
• Noon ET/PT - Cartoon Network - Charlotte's Web 2: Wilbur's Great Adventure (animated movie)
• 2 PM ET/PT - Lifetime - Christmas on Chestnut Street (movie)
• 7 PM ET/PT - Cartoon Network - Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas
• 7 PM ET/PT - ABC Family - The Year Without a Santa Claus
• 8 PM ET/PT - ABC Family - Santa Claus is Comin' to Town
• 8:30 PM ET/PT - Cartoon Network - Bill and Mandy Save Christmas
• 9 PM ET/PT - PAX - Christmas Eve (movie)
• 9 PM ET/PT - Lifetime - Mr. St. Nick (movie)
• 9 PM ET/PT - ABC Family - Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer & the Island of the Misfit Toys
• 10:30 PM ET/PT - ABC Family - 'Twas the Night Before Christmas

Whatever Will I Watch Tonight? - Monday, April 16, 2007

Ah, I'm enjoying my restful unplanned day off from my day job. I was right. Had I gone into work, I would have been stranded. NJ Transit has suspended the train line I need for my commute and flooding of the Raritan River has necessitated the evacuation of Bound Brook, a town I have to go through to get to work. And the river won't even crest until early this evening. Closed roads, canceled trains, a cozy apartment with working electricity. I'm set!

Similar to when Hurricane Floyd flooded Bound Brook, there was another fire there today. During the last really big flood, it was a motorcycle dealership burning in the middle of flood waters. That made national news. As I type this, they just announced five homes were involved in the fire, not three. Fire boats from other areas of NJ and NYC didn't arrive in time and firefighters couldn't get near enough to the fire due to the flood waters. With its history of flooding, I'm wondering why Bound Brook doesn't have its own fire boat.

Oh, well... here's hoping the cable doesn't go out. What will I watch tonight?

• 8 PM -- CBS has a repeat How I Met Your Mother followed by a new The New Adventures of Old Christine. NBC has a new Deal or No Deal. ABC has a ninety-minute Dancing With the Stars -- remember to stop by the DWTS blog discussion post to talk about the show with a fine group of folks! FOX is airing a new Drive. Hmmm... did the show start last night? I'll probably take a peek at it, but if I recall correctly, the premiere was last night while I was busy with Amazing Race. I could be wrong.
• 9 PM -- CBS has new episodes of Two and a Half Men and The King of Queens. NBC has a new Thank God You're Here. FOX has a new episode of 24.
• 9:30 PM -- ABC has a ninety-minute The Bachelor: An Officer and a Gentleman airing. Again, if you watch the show, please drop by the blog discussion post for the skinny and good discussion!
• 10 PM -- CBS has a new C.S.I.: Miami while NBC has doubled up repeats of My Name is Earl. Chances are I'll be either watching a new Animal Precinct on Animal Planet or FOX, UPN or CW news trying to see what's happening with the storm closings around here.

All in all, it's not an exciting night of television for me although I know some very popular shows are on. What will you be watching?

'Big Brother 7: All Stars' - Tuesday 8/29 Show

To DD and those out there who may be having cable problems while weathering the storms... I give you the recap!

The show's opening (after their recap, of course) shows that Chicken George is very observant. He's the only one who's really onto Chill Town. He joked with Will and Mike, but made it clear he knows they're playing everyone in the house. Except him, that is. Will and Mike took it well enough, but you can bet they picked up on it and will file it away for future reference.

Will is teaching his own new Jedi Warrior Janelle in the ways of the Dark Side. Her assignment should she choose to accept it? Make nicey-nice with Erika. Tell her it's okay that she put her on the block, but that she's going to go after Chill Town because they really need to go. She assured Erika that CT is her target, and she won't be nominating Erika.

It worked.

Then the now-three members of the Doomed Legion of Doom (Will, Danielle and Mike) discussed scenarios. When Will mentioned possibly saving Janelle and letting George go, Danielle thought he lost his mind. "Janelle is too dangerous!" In a Diary Room segment, it looked like Danielle is starting to see the light. The light of the Dark Side. Could Janelle be working with Chill Town? Wait! Erika never puts them up. Could she be working with Chill Town?

Then it was all fun and games with the arrival of Will's much wanted trampoline. He bounced for joy as others asked how many bones he's broken. George said it was an accident looking for a place to happen. Will just merrily bounced about with childhood revelry.

Danielle gave Erika her "word on her kids" that she would never vote her out. (Why do people do that? It's just so wrong on so many levels.) They'll go together to the Final Two and all will be right in the world! Then Danielle mentioned that Will has to go... and she made the devil-Roddy-sign! Shades of BB3! In the Diary Room segment, Erika said she didn't think she could win against Danielle. Ah, the seed had been planted and she didn't even know it.

Oh, but then it's Christmas in August! Neil Patrick Harris of Doogie Houser and How I Met Your Mother (where he indeed plays a real Will-like role...!) showed up to wake the houseguests up. Fun, fun, joy, presents, frolicking, George got his Santa suit - so cool! Neil did flips on the trampoline, something I haven't seen Will ever do. Huh! Neil said George is a bit... simple. But then he said Janelle was even more beautiful in person and has a radiance about her. Oy.

Will is beside himself with glee. "First I get my trampoline, then my favorite actor Neil Patrick Harris visits. What's next? I'm gonna win the show?" Heck, I can't help but smile at Will's antics.

Will sent Boogie off to his shomance to keep planting the seed. No, not that seed! Sheesh! It's an 8 PM show! The seed that Danielle would win against Erika in the Final Two and, if the POV is used to save anyone, Danielle must go on the block.

The POV comp wasn't quite the morph-o-matic thing I thought from the talk on the live feeds. It was called the 2-Face-A-Tron and facial features of two houseguests would flash on a screen, perhaps the eye of one and then the lips from another. The player had to run to press the right two names on a display, then run back to buzz their answer in to see if it was right. They were all separated and during the comp and performed the comp alone. Janelle took it; she just took it. Her time was 1:00 (minute). Danielle's was 1:23, Erika's was 1:51, Then came the boys. Will actually tried to win, coming in with a dismal 3:19. Mike threw it and stood humming for a while, 7:42. George was totally at a loss... 24.23.

Now, Danielle's really worried. She knows that Janelle will save herself. She runs to Erika. "Are you going to put me up?" "No."

But Chill Town kept working sending Soldier Janelle and Undercover Lover Mike Boogie to Erika. And, but of course, she cracked. I doubt if she really has a mind of her own at times. She could be a programmed android or something. "I will do my Master's bidding."

So, she told Danielle that she was going to put her on the block. Oh, no! Danielle is totally betrayed. A bit later, she actually challenged Erika while she was in the hot tub with George. Poor George... "Maybe you two should talk?" (And leave me out of it! - was probably his next unsaid sentence..) Erika is upset, Danielle is more upset. George just looked like he wanted to run away.

So, there was the drunken mode (although the alcohol factor really wasn't on the show, nor the full rage). Erika ran to Mike Boogie for help, but he wouldn't wake up. Will went to the HOH room with her and they hid there overnight. According to the always-planning Will - "No way was Danielle going to have the last word with her." He played up on the crazy, dangerous, can't win against her in the Final Two more as they hid from Danielle ringing the bell and pounding on the door.

In the POV Ceremony, Danielle wore shades and looks that could kill. Hitwoman Danielle. Janelle saved herself and Erika nominated Danielle in her place. Danielle never said a word, just took the chair and stared through her dark shades.

How it ended? With a phone call in the Diary Room between Will and Boogie?
"Hey Boogie, remember how I got my showmance to evict her best friend Marcellas?" "Yes, how about if I get my showmance to evict her best friend Danielle?"
Bwahahahahahahahaha!

Whatever Will I Watch on TV Tonight?

The cold weather may make me want to stay inside my warm apartment and, as luck has it, some of my favorite television shows return tonight and others have new episodes slated. Oh, TV life is good sometimes, isn't it?

For me, tonight's huge draw is the return of Heroes. Yes! We're talking 9 PM on NBC in most viewing areas. Tonight's episode is entitled "Godsend" and the blurb on the listings is: "Nathan seeks Simone's help to save comatose Peter; Hiro and Ando go in search of the sword in Isaac's painting; Jessica struggles with Niki's decision to turn herself in to the police; a new hero makes a shocking debut." Ack! Peter's comatose? We saw the promos where he seems to combust, but...! Oh, I'll be watching this one and I'm so psyched that it's returning.

But I'm getting ahead of myself here. The 8 PM ET/PT time slot is also all new shows, or new episodes, I should say. CBS will have me for the new episodes of How I Met Your Mother and The Class, the first one being my "must watch" show while the latter is more because it's there and follows HIMYM. NBC is airing a new Deal or No Deal (a show which has never interested me) while ABC has a new Wife Swap (a show I've watched now and then). FOX has a new episode of Prison Break in the slot. Everybody Hates Chris is also new this week on the CW Network.

In the 9 PM ET/PT slot, against Heroes, there's a new 24 on FOX; new epsiodes of Two and a Half Men and the New Adventures of Old Christine on CBS; and Supernanny on ABC. I can bet the last one will be trailing in the ratings.

The 10 PM ET/PT time slot is my down time as far as major network television goes. CBS has a new episode of C.S.I.: Miami, but that's the one show of the franchise I just can't get into due to my dislike of David Caruso's "acting" skills. Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip (NBC) and What About Brian (ABC) are both new episodes, but once again, shows I have tried and don't care to watch. But, if any are your cup of tea, they're new this week. I'll probably watch The Sopranos over on A&E. I'm still catching up with that show as I don't get HBO with my cable television package.

What will you be watching tonight?

TV Newsy Bits - Monday, November 6, 2006

Ah, another good episode of Heroes tonight. Now Micah is turning into one of them, too. The teaser for next week was about whether the Horn-Rimmed Glasses Guy was good or evil. I've been thinking evil, but since they mentioned it, I'll change my vote to good.

If I were to have a superpower, I'd go for flying. I have no need to be the Incredible Hulk or certainly not the Beast. But, flying? Well, that would beat NJ traffic and be a heck of a lot cheaper, too!

In other television news:

• Yahoo! Top Stories - Virtual "Big Brother" to be launched in Second Life - Um, call me dense, but I'm just not getting this, not at all. Is it like Big Brother gone Sims? Help.
• Next Week's Amazing Race - Mild Spoilers
• Why Race outpaces reality - I really liked this article about how The Amazing Race is different from other reality television shows. I think you'll enjoy it.
• FOX Announces American Idol Season 6 Premiere January 17th - Last year had a different group of competitors, to put it mildly. I wonder what we're in for this season?

I watched How I Met Your Mother tonight, too. Oh, he's gay. He admits it. So what? It was a cute episode. I loved the name bit with Barney and I like the show more when Lily and Marshall are together. Are you watching?

Remember - 'The Bachelor' and 'Nip/Tuck' <-- join the discussion!

Off Topic - That Was the Week It Was - 3/21/10

Happy Sunday morning to everyone! Since it's Sunday, it's time for my weekly off TV topic reflection back on the week gone by in words and photographs I've taken. After a rough start with rain, wind, and cold temperatures, spring burst upon us before the calendar declared it. From Wednesday until this morning, it's been sunny with temperatures in the 60s and even low 70s. That's my kind of weather! I don't care for the hot days of summer, but this is perfect for me.

As I commuted to work this week, the town of Bound Brook was bypassed due to the flooding. I had hoped to get some decent shots, but the train sped through the town. It's sad to see personal belongings stacked on the curbs, the fluorescent orange "Danger - Don't Enter" stickers on some doors, as the townspeople go about doing flood clean up once again. A restaurant which had been abandoned after the last flood had just reopened under new ownership a few months back. Now it's closed again. The actual waters had receded from the Main Street area by Monday. However, the town's power was shut down and they weren't letting folks drive or come by train.

I found out that flood waters weren't all that far away from my own place. While I didn't go out last Sunday when the weather was still bad, I could see the debris line where street flooding (not river, like Bound Brook) hit from next door to next door and east down my very own street. At the nearby church and the home on the other side, water had flooded a good thirty feet to the front steps. No wonder my street got shut down!

Outside of the weather, nothing eventful has really happened this week for me. No good news, no bad news, just kind of rolling on. Well, you know, that's how I roll. I was reminded one day how much I'm enjoying living in this town and how friendly the people are when compared to other places I've lived. I know a big part of it is my pedestrian ways -- you see the same people day after day exchanging pleasantries and the next thing you know, it's a friendly world after all. Throw in the diversity factor you encounter living in Plainfield, and it's always interesting, too.

On the Internet, I'm quite vocal. However, I'm more of a loner in life. By getting out and about on foot, I've met more people and become friends than I have in years outside of friends I've made through the workplace. I don't go to bars; I don't carouse.

One day this week, I chatted and mocked passersby with "pants on the ground" with a long time bus stop friend. I got off the bus, stopped in the bodega where I was greeted with "Mommy!" and asked if I wanted to run off to Guatemala by the man behind the counter (who seems to have some sort of odd crush on me). Then I bumped into Big Marvin and his little dog Princess as I walked home from the bodega. He looks like some kind of linebacker and is a corrections officer. The dog is a lhasa apso, usually wearing bows. We talked about the Storm of the Century for a bit, then went our separate ways. Then I was joined by Steve from upstairs with his son Christian (of the snowman fame) and the new baby boy (whose name I haven't a clue). Christian told me tales of going outside to play at school for the first time since fall. As we talked, Jake rode by on his bike shouting a hello. For me, this is a wondrous thing.

Heck, Plainfield tends to have a bad reputation spread by people who don't live here. Yet, it's the friendliest place I've lived in decades and the friendly people come from all races, cultures, and walks of life. I like that. I spent my childhood years in an area where everyone was pretty much the same. As an observer of people type person, this is much more intriguing and rewarding.

Onto the photos I've taken this week -- clicking on an image will open it larger in a new window ...

Dunellen

This is the view out the train window in Dunellen, NJ. I don't think that police incident command van has moved since I've lived here. I guess Dunellen doesn't have many incidents, eh? I edited this shot leaving the sign in color, background black and white and "posterized."

Seagull Incident Command

Yep, the seagulls are guarding East Front Street in Plainfield. No, we're not a shore town. But that never stops seagulls. I recall them hanging out at dumps in way upstate New York, as landlocked as you can get without being in the Midwest. Of course, these seagulls are probably soldiers in the war to overthrow mankind.

I Keep Looking for Dog, the Bounty Hunter

But he's never at these bail bond places. Strategically placed near the police station, I guess Action does get some action. But not from me. I'd have to drastically change my lifestyle to get arrested these days and I don't like hassles. Thus, I won't be stepping in the door. Watchung Avenue and East Fourth Street in Plainfield. I edited the shot, obviously.

Wired Sunset

I took this last night from near the Bridgewater Train Station as I was heading home from work. It would be nice if the ball park kept all of their lights lit as the dark one annoys me. But they don't care.

Ohh! Flowers!

Nope, not naturally growing -- someone planted these daffodils. I'm still looking for natural flowers blooming and haven't even come across a crocus yet. I know they must be out there! This is in the cemetery behind the Friends Meeting House on Watchung Avenue in Plainfield. They probably should have raked, too. I couldn't get close as there's a fence between the flowers and me.

Ohh! BUD!

Yes, spring is on the way! The trees on Church Street all of a sudden sprouted buds. Soon the trees lining both sides of the street will be in full bloom. It makes me sneeze, but they're so pretty every spring. Church Street in Plainfield, outside of the Union County College building.

Sunset over the Field of Geese

Back to the sunset from last night in Bridgewater. The geese were honking, soon the ducks will join in quacking. Then it's a cacophony of honk, honk, quack, quack. I'm awaiting the return of the chipmunks, groundhogs, and the occasional fox.

When is a tree not a tree?

When it's a shadow! The harsh angles of the winter sun are lessening and this could be my last chance shot of this for a while. The side of the Friends Meeting House (Quakers) on Watchung Avenue in Plainfield.

Those kids!

I met these two high school kids on East Front Street in downtown Plainfield on Wednesday. Alas, the sun was so bright that it washed out the green of the girl's pants. They looked so SPRING that I asked if I could take their photo. They cheerfully obliged and seemed to be very nice kids. Their parents should be proud. And, of course, she's the epitome of teenage fashion with those glasses and the outfit! I edited the shot to make the background black and white.

You can take that to the bank

Um, is this a secure way to transport your millions? Could it be a crime in progress? I just don't know. But it's not every day you see and armored truck being hauled away. East Front Street in Plainfield.

How many PPD dudes does it take to change a light bulb?

Okay, I'm joking. I believe they're doing more than changing the light bulb. I caught this scene on the corner of East Second Street and Watchung Avenue in Plainfield.

Huh? A relatively empty Plainfield Post Office?

I was shocked when I went to mail a certified letter this past Wednesday. I dread going to the main Post Office on Watchung Avenue in Plainfield because there's usually a line of twenty or thirty people and everyone has an involved transaction. But I went in and only one person was being waited on and no one else was in line! Unfortunately, only one window was open and the clerk was CHATTING with the person being waited on. So, I still had a wait. But nowhere near as long. This is a long shot of the mailbox area. I don't have a mailbox there.

Mother Lucky Spot Deli

This deli on the corner of East Second and Richmond in Plainfield has changed hands more than a few times since I've lived in town. Yet, the original old "Lucky Spot Deli" sign remains no matter the name change. Yes, another edited photo.

Early morning yellow

This is the scene on North Avenue and Gavett Place early one morning this week. I edited it to leave the cab and street cleaner machines in their brilliant yellows while the background went sepia.

Ohh! More spring!

It's nice to see green again.

Fire Alarm Telegraph Cable Box

Sigh. When I got my first digital camera in 2003, I roamed about town taking photos of as many of the police and fire boxes I could find. Many are cool and sort of historical like this one. In the years since, most of the doors to them have vanished, either being sold on eBay or for scrap metal by druggies. I have to find my old files of the photos. This one is on Watchung Avenue near the Plainfield Train Station. I've closed its door twice this week. I bet the door will vanish before long. Why can't people just leave cool things alone?

Starling standing guard

He's working his assigned post, I'm sure.

Mourning doves marching on

Perhaps reluctant soldiers in their plot to overthrow mankind, the doves are pacifists at heart. I edited this shot taken at the Bridgewater Train Station overpass.

Men in Pink

I'm sure they were originally red. This is a junkyard I see from the train near the Dunellen - Bound Brook area. I edited the shot to leave the men pink.

Don't judge me by the color, confuse it for another
You might regret what you let slip away
Like the geek in the pink
Like the geek in the pink, pink, pink
The geek in the pink, yeah -"Geek in the Pink" by Jason Mraz

Status of the "Starships Don't Need Keys" billboard

The rest of the sign remained intact, yet no one has repaired the missing section obliterated in last week's storm.

Bound Brook pre-dawn Monday morning

The train actually made a stop in Bound Brook before the daylight on Monday. It was the last stop made there until late Friday afternoon. I have no clue why they stopped there Monday. The town's power had been cut off although the flood waters had receded. I had to lighten this shot some just so it didn't look like a rectangle of black. The light in the background comes from one of the trucks with lights like you see at night construction spots. Those were placed every few blocks up on the hill.

My local aftermath

It was raining (again, still, whatever) as I headed to the train Monday morning. Thanks to daylight saving time, it's also dark again at that hour. This is the west corner of my street, not where the flooding was its worst. Plainfield Police, who scrambled for their barriers during the flooding, left the sawhorses there all week. No wonder they can't find them when they need them. The corner of East Front and Richmond in Plainfield.

Vincent takes yet another catnap

Trust me, he's active enough, though! He's no longer the lanky street stray with the coarse fur I adopted six months ago. He's to the point where I'm going to have to start watching his weight and his fur has gone all glossy and soft. He's a happy cat and I'm happy to know him ... and be owned by him.

How was your week?