Survivor: Samoa - Season Premiere Blog Party Post

The show is about to begin here on the East Coast. As it airs, I'll update this post with any major happenings. However, the real action is in the comments section! Please feel free to join in with your thoughts while having fun with friends. Late tonight my show review will be posted on TV Squad. And ... how about Zoetawny's blog logo for the season? Have I mentioned lately that she (and all of you) rock?

Special thanks goes to Margo for running the blog pool -- here it is!
**SURVIVOR POOL MATCH-UPS**

Ashley - ChicMc, Estelle
Ben - gaylos, Karen in CA
Betsy - Donna in AL, Sydney
Brett - Lars, Tessa
Dave - Caroline, Laura in Miss
Elizabeth - Nana in NW, txrednkgirl
Erik - Delee, Rbennie
Jaison - Donna in FL, chris
John - Joe in NY,
Kelly - Lisanne, Meb
Laura - DKNYNC, ML
Marisa - Joanie, Terry in CA
Mick - Monty924, Jackie
Mike - Lynn1, Zoetawny
Monica - PDXGranny,
Natalie - Margo,
Russell H - Becky, Jennasmom,
Russell S - Sizzie,
Shannon - Auntie Leigh,
Yasmin - Laurie

Survivors ready? It looks like we have a good group of characters this season! Tonight's episode --

"The Puppet Master"
The castaways arrive in Samoa and are divided into tribes; each tribe must immediately select a leader, without speaking.

The tribes were already chosen for the opening --
Foa Foa and Galu (sp?), Foa Foa (with my man Mick) won reward.

Galu wins Immunity.

Argh! Evil Russell's evilness won out -- Marisa was voted out.

Big Brother 11 - The Evel Dick Backyard Interviews

For your morning after amusement, beware -- language can be a bit raw at times. After all, it's Evel Dick.

Big Brother 11 Finale Show Blog Party

First, I'd like to thank everyone who's visited the blog this season, left comments, sent donations, birthday wishes and cards, consoled me on my personal loss this season ... you're all wonderful and you're what makes this blog a special place! Thank you!

Just because Big Brother is ending doesn't mean we end here. We'll be having blog parties and posts for Survivor, Amazing Race, and even touching on shows like Heroes and Lost. If there's enough interest in shows I might not watch, I'm always willing to set up a discussion post for folks to talk about those shows, too. I noticed we picked up some great new folks in the community this season and you're invited to stick around!

Without further ado ... let's get into the grand finale blog party!


Earlier today Kevin stole his colorful hoodie out of Natalie's luggage only to have her steal it back again. He finally gave in, but he really wanted that and it was his. Natalie shouldn't be wearing other people's clothes and then demanding to keep them. Low class, I say.

We've had dudes ...

We've had meltdowns ...

But it's now time to crown a winner ...

And, the winner is ... ROOFUS the Cat! Well, if the world was according to graphic artist Zoetawny and me, it would be!

The show is about to start here on the East Coast. While this post will be updated with major events as the show airs, the real fun is in the comments! Everyone is welcome to join in! Lots of beverages, lots of snacks, and really comfy seats abound. Later tonight my actual show review will be posted over at TV Squad.

9:20 PM - Still recaps, rehashing, and last ditch scheming.

9:40 PM ET - Still no real news. Jury has been quibbling.

Jordan wins the final HOH in a tiebreaker!

She evicts Kevin. It's Natalie an Jordan in the final two.

The voting is complete, but not revealed yet.

JORDAN HAS WON BB11!!!

Four votes needed for the win ...
Key order --
America - Jordan
Jessie - Jordan
Lydia - Jordan
Russell - Natalie
Jeff - Jordan

Michele - Jordan
Kevin - Natalie

Jeff won the 25 grand as America's favorite HG.

Big Brother 11 Live Feeds Into Tuesday Dawn 9/15

Their last full day and their last night in the Big Brother house. It's special, it's bonding ... and we had the first banner plane of the year (other than Zoetawny's). Here are the events from inside that Big Brother House of Loquacious Lollygaggers:

• They got up early -- before noon, even.
• Kevin, alone, went through rehearsing his plea to the jury. He used three phases -- 1. let stronger personalities like Jessie create targets for themselves, 2. backstab Jeff to make his big move, 3. win comps.
• He's also determined to work in the first BB win by a gay/lesbian angle in there.
• Natalie's fear of bugs has her afraid to sit on the backyard couches. Good. Let her stand for the rest of her life.
• I apologize. That was mean.
• As they were in the backyard, all of a sudden there was Beatles music -- it was a line from "Martha My Dear" -- "Hold your head up, you silly girl, look what you've done." Very odd. I hope they were referring to Natalie!
• Then ... look, up in the sky! It's a banner plane! And cut the feeds.
• Kevin was pointing, but no one seemed to read what the banner said.
• At least that's what they said.
• They talked about what they're wearing for the finale. Kevin doesn't want to go out looking like a straight boy.
• Natalie critiqued all of his choices.
• Natalie told Kevin that if he doesn't take her to the final two, he has no chance of winning.
• She also pressured him again ... and again ... and again.
• Jordan refused to wash pans Natalie dirtied. Natalie is not a dishwashing kind of gal and Jordan is tired of it.
• Jordan thinks America loves Jeff, not her. She would pay bills with any winnings.
• Jordan still has Kevin and Natalie wondering which one she'd take if she wins the last part of the comp. In private, she's told each of them she's taking them.
• I'm not sure either. I hope it's Kevin just because I'd rather Natalie not get the second place prize.
• I know. I'm being mean again.
• They did some packing. Jordan would like to take the leftover food home if they weren't going to do anything but throw it out.
• Natalie told Jordan that Kevin told her he'd better win or she (Natalie) is going home.
• Natalie tried to defend herself from any underhanded moves by blaming them on Jessie.
• Jordan and Kevin kept questioning Natalie about her actions. She kept throwing Jessie under the bus.
• They're all asleep as I post this. It really looks like Kevin is trying to distance himself from Natalie a bit. He's being more outspoken with her. But it could be wishful thinking on my part as I want a Kevin/Jordan final two.
  

Meet the Cast of Survivor Samoa, Part 2

As promised, here's part two of my Survivor Samoa castaways quick takes. If you missed the first ten, you can catch up here or by using the Survivor tag for the blog. Without further ado ...


Laura: A wife of 21 years and a grandmother. Ah, so she's my age! Er ... 39? Laura is Hawaiian. I assume that's why there's a flower in her hair. She's not going to San Francisco, she's going to Samoa. She's a conservative Christian. With the exception of Vecepia, I can't think of a conservative Christian I've really enjoyed on the show. We'll see.


Marisa: Here's your country girl next door, raised on a farm with eight siblings. You know, of the women I've written about, she might do best at surviving the actual elements. She isn't all about the farm -- she's spent time abroad. I'm not getting much other than the girl has spunk from her bio. I'll have to see if she can get along with the people game part of the show.


Mick: The moment I saw the name "Mick," I figured there would be a Mike. I bet Mick is a Mike. No one is Mick unless they're Jagger or a mouse. How come my doctors never look like him? I think I might just like the guy -- someone who says they'll buy a vacuum cleaner and pay off their student loans sounds much better than sob stories or silver platters to me.


Mike: And here's our Mike. My caption cuts it off, but he's got this long braided thing going on with that goatee. He lost thirty pounds to go on the show, but I'm wondering how he'll do out in the elements. It sounds to me like the only thing on his side for the win is that he's a huge fan of the show who has watched every year. I get the feeling I'll like him but he'll be picked off early. I hope I'm wrong about the early part.


Monica: She's going to miss partying, clubbing, and lunches with her friends. If she wins, her first purchase will be a designer purse. Now, don't get me wrong -- I respect her academic achievements. But I don't think I'll like her. They mention Parvati in her bio. I didn't like her. Prove me wrong, Monica.


Natalie: Uh-oh. That name is a bit tainted for me due to the Natalie on BB11. Ill try to get over that ... sort of like a bad dream. This Natalie is touted as a Southern Belle, a term which could never be apropos for BB11 bad dream girl. She sounds like she might be determined and scrappy enough to do well.


Russell H: This is the Evil Russell from the promos. I think that's going to automatically label the other Russell as the Good Russell and give him a larger fan base. I don't like this man. He's a wealthy man, yet refused to replace a missing tooth. I don't know, I wouldn't be surprised if he shot a man in Reno just to see him die. He's mean, he's a bully. I hope he gets the boot quickly, but I fear he won't.


Russell S: Ah, the Good Russell. Son of a steelworker in Pittsburgh, he's made something of himself. He's been poor, he seems to have ideals and morals. I don't know if he living off the land while shivering experience, but he might do well. He has a sense of humor -- he said he'd cut off his dreads if he wins.


Shannon: Here we might have our Mad Dog ... a younger version and an ex-Marines sergeant, not a cop. Mullet and all, I think we're going to have a character on her hands. Unlike the last female castaway with a mullet, I get the tough cookie vibes from Shannon.


Yasmin: Sassy Yassy, eh? Not sure if traditional sass might be the best strategy for a win. She says she has a know-it-all attitude which may rub people the wrong way, but she doesn't care. I say she must not care about the million if she doesn't expect to rein in her attitude. The future will tell.

Meet the Cast of Survivor Samoa, Part 1

My apologies for getting this started so late. Darn that Big Brother and real life getting in my way of entertainment! This is part one of two of my look at the cast of Survivor: Samoa which premieres this Thursday night. I'll be doing blog party posts for the show as it airs here on the east coast. So, please mark your calendars and stop by for the fun!

In the meantime as we wait for the season premiere, here's a cheat sheet as we know we'll forget names in the beginning and my quick take on the castaways. It seems we have a lot of law students and lawyers, blondes (I know I'm going to be confused with them), a bartender and a mixologist (same thing), and two Russells. The Russells are easy to tell apart -- one is bald, the other has long hair. All in all, it looks like a fairly diverse cast, unlike some other shows.

Survivors ready?


Ashley: Young, outgoing, flirty, kickboxing. Hmm. Unless she has some tricks up her sleeve I'm not seeing in the CBS bio, I think her chances of winning are slim to none. She'll miss her mommy.


Ben: Whoops, in my photo caption I forgot to mention he's really from Kirksville, Missouri. Most people from Los Angeles aren't. I like his eyes. But he calls himself a mixologist. I didn't like it when Memphis did that, I don't like it now. Dude, you're a bartender. He sounds like a good ol' boy kind of guy. He may do well, but he may irk me. I'll wait and see.


Betsy: Will she be our Mad Dog for the season? As long as she keeps her teeth in, I'd love to have another Mad Dog on the show. A former hippie clean and sober for 21 years and only a cop for a year now. Uh-oh. She won't be a Mad Dog. She has the pity card -- a husband with cancer in remission and no health insurance. But I don't think she can count on the million.


Brett: This kid might have some potential. Something screams friendly about him. Although he's young and healthy (often targeted), if everyone likes him, he'll stay in there for a while. He says he's a flirt. Well, if it wouldn't be cougarish of me to say, he could flirt with me. Perhaps if I were 30 years younger, I'd flirt right on back.


Dave: In his bio, he comes across as an odd duck -- a bit like Ben last season, hopefully not as egocentric. "Fiery personality," opera degree, "rock and roll rebel." Um. Okay. Don't see him getting the million on first observation!


Elizabeth: She has a genuine-looking smile. I like that. She'd be my local choice for a win -- Franklin Lakes, NJ/NYC. Smart, opinionated, and blunt. Eek ... the last two aren't always the best traits for winners on the show. I still think she might do okay ... for a time. The winner? I don't know. If she can handle the people skills ...


Erik: Eep. I spelled his name wrong on my caption. He has a K. Forgive me. A self-proclaimed bartender and womanizer. It's the Anti-Memphis! His special woman in his life is his dog. I don't want to know. He has two degrees but prefers to be a bartender. I'd say it's because he can pick up chicks! If he's a smooth talker, he might do well with the ladies. But how will he do with the men? I see target written on his back.


Jaison: Now, he looks like your basic solid upstanding kind of guy -- undergraduate degree from Stanford, working on his law degree in Chicago, clean-cut. Why, I even think he might have manners. How did he get on the show? He was named Mr. California by Cosmopolitan Magazine ... that's how. He seems smart, has a game plan, and is in good physical shape. Will he be sneaky enough? I don't know.


John: Rocket scientist, eh? The bio page calls him a "charming, cocky genius." He is very nice-looking. He'll be good eye candy for me. But folks who were born with a silver spoon and described as "cocky" tend to come off privileged and sometimes not so nice to me. I think all I'll like about him is his looks. And, if he's that smug about himself, the others will pick up on it and vote him off because he'll annoy them.


Kelly: Free spirit with an edgy twist, spontaneous with a desire to live her life to the fullest. I could be wrong here, but I get the feeling of "flaky" from her bio. If she lasts long at all it will be because she's a flake and no one considers her a threat in the game. Let's see if she gets them chanting mantras or something.

Stay tuned for the remaining ten castaways in part two!

Big Brother 11 Live Feeds Into Monday Dawn 9/14

I always look forward to the Big Brother season. Yet, at this time of the year, I look forward to seeing it end. While the final three trapped in the house is slightly more interesting than two who have already done what they can do to win, it's still monotonous. And, with the jury being live tomorrow night, we don't get the backlash of the jury questions on the feeds.

Here's what's happened since my last report:

• Jordan was up the earliest -- we're talking early afternoon.
• They're still decorating dishes with the crafts they were given.
• Natalie told Jordan that Kevin asked her if she had a final two deal with her (Jordan).
• Jordan continues to pretty much tell Natalie and Kevin what the other is saying.
• I fear that Jordan favors Natalie, but it's hard to tell.
• The BB voiced piped trivia through the house. Now I know that Sweden is slightly larger than California. Check.
• Kevin is upset because he feels he has no shot. He doesn't think he can win against either Natalie or Jordan.
• I think he could very well win against Natalie.
• Natalie cooked fish for dinner. No one wanted it. Natalie also mentioned that fish is poultry, right?
• Natalie told Kevin that girls are not supposed to work once they marry.
• I'm speechless. Her boyfriend gives her a twistie-tie ring and she's under the assumption that he will provide her a life of luxury?
• Jordan told Kevin and Natalie that she's always been self-conscious regarding her weight -- that's why Russell upset her so.
• She also talked about her boob job and how hard she worked to afford it. Them. Whatever.
• Kevin finally spilled the reason we haven't seen him swim or take off his shirt all summer -- he has Poland disease and has had his own breast augmentation surgery. He said that muscle loss keeps him from doing anything where he has to hang from his arms. The scar and unevenness of his chest makes him want to keep his shirt on.
• I looked it up -- Poland's Syndrome. Huh.
• Natalie had lasik surgery.
• None of them have gone through the horror of a knee replacement! Let them do BB comps after that, eh?
  

Big Brother 11 9/13 Show Blog Party

The show is delayed here on the East Coast. It should start around 8:30 PM ET, but it's only the clips show anyway. Once it starts, this post will be updated with the major events as it airs, but the real fun is in the comments section. Everyone is welcome, bring your own snacks and beverages! Later tonight my show review will be posted on TV Squad.

8:25 PM ET and we're started here.

We're talking the prompted memory lane trip with clips to back 'em up.

Off Topic: The Week It Was 9/13/09

It's Sunday and time to take a look back at the week gone by in images I've taken and words. This week is very image heavy, my apologies. If you're looking for Big Brother content, my most recent news can be found using my BB blog tag. Otherwise, settle in and make yourself comfy.

The week started out on a relatively routine note -- work and life as usual. Of course, the end of the week marked the 8th anniversary of the September 11 attacks. In this area, the attacks had a big impact. We will never forget and we are forever changed.

My week end had its own delightful twist. Come along for my journeys -- clicking on an image will open it larger in a new window. All photos were taken by me. I'm not proud.

Double take

A man in red does a double take at two Plainfield (NJ) narcotics officers walking up the street. Not as clear as I would have liked it, using layers to make the background black and white while leaving the Stop hand and people in color.

I hear the train a'coming ...

It's coming 'round the bend
I ain't seen the sunshine
In I don't know when
-- "Folsom Prison Blues" by Johnny Cash

It rained for a good portion of the week. No one can smoke cigars on NJ Transit trains anymore. I remember Metro North used to have a bar car. We have no such thing. Plainfield Train Station

North Street in black and white

A portion of Plainfield's North Street near the train station. Why was one building allowed to deteriorate so much while the others were obviously rehabbed at some point?

Who needs to go to Spanish Harlem?

Well, I do (keep reading). But we have a huge international touch right here in Plainfield.

Danny's Bakery

I love their croissants, but they're so often sold out of them that I don't stop by as often as I once did. Plainfield, NJ

Abandoned

Someone has been creeping in, I say. Plainfield, NJ.

Say what?

Oh, if I can't wear my Head Rag, I'm not going! Er ... I've never been in there anyway. Bar rules on Richmond Street in Plainfield, NJ

Wait. This isn't Plainfield, is it?

Er, no. I said I had to go to Spanish Harlem, otherwise known as El Barrio or East Harlem. But this isn't there either. It's 8th Avenue near the Port Authority Terminal yesterday. Who says all the sleaze is gone from Times Square? This is just a few blocks from there and something folks getting off buses see.

Waiting for the light in sepia

Um, self-explanatory. Midtown Manhattan yesterday.

A long walk underground

NYC subway tunnel. I'm actually heading to the 7 train to go east, then the 6 to go north.

Yes, it's the subway.

I think I just like to take train pictures.

Under NYC

I liked the lights.

Ohh ... empty car!

So I had to take a shot at it.

Spanish Harlem aren't just pretty words to say

Yes, I've emerged from the underground and I'm up on the streets in El Barrio. Lyrics in the caption from "Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters" by Elton John.

In which I stop in the middle

Well, I wanted to get the shot! (I had the light.)

This just creeps me out

A doorway on 110th Street. I think the mouse is leading us into the gates of hell ... or something.

I knew it!

Yes! That mouse led us right into Hell Gate! Um, okay it's just the local post office.

No, thank you

I'd rather not have any ice from there, thank you very much. El Barrio, Manhattan

Someone did some editing

Now it's PG enough for the blog. No, I didn't do the editing. El Barrio street art memorial.

El Barrio means history

Gee, I always thought it meant something along the lines of "the neighborhood." Silly me.

And here I am at my destination.

No, not the van ... the building. NYC Animal Care and Control. I'm here on a mission. Interesting things which happened while I was there:

• Two NYPD officers stood around and waited for a raccoon to be removed from their patrol car.
• I saw several people bring in donations of food, blankets, and such.
• A rottweiler being brought in bit one of the workers.
• Two early-twenties jerks asked a worker how to turn over their dog. Worker, "What's wrong with the dog?" Jerk 1, "I don't need it anymore." Worker repeats, "What's wrong with the dog?" Jerk 2 repeats, "We don't need the dog anymore." Worker and I both make eye contact and shake our heads in disgust. For me, pets are family.
  

Mission completed ... meet Vincent

"My muñequita, my Spanish Harlem Mona Lisa" ... (lyrics from "Smooth" by Carlos Santana). Uh ... I guess it would have to be my "muñequito" as he's male. I'm not so keen on the Mona Lisa reference, but he is neutered. "Muñequita" in Spanish means "little doll." Let's try another song -- "There is a rose cat in Spanish Harlem ..."

Although I picked him up and took him home from El Barrio, he was actually a stray caught on the streets in or near Riverside Park (Manhattan). They estimate him at about five years old. He was assigned a number (A828344), a name (Sal), dewormed and given his basic shots on September 4. He was already neutered when they picked him up. They gave him his rabies shot and microchipped him yesterday before I could take him home.

He's a love. I didn't like the name Sal and since that was just something assigned to him, I renamed him Vincent Riverside.

Cat on a train!

It's not quite like snakes on a plane.

Cat on a different train!

He gets around, doesn't he? He didn't make a peep other than to purr whenever I reached in the carrier to pet him.

Vincent settles in to a new life

He loves his new toy, his cat mat, his window, and my lap.

Fun with Vincent

So far, he's adjusting fantastically well to his new home. He's probably relieved to be away from all the barking dogs, noise and commotion at NYC AC&C. I probably saved a life -- they're the main shelter system for New York City and they have to euthanize perfectly good companions all the time because there aren't homes for every pet.

Judging from his behavior, he had to have been a loved pet at one time. He's affectionate, doesn't get on the kitchen counter, doesn't destroy things (although he walked on top of my PlayStation and turned it on), and uses his litter box. He seems taken with me and I'm taken with him.

Special thanks go out to Sydney, RBennie, Margo, Delee, PDX Granny, Auntie Leigh, Laurie, Donna in AL, Terry in CA, Meb, Sizzie, Becky, Nana, and Laurie. You know why ... especially Sydney.