Off Topic - That Was the Week It Was - September 12, 2010

Another Sunday, another off television topic reflection on the week gone by in both words and photographs I've taken. If you're looking for Big Brother live feeds news, there isn't much and I'll be posting on that later today. I'm also planning a post about Survivor as that one's sneaking up on us way too quickly.

Before I get into anything, I'd like to mention that today is Vincent's "faux-birthday." It was a year ago today that he decided I would be taking him home from New York City Animal Care and Control. He's still a nut! That, of course, is a good thing.

This week was a least a bit out of the norm for me. With BB12 going on, it seems like I've just been working, blogging, eating and sleeping way too little. While this past week's holiday didn't mean all that much in my eyes as I was working a full week anyway, this was the week of my jury duty.

I kept my ongoing record of never being selected to sit on a trial. I actually (for the first time) made a panel for a case and got to watch other people go through the voir dire. But, although they did excuse some of the jurors, my number wasn't called. It was for a civil case, a slip and fall personal injury one. I would have preferred a criminal case just because I find that more interesting ... but I wasn't chosen at all.

As a person who enjoys both writing and television, I've decided they should do a show called 'Jury Duty.' It would have to be scripted due to all the secrecy issues, but it's the reality which got me thinking. More so than when I last served in another quieter more suburban county, this jury duty stint was truly an adventure in people-watching. It was like the parade that used to go through the old Barney Miller police station gone modern day.

Just a few of the characters I observed:

• Beloved NJ Transit Bus Driver - I took a very early bus over there as I had to report at 8 AM and wasn't sure where I was going. I didn't know the bus driver. But apparently everyone else did. No fewer than six women got aboard and kissed him on the cheek while as many men enthusiastically shook his hand. I guess he was a regular driver coming back to the route or something. He's a good example of some of the folks who work for NJ Transit. He made a point of not only telling me where I wanted to get off, but gave me exact directions to the county courthouse. He was a good character ... most of the ones coming up are just strange characters.
• Ripped Pants Touchy Feely Girl - When you wear six-inch stilettos and super-tight pants to a jury room, you're sure to split out the whole rear seam. Using the pay phone near where I was sitting, "Mommy, mommy, [Spanish] pantalones ..." Later in the day, when I went to use the restroom, she decided to caress my hair. Who does that to a stranger? I don't even like people that much in my own personal bubble or close talkers, say nothing about a stranger mauling my back and hair!
• Praying Singing Tapping Slapping Man - He started out quietly, a fairly distinguished-looking middle-aged black man dressed in a business suit. Then I saw him gesturing. I thought he had an iPod or something. As the day went on in the jury waiting room, he got more antic in his gestures, tapping loudly on chairs and slapping his hands on his legs as he sat. Then he burst into LOUD song -- "Lots of joy came into my life ... the lord ..." -- THUMP, SLAP, THUMP. While he had a rich baritone voice, everyone jumped and stared. Can you see him sitting on a jury? "The defendant is charged with murder." "Lots of joy ... oh, Lord..." Maybe it's a unique ploy to get out of serving?
• Woohoo Cell Phone Ticket Jersey Girl - This loud, yet physically attractive white girl, tried to live up to the Jersey Shore stereotype. Overly dramatic with a loud laugh, she got a cell phone ticket during our lunchtime and came back to the jury room swearing loudly and yelling that the cop was out of line. Since it's a construction area (they have all of the area around the courthouse all askew), it's a double fine. She went up to the one panel with me and was called when they dismissed a potential juror. You're supposed to say "Here" for the voice recognition equipment. Instead, she yelled "Woohoo!" She ended up being dismissed as she knows the doctor involved in the case.
• Bag Lady Crazy Woman Juror - Dragging a backpack on wheels and four other bags, I only noticed her after we returned from lunch. As she was totally unkempt, greasy hair, made manic furtive looks around like so many drug addicts and street people exhibit, and she was talking to herself, I thought she sneaked into the courthouse somehow. She plopped herself down on a chair next to Praying Singing Tapping Slapping Man and started going through her bags. Pulling out a canister of something, she pulled her shirt open and started shaking it on her chest. Talcum powder maybe? I don't know. It was enough for even PSTS Man to be taken aback. She also went to the panel on the 14th floor with me. Without saying anything, she bolted from the courtroom with the bailiff on her heels. He came back rolling his eyes. We didn't see her until we were excused to go back to the jury waiting room. She was getting off the elevator ... soaking wet and dripping. I think she washed her hair in a restroom sink.
• Judge With No Socks - While finishing my lunchtime freedom (I had wandered taking photos and eating at Popeye's Chicken and Biscuits), I sat for a while reading on a bench outside the courthouse. It was about 90 degrees with a breeze. The man sitting next to me wore a dress shirt and tie, khaki slacks, loafers, no socks and real tanned ankles. A county sheriff deputy (they're the ones in charge of the courthouse) sat next to him and they talked like old friends. The GLBT Woman (next) sat next to him and commented on the no socks. He said that whenever it's over 85 degrees, it's a no socks day. He turned out to be the judge hearing the case in the panel I went to. I just kept thinking of his tanned ankles whenever I looked at him.
• GLBT Woman - She was a normal looking and acting white woman, perhaps a bit butch but that's nothing really. But wearing a neon t-shirt emblazoned with GLBT causes in bold lettering might not be the best decision for courtroom attire. When called for the panel, she put a sweatshirt over it. She actually ended up on the jury. Mind you, I followed the attire rules and wore business casual kind of clothing, no logos, no t-shirts, no shorts ... and I didn't even wear jeans which many people did. A man wearing forbidden shorts also got on the jury.
• Gruff "I'm the Authority" Entrance Deputy - I told him before I went through the metal detector that my knee replacement would set it off. He insisted both knees had metal in them. They don't. Unless someone sneaked metal into my right knee since this spring when I was last metal-detected, it ain't happening. He finally shrugged and acted like he didn't know why I was lying to him after wanding my knees. By the way, the right one didn't set off the wand. Later, during lunch, I asked him if I could take a photo of the rotunda and the huge circular staircase. "No cameras allowed in the courthouse!" Of course everyone has cell phone cameras and laptops with cameras with them, plus he let my purse through not once, but twice, with my camera in it. It's a shame -- that courthouse is stunning and historical.
• Wipeout Man - In the voir dire, they ask each juror about their jobs, their families, and even what television shows they watch. When one man mentioned watching CSI, the judge scoffed and said it wasn't a criminal case, there would be no forensic evidence. One man, who came across as such a serious guy, had a serious job, dressed well for court, is a grandfather replied when asked about television ... Wipeout! Spontaneous laughter all about. "I mean it. I like that show! Have you ever watched it?"
• Talking Man Who Understands Nothing - While in the waiting room I noticed this man had cornered and was practically sitting atop of a young man who looked very uneasy about it all. He talked quite animatedly for more than two hours, close talking and I haven't a clue what was being said. I wondered if the younger man knew him. At the voir dire, I decided he didn't. "What do you do for a living?" "Thirty-five years!" "Okay, but what do you do?" "Retire!" "Okay, you're retired, but what did you do when you worked?" "Thirty-five years!" Dismissed.
• Really Late Man - Remember, we were supposed to be there at 8 AM. This dude strolls in at 3:40 PM and shows his jury summons to Walter, the jury manager. "I need to get excused." Walter looked at his watch and asked, "What do you do for a living?" "I'm unemployed," the scruffy late man replied. "Go to the office and you'll be rescheduled for next week. Be on time next week."
  

Enough ... onto my photos for the week. Clicking on an image will open it larger in a new window.

Plainfield Police Memorial Unveiled

The unveiling and ceremony went down while I was at work yesterday. I took this shot after dark from across the street when I got back to town. I'll get a better shot in the daylight. It's a tribute to four fallen officers on the force killed in the line of duty -- one killed in race riots in the 60s, two in the early 70s and the sole woman officer murdered in the 80s right up the street from me. If I'm not mistaken, I believe the rehab of the main train station is also dedicated to her. Plainfield Police, Watchung Avenue and East 4th Street.

Sunrise, Sunset

... swiftly fly the years. (From Fiddler on the Roof) This is last night's sunset as I saw it in Bridgewater, NJ.

After Work Zombie on NJT Train

After working all day, he was oblivious to my camera on the train.

Plainfield Police Gang Unit

I guess he has job security these days, although it's a shame it's even needed. The gang-related shootings continue in town but they're not accurate shots. The murder rate itself remains fairly low. No, the woman talking to him is probably not a gang member, more likely a friend or acquaintance. Watchung Avenue, Plainfield.

Late summer bloom

One flower is in full bloom while its neighbor's time is gone. East Second Street, Plainfield.

Another East Second Street Flower

Sunrise through the trees

As I waited for the NJ Transit bus for my jury duty, I was treated to this view. Berckman and East Second Street, Plainfield.

Historic Art Deco Hersh Tower in Elizabeth, NJ

Built during the depression, this is one nifty-cool building.

Hersh Tower detail

Union County (NJ) Courthouse

Built in 1903, I can't fit the whole thing in my photo. There's also a round rotunda section and a fourteen-story tower full of courtrooms. It's supposedly haunted by the ghost of Hannah Caldwell.

A Republican Party?

Again, I was too close to get the whole building in my shot -- I was actually more interested in the weathered boards over the windows. The faded sign painted on the building read "Union County - A Republican Party." But I loved those boards. That's what this is all about! Elizabeth, NJ.

Oh my

These guys guard a rooftop in Elizabeth. They're not gargoyles, they're not quite griffins. Maybe they're grifgoyles.

St. John's on Broad Street

Originally founded in 1703, this church is amazingly tall. This photo doesn't do it justice. Elizabeth, NJ.

Separation of Church and State ...

... by a flag. The church steeple is yet another historic church on Broad Street and the tower is the Union County Courthouse tower. Elizabeth, NJ. Also note the historic bank building, now a Wachovia.

Street Cleaning in Elizabeth

Since I got to town early, it was only about 7:15 AM. Nonetheless, there were plenty of pedestrians and folks heading off to work. What surprised me, the Hello How Are You Person of Plainfield, is that other people greeted ME first! During my early morning exploration, five different people gave a friendly hello without me making the first greet. Wow. Elizabeth and Plainfield both have reputations for being on the rough side. Elizabeth is the fourth largest city in NJ more than double the population of Plainfield. You don't expect friendly greetings on the street from strangers. But I got them. Only in the morning, not in the afternoon when the sidewalks were full and it was jostle time.

They must have blown the trash to Broad Street

My gosh, I thought the litter problem in Plainfield was bad. This is horrible! Elizabeth, NJ.

If you're blue and you don't know
where to go to why don't you go
where fashion sits
Puttin' on the Ritz
Different types who wear a day
coat pants with stripes and cutaway
coat perfect fits
Puttin' on the Ritz

(As sung and danced to by Fred Astaire and a host of others ...) I love this art deco marquee at the Ritz Theater! Another historical treasure in Elizabeth, it still hosts shows and is way cool.

Stepping back a bit

The ticket booth at The Ritz

250 Years Old in 1914, eh?

If my math skillz are still any good, we're talking the town was settled in 1664? For the United States, that's ancient. In Europe, it wouldn't be much ... but here, we're talking OLD.

Dedicated to the volunteers

This statue stands to the side of the courthouse entrance. Union County Courthouse, Elizabeth, NJ.

Yikes!

These children were in the window. Luckily the boy decided to sit down or he would have had to get the blur treatment. Parents? Where? Broad Street, Elizabeth.

During lunch

The tranquil early morning streets gave way to loads of pedestrians and extreme traffic jams all afternoon. It doesn't help that two blocks of sidewalks around the courthouse are torn up and closed. Broad Street, Elizabeth, NJ.

Fall Sale

Broad Street, NJ. Edited for color/black & white.

Hall of Fame?

Looks more like a Hall of Shame. But decrepit tends to attract me for photo fodder. I believe this was also on Broad Street.

"Are you lookin' at me?
Are YOU lookin' at ME?"

Okay, Vincent. Don't go all Taxi Driver on me. I'll let you drape yourself over my shoulder in a minute. Happy faux-birthday! You're a great cat!

9/11 - We'll Never Forget

Words cannot express the thoughts in our minds. It's the day that changed our way of life forever.

Big Brother 12 - Live Feeds Into Saturday Morning, September 11

Yesterday was a whole lotta nuthin' in that Big Brother House of the Boredom Brigade:

• It's like they're in a suspension of time and space in the house. Nothing can or will be done until they know the outcome of the third part of the HOH comp.
• Unless something is really on the lowdown, it's Enzo who will get the boot.
• And he knows it.
• Enzo exiled himself, napping and wanting to go home, for most of the day.
• Lane and Hayden worked out, played with their Nerf football and did all kinds of teenage boy stuff.
• Enzo finally came out of his total slump.
• They played cards.
• Then they played Jenga.
• Enzo was the one who knocked over the stack, the loser.
• As it will probably be on Wednesday, too.
• They set up the Jenga pieces like dominoes in a trail and set them off.
• They are bored.
• They should dance. That would be entertaining.
• But they won't.
• Perhaps they should stand on their heads.
• But they won't.
• We're doomed to boredom for four more days.
• It's not even like they have either intelligent or interesting conversations.
  
• Sigh.
  

Big Brother 12 - Live Feeds Into Friday Morning, Sept. 10

We're in slim pickings days on the live feeds. Instead of being bored by the final two, we're being bored by the final three. Here's the skinny from inside that Big Brother House of Deranged Doofuses:

• Enzo is definitely feeling every bit of the third wheel.
• While he isn't crying, he's been kicking himself for his time in the comp round.
• BB treated them to a long steak and lobster dinner, blocking the feeds with the "secret game" message and theme music.
• They got champagne.
• Enzo didn't feel much like celebrating.
• Hayden, who has been sitting around looking pensive a lot, once again told Lane that if either of them brought Enzo to the final two, he would win.
• I doubt Enzo would win against Hayden.
• He might have a chance against Lane.
• But I doubt he has a chance to get the chance.
• The steak and lobster must not have been enough for them -- they grilled hot dogs in the yard.
• Enzo jogged the yard and lifted weights muttering to himself that the other two already had a deal.
• Lane said it was the "funnest day" ever in the house.
• Lane and Hayden talked Steamboat and dating celebrities.
• For some reason they brought up Troy, New York (someone Lane knows moved there?).
• I was born in Troy, New York. Yes, it's a real place, Lane.
• Enzo, much like Ragan and Britney before him, is segregating himself away from them.
• Not that he has much of a chance, but this will make for a miserable week for him if he doesn't snap out of it.
• They're all asleep as I post this.
  

Big Brother 12 - Round 2 Final HoH Show Blog Party Post

The show is about to start here on the East Coast. As it airs, I'll post important updates in this entry. But the real fun is in the comments section. Everyone is invited to join in with your thoughts! Later tonight (or, worst case scenario, early in the morning), my full show review will be posted over on TV Squad.

On the vines Enzo lasted 19 minutes, Lane 2 hours and 35 minutes. Hayden won.

Lane wins part two!

Big Brother 12 - Live Feeds Into Thursday, September 9

I look like [bleeping] Sonic the Hedgehog!

The feeds, which should have never been blocked, returned at midnight last night. We found out that Hayden won the first part of the HoH competition -- not a shocker at all. Here's the skinny from inside that Big Brother House of Brigade Buddies:

• Hayden cut Enzo's hair. It's a bit lopsided and the neck hairline in the back was all werewolfy.
• Lane trimmed the back of his neck.
• Enzo delicately trimmed the top and then freaked out because it was uneven.
• Now, the man just has bad hair (or lack thereof) up on top. A small pair of scissors just isn't going to help it.
• Enzo also trimmed his nose hairs and shaved twice in a row.
• Is he planning on kissing someone?
• Won't he have to do it all over again in the morning since they're talking about going to bed?
• Lane studied house events using playing cards. Hayden helped him.
• Enzo thinks the finale is tomorrow (today).
• He's wrong, but then again, he's Enzo. He's usually wrong.
• Both Lane and Hayden said that the diary room has been telling them to weigh their options and that taking Enzo to the final two might be the right decision.
• Damage control for the Britney "don't take Enzo" bit? I don't know.
• They napped for a few hours, but it looks like they just can't sleep with all the excitement ahead.
• Lane thinks no matter who he goes to the final two with, he'll only get second place.
• He's probably right.
• Enzo asked Lane if there are Italians and pizzerias in Texas.
• Both Hayden and Enzo are convinced the finale is tonight, but Lane doesn't think so now.
• For once, Lane's right.
• After snacking and talking how far they've made it, a bit of back patting ... they're off to bed again.
  

Lane looks at the Memory Wall, either reminiscing or studying.

Big Brother 12 - Live Feeds Update - Feeds Return

11:56 PM ET - We have theme music and fishcam.
12:00 AM ET - Live feeds unblocked. Enzo wants to shave the back of his neck.

I'm waiting for mention of who won the first part of the HoH, then will update this post.

Hayden is cutting/trimming Enzo's hair ... no mention yet.

12:51 AM ET - Lane is trying to study HoH and other comps, so he didn't win I don't think. Hayden is with him, but quiet. I believe he won the first part -- he was complaining earlier about how much his hands hurt.

12:57 AM ET - Pretty much confirmed that Hayden won the first part. Lane, studying, mentioned to Hayden that he hasn't seen Enzo studying at all. Of course, why would Enzo need to study unless he's in the second part of the HOH tomorrow with Lane?

Big Brother 12 - PoV Ceremony, Eviction and Final HoH 1st Round Blog Party, Sept. 8

The show is about to start here on the East Coast. As it airs, I'll post important updates in this entry. But the real fun is in the comments section. Everyone is invited to join in with your thoughts! Later tonight (or, worst case scenario, early in the morning), my full show review will be posted over on TV Squad.

This is the first time ever that they've blocked the final HoH endurance competition round from the live feeds. So I haven't any great insight as to who might have won round one yet. Also, thanks for the birthday wishes, but it is next week. And, yes, Margo ... I believe it's 29.

Hayden won PoV ... but that's such OLD news. Lots of time wasted on the Brigade reveal to Britney. Hayden doesn't use POV, Enzo evicts Britney.

HoH round one started ... on vines slamming into a "wall.'

Big Brother 12 - Live Feeds (or lack thereof) Update, Tuesday Sept. 7

THEIR sink, not mine!

The live feeds have been blocked for most of the day and will remain blocked until after tomorrow night's show. However, since they're taping the eviction and the HoH comp in front of an audience, there are spies.

Britney was voted out by Enzo, as expected. The comp has them swinging on vines, rain, and banging into things. I predict Hayden on that one, but don't really know.

Big Brother 12 - Live Feeds Into Tuesday, Sept. 7

Yawn. It should be illegal not to have mortal enemies in the house once they're down to this point. When a group gets along well, it's boring. I really don't want to hear anything more about Steamboat Springs. Here's the latest:

• Lane tried to teach Enzo how to fly a plane. They sat in chairs to do it. Okay, that was cute.
• Construction for a comp started early in the morning yesterday and they've been on indoor lockdown ever since.
• They're going stir crazy.
• Maybe they'll get cabin fever and turn on each other!
• I know. That was mean.
• I'm sorry.
• They talked of school days, Lady Gaga, previous seasons, celebrities, ousted hamsters and how bloggers blog about every little thing they do on JokersUpdates.com.
• I don't do that.
  
• They didn't mention this blog.
• They thought it weird that they had to do goodbye messages and they haven't even had the PoV ceremony yet.
• They also got the HoH camera early, thus confusing them even more.
• They usually get that on Wednesday.
• Enzo thinks he'll be famous when the season ends.
• Britney told him to prepare NOT to be famous.
• She's more right than he is.
• They played cards.
• It's hard to tell who's going to the F2 with whom.
• It's a sure bet Enzo will vote out Britney.
• But when Lane and Hayden are together, the F2 will be them.
• When Enzo and Hayden are together, the F2 is them.
• I think, unless Enzo wins HOH, he might be sunk as the country boys will take each other.
• But don't quote me on that.
  

Big Brother 12 - Live Feeds Into Monday, Sept. 6

It's not much more than a snoozefest on the live feeds and I predict it will get worse once Britney's out. Here's the latest from inside that Big Brother House of No Controversy:

• They napped.
• Hayden, Lane and Britney trashed Rachel once again as Enzo washed the dishes.
• No, Rachel didn't return to the house. They just can't stop.
• Britney told Hayden she thought he was dishonest, but that she was over it.
• They got a deck of cards and have played lots of cards.
• Apparently they're so over pool tournaments.
• That could be because they lost their bowl trophy when Enzo lost his clothes.
• Britney's mother once made it to the finals in casting for Survivor.
• Oh my. Can you see Enzo on Survivor? Heehee!
• Enzo and Lane worked out.
• Britney said she never heard of the word "libations" before being in the house.
• Lane's happy to have learned such a big word.
• Jackie hopes to never hear "libations" again.
• Britney thought Ragan was really vulgar.
• He was. He was probably the most vulgar and continuously sexually graphic person I've ever seen in the house.
• Most of it wasn't even funny.
• Hayden, Lane and Enzo are still up as I get this posted.
• But, as Enzo said, there is no more game talk, Brigade!
• Of course, if two of them are in a room, not three, I expect some game talk.
• But it's not happening now.
  

Big Brother 12 - HoH, Nominations Show Blog Party Post - Sept. 5

The show is about to start here on the East Coast. As it airs, I'll post important updates in this entry. But the real fun is in the comments section. Everyone is invited to join in with your thoughts! Later tonight (or, worst case scenario, early in the morning), my full show review will be posted over on TV Squad.

Hayden won HoH!

Britney won 10 grand in a hidden coin luxury comp.

Lane and Britney on the block.

Dancing With the Stars Fall 2010 Blog Discussion Post

It's that time of year again -- get ready for the latest action on Dancing With the Stars! This is your blog home to discuss the show with friends. Bookmark it now and return during the shows, in between them and whenever you want to add in your two cents! The official show website is here.

The esteemed Margo will be running the blog pool and I hope everyone has a grand old time!

This year's stars are:
Audrina Patridge
Brandy
Bristol Palin
David Hasselhoff
Florence Henderson
Jennifer Grey
Kurt Warner
Kyle Massey
Margaret Cho
Michael Bolten
Mike Sorrentino
Rick Fox

I hope I got that right. I've never heard of a few of them.
Enjoy!

Big Brother 12 - Live Feeds Into Sunday - Sept. 5

Before the tears came, Britney looked at her nails a lot.

Here are the happenings from the late night hours until early today from inside that Big Brother House of an Exposed Brigade:

• Since Hayden won the POV, the guys decided that they should tell Britney what's going on with the Brigade.
• Hayden happened to step out of the HOH room to ask the diary room for "libations" then got stuck there in an impromptu DR session.
• Meanwhile, Britney went to the HOH where Enzo and Lane laid in wait ... er, were sitting.
• They messed around at first talking of alliances, then finally broke it to her that they were in a four-person alliance since the first day.
• But they had to get rid of Matty because "he flipped" and grew too close to Ragan.
• They explained how the main alliance, along with the side alliance each one had, controlled the vote and offered protection if one should happen to go on the block.
• Britney claimed that everyone knew all along something was going on with them.
• But things didn't really sink in until Hayden (after returning to the room) said he wasn't going to use the veto.
• Then her world came crashing down. It dawned on her she would forever be 4th place and that Lane wasn't going to help her, can't help her.
• She cried and left the room.
• The guys stayed up talking about the greatness of their alliance as well as who will take what money home.
• The common thought is that Hayden will win the final HOH.
• They're all claiming NOW that they will take whatever happens in good stride and will always be loyal to the Brigade.
• They think that they will win all the big money prizes -- the 500 grand, the 50 grand and the 25 grand viewers choice.
• This morning Britney, like Ragan before her, had a long talk to herself/her family/the Internet.
• She's embarrassed and hopes she doesn't look really stupid.
• She feels she let her family down.
• Although she didn't say it, I think she's very disappointed in herself for trusting Lane so much.
• She knows there's no chance of staying this week.
• She's only worried about how she'll act between now and then.
• She wants to have fun, but is afraid she'll cry.
• Aw, poor Britney. While she does have a mean streak to her, she can be funny, too. After her eviction, three guys who love each other are going to be way boring on the live feeds.
  

Enzo did really mess up his knee in the one comp.

Off Topic - That Was the Week It Was - Sept. 5, 2010

It's Sunday morning, time to take an off television topic look back at the week in words and photographs I've taken. I've tried "artsy" for some of my photos, others are just to share a bit of what I've seen in my daily travels. If you're looking for Big Brother live feeds, check out the previous posts and a new one will be up a bit later this morning.

We had another heatwave here in the New Jersey area this past week. I was so over those after the first one this summer. I believe the latest was the sixth heatwave of the season. I don't like sweating. If I'm sweating, I should be working out and losing weight or something ... not just standing there. This summer I didn't perspire, I didn't glow. I sweated. Ack.

Between my full time job, this summer's extreme heat, the blogging gig, and Big Brother my summer's been relatively limited as far as going out of my way anywhere or doing a lot. I guess that will change on Tuesday morning when I venture into Elizabeth for jury duty. My juror number is well within those who must show up at 8 AM.

I've been poking around Elizabeth via the Google Earth Street View to check out the courthouse and the neighborhood around it. There's a lot of history in the area, dating back to the Revolutionary War and even before it. The courthouse itself is supposed haunted and the television series Ghost Hunters once did a segment on it. There are also peregrine falcons nesting there. With interesting architecture, a cemetery dating back to the 1600s, urban street characters ... I should have a field day with my camera during my travels to and from the courthouse and my lunch time. Of course, if I get selected for a trial, I wouldn't be able to post about it while it's ongoing, nor will I be taking photos in the courtroom. But I'm thinking of this as an adventure!

It will be a nice change of pace, plus I'll be doing my civic duty. I need an excuse to get out and about somewhere other than going back and forth to work. It's only a shame that I can't take my air conditioning with me as I walk around Elizabeth. While it's beautiful weather now, Tuesday will see us near 90 degrees once again.

Without further ado, here are the photos I've taken this week -- clicking on an image will open it larger in a new window --

I look around, leaves are brown now
And the sky is a hazy shade of winter
Look around, leaves are brown
There's a patch of snow on the ground.
-- "Hazy Shade of Winter" by Simon and Garfunkel

There I was walking in 96 degree heat and I came upon a pile of snow. Huh? What? Aliens? A mirage due to being delirious from the heat? I don't know. I took a photo just to prove it really did exist. Bridgewater, NJ

A pretty morning approaching the train station

This was taken Friday morning as Earl was supposedly moving closer. Where I live is far enough inland that coastal storms don't really mean much other than lots of wind. Perhaps the closest "shore" point would be the Elizabeth area which is actually secluded from the ocean by Bayonne and Staten Island. That's probably about 12 to 15 miles away. Earl turned out to be nothing but good surfing waves. This was taken at the Plainfield Train Station.

Turn on, tune in and drop out

Timothy Leary knew nothing about modern technology. Psychedelic drugs have nothing on the zombies walking the streets so involved in their own little technological play toys that nothing else exists. We have a generation of addicts without drugs, per se. Watchung Avenue, Plainfield.

Disclaimer: I admit to being a tech addict myself to a point with my digital camera and my Not an iPod. But, my cell phone is strictly for very rare phone calls. Real calls, I do at home. And I don't want a smart phone -- I'm Internet-addicted enough without one.

Plainfield Train Station at night

I worked later again last night and it was dark by the time I got home. Even if I hadn't worked later, this would have been the time I arrived home as there was yet another suicide by train on my line. The latest was nearby the station by my workplace. Earlier this week, there was one at the Roselle Park Station.

While suicide itself is often a drastic solution to what's often temporary problems and definitely not an advisable route, having someone else do the deed is reprehensible. My heart goes out to the engineers driving these trains -- they can't stop on a dime and they have to live knowing they killed someone. I know these NJ Transit engineers and conductors. They're mostly a great bunch of folks. There's been an increase this year with people jumping in front of trains.

It's definitely sad when someone ends their own life. But to involve others in the taking of it is even worse. Like suicide by cop, suicide by train isn't the way to do it. I don't really have answers.

Linger on the sidewalk where
the neon signs are pretty
How can you lose?
The lights are much brighter there
You can forget all your troubles,
forget all your cares
So go downtown,
things'll be great
when you're downtown.
-- "Downtown" by Petula Clark

I guess I'm in a music mood this week or, at least some of the photos are lending to song lyrics. El Palacio restaurant on Watchung Avenue in Plainfield has installed brilliant blue-hue spotlights in addition to their neon signs. Yeah, it's a bit gaudy, but it's good photo fodder. When you're in the light, it's almost like a black light effect on white clothing.

Regis is for the birds?

Pigeons and other birds love to gather just over Regis' head. I took this shot at the TD (Somerset Patriots) Ballpark in Bridgewater. Regis and Kelly, spokespeople for TD Bank, adorn the side of the stadium. And, might I add, draw birds.

I messed with this one

This is Watchung Avenue and East Fourth Street in Plainfield. I like what I did with it and I don't. I should mess some more or re-mess entirely. A train is pulling into the station while car traffic flows below.

I used to rule the world
Seas would rise when I gave the word
Now in the morning I sleep alone
Sweep the streets I used to own
-- "Viva La Vida" by Coldplay

Heh, more music. But I couldn't resist when I saw this guy pushing a vacuum cleaner up the street on Watchung Avenue in Plainfield.

Here comes the sun

Badahdah ... uh-oh. I'm singing again. The early morning sun all but silhouettes a commuter on the Plainfield Train Station platform.

Early morning Xpress Mart

Yes, I messed with the editing of this photo. But I'm pleased with these results. It gives it an almost Rockwell sort of "feel" albeit very different fodder than he used in his paintings. North Street in Plainfield.

Clinging to old technology

Just because they're technophobes hanging onto outdated television antennas doesn't mean they aren't going to take over the world.

First day of school

A mother hugs her child while awaiting the school bus. The city schools in Plainfield actually start this coming Tuesday. But some of the parochial and other private ones started last Wednesday and Thursday. It's hard to tell anymore as Plainfield's school uniforms are just about like what these kids are wearing.

He's yelling at me

Yes, he's wildly chirping, yelling and waving his tail all about. What did I do to him? Um, well, I accidentally threw my kitchen trash on his head. How was I to know a squirrel was in my apartment building's dumpster? Sheesh! Obviously, I didn't hurt him. But he gave me what for!

Bird fence

You know, if I'm walking in one direction, flying ahead of me and stopping will mean I'm coming again. Why don't you hide behind me and then I'll be gone? East Front Street, Plainfield.

A taxi rainbow

Right here you see four differently-colored taxi companies gathered at the taxi stand at the Plainfield Train Station. The yellow cabs (which used to be neon green) are Yellow, the blue cab is United, the red is Liberty and the orange is Caribe. There are also black, white, yellow minivans (not Yellow) and the occasional purple cabs.

Call me a cab!
You're a cab.
Thank you, I'll be here all week.

Sunrise for another hot day

The sun peeks through just after dawn on Monday. Plainfield Train Station.

Early morning El Palacio

The bright lights make the sidewalk and its bench glow even in the daylight. Watchung Avenue, Plainfield.

Now he's yelling at me, too!

And I didn't even throw trash on him! Apparently he's camera shy. Up on the wires overhead on East Front Street, Plainfield.

Vincent

I bought Vincent a new toy my downstairs neighbor must already hate -- a compressed catnip ball. Vincent loves it, but he likes to roll it on the hardwood floor more than on my carpeted areas. Oh, well. I can hear the chihuahua barking down there. So we're even!

How was your week? I hope everyone has a great holiday!

Big Brother 12 - Live Feeds Saturday, Sept. 4 - Including POV

Before I get into the news of the day, I'd just like to comment on comments here. Now, the houseguests put themselves in the public eye. I've always allowed opinions both good and bad about them. What I don't allow (and usually remove) are comments about fellow commenters. That's pretty much how I've run the blog year after year.

Of course, I don't want anything slanderous or outright lies about the houseguests -- those will be removed. But they put themselves out there and know that their actions are going to be nitpicked and they're going to be both loved and trashed dependent on how they're perceived by the public. You needn't "defend" your favorite nor try to convince others they're out of line if they don't like them or mock them. We all are free to like or dislike the hamsters and to mock or praise them as we see fit. Not so your fellow posters on the blog -- I don't have enough hours in my day to deal with flame wars.

Back to your regularly scheduled live feeds report ...

Here's the news from inside that Big Brother House of Top Heavy With Testosterone:

• Although they went to bed rather early (for them - 1 AM their time), BB didn't wake them up until around 10 AM.
• Then they didn't want to get up.
• They woke up to an indoor lockdown with construction noise coming from the yard.
• Britney tended to her finger, cut while searching for the "coins" yesterday.
• Apparently it's bad enough of a cut for the show to call in a medic last night.
• Lane and Hayden talked about how they think if Britney gets in the final two, she'll win.
• Yet WE know Lane actually wants her in the final two with him.
• But he's not telling Hayden that!
• The boys bragged Brigade ... not to Britney, mind you.
• Britney told Lane she feels like Ragan did last week, shunned.
• He denied she's being shunned.
• She has been leaving the guys alone going off napping and things.
• This is the time she should be with as many of them as much as she can.
• Lane ended up getting perplexed with her after telling her she went off to bed early and everything. He told her he won't baby her.
• Lots of small talk, then napping time.
• BB apparently gave them some more Dollar Store kids toys to amuse them.
• As I get this posted, the feeds have been blocked with trivia for a few hours. It should be the PoV comp.
• I will post the results when I know them.

BULLETIN: IT SOUNDS LIKE HAYDEN WON THE POV
Yes, Hayden won.

Big Brother 12 - Ragan's Exit Interview

The repeated slow motion of the veto comp shows that Enzo really didn't "tackle" Ragan at all.

'Big Brother 12 - Live Feeds Into Saturday Morning - Sept. 4

A thrill a minute.

Hmmm ... for the first time since I've been doing this, I have a bit of trouble with reporting any news from inside that Big Brother House of Britney and da Boys. Let me give it a try:

• One thing I don't believe I mentioned in my last report is that Britney is the one who cleaned up the mess from the coin hunt.
• The bedrooms remain a mess.
• Same as it ever was, same as it ever was.
• Enzo made a huge thing about washing his own plate after eating aimed specifically at Britney.
• But she's the one who does the most actual cleaning these days.
• They heard someone over the fence shouting that "Big Brother rules!"
• I miss the days of Miss Kitty with her megaphone, people throwing candy, etc. That's back when it was a real house, not just a studio on the CBS lot.
• They're all worried that Britney will win the veto and blow all the Brigade plans.
• I don't think Lane is as worried about that as are Hayden and Enzo.
• They actually went to bed fairly early for them -- about 1 AM their time.
• And that's just about it.
  

Big Brother 12 - Friday Live Feeds Report (including nominations) - Sept. 3

Their housekeeping is getting worse and worse.

Scared by a mouse? Or could it be something else?

At least something happened in the house today -- a "treasure hunt" and the nominations. Excitement by the minute, I tell you. Here's the latest from inside that Big Brother House of Tearing Down the House:

• After a mundane start to the day, the feeds were blocked with trivia.
• Yep, that's usually a sign that a comp is going down.
• This time they returned during the action.
• BB had made an almost CD-sized "coin" for each of the houseguests, then gave them time to hide their own coin.
• Then the others had to search. The owner of the last coin found would win $10,000.
• Although we didn't see all of it, we saw a lot of the action.
• They tore the house apart!
• Hayden was out first when Enzo found his coin.
• Next Enzo was out when Britney found his coin.
• Britney found Lane's coin, so she's the big winner. She had hidden her own coin in a box in a bag with chicken ick on it in the trash.
• Then they got to put the whole house back together before nominations.
• Hayden once again broke something and fussed a few times about how he's always breaking things in the house. Enzo also broke a big urn. The breakages happened in the heat of the coin search.
• According to BB, the search was supposed to last about a half-hour.
• It lasted more than three hours.
• They had discussed the limited possibilities for nominations since Hayden won.
• More than once Lane said Hayden should just put up Britney and himself.
• Who is Hayden to refuse?
• They'll all play in veto and the winner of veto is the sole vote this week.
• Lane and Britney are on the block. If Britney wins, Enzo will go home.
• I'm not so sure on Lane. If he sticks to his Britney F2 plan, he'll boot Enzo.
• If Hayden or Enzo win, I believe Britney will go.
• We'll see.
• As I typed this, Britney is talking about there being no big alliances in the house this season.
• Lane even led her on about "what if there was a four-person alliance?"
• I can't believe she doesn't see it!
• Ack.
  

Big Brother 12 - Live Feeds Into Friday Morning, September 3

Hayden says, "I'll never see the inside of the jury house."

The epitome of boring live feeds in a single screen cap.

Not only did they NOT return the live feeds until after last night's HoH comp was over, but they trapped the hamsters inside with nothing to do. So they napped. Here's the latest from inside that Big Brother House of the Final Four:

• It's interesting how they cling onto any bits and pieces of the audience at the live show -- from glimpses to hearing them laugh or applaud. I don't recall others doing that so much in past years.
• Lane told the others about his talk with Julie, calling himself a dodo ... but didn't tell them about taking Britney to the final two.
• That is, if he gets the chance.
• Enzo advised Hayden to wait and let Britney talk to him, make her think she's safe.
• Lane looked worried a lot -- he might be losing his Britney.
• Enzo, a bit self-confident for someone who constantly loses comps, went as far as to suggest that Hayden put himself and Lane on the block.
• Of course, it doesn't really matter who goes on the block as the power of veto winner will hold all the power this week.
• BB returned their glasses and silverware. Lane had just finished eating a bowl of cereal when they discovered them.
• They think the next comp will be the faces morph. It should be, but you never know.
• Grasping any clue to the outside world, once they could go into the yard,they found a soda can in the with a new amusement park ride advertised.
• Hayden opened up his HOH room. A letter from his father, a new string "bracelet," some Corona beer.
• Enzo is really playing up to Hayden now.
• This isn't too great for Lane because someone needs to be friends with Britney (him) and it distances him a bit from Hayden.
• Enzo even spent the night with Hayden in the HOH room.
• No, not like THAT!
• Enzo hopes he hasn't embarrassed his wife too much by losing so many comps.
• Forget the wife, think about the entire state of New Jersey! Sheesh!
• Enzo thinks they should hang out more with Lane so that "Britney doesn't get in his head."
• Um. She's already there.
• Enzo is really working the Brigade status. After all, that's been his only big move in the game.
• Right now, I believe Hayden will want Britney out, then Enzo.
• Enzo doesn't know that.
• It's all going to hinge on POV.
  

Oh, joy! Another HOH room!

Big Brother 12 - Live Feeds HOH Coverage - Sept. 2

As I get this posted, the feeds haven't returned. Once they do, the latest news will be at the top of the post.

9:20 PM - The feeds returned and, though not voiced, Hayden has the HoH key while at the table.

9:23 - Now it's voiced, official -- Hayden is the new HOH.

Big Brother 12 - Live Eviction Show, HOH - Sept. 2

The show is NOT about to start here on the East Coast. Here in the NYC area, it will air at 1:37 AM. (Grr.) I'm tuning into an east coast feeds website, but with all on one screen while taking notes for my TV Squad review, I might run a bit behind on major updates. However, I'm sure the commenters will keep everything up to date as long as you're seeing the show on time.

The real fun is in the comments section. Everyone is invited to join in with your thoughts! Later tonight (or, worst case scenario, early in the morning), my full show review will be posted over on TV Squad.

Britney and Enzo voted Ragan out.

HOH has them "decorating" Christmas trees and will be picked up on the live feeds. I'll post a separate live feeds HOH update post to cover that.

Big Brother 12 - Live Feeds Into Thursday, September 2

Sigh.

Here are the late night and overnight events from inside that Big Brother House of Harried Hamsters:

• The sigh isn't over Ragan's likelihood of leaving tonight.
• It's over him analyzing himself and the season.
• It's his own version of talking to the Internet.
• But it's definitely not like when either Dr. Will or Evel Dick did it.
• It's like he's on a psychiatrist's couch and we're the shrink.
• I feel like spinning the hammock upside down.
• Argh.
• I really don't want to hear him go on about his father who passed away some time back. It's fine to touch on it, but do I really need a biography?
• Britney said the show is getting the best ratings ever as per the diary room.
• Really?
• Hayden thinks Britney will have an advantage if the HOH comp is a quiz.
• Yep, she will.
• They're all asleep as I post this.
  

Big Brother 12 - Wednesday Live Feeds - September 1

The big excitement of the day ...
Lane caught a praying mantis on his foam paddle.
And tried to sic it on Enzo.
Instead, it jumped at Lane.
He screamed and ran.
Well, not really screamed, but ...

Alas, this was more the norm for the day.

Here's the latest from inside that Big Brother House of Lazy Lazabouts:

• Britney has taken over the cleaning. She even scrubbed down the counters in the storage room.
• She doesn't do windows, nor clutter in the bedrooms.
• Lane got his HOH camera. Fun, fun, fun.
• Ragan is really annoying me and creeping me out.
• He still can't get off the Rachel thing.
  
• He needs to go.
• Now.
• Okay, if not now, tomorrow.
• He also said that since he's a celebrity, he had to verify his Twitter account.
• @@
• They napped a lot.
• And that's it.
  

Big Brother - Power of Veto Show Blog Party Post - September 1

The show is about to start here on the East Coast. As it airs, I'll post important updates in this entry. But the real fun is in the comments section. Everyone is invited to join in with your thoughts! Later tonight (or, worst case scenario, early in the morning), my full show review will be posted over on TV Squad.

Tomorrow night might present a programming dilemma for many of the readers ... and definitely for myself. In this area (NYC metro viewing area), no CBS affiliate will air the live eviction show before 1:37 AM ET. I'm hoping that one of the sites which airs the East Coast feed will have it at 8 PM ET. If not, I'll put up a post anyway, but will have to watch and write up the episode for TVS in the middle of the night. Then I'll have to go to work.

I don't like football and certainly don't like pre-season games messing with my shows!

Lane out first round of Otev veto. Hayden out. Britney out. Enzo wins veto! Fearing the others night turn on Britney, Lane put up Hayden in Enzo's place.

Big Brother 12 - Live Feeds Into Wednesday Dawn - September 1

Finally, something other than pool -- moon sand!

Finally, dishes are getting washed!
They must have run out of clean dishes, I say.

Here's the latest news from inside that Big Brother House of Arrested Development:

• I last told you of Ragan's attempt, with pretty valid points, to keep himself in the house.
• Instead of actually wanting to win the half-million, Lane told Hayden and Enzo all about the plan and it became a running joke.
• Of course, we won't really know anything until Thursday night if indeed there is a tie.
• They are playing on Hayden's insecurities (although his insecurities are nowhere near as intense as Ragan's insecurities), but I do think that Hayden thinks they're joking and he'll be staying.
• Britney (why must it be the girl?) decided it was time to wash the dishes since there's a virtual mountain of them.
• She complained about how long it takes to wash dishes.
• I don't know. If you do them after each meal, it really doesn't take long even when you do them by hand.
• Like anything else, if you let it pile up, it's going to be a much larger task.
• Silly hamsters.
• Hayden volunteered to dry.
• Britney made up some of her HOH Hamburger Helper for dinner -- mixing the Cheesy Macaroni with the Stroganoff.
• If I have Hamburger Helper, I personally go for the Beef Pasta one.
• But that's just me.
• Another evening of boredom and trashing people.
• Ragan just can't get off the Rachel trashing. Heck, she's been out of the house for weeks now!
• I liked when Britney and Ragan were mocking Kathy, Enzo spoke up and said how nice Kathy was and that he liked her.
• The real excitement came when Enzo went in the storage room and came out with Moon Sand.
• Like little kids, they all gathered around and played.
• Enzo said he wanted to claim a steak or stake a claim or whatever it is.
• I know it's stake a claim.
• But Enzo is easily confused with words. It's part of his charm.
• They're all asleep as I post this.
• And, the dishes are clean.
• Wow.