Big Brother 15: New Hamsters Revealed

Perhaps just speaking for myself for a moment here, I'm a bit disappointed with the lack of diversity in this cast. One 37-year old, one 31, one 32 ... the rest in their 20s. Two of the women are married, the rest of the cast is single. Gah! Not only is there a lack of age diversity, but it's a mighty white cast as well. Of course, that doesn't mean I won't watch. However, I'd really like to see a better mix of real people on the show, not star or starlet wannabes. But it is what it is and here's a brief look at the upcoming hamsters; the link on their first names leads you to their bios on the CBS website --

Aaryn Gries

Aaryn: 22, college student, single, originally from San Angelo, TX, now living in San Marco, TX. I think she might be a bit naive for this game. According to her, she's afraid of "People with evil or absent minds that hurt or deceive others." Um. What show is she competing on again? Oh, yeah. Big Brother.

Amanda Zuckerman

Amanda: 28, real estate agent, single, originally from Long Island, NY, currently living in Boynton Beach, FL. She thinks Britney is hilarious and didn't like Jen (BB8), so that's in her favor for me. She's afraid of sharks. Well, that's just common sense. BB has a lot of landsharks, though! I think she's more apt for the show than Aaryn.

Andy Herren

Andy: 26, professor, single, originally from Aurora, IL, currently lives in Chicago, IL. Dang, his bio on the CBS site is extremely loquacious. He seems to have a plan for the win. But if he talks as much as he writes, he'll drive 'em all crazy. He claims to be afraid of "I am slightly afraid of heights, but it is not crippling or anything. I am terrified of bees, though. And people who enjoy Tyler Perry movies." So we have a clown in the house.

Candice Stewart

Candice: 29, pediatric speech therapist, single, originally from New Orleans, now living in Houston, TX. She really liked Ian, really dislikes Boogie. So far, I'm feelin' the vibe. In addition to drop roller coasters, bugs and rodents, she says "I guess I am more afraid of more serious life issues like health and the well-being of my family." Hmm. I believe I like this one!

David Girton

David: 25, lifeguard, single, from San Diego, CA. Oh my. He has quasi-Hayden hair! He hopes his good looks will take him to the end. Sigh. He likes Jeff because he's a "cool cat" and got a great "babe." So, blog buddies ... is he going to be the hook-up king of the house? And, can you say "shallow?" Yep, I thought you could.

Elissa Slater

Elissa: Rachel Reilly's sister (SIGH, knock that off, Alison Grodner!), 27, nutritionist, married, originally from Concord, NC, currently living in Kannapolis, NC. Her favorite previous hamster was Rachel (of course), least favorite, Monet. She's afraid of heights and planes. I'm afraid of her sister reappearing on the show. NEXT ...

GinaMarie Zimmerman

GinaMarie: 32, pageant coordinator, single, originally from Brooklyn, NY, now living in Staten Island, NY. So far, this would be my local hamster. Let's see if I approve of her. (After all, it's all about ME!) Uh-oh, not thrilled, I say! When it came to the "afraid of" question, she said, "I would be afraid of aliens, if they ever exist, and if I ever see one I would probably s**t my pants. Those movies scare me." That's just weird. Way too into pageants for my taste, too!

Helen Kim

Helen: The OLD hamster at 37, political consultant, married, originally from Falls Church, WV, now living in Chicago, IL. She has a strategy in which she'll throw HoH, then let the stronger players get the boot first. (Yeah, that always works SO well!) She likes Jeff and calls Rachel a "drama queen." Y'think? She's afraid of blood and bugs. That's fine; she's not on Survivor, after all. I think I just might like this one, too.   

Howard Overby

Howard: 31, youth counselor, single, from Hattiesburg, MS. He's a longtime watcher -- he names Jason of BB2 as a like, Lisa of BB3 as a dislike. He's afraid of "spiders and big birds." He loves loves loves board games. (Have I mentioned how much I hate the chess game being in the house?)  He seems intelligent, seems to know his strategy. But I'm wondering if, since he mentions being intelligent often in his bio, he might be a bit off-putting. We'll see.

Jeremy McGuire

Jeremy: 23, boat shop associate, single, from Katy, TX. He's going to miss his Mom. As a matter of fact, she's the one who told him to try out for the show -- she's the BB fan; he's never watched it. He's afraid of "poisonous animals." I guess it's good that he's never watched and doesn't know what Elissa being Rachel's sister means! Will Momma's boy have a chance? 

Jessie Kowalski

Jessie: Thankfully, not THAT Jessie, phew! 25, unemployed, single, originally from Beaumont, TX, now living in San Antonio, TX. Well, the stipend vs. being unemployed will make her feel like a rich woman. She has a dog she loves. She liked Danielle (not Daniele) and didn't like Evel Dick. That's kind of understandable. She's afraid of flying and overpasses. I don't know. She seems a bit perky.

Judd Daughtery

Judd: 26, property appraiser, single, originally from Englewood, TN, now lives in Etowah, TN. He frog gigs. Yessirree, Bob, we gots a country boy here! He plans a very social and strategic game. He might find that his plan to find an older person to align with near impossible, though. He likes many previous hamsters, dislikes Cowboy and Ronnie. Afraid of heights and spiders. He gigs frogs, but is skeered of spiders?!? Sheesh!

Kaitlin Barnaby

Kaitlin: 23, bartender, single, originally from Vadnais Heights, MN, currently residing in Minneapolis, MN. What? She's not a mixologist? She's afraid of spiders, the dark and dying alone. Um. Well, hopefully she won't have to worry about the latter for decades. She's a kid! She claims to be a "very closed-off person" and that she'll keep to herself. Yeah, right. If she's the first bimbo in bed, I'm going to call her on that!

McCrae Olson

McCrae: 23, pizza delivery boy, single, from Oak Grove, MN. Huh. I wonder why his photo is the only one that's not an outright head shot? An ambitious lad, for sure, he likes "typical boy stuff." Why do I get the feeling that, if he doesn't win the show, his parents are going to have him at home until he's well into his 30s? He likes Will Kirby. That's good. He's afraid of "Mice and ventriloquist dummies." He might be okay. My personal jury is out on him.

Nick Uhas

Nick: 28, an entrepreneur, single, originally from Hilliard, NY, now lives in NYC, NY. An entrepreneur, eh? Is that a synonym for "unemployed?" He does have a strategy to be in an alliance through thick and thin. That's a good plan. He claims to have no fears because of his mind control abilities, brags about his grades at Yale and touts his physical excellence in various sports. He likes Boogie. Oh my.

Spencer Clawson

Spencer: 31, railroad conductor, single, from Conway, AR. Little diversity, but two red-headed dudes! He says he's polarizing -- people either really like him or they don't. He also says he's opinionated and "chill." I would think that's a bit of an oxymoron, wouldn't you? He then says people are drawn to him. He likes James (Rhine) and Enzo the best, Chima the least. I guess I'll either like him or not. I might be drawn to him like a moth to a flame. I don't know.



So, that's our summer hamsters. Do you have any early favorites?

Big Brother 15 - New Twists Revealed

Most valuable player, eh? Julie Chen goes into the twist more here, but here are a few excerpts --

• The first twist is a series’ first: instead of two Houseguests being nominated each week for eviction, as in past seasons, contestants will nominate three in this summer’s edition.
• The second twist will allow BIG BROTHER viewers to play a crucial role in the game by casting votes for the Houseguest they feel is playing the best game.  The Houseguest who receives the most votes will be anointed that week’s, “Big Brother MVP.”  The full scope of the MVP’s secret power will be revealed during the season premiere.
• “The Big Brother MVP will force the houseguests to rethink their strategies.  With America rewarding good game play, it doesn't pay to be a floater this summer,” said Allison Grodner and Rich Meehan, Executive Producers of BIG BROTHER. 

Hmm. Not sure how it will all work out. But I'm thinking I'm liking it a bit more than some of the other twists we've seen over the years. At least it doesn't look like the hamsters will be family (except the maybe Rachel sister) or know each other!

The cast reveal should be tomorrow ... probably while I'm at work. But I'll post on it as soon as I can!

BB15 Tour with Julie and a few hints

Okay, we have 16 hamsters expected. One is supposed to be a familiar face, but "not what you're expecting" -- rumors have it that the familiar one is Rachel's sister. I don't know. Plus, America somehow has a hand in nominations with the new twist. I'm wondering since they replaced the nomination chairs with a couch ... could it be they nominate two, we nominate a third? I'm just throwing that guess out there. What do you think?


BB15 Tour with Julie by DreamersVids

Off Topic: That Was the Week It Was - June 16, 2013

Good Sunday morning to everyone! I hope all the fathers out there have a great Fathers Day. My own father died young, so please cherish your dads while you still have them in your life. A good father is priceless.

As it is Sunday, it's time for my weekly off television topic reflection on the week gone by in both words and photographs I've taken along the way. On television topic for a moment -- there should be news tomorrow on the new Big Brother house and, by the end of the week, on the new cast of hamsters. You can still get the Early Bird Special on the live feeds at cbs.com. If you're having trouble signing up for the live feeds, my only advice would be to clear your cache or reboot your computer. It might be easier to sign into the CBS site with your Facebook account if you have one.

Onto the week ... it rained. And then it rained some more. On Wednesday, my day off, it actually did NOT rain! Woohoo! I took a trip into nearby Westfield to visit Mindowaskin Park for a photo stomp of flowers, water fowl, bugs and the cicada "invasion." Here's a video I shot at the park with the cicadas singing their mating song as the background ...

Once I hit Trader Joe's, I was thrilled to find out they're expanding and taking over the whole building at their location. It's now twice the size! YAY! Although everything is still under construction, I already found new items I've never seen before. Trader Joe's is my favorite grocery store and the Westfield location was so tiny. I'm overjoyed for sure!

On the home front, the new landlords sent me the notice of a lease quit/renewal and rent increase. I had been worried as, even though I'm paying above market rate due to past mismanagement, they've been doing a lot of improvements to the building. My lease isn't up until September 1st, but I usually get this notice this time of the year. Okay, they raised my rent $5 more a month. I can deal with that. About the only thing better would have been no increase or a decrease. I can't see that happening!

One thing the new landlords should do, however, is learn their math. The state legal form was led off with an apology for the way it was worded (these notices required by the state always sound like you're getting the boot), how they understand how tough the economy is and blah-blah-blah. Then they said my rent increase is so tiny that it ends up being less than 75 cents a day! Um. Do the math. I believe it's more in line with 15 cents a day.

I found six dollars on the ground at the Bridgewater Train Station last night. I'll put that towards my rent increase! Onto this week's photos ... due to the never-ending rain for most of the week, the majority of these were taken on my Wednesday in nearby Westfield. 

Is it an ALIEN?

Nah, it's just a Magicicada. More on these in a bit.

Hey! Paparazzi! Stop shooting my butt!

My, what a big mouth he has! I guess he wanted to let me know he wasn't just a sitting duck.

Morning glory!

These are lining the chain link fence at the back of my apartment building.

Whatchoo lookin' at?

You know, it's rude to honk with food in your mouth, Goosey Lucy.

**CLICK THE 'READ MORE' LINK TO SEE THE REST OF THE PHOTOS**

Falling Skies: Chicken Little Ain't Got Nothin' on the Overlords!

I'm sure I'm dating myself here a bit. But, one of the things I love about Falling Skies are the special effects. Y'see, I grew up in the days when black and white television went color. I grew up suspending my disbelief at poorly depicted aliens and their turfs in The Outer Limits, Star Trek: The Original Series, The Twilight Zone (original) and Lost in Space. The stories in those series had me compelled to watch and I forgave the somewhat ludicrous and fake-looking monsters and aliens akin to the way I forgave them in early Japanese Godzilla movies. At least I wasn't dealing with subtitles!

Fast forward to today's summer TV fare from TNT -- Falling Skies. It's Steven Spielbrg, for goodness' sakes. It's Robert Rodan, the writer of Saving Private Ryan. It's computer effects so realistic that one might think skitters, mechs and overlords really could exist somewhere in our nightmares of an apocalyptic world.

Tonight, the third season of the show kicks off with the high action, the superb effects and a decent, albeit perhaps a bit derivative, tale to tell. A few new characters are introduced; we bid adieu to a few other folks we've gotten to know over the past season or two. After all, unless your name is Mason on the show, you're probably expendable. Heck, I'd say even a Mason might not protect them from the latest onslaught.

My own personal favorite character on the show is Ben Mason. If this were real life (what? it's not?), he'd be the guy I want in my corner -- harnessed by the aliens, saved by the humans kind of sort of only to become a liaison between rebel skitters and the humans while, in actuality, he has traits of both species. Not only that, but he's easy on the eyes to watch, especially if I were decades younger!

Thanks to the kind folks at TNT, some weeks back I received the first five episodes of the new season. They don't tell me I have to like them. They don't even tell me I have to post about the show. If I do post, I can be as critical as I want with no repercussions from the network. They pay me nothing to promote the series.

But, this is one summer series I don't want to miss.

I'm posting this before tonight's series premiere airs, so I won't give you any real spoilers, per se. I will go as far as to say there's a new overlord on the scene and it's a bit of a shocker. And, then there's a Chuckie kind of thing going on. That's all.

Will you be watching? Or, if you're reading this after the show ... what did you think? Favorite characters? Comments on the special effects? Talk to me, 2nd Mass followers! 

Off Topic: That Was the Week It Was - June 9, 2013

Good Sunday morning to all y'all out there! Yes, I know I don't have the proper Southern accent for that. However, writing is cool. You can have any kind of accent you want when you write. Since it is indeed Sunday morning, that means it's time for my weekly off television topic reflection on the week gone by in both words and photographs I've taken.

I posted a bit on Big Brother live feeds earlier this week. If you're a fan of the show, check it out! On a totally different television note, Falling Skies has its season premiere this evening. I've already seen (thanks, TNT) the two hour two episode premiere and plan to post on that. I don't think I'll be doing that throughout the series as it's on the same night as Big Brother and BB is why a lot of folks come by.

After a pleasant week's staycation, this past week started off very rough. As many of the folks reading this aren't on Facebook, here's a rather long FB post I made Monday evening:

Wah. After spending my entire staycation waking up early enough to go to work, I overslept today. Then it rained on me as I walked to the train station. Then my office was typical office upon return from vacation (stuff moved around, stuff not done, etc.) and I had a new person to train in there. Then I stayed late because I came late. Then I got rained on again heading to the train station. (Yes, I had my umbrella, but still ...!)

Then I got home, hit the elevator button because it's NEVER on the floor I want, got my mail out of the mailbox, made it back to the elevator in time for the door to open. As I stepped onto the elevator, I was fumbling with my keys to get my apartment door key ready. I accidentally dropped my keys ... DOWN THE CRACK FOR THE ELEVATOR SHAFT! Wah! Wah! Woe is me! I went down to the basement and tried putting my umbrella in the shaft. No go. It didn't even touch bottom. I almost lost my umbrella down the elevator shaft.

Where is my 24 hour number for the super? Is it in my cell phone? No, of course not. I have it on my refrigerator. Thankfully, there are some good neighbors I know well enough to ask for help. Cletus from the first floor called Mario, the super. He got me into my apartment with his copies. He's going to make copies and leave them for me tomorrow. And, he's going to have the landlord call the elevator people because they're the only ones who can get down in that below basement level elevator shaft. I told him any money they find down there is mine. Any small children or rodents they find are NOT mine.

It all ended nicely, though. The super fished out my keys himself using a string and hook with a flashlight to see them. I don't know how long it took him. But I bet it wasn't on the first try. I had planned to do the same once I got copies of the keys and could secure my apartment as I fished in the basement. I gave him a decent tip as he didn't have to do that for me.

Meanwhile, the old landlord for my apartment building was sentenced to nine years in federal prison for his multimillion dollar Ponzi scheme. Karma, baby.  The new landlords have been making building improvements, keep the elevator running (although it steals keys!), have a super who is bilingual, intelligent, trustworthy and a nice guy, too. The supers under the ex-landlord usually didn't speak English, didn't know how to fix stuff, weren't anyone you'd trust alone in your apartment and two even got evicted!

The week did improve for me, but the weather did not. It rained for about two days straight with the remnants of Andrea. Had we had the rains from this "post tropical cyclone" mixed with the winds of the last one (Sandy), we'd be in dire straits right now. Right now the reservoirs are full and we've had more rainfall than average for the year. I'm sure by August we'll be crying drought.

Onto the photos I took this week ...   

My chauffeur arrives

Although it was cloudy when the train picked me up Saturday morning for work, Andrea's constant rain was gone.

Starling on a wire

Perhaps not the prettiest bird, but the array of songs, chirps and such are beyond cool.

**CLICK THE 'READ MORE' LINK TO SEE THE REST OF THE PHOTOS**

Big Brother 15: Live Feeds Information and Stuff

They recently released the information regarding the new live feeds via CBS.com for this season. As I previously mentioned, Real Networks is no longer partnering on the live feeds.

I have signed up (of course) and suggest anyone here wanting the live feeds, do it before the early bird cut-off of June 25th. You can sign up directly at the CBS website or various websites dedicated to the show. Since I know Hamsterwatch is a one woman effort, if you check out her site and sign up via the link she has there, she earns money. Alas, I don't have such a set-up for this blog. (If I did, I'd be asking you to sign up here!)

As in previous seasons, once the live feeds start, I'll be posting condensed versions (or stuff I really found interesting) of the live feeds two to three times a day, screen caps, coverage of endurance comps, blog parties on show nights and such as I have in the past. Supposedly, some content -- although not the live feeds per se -- will start on the feeds on June 11th. That should probably be the media day coverage during which various web writers do a mock-up of an eviction in the actual new house.

The season premiere is June 26. The cast won't be announced for a while yet. They're usually in the house four or five days before the premiere to give the producers film fodder for said premiere. They're usually in sequester for about a week before they go into the house. So, I'm thinking cast reveals should be around the 15th, give or take a day or two.

Off Topic: That Was the Week It Was - June 2, 2013

Good morning, afternoon, evening ... whatever it is whenever it is that you're reading this! Since, for ME, it's Sunday morning, that can only mean one thing. Yep! It's time for my weekly off television topic reflection on the week gone by in both words and photographs I've taken along the way.

I was on a staycation this past week. I still am, for that matter. It's over when I go to work tomorrow morning. I really didn't do a heck of a lot of anything other than relax. In the beginning of my week, the weather kept me in. Then there was a nice day, then more rain. Then we went into a heat wave.

Now, if I were a "normal" New Jersey person, off for a week during a heat wave, I would have headed down the shore. But I'm far from normal. I do love beaches and the ocean. I really do. I just don't like them crowded with people when the water is still too cold to go in. I'm not a lay on the beach blanket all greased up to tan (burn) type of person. I'm pale. I prefer to stay pale. The only alternative to pale for me is red. Plus, I'm not good at getting up from the floor with the knee replacements. I can get up, but it's very awkward. I don't need strangers pointing and laughing at my exploits when I don't even have much clothing to hide me. "Hey! Look at the chunky old chick trying to get up!"

Nope, not for me, thankyouverymuch. My perfect beach day is anytime that it's not summer. Stormy winter weather on the beach? Gorgeous! Sunrise off season? I'm so there! But during heat waves, my best friends are my air conditioner and some good books. Oh. And a cat. Can't forget the cat.

Same random observations on the week (or on life, too):

• I didn't travel far during my week off. The farthest I went was to the farmers market in Scotch Plains, an adjacent town. I saw not a one cicada. So much for the 17-year invasion around here.
• My upstairs neighbor, still a stranger to me, seemed to have a child up there last weekend. Thankfully, it went away.
• The rowdy new people in the front of the building who arrived in March are already gone. 
• The elevator of my building smelled like Braunschweiger yesterday. That's not good. I prefer it smell like fresh laundry from the basement, please.
• I visited Park Liquors in Scotch Plains on my outing yesterday, buying some Brooklyn Lager and some Samuel Adams Summer Ale. The liquor stores around here in Plainfield tend to Budweiser and various Central/South American beers. I'm not a big beer drinker, but I do like to have one now and again on summer days. I like to experiment around trying different kinds. I can't recall the last time I had a Budweiser.
• Yes, yes, I can. It was in the 1980s. That was also the last time I had a kamikaze. Do you know they glow in black light?
• I don't like to sweat unless I'm doing something physical. Standing still in the shade is NOT physical. It's too early for heat waves.
• Vincent was supremely spoiled all week, more so than usual.
• I'm tired of television commercials for the Jersey Shore singing "we're stronger than the storm." Enough already.
• There was a shooting last night at Kennedy Fried Chicken on Park Avenue in Plainfield. I heard it on my scanner. The police were already dispatched to a fight when the Shot Spotter doohickey indicated shots fired. A man was shot in the shoulder. The police stopped a car driving away with no lights on. Voila! A gun. Good work, Plainfield PD!
• Of course, I wouldn't be there at 2 in the morning. 

Here in Plainfield, the primary is coming up this Tuesday. As it always seems to be, it's a heated Democratic brouhaha between the incumbent and others. Although it really doesn't mean much except to the local folks in town, I endorse (with this mighty blog) Adrian Mapp for mayor. We really need change. The current mayor isn't doing the job for me. How 'bout you?

Onto the photos I took this past week ...

Allium ball

I took this shot on Berckman Street in Plainfield. It's odd -- directly across the street, the allium flowers have passed. It's like they're in two different climate zones or something. Did you know that the generic "allium" is the Latin word for garlic?

She went and CLOSED the window!

Yes. In the second day of the heat wave (three days at 90 degrees or more), I closed the window and put on the air conditioning. Sorry, Vincent.

So pretty!

Typical me, I have no clue what this flower is. I can tell you it's growing on Berckman Street in Plainfield, though! I wouldn't know what allium is except for someone telling me. Maybe someone will tell me what this one is and I might even actually remember. Maybe.

Deadly nightshade

Ohhh! Ohhh! (Doing my best Horshack impression.) I do know this one! It's deadly, but very cool.

**CLICK THE 'READ MORE' LINK TO SEE THE REST OF THE PHOTOS**

Talking Big Brother 15 ...

It's getting closer now! Big Brother 15 makes its debut a few weeks earlier than usual this season. Its premiere is set for Wednesday, June 26, instead of the after 4th of July premiere we've had for the last several seasons. Rumors have it that the number of house hamsters is the most ever, too.

There have been also some other changes, mainly with the live feeds themselves and the elimination of the Showtime Too Big Brother: After Dark nightly shows. Or, is that Showtime Two? I only have basic cable, so I never had that anyway. On the other hand, I do have TVGN (on two channels!), the new home of the After Dark show. Apparently the format for that nightly show has gone from three hours down to two hours along with the network change. A bit more information can be had at this TVGuide.com announcement.

While I know about that change, the one which really doesn't affect what I do all that much, I have no clue about the live feeds yet. This is the first season since the first season that Real Networks isn't our feedline. Supposedly, the CBS.com site itself will be, but there's been little official word about any details. It will surely cost money as did Real Networks. I still plan on buying them and need to cancel my real.com Superpass before the quarter is up. I need to download my June songs from Rhaspody before I do!

As soon as I have the skinny, I'll pass it on to you. Will you be watching?

Off Topic: That Was the Week It Was - May 26, 2013

Yo, good morning, peeps. Oh, did I say that? You'll have to forgive me. I just looked up who's doing the cover of "All Along the Watchtower" in the commercials for the new upcoming Stephen King TV series Under the Dome. It's a rap group called Devlin out of the UK. Very catchy although it's definitely not Dylan or Hendrix. A good song holds up no matter what. Leave it to King who owns (owned?) a classic rock radio station up in Maine to come up with this version for the promos.

Anyway ... it's Sunday morning. Welcome to my weekly off television topic reflection on the week gone by in both words and photographs I've taken along the way. Not to fear, TV fans, it won't be long until this television lull is in the past. I have a bunch of screeners from TNT to cover in the upcoming days. Big Brother is back in the last week of June. There's the series mentioned above which I find very intriguing because I'm a huge Stephen King buff. We will have our television fodder!

Last week's weather here in my corner of New Jersey ran the gambit from almost winter-like to summer heat and humidity with very little spring tossed in there. The wind howled a lot. Yesterday was cold and raw with high wind warnings -- not a good start to a three day holiday weekend to kick off the summer for many folks.

I actually was off yesterday on a Saturday. My original plans had been to visit the farmers market in nearby Westfield. I have never been to that one and thought it would be nice. Thankfully, I looked up online to see if they were started yet this year. What? They've canceled it for this season? They want to go another direction? Sheesh. So, I decided I'd hit up the even closer Scotch Plains one instead. The only farmers market that comes to Plainfield comes during my working hours on a weekday. I so rarely have Saturdays off that I thought it would be fun. Alas, due to the weather, I stayed inside all day yesterday. Since I'm on a staycation this week, I'll hit up the Scotch Plains one next Saturday and I'll also see if the Plainfield one is up for this Thursday.

Since I have a Peapod grocery delivery scheduled for today which includes a ton of fruit (five dollars off when ordering $20 worth), it's not that I need the farmers market anyway. So there, Westfield! I'm looking forward to making up a fantastic fruit salad to last a few days. Plus, I'm going to make me a blender-full of chocolate-banana shakes. Mmm.

This past week was one struggling through weather and trying to wrap up loose ends at work so I felt okay leaving it behind for a week. I do know I'll come back to a mess and I'll also have a new manager to train in my office. I surely will rest up this week! I don't have many plans at all other than spring cleaning and possibly checking out the Westfield Memorial Day Parade on Monday morning. Perhaps I'll go into Manhattan one day. Or, maybe I'll take the cameras to a strange town along the bus or train route just to explore. Gosh, I love staycations! My next one in July is a mix of staycation with a few days away for my 40th high school reunion in upstate New York.

Onto the photos I took this past week. Once again, the flower shots are heavy. If you don't see rain in the photos, that means it's hot and humid.
 

Into the iris

I'm in awe at Mother Nature when I look into an iris. What stunning beauty! Growing on Berckman Street in Plainfield.

Rhododendron beauty

Growing on Berckman Street in Plainfield.

Colorful on a dreary day

Growing in the yard at the corner of East Front and Richmond in Plainfield.

Plainfield Fire Rescue 1

I edited this one to leave only the firetruck in color. This was on Berckman Street responding to a fire around the corner on East Second Street. More in the next photo ...

**CLICK THE 'READ MORE' LINK TO SEE THE REST OF THE PHOTOS**

Off Topic: That Was the Week It Was - May 19, 2013

Good Sunday morning, world! As it is Sunday, that means it's time for my weekly off television topic reflection on the week gone by in both words and photos I've taken along the way. I'm taking a bit of a television rest as finales have aired and summer shows have yet to start up. However, during this week I do plan on posting about Falling Skies and possibly a few other shows.

Our weather here where I live in New Jersey is still a bit off. We had cold temps early in the week with some overnight lows sending up freeze alerts. By the end of the week we had springlike day temperatures at least. Oh, but then yesterday was grey and we're expecting some rain almost every day for the next seven days. It better get it out of its system as I have a staycation coming up the following week!

I've had a relatively uneventful week. I bought two tickets to the big Powerball drawing. And, let me be the first to announce it right here on the blog ... I got the Powerball! Yes! Yes! Yes, I did. Um, well. I got the Powerball number and no others. I guess I'll have to cancel the order for the Lamborghini.

Let's see ... what else? Oh, I know. There's been a real creepy guy on the train for the last few weeks. He seems to be drunk, even on the first train out in the morning. He's on the train already when I get on it, then gets off where I get off.

The first day he talked to me, he complained about how unfriendly the woman conductor is. "It's Monday morning. You're supposed to be happy. She didn't even say hello or smile!" Well, she always says hi and is friendly to ME. Maybe she just figured you're a creep, I thought but did not say. Plus, in what world are people bouncy and friendly on Monday mornings? Are we supposed to be happy on Monday mornings as we head to work on the early train? I don't think so! (Especially to dudes who creep us out.)

As we left the train, he proceeded to tell me that he should be getting his license back in two weeks. Good. As I continued to basically nod my head and ignore him hoping he'd go away, all of a sudden he stopped in front of me, lifting his shirt. "I got shot here and here. I got stabbed here," as he pointed out scars on his beer belly. Eww! Eww! Ever since that day, I dawdle and let him get WAY ahead of me so I don't have to deal with him. He really creeps me out.

So, last night, there I was lurking by the annex for the Plainfield Police Department Narcotics and Gang Unit waiting for the bus after getting off the train. (The bus to take me a block from home is free with my monthly train pass.) Out of the door comes my buddy ex-narcotics detective who was promoted to sergeant a few months back. He was in his (still crisp) sergeant uniform. I hadn't seen him since the day he got promoted. So we exchanged a big hug and talked for a bit.

It turns out he's been assigned to the Union County Homicide Task Force. It's a very good career thing for him, plus he's learning a lot which, in the long run, will be good for the Plainfield Police Department. He was involved in investigating that bizarre Kai, the hatchet-wielding hitchhiker murder case of a lawyer in the area this past week. While he said he can't give details, I said the whole case seemed weird from what I've read. He emphatically agreed to weird.

After a goodbye hug, he left to go back across the street to the police station. And then, who comes along? Mr. Creepy from the train! Ack! Thankfully he saw the police uniform and the hug. He seemed drunk once again. Or still.

"Was that your husband?" he asked.
"Yes," I said without skipping a beat. Heck, I don't care that the cop in question is probably more than twenty years younger than me and married. For that moment, he's my husband. Yes, indeed. Mr. Creepy staggered away without another word.

Good.

Onto this week's photos ...  

Azalea up close and personal

Bridgewater, NJ.

Colorful iris

Growing on Berckman Street across the street from the photo below.

Allium and azaleas

The big ball allium is incredibly cool. This photo was taken on Berckman Street in Plainfield.

**CLICK THE 'READ MORE' LINK TO SEE THE REST OF THE PHOTOS**

Survivor: Caramoan - Season Finale and Reunion Show Blog Party

Welp, this is it. We're down to five castaways and the promos hint that one will leave in a medical emergency. I've got different scenarios running through my head as I think of each one leaving. For some reason, I'm thinking it might be Sherri or Erik. But I could be totally off base there -- I have no spoilers info as I haven't searched any out this season.

We all know that things will get shaken up if Eddie wins Immunity. However, for a buff kind of dude, he hasn't really performed well during the challenges. I guess we'll see! As the show airs, I'll update this entry with the major happenings. Refresh the page often to get the latest news.

But, as always, the real party is in the comments. Come join us! Bring snacks and beverages, too!

Oh my. I'm right about it being Erik. His head is spinning since leaving Tribal Council. The medic pulls him from the game -- dehydration and starvation. (Meanwhile I'm hearing ice cream truck music from outdoors which is way incongruous with what's happening on the show.)

Reward challenge has them balancing while building a house of cards. The winner gets an advantage in the final immunity challenge. Cochran wins the advantage in the final immunity challenge! Woohoo!

Dawn, of course, is freaking. While she can do well in challenges, she's a basket case so often at other times that it makes her her own worst enemy. Cochran is tired of her.

Rites of passage. I wonder how they'll come of with good words about Brandon. Okay, he's still delusional and claiming he was the author of his own elimination. While he was, it was a stupid story indeed!

The final Immunity Challenge has them racing up a tower, getting bags of puzzle pieces in multiple trips and completing a puzzle. Cochran's advantage is that he doesn't have to untie his bags while the others have to untie the three bags. Okay.

Cochran is screwing up his advantage and Dawn is in the lead. Now he's catching up. Eddie is in last place. Cochran steams ahead ... COCHRAN WINS FINAL IMMUNITY!

He's planning on bringing Sherri to the end because he's sure he can beat her. He's in a quandary over the other two. Time to vote!

The tally -- Dawn, Eddie, Eddie, Eddie. The final three are Cochran, Sherri and Dawn.

The three get to plead their cases in front of the jury. Dawn is feeling humble and tells how hard the game was for her. She explains her strategy and is proud of her game. Sherri tells about her marriage, children and her successful business. She thinks she became very pliable and worked to get in with everyone. Cochran talks of half his life following the show and his obsession with it. He thinks his timing has been right and wants to prove why he's played the best game.

Jury time ...

Malcolm -- Not bitter, no question for Sherri. His vote is between the other two. Dawn -- Best friend, you played cold-blooded, you have to own it, can't be warm mom, fight for it. Cochran -- What quality do you have that I don't have? Cochran says his insecurity had him taking out people with plans.

Eddie -- Sherri, willing to admit carried to final 3? Nope! Dawn -- Strong claims, weaker than others, daily routine. She's taking Malcolm's advice. Cochran -- where are you going from here? He'll be at the bar with them!

Phillip -- Congrats to all. Sherri, strategic join with favorites, he removes her from StealthRUs. Dawn -- talks of his intolerance with her crying and excuses. He won't cast a vote. Cochran -- played a strategic game, enjoyed it, class act.

Erik -- Dawn - Thought we shared something, you crushed it with vote for Brenda. She once again takes Malcolm's advice. Sherri - Do you understand why you're here? He says she was a seashell on the beach and did nothing.

Mike -- Dawn and Cochran -- you were playing the same game. Dawn, explain why Cochran isn't getting called the villain you are. She doesn't think Cochran would still be there without her. Cochran admits he's happy people are lighting into Dawn. Talks of her paranoia. He thinks he became her therapist.

Reynold -- Dawn - Disliked from day one, complete fraud. Asks her what she thinks about him. 

Andrea -- Not bitter. Grateful even with the blindside. Cochran - Choose an animal he played like. Chameleon. Dawn - Proud of you, strategic game and understands where she's coming from.

Brenda -- Cochran - the family visit, took something from me. He talks of separating game and emotion. Took out a threat to his game. Dawn -- Strong bond I thought we had, pain. She talks about the lost partial plate bit. Would she have quit w/o teeth? No. She tells her to take out her teeth. Dawn refuses, then does it. Brenda said she wanted her to feel the heartbreak.

The voting commences. Phillip votes Cochran and is proud of him, did right by fans and favorites. Eddie wrote down a name he didn't think he'd write tonight, but I didn't see it.

It's off to California! I miss the cheesy jetskis and stuff.

The tally: Cochran, Cochran, Cochran, Cochran, Cochran.

COCHRAN WINS IT ALL!!! It apparently was unanimous as Jeff said Dawn got no votes.

Cochran is a hoot! And, though he just graduated with a law degree from Harvard, he'd like to write. I think he'd do well.

Brenda was via satellite as she's about to give birth any day. She forgave Dawn and all is peachy-keen once again.

Jeff gives a clue about where they're going next season. It looks like blood in water. Hmm. 

Cool ... Rudy and Richard Hatch are there!

Flashback to Borneo. Rudy is now 85! He looks good.

71% of the votes for fan favorite were for Malcolm and Brenda. Malcolm had 36% of those, narrowly beating out Brenda. He gets the 100 grand.

The new season new hint is Blood vs. Water. Okay.

Thank you everyone for taking part in the weekly parties this season! You make it all worthwhile! 

Off Topic: That Was the Week It Was - May 12, 2013

Happy Mother's Day to all the moms out there! I hope you get deservedly pampered!

Since it is Sunday morning, it's time for my off television topic reflection on the week gone by in both words and photographs I've taken along the way. But, as usual, I have a few television topics to touch on first:

• Tonight is the two-hour season finale of Survivor: Caramoan Islands Fans vs. Favorites. It will be followed by the hour long reunion show. So, the prime-time block of 8pm - 11pm ET/PT will be Survivor! Hopefully it will start on time here on the East Coast. I will have the blog party post up by 8pm ET. Come watch the show with us!
• I have watched all five of the screener episodes of Falling Skies and will be posting a bit on them during the upcoming week. Right now I'll just lament that it will be about July something before I see a fresh episode of the show. Wah!
• Big Brother is set to debut on June 25 this year, earlier than just about ever! For the last several seasons, it's been premiering right after the 4th of July weekend. I've heard that Real.com is NOT handling the live feeds this season, but I will be posting live feeds reports from wherever they're available. Rumor has it CBS itself will be hosting them. I have no idea of the costs.

Onto other stuff ...

Um. Well. Ah, I've got it!

It rained for a good portion of the past week. We are now caught up to the levels expected. It can stop for a few days now. To be honest, I don't mind a light rain if I'm outside with an umbrella. I don't care for downpours when I'm stuck in them, though. I do love a good thunderstorm when I'm inside and my power remains on. I also like to sleep to the sound of rain. But it can stop for a few days anyway!

The not so new landlord here continues to do various things. We got new fancy-schmancy side and front glass and metal doors the week before last. They installed new brighter lighting at the entrances and by the elevator on the first floor. Heck, they even mulched the bushes which haven't been mulched in all the time I've lived here. 

As far as neighbors in the building -- I still haven't seen or met the upstairs neighbor who arrived in March. He also remains the least noisy person who's ever lived up there in the dozen years I've been here. Sure, he makes some noise, but not bad at all. The worst of the playing in the hallway children upstairs seems to have moved out. I haven't heard that in a while. And, as I could hear him when he arrived home from school because he always runs on his heels and never walks ... I'm thinking gone. YAY!

Work remains quite workish. I hope you're all aware that the government has issued a new version of the I-9 form. It comes with nine pages of instruction! Whoopie! The HR Think Tank thing I'm a part of at my workplace has been analyzing it and setting up tips for the company to use so we'll pass audits and any possible government inspections. Yeah, I get to have all the fun on my job. I bet you're jealous!

Onto this week's photos: 

Pink azalea

New growth

Bee on honeysuckle

This bee looked like he was trying to match his body weight in pollen. I love to sniff the honeysuckle at the Bridgewater Train Station. I don't really like to sniff bees. Nope.

**CLICK THE 'READ MORE' LINK TO SEE THE REST OF THE PHOTOS**

Survivor: Caramoan - Fans vs. Favorites - May 8 Blog Party

Come one, come all ... we're in the final stretch of the season. The big finale is this Sunday evening from 8pm-11pm. Let's hope it starts on time. PLEASE! Tonight's episode, according to the promos, has the loved ones coming. That tends not to be my personal favorite each season, but it can sometimes be interesting. Supposedly, two loved ones will come for either each castaway or at least one castaway. Ho-hum.

I don't believe I've ever rooted for a returning player to win a season unless it's been ALL returning players. This season I'd really enjoy a Cochran win. I had hoped I'd be cheering on the really local player, Eddie. Although he's fairly easy on the eyes, he doesn't rock my socks. Give me Cochran!

As the show airs, I'll update this page with the major happenings. So, you should refresh it now and then to get the latest. But the real party is always in the comments area! Come join us for the fun!

Their treemail came from Sprint with video messages from home.

At the Reward Challenge setting, the loved ones are brought out in person. They will work with them on the Reward Challenge which consists of, spinning, building rails on a frame and tossing bolos (sp?) -- balls separated by ropes -- on the rail "ladder" they built.

Brenda and her father win Reward -- a floating backyard barbeque -- she invites Dawn and her husband. Uh-oh. Jeff says other loved ones are there. Brenda can choose one other castaway and loved one or she can give up her loved one (and Dawn's) and the barbeque. Brenda gives it to the others.

Dawn breaks down more.

Immunity Challenge has them standing on a ledge over water with their hands in back of them, connected to a winch which lowers them more towards the water. Gah! Cochran is out first! Eddie, then Erik out. Only the women remain. Sherry out. Dawn wants to deal with Brenda, but Brenda's a no-go. But she falls into the water and Dawn actually wins Immunity for the first time!

Brenda thinks it's all good. However, it just might be the kiss of death for her game. While Dawn talked about ousting Eddie, Cochran and others know what a big threat Brenda is for the win.

Tribal Council time! Sherri votes Brenda. Brenda votes Eddie. Those were the only shown votes.

The tally: Eddie, Eddie, Erik, Brenda, Brenda, Brenda.

The tribe has spoken, Brenda. She cries. It hurts.

But how can she blame them? Really.   

The Amazing Race: May 5, 2013 Season Finale Blog Party

Oh my. It's even starting on time tonight! Are you ready for the big two-hour finale? While I'm not real keen on Max and Katie (more talking about Max there), I think any of the four remaining teams are "worthy" of the win. My personal favorites at this point are Bates and Anthony. I find the demographics of the last four teams racing to be interesting -- one male/female couple, two all women teams and one all male team.  Are the challenges getting physically easier? Or are the female teams stronger? Your thoughts?

As the show airs, I'll update this post with the major happenings. However, as always, the big party will be in the comments area. Come join us!

Teams are heading to Ireland.

Roadblock - The teams must cannonball into a mud bog and swim it. t looks like it might do in the country-western gals. Jennifer just can't seem to do it.

The Detour has them serving a five-course meal (Tray It) or doing graffiti (Spray It).

Max and Katie are in the lead heading to the Pit Stop at Ulster Hall.

1. Max and Katie - won a trip to the Dominican Republic
2. Bates and Anthony
3. Mona and Beth

Jennifer and Caroline didn't make the final three.

On the way to London next! They get a pint of beer there and are heading to Washington, DC, their final destination. From the Lincoln Memorial, it's off to meet up with the Secret Service for a photo shoot with the President. Or, to be more honest -- a photoshopped shot, not the real thing.

The Roadblock has them being a Spymaster figuring out what one of 50 spies has the next clue. Now Bates and Anthony are in the lead heading to the stadium where the Nationals play baseball.

The stadium challenge is a hoot! One has to fly around on a zipline, the other is in an actual mascot baseball suit trying to catch a ball thrown from the zipline.

The final challenge has them search through globes and put them in the correct order of the race. Bates and Anthony got through it before anyone else arrived! They're now on their way to Mount Vernon ... the Finish Line! The other two teams are at or just arriving at the globes.

Max and Katie are done with the globes.

BATES AND ANTHONY WIN THE AMAZING RACE!

Max and Katie came in second. Last came Mona and Beth.  

Off Topic: That Was the Week It Was - May 5, 2013

It's Sunday morning! Happy Cinco de Mayo! Since it is indeed Sunday, it's time for my weekly off television topic reflection on the week gone by in both words and photographs I've taken along the way. 

But, first ... let me touch on television --
Tonight is the big two-hour season finale of The Amazing Race. It's supposed to start at 8pm EDT. But we know how that goes. I'll have the blog party post up on time whether the show starts on time or not. I hope to see you there!

Also, on a television note, I received promotional screeners for the first six or so episodes of Falling Skies, the Steven Spielberg produced saga on TNT. Yay! As I get them watched (probably not today, unfortunately), I'll post about them without spoilers. I'm looking forward to the return of this show, as well as checking out the upcoming Stephen King show based on 'The Dome.' I think with some of these shows and Big Brother, I should remain entertained all summer.

The past week was a glorious spring week here in my part of New Jersey. The days were sunny, often without a cloud in the sky. The nights were cool. It rained overnight into Monday and not since. I know we need the rain (and apparently will get some this coming week), but this was splendid.

On my day off Wednesday, I spent some time in Mindowaskin Park in nearby Westfield. The bulk of today's photos are from that trip. While the park itself is very nice, the water in the pond not so much. It really needs a major clean-up. I think it's the first time I've been there that I saw no signs of fish in the pond, none at all. That's not good. 

During the week I received an email from a company in Cincinnati -- they want to buy one of my photos to use it in their marketing materials. It's the company that built the solar panel frames at the Bridgewater Train Station parking lot. The shot is one of the empty frames with the sunrise in the background and the sky going from pinkish to a deep velvet above the frame. I looked at their website and, while they have many photos of completed projects, they have nothing like this shot -- kind of an artsy shot of their work. When I know more about the deal, I'll let you know.

Yesterday when I made eye contact with a stranger, a woman perhaps my age. I felt I should say something. So, in honor of Star Wars Day (May 4), I said, "May the fourth be with you." Without skipping a beat, she replied, "Aren't you a little short for a stormtrooper?" Ah, gotta love the geekdom.

Onto the photos for this week ...  

Do these feathers make my butt look big?

Gymnast

This little guy was balanced high up in a tree at the Plainfield Train Station.

Goslings!

Too much cuteness to take in all at once!

The family

Get your ducks, er ... geese, all in a row.

**CLICK THE 'READ MORE' LINK TO SEE THE REST OF THE PHOTOS**

Survivor: Caramoan - Fans vs. Favorites - May 1 Blog Party

We're getting down to the wire with this season. Tonight is a double tribal council with two heading to the jury. The season finale is scheduled for May 12. Yes, Mother's Day -- a week from this coming Sunday.

Normally, I don't cheer on a returning player on these shows. I'm really not too keen on them bringing back folks we've seen before. However, this season is an exception. I'd like to see Cochran win it all. That doesn't mean I won't whine and fuss the next time they bring back returning castaways. It's only a one season pass for them. Got that, CBS?

As the show airs, I'll update this entry with the major happenings. Please refresh the page to get the latest news. The party will be going on in the comments area. Come join in! We'd love to have you. Oh. And bring snacks. Oh. And beverages, too.

Tree Mail brought news that they'd have another Immunity Challenge ahead, not a reward. They have to balance on platforms in the water. They're also playing for reward -- information. Jeff is trying to bribe them with donuts and milk. Erik talks Eddie into going for them with him. Silly Eddie. Three hot dogs and a soda get Cochran to jump. He's hoping one of the favorites wins, not Reynold. He said he couldn't hold on much longer. It's down to Andrea and Brenda -- they're talking about each being safe and sharing the clue, but neither wants to jump. They've been up there three hours. Brenda falls ... Andrea wins Immunity and the clue!

The clue is to the hidden idol. She told everyone (but Reynold and Eddie). Erik found the idol in front of her and handed it over. Uh-oh. She's thinking of targeting Brenda instead of Reynold or Eddie. Yipes.

Tribal Council time! Brenda votes Reynold, the only vote shown pre-tally.

Tally -- um, commercial first. Grr.

Erik, Sherri, Reynold, Eddie, Reynold, Eddie, Reynold, Reynold.

Reynold is history.

Andrea is once again talking Brenda. Cochran isn't keen on either Brenda or Dawn going right now. He tells Brenda. They talk of blindsiding Andrea.

Immunity is up for grabs once again. Push a buoy through obstacles, key, chest, ladder puzzle. Erik wins Immunity! 

Andrea thinks her ducks are in a row and Brenda will go. We'll see.

Tribal Council time again! Brenda and Andrea vote for each other.

The tally -- Andrea does NOT play the idol -- Brenda, Andrea, Eddie, Eddie, Andrea, Brenda, Andrea. Blindside goes to Andrea!