Big Brother 16: Live Feeds into Thursday - July 24

Frankie is with friends

The news of Frankie's grandfather's death resulted in a bit more somber house Wednesday evening. Here's the latest from inside that Big Brother House of Sad Moments:

• Frankie and Cody can never figure out what's going on in Zach's head.
• I don't think Zach knows what's going on in Zach's head, so they shouldn't worry themselves about it.
• Alone in the HoH room, Frankie addressed the cameras and discussed his relationship with his grandfather and the letter from his mother announcing his passing.
• He talked a long time about his family.
• They want him to stay in the house.
• So, he will.
• Then he cried. Probably many watching cried as well.
• I did.
• Brittany went to bed early. All of her campaigning must have caught up with her.
• Caleb stared at Amber from his bed for a long time.
• Creepy.
• Jocasta is sick again. I'd hate to see her on slop if she gets sick on their regular food!
• Zach mimicked Caleb's desire for Amber.
• Whoops, Brittany isn't done for the night yet! She's up again and mingling.
• Derrick and Victoria talked about Victoria's photography business.
• Yawn.
• They discussed hamsters from previous seasons.
• Move along; nothing to see here ...

What am I doing here?

What am I doing here?

I'm here to win

Big Brother 16: Live Feeds into Wednesday evening - July 23

Frankie grieves over his grandfather's death

The biggest news in the BB house today concerns something which happened outside the house. Frankie's grandfather, who had been quite ill, passed away. His sister tweeted that the grandfather had said he didn't want them to tell Frankie if he died while Frankie was in the house. Despite that, BB gave Frankie a letter and, I assume, the choice to leave the game if he wished. According to the letter, his grandfather wanted him to stay. So, stay he will. The funeral is Saturday and Frankie would like some sort of little memorial period in the house.

Other than that, it's been backstabbing as usual in that Big Brother House of Nervous Nellies:

• After cornering nearly everyone in the house to promise them the Universe, Brittany has been flirting all over Cody.
• Keep in mind, she's the one who said he put her on the block because she doesn't and will never flirt with him.
• @@
• Meanwhile, Derrick is working his mojo on Victoria.
• And it has nothing to do with flirting.
• The boy is all gameplay, all the time.
• Victoria thinks her mother is going to freak because she kissed a gay guy on last night's big "date night" when Frankie went Frank.
• Hmm ... Frankie started talking about the TV show Victorious -- I looked it up as I'm not familiar with it. Yep, it's a show in which his sister was a cast member.
• If the rest of the hamsters are as oblivious to Ariana Grande as I am, no one would know who his sister is even if he tells them.
• Christine told Nicole that it's not in her best interest to get rid of either Caleb or Jocasta right now. She wants to target Donny.
• Not in tomorrow's vote, mind you. She knows "the house" is going to evict Brittany.
• Brittany is still all sour grapes about Victoria, saying she thinks it a fashion show and shouldn't be there.
• Heck, Brittany is a recruit who never watched the show.
• Should she be there?
• Then Frankie got the news about his grandfather. Everyone consoled him.
• Even jokester Zach shed a tear or two.
• BB is going to let Frankie write to his family.
• His family said he needs to stay -- they can hold things together without him and will have a special memorial ceremony after Frankie is out of the house.
• Caleb is still obsessed with Amber.
• Life goes on in the hamster wheel.

Real cowboys wear cowboy hats

Jus' hanging out in the yard

Donny's staying

"I can't believe the people in here."

Just me and my sock monkey

Brittany corners Jocasta

The Odd Couple (and monkey)

Starting rumors

Big Brother 16: Power of Veto Show Blog Party - July 23

Have you got your snacks and ice cold beverages? It's time to party!

As the show airs here on the East Coast, I'll update this entry with the major happenings. Refresh the page to get the latest! But ... as always, the real party is down in the comments area. Come join us!

Recap, recap ...

More Caleb obsession over Amber. He's jealous of Cody.

Uh-oh. Thunderstorm starting here. If I vanish, you know what happened.

Picking players for PoV -- Cody draws Zach, Victoria picks Nicole. Brittany got HG Choice, she goes for Caleb.

The PoV challenge is World Cup Soccer based. They announce that Germany won the World Cup. It is the challenge where the losing person wins a prize and those following can swap the prizes.

Cody out first -- the veto
Brittany out -- won penalty kicks, trades for veto
Zach -- vacation in Germany, keeps it
Nicole -- score 2400 soccer goals 24 hours or can't play in PoV, trades for the veto
Victoria - 5000 dollars, trades Nicole for veto
Caleb wins! -- Germa-tard wearing, goes for the five thousand

Caleb is the dumbo or all dumbos according to Donny. Victoria has the PoV and Cody will (most likely) have to put someone up in her place on the block.

Lots of talk about Caleb going up. If it were up to Donny and Zach, it would be a done deal.

Cody tells Donny he won't put him on the block. Yup, he said that. He's decided that Caleb must be put up. Frankie runs to Derrick with the news. Derrick goes to Caleb. Cody needs to stop calling Caleb "this kid." Cody really really doesn't want to put Donny on the block. Derrick told him that Brittany would go after them if she stays. Then he told him to go with his heart.

TA Mission (sucks) - Hide items and let someone else take the blame or get two to argue at a ceremony.

Veto meeting - Victoria saves herself. Cody replaces her with ... Donny. Sigh. Cody cries.

Big Brother 16: Live Feeds into Tuesday evening - July 22

Hayden, cornered by Brittany

Oh my gosh, Thursday evening is still two days away. I'm not sure I can take this! Here's the latest from inside that Big Brother House of Zany Zach:

• Today has been very trying.
• And so has Brittany.
• She's cornered almost everybody, promising them everything under the sun.
• Donny has just been being Donny-like.
• Everyone is pretty much either telling Brittany they're undecided or telling her what she wants to hear.
• Lies.
• All lies. 
• No matter what they're telling her, it's lies.
• Except Jocasta.
• She's not lying.
• She told Brittany that she would be voting for Donny to stay because Donny saved her.
• What Brittany doesn't know is that the vote is already planned 10-0 to send her packing.
• Donny knows it.
• Donny has been told not to worry about any rumors he might hear about votes to keep Brittany.
• All was going smooth, everyone kind of catering to what she wants to hear.
• Then came Zach.
• He advised her to have a house meeting!
• Once again, he's not cognizant of anyone other than having a ball for himself.
• Cody freaked. Even Caleb bristled. And, Frankie said maybe she should get a clue from someone who watches the show -- those who call a house meeting usually go home.
• (Except Dan.)
• (Well, maybe Dr. Will, too.)
• But everyone else goes home!
• Cody doesn't want Donny to freak out and think he's been betrayed ... because they don't plan on betraying him.
• Zach was advised to shut down that plan ASAP.
• In other news, it's date night in the house.
• Amber wanted Cody to be her date.
• He refuses. He doesn't want Caleb to rip his head off.
• He told her to ask Derrick. Of course, since Derrick is married and no competition, Caleb would leave his head intact.
• Frankie is going as hetero-persona Frank.
• In yet other news ... the anti-Caleb sentiment in the house is getting stronger.
• If he were up on the block this week, he'd be gone on Thursday.
• His days are definitely numbered unless the "competition beast and mental monster" can come up with wins to save his butt.

Nicole, cornered by Brittany

Christine, cornered by Brittany

Caleb, cornered by Brittany

Zach, cornered by Brittany

Big Brother 16: Live Feeds Monday evening into Tuesday - July 22

Walking, yes indeed, talking ...

Here's the latest from inside that Big Brother House of Bad Decisions:

• Cody thinks America must think he's dumb for putting Donny on the block instead of Caleb.
• Well, yeah!
• Nicole is sure that Caleb won't do well in most comps because he's so muscle-bound that he can't even lift his arms over his head easily.
• I don't think Cody ever wants to win HoH again. Similar to his butt-kicking punishment, he's been kicking himself in the butt over his decision. He can't sleep well at night and is getting emotionally invested in this.
• Amber told Cody she doesn't want to be alone with Caleb at the jury house. However they go, she doesn't want her and Caleb to be the first two.
• I'm not an Amber fan. But I can't blame her for feeling that way!
• Amber and Cody talked about how frustrating Zach can be -- sleeping all day, picking on Brittany (or others) when they're down.
• Caleb talked about his first date with Amber going to a restaurant in a horse-drawn carriage, paparazzi snapping shots ... 
• DELUSIONAL BOY!
• She told him if he eats a pickle (he hates pickles), she'll go on a date with him.
• Jocasta said she still would never go out with him.
• Jocasta is right.
• I'm getting tired of having to turn down the volume on my live feeds every time Frankie enters a room. He needs to speak in indoor voices, please. I'll let him speak in voices instead of voice, but INDOOR.
• Donny pointed out to Jocasta that there are four people in the house never on the block -- Derrick, Christine, Cody and Frankie.
• Hmm.
• Caleb talked about himself and how great he is.
• Almost everyone in the house at one time or another during the evening talked about how much Caleb talks about himself.
• He's the joke of the season this year.
• Derrick and Cody talked about how Brittany will be going Thursday, quite likely 10-0.
• But, later, when talking with Caleb, they were talking how the vote might be split and they might keep Brittany.
• Hmm.
• Zach told Victoria that Frankie is Caleb's only friend in the house and even Frankie doesn't like Caleb.
• Zach told Frankie that the Diary Room eggs him on to be "meaner" in there.
• I don't doubt that.
• I just wonder why the Diary Room must encourage several to shout!
• I think it's still pretty safe to say Brittany is going out this week. They don't want her all paranoid. They say just before the live show, they'll pass word around on the vote.
• I myself would rather see Brittany leave than Donny. 
• I would love to see Donny make HoH and see where that takes things!

Almost as popular as Caleb these days

Caleb and Zach shake their booty

Please save me, save me!

Zach is awake

Victoria is always playing with her hair

He's such a stud. Just ask him!

Big Brother 16: Live Feeds Monday, PoV meeting - July 21

On the block

Sigh. It almost wasn't so. But then it was. Here's the latest from inside that Big Brother House of Tear-Jerkers:

• Donny got up this morning feeling it wasn't going to be a good day for him.
• He was right.
• Brittany went to Cody before the meeting, telling him she didn't want him to put Donny up against her.
• After all, Donny had sat by her side for the kicking punishment when no one else did.
• Brittany also told Cody that if Caleb wins next week, he'll probably backdoor him (Cody).
• She also told him that Frankie will drift to whoever has the HoH.
• Well, duh. Is there anyone who can't see that by now?
• Donny tried to tell Cody he needs to base his decision on what's best for his own game, not what others want him to do.
• Cody told him he wants to put Caleb up, but no one thinks he would go home over Brittany.
• He thinks that everybody wants Brittany out because they think if she wins HoH, she'll target them.
• Donny seriously tried to convince Cody that his tight-knit group isn't so tight-knit.
• Donny and Cody both said they trust each other.
• Hmm.
• Their long conversation ended with Cody telling Donny he wouldn't put him on the block.
• Sigh.
• As Cody left, he said something about putting Caleb on the block.
• WHAM! Frankie takes that and RUNS to Derrick!
• "He's putting Caleb on the block!"
• When Derrick told Cody what Frankie said, Cody said Frankie's a weasel.
• Now ... what have I been saying?
• Oh my gosh. I don't think I've ever seen such a turmoil over the renom decision.
• Cody likes Donny. He doesn't like Caleb.
• Derrick tells him to go with his heart.
• But Cody doesn't really know what his heart wants! His heart wants Caleb out and he doesn't think the votes would be there, then he'd have Caleb's wrath.
• Derrick actually told him to go ahead and put Caleb up -- they're going to come after them anyway.
• Long story short ... after the PoV meeting blocked feeds ... Donny is on the block again.
• Everyone is telling him he will stay.
• Neither Donny nor Brittany want to campaign against each other.
• Hayden and Derrick told Donny they will vote for him to stay.
• Jocasta is in a tougher spot -- Donny and Brittany are her two closest friends in the house. I'm thinking she'll vote to keep Donny as he used the veto to save her.
• But, who knows?
• Cody cried about his decision.
• He feels horrible.
• I wonder if BB has a chicken suit he can wear.
• He probably should.

Liked being a frog better

You could have chosen differently, Cody

Cody cries to Donny

Jocasta has a tough decision ahead

Big Brother 16: Live Feeds Sunday night into Monday - July 21

It's a real nail-biter

Here's the latest from inside that Big Brother House of Derrick's Decisions:

• Caleb and Amber told Cody he should put an alliance member on the block or Donny (to ensure that Brittany goes home).
• Of course, they're thinking the defunct old alliance is still in action.
• They think if Zach was on the block, he just might go home. So, not Zach, they say.
• Caleb thinks if he (Caleb) goes on the block, he's a cinch to stay.
• Hmm ... I'd like to see how that goes down!
• Donny worked some more with people to plant the seed that Cody goes on the block.
• Nicole told Zach that Brittany and Amber would like to see four guys on the block, but are also setting sights on her and Christine.
• I would like to see four guys on the block for a change.
• I'm really tired of guys ruling over this game. I'm not saying I could do better, but ... sheesh!
• Everybody is worried that if Caleb goes up and stays, he'll wreak revenge.
• That's easily solved.
• VOTE HIM OUT.
• There, problem solved!
• Alas, too many also want Brittany out. There's the dilemma.
• Zach is on the Donny Train to get Caleb out.
• Too bad they can't seem to get affirmation from everyone else.
• After numerous long discussions, it looks like it's pretty much back to Donny being the replacement nominee.
• The PoV meeting will tell.

Violence in the BB house?

The good ol' CVS epsom salts bath

Weasels in a hammock

If we had the votes ...

Big Brother 16: Live Feeds into Sunday evening - July 20

Frankie, Jocasta is so MEAN to me!

Today's live feeds were dominated by the incredibly cruel and possibly physically dangerous "punishment" that Brittany "won" in the veto contest. She had to kick 2400 soccer goals within 24 hours. Here's how the day went down in that Big Brother House of Kicks:

• Donny kept his promise to stay by Brittany as she worked on her goal(s).
• At one point, Brittany switched to kicking backwards with her heel as her big toe developed a huge blood blister and she thought her toenail might fall off.
• Brittany told Donny she just had surgery two years ago on both of her feet and has arthritis in them.
• Yet, she was determined to see this punishment through. At the very least, she plans to keep the ball. She's hoping BB might offer some sort of reward for finishing.
• She knows that she's the likely target to go home this week.
• Brittany told Donny that she thinks they'll replace Victoria on the block with one of their friends so that she would definitely be the one evicted.
• She doesn't know that they are leaning strongly in favor of Donny being said pawn.
• Donny told Brittany he'd do ten jumping jacks for every 20 goals she makes in a row.
• He's just a really good guy.
• During a Brittany rest break, Donny worked on Cody to put Caleb up as the replacement.
• I honestly think Cody would love to do just that, but his fear of how Derrick, Frankie and Zach would react will keep him from making the move.
• He's also very legitimately worried that if he put Caleb up and Caleb didn't get sent packing, Caleb would come after him full force.
• Donny assured him that if Caleb goes up, he goes home.
• Cody discussed it with Christine. She said she wouldn't mind Caleb going up, but if Brittany stayed she thinks she will be her (Brit's) target.
• They all cheered Brittany on as she got closer to her goal. BB game aside, they're all amazed how grueling the punishment is and Brittany's determination to finish despite pain.
• Brittany made the final goal needed at about 5:10 their time, well within the 24 hour limit.
• Victoria whined, fussed and moaned about how no one wants her in the house.
• Well, then ... don't use the veto tomorrow and let them send you home, Victoria.
• It's not like you add any entertainment value for me, anyway.

Ain't that a kick in the butt

Goooooaaaalll! Brittany did her 2400

And she jumps in the pool!

Donny stayed at Brittany's side throughout

Big Brother 16: HoH Results, Nominations, BotB Show Blog Party - July 20

Oh, my! They're going to have one busy little show tonight! As it airs here on the East Coast, I'll update this post with the major happenings. Refresh the page to get the latest news!

As always, the real party is in the comments area -- come join in on the fun!

We open with them still working the Devil Eggs challenge. Brittany and Jocasta seem to be doing well. Frankie and Cody are catching up. Victoria is dropping all her eggs. Oh ... Zach and Amber in the lead now. But Cody and Frankie squeeze by and win the dual HoH!

HoH room reveal and the revelation that five allies remain from the Bomb Squad -- Zach, Derrick, Frankie, Christine and Cody. The Detonators!

Frankie gets the next Team America Mission -- physical threat to go on the block. Frankie is worried because he's friends with most of the threats. Derrick suggests Amber.

Lots of filler for a busy show. Hmm.

Frankie tells Amber he wants to put her up as a pawn. She's not happy. Well, duh.

"Nominations Today." Cody nominates Victoria and Brittany. Doesn't know where they're at in the game. Frankie nominates Jocasta and Amber. Jo - fiercest, Amber strongest competitor.

Amber does count as a Team America mission accomplished. They're up to ten grand each.

Brittany is all upset that she's being compared to Victoria.

Battle of the Block -- Pirate-themed with a giant chess board. Must move like a knight in chess. "Knight Moves." Jocasta runs out of moves first and is out. Brittany is out. Amber wins the BotB for herself and Jocasta! Frankie is dethroned. Cody is the sole HoH!

Off Topic: That Was the Week It Was - July 20, 2014

Happy Sunday morning to y'all! This is my weekly off television topic reflection on the week gone by in both words and photos I've taken along the way. If you're looking for the latest Big Brother live feeds or show posts, they're right here at this link.

Onto stuff ...!
Despite the dire warnings that if I refused the bug bombing of my apartment, I'd be overrun with critters ... ha. None. Well, I did have a tiny moth in here that apparently came in somehow through the screens. To be honest, I think most of the people in the building refused the fogging. I doubt that, with the exception of a very few apartments, the building has any sort of infestation of roaches or whatever. I really think the new exterminator is milking the cash cow landlord. I'm just glad I could refuse the treatment without issue.

Random stuff ...!

• If you're going to break up with your girl, don't do it loudly on your cell phone on the train.
• If you stand in front of a marked automatic out door wondering why it doesn't open for you, those people trying to exit know the door won't open for them because some fool is blocking it!
• Heard as I walked by a couple on the street -- "You know that fire wasn't an accident. This is between us." Oh my.
• My good quiet upstairs neighbor moved out. I happened to share the elevator with the super and a couple there to look at the apartment. I innocently mentioned how much I missed the guy upstairs because he was so quiet. The super then said I was very quiet myself. Then we both talked about the building being quiet. I hope the couple got the hint if they take the apartment.
• Cool. Mr. Ed is on one of the cable stations way early Sunday mornings. A horse is a horse of course, of course.
• I cringe every time I see a skateboarder on the street itself.
• But I really wish Plainfield would enforce the NO BICYCLES on the sidewalks ordinance. Law? Whatever. Now a bunch of them have bells. This is a case where I stand my ground. I make them slow down and go around me!

Onto the photos ... clicking on an image will open it in a larger Photobucket page and you can make it larger twice using the magnifying glass at the bottom of the image there. Just close out the Photobucket window and you're back here!

Cicada Killer Wasp heading at me!

Last year at the Bridgewater Train Station, I saw garden snails for the first time. Well, at the station, that is, not the first in my lifetime. Earlier this spring, garter snakes. Now Cicada Killer Wasps. This is a male guarding his territory (and looking for a mate). Although they can get as large as two inches long, the males can't sting at all. The most he can do is bump into me and beat me with his wings. The females can sting, but generally don't. They do, however, sting cicadas, then lug them back to their underground nest to feed their brood.

A mother's job is never done

Even though her babies born some weeks ago look bigger than her, they still follow her around jumping up and down and fluttering their wings for food. They remind me of spoiled toddlers. Plainfield Train Station.

Yellow jacket wasp

Now, these wasps I have a very healthy fear of! I also have a fear of ending a sentence in a preposition, but there ya go. I'm allergic and these can be very aggressive. That said, they're usually more aggressive as the summer wears on. Right now they're way too busy building their nests. This one is guarding what's evidently a huge nest inside the base for a light pole at the Bridgewater Train Station.

This week's flower slideshow and more photos after the jump!

**CLICK THE 'READ MORE' LINK TO CONTINUE!**

Big Brother 16: Live Feeds Saturday night into Sunday - July 20

A goal of 2400 goals in 24 hours

Mind you, I took that particular screen cap above hours ago. Here's the latest news from inside that Big Brother House of Teenage Angst:

• Despite my screen cap above, Brittany kicked 1000 soccer goals in six hours. She's complaining her leg and groin hurt. They probably do.
• Cody's punishment from the veto is a butt-kicking machine (screen cap below). He stands with his back to it, pulls a rope and it kicks him. He only has to do it when called by BB.
• (When I last posted, they were still on indoor lockdown and I wasn't sure of the punishments.)
• Caleb, who won $5,000, offered to take Amber on a nice cruise.
• She should have said, "Sure! But not with you!"
• He then told her that he had told himself that his next relationship would be one God put in front of him.
• And, there was Amber.
• What is WRONG with that boy?
• Oh, but he's been saying he no longer cares about her for two days now!
• Brittany isn't allowed to go back into the house until she finishes the 2400 goals.
• Well, with the exception that the soccer net broke and they had to all go on indoor lockdown while BB dudes (maybe dudettes) fixed it.
• Cody feels bad that Brittany is up on the block and is the target to go home. He didn't want that blood on his hands.
• Cody is also ticked that Zach is being nasty to Brittany. No need for that.
• Cody is right.
• But, in watching Zach for a few weeks now, I think he's the kind of guy who goes around joking and poking fun without boundary. He's not very cognizant of other people's feelings.
• Apparently, in the veto comp Nicole took the veto away from Brittany. But then someone took it from her and she ended up with the Germa-tard.
• Brittany says Nicole deserves the Germa-tard and she's thankful she won't be walking out of the house Thursday in it.
• Heh. Cody is indeed a soccer player, was on the college team and such. He said that when he mentioned it, Caleb couldn't think of what to say. Cody thinks the delay was that Caleb was trying to figure what to say to bring himself into the situation.
• Yep, it's all about Caleb.
• And, Caleb is still all about Amber!
• Derrick and Frankie talked about how Brittany is manipulative and that she's probably much better off than she says. She's mentioned being at the Playboy mansion, having a BMW and other not "poor single mother of three" things.
• They also think that the person who wins should be who played the game best, not who "needs" the money.
• I've always said that myself.
• Don't get me on that soapbox.
• Donny is most likely going to be the pawn when Victoria takes herself off the block.
• Sigh. They want him up because they don't think he has any chance of being voted out.
• But, still ...!
• Meanwhile, Amber is trying to rally girls to save Brittany.
• Now, I'm all in favor of a group of women in the BB house actually coming together to kick butt against the men.
• But this group certainly can't hold together. They've already proven that.
• And I don't want Donny gone due to a false start in an alliance which will never work.
• BB gave them alcohol, stingy as usual. But it's been a while since they last had any.
• Ohh! Six beers and two bottles of wine for the whole group!
• I don't think Derrick drinks, though. Not that it makes a difference when there are still so many people in the house.
• Cody found out that Frankie told Amber that he (Cody) had a hand in her nomination.
• Frankie needs to watch his loose lips!
• Caleb keeps bragging about his money winnings. You'd think that five grand was five million the way he talks.
• Of course, this is a guy who thinks the show ends with red carpet walks and tuxedos.
• Frankie and Derrick definitely want Donny to stay. They want Team America to go as far as it can. They haven't heard if their nomination target of Amber qualifies even though the house has all said she's a threat.
• But, in the end, they're loyal to The Detonators -- Frankie, Derrick, Cody, Zach and Christine.
• But, then again, Derrick says he would love to be in a final three as Team America.
• Hmm.
• There are some worries about Donny slipping up as he's already referred to America in front of others and made a brief unexplained mention of ten thousand dollars.
• Frankie said the rules are that if you out the other TA members, you disqualify them all from the winnings. If you just out yourself, it's just you losing your winnings.
• That's pretty much where we are right now.

The 'do's make them look like mannequins

Driving Cody bonkers!

Cody's butt-kicking machine

Nicole's Germa-tard