Survivor: Worlds Apart - No Collar

I've already chatted about the two other tribes -- Blue Collar (BCT) and White Collar (WCT) -- which you can find with my Worlds Apart Casting tag for the blog. I will continue my lazy tribe monickers with NCT for No Collar Tribe. CBS might be calling this tribe Nargarote, but for me ... NCT!

HALI FORD:
Hali might currently be a no collar, but she plans to be a white collar. She's 25 years old, a law student presently residing in San Francisco, California. She seems smart and even athletic. Oh ... and she knows how to clean a fish. Does she know how to make a fire? I doubt it. Sure, she might know the concept, but I don't believe she'd take the time to actually try to make one. I'm getter neither great nor terrible vibes from her bio.I am getting that if she's studying to be a lawyer, she's not quite the free spirit I expect of NCT.

Once again, she's another castaway not really from where they list her in the bio. She's a "Southern Belle" from Nashville, Tennessee. She most definitely isn't a real No Collar type. She aspires to be a public defender dedicated to helping the indigent. She does talk a good talk about the game. And, it is indeed likely that she might be able to do well in endurance challenges. She's obviously seen her tribemates, but hasn't really mixed with them before this clip was shot. I'll have to figure out the curly blond guy she wants the alliance of two with as I go along. Is she going to be able to walk the walk until the end? I don't think so. Maybe she'll prove me wrong.

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JENN BROWN:

Okay, she's a bit more No Collar than Hali. Jenn is 22 years young, a sailing instructor currently residing in Long Beach, California. Huh. That's the second one mentioning Long Beach this season. She seems to be quite athletic, can swim and might even know woodsy kind of doings. She's been a fan of the show since the first season when she was in third grade. She's seen all the strategies. The only thing I found off-putting was her referring to the fact that she should "kill it." Okay, I get it. Confidence. Let's just see about that.

Now, she currently lives in Sonoma, California but is FROM Long Beach. I know I'm being a Picky Patty, but can't they make all these residence references uniform from bio to bio? She's without a doubt more of a free spirit than is Hali. Like many other women, she'd rather ally with men than with women. I think this girl has spunk even if her life work ambition is a bit lacking. She might be good at the game.

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JOE ANGLIM:

Here's another one that doesn't come off totally No Collar to me. Although he lists his occupation as a jewelry designer, he is a college grad and was actively involved in sports. Joe is 25 and currently residing in Scottdale, Arizona. I believe he's probably the blond guy with whom Hali wants to form an alliance of two. Another young one with long-term memories of the show and aspiring to be on it for years. His bio is really long-winded. I kinda sorta like him, but need to see his video.

Hmm. He just might do well. He has the country and athletic background as well as a love for the show. My only thing about him after watching the video is that he just might be too nice a guy to win this. While he says he'll lie to people and such, I think he just might be a bit naive and trust others a tad too much. Is he cut-throat enough to win? Again, another with my jury out until I see him in action.

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NINA POERSCH:

I guess my personal perception of No Collar is way skewed. I think of hitchhikers or young ones traveling through Europe with backpacks. I think of people waiting tables or tending bar until the next inspiration strikes them. I think of street performers. I don't necessarily think of someone like Nina -- 51 years old from Palmdale, California. She's deaf but can hear with cochlear implants. As a result, she's an advocate for them. She's proud of her Mom, apparently from Japan, who moved here, learned English and became a citizen despite bearing the brunt of prejudice and bigotry. Then comes her downfall in her bio. She likes Tina Wesson (that's not the bad part) and wants to play the game with integrity. Uh-oh.

At least she realizes she's going to have to lie to get through the game. The problem is ... will she be a good enough liar? She thinks she might have a problem when conversations overlap. She also hopes her work around the camp will keep her in the game. In the video she mentioned being a housewife and I can only assume she has children. I'm going to peg Nina as the Camp Mommy and I'm sure they'll keep her for a while. But when it comes to staying on her own through challenges and such, I doubt she has a chance to "kill it."

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VINCE SLY:

Now, here is true No Collar. Vince is a 32 year old coconut vendor residing in Santa Monica, California. His online bio is fairly short and just a bit full of himself reveling in his rather freewheeling lifestyle. Okay, I get it. He doesn't like stuff stuck in his teeth. He likens himself to a mix of Parvati, Coach and Fabio. Um. Well. Let's go to the video.

Cross him off as a true No Collar. This dude first off doesn't mention Santa Monica at all in the video. Instead, he has homes in San Francisco and New York City ... both places are rather prohibitive to reside in without a decent amount of income. He doesn't mention coconut vending; he's a "life coach." I'm thinking more Coach than Fabio going on here but with a better physical game than Coach. He might be one to watch unless he puts his tribe mates off with his Kung Fu moves.

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WILL SIMS II:

Will's bio is rather short and sweet. He is listed as a YouTube sensation, age is 41 and he's from Sherman Oaks, California. Now, YouTube sensation isn't quite a long term occupation for a man that age. As I never was a Leno fan, I had to check out the YouTube video that created such a sensation. Okay, he was a bartender before his big viral video. He's married to a personal trainer. I think I like him. I'm glad to actually come across a black person in this age-diverse, but not racially diverse so much cast. But does he have a chance?

In his video, he doesn't even mention YouTube at all. He talks about his people skills and bar tending. He also does mention his wife and daughter. I think he's going to be enjoyable to watch on the show. But I don't think he really has a chance to win it all. He comes across as too nice and easygoing to win. I can't see him being a fantastic liar or a villain.

There. The cast peeks are done here. Now we just have to wait until Wednesday, February 25 to see the premiere!

Off Topic: That Was the Week It Was - January 25, 2015

I realize I was a no-show here last Sunday. You have my apologies. I really didn't have much to update and hadn't taken any photos.

For those of you interested in television, I've checked out the cast for the upcoming Survivor season in posts at this Worlds Apart Casting blog tag. The last installment of that will be up this afternoon. I also continue to post daily photos from my archives on my photo blog I Shoot Stuff I See.

Although I'm still having headaches and some dizziness, I'll be going back to work tomorrow. I have a new doctor who actually prescribed some medication instead of the last one who just kept telling me to take over the counter drugs and giving me time off from work -- roughly doing nothing for me. I actually don't think the new meds are helping a lot, but I'll see how it goes.

We had a snowstorm here Friday night into Saturday, but I didn't go out for photos. Apparently I'll get plenty of opportunity to get snow shots as we have a storm forecast for tomorrow into Tuesday ... or Wednesday. Oy. I needed that on my return to work! (No, I didn't!) Right now a Winter Storm Watch is up starting 1pm tomorrow with heavy snow expected to come tomorrow night. If it's heavy enough, it will turn to a Winter Storm Warning. And, if it's bad enough, I may end up staying home Tuesday. We'll see.

Onto what photos I've taken, none a work of art:

Vincent in nap mode

Vincent is going to miss me being around. I'm sure he'll nap a lot. But he won't have me to be his human couch. This is him in his chair by my computer chair. Yes, he has a comfy toss pillow atop the chair.

I met a dog

I actually met the dog twice in the same spot. His owner ties him up to go into the local bodega. The first day I saw the owner tying the dog and entering. A few days later, I saw the dog already tied up and spotted the owner inside. The owner seemed tickled that I knew it was his dog and said the dog is safe to pet. I got out before him, so I approached the dog. Awww, it's a sweetie. When I got home, Vincent was not happy. He knew I petted a dog.

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

Survivor: Worlds Apart - White Collar

I delved into the Blue Collar Tribe (hereafter referred to in this blog as BCT) in this previous post. I'll be tagging all my casting posts for the show with the tag Worlds Apart Casting for easy reference. I'm just thoughtful like that. Yeah. That's the ticket!

Now it's time to take a look at the White Collar Tribe -- WCT for my lackadaisical posting purposes. Sure, CBS calls them Masaya. But what do they know?

CAROLYN RIVERA:
Yes! A 52 year old corporate executive from Tampa, Florida. She's originally from Queens, NYC. Already I'm digging the age. She's been married for 36 years (which is much longer than some of her fellow castaways have been on this earth). She has three "successful kids." She likes softball and Hilary Clinton. But, what really caught my interest is that she participates in Tough Mudders. I have some friends who do that. I would never do it; I'd keel over. If she can make it through Tough Mudder events, she should be able to handle any challenge Survivor throws her way.

Definitely not a Florida accent on her, huh? After watching the video, I'm not as sure about how she will be in the social game, especially with those younger than her. I think she might come across as bossy. That said, it would be fantastic if the sole Survivor was a 52 year old woman, wouldn't it?

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JOAQUIN SOUBERBUELLE:

Joaquin is another relative New Yorker -- from Valley Stream, which is on Long Island adjacent to NYC. He's a 27 year old marketing director. Although his online bio is rather short, I'm getting smug vibes from it. He claims he likes leading the sort of life that allows him to overindulge. Now, I've never known that kind of life myself. (Except when it comes to chocolate, that is.) He says he has little tolerance for people with no common sense. That, I like. He also claims to be smart, social and "unbelievably athletic." @@

After watching the video, I feel the need to up his chances a bit. No, I don't like him -- he's not someone who'd be on my friends list on Facebook, even. I did like that he admits he has "the attention span of a goldfish." While he admits his very smug traits and seems to realize many of them aren't always ones which make a person admirable or popular, he just might have what it takes to go far in the game. I can see him being decent in challenges and underhanded, too.

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MAX DAWSON:

Here's the guy I really want to watch. Max has a PhD and he's 37 years old currently from Topanga, California. He lists his occupation as a media consultant. But, he's an ex-professor who taught a college class about the show. That is why I'm going to have to see how he does! I like a few more things about him -- he'd love to have a black cat on the island as "you always feel better petting a cat." His favorite on the show was Jonathan Penner, a pretty wise choice. He's coming across a bit smug about his brilliance factor. I'll have to see how that plays out. He's very pale, almost a Cochran level of white.

He comes across better in the video. He seems to have grasped the "important" lies to tell -- about idols and the social game itself rather than what he does for a living. I like that he wants to do honor to the game. Mind you, he's not saying honesty to the game. He means he wants to play the game well. You can't throw honesty into that criteria. It's Survivor, after all. He'll be interesting to watch.

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SHIRIN OSKOOI:

Shirin is a 31 year old Yahoo executive living in San Francisco, California. She's an ex-Google employee who apparently played a big part in making Google calendar the #1 online calendar. She's happy to be able to help her mother financially. She likes Larry David because he's a "hilarious weirdo" and RuPaul. She doesn't like quitters and morons. She will be good at the nasty food challenge and plans to play the "ultimate social game." I don't know. I'm actually kind of liking her touch of crazy, yet dedication to her work and family. Has she won me over?

I think she might be someone I actually LIKE on the show. Mind you, that doesn't necessarily equate to me thinking she will win it all. Other than the food challenge and perhaps puzzle solving, she might have problems with the physical parts of the challenges. No, she's not out of shape. However, she just isn't screaming POWERHOUSE to me. I hope she can work out the moodiness from the lack of sleep. I'd like to see her do well. She's been a huge fan of the show for years.

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SO KIM:

So, I wish everyone had such easy to spell short names! So is a divorced 31 year old retail buyer currently living in Long Beach, California. (Or do you live ON Long Beach? I'm so confused ... but I digress.) If she were one of the guys, I think I'd say she seems full of herself in her online bio. Instead, for some reason, she comes across as confident. Maybe it's some weird sexist agenda in my head. She thinks she's a mix of Ozzy, Cochran and Parvati. Now, if she is ... just call her the winner now! She says she wants to make big moves and not play it safe. Huh. That's admirable, but it's been the downfall of many.

She doesn't seem as cocksure in her video. I also notice that she claims to be living and working in New York City, contrary to the online bio. Her strategy is to use her intellect, but show the smiling face to the others. She might have a problem when the food deprivation kicks in big time. My personal jury is out on her at this time.

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TYLER FREDRICKSON:

Tyler is a 33 year old ex-talent agency assistant currently living in Los Angeles, California. Reading his bio, I'm a bit speechless. It's odd. He claims to like dressing as a bearded hobo and scaring children as others won't do it. He said "Ha!" when asked about his favorite sport. He claims to be a flirt. He doesn't look too athletic in the photo for the bio, yet claims to have played on seven professional football teams. On the pro side, he's never missed an episode of the show and survived the political cut-throat environment of a talent agency. Oh. But he's not there anymore. He says he has two masters degrees. Maybe the video will clear this up --

Go figure. His video has him living in Pasadena. Plus, he admits to being roughly a secretary at the talent agency. He mentions being an NFL player at one time, but I've never heard of him. Of course, that means nothing as I'm not a fan of the game. I still have no clue how he'll play the game. He seems like he might be able to do well both socially and in challenges. He could be a wild card.

Your thoughts?

Survivor: Worlds Apart -- Blue Collar

With the tribes broken into three, it makes my decisions on the casting posts much easier -- I'll go by tribe! The Blue Collar Tribe, while in my mind is BCT, is called Escameca.

DAN FOLEY:
Dan is 47 years old and very married. In his online bio, he mentions his wife more than a few times. He's listed as a postal worker, but he's also a landlord and he's a technician at the post office. Definitely a fan of the show, he thinks he should be good at all comps except perhaps for ones involving running. He also thinks he should be good at the social game as he can "schmooze."

Dan has been trying to get on the show since the second season! Y'know ... I think I like this guy. The downside might be his age although I love older people cast on reality competition shows! But if he comes against some young athletic alpha dude with Survivor smarts, he just might be toast.

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KELLY REMINGTON:
Compared to Dan, Kelly's online bio is really short. She's 44 years old, a state trooper from Grand Island, NY. For those who only think NYC when it comes to New York, Grand Island is actually an island abutted by the Niagara River, not far from Niagara Falls. Hmm ... her bio lists "commitment" as her biggest pet peeve. Well, apparently she committed to be a state trooper, that's not an easy undertaking. Hopefully, she'll commit to being the sole Survivor! One of the things she wishes she could bring is a camera. Oh! I like that!

That video doesn't tell us too much more about her. One thing I picked up on is that she seems a very young 44. She seems pretty upbeat, too. I personally hope she can escape the "Mom" stigma which seems to follow any female castaway over 40.

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LINDSEY CASCADDAN:

Okay, Lindsey is more of the ilk we often see on Survivor. Pretty, 24 years old and a hairdresser. She lists dating as her favorite sport. Um-hmm. She knows she's pretty. She uses extraneous exclamation points in her bio!!! "I’m the most strategic, stubborn and athletic girl I know! I’m resourceful, I’m vicious and I think I do very well under pressure!" Okay! You can talk the talk but can you walk the walk, Lindsey?

The video reveals that she's a single mom. So what. Half the world seems to be single moms these days. Have her come back to me when the kids are adults and we'll see how things go. One thing I picked up on in the video is that she says nothing should make her quit. Wha ...? Why would quitting even come into the conversation? I peg her for not being a worker at the game and for possibly being a quitter. So there. We'll see.

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MIKE HOLLOWAY:

Mike is 38, an oil driller from North Richland Hills, Texas. He sacrificed with a lot of ramen noodle nights to pay his house off in two and a half years. Good for him. What is it with this disc golf stuff? Dan Foley also mentioned it. I have no clue what it is. I'll have to Google it. He's a punctuality and proper spelling fan. I like that in a man! His favorites are Cochran, Ozzy and Boston Rob. Decent choices. Huh. He mentions quitting too -- as in "I'll die before I quit!" But, with him, I don't think there's any possibility.

Oh my gosh. He sounds like he's talking with a throat full of gravel. Maybe he's been breathing in too much drilling debris. In a way, I want to cheer him on. But I have some kind of nagging feeling that, for some reason, he might rub some of his fellow castaways the wrong way unless he can really turn on the country charm.

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RODNEY LAVOIE, JR. :

Rodney is 24 years old, a general contractor out of Boston. His online bio is fairly short, but quite full of himself. I get that he's a big football fan still living his high school football glory days. That's fine. Maybe when he hits 30, new dreams will take the place of his high school jock days. He mentions his bachelor's degree as almost an afterthought. While he's probably going to be strong athletically, we've seen so many young dudes like him before. Onto the video ...

No surprises there. He's very cocksure and full of himself. While he isn't bad-looking, he's no Tom Brady (his apparent idol). I really don't have too much more to say about him other than I love to see young blowhards fall hard. I can only hope! Maybe he'll come across differently during the game. I reserve the right to change my mind about him. But, you've got my first impression!

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SIERRA DAWN THOMAS:

Sierra is another pretty blonde rather young'un, but seems different to me. She's a cowgirl! She's 27 years old, a "barrel racer" from Roy, Utah. What's a barrel racer? I don't know. It's something to do with rodeo, not an area of expertise for me. She's a national champion at it, though. Dang ... she's 6'1" tall! She's going to dwarf some of the men! She's very country with fishing, hunting and hiking. She's also into sports other than rodeo. She's a big fan of chocolate milk and Parvati Shallow. 

Hmm ... the only drawback I can see from the video is she might be a bit too trusting although she mentions she can't be. I think she'll be good in comps, probably a good worker. She seems smart. But, with her life being so "good people" based, will she be cut-throat enough for the win? I don't know. I do think she's got a lot more game than the other blonde gal on BCT.

Your thoughts on this tribe?

Survivor: Worlds Apart -- Casting Video

Earlier I brought you the casting announcement video for the upcoming season of The Amazing Race.

Now it's time for the Survivor: Worlds Apart casting video of the same ilk.



As with the cast of TAR, I'll be delving into these castaways as the days go on. After all, the season premiere for both shows isn't until February 25!

One quick observation -- that professor is going to sunburn SO bad.

The Amazing Race 26 -- Dating Couples

Of course, the hitch to this is that some are on a whirlwind competitive race around the world on a BLIND DATE!



I'm wondering who might have the edge here. We've seen how actual dating couples bicker at each other constantly. Will "strangers" be better off? Will they end up being bickering couples by the end of the season?

The CBS website has the bios of the teams up. As the days go by, I'll be sharing my thoughts on the teams. Have you any initial impressions or thoughts about the strangers on a race bit?

And, yes. I'm still alive.

Still Here

Yes, I'm still here -- just not feeling well today. I also took only a few (bad) photos this past week.

A rather unfocused cardinal

Plus, he wouldn't turn around!

After the sunrise

This morning on one of my many trips down for my Sunday Courier-News which never came (or was stolen). The supposed redelivery also never arrived.

Catnap needed

Off Topic: That Was the Week It Was - January 4, 2015

Yep, it's another Sunday. Nope, haven't been watching too much television. I have a few reasons for that. First, if I concentrate on the screen or try to follow a story too long, I get a whopper headache. Or, at the very least, I tend to lose focus. Unfortunately, that goes for reading books and computer use, as well.

That said, I was happy to see a new episode of Blue Bloods this past Friday. I think it might be the first new episode of any show I watch since the beginning of December! That might be a good thing due to my health. But I really need to work on building up my tolerance for such things. I go to the doctor on Thursday -- high temperature of 19 predicted as opposed to a high of 57 expected today. I'll see what he says. I really wish they could do something or give me something! I feel like I'm in Limbo.

Wednesday night was New Year's Eve. I spent my time loosely following the Twilight Zone marathon on SyFy. I was a bit surprised that some of the episodes were ones I don't remember. I'm not sure if that was because of the post concussion syndrome or I just don't remember them. As it went for midnight, I turned to the ball drop and then headed to bed. I lead such an exciting life, don't I?

On New Year's Day evening, there was a homicide just outside my own neighborhood.  That's not the best way to start the year in Plainfield. Not to worry about me, though. As an older woman, I'm really not the demographic of crime victims in town. Plus, I don't wander around in sketchy neighborhoods at night. Where the murder happened, though only a five minute or so walk away, is not anywhere I'd be after dark.

Once again, I didn't really go anywhere this week. So, once again, the photos offered up this week are suffering. You can always check out my other blog -- I Shoot Stuff I See -- for updated photo fodder daily. They're not new photos, mind you. They're just ones from my computer files over the years. Anyway ... onto the sights from this week.

I see hamburgers

I noticed these on Berckman Street as I walked to the bodega around the corner. Hamburgers and cheeseburgers. On the road. No buns, no traces of buns. I have no clue. They didn't look like they were edible, even in their prime. But they were gone the next time I walked through there a few days later. Maybe the fox my neighbor sighted last week found them.

A touch of snow

Before it turned to slush, then vanished in the rain yesterday, we had a touch of white in the Jersey 'hood. I was hoping to see the fox, but I did not. I will keep watching for it!

The gnarly tree

Its branches were covered with snow until late afternoon. Now all is just wet out there. (Still no fox.)

My other injury

The day after Christmas, I heated some mashed potatoes covered with Saran wrap in the microwave. Stupid me (I blame the concussion, it can't be my own stupidity!), even though the Saran had puffed up like a Jiffy Pop pan from the olden days, I grabbed a corner and got a steam burn. It hurt at the time and turned a section of one finger a pretty pink. But I didn't think it was too bad. While it only hurt a day or two, it now LOOKS bad. But it doesn't hurt.

Think OUTSIDE the box, Vincent!

I keep telling him that if he wants to be successful, he needs to think outside the box. There are too many internet kitty stars out there. He needs to be unique in his talents. Alas, he thinks he should just retreat to the box and let me support him in his luxury cat ways. I'm actually surprised this box has lasted this long. Maybe that's due to the scratchy thing being more tempting to chew apart and spit all over the floor.

Happy New Year!

 

Wishing all of my friends here on the blog the happiest of New Year wishes! Thank you all so much for hanging out here year 'round!

Off Topic: That Was the Week It Was - December 28, 2014

Yep, it's yet another Sunday. While I've been on a bit of a holiday season mixed with health issues hiatus from television posting, this is another rather abbreviated photo post of the week gone by.

Um. Oh, wait ... it was Christmas, wasn't it? I hope you all, all who celebrate Christmas that is, had a great holiday.

Me? As per my usual, I had a quiet holiday at home with a certain cat. The holidays aren't a great time of year for many people, including me. With my parents gone for decades and no relatives close by, Christmas tends to be just another day in my life. Oh, I did make it a bit special meal-wise. I had bought a small butterflied boneless leg of lamb and had that with mashed potatoes, cauliflower and a fancy-schmancy chocolate pie for dessert.

I feel a bit better with my post concussion syndrome, but still have some dizziness problems and headaches if I watch TV or am on the computer too long. Every now and then I forget stuff, but I'm thinking that might just be me. I don't know.

Before I forget to mention it -- my new blog, I Shoot Stuff I See, is updated every day with photos I've taken in the past ten or so years. And, you really should check it out from the first post on. I hope you enjoy it!

I really didn't get out much this week, just a few walks to the bodega around the corner. I even walked with peanuts in my pocket hoping to get some squirrel shots and saw NO squirrels! Gah! Thus, my photo pickings were a bit slip again this week.

I hope everybody has a good week!

New era fuzzy dice

It used to be fuzzy dice hanging from the rear view mirror in cars. I guess fuzzy soccer balls are now the in thing. I found these abandoned near the sidewalk on East Second Street in Plainfield. I would imagine whether dice or soccer balls, they're probably all illegal as they block the driver's view. There used to be a time when folks wouldn't get stopped for that. But, back then, seatbelts in cars were a rare thing.

Going downhill fast

This was taken early in the week. Today the "new" scratch pad is looking downright downtrodden. Yet, as I type this us, Vincent is catnapping in what's left of it.

I was so tempted

Yes, it's a VCR. I had recently been thinking what will happen if/when my VCR dies. While I have a collection of movies and TV shows on DVD, I have a lot of movies on VHS. I'm not sure how long VCRs will remain on the market. I recall buying one of the last 8-track tape players when I knew they were going down. But that technology sucked while VCRs were actually very good. My personal guess on this one by the sidewalk on Berckman Street in Plainfield is that it probably works and was just put out there due to its upgrading of technology. I passed it up, then it was gone when I walked back by.

In the long run, it doesn't matter. Amongst some other things my neighbor gave me due to his upcoming move was a VCR/DVD combo.

In a catnip daze

Vincent bids all adieu until next week!

Merry Christmas and an Announcement!

 

Merry Christmas to all of my family and friends, near and far.

(I haven't been able to get Vincent to wear his Santa suit for years now, so this is far from a new photo of him!)

The announcement? Well, I've been working on a separate photo blog since summer and I'm releasing it today! Nothing will change on this blog -- it will still be TV and the weekly photo review posts on Sundays. However, the new blog -- I Shoot What I See -- will be updated daily with one or two photo posts. Some might be new photos; most are ones I've taken over the last ten or eleven years. 

At the moment, there's a lot of content on there. But the posts are short -- few words, one or two photos per post. If you click on the month on the right side column of that blog, you can quickly go through them by the month. When you first check it out (IF you do and please and thank you!), click on the link to the welcome/about post I have linked in the sentences written across the top. (Please and thank you!)

I hope you enjoy it!

Merry Christmas!

Off Topic: That Was the Week It Was - December 21, 2014

Oh my gosh ... Christmas is just about here! Welcome to my weekly off television topic (kind of) photo post. I say "kind of" because, once again, I don't have all that much in the way of photos taken this week. I've certainly found out that post concussion syndrome really messes with you. Since I didn't have any doctor appointments, I really didn't go out or do much this past week. I even had a Peapod grocery delivery, so I didn't have to go out for food.

On a television note, I was pleased with the winners of both Survivor and The Amazing Race. Both shows look like they're going to have good seasons starting up in February.

I did take trash out to the Dumpster at my apartment building and spotted this --

Huh? Whazzat?

Why, it's a kitty cat!

I hate to see cats out loose on these streets in town. Yes, there are a lot of feral cats who seem to be wise in the ways of traffic and such. But this little one is too clean to be feral. And, we haven't had a regular population of feral cats in the immediate neighborhood in about a decade. This one is probably someone's pet and, unfortunately, its life expectancy is cut way down because they let her out. (Yes, it's a "her" -- it's a calico and they're always female.)

On the other hand, there's a certain Vincent cat who got a new scratching pad handed over to him this week. He had killed his last one and I have a few that I bought a while ago and tucked away in the closet. Yes, he does scratch on it. But he also sits in it, sleeps in it and bites chunks out of it (and spits them all over my floor, thank goodness for hardwood instead of carpet). Silly Vincent!




Oh! And I took the next shot of a bit of color remaining from the fall (happy winter, y'all!):

Hanging in there, as am I

I should have a post up later this week for the holiday, so stop on back! Heck, I might even try for a television post!

The Amazing Race 25: Season Finale Blog Party

Here we are ...the season finale! For the first time, we have four teams heading into the last leg. Who's going to win? As the show airs here, I'll do my best to give your the major updates. Refresh the page to get the latest. As always, the real party is in the comments area. Come join us!

Here's the latest blog pool standings from the Magnificent Margo:

Adam & Bethany - chrob61, Kathy in Brooklyn, Kelsey NY, Zoetawny
Brooke & Robbie - Caela, Sharon, Sharon N, Willie J
Maya & Amy - Ed in OH, Karen in CA, Lynn1, Margo
Misti & Jim - Cheryl in NC, Laurie, ML, OrkMommy

Sorry you have been PHILIMINATED
Lisa & Michelle - Becky, Delee, dla, Donna in AL
Dennis & Isabelle - Auntie Leigh, Brian, David, Donna NY, sanra
Michael & Scott - Donna in FL, Glenn, Jackie, Marlo
Keith & Whitney - Jean, Jennasmom, Nana in NW, PDXGranny
Shelly & Nici - Buzzmaam, Merrilee, Rbennie, SueGee
Tim & Te Jay - Babs, Brent McKee, Dusty, Monty924
Kym & Alli - Brenda, meb, Nicklepeed, Rochelle, Terry in TX

Ready to race?

Teams are flying to Los Angeles. All teams are on the same flight. The vehicles they get into after the flight are Ford product placements. The scientists, followed by the surfers make it to the first clue. Then the dentists arrive. Now the scientists seem to be in the first place.

The have to perform a stunt crashing through a plate glass window for the Roadblock. Who wants to be a Hollywood action hero?

The wrestlers are totally lost, haven't made it to the city hall first clue.

Scientists still in first place, wrestlers still not to first clue. Scientists forgot to take the costume off from the Roadblock and now the surfers pass them onto first. Wrestlers finally got their first clue.

They have to go on a search and rescue exercise with the Coast Guard. Adam and Bethany running first place, then the scientists followed immediately by the dentists.

Now the dentists are in second place.

Uh-oh. The wrestlers are at the stunt man task and Phil is approaching. Onto commercial. Yep, Phil told them they missed their "call time" for the stunt and they're Philiminated.

Another Roadblock. Who can contain themselves? They have to find nine shipping containers that represent nine cities and get them in the right order. Bethany has to do it as Adam did the stunt.

Amy is first to try to write the clues down. Then Bethany. Then Misti. All relatively close. It's a run to the final pit stop in a taxi.Uh-oh, Bethany and Misti screwed up their numbers. Misti gets it first. (Grr.)

Whoa! MAYA AND AMY win The Amazing Race! If Bethany and Adam can't win, they're the best second choice for me right now! They're only the third all female team in 25 seasons to win it.

Then come Jim and Misti.

Then Adam and Bethany.

Next season is "dating couples" with five couples meeting as a blind date to run the race. That's different!

Survivor: San Juan Del Sur Season Finale and Reunion Blog Party

Oh my. It's the season finale tonight! On a Wednesday even. How odd is that? I'm personally hoping for a Natalie win because she's the only one who's been consistently PLAYING the game. Of course, I don't always get my way in these things. We'll see, I guess.

Tonight is a two hour show followed by an hour of reunion. I'm really not sure how well I'll be able to do with the updates. Last night I was quite ill and still a bit iffy today. But I'll try my hardest to update this entry with the major events as they air here on the East Coast. Refresh the page to get the latest!

As always, the real party is in the comments area ... please join us there!

Here's the latest on the blog pool from the Lovely Lifeguard Laurie:
Baylor = Glenn, maquinn78, Sharon S
Jaclyn = CYW Coleman, rbennie
Keith = Donna in FL, PDX Granny  
Missy = Ed in Ohio, Monty924, Sharon N
Natalie = Jennasmom, Kelsey NY

Out: Nadiya
Val = Brenda, Nickelpeed
John R = Cheryl NC, MikesGirl, Terry in TX
Drew = Delee, Petals, SueGee
Kelley = Babs Dud, ML, Russ
Dale = Brian, Margo
QUIT -- Julie = Donna NY, meb

Jury:
Josh = crob61, Rochelle, Jackie
Jeremy = Becky, Nana in the NW
Wes = Buzzmaam, ORKMommy, sanra
Reed = David, Kathy, Lynn1
Alec = Karen in Case, Merrilee
Jon M = Donna in Alabama, Laurie

Survivor fans ready?

Ah, a recap of the season so far starts us out.

Aw, Jaclyn is crying. Too bad, so sad. Baylor and Missy want a final three with them and Natalie.

Reward Challenge - Attached to a rope, unspool rope, build a bridge, use sandbags to knock down blocks. Playing for an advantage in the upcoming immunity challenge. Missy cannot compete with fractured foot yet remains in the game.

KEITH wins reward! He sends Jaclyn to Exile Island.

This is being done a bit differently this year with Jeff segments live from California interspersed with show segments.

Keith's advantage is a practice table for the Immunity Challenge. Once he walks away, he can't return. It's an odd doohickey transferring balls via spoons.

Immunity Challenge time. Keith didn't do great in his advantage tries, but at least he has a heads up. Missy is actually going to compete in this. (About time as she should have gone out rather than skipping challenges!)

Keith WINS individual immunity, guaranteeing him a spot in the final four!

Jaclyn tries to work on Natalie to team with her to vote out Missy. Baylor wants Natalie to give her idol to Missy. Don't do it, Natalie!

Tribal - Not overly exciting prelude. Jaclyn is pretty sure she's going home.

The Tally -- Natalie plays her idol for JACLYN! (Jaclyn had promised not to vote for her in the next tribal.) This was the last time the idol could be used.

Jaclyn, Jaclyn, Jaclyn, Baylor, Baylor!

The jury is thrilled! Baylor is voted out! She goes graciously and even says it was a good move.

Missy is taking it surprisingly well, too.

The plan is to vote out Keith if Natalie or Jaclyn win -- he's the bigger threat.

Immunity Challenge time again. It's very physical. Missy won't be able to play. There are obstacles and puzzle, then raising a flag.

OMG! Jaclyn WINS immunity!

Uh-oh. Jaclyn is thinking Natalie for the vote out. oh noes!

Tribal, the tally --
Keith, Missy, Keith, Keith.

Keith is gone. Rats, guy did his best and got far. It's an all female final three!

And, best of all, Natalie is still in it. The power shifts to the jury.

Final Tribal Council, jury questioning.

Opening statements:
Missy -- Humbly sit here, I could be there. You will affect the rest of my life, loyalty was my game. Voting out Jon biggest move, broke my foot.
Jaclyn -- Ups and downs like real life. Felt alone, still fought. Align with others, middle position. I took over the reins. Brings up her medical condition which doesn't allow her to bear children.
Natalie -- I feel I deserve it. I have outwitted, outplayed, outlasted the other two. Went from surviving to trying to win. (Great speech!) She admits that had they made the right decision last night, she would have gone home instead of Keith. (Did I say great speech?)

Jury questions/statements:
Jon -- Jaclyn, present a big move or decision she was solely responsible for making and affected the game. She says the Josh out vote.

Keith -- Nat, how does it feel that the last words you ever spoke to me was a lie? Nat says that she knew if it wasn't him, it would be her. He sticks on the lying aspect and how he didn't lie.

Alec -- Nat, biggest one move and impact? Voting you off, she says. She explains the chain of events.

Alec -- Missy, mother? I directed people to vote who I wanted out.

Baylor -- Mom, much more than a game for us. We've been through the wringer. (On and on.) Most incredible thing you've ever done. Love you.

Josh -- Jaclyn, reason you're here on your merit or choices from stronger players. She talks of Jon being her stronger player. One move yours and no one else? Voting you out.

Wes -- What was it like to play with your loved one? Eh. Natalie is so proud to make it this far.

Jeremy -- Student of the game. Likes big move. Best player is going to win. Give Natalie her credit. Don't be mad.

Reed -- Nat, loved watching your gameplay, congrats. Enjoyed getting to know Jaclyn. Missy, you cast yourself as motherly, really wicked stepmother of the tribe, feels entitled. Lights into her!

Baylor cries.

Jon writes down Jaclyn, Jeremy wrote Nat, Baylor voted Missy. No surprises there!

Onto Los Angeles --

The tally: Jaclyn, Natalie, Jaclyn, Missy, Natalie, Natalie, Natalie!

NATALIE WINS (as she should)!!!

Next season teaser -- White Collar, Blue Collar, No Collar -- Survivor Worlds Apart

Off Topic: That Was the Week It Was - December 14, 2014

Is it that time of year?

Well, I got a few shots this week, better than last. This post concussion syndrome is really knocking me for a loop. I have no energy to go anywhere. I can't read or watch TV or be at the computer screen for too long or a nasty headache and lack of focus kick in.

Let's see ... what happened this week?

• I got a FedEx delivery which was left outside the main door of my large apartment building without even ringing my intercom. Just because it didn't require a signature doesn't mean it should be left where anyone can steal it! Luckily I had gone online to track it a bit after 9am and it was listed online as delivered already. I ran down to retrieve it. I didn't get the text from Amazon that it was out for delivery until an hour later. Two hours later I got the text that it had been delivered. Grr.
• I went to the neurologist and now have another month off from work, returning to him the second week of January. It's the first time in forever I've had time off around the holidays. I only wish I could enjoy it.
• I had to go into Westfield to get cat treats and run a bank trip. I've been spoiled with direct deposit. Workers comp sends actual checks and I don't have a bank branch right near me. The only bank easily in walking distance is Bank of America. And, I don't like them.
• As a matter of fact, I have to go to the bank again today.
• But I do have a Peapod grocery delivery coming tomorrow. Yay. That's one thing I don't have to worry about.
• There was gunfire in the middle of the night last night at the house in back of me where they have the live Mexican Polka bands in the summer. It woke me up, but I wasn't sure enough that it was gunfire to call. I turned on the scanner and they had gotten a Shotspotter alert on multiple shots fired. Police all over, flashlights, spotlights. No one seemed to be shot, although they did tow a car away. It must have been shot as they took it to the police station, not the regular towing yard.

Oh, well. That's all for now.

Aw, look at Vincent in his box like a normal little kitty cat! He usually just bites the cardboard and spits it out.

I wonder if that yellow is Bodega Yellow. It seems to be prevalent at all the bodegas around here. This is around the corner where I go for emergency milk, etc. purchases.

Oh my gosh ... a bunch of fallen innocent little trees!

The Christmas tree trailer appears as if by magic every year.

Oh, go stand in your box, Vincent!

Where they chopped the trees down by the Plainfield Train Station does allow for better train shots from East Third Street, but it's ugly. I had to walk downtown in order to catch the 819 bus to Edison for the doctor visit.

This was about the only interesting thing I saw near the doctor's office in Edison's backwoods territory. I was waiting for the bus at the little strip mall (bus stop sign under traffic light, no shelter). There's a 7-11 there, a paint store and a few small restaurants. What was the crime going on here? Um. I think it was lunch at either the pizza place or the Chinese restaurant.

Now, Vincent ... that's not polite. Stop sticking your tongue out at people!

The Amazing Race 25: December 12 Blog Party

Here we are ... the penultimate show of the season! Next week is the big finale! As the show airs here tonight, I'll do my best to update this entry with the major happenings. Refresh the page to get the latest. As always, the real party is in the comments area. Come join us there!

Here's the latest blog pool standings from the Magnificent Margo -- the same as last week due to the non-Philimination:

Adam & Bethany - chrob61, Kathy in Brooklyn, Kelsey NY, Zoetawny
Brooke & Robbie - Caela, Sharon, Sharon N, Willie J
Maya & Amy - Ed in OH, Karen in CA, Lynn1, Margo
Misti & Jim - Cheryl in NC, Laurie, ML, OrkMommy

Sorry you have been PHILIMINATED
Lisa & Michelle - Becky, Delee, dla, Donna in AL
Dennis & Isabelle - Auntie Leigh, Brian, David, Donna NY, sanra
Michael & Scott - Donna in FL, Glenn, Jackie, Marlo
Keith & Whitney - Jean, Jennasmom, Nana in NW, PDXGranny
Shelly & Nici - Buzzmaam, Merrilee, Rbennie, SueGee
Tim & Te Jay - Babs, Brent McKee, Dusty, Monty924
Kym & Alli - Brenda, meb, Nicklepeed, Rochelle, Terry in TX

Ready to race?

They're heading to Manilla. The Speed Bump is at the Detour clue. The Detour is This or That. Bethany and Adam get there first. The Speed Bump has Brooke and Robbie helping reload a street vendor's goods. The other two teams took transportation (jeepney's?) in the wrong direction, so they're behind.

The This detour has them scoring 21 points at a basketball hoop against local guards.

Adam and Bethany are in the lead, but seem to have lost their clue. Brooke and Robbie made it to the Detour before the other two teams who finally realized they went the wrong way for an hour.

The other two teams go for That when they arrive (wrestlers did This). That has them pedaling a bike cab with a sidecar.

Gah. The wrestlers stole the lead from the surfers. Roadblock is Go Coconuts, delivering items to shops. Robbie missed some instructions as he headed out. Hopefully he'll screw up and the surfers will find the Roadblock. They know the street.

Now the surfers found their clue, Robbie figured the instructions but screwed up the amount of coconuts, Jim and Adam both missed the locations just as Robbie first did and Maya/Amy just started.

The wrestlers get through the Roadblock first.

Now, the only team left at the Roadblock is the Scientists.

Pit Stop --
1. Brooke and Robbie - Final leg starts right now and they race on, must fly to Los Angeles.
2. Adam and Bethany
3. Misti and Jim
4. Maya and Amy -- they're still in it! For the first time in TAR, four teams are going into the final leg. Phil warns them that one team will be eliminated during the final leg!

Survivor: San Juan Del Sur Blog Party - December 10

Thankfully it's not another double episode tonight! I overdid it last week with the two hours and got a killer headache. The promos hint there might be a medical evac tonight. Maybe it will be a concussion? As the show airs here on the East Coast, I'll try to get the major events updated right here in this entry. Refresh the page to get the latest!

As always, the real party is in the comments area ... please join us there!

Here's the latest on the blog pool from the Lovely Lifeguard Laurie:


Baylor = Glenn, maquinn78, Sharon S
Jaclyn = CYW Coleman, rbennie
Jon M = Donna in Alabama, Laurie
Keith = Donna in FL, PDX Granny  
Missy = Ed in Ohio, Monty924, Sharon N
Natalie = Jennasmom, Kelsey NY

Out: Nadiya
Val = Brenda, Nickelpeed
John R = Cheryl NC, MikesGirl, Terry in TX
Drew = Delee, Petals, SueGee
Kelley = Babs Dud, ML, Russ
Dale = Brian, Margo
QUIT -- Julie = Donna NY, meb

Jury:
Josh = crob61, Rochelle, Jackie
Jeremy = Becky, Nana in the NW
Wes = Buzzmaam, ORKMommy, sanra
Reed = David, Kathy, Lynn1
Alec = Karen in Case, Merrilee

Survivor fans ready?

Natalie tried (and succeeded) to convince Jon that she was confused with the splitting of the vote and voted Alec by mistake. Heh. She's still on her agenda against Jeremy.

Reward has them going through haystacks, filling buckets of water, solving a plank puzzle. Two teams. Reward is a spa and feast. Keith, Missy and Jon win it. Jon gives the reward to Baylor so she can be with her mother. Natalie volunteers and gets chosen for Exile. The lovebirds will be alone at camp.

Missy got hurt in the challenge.

Immunity. Missy's ankle looks at least sprained. The others brought Natalie some rice to eat before the challenge. Missy refuses to quit. Jeff thinks medical has to look at her ankle before the challenge. The medic thinks at the least it's a severe sprain, possibly broken. He says he has to pull Missy from the game to go have an x-ray. Ah, but then he says he can immobilize it and she can stay in the game, sitting this challenge out.

The challenge has them balancing on a teeter-totter while balancing a vase.  Jaclyn out first. Baylor out. Keith out. Jon out. Natalie wins immunity!

Jon thinks Natalie is still on board to get Keith out. Meanwhile, Keith bonded more with Missy and Baylor at reward.

Natalie wants the vote split between Jon and Jaclyn. Missy doesn't want to vote him, though. 

The tally - no idols played - Keith, Jaclyn, Keith, Jaclyn, Jon, Jon. Three way tie. Revote -- only Baylor, Missy and Natalie can vote.

Re-vote --  Jon, Jon. YAY! Jon is voted out!

Off Topic: That Was the Week It Was - December 7, 2014

Vincent says hi

It really wasn't much of a week. I didn't take any good photos. I went nowhere. It rained a lot. My mind is fuzzy.

The Amazing Race 25: December 5 Blog Party

Wow, time is flying this season! We're down to the final four. As the show airs here, I'll do my best to update this entry with the major happenings. My mind is still on the fuzzy side, but I'll do my best. Refresh the page to get the latest. As always, the real party is in the comments area. Come join us there!

Here's the latest blog pool standings from the Magnificent Margo:

Adam & Bethany - chrob61, Kathy in Brooklyn, Kelsey NY, Zoetawny
Brooke & Robbie - Caela, Sharon, Sharon N, Willie J
Maya & Amy - Ed in OH, Karen in CA, Lynn1, Margo
Misti & Jim - Cheryl in NC, Laurie, ML, OrkMommy

Sorry you have been PHILIMINATED
Lisa & Michelle - Becky, Delee, dla, Donna in AL
Dennis & Isabelle - Auntie Leigh, Brian, David, Donna NY, sanra
Michael & Scott - Donna in FL, Glenn, Jackie, Marlo
Keith & Whitney - Jean, Jennasmom, Nana in NW, PDXGranny
Shelly & Nici - Buzzmaam, Merrilee, Rbennie, SueGee
Tim & Te Jay - Babs, Brent McKee, Dusty, Monty924
Kym & Alli - Brenda, meb, Nicklepeed, Rochelle, Terry in TX

Since there are two more episodes after tonight to air, I predict a non-Philimination leg. What do you think?

Are you ready? Let's GO!

Teams are flying from Singapore to Manilla, the Philippines.

Ah, good. The dentists are on a different flight, getting in a little later than the others. That might not mean much as they could catch up, but ...!

It won't mean much. They all have to wait for a flower vendor at 6:30am.

Detour - Catch or Coach. Filling three buckets of fish or mounting a sidecar to a bike. Maya and Amy are behind because they didn't follow a clue and lost time. Robbie is freaking out about handling fish.

Brooke and Robbie, the only ones doing the fish, finish first and head off for the next clue. Then Bethany and Adam finish the bike first.

Yay! It's the "I broke my ox" challenge. They have to use a water oxen to find a clue in a huge mud field.

Jim and Misti find the clue in the mud first, then the scientists. It's off to the Pit Stop on foot.

1. Jim and Misti - won a trip to Vietnam
2. Maya and Amy

The wrestlers and surfers were almost simultaneous in finding the clue.

3. Bethany and Adam
4. Brooke and Robbie.

I was right. It was a non-Philimination. All teams still in.

Survivor: San Juan Del Sur Double Episode Blog Party - December 3

Well, this is going to be an interesting challenge. I'm not sure how well I'll be able to do with a double episode tonight. I'll give it my best shot to update this entry with the major events as they air here on the East Coast. Refresh the page to get the latest.

As always, the real party is in the comments area ... please join us there!

Here's the latest on the blog pool from the Luverly Lifeguard Laurie:

Alec = Karen in Case, Merrilee
Baylor = Glenn, maquinn78, Sharon S
Jaclyn = CYW Coleman, rbennie
Jon M = Donna in Alabama, Laurie
Keith = Donna in FL, PDX Granny  
Missy = Ed in Ohio, Monty924, Sharon N
Natalie = Jennasmom, Kelsey NY
Reed = David, Kathy, Lynn1

Out: Nadiya
Val = Brenda, Nickelpeed
John R = Cheryl NC, MikesGirl, Terry in TX
Drew = Delee, Petals, SueGee
Kelley = Babs Dud, ML, Russ
Dale = Brian, Margo
QUIT -- Julie = Donna NY, meb

Jury:
Josh = crob61, Rochelle, Jackie
Jeremy = Becky, Nana in the NW
Wes = Buzzmaam, ORKMommy, sanra

Survivor fans ready?

Ah, good. Jon and Jaclyn are arguing.

Reward == How well do you know your tribemates. The chopping at a rope one. The reward is a horse ride to a resort, barbeque, overnight.

Reed is the first one out of the challenge due to being chopped by the others. Alec out.  Keith out.

Since the rest were so friendly about it and wanted Missy to win, Jeff gave it to her. Jon goes to Exile. Missy can bring two people -- Baylor and Natalie.

Stand off between Reed and Missy because Reed called Baylor a brat.

Jon found another idol. Oh, well.

Baylor and Natalie are upset that Alec and Jaclyn are flirting (after they return from reward).

Immunity Challenge -- Balance oversize paddle on a stand, roll balls into holes, must get six. Keith wins immunity!

Huh. Jon and Jaclyn had another argument. Reed tried to get J/J to work with his side. Jaclyn is pouting. Jon told Missy he found the idol before even Jaclyn knows (unless I missed that).

Tribal - Missy votes Reed, Reed votes Missy. No surprise there.

The tally - (no one plays an idol) --
Reed, Missy, Reed, Reed, Reed, Reed.

Reed is gone. Whoa ... even Alec voted Reed!

Jon thinks he's controlling the game. Huh.

Reward - Standing on a small block holding a ball with a thing against a frame.  Winner gets a king size canopy bed and feast.  Alec out. Missy out. Keith out. Baylor out. Jon out. It's Natalie and Jaclyn left. Jaclyn out. Natalie wins reward! She sends Alec to Exile. She chooses to share the bed with Jaclyn, then Jon, too.

Heh. Natalie is being strategic. She tells us she wants to build Jon's trust, then wham him out! Good for her. She wants revenge for his part in getting Jeremy out. Meanwhile, Jon is getting cocky, sure he has Natalie in his back pocket.

Immunity Challenge -- Pull on a rope balancing a table, retrieving blocks, first one to stand all their blocks wins.

Gah. Jon wins Immunity.

He wants Keith to go, as does Missy. They plan to split the vote between Keith and Alec. Natalie and Baylor are not happy.

Natalie is talking to Keith, but thinks she could flip the game, get Alec out and use Keith to get rid of Jon. Meanwhile, Baylor is getting smitten with Alec.

Tribal - Natalie knowing it's not time to make her move, talks about the solidarity of the alliance of five. We'll see the vote.

Tally --
Keith, Alec, Keith, Alec, Keith, Alec, Alec.

WHOA! She did it! Alec joins the jury. Jon and Missy are befuddled.