BB 18: First Impressions -- Paul Abrahamian

Paul Abrahamian, age 23

I've read his bio on the CBS Big Brother website. I've seen his video on CBS All Access. Here are some facts and my impressions:

• His faux-hawk and beard are perfectly coiffed. How long is that going to last in the house?
• He says he's a "clothing designer." I think I'd rather see what that huge tattoo is on his chest.
• He's single (for the last few months), hails from and currently resides in Tarzana, CA.
• He's a thrill-seeker. Well, that in and of itself, is only sort of good in the BB House. The idea of going on the show, that touch of fame (albeit fleeting and to a limited audience), the competitions ... all of those provide the adrenaline high for a thrill seeker. But, what's he going to do with all the down time they have?
• He's very into music. He better not be one who sings and makes the live feeds go to fish. I'm warning him right here and now ... don't sing! Don't hum. I don't even want you to whistle, kiddo!
• He wears a ton of rings in the Jeff interview. I hope he doesn't think that they would preclude him from washing dishes.
• Paul seems to think he can mentally "crack" practically anyone. Hmm.
• Yet, he doesn't really to have a strong urge to have more than fun in the house. He stated once in the interview that he wanted to win. However, when asked more directly about it, he went more along the adventurous fun aspect of being in the house. Will he be able to scheme? I don't know. 
• He thinks he can be sneaky and will use other peoples' weaknesses against them.
• But ... can he backstab and be truly underhanded? Is he going to be a real BB villain? I'm not getting that vibe from him, although I could be wrong.
• He claims to be a big fan of the show. I do believe he might be more of a fair weather fan. But, big fan? Nah. He didn't mention watching the live feeds at all. He only knows a bit of the show, methinks.  

What are your impressions of Paul?

Images © CBS

Big Brother 18: Meet the Hamsters

Um. Okay. The new BB18 hamsters were introduced today. So much for diversity! Ten 20-somethings, one 32 year-old and then an "old guy" at all of 50 years old. Of course, he's a generation apart from all the rest. Nothing let setting a guy up for the fall! The only real noticeable ethnicity diversity is that more than usual seem to be Hispanic. Leave it to Grodner to go for the models casting once again! I prefer real diversity in casting. Oh, well.

Two are siblings of previous players:

• Paulie is Cody's brother.
• Tiffany is Vanessa's sister.

I haven't watched the videos yet as I had to work today and got home a bit late. As the days go on towards the season premiere, I'll be delving more into the cast so we might kind of sort of get to know them.

What do you think?

Bridgette Dunning, age 25

Bronte D'Acquisto, age 26

Corey Brooks, age 25

Glenn Garcia, age 50

Jozea Flores, age 25

Michelle Meyer, age 23

Natalie Negrotti, age 26

Paul Abrahamian, age 23

Paulie Calafiore, age 27

Tiffany Rousso, age 32

Victor Arroyo, age 25

Zakiyah Everette, age 24

Images © CBS

Big Brother 18: CBS Delays the Cast Reveal

BB18 cast reveal delayed by CBS. Instead of this morning, the cast reveal on CBS All Access will be taped (not live) and shown tomorrow -- Tuesday, June 14, starting at 1pm PT/4pm ET. The timing is a bit better for my own reasons due to work. But, this whole casting thing between no media interviews and now this is very weird.

The photo above is just a screenshot of the CBS announcement page ... which makes it seem like they never announced the reveal would be this morning. Hmm.

UPDATE: In a Twitter announcement, CBS said that the announcement was delayed due to the tragedy in Orlando.

Big Brother 18: News, Rumors and More Rumors

Many of the rumors regarding the cast will be either shown to be right or way off base by tomorrow. For some reason, the BB18 cast hamsters will not go through the media interviews -- the only cast interviews will be those on CBS All Access. That, of course, is also where we'll access the live feeds once they go live late next week.

Why all the secrecy? Well, we usually have secrecy going on at this point. However, this is a first that outside media won't be talking to the sequestered hamsters. Hmm. I just don't know. If All Access has the information up early enough tomorrow East Coast time, I'll be posting before I go to work. If it's up later, it won't be until very late Monday night. Unfortunately, I still have to work for a living.

Here's the timeline as far as I can discern:

1. Rumor: CBS did the hamster pick-ups at their local towns this past Tuesday through Thursday.
2. Fact: All Access will do the cast reveal tomorrow, Monday, June 13th.
3. Probably: The hamsters will be sequestered in hotels until Wednesday or Thursday of this week, then move into the house. They're always there for a week or so before the season premiere. While I hate that we miss that initial time on the live feeds (so much can happen!), I understand they need show fodder for the season premiere.
4. Fact: The season premiere will be a two-hour show airing at 8pm ET/PT on Wednesday, June 22. We, but of course, will have a blog party as it airs East Coast time.
5. Fact: The second episode will air Thursday, June 23 at 9pm ET/PT. If all is like the past, it should be a live eviction show.
6. Fact: The live feeds will kick in live on Thursday 6/23 (Friday 6/24 to us East Coast voyeurs) after the show airs on the West Coast. We're talking 10pm PT or (wah) 1am ET. 
7. Fact: The show's regular airing schedule is as it has been for the past several seasons -- hour-long episodes on Sunday 8pm, Wednesday 8pm and Thursday 9pm. 
8. Fact: POP TV, the old TV Guide cable station will once again have nightly BB After Dark shows. I won't have access to them this year because Comcast (Xfinity) decided to drop the station. 

Hey ... what about the hamsters?

I just don't know. I'll know tomorrow, but not today.

Reality Blurred has an article claiming it's the Coach approach once again. They claim returning players Ian Terry, Audrey Middleton (huh ... what could she coach?), Vanessa Rousso and Derrick Lavasseur.  Meanwhile, Ian Terry denies he's going to be on the show on his Twitter page. Derrick posted a photo of him with his baby and pug dog yesterday on Twitter, thanking CBS for letting him bring them into sequester with him. So ... this needs to be taken with a grain of salt, for sure.

They also claim in that article that there will be twelve newbies, two of whom have a connection of some sort. We'll just see about that!

Meanwhile, BB18 Leaks, often a dependable source, claims no coaches but more than six returning hamsters. You can peek in on their Twitter feed at this link.

BigBrotherAccess.com has a list of oddness regarding the cast and the two-hour premiere (it's usually an hour) at this link.

Is the house different?

Yeah, it seems to be an international theme. I don't believe the ET episode with the house tour has aired yet. But many sites have photos, including this one from BigBrotherAccess.com. Supposedly, the bathroom floor is sand. That will be great for the ants!

In the yard, it's now a rectangular pool with the hot tub occupying a corner of it.

Stay tuned tomorrow for the anxiously awaited cast reveal!

Off Topic: That Was the Week It Was - June 12, 2016

Good morning! Since it's a Sunday morning, 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. As for television -- you might want to keep tuned here or on my Big Brother on Jackie's TV Blog Facebook page as I watch for news on the upcoming season of Big Brother 18! I will be posting later today on the BB18 topic and the cast reveal should be tomorrow.

It's been a rather whacko weather week here in my little part of New Jersey. We had chill worthy of autumn for part of the week and then so hot and humid that flowers were wilting before my very eyes. They said it's supposed to be beautiful today. But, when I went out to get my newspaper from the front of the building, it's definitely still on the humid and muggy side. That's okay. Except for running over to the bodega around the corner a bit later today, I'm in for the duration. I had yet another hectic work week, didn't sleep properly and I foresee a bit of nap time thrown in with household chores today.

Our state primary was this past Tuesday. While we have a circus going on in the national presidential race, our local politics in Plainfield aren't much better. Thankfully, the folks with a wider vision won on the local level. Yes, Plainfield has troubles. Yes, things need to be done to stop gang violence. However, that's only a fraction of the folks living here. Plainfield is moving forward. It needs to stay on that path. The majority of folks in town are working and contributing to society. (I like to think of myself in that majority.) While we definitely need and want a safer city, new businesses and promoting higher standards for what we accept as a society will mean more in the long run than pandering only to folks who prefer to stand on street corners doing drugs, gang-banging and drinking in public. The local political race got nasty and underhanded. I'm so happy the people with a positive vision won out.

On the home front, I still haven't met my new downstairs neighbors. Except for some odd hammering in the daytime on my day off, I haven't heard any noise from down there. That could have been Super Mario (the superintendent) hammering something. As for the guy upstairs, he's been relatively quiet. Or, at least his stereo has been relatively quiet. I still wonder if he has any furniture or anything up there other than the stereo or if he's just a plain old loud guy. I know there's carpet for the first tenant ever up there since I've lived in the building. Yet, if he's on the phone or has someone over, I can practically hear every word said. With all the other tenants up there (with no carpet), I could only hear conversation if they were shouting. He's also very thumpy. I cringe if I drop something on my hardwood floor, especially late at night. But I don't think I thump when I walk!

Onto this week's photos ... clicking on an image will bring up a large version.

Over the sidewalk

I took some editing liberties with this shot. I liked the contrast of the pinks and greens against the background of the sidewalk.

A safe zone

Due to robberies (and even scattered murders!) of folks buying/selling on Craigslist and other internet sites, the Plainfield Police Department has this set up across the street from the police station on East 4th Street. I know there have been robberies of people involved in the buying and selling in nearby towns. I'm not aware of any occurring in town. But this is an excellent idea rather than meeting up with strangers while carrying money ... go to the police station!

Man vs. Nature

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

Off Topic: That Was the Week It Was - June 5, 2016

Good morning! Since it's a Sunday morning, 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. As for television -- you might want to keep tuned here or on my Big Brother on Jackie's TV Blog Facebook page as I watch for news on the upcoming season of Big Brother 18! I will be posting here during the upcoming week and already have a few tidbits posted on Facebook.

While I only had a four-day work week due to the Memorial Day holiday, it was four chaotic and hectic work days. I'm glad to put the week behind me. I'm getting too old for this kind of stuff on an ongoing basis. I want to retire and work in a puppy play camp or something. You know ... something FUN and not stressful. Although I'm more of a cat person, puppies are fun. I could deal with that. If I could make a living at that, I'd go for it in a minute! Unfortunately, I have to pay for this roof over my head and other various things of life.

Our weather this week went from heat wave to rainy to muggy and today it's supposed to be very stormy later on. That's okay. I'm not planning on going anywhere today. It's good to be home. I only request that my power, cable and Internet remain working.

I finished reading The Girl on the Train earlier this week. Now, a lot of people recommended it to me because they think I'm "the girl on the train." Of course, it's also a bestseller. I enjoyed the book. It had an Alfred Hitchcock Rear Window (my all-time favorite movie) quality about it. Plus, it did hit home a bit as far as commuting via walking, bus and train for so many years. No, I don't drink on the train. Nor have I gotten involved in any murder investigations.

For years, I've seen the same faces and the same places day after day. And, yes, I do think about them a bit and, though I don't assign them names like the protagonist in the book did, I assign them descriptors and sometimes think up stories of what their lives may be. For example:

• The Pool Guy. At a home in Dunellen by the tracks, there's a home with a pool. In the summer, I sometimes see him floating on an inflatable raft in the pool. In the winter, he has a fire pit and I only see one track of footprints in the snow leading to the one chair by it. I have seen him with small children, but never a woman. In my mind, he's a widower with young grandchildren. In reality, he probably has a wife in that house who doesn't care for the outside so much!
• The James Whitmore Eyebrows Man. Always walking with his newspaper under arm. I picture him to live in senior citizen housing but having little to do with bridge games or the other social events they hold there. He's too busy shaking his head at life and reading the paper while his bushy eyebrows accentuate the news stories as he reads them.
• The Wood Harris Dude. Looking much like the actor who played Avon Barksdale on The Wire, this guy comes across as slick and street-savvy. I've actually talked to him, though. He's very nice and I would have doubts that he's involved in any drug empire going on around here. While he definitely seems of the city streets, he's quite pleasant. But he still looks like Avon Barksdale!
• The Crawl Around the Train Station Guy. He's a rather new one at the Plainfield Train Station. Wearing clothes and filth from weeks on end, he comes up to the train station platform shelters and crawls around. At first I thought he was looking for abandoned cigarette butts to gather. But he crawls way too long for that and never seems to pick up anything. He always walks away smiling and chuckling to himself. I've never seen him panhandle or even talk to anyone. Maybe he's conversing with bugs. I just don't know.

Oh, there are plenty more characters I see all the time. And, some who I've seen yet they've vanished over the years.

Anyway ... onto this week's photos. Clicking on an image will bring it up in a larger version.

Undergoing renovation

In my mind, I used to think of this house on East Second Street in Plainfield as "The Junk House." The lawn was always neglected with grass and weeds growing nearly thigh-high. Litter was scattered throughout the lawn and front porch while random dudes hung around it drinking beer. Last fall it was vacated and boarded up.

Now someone has gutted the inside, torn most of the blue cheap aged shingles off the outside, as well as the porch railings. And the lawn is even being mowed in between renovations! I've noticed at least three other homes on the stretch of East Second I often travel also being renovated without a cause such as fire. Sure, for a several years now the mansions in other parts of town have been bought, renovated and probably flipped. But I think it's even a better sign for Plainfield that folks are buying the more affordable homes and fixing them up! Note the flowers growing next to the stairs are even happy about this!

Yep, they're happy!

Get my best side, please!

I talked a young pigeon into a photo shoot at the Bridgewater Train Station. This is an adolescent, born perhaps five or six weeks ago. The cacophony of young birds in the nests under the bridges there has lessened as more of the youngsters are able to get around on their own. It's not just pigeons nesting there -- also sparrows, starlings and even squirrels! However, the squirrels were very quiet, unlike the birds.

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

Off Topic: That Was the Week It Was - May 29, 2016

Good morning! Since it's a Sunday morning, 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.

However ... a brief mention of television before I start rambling about other stuff -- you might want to keep tuned here or on my Big Brother on Jackie's TV Blog Facebook page as I watch for news on the upcoming season of Big Brother 18! The season premiere is less than a month away!

We jumped from a very chilly spring into a pre-summer heat wave here in my part of New Jersey. That's just not fair at all. I wanted a real spring, not a winter/summer combination of a spring. Grr.

I actually have a three day holiday weekend for a change. Normally I work on Saturdays, but I had requested a vacation day so that I'll make this into a bit of a mini-vacation. I need it. Yesterday I went to nearby Scotch Plains to visit the farmers' market (which I always miss because I work practically every Saturday of my life), stop in at CVS and hit up Park Beverage for some alcohol-laden goodies. I don't care for the liquor stores in Plainfield, at least the downtown ones near me. They tend to have limited selections, high prices and attract panhandlers and ne'er-do-wells. I don't want or need alcohol enough to deal with that. Park Beverage is huge compared to them and has a great selection of microbrew/craft beers and all kinds of fancy stuff. So, when I'm in Scotch Plains, I tend to stop by there.

I got attacked by mosquitoes one humid night at the Bridgewater Train Station. Unfortunately, that allergy I developed to them about five years ago is still in full swing. Besides the huge swelling into red blisters that last about a month, I've been running a low-grade fever all week. (Thus the CVS stop.) Woe is me. How did I ever develop an actual allergy to mosquito bites?!?! At least now I'm geared up with repellent, anti-itch spray, Benadryl and Aveeno bath treatment.

Alas, the Benadryl makes me sleepy and I live my life perpetually exhausted to begin with. And, yeah. I'll end a sentence with a preposition if I want to. Call it literary license!

My upstairs neighbor has been quiet since my latest complaint. He seems to be gone for the weekend. Yay. I'm probably sticking around the apartment today. I was tempted to go into the city (Manhattan) for some Fleet Week stuff. But it's supposed to be another hot and sticky kind of day. I'd rather stay in my air conditioning!

I finally broke down and bought the book The Girl on the Train. Folks recommending it were right. It's mesmerizing. I should finish it today.

If the weather holds up tomorrow, I might go to the Memorial Day service in downtown Plainfield. There are also pretty flowers around City Hall I've been meaning to photograph. However, the weather prediction sounds very stormy. If it's bad, I'll just stay in again. I certainly have enough diversions and things to do at home.

Onto this week's photos -- clicking on an image will bring it up in a larger version.

Vietnam War Memorial

I guess it's been a while since I actually went by the front of the Scotch Plains Municipal Building. They now have a very impressive memorial to those who served in Vietnam just out front of the building. I found this very touching to encounter on this three-day Memorial Day weekend. 

Memorial Day

This is another shot I took of that Vietnam War Memorial in Scotch Plains, this time from the side. I played with editing on this one. I'm pleased with the results.

Clover blossoms

I saw these growing by a tree and felt the need to shoot them.

After the rain

Pansies in a planter.

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

The Price is Right Special - The Amazing Race Edition - May 25

CBS

Tonight, it's The Amazing Race teams appearing on a special The Price is Right. And, on Wednesday, it's The Amazing Race competitors. I will be watching the show tonight. However, I'm not much of a game show fan (other than Jeopardy) and I probably will hang out in comments rather than live-blogging it, per se. But, since folks would like a place to discuss this show, here you go!

In addition to a Phil Keoghan appearance, the following teams will compete:

Leo Temory and Jamal Zadaran, Season 23 and 24
Tyler Oakley and Korey Kuhl, Season 28
Erin Robinson and Joslyn Davis, Season 28
Joey Buttitta and Kelsey Gerckens, Season 27 (winners)
Natalie "Nat" Strand and Katherine "Kat" Chang, Season 17 (winners)
William "Bopper" Minton and Mark Jackson, Season 20
Tiffany Chantell Torres and Krista DeBono, Season 27
Brook Roberts and Claire Champlin, Season 17
Nathaniel "Big Easy" Lofton and Herbert "Flight Time" Lang, Seasons 15, 18, and 24

Teams ready? Go!

The Price is Right Special - Big Brother Edition - May 24

CBS

Tonight, Big Brother hamsters appear on a special The Price is Right. And, on Wednesday, it's The Amazing Race competitors. Unfortunately, I won't be around for tonight's show. I'm actually not quite sure how I'd live-blog a game show anyway! But, since folks would like a place to discuss this show, here you go!

In addition to an appearance by Julie Chen, this is the guest list for tonight:

Frankie Grande, Season 16
Britney Godwin, Seasons 12 and 14
James Huling, Season 17
Will Kirby, Seasons 2 (winner) and 7
Janelle Pierzina, Seasons 6, 7, and 14
Rachel Reilly, Seasons 12 and 13 (winner)
Da'Vonne Rogers, Season 17
Jeffrey Schroeder, Seasons 11 and 13
Ian Terry, Season 14 (winner)

Have fun and I'll check in on comments a bit later!

The Price is Right - Survivor Edition - May 23

CBS

Tonight, Survivor castaways take over a special edition of The Price is Right! Tomorrow night, it's Big Brother folks and on Wednesday, The Amazing Race competitors. Unfortunately, I won't be around for tonight or tomorrow's show. I'm actually not quite sure how I'd live-blog a game show anyway! But, since folks would like a place to discuss this show, here you go!

In addition to an appearance by Jeff Probst, this is the guest list for tonight:

Natalie Anderson, Season 29 (winner)
Joe Anglim, Seasons 30 and 31
Rupert Boneham, Season 7, 8, 20, and 27
Jeremy Collins, Seasons 29 and 31 (winner)
Cirie Fields, Seasons 12, 16, and 20
Woo Hwang, Seasons 28 and 31
Rob Mariano, Seasons 4, 8, 20, and 22 (winner)
Kelley Wentworth, Seasons 29 and 31
Tina Wesson, Seasons 2 (winner), 8, and 27

Have fun and I'll be checking in on the comments later this evening!

Off Topic: That Was the Week It Was - May 22, 2016

Good morning! Since it's a Sunday morning, 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.

Speaking of television (even though I'm not speaking of television on this post), on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, CBS will air reality TV guests on special The Price Is Right shows -- 8pm ET/PT. The shows involved, respectively, are: Survivor, Big Brother and The Amazing Race. I won't be able to watch on Monday night or Tuesday nights, but will set up posts for those who wish to discuss the shows as they air East Coast time. I will post and live blog the show on Wednesday night. But, mind you, I'm not a big The Price is Right fan and I'm not quite sure how good my live blogging of the show will be. I'll probably make more mocking (or otherwise) comments about the show's guests!

Random notes on the week:

• The landlord will get another call about the guy upstairs with the booming bass stereo. He blasted it for over an hour Friday evening, vibrating my whole apartment. Then he and he guests left. I went to bed only to be rudely awakened at 1:38am by the thumping of the bass on his stereo. It wasn't AS loud as earlier in the evening. But it did wake me up and I had trouble getting back to sleep. I ended up going to work yesterday on all of about three hours of sleep. I work Saturdays despite his belief that Friday nights can be wild. The stereo was still on when I left for work.
• Thankfully, he and his buddies seem to have gone elsewhere (probably to annoy other people) for last night and I actually got some sleep.
• I'm looking forward to two weeks of four day work weeks ahead. Woot! Woot! I actually have a three day holiday weekend next week. Hopefully I won't be tempted to sleep it all away.
• People who walk and text do things like fall over benches and walk into poles. Ha. 

I don't have much more for you except for the photos ... clicking on an image will bring up a larger version.

Vincent tries to make a friend

Oh my. A young dove made the mistake of sitting on one of my windowsills cooing. Coo coo. Vincent tried to befriend the lonely dove. Wisely, the dove flew away. (Of course, the window is closed and there's a screen. Vincent couldn't have gotten the dove if he lunged.) Sorry about the quality of the shot, but I only had a moment to take it!

Pretty planter

One of the townhomes on East Front Street in Plainfield always has beautiful planters of flowers in their yard.

Live CRAWLfish?!?!

I don't want them crawling around my kitchen! Eek! (I assume they mean CRAWfish.) A sign in the window of Pete's Fish Market on East Second Street in Plainfield.

When a tree falls in Plainfield ...

... it closes down a major thoroughfare for nearly 24 hours! On Monday morning, a tree fell from the north side of East Front Street. It fell across the street severely damaging two parked cars and snapping the utility pole (leaning on the left of the photo) on the south side of the street.  The tree saga continues after the jump.

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

Survivor: Kaoh Rong Season Finale Blog Party

Survivor fans ready? It's the big season finale with folks I wouldn't have predicted in the final four. As the show airs, I'll update this entry with the major happenings -- refresh the page to get the latest news! As always, the real party is in the comments area. Please join us there. We like snacks. And beverages. Don't forget the beverages!

Lifeguard Laurie has been keeping up with the pool --

Aubry Braco - Jennasmom, Glenn
Cydney Gillon - Leo Lionharted, PDX Granny
Michele Fitzgerald - Brian TCC, Kelsey NY
Tai Trang - Margo, anonymouse

Jury
Neal Gottlieb
Nick Maiorano
Debbie Wanner
Scot Pollard
Julia Sokolowski
Kyle Jason 
Joseph Del Campo (medical evac) - Grandi, Petals

Let's get this show going! Not to mention, the party ...

The scene is set in Los Angeles. A mention was made that Mark the Chicken made it further than any other chicken without being eaten. Jeff promises us a first time new twist which could mean the difference between winning and losing for a castaway. Hmm.

Now it's just recapping all the difficult times.

At camp Tai is worried ... worried that people will get mad about Mark crowing and blame on him, worried that he can't use his idol as they're at the Final Four, worried if he can win anyone over other than Aubry.

Aubry thinks that Michele is the one who's the biggest threat for winning jury votes.

Michele thinks Tai is dangerous. Cydney thinks everyone wants to take her to the final three.

Reward Challenge is on! Obstacle course, puzzles and a locked box. Steak, vegetables, drinks and a protein bar are the reward.

Aubry wins Reward! It's her first individual win. She's offered the opportunity to bring one person ... or not. She chooses Cydney. Hmm. She says it's so they can beat Michele in Immunity. But, of course, we know that Michele and Cydney are big allies. Hmm.

Meanwhile, Michele is working on Tai to vote out either Aubry or Cydney. She wants Aubry and gets Tai to agree with her. Once again, he's willing to try for the million at any cost even if it means betraying his one true alliance.

Time for the Immunity Challenge. Race into ocean, retrieve a key, stairs, another key, race back out, drop a ball, key, puzzle. Aubry led for until the puzzle, then Tai (and Michele) took over the lead. Cydney and Aubry are out of it for all it's worth.

Michele wins Immunity!

Aubry (of course) wants to target Cydney, but doesn't quite trust Tai, either. They think a tie and the fire-making to solve it. Meanwhile, Cydney and Michelle talk. Michele wants to target Aubry because she would do better with the jury than Tai would. They want to bring Tai into it. Aubry is right to worry.

Aubry promises us she won't go down without a fight.

Tribal Council. Uh-oh. Tai mentions alliances are out the door now. It's a me game, not a we game according to Cydney.

The tally:
Aubry, Cydney, Aubry, Cydney -- it's a tie! Onto the fire-making challenge? I don't know. I do know we're onto a commercial.

The votes won't change and it is fire-making -- Cydney vs. Aubry.

Aubry wins and Cydney goes to the jury!

Michele thinks Tai gave Aubry a million dollars by voting Cydney.

They find out it's a final two, not three. There's one more challenge and the winner chooses who they're taking with them.

Immunity is NOT up for grabs. They ARE the final three! They get to plead their case to the jury. But they will vote someone out. The winner gets to vote out a jury member. Interesting.

They have to balance on wobbly (huge springs) platforms while stacking balls and stands with a pole.

Michele wins! Not only does she get to vote off a jury member, she gets to be the one to tell them.

Michele is thinking of taking Joe out as she's sure he would vote for Aubry. Tai brings up Neal, who might persuade the others more than Joe. Aubry thinks that Tai might have more power with the jury than they think. She suggests Scot.

Jury questioning time! Michele reads the announcement -- the jury member voted out won't be here for the questioning, nor the vote. After much reasoning why the vote of whom ... Michele votes.

She takes out Neal. Whoa, he tosses some insults at her comparing her to a whining little puppy. Nasty dude. The right choice? He tells us that both Tai and Aubry played better than Michele.

The castaways get a scale and a mirror. Yikes all about! They get their last day feast. Each one tells us about their game, why they need to win and their fear of the jury.

Mark accompanies them to the jury questioning.

Nick: Giving advice, some animosity, Michele show intelligence, Tai awareness, Aubry confidence. Be honest.

Debbie: Tai, inexplicable switching votes, multiple personality? Tai says he didn't. Protected Aubry when Scot and Jason targeted his ally. Stayed true, but had to make a big move. Aubry - I helped keep you in the game, would you do the same? Yes, heat stroke, gamewise you were too much of a threat. No questions for Michele.

Julia: Michele, you were the weakest link on the Beauty Tribe, brought along as a number after the merge. I was proud of you when you made the big move to vote me out. Michele said she had to prove she was capable. Tai - you started out strong, huge threat, things went crazy, deteriorated. He says he followed his alliance to the end.  Nothing for Aubry.

Joe: Michele, know what your game is about. Tai - Selfless, hardworking, truthful. Why you, not Aubry? Tai talks of idols, getting Scot out. Aubry - how did your game differ? Tai came to her with info, if Tai didn't have her, nothing would have gone on, she had the right side for votes, he didn't.

Jason: Truth time. I don't know who I'm voting for. Michele, you weren't in on the Scot vote. When did things change? She says she worked her way in and didn't flip-flop like Tai did. Tai - Why did you leave us (Scot and Jason)? I got scared, got scared of your relationship with Scot.

Cydney: Aubry - Always a plan to get me out? Aubry says it was supposed to be Michele, but she had immunity. Michele - Did you know that it would be a tie. I wanted to be here with you, says Michele.

Scot: Tai, got an idol, didn't use it, didn't use your advantage right. Aubry - started out well. Why would I vote for you? Because you're a competitor and I am in my own way. Michele - You out-toughed those two. Well done, Michele.

Jeff gives the three a chance to talk:

Aubry - Managed to change, tried hard, played my heart out.

Tai - Game is hard, believes in goodness and humanity, each is a hyacinth plant floating on water. Teary.

Michele - I was playing an intelligent game, had to fight her way against roadblocks, believed in self. Proud of herself.

Jeff gives Tai a chance to set Mark free and they all say goodbye to their chicken.

It's onto Los Angeles and the cleaned-up final three.

The votes:
Michele, Aubry, Aubry, Michele, Michele, Michele.

Fellow Jersey Girl Michele wins Survivor: Kaoh Rong!

Whoa ... in the reunion, pop star Sia gives Tai 50 grand for himself and another 50 grand to the animal charity of his choice.

Drew Carey segment about the Survivor people on The Price is Right to air Monday 5/23 at 8pm. 

Next season will be set in Fiji. 33rd season, 20 castaways, Millennials vs. Gen X.

Off Topic: That Was the Week It Was - May 15, 2016

Good morning! Since it's a Sunday morning, 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. Please stop by on Wednesday evening at 8pm EDT for east coast live blogging and the blog party for the season finale of Survivor: Kaoh Rong!

After having an entire week of rain the previous week, this past week was more sunny and spring-like here in New Jersey. Oh, sure ... we had some stormy weather. But, thankfully, not an entire week of grey dismal cloudy skies and rain!

As for me, just another week in the life of work, home, eat, (not enough) sleep, pay attention to a cat and then rinse, repeat. I didn't do anything exciting, nor did I go anywhere except to work. I often feel like I'm doomed to complete exhaustion and will end up working until the day I die. With my luck, I'll probably die AT work. Gah. I so want to retire and move onto doing something I actually enjoy doing and have less stress in my life. I'm tired of being so tired.

Wah. Sniffle. Sniffle.

Now that my whining is done, here are some random takes on the week gone by:

• The Somerset Patriots at the TD Ball Park in Bridgewater were rained out one night, but played last night as the dark stormy skies were rushed away by strong winds. Their ballpark food always smells SO good as I walk by on my way to the train station! 
• Other than some rare random hammering as they hang pictures or something, I haven't heard a peep out of the new neighbor(s) downstairs. Hopefully they can say the same about me. Well, except for the hammering part, that is. While I actually own a hammer, I can't tell you the last time I used it!
• On the other hand, my upstairs neighbor had his stereo going full blast in short spurts Friday night. Hmm. I've come to the conclusion that he's a loud guy whenever he has guests over. Unfortunately, he has guests every weekend. I have to work on Saturdays. If I were new here, I'd just think sound travels. But I know better. In the time I've been here, there have been a handful of different tenants in that apartment. He's the ONLY one with a pounding bass stereo at an unreal volume. He's also the ONLY one whose conversations I can hear when they're not even arguing/fighting. You pretty much have to shout for me to make out the words in my apartment and he does. Sigh.
• We might have record cold temperatures tonight. Eek. I hope some of this chilliness carries on through the summer. I wouldn't be upset at all if we had no heat waves!
• Is Norma really dead on the Bates Motel? 

That's all I have for you! It's onto the photos I've taken this past week. If you click on an image, it will open in a larger gallery version.

Spotlight on the azaleas

I edited this shot with the Google NIK Color Efex Pro 4 photo editor to darken the edges and bring out the color on the row of blossoms a bit more. These are growing outside of the TD Bank Ball Park in Bridgewater.

Red pansy

I used the same effect on this shot, but made the edges even darker. There were not so healthy blossoms nearby this beauty. By using this vignette filter, they were taken out without cropping the photo and they no longer distracted from the beauty of the red pansy.

How do these things happen?

This is right down the street from my apartment. There is no cross street there. Plus, traffic shouldn't be moving all that fast if adhering to the speed limit. That's a cast iron fence. Sheesh. A drunk driver is the most likely cause.

Pretty pansies in a row

I did absolutely nothing other than resize this photo down for posting. It's all just plain ol' nature's beauty.

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

The Amazing Race: Season Finale Blog Party - May 13, 2016

The show is starting! As it airs here on the East Coast, I'll post the major happenings live. Refresh the page to get the latest! However, as it always is ... the real party is in the comments area. Please join in on the fun! (And bring tasty beverages and snacks!)

The Magnificent Margo (and Mom) have made the random picks for the blog pool and here they are ...
Tyler & Korey-P- Paula Bell, Bruce & Ray, SueGee
Sheri & Cole- Donna in FL, Merrilee, Becky
Dana & Matt- Grandi, Nicklepeed

Philiminated:
Marty & Hagan- Jackie, Willie J
Cameron & Darius- chrob61, PDXGranny
Jessica & Brittany- Donna in AL, Monty924
Erin & Joslyn- Brian, Margo, Rbennie
Scott & Blair- Meb, Jennasmom
Zach & Rachel- Sharon N, Nana in NW
Kurt & Brodie- David, Ed in OH
Burnie & Ashley- Buzzmaam, Delee

Yikes, it's the season finale! My blog random pick team was the first one out, so I've been a free agent. I'd love to see Sheri and Cole win this. I'm amazed that they're still in it! But, I doubt that will happen. I guess we'll just watch and see.

Ready to race?

Recap, recap, season recap.

Teams will be racing to Los Angeles in the final leg and are getting an upgrade to premium class -- a first for the show. Whoa! That's some digs on that plane!

Roadblock: Who's ready to take a leap of faith? Jumping off a skyscraper to grab a clue. If they miss, then they have to rappel back down and try again.

Dana and Matt are in the lead and are headed for a helicopter ride to Santa Barbara. Sheri and Cole beat out Korey and Tyler TO the jump site. But Sheri is starting to freak out. Can she do it?

No, she flubs and has to re-do it. Tyler is up next. He flubs it.

The helicopter was waiting with Dana and Matt, but left after both teams failed.

They move the clue closer for the second try. Sheri got it. Tyler misses it! He gets it on his third try. Both other teams are in their helicopters. Will they catch up?

Matt and Dana borrowed the taxi driver's cell phone, so they kind of know what they're looking for -- a marked dinghy and eventually a boat named the Theresa Ann. They got it. They're on their way to Gibralter Rock.

BUT ... they made the mistake of letting their taxi go and are now waiting. Meanwhile, Sheri and Cole went right by the Theresa Ann. Eek! The boys aren't at the water yet.

Heh. Sheri and Cole fooled the boys into thinking they didn't have a clue. But Sheri and Cole didn't keep their taxi. The boys are now ahead of them. They get a cab. The boys' driver doesn't know where Gibralter Rock is.

Matt and Dana arrive. Are you ready for some synchronized mountaineering? Working together to get the next clue. Each gets a half of the clue and meet together at the end.

The next clue is at a vineyard.

Sheri and Cole are starting the high over the ground mountaineering. Uh-oh. Tyler and Korey have the fate of the Bad Cabbie. Sheri and Cole did it! The boys are there working hard and fast at it!

Heehee. Dana and Matt went way beyond the clues stuck in a bale of hay at the vineyards. Maybe the other teams will catch up!

They found it Roadblock. They have to hashtag all the clues on barrels of wines spelling out cities on the race in order. Dana is going through it quickly. She got the clue. They have to go to the finish line at a lake.

Cole is the one doing the barrels for them. Now Korey is starting. Dana and Matt can't find the lake.

DANA AND MATT win The Amazing Race! (Not my personal choice of the three teams remaining, but kudos to them!)

2. Sheri and Cole!
3, Tyler and Korey

Survivor: Kaoh Rong - May 11 Blog Party

Survivor fans ready? As the show airs, I'll update this entry with the major happenings -- refresh the page to get the latest news! As always, the real party is in the comments area. Please join us there. We like snacks. And beverages. Don't forget the beverages! They promise us a shocker tonight. I worry it might be Tai!

Lifeguard Laurie has been keeping up with the pool --

Aubry Braco - Jennasmom, Glenn
Cydney Gillon - Leo Lionharted, PDX Granny
Joseph Del Campo - Grandi, Petals
Michele Fitzgerald - Brian TCC, Kelsey NY
Tai Trang - Margo, anonymouse

Jury
Neal Gottlieb
Nick Maiorano
Debbie Wanner
Scot Pollard
Julia Sokolowski
Kyle Jason - Nana in the NW, Sharon N.

Let's get this show going! Not to mention, the party ...

Tai knows he's in hot water with the others. They bring up that he's turned on alliances three times so far. Michele, of course, is very irked knowing he targeted her. Meanwhile, Tai thinks Aubry betrayed him.

Reward Challenge time -- race into jungle, climb ladder, collect sandbags, throw them into five targets. Survivor Spa is the reward, including food and spending the night in a real bed.

JOE wins reward! He chooses Aubry to go with him. One more ... he picks Cydney at Aubry's request. At Reward, Joe thinks he's reinforcing the final three. But, in actuality he just opened Aubry's eyes to how dangerous Cydney actually is in the game. Meanwhile, Michele and Tai bond back at the camp.

Aubry is hoping her, Joe and Tai are the final three. She wants to make amends with Tai. She sells him on it. They're a pair once again.

Cydney is suspicious of Tai and Aubry. She goes to Michele. She really wants Tai out next. Michele now thinks they can get out either Joe or Aubry.

Joe's not feeling well. He overdid it at the Reward. Aubry is worried. Uh-oh. Medics are coming to take a look. After medication, Joe is still feeling horrible. He's in a lot of pain. This could be serious. Tai cries ... again. They're all upset. He sees the doctor once again. His prostrate issues could cause long term kidney damage.

Yep, Joe is getting pulled from the game.

This season has a record for people getting pulled from the game for medical problems -- three.

No tribal tonight. Our final four are Cydney, Michele, Tai and Aubry. Hmm.

Off Topic: That Was the Week It Was - May 8, 2016

I hope all of the mothers out there have a day full of love and family!

Since it's a Sunday morning, 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. Please stop by on show nights for east coast live blogging (and blog parties) for both The Amazing Race and Survivor!

I really don't have much for you this week. It was dreary, chilly, rainy, misty and grey for most of the week here. That's not very conducive to taking photos!

My new neighbor(s) moved in downstairs. I'm thinking it might be a middle-aged couple. Or, possibly one person. I saw a man moving in boxes last Sunday. But I don't know if he was the one moving in or was just helping the move. Other than some moving in noises, I really haven't heard anything from downstairs. Obviously, no kids. (Yay!) Chances are that I might not ever really meet them -- different floors, different halls used, etc. Heck, we won't even be sharing the elevator!

I invested two dollars, yet did not win the Powerball.

Onto this week's photos -- clicking on an image will open a larger version.

Ch-ch-ch-changes

I really don't know how quickly the luxury apartments in that new building and in the rehabbed old Miron Warehouse (in the backgrount) will rent out. The rental prices are a bit high for the neighborhood in its current state. As the Transit Village near the train station gets more underway, these downtown changes are definitely welcome. East Second Street, Plainfield.

I'll try not to be cynical

This post on the lawn of the Friends Meeting House (Quakers) on Watchung Avenue is a bit more optimistic about the state of the world than I am.

Rain, rain and more rain

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

The Amazing Race Blog Party - May 6, 2016

The show is starting! As it airs here on the East Coast, I'll post the major happenings live. Refresh the page to get the latest! However, as it always is ... the real party is in the comments area. Please join in on the fun! (And bring tasty beverages and snacks!)

The Magnificent Margo, birthday girl, (and Mom) have made the random picks for the blog pool and here they are ...
Tyler & Korey-P- Paula Bell, Bruce & Ray, SueGee
Burnie & Ashley- Buzzmaam, Delee
Sheri & Cole- Donna in FL, Merrilee, Becky
Dana & Matt- Grandi, Nicklepeed

Philiminated:
Marty & Hagan- Jackie, Willie J
Cameron & Darius- chrob61, PDXGranny
Jessica & Brittany- Donna in AL, Monty924
Erin & Joslyn- Brian, Margo, Rbennie
Scott & Blair- Meb, Jennasmom
Zach & Rachel- Sharon N, Nana in NW
Kurt & Brodie- David, Ed in OH

Last week we lost the Alpha Male team. Who gets Philiminated next?

Ready to race?

Teams are on the way to China. All teams are on the same flight. They have to trek by bus and train to the Eiffel Tower. No, not the one in Paris! There's a bit of a rift going on because Tyler/Korey were exposed when they said they hadn't found the clue, but they did. Poor Sheri and Cole!

Who wants to see the world? A theme park has many iconic structures from around the world. Tyler works with Dana. Burnie is on his own. Sheri and Cole missed the bus. Sheri us doing well once she gets going. But she's still behind. Burnie passed out Dana and Tyler.

Detour - Commuter Cycle or Master of Arts. Travel on a cycle scooter thing or find an artist with a marked paint brush, deliver and post paintings.

Pit Stop:
1. Tyler and Korey
2. Dana and Matt
3. SHERI AND COLE!!!
4. Burnie and Ashley

The last team was Philiminated. But I'm so happy for Cole and Sheri!

Survivor: Kaoh Rong Blog Party - May 4

Survivor fans ready? As the show airs, I'll update this entry with the major happenings -- refresh the page to get the latest news! As always, the real party is in the comments area. Please join us there. We like snacks. And beverages. Don't forget the beverages!

Lifeguard Laurie has been keeping up with the pool --

Aubry Braco - Jennasmom, Glenn
Cydney Gillon - Leo Lionharted, PDX Granny
Joseph Del Campo - Grandi, Petals
Kyle Jason - Nana in the NW, Sharon N.
Michele Fitzgerald - Brian TCC, Kelsey NY
Tai Trang - Margo, anonymouse

Jury
Neal Gottlieb - Merrilee, JoyzJenn
Nick Maiorano - Laurie, ML
Debbie Wanner - meb, Rbennie
Scot Pollard - Delee, Pinky
Julia Sokolowski - Indiana Jane, Nickelpeed

Let's get this show going! Not to mention, the party ...

Tai is thankful he ended up safe. Jason thinks he can talk people into things and he's ready to scheme to stay in the game. Tai tells Aubry and Joe that he not only has the idol, but an extra vote that he will use in the next Tribal Council. He also has Cydney in his group. The target with be either Jason or Michele to go.

It looks like Mark the Chicken has the best chance of making it to the end of the game.

Jason has decided to "play the lazy card" and do nothing. Of course, his thought is that everyone will want to have him in the finals against him.

Reward Challenge -- Two teams of three, race through water maze, retrieve three balls, maneuver balls through maze. The Reward is a trip to the Wildlife Alliance Sanctuary, visit facility, interact with the animals and have an outdoor picnic.

Joe, Aubry, Cydney
Tai, Michele, Jason

Tai, Michele and Jason win Reward! While Tai loves animals and is excited about seeing them, he's worried his team will fall apart back at camp. It's probably a valid worry. After all, they all know if he makes it to the final three/two, he'd probably win -- he's played a strong game and, gosh darn it, people like him. That's not someone good to sit with at the end!

Back at camp, Joe's getting himself in hot water while building a fire to heat the water -- he's ordering the other two around. Cyndey, in particular, is bristling.

The Rewards group got the picnic first. They're thrilled when an elephant comes by to visit. Uh-oh, Tai is warming up to Jason. He thinks that Michele should go next. Michele is not as touched by Jason's warmness with the animals.

Time for the Immunity Challenge! Hold onto a rope which balances a wobbly table, collect blocks, solve stacking puzzle by spelling the word "immunity" with the blocks.

Cydney wins immunity!

Tai wants to use his extra vote to oust Michele. Cydney is being quiet. Gah, Tai tells Jason to vote Michele. Jason wants to vote Joe. Meanwhile, Cydney tells Joe that Jason needs to go before Michele. Cydney tells Michele about Tai targeting her.

Tribal Council and it's Attack Tai time for Michele. Hmm.

Tai uses his advantage, his extra vote. He goes to cast a second vote (for Michele). He doesn't play his idol.

The tally:
Jason, Michele, Michele, Jason, Joe, Jason, Jason.

His vote did not good for his cause. They voted Jason out.

Off Topic: That Was the Week It Was - May 1, 2016

Good morning! Since it's a Sunday morning, 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. Please stop by on show nights for east coast live blogging (and blog parties) for both The Amazing Race and Survivor!

Another week gone by and now we're into May. Remember back when you were a child and the years seemed to last for years and years? I find that, as I'm aging, they go by in nearly the wink of an eye. And, after all, a wink is as good as a nod to a blind horse. Or, something like that.

Our temperatures here dipped to more chilly and we had more rain this past week. But, at least, we're not back to the wintry mix realm! The weather wintry and spring fluctuations have really affected tree leaves and blossoms in the area. This coming week is also supposed to be on the chilly side (but not wintry -- just a few degrees below normal) with rain. I thought April showers were supposed to bring May flowers. I guess we're going to go for pilgrims. (Get it? What do Mayflowers bring? Oh, wait ... I'm thinking what do May showers bring. I'm stumped. Mosquitoes?)

In apartment news, until yesterday morning my upstairs neighbor didn't play his stereo. Or, he played it when I wasn't home or played it at a normal volume which I couldn't hear. Then, 7:30am yesterday ... really? REALLY? What is wrong with him? He knows people are complaining! While it wasn't cranked to his usual nerve-wracking volume, it was loud. He has to have the speakers sitting on the floor and the bass at full. I've never, with the very rare exception of an occasional outright party, heard music from that apartment in 16 years. Yet, he is the first tenant up there with wall-to-wall carpet instead of the hardwood floors and that should muffle noise some. But his thumping stereo can still disrupt my life. Grr. Plus, he's argued with the girlfriend most of the weekend that I've been home. He's quiet when she's not here. She needs to go away. 

Onto this week's photos -- clicking on an image will bring it up in a larger form.

Immortal West-Side Spirit

I took this photo because of the jacket and the guitar. But, when we both got to the other platform to wait for the train, this man played the most amazing classical guitar I've ever heard by someone in person. Absolutely beautiful! He got on the train, sat in the entry level handicapped/bikes section while I went upstairs ... and he continued to play there. The soft pretty sound of his guitar almost made me forget that some jerk with tinny music escaping from his ear buds was nearby. I took this shot at the Plainfield Train Station and edited for, I don't know, dramatic effect? 

Peachy keen azaleas

These bloomed this week both on Berckman Street in Plainfield and near the Bridgewater Train Station. This shot was taken in Plainfield.

Watchung Avenue excitement

Nearly twelve hours after an accident occurred, New York City and New Jersey news crews were still on Watchung Avenue as I headed off to the train station to go to work. More photos and an explanation after the jump.

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