Monday, June 20, 2016

BB18: First Impressions -- Tiffany Rousso

DON'T FORGET -- THE CUT-OFF FOR THE BLOG POOL IS TUESDAY, 3PM ET. YOU NEED TO SIGN UP AT THE POST ON THIS LINK, NOT THE FIRST IMPRESSION POST!

Tiffany Rousso, age 32

Welcome to my last first impression of the new BB18 hamsters! I've read Tiffany's bio on CBS.com and watched her Jeff interview on CBS All Access. And, of course, we know her sister Vanessa from last season. Here are some facts and my first impressions of Tiffany:
  • She's a high school teacher currently residing in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida and hailing from West Palm Beach, Florida.
  • It's not mentioned in her bio, nor do I recall Jeff asking, whether she's single or not.
  • She says she will not be as emotional as Vanessa was in the house.
  • Oh, that's so good.
  • I just hope she brings no beanies.
  • She might have an edge coming in. Not only does she have insider knowledge via her sister, she seems both athletic and smart.
  • She's not really willing to jump in with the information about who her sister is. She'd rather they not know, but will play things by ear.
  • In her bio, she mentioned being a Janelle fan. She thought Janelle was great in comps when she needed to be and was likeable. She would like to do the same herself.
  • I think she's quite pretty.
  • She doesn't mention her cuteness. That's in her favor with me!
  • She'd rather win and be hated by America than lose and be loved.
  • Good.
  • She plans a loose alliance with bigger targets so they would be targeted first and a close alliance with fewer hamsters.
  • Y'know, I like her. She's not really reminding me of Vanessa. I thought Vanessa was a shrewd BB player, but her emotions were whacked out and she drove me a bit bonkers. I'm not getting that analytical vibe from Tiffany. But I know she knows the mistakes in her sister's game.
  • Tiffany just might be very interesting!
What do you think of Tiffany?


Images © CBS

You can check out my first impressions of the BB18 hamsters by clicking the label at the bottom of the posts entitled "first impressions" or by using this link.

BB18: First Impressions -- Bridgette Dunning

DON'T FORGET -- THE CUT-OFF FOR THE BLOG POOL IS THIS TUESDAY, 3PM ET. YOU NEED TO SIGN UP AT THE POST ON THIS LINK, NOT THE FIRST IMPRESSION POST!

Bridgette Dunning, age 25

I've read her bio on the CBS website and watched her Jeff interview on CBS All Access. Here are some facts and my first impressions of Bridgette:
  • Oh my. She's giggly and bubbly.
  • In answer to Jeff's question about win and be hated by America or lose and be loved, she seemed shocked to think that people might hate her. Of course, she wants to win and be loved for winning.
  • Hmm.
  • She's a traveling nurse and, unlike many in this cast o' hamsters, she does have a boyfriend whom she seems to want to pledge loyalty.
  • That's a bit refreshing.
  • She doesn't like mean people.
  • Well, that's good. Usually mean people are the only ones liking mean people. That said, a few of my favorite BB hamsters over the years have been villains.
  • She's from Fresno, CA. But she's also lived in Brooklyn (NY) and Oakland (CA). She currently resides in Ventura, CA. I wonder if she drives on the Ventura Highway.
  • Bridgette claims to be a fan of the show. She's seen three seasons. That's impressive.
  • Not.
  • She thinks she will be voted for the win (if she gets that far) because she's so super-cute and awesome.
  • Um. Well ...
  • She has a cat named Hercules.
  • She does seem to have a strategy and could possibly pull it off. I think that she's probably smarter than she comes across as with all of her giggling and bubblyness.
  • She liked watching Johnny Mac last season because he was so hilarious. She obviously doesn't watch live feeds or she'd realize he was missing in action napping most of the time he spent in the house.
  • Bridgette is either going to annoy the heck out of me on the live feeds or be entertaining. Time will tell.
What do you think of Bridgette?


Images © CBS

You can check out my first impressions of the BB18 hamsters by clicking the label at the bottom of the posts entitled "first impressions" or by using this link. It's a work in progress, mind you. I'll get them all before long.

Sunday, June 19, 2016

BB18: First Impressions -- Zakiyah Everette

DON'T FORGET -- THE CUT-OFF FOR THE BLOG POOL IS THIS TUESDAY, 3PM ET. YOU NEED TO SIGN UP AT THE POST ON THIS LINK, NOT THE FIRST IMPRESSION POST!

Zakiyah Everette, age 24

I've read her online bio at the CBS website and watched her Jeff interview on CBS All Access. Here are some facts and my first impressions of Zikayah:
  • Ah, a show fan. Good. She says she's watched since the third season. If so, she really needs to watch the second season -- that was epic!
  • She's single, a pre-school teacher from Charlotte, NC and still residing there.
  • She says she needs the money because she's a school teacher and is continuing her own education.
  • Her online bio is way short compared to some of the others.
  • In it, she says she likes Jordan and thinks she's a lot like her.
  • We'll see about that.
  • She told Jeff she wouldn't mind having her own Jeff and Jordan story, falling in love.
  • But she also said she'd do anything to win and chose the "win but be hated by America" option to Jeff's infamous question.
  • Zakiyah is worried that her own mouth might be her biggest downfall in her game -- if someone really gets to her, she's afraid she might let loose.
  • I'm worried that I'll keep typoing her name.
  • Jeff commented more than once about how pretty she is. She is pretty, but her bio has her concentrating on said beauty.
  • I don't know what a powerhouse she'll be in physical comps, but she does look fit.
  • She also probably knows the game better than many. (cough:::recruits:::cough)
  • She might be a contender. I just don't know.
What do you think of Zakiyah?



Images © CBS

You can check out my first impressions of the BB18 hamsters by clicking the label at the bottom of the posts entitled "first impressions" or by using this link. It's a work in progress, mind you. I'll get them all before long.

BB18: First Impressions -- Paulie Calafiore

DON'T FORGET -- THE CUT-OFF FOR THE BLOG POOL IS THIS TUESDAY, 3PM ET. YOU NEED TO SIGN UP AT THE POST ON THIS LINK, NOT THE FIRST IMPRESSION POST!

Paulie Calafiore, age 27

I've read his bio on the CBS website and watched his Jeff interview on CBS All Access. (Plus, I know his brother via the voyeurism that is indeed Big Brother.) Here are some facts and my first impressions about Paulie:
  • Slight dimples.
  • Comes across more Jersey than I ever really saw in his brother.
  • Oh, yeah. His brother is Cody who gave away the BB16 win to Derrick on a silver platter.
  • He thinks he's going to have to tell the other hamsters who he is because he has "Calafiore Brothers" on a huge tattoo on the side of his rib cage.
  • Since it seems that most of the newbies are aware of that season (if no other), it probably would be best he 'fess up.
  • He's from Howell, NJ and still resides in Howell, NJ.
  • In his bio, he's listed as a DJ. In the interview, he says he owns an entertainment company. I seem to recall Cody mentioning an entertainment company a while back.
  • Paulie claims that he will decide his strategy once he's in the house to see what's needed.
  • His bio is very short, but the interview was a bit long.
  • He says he wants to pay off his parents' mortgage and help his sister's educational bills.
  • Like Cody, he comes across as a nice guy.
  • He thinks Cody was one of the best social players ever and hopes his social game is just as good.
  • I say, as long as he doesn't flirt all over a married woman!
  • I would kind of like to see home go far. But, I think it's more likely he'll be targeted because he's Cody's brother and he just might be very good in comps. After all, some of them really wish they hadn't kept Rachel's sister as long as they did!
What do you think of Paulie?



Images © CBS

You can check out my first impressions of the BB18 hamsters by clicking the label at the bottom of the posts entitled "first impressions" or by using this link. It's a work in progress, mind you. I'll get them all before long.

Off Topic: That Was the Week It Was - June 19, 2016

Good morning! Happy Fathers Day! My own father passed away decades ago and I still miss him. I wonder what he would think of the world today. He was a good father, hard-working and he passed much too young.

Since it's Sunday, this is my weekly off television topic reflection on the week gone by in both words and photos I took along the way. If you're interested in my latest posts on Big Brother 18, hit this link to see them all! A very important TV note -- the blog pool is open for BB18 -- if you want in, the cut-off is Tuesday at 3pm ET and you need to sign up on this linked post ONLY. Please don't sign up on this here post or any of the other BB18 posts as your request might be missed!

After I posted last week's off topic photo post, I learned of the horrible events in Orlando. It's still bringing tears to my eyes even though I didn't know any of the 49 victims. The presence of such evil in our world is incredibly sad. I have no answers. I know from early childhood, mass murderers exist. I recall the guy on the watchtower in Dallas in the 60s. But I fear some people are fueling the fire of such evil with homophobic, racist and even Islamophobic ways. Perhaps I'm naive, but can't we just stop all this hate and exist together in the world? Sigh.

This past Friday evening, the city of Plainfield (NJ) where I live held a candlelight vigil for Orlando's victims. I was in attendance. Many of the photos beyond the jump are of the ceremony. Plainfield is a city of diversity; this area of New Jersey is a true melting pot of all cultures, religions, colors and more. I'm proud to live here. It enriches my own life to know and be friends with so many diverse folks. I honestly think many folks who direct hate on generalizations don't personally know any individuals in the groupings they hate so much.

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

Nature's glory

Teeny bee

Or, perhaps it's a mimic fly. As seen on Berckman Street in Plainfield.

Mayor Mapp speaks

Mayor Adrian Mapp speaks to the Candlelight Vigil for Orlando crowd at Plainfield City Hall on Friday evening.

I see Dan; he doesn't see me

We need to change the world

Did you know that more hate crimes are committed against the LGBT community than any other group? For the life of me and based on my own life experiences, I cannot understand why. I just don't get the anger directed at people being gay. All I know is that I'm glad I was raised to accept people for who they are no matter religion, gender identity, color, culture ... and on and on. After all, I certainly expect people to accept me for who I am. I don't expect everyone to like me, but I don't expect anyone to hate me for no good reason! I don't like everybody in the world. But that's based on a personal traits level, not a wide-sweeping generalization. I don't direct violence at people I dislike. If folks aren't doing you any personal harm, don't do them harm. That should be easy. But, apparently in the world today, it's not. It's sad.

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

Saturday, June 18, 2016

Big Brother 18: Blog Pool OPENS!


Big Brother 18 starts Wednesday night, June 22, at 8pm ET/PT. This year, it's a two-hour premiere! The regular schedule will be Sunday and Wednesday at 8pm, Thursday at 9pm.

ORKMommy will be making the random picks for the blog pool again this season. She rocks, y'know.

I want in! What do I do?
If you want in to the blog pool, you need to sign up in the comments of this post and this post only! Please don't try signing up on any other posts -- we might miss your comment.

Is there money involved in this?
Of course not! You needn't pay anything to get into the pool. You don't need to buy a seasonal beach pass or anything! Mind you, you don't win any money either. What you do win is bragging rights until the next season and the smugness that goes with it.

How does it work?
ORKMommy makes random picks betwixt the hamsters and the blog folks. You cheer on that hamster all season until they either win or get evicted along the way.

When is the cut-off for entering?
All pool requests must be in comments to this here post and submitted by Tuesday, June 21, 3pm ET. Be there or be square.

Are we ready for our summer fun?

BB18: First Impressions -- Glenn Garcia

Glenn Garcia, age 50

I've read his bio on the CBS website and watched his Jeff interview on CBS All Access. Here are some facts about and my first impressions on Glenn:
  • He's the only real adult in the cast at 50 years old. The next oldest is 32, the rest are in their 20s.
  • While he has the Latino surname, he didn't mention it in the interview, unlike the rest of the Hispanic folks in BB18 I've written about so far.
  • That said, he mentioned The Bronx quite often.
  • His hometown is The Bronx and he still resides there.
  • He's currently a dog groomer.
  • But he was a police detective. Hmm.
  • He has a fiancee, but will do whatever it takes to win. He says she would understand.
  • He is a big fan of the show. Yay.
  • Among his favorite players are Dr. Will and Evel Dick. (Yays from me.)
  • He also named Boogie and Frankie. (Boos from me.)
  • He has a daughter that he will miss a lot.
  • Aw.
  • Did I mention he's from The Bronx?
  • He seems quite set on the win. 
  • Despite the age difference, I think he'll fit in much better with the younger cast than Donny Thompson did.
  • I'm not too sure how he will do in physical comps. I think he might have endurance, but perhaps not speed.
  • I want him to do well ... he's stuck in there with all those kids!
  • While he really wants to win it all, he definitely wants to be there in the end (final three) even if he doesn't win.
  • But he's sure he'll win.
  • (They all are.)
What do you think of Glenn?



Images©CBS

You can check out my first impressions of the BB18 hamsters by clicking the label at the bottom of the posts entitled "first impressions" or by using this link. It's a work in progress, mind you. I'll get them all before long.

Friday, June 17, 2016

BB18: First Impressions -- Bronte D'Aquisto

Bronte D'Acquisto, age 26

I've read her bio on the CBS website and watched her Jeff interview on CBS All Access. Here are my first impressions and some facts about Bronte:
  • She's from San Diego, but currently living in Denver.
  • She's a mathematician who thinks that 8x9=89.
  • Is there any hope for America? She already has one degree in math, is working on her second and plans to get a doctorate.
  • Yet, she doesn't know her multiplication tables.
  • She's ... um ... perky.
  • She's seen all of BB16 and about half of BB17. Yet she calls herself a fan.
  • She likes hair accessories. I guess we'll see ribbons and flowery stuff stuck in her hair all summer.
  • If she lasts the summer, that is.
  • She hopes to be "the girl version of Derrick."
  • Bwahahaha! I don't think she has a chance of that!
  • I think she's in for some big surprises in the house. She's really rather clueless about a lot of BB.
  • That said, Bronte claims that she's going to use a mathematical and scientific strategy to win the game.
  • She says she really really wants to win the money. 
  • One thing I liked that she said is that she isn't going in there to make friends ... she has friends. She wants money. She has no money.
  • The image below is her figuring on her fingers the answer to 8x9. Oy.
  • I'm not sure about her. She's either going to drive me crazy on the live feeds or play a genius game.
  • I wonder what the statistics are regarding her winning it all.
  • Heehee.
What do you think of Bronte?


Images©CBS

You can check out my first impressions of the BB18 hamsters by clicking the label at the bottom of the posts entitled "first impressions" or by using this link. It's a work in progress, mind you. I'll get them all before long.

BB18: First Impressions -- Corey Brooks

Corey Brooks, age 25

I've read his bio on the CBS website and watched the Jeff interview on CBS All Access. (Plus, read a bit elsewhere about him.) Here are my first impressions and some facts about Corey Brooks:
  • It must be the season of men dimples.
  • Corey is single from Dallas and residing in Dallas.
  • That's in Texas, y'know.
  • He coaches baseball for young teenagers.
  • He has a slew of male roommates.
  • Yet, it's been pointed out that he's used homophobic slurs on Twitter. Go figure.
  • In his bio, he claims to like getting "sick bro pics." I don't even want to go there.
  • He thinks he's lovable.
  • And, in the Jeff interview, he kept going on about his integrity and how nice he is.
  • As to Jeff's notorious ending question, Corey stated he'd rather lose and be loved by America than win and be hated.
  • Oh, gag me with spoon. While what he says on base level is very nice, I'm getting a smarmy feeling about him. Maybe it's just me. It's like he's acting to win an Oscar or something.
  • He's not a big fan of the show and has only seen a few seasons ... probably not in their entirety. I'm sure he has no clue about how the feeds really reveal the real hamsters.
  • He calls women "chicks" in his bio.
  • Ew.
  • It sounds like he might have only watched (some of) BB16.
  • He wants to get into a strong alliance.
  • Eh. I'm not too keen on him despite the dimples.
What do you think of Corey?



Images©CBS

You can check out my first impressions of the BB18 hamsters by clicking the label at the bottom of the posts entitled "first impressions" or by using this link. It's a work in progress, mind you. I'll get them all before long.

Thursday, June 16, 2016

BB18: First Impressions -- Victor Arroyo

Victor Arroyo, age 25

I've read his bio on the CBS website and watched the Jeff interview on CBS All Access. Here are some facts and my first impressions on Victor:
  • Another male hamster with a very nice smile.
  • I had to get that out of the way.
  • He's single and from Slidell, LA (although he claims New Orleans) according to his bio.
  • He's Puerto Rican. BB might just have tied their record with the number of Hispanic folks from season one to now.
  • His online bio makes him sound a bit of a male chauvinistic pig (to delve into past feminism chants). But he came across much better in the interview.
  • He does seem to think he's all that and a bowl of jambalaya. 
  • That said, in some ways, he does seem likeable.
  • In the interview he thinks he can "manage" the BB house because he manages a staff of 14 at a gym.
  • Um. I manage 90 currently and have managed more in my workplace. I don't even want to THINK of "managing" BB hamsters!
  • He is looking at some things quite sensibly -- he knows he might be good in physical challenges because he lifts weights and exercises. But he doesn't run and thinks he might tire fast.
  • Victor claims to be a fan of the show, but not a superfan. I'm always on the ledge about folks coming into the house who haven't delved into the live feeds. To me, they show the real show. He might be in for some surprises.
  • I read elsewhere that he's tried out for the show before, but didn't make it. So, at least he isn't a recruit.
  • He cooks. Yay.
  • But does he wash dishes?
  • He says he's open to a showmance, but his real goal is the half-million. 
  • He thinks he's nice to everyone and hopes everyone likes him, but doubts all will.
  • He has a stuffed Ernie (Sesame Street) that he'll miss.
  • Okay ...
  • I think he's going to be interesting on the live feeds (and eye candy, too). But I'm not sure if he's going to be a contender for the win.
Your thoughts on Victor?


Images©CBS

You can check out my first impressions of the BB18 hamsters by clicking the label at the bottom of the posts entitled "first impressions" or by using this link. It's a work in progress, mind you. I'll get them all before long.

BB18: First Impressions -- Michelle Meyer

Michelle Meyer, age 23

I've read her bio on the CBS website and watched her Jeff interview on CBS All Access. Here are some facts and my first impressions of Michelle:
  • Ah, we have a superfan in the house! She's watched the show, international BB versions and live feeds. She also says she's involved online with BB fan stuff.
  • She's hoping to get out a shout-out or two on the live feeds. I doubt she'll shout out to us here on the blog. I don't think we know her.
  • She hails from and still lives in Washington Township, Michigan.
  • I have no clue where that is. I've been to Detroit if that counts.
  • Not surprisingly, she's a huge Ian Terry fan.
  • It seems like she wants to pattern much of her gameplay after his game -- laying low, taking punishments, being friendly, winning comps when needed. Now, she wants to appear weak, yet win comps. It's hard to do both.
  • She's a dietician and seems quite concerned with healthy eating. Oh my. I guess she would recommend kale over chocolate chip cookies. I'm not sure I can deal with her ilk.
  • Ahem.
  • She does have a strategy, albeit based on Ian's for the most part. But, had she listened to advice from Ian, she'd know that you can't really have a set strategy -- you need to play to your own strengths and weaknesses and things can change so much in the house.
  • She's single and not adverse to a showmance, but not seeking one.
  • Michelle feels she might have a problem staying out of the drama in the house.
  • Hey, I say drama makes the live feeds FUN. Go for it!
  • I'm not sure if all will work out for her. Superfans can win it all or crash and burn. I think it wise that she doesn't plan to talk all the time about how much she really knows the game.


Images©CBS

You can check out my first impressions of the BB18 hamsters by clicking the label at the bottom of the posts entitled "first impressions" or by using this link. It's a work in progress, mind you. I'll get them all before long.

Wednesday, June 15, 2016

BB18: First Impressions -- Jozea Flores

Jozea Flores, age 25

I've read his bio on the CBS website and watched his Jeff interview on CBS Access. Here are some facts and my impressions at a quick glance:
  • Yet another BB newbie hamster and likely a recruit. He claims in the interview that he only got into the show last year. I doubt he's seen the live feeds ever although he knows they exist.
  • He has great dimples trying hide under that scruff. He's a cutie with an awesome smile.
  • Yet another not diverse age-wise, yet Latino hamster. He talks of his family in Puerto Rico.
  • In his bio he was asked to give three adjectives to describe himself. He gave four. Don't bet on him for any counting competitions.
  • He says in the interview that he's from New York City. But on the bio he's from Bridgeton, NJ and residing in Los Angeles, CA. Um. Okay.
  • He thinks "nothing will be difficult living in the Big Brother house." Oh, silly newbie hamster. You know nothing, grasshopper. Perhaps you'll learn. Perhaps you'll crash and burn.
  • Oh, jeez. He's a big Frankie Grande fan. 
  • Maybe I should stop right now.
  • But, I'll go on. I love misery.
  • Jozea says he's a celebrity make-up artist.
  • He thinks he's a "visual genius."
  • He's single.
  • He THINKS he has game. His answer to Jeff's question regarding winning and everyone hates him or losing and loved by all had him winning.
  • From what I could see, he does look very fit and might do well in physical comps.
  • That said, I'm not sure if he really knows how mentally stressful and shades of evil which make for Big Brother. I'm not sure he's got what it takes to dive into the depths of the madness ahead.
What do you think of Jozea from the brief bits we have?


Images©CBS

You can check out my first impressions of the BB18 hamsters by clicking the label at the bottom of the posts entitled "first impressions" or by using this link. It's a work in progress, mind you. I'll get them all before long.

BB18: First Impressions -- Natalie Negrotti

Natalie Negrotti, age 26

I've read her bio on the CBS website and watched her Jeff interview on CBS All Access. Here are some facts and my first impressions of Natalie:
  • Quasi-local to me, she lives in Franklin Park, NJ. She's originally from Venezuela, though. Yep, a Latina. Ohhh ... diversity speaks!
  • Other than that, she's typical of the cutesy 20-something casting we see over and over again over the BB seasons.
  • She's single as a Pringle. So she says in the Jeff interview.
  • She also says she'll lie and deceive, but won't sleep with anyone. (But she is open to a showmance, just -- apparently -- wiser than to have sex on the live feeds.)
  • She's seen very little of the show. I'm thinking RECRUIT by BB.
  • Natalie lists her occupation as an "event coordinator." In her bio, she mentions she was a cheerleader for the NY Jets. (Or, is that NJ Jets?!?!)
  • She wants to form a girls allowance ... er, alliance. She thinks three girls will be optimum.
  • Sigh. Those plans usually fail.
  • Her favorite hamster was Donny Thompson because he was so nice and genuine. I'll give her credit for that. But, remember, she's seen very few seasons. And, absolutely no live feeds.
  • She thinks everyone will want to be in an alliance with her because she's so nice and so pretty. @@
  • She thinks no one will realize how tough an adversary she can be because she's so pretty and girly. @@
  • She can't live without her hair glitter and spray-on tan. Oh my. I don't think we're in for much in the way of intellectual conversations from Natalie, do you?
  • I've really mixed feelings about Natalie. In some ways, in the Jeff interview and online CBS bio, she seems so oblivious as to what she's getting into. At other times, it's like she knows what it might take to win.
  • Will she win it all? I kind of doubt it.
What do you think of Natalie based on what little we have?


Images © CBS


You can check out my first impressions of the BB18 hamsters by clicking the label at the bottom of the posts entitled "first impressions" or by using this link. It's a work in progress, mind you. I'll get them all before long.

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

Tuesday, June 14, 2016

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

Monday, June 13, 2016

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.

Sunday, June 12, 2016

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**

Sunday, June 05, 2016

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**