My review of last night's show is up on TV Squad -- please check it out!
For a peek behind the scenes, we have Phil's Diary:
Monday, February 28, 2011
Sunday, February 27, 2011
The Amazing Race: Unfinished Business 2/27 Episode Blog Party
The show will be starting soon here in the east. Everyone is welcome to join in with comments as the show airs -- that's where the real fun is! I'll be updating this post with any big news as I watch it here on the East Coast. My full review of the show will be posted on TV Squad either late this evening or early tomorrow. I'd love to have you visit there, too!
Lifeguard Laurie should be along to update the blog pool in comments (especially since she did it in the Survivor party this week -- talk about diligent!). Cheer your team on and let's have a party!
Jet and Cord are still in it, but way behind. They've caught up and now it's Christina/Ron and Amanda/Kris vying for last place.
1st to Pit Stop -- Zev and Justin! Won a trip to Cancun.
2. Globetrotters
3. Jet and Cord
4. Kisha and Jen
5. Margie and Luke
6. Mel and Mike
7. Kent and Vyxsyn
8. Jaime and Cara
9. Gary and Mallory
10. Ron and Christina
11. Amanda and Kris -- Philiminated
Off Topic - That Was the Week It Was - February 27, 2011
Why, it's Sunday morning once again! That means it's time for my weekly off television topic reflection on the week gone by in both words and photographs I've taken.
Winter is winding down a bit here despite some snow we had on Monday. On Friday we had steady, then heavy, rain accompanied by a few thunderstorms. That's the second time we've had thunderstorms in the past few weeks. Usually February goes by without a hint of thunder. But we all know this season's been anything but normal. In between the snow and rain, we had a few nice days with temperatures in the forties and sunshine ... and we had bitter cold and wind.
Early in the week I caught some kind of bug which cranked my own temperature up. Perhaps it was my misguided wishes for warmer weather? Whatever it was, it kicked my butt for a few days. But it has left me kind of grouchy. What do I do when grouchy? I lash out!
On the home front, the new neighbors seem bearable. I heard classic rock music playing one day -- not really, really loud. I occasionally hear muffled voices. One night I came home to them hammering on their/my dining room wall. Those kinds of noises should vanish once they're settled in. They're quite quiet as the evening goes on. I still haven't met or seen them yet. But they're there.
Also on the home front -- maintenance dudes put some sort of poorly done ramp out the middle door of the building. I assume it's for accessibility. Yet, it's so poorly done that I keep almost falling every time I go out that door. I don't think a ramp is supposed to start flush with the doorway itself. Shouldn't there be door to flat section or landing to the ramp? If someone tries to come in with a wheelchair, they're going to keep rolling backwards into the lot!
Oh well ... onto this week's photos. I'm really wanting spring shots. I'm growing bored with my photo fodder. Plus, I missed one day's walk and it was bitter cold with wind or raining another day. Clicking on an image will open it larger in a new window, then just go back on your browser.
Mouse Ears
Yes, I messed with the editing of this photo. The identical two doors themselves with their identical parking meter shadows caught my eye as I waited for my train. Yet the busyness of the surroundings sort of drowned them out. So I edited the colors and used the "posterization" doohickey on my photo editing software. The doors are in the original colors. North Street, Plainfield.
As the storms moved away driven by wild winds on Friday, the sun came out shortly before sundown. The color differences between the clouds and the barren trees and poison ivy vines made me go for this one. If you look closely, that's Route 287 in the background. Yes, it leads to the NJ Turnpike. No, don't ask me what exit. I took this at the Bridgewater Train Station looking to the east.
"So this human walked into a bar ..." No, that's not a small pond. We were under a flood watch on Friday. This is the first time I've ever really seen water gather there. There is a pond on the other side of the fence. Bridgewater Train Station.
I edited this one to just leave the bakery windows and the reflection on the rain-soaked street in color. North Avenue at the corner of Watchung Avenue, Plainfield.
Also edited for the color/B&W effect. Yes, I know I've taken similar shots to this before. But I was stuck in place at the train station in the rain Friday morning.
Looking out my train window into that train window, I mysteriously wanted a nap. A clever billboard campaign by Sleepy's Mattresses which can be seen at the Dunellen Train Station. Of course, if I had a mattress and fell asleep on the train, I'd be like ol' Charlie on the MTA.
Even though birds are plotting to overthrow mankind, I found this a bit sad. Doves are almost always in pairs. I don't think it's the right time of the year for this to be a young dove without a mate.
Some buds are forming on the trees with the wonderful spring blossoms on Church Street in Plainfield. Happy dance time! Of course, the cemetery is still mostly snowed in as it's in the shadows and there are huge ugly snow piles nearby. But ... LEAF BUDS!
Lesser creatures run from the towering squirrel with his dangling little front legs as he stomps the church grounds on East Front Street in Plainfield.
A squirrel on Berckman Street freeze-framed as if posing for my camera.
Looking at the house which still has all of its holiday decorations up through the snow-laden tree Monday morning. Near the corner of East Front and Richmond, Plainfield.
Plainfield Train Station, again Monday morning, again snow. I edited it to leave just the red banners in color.
Well, not the same ones as in the other photo. This is looking towards East Third Street from the westbound platform.
Because it was a holiday (not for me), there was little traffic as I headed in to work Monday morning. Trains were on a holiday schedule, so it was daylight when I walked to the station. Due to warm weather the week before, the snow melted for the longest time on the roads and really didn't accumulate all that much on the sidewalks, either. East Front and Church Streets.
Some helpful person set this fine chair outside just so I could tell how much snow had actually fallen. About two inches as I went through. East Front Street.
East Front Street, Monday morning. My apologies to Georgia.
His expression says it all. Plainfield Train Station.
But Vincent, you're so photogenic!
How was your week?
Winter is winding down a bit here despite some snow we had on Monday. On Friday we had steady, then heavy, rain accompanied by a few thunderstorms. That's the second time we've had thunderstorms in the past few weeks. Usually February goes by without a hint of thunder. But we all know this season's been anything but normal. In between the snow and rain, we had a few nice days with temperatures in the forties and sunshine ... and we had bitter cold and wind.
Early in the week I caught some kind of bug which cranked my own temperature up. Perhaps it was my misguided wishes for warmer weather? Whatever it was, it kicked my butt for a few days. But it has left me kind of grouchy. What do I do when grouchy? I lash out!
- Excuse me, fool on the cell phone walking towards me ... I'm just going to keep walking the way I'm going. You NEED to pay attention to where you're going. After all, I could be a solid object!
- Do NOT walk out of a store door and just stop while looking dumb! Move along! I want to get out of the door!
- Do NOT get off the train and stop on the stairs either! I'm walking bone-on-bone in one knee and I want that railing. You do NOT want me to fall on you, do you? I thought not. Move along!
- Stop riding that bicycle on the city sidewalk, grown man.
- If you're pushing a shopping cart, don't go all zombie looking at stuff to buy and wheel your cart into people. If you must go all zombie over merchandise, pull to the side of the aisle and park it. Either that, or watch where you're going.
- I thought I was grocery shopping. I didn't realize that it's obviously some sort of social event or reunion with people blocking the aisles to talk.
- How come in this day and age, there's a two-year old all by himself near the exit door to the parking lot? Oh, parent(s)? Where are you?
- That yappy little dog downstairs is getting yappier.
- The big red stop sign on the automatic store door means it's an exit. You enter the automatic door with the green sign. Sheesh.
- Bon Jovi fans on NJ Transit trains are as odd as NJ Devils fans on NJ Transit trains, just a different kind of odd.
- Just because you don't think I speak Spanish doesn't mean I don't understand what you're saying.
- But, no. I don't understand the Mandarin Chinese you're shouting into your cell phone while I just want a peaceful commute.
On the home front, the new neighbors seem bearable. I heard classic rock music playing one day -- not really, really loud. I occasionally hear muffled voices. One night I came home to them hammering on their/my dining room wall. Those kinds of noises should vanish once they're settled in. They're quite quiet as the evening goes on. I still haven't met or seen them yet. But they're there.
Also on the home front -- maintenance dudes put some sort of poorly done ramp out the middle door of the building. I assume it's for accessibility. Yet, it's so poorly done that I keep almost falling every time I go out that door. I don't think a ramp is supposed to start flush with the doorway itself. Shouldn't there be door to flat section or landing to the ramp? If someone tries to come in with a wheelchair, they're going to keep rolling backwards into the lot!
Oh well ... onto this week's photos. I'm really wanting spring shots. I'm growing bored with my photo fodder. Plus, I missed one day's walk and it was bitter cold with wind or raining another day. Clicking on an image will open it larger in a new window, then just go back on your browser.
Mouse EarsYes, I messed with the editing of this photo. The identical two doors themselves with their identical parking meter shadows caught my eye as I waited for my train. Yet the busyness of the surroundings sort of drowned them out. So I edited the colors and used the "posterization" doohickey on my photo editing software. The doors are in the original colors. North Street, Plainfield.
Angry Clouds and Contrasts
As the storms moved away driven by wild winds on Friday, the sun came out shortly before sundown. The color differences between the clouds and the barren trees and poison ivy vines made me go for this one. If you look closely, that's Route 287 in the background. Yes, it leads to the NJ Turnpike. No, don't ask me what exit. I took this at the Bridgewater Train Station looking to the east.
Gordon the Goose entertaining the chicks
"So this human walked into a bar ..." No, that's not a small pond. We were under a flood watch on Friday. This is the first time I've ever really seen water gather there. There is a pond on the other side of the fence. Bridgewater Train Station.
The glow of Danny's Bakery
I edited this one to just leave the bakery windows and the reflection on the rain-soaked street in color. North Avenue at the corner of Watchung Avenue, Plainfield.
Plainfield Train Station Lamps in the Rain
Also edited for the color/B&W effect. Yes, I know I've taken similar shots to this before. But I was stuck in place at the train station in the rain Friday morning.
Definitely!
Looking out my train window into that train window, I mysteriously wanted a nap. A clever billboard campaign by Sleepy's Mattresses which can be seen at the Dunellen Train Station. Of course, if I had a mattress and fell asleep on the train, I'd be like ol' Charlie on the MTA.
Lonesome Dove
Even though birds are plotting to overthrow mankind, I found this a bit sad. Doves are almost always in pairs. I don't think it's the right time of the year for this to be a young dove without a mate.
Look! Spring! Spring! Spring!
Some buds are forming on the trees with the wonderful spring blossoms on Church Street in Plainfield. Happy dance time! Of course, the cemetery is still mostly snowed in as it's in the shadows and there are huge ugly snow piles nearby. But ... LEAF BUDS!
I am Tyrannosaurus Rex Squirrel!
Fear me!
Fear me!
Lesser creatures run from the towering squirrel with his dangling little front legs as he stomps the church grounds on East Front Street in Plainfield.
Posing for animal crackers?
A squirrel on Berckman Street freeze-framed as if posing for my camera.
Yes, it did snow this week!
Looking at the house which still has all of its holiday decorations up through the snow-laden tree Monday morning. Near the corner of East Front and Richmond, Plainfield.
Snow from the platform
Plainfield Train Station, again Monday morning, again snow. I edited it to leave just the red banners in color.
Those lamps again
Well, not the same ones as in the other photo. This is looking towards East Third Street from the westbound platform.
Silent snowy morning
Because it was a holiday (not for me), there was little traffic as I headed in to work Monday morning. Trains were on a holiday schedule, so it was daylight when I walked to the station. Due to warm weather the week before, the snow melted for the longest time on the roads and really didn't accumulate all that much on the sidewalks, either. East Front and Church Streets.
Snow Depth Guide
Some helpful person set this fine chair outside just so I could tell how much snow had actually fallen. About two inches as I went through. East Front Street.
A snowy day in Jersey,
A snowy day in Jersey,
Sometimes I think it's
Snowing all over the world.
A snowy day in Jersey,
Sometimes I think it's
Snowing all over the world.
East Front Street, Monday morning. My apologies to Georgia.
"Damn snow."
His expression says it all. Plainfield Train Station.
"You know ... I do see you."
But Vincent, you're so photogenic!
How was your week?
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Survivor: Redemption Island - 2/23 Episode Blog Party
The show will be starting in about five minutes here on the East Coast. As it airs, I'll update this post with major news while sharing some opinions on what I see both here and in comments. Of course, the comments area is where the real party is! Everyone is welcome to join in, the water's fine! Oh. And bring snacks. Snacks are always good.
Yikes! Ralph found the hidden idol while collecting rocks!
Zapetera (Russell's tribe) won Immunity and Reward (combined).
Rob engineered a vote for Matt because Matt is close with one of the girls and congratulated the other tribe. We'll see.
The plan worked - Kristina used her idol, Matt blindsided.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Sunday, February 20, 2011
The Amazing Race: Unfinished Business Season Premiere Blog Party
It's back and it's even in HD this year! Everyone is welcome to join in with comments as the show airs -- that's where the real fun is! I'll be updating this post with any big news as I watch it here on the East Coast. My full review of the show will be posted on TV Squad either late this evening or early tomorrow. I'd love to have you visit there, too!
Lifeguard Laurie has the blog pool set. If you didn't make the cut-off, just jump in the pool and cheer on your favorite team. Here's the breakdown:
* Amanda & Kris - meb, Nana in NW, DKNYNC
* Gary & Mallory- Karen in CA. Becky, Laurie
* Flight Time & Big Easy - Terry in PA, Jackie, Monty934
* Jaime & Cara - Donna in AL, JoyN
* Jet & Cord - ML, Margo
* Kent & Vyxsin - Rbennie,
* LaKisha & Jennifer - PDX Granny, Donna in FL
* Margie & Luke - dla, Merrilee
* Mel & Mike - Jenna's Mom, Sydney
* Ron & Christina - Lisanne, SueGee
* Zev & Justin - Zoetawny, Brent
Teams ready? GO!
The winning team of the first leg will get an Express Pass allowing them to skip a task. Teams need to find an item for Phil in the desert before getting their clue. The first eight teams go on the first flight, the others 90 minutes later. The last team has a U-Turn to start out the race.
Kris and Amanda got the penalty.
Pit Stop -
1. Gary and Mallory - won Express Pass - race still on new clue
2. Amanda and Kris
3. Kisha and Jen
4. Zev and Justin
5. Globetrotters
6. Jaime and Cara
7. Marge and Luke
8. Ron and Christina
9. Mel and Mike
10. Kynt and Vyxsin
The cowboys, Jet and Cord, are clueless on the puzzle. But, since it's a "to be continued," they probably won't be Philiminated.
Off Topic - That Was the Week It Was - February 20, 2011
It's Sunday morning! You know what that means -- it's time for my off television topic reflection on the week gone by in both words and photographs I've taken. It has been a weird weather week here in New Jersey. On Monday, we were up to around 60 degrees. Tuesday we had bitter cold. Then we had record warmth into the sixties and even to 71 on Friday. We had a short yet vivid thunderstorm Friday night. Then Saturday had temperatures back to winter with a high winds warning.
Oy. Oh. And I should probably mention that snow/ice/sleet is expected tonight into Monday and then again the next day, too.
I tasted spring this week and I want it. I want it now. To be honest, the temperatures don't bother me all that much. It's just all of the ice and snow we've had this year. With sunshine and the few days of real warmth, much of our snow is gone. The shady areas still sport snow cover and the huge mounds are down to manageable sizes, but nasty dirty. Christmas trees, broken street benches, the debris of a gazillion litterbugs and folks who don't pick up their dog waste abound. Eww. But it's nice to walk without thinking any step could bring me down if I slip on ice.
On the home front, I guess I have new neighbors. Yes, an odd time for them to move in -- immediately after the apartment rehab and mid-month. But they seem to be there. I hear movement and voices (can't hear what they're saying, just muffled voices) at various hours. So far, they don't seem rowdy or into heavy-duty arguments. That's all I really ask from a neighbor sharing a wall. I don't need to be friends. I just want them to be considerate of others and realize they're not alone in a house.
The Survivor: Redemption Island premiere this week was an excellent start with a Tribal Council we're never going to forget. If you're watching the show, please stop by the weekly blog party. We have commentary as the show airs East Coast time and sometimes even have a contingent of West Coasters picking it up again three hours later.
The new season of The Amazing Race begins tonight. If you want to be in the blog pool, you have until 3 PM ET to email LifeguardLaurie@gmail.com to join. At approximately 8 PM ET, I'll get that blog party post up. I'll also be writing up the review for TV Squad, but I'm not sure when that will end up getting posted as I think the editors at AOL might have a long weekend.
Enough ... onto the photos! Clicking on an image will open it larger in a new window.
I don't know why, but all of a sudden five new NY Post honor boxes appeared at the Bridgewater Train Station. Mind you, this is the station which still sports the January 17 copy of the NJ Star-Ledger for sale even though the snow which blocked the box for a few months is now gone. Unless they plan to put two issues in each of these boxes, I don't see a sell out. I usually read left behind NY Post copies on the train.
Two pigeons lecture lesser birds on the front of the Chotola building on North Avenue in Plainfield. Okay, I made that up. The birds are huddled there trying to avoid both the wind and the cold Saturday morning.
The white pigeon reminds me of the episode on The Wire when the kids thought all white pigeons were "homers" and worth big bucks. Nope, he (she?) is a plain old pigeon. I've seen this white one hanging around that block for almost two years now. Well, I think it's the same one. It's hard to tell one pure white pigeon from another.
Even in this shape, it kind of makes for a neat photo.
Here's where I got the last shot -- frozen weeds against a chain link fence in front of a mound of snow.
Monday morning, just as dawn is about to break, my train arrives. On day, later in the week on my way home, I had to explain to a fellow passenger the difference between the Devils and Rangers fans on the train and what sport it was. Hockey, Devils fans wear red. Rangers fans wear red, white and blue with the major color being white. They don't like each other and they're all obnoxious on the trains. They should have their own cars while normal human beings are seated separately.
The passenger was an intern at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in Manhattan and was heading to Newark to catch a plane home to Ohio for a long weekend. She had just put in over a hundred hours working Fashion Week in the city and was questioning her own career aspirations. Poor kid. But she'll bounce back. If she wants a career in fashion, she's definitely on a solid path as an intern there!
This was early Monday morning on East Front and Watchung Avenue in Plainfield. Oh, they're finally taking down some of the shoulder-high snow mounds? Now that they started to melt and are dwindling on their own? Why bother now when pedestrians have had treacherous sidewalks for two months?
No, I don't walk across lawns and such. But I do often cut through the U-Haul lot and it's been blocked by snowbanks on the sidewalk and monster snow mounds blocking the lot. While this is still sizable (it's less now as I took this Monday morning), I can cut through the lot once again. Yay! East Front and Roosevelt, Plainfield.
This was also Monday morning before the sunrise. That snow is now all gone, too. East Front Street, Plainfield.
This is the section of North Avenue sidewalk in front of the Plainfield Train Station I've groused about all winter. NO ONE TAKES OWNERSHIP AND NO ONE SHOVELS IT. Now what's left over is pure ice. If the sun comes out, it's water on ice. Yes, that's extremely dangerous. I took this Tuesday, but as of Saturday morning there was still a fifteen or twenty foot section of ice down by the corner necessitating a walk into the street to pass.
This pothole is at the entrance to Union County College on Church Street. Under that water, the hole goes down about four inches. I noticed they tried filling it with rocks on Friday. Yeah, that'll work!
Oh yeah ... because those guys were breaking it up and throwing it in the street to damage passing cars. Church Street.
This is one of those mailbox but not a mailbox doohickeys that the mailmen ... er, mail people, are in and out of throughout the day. It's definitely seen better days. The corner of East Front and Roosevelt, Plainfield.
Before you break my heart. Think it oh-oh-ver ... (The Supremes). I couldn't resist, but you really don't want to hear me sing it. Only Vincent should suffer that much! Valentine's Day on East Front Street. I edited it to leave the crossing guard's stop sign and the balloons in color while the rest went black and white.
A teen waits for his train in Bound Brook holding a single flower on Valentine's Day. His girl? His Mom? Either one makes it a touching scene. Also edited to leave him in color.
His throat is all fluffed out because he was holding an animated discussion aimed at um, I don't know. But he certainly was noisy! He's probably talking about the bird takeover of the world.
In the Crescent Area Historic District on Crescent Avenue in Plainfield, this home sports well-kept original detail. So many of the homes through there are absolutely stunning.
What the heck is that gook they've put on the sides? Not only that, but the turret is in shambles. Obviously cut into apartments, I can't help but wonder what it looked like when it was a single family home.
I renewed my books twice because I didn't feel up to fighting the snow and ice to get there. But with the nice weather on Thursday, I finally returned them. No, these aren't the steps to the entrance. I'm pretty sure this snow is probably gone or near gone after Friday's warmth. I edited the shot to leave the library flags in color. Park Avenue, Plainfield.
A boarded up window surrounded by brick. East Fourth Street, Plainfield.
Signs at the intersection of West Eighth Street and Park Avenue in Plainfield. No, don't ask me what exit we are off the NJ Turnpike. I can tell you how to get on the NJ Parkway, though.
Can you get that camera ANY closer to my face?
But, Vincent ... you're such a good subject!
How was your week?
Oy. Oh. And I should probably mention that snow/ice/sleet is expected tonight into Monday and then again the next day, too.
I tasted spring this week and I want it. I want it now. To be honest, the temperatures don't bother me all that much. It's just all of the ice and snow we've had this year. With sunshine and the few days of real warmth, much of our snow is gone. The shady areas still sport snow cover and the huge mounds are down to manageable sizes, but nasty dirty. Christmas trees, broken street benches, the debris of a gazillion litterbugs and folks who don't pick up their dog waste abound. Eww. But it's nice to walk without thinking any step could bring me down if I slip on ice.
On the home front, I guess I have new neighbors. Yes, an odd time for them to move in -- immediately after the apartment rehab and mid-month. But they seem to be there. I hear movement and voices (can't hear what they're saying, just muffled voices) at various hours. So far, they don't seem rowdy or into heavy-duty arguments. That's all I really ask from a neighbor sharing a wall. I don't need to be friends. I just want them to be considerate of others and realize they're not alone in a house.
The Survivor: Redemption Island premiere this week was an excellent start with a Tribal Council we're never going to forget. If you're watching the show, please stop by the weekly blog party. We have commentary as the show airs East Coast time and sometimes even have a contingent of West Coasters picking it up again three hours later.
The new season of The Amazing Race begins tonight. If you want to be in the blog pool, you have until 3 PM ET to email LifeguardLaurie@gmail.com to join. At approximately 8 PM ET, I'll get that blog party post up. I'll also be writing up the review for TV Squad, but I'm not sure when that will end up getting posted as I think the editors at AOL might have a long weekend.
Enough ... onto the photos! Clicking on an image will open it larger in a new window.
New York Post Army o' Honor (Boxes)
I don't know why, but all of a sudden five new NY Post honor boxes appeared at the Bridgewater Train Station. Mind you, this is the station which still sports the January 17 copy of the NJ Star-Ledger for sale even though the snow which blocked the box for a few months is now gone. Unless they plan to put two issues in each of these boxes, I don't see a sell out. I usually read left behind NY Post copies on the train.
The Pigeon Lectures
Two pigeons lecture lesser birds on the front of the Chotola building on North Avenue in Plainfield. Okay, I made that up. The birds are huddled there trying to avoid both the wind and the cold Saturday morning.
The white pigeon reminds me of the episode on The Wire when the kids thought all white pigeons were "homers" and worth big bucks. Nope, he (she?) is a plain old pigeon. I've seen this white one hanging around that block for almost two years now. Well, I think it's the same one. It's hard to tell one pure white pigeon from another.
Winter Weed
Even in this shape, it kind of makes for a neat photo.
Stepping Back
Here's where I got the last shot -- frozen weeds against a chain link fence in front of a mound of snow.
Winter Morning at the Plainfield Train Station
Monday morning, just as dawn is about to break, my train arrives. On day, later in the week on my way home, I had to explain to a fellow passenger the difference between the Devils and Rangers fans on the train and what sport it was. Hockey, Devils fans wear red. Rangers fans wear red, white and blue with the major color being white. They don't like each other and they're all obnoxious on the trains. They should have their own cars while normal human beings are seated separately.
The passenger was an intern at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in Manhattan and was heading to Newark to catch a plane home to Ohio for a long weekend. She had just put in over a hundred hours working Fashion Week in the city and was questioning her own career aspirations. Poor kid. But she'll bounce back. If she wants a career in fashion, she's definitely on a solid path as an intern there!
Sure, wait until the temperature is expected to be 60!
This was early Monday morning on East Front and Watchung Avenue in Plainfield. Oh, they're finally taking down some of the shoulder-high snow mounds? Now that they started to melt and are dwindling on their own? Why bother now when pedestrians have had treacherous sidewalks for two months?
Most of my shortcuts are back! Yes!
No, I don't walk across lawns and such. But I do often cut through the U-Haul lot and it's been blocked by snowbanks on the sidewalk and monster snow mounds blocking the lot. While this is still sizable (it's less now as I took this Monday morning), I can cut through the lot once again. Yay! East Front and Roosevelt, Plainfield.
Monarch Before Dawn
This was also Monday morning before the sunrise. That snow is now all gone, too. East Front Street, Plainfield.
Grr
This is the section of North Avenue sidewalk in front of the Plainfield Train Station I've groused about all winter. NO ONE TAKES OWNERSHIP AND NO ONE SHOVELS IT. Now what's left over is pure ice. If the sun comes out, it's water on ice. Yes, that's extremely dangerous. I took this Tuesday, but as of Saturday morning there was still a fifteen or twenty foot section of ice down by the corner necessitating a walk into the street to pass.
Winter took its toll on the streets
This pothole is at the entrance to Union County College on Church Street. Under that water, the hole goes down about four inches. I noticed they tried filling it with rocks on Friday. Yeah, that'll work!
Look! The wall of snow behind the bench is gone!
Oh yeah ... because those guys were breaking it up and throwing it in the street to damage passing cars. Church Street.
Methinks time for a new box
This is one of those mailbox but not a mailbox doohickeys that the mailmen ... er, mail people, are in and out of throughout the day. It's definitely seen better days. The corner of East Front and Roosevelt, Plainfield.
Stop in the name of love
Before you break my heart. Think it oh-oh-ver ... (The Supremes). I couldn't resist, but you really don't want to hear me sing it. Only Vincent should suffer that much! Valentine's Day on East Front Street. I edited it to leave the crossing guard's stop sign and the balloons in color while the rest went black and white.
Take time to smell the rose
A teen waits for his train in Bound Brook holding a single flower on Valentine's Day. His girl? His Mom? Either one makes it a touching scene. Also edited to leave him in color.
Bird on a wire
His throat is all fluffed out because he was holding an animated discussion aimed at um, I don't know. But he certainly was noisy! He's probably talking about the bird takeover of the world.
Historic Home
In the Crescent Area Historic District on Crescent Avenue in Plainfield, this home sports well-kept original detail. So many of the homes through there are absolutely stunning.
Then there's this one across the street
What the heck is that gook they've put on the sides? Not only that, but the turret is in shambles. Obviously cut into apartments, I can't help but wonder what it looked like when it was a single family home.
The Plainfield Library
I renewed my books twice because I didn't feel up to fighting the snow and ice to get there. But with the nice weather on Thursday, I finally returned them. No, these aren't the steps to the entrance. I'm pretty sure this snow is probably gone or near gone after Friday's warmth. I edited the shot to leave the library flags in color. Park Avenue, Plainfield.
Design and Texture
A boarded up window surrounded by brick. East Fourth Street, Plainfield.
But can you get there from here?
Signs at the intersection of West Eighth Street and Park Avenue in Plainfield. No, don't ask me what exit we are off the NJ Turnpike. I can tell you how to get on the NJ Parkway, though.
Excuse me
Can you get that camera ANY closer to my face?
But, Vincent ... you're such a good subject!
How was your week?
Friday, February 18, 2011
The Amazing Race Blog Pool
Folks ... last chance! If you wish to participate in The Amazing Race blog pool, you need to sign up with Laurie at this email address -- lifeguardlaurie@gmail.com
Hopefully she knows I'm signed up! It's all in fun, no prizes beyond bragging rights if your randomly picked team wins. Come join in on the fun! On Sunday evening, I'll be posting the blog party post at 8 PM ET; everyone is invited whether you come by zipline or bungee!
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Survivor: Redemption Island Season Premiere Blog Party
It's here! Zoetawny was kind enough to once again make a blog logo for the show, too. She really does rock and I appreciate all of her efforts -- I can't make those animated logos at all. Thank you, Zoetawny!
Margo is running the blog pool and, as I've mentioned in previous posts, set up a separate site for joining in. The participants are assigned castaways randomly by Margo's Mom. While winning basically means bragging rights, we get to cheer on our castaway until they're, well ... cast away. The pool is closed at this time, but if you didn't get in it, just cheer on your favorite and join in on the fun!
Here's the updated list of pool participants and their castaways:
Andrea Boehlke - Auntie Leigh, Suzanne
Ashley Underwood - Sydney, Monty924
David Murphy - Jeannemarie
Francesca Hogi - Petals, ML
Grant Mattos - Gayle, Joy N
Julie Wolfe - Lars, Karen in CA
Krista Klumpp - Jennasmom, Donna in AL
Kristina Kell - Jackie, Merrilee
Matthew Elrod - Zoetawny, MEB
Mike Chisel - Lanell, Chris
Natalie Tenerelli - PDX Granny, Laurie
Phillip Sheppard - Rbennie, Lisanne
Ralph Kiser - Becky, Brent McKee
Rob Mariano - Gaylos, Donna in FL
Russell Hantz - Margo
Sarita White - SueGee, DKNYNC
Stephanie Valencia - Nana in NW
Steve Wright - delee, Terry in PA
The show will be starting in about ten minutes here on the East Coast. As it airs, I'll update this post with major news while sharing some opinions on what I see both here and in the comments area. Of course, the comments area is where the real party is! Everyone is welcome to join in, the water's fine! Oh. And bring snacks. Snacks are always good!
Survivor fans ready?
Kristina (I believe it's her) found an idol without clues. Watch out, Russell!
Zapatera, Russell's tribe, won the first immunity challenge.
Whoa! Phillip just called out Francesca and Kristina out on their plan to vote out Rob! And, told about the immunity idol ... sheesh, ex-Fed agent. Loose lips sink ships.
Francesca was voted out (to Redemption Island) and Kristina did not use the idol.
Tonight is Survivor Night! - Rob/Russell Video, too!
Tonight marks the season premiere of Survivor: Redemption Island. The pool players for the blog have been randomly selected and will be included in tonight's blog party post.
I didn't realize that Rob and Russell were set to appear on The Early Show this morning and just happened to catch it. If you missed it, here's the video --
I'll make a separate post Friday, but with the new Amazing Race season starting Sunday evening, that pool is open for the swim right now -- to get in on the action, contact lifeguardlaurie@gmail.com
I didn't realize that Rob and Russell were set to appear on The Early Show this morning and just happened to catch it. If you missed it, here's the video --
I'll make a separate post Friday, but with the new Amazing Race season starting Sunday evening, that pool is open for the swim right now -- to get in on the action, contact lifeguardlaurie@gmail.com
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Survivor: Redemption Island -- Cast Quick Takes Part 4
The official CBS website for Survivor: Redemption Island is up and running. The show premieres this Wednesday evening, February 16 at 8 PM ET/PT. After a lengthy and really inexcusable delay, I'm here to post about the last group of men castaways.
The much beloved Margo has offered to run the blog pool once again. Remember, there's no wagering, per se. You'll be assigned a castaway to cheer on and bragging rights if that person is the sole survivor. You can sign up for the pool at this link. Margo rocks, doesn't she?
This post covers the final group of men castaways. To check out the others I've "quick-taked," hit the link to the show at the bottom of my post. Let's get on with it ...
Name (Age): Ralph Kiser (44)
Tribe Designation: Zapatera
Current Residence: Lebanon, Va.
Occupation: Farmer
Ralph -- Well, golly-whillikers, I just don't know. He seems to have a pretty high opinion regarding how likable he is. Whether that will translate to being sole survivor is the question. I will say he's probably going to do well at the physical actual surviving in the environs, if not at surviving the mind games.
**************************************
Name (Age): Steve Wright (51)
Tribe: Zapatera
Current Residence: Huntington Beach, Calif.
Occupation: Former NFL Player
Steve -- I guess he's not to be mistaken with comedian Steven Wright. Rats. Steven Wright's commentary would be cool on the show! Another NFL dude, eh? In a way, he does remind me a bit of Tom Westman. He could do well and recognizes that the game is highly social, especially in the end.
**************************************
Rob Mariano (35)
Current Residence: Pensacola, Fla.
Previous Seasons: "Survivor: Marquesas," "Survivor: All-Stars" and "Survivor: Heroes Vs. Villains"
Boston Rob -- What can I say about him? I didn't like him so much on his first season. I thought he became overly-hyped by CBS and had a finger in every reality pie for some time. But then something happened. The dude grew on me. I'd like to see him do well and I'm definitely hoping for some good Rob/Russell clashes. But I do think he'll be seen as a threat and will probably go home without the million once again.
******************************************************
Russell Hantz (38)
Current Residence: Dayton, Texas
Previous Seasons: "Survivor: Samoa" and "Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains"
Russell -- I like him and I don't all at the same time. I really believe in his first season, he was absolutely what was needed to bring entertainment into the show. It's magical watching him find hidden idols. Yet the dude, for all he is good at in the show (including challenges), can't play the social game for nuthin'. Now that he's well-known, he's not going to last long as they should be onto his snake oil salesman ways. Hopefully he'll be entertaining while he's there. It's hard to believe he's only three years older than Rob.
Stop back Wednesday evening at 8 PM ET for the blog party! Bring snacks!
Off Topic - That Was the Week It Was - February 13, 2011
It's Sunday morning, time for my off television topic look back on the week gone by in both words and photographs I've taken. I believe I've either become a zombie or I'm just winter weary. While we had our first week of winter without measurable snow, most of the week was bitter cold. I think it's getting to me. I could go for a really long winter nap ... wake me up in the spring!
Er, well. I can't do that. I do have to keep the bills paid and a roof over my head. And cat food. I can't forget the cat food.
On the home front, they've been rehabbing the apartment next door. Much of the work is being done at very odd times -- 7 AM, midnight. This was the apartment where the riff-raff were living. Now, they weren't there even two years. Before they moved in, a rehab of the unit was done. The tenant there before that was a super and he painted and put in new kitchen cabinets when he moved in. I have a feeling the riff-raff must have trashed the place. Why am I not surprised?
Meanwhile, I think my kitchen cabinets date back to at least the 70s and my bathroom fixtures could have used replacement before I moved in. I've been here 10 years. But, then again, I don't want maintenance workers in here ripping things apart while I live here (especially if I'm not home). While things seem better under the receivership, the workers seem to be day laborer types. I'd worry about Vincent getting out and my belongings if they were in and out. All of my things work, they've just seen much better days -- about 40 years ago!
There hasn't been much going on in my life lately. It's because of both the weather and the fact I'm in some sort of winter funk (or I've become a zombie). Things are firming up for the autumn vacation. I'm still working on a date for my right knee replacement. Oh. I had some interesting news this week on a personal artsy endeavor, but I can't go into it until I know more. It's good, though. I just need more details before I blab.
Along with my slump, my photos are a bit "eh" this week. Often it was too cold or too windy or I was running too late to really stop and look for the shots. I have high hopes for next week when we should be flirting with the 50s and maybe even a 60 degree temperature. Hopefully I'll get myself in gear so I'm not rushing to make my train!
Clicking on an image will open it larger in a new window --
Well, the geese never leave. I'm not sure why they're year-round residents here. But the grass is something new this week. In areas which get most of the daytime sun and with only the standard snow pack, some patches have gotten down to the ground despite frigid temperatures. We have had a lot of sun this week. Although there are more places which still have snow cover way above my knees, as well as the HUGE snow piles, it's nice to see these actual earth bits here and there. Bridgewater, NJ, on Saturday.
Yep, snow. It's not measurable as it was just a squall in high winds. At one point, I couldn't see across the street. Watchung and North, Plainfield, NJ.
Amidst a pile of snow, this cone must have been voted off the island ... or something. I hope it's not there to warn us that there's a pile of snow about 15 feet high and 30 feet long. I think we'd see that, don't you? North Avenue, Plainfield.
This is also Saturday morning, just before the snow squall. This lawn doesn't get lengthy daytime sunlight exposure. You see how high the snow remains. East Front Street, Plainfield.
The sun has been melting the snow off the roof at the Plainfield Train Station -- the result being these almost identical "snowcicles."
On and about the yellow line (which you need to stand behind!), it's snowcicle suicide, like lemmings into the sea.
Now, if it were really WARM, all the snow would slide off in large batches and not slowly sneak on down.
In winter, everything seems to freeze frame at times. Bridgewater, NJ.
On Friday morning, I saw this on East Second Street. At first I thought a truck accidentally dumped snow. That one big chunk of ice and snow had to be at least 20 inches wide. It could cause an accident.
When I went past the corner, I saw two men from the college chopping at the snowbanks and throwing it on Church Street.
NJ Transit got its act together and chopped the ice/snow never shoveled sidewalk to the Bridgewater Train Station. Yes, I noticed they threw some of it in the street, too.
"Watch Your Step." Well, geez ... since you have barely shoveled the station all winter, we have no choice! I can only guess that someone must have filed a claim for a fall which set in motion the ice chopping and sign activity. Now if they'd take care of the North Avenue walk in front of the Plainfield Train Station.
A green apple sits alone in Bridgewater. Weird, I've photographed an orange in the same place in the past. Perhaps fruit just materializes there or, as in Star Trek, it gets transported to that spot.
This either Spelling Notebook orWriting Journal was just sitting there on the sidewalk on East Front Street. Now someone's daily journals might be misspelled!
This walk in Vest Pocket Park on the East Fourth Street side of the Plainfield Train Station hasn't been shoveled all season. It looks like someone might have touched it up a bit after the sun melted parts of it. But, trust me, it was snow-covered until this week. When the sun came out, it melted down to the pavement. When night came, it froze over. LUGE!
I find it funny. Yes, it's a ca-ca photo. This is what happens when a herd of deer decide to use the sidewalk and nibble at the grassy edges. I've noticed that deer and rabbits prefer shoveled areas as the snow cover is way too much. Since the snow went all icy on top, the rabbits are on it again. But the deer sink. They prefer the sidewalk. Bridgewater, NJ.
Morning clouds gave way to brilliant blue skies nearby the Plainfield Train Station.
Notice how icy and dirty our snow cover is. Perhaps we do need new snow? Um. Nah. The wind blew these all over the place at the intersection of East Second and Berckman in Plainfield.
Yes, Vincent. I see you peeking at me.
How was your week?
Er, well. I can't do that. I do have to keep the bills paid and a roof over my head. And cat food. I can't forget the cat food.
On the home front, they've been rehabbing the apartment next door. Much of the work is being done at very odd times -- 7 AM, midnight. This was the apartment where the riff-raff were living. Now, they weren't there even two years. Before they moved in, a rehab of the unit was done. The tenant there before that was a super and he painted and put in new kitchen cabinets when he moved in. I have a feeling the riff-raff must have trashed the place. Why am I not surprised?
Meanwhile, I think my kitchen cabinets date back to at least the 70s and my bathroom fixtures could have used replacement before I moved in. I've been here 10 years. But, then again, I don't want maintenance workers in here ripping things apart while I live here (especially if I'm not home). While things seem better under the receivership, the workers seem to be day laborer types. I'd worry about Vincent getting out and my belongings if they were in and out. All of my things work, they've just seen much better days -- about 40 years ago!
There hasn't been much going on in my life lately. It's because of both the weather and the fact I'm in some sort of winter funk (or I've become a zombie). Things are firming up for the autumn vacation. I'm still working on a date for my right knee replacement. Oh. I had some interesting news this week on a personal artsy endeavor, but I can't go into it until I know more. It's good, though. I just need more details before I blab.
Along with my slump, my photos are a bit "eh" this week. Often it was too cold or too windy or I was running too late to really stop and look for the shots. I have high hopes for next week when we should be flirting with the 50s and maybe even a 60 degree temperature. Hopefully I'll get myself in gear so I'm not rushing to make my train!
Clicking on an image will open it larger in a new window --
Look! Grass! Geese!
Well, the geese never leave. I'm not sure why they're year-round residents here. But the grass is something new this week. In areas which get most of the daytime sun and with only the standard snow pack, some patches have gotten down to the ground despite frigid temperatures. We have had a lot of sun this week. Although there are more places which still have snow cover way above my knees, as well as the HUGE snow piles, it's nice to see these actual earth bits here and there. Bridgewater, NJ, on Saturday.
Saturday, 15 minutes before the geese shot
Yep, snow. It's not measurable as it was just a squall in high winds. At one point, I couldn't see across the street. Watchung and North, Plainfield, NJ.
A cone exiled
Amidst a pile of snow, this cone must have been voted off the island ... or something. I hope it's not there to warn us that there's a pile of snow about 15 feet high and 30 feet long. I think we'd see that, don't you? North Avenue, Plainfield.
More typical than the geese shot
This is also Saturday morning, just before the snow squall. This lawn doesn't get lengthy daytime sunlight exposure. You see how high the snow remains. East Front Street, Plainfield.
Snowcicles
The sun has been melting the snow off the roof at the Plainfield Train Station -- the result being these almost identical "snowcicles."
Pretty until they fall on your head
On and about the yellow line (which you need to stand behind!), it's snowcicle suicide, like lemmings into the sea.
From another view
Now, if it were really WARM, all the snow would slide off in large batches and not slowly sneak on down.
Time stands still as does the water
In winter, everything seems to freeze frame at times. Bridgewater, NJ.
Shame on Union County College!
On Friday morning, I saw this on East Second Street. At first I thought a truck accidentally dumped snow. That one big chunk of ice and snow had to be at least 20 inches wide. It could cause an accident.
When I went past the corner, I saw two men from the college chopping at the snowbanks and throwing it on Church Street.
Finally!
NJ Transit got its act together and chopped the ice/snow never shoveled sidewalk to the Bridgewater Train Station. Yes, I noticed they threw some of it in the street, too.
NJ Transit also put up a new sign
"Watch Your Step." Well, geez ... since you have barely shoveled the station all winter, we have no choice! I can only guess that someone must have filed a claim for a fall which set in motion the ice chopping and sign activity. Now if they'd take care of the North Avenue walk in front of the Plainfield Train Station.
Abandoned
A green apple sits alone in Bridgewater. Weird, I've photographed an orange in the same place in the past. Perhaps fruit just materializes there or, as in Star Trek, it gets transported to that spot.
Oh no!
This either Spelling Notebook or
Luge run part two
This walk in Vest Pocket Park on the East Fourth Street side of the Plainfield Train Station hasn't been shoveled all season. It looks like someone might have touched it up a bit after the sun melted parts of it. But, trust me, it was snow-covered until this week. When the sun came out, it melted down to the pavement. When night came, it froze over. LUGE!
I normally wouldn't do this, but ...
I find it funny. Yes, it's a ca-ca photo. This is what happens when a herd of deer decide to use the sidewalk and nibble at the grassy edges. I've noticed that deer and rabbits prefer shoveled areas as the snow cover is way too much. Since the snow went all icy on top, the rabbits are on it again. But the deer sink. They prefer the sidewalk. Bridgewater, NJ.
Move along clouds
Morning clouds gave way to brilliant blue skies nearby the Plainfield Train Station.
No, I didn't put them there
Notice how icy and dirty our snow cover is. Perhaps we do need new snow? Um. Nah. The wind blew these all over the place at the intersection of East Second and Berckman in Plainfield.
Y'know ... I can see that camera
Yes, Vincent. I see you peeking at me.
How was your week?
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