The Amazing Race: Blog Party - April 29, 2016

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

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

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

Caution! Double U-Turn ahead! 

Ready to race?

Teams have to go to an island for their next clue. And, indeed, there is a U-Turn ahead. Apparently, in the last leg, the teams were only fifteen minutes apart from first to last. The water is beautiful. A dancing monkey (which they have find) will give them the next clue.

Detour -- Haul or Harvest. With a canoe, harvest enough seaweed to cover a tarp. Or, safely deliver coconuts and four chickens.

Tyler and Korey are in the lead.

Double U-Turn -- Korey and Tyler U-Turn Brodie and Kurt. Burnie and Ashley U-Turn Korey and Tyler so that they can't U-Turn anyone else.

Roadblock: Who's feeling blue? A four-story drop into a blue lagoon.

The Alpha Boys are heading off to the second detour (harvest).

It turns out Cole has a fear of heights. Uh-oh. But he did it! Two other teams -- Korey/Tyler and Burnie/Ashley are heading towards the Pit Stop ahead of them.

Pit Stop:
1. Korey and Tyler -- won a trip on an Alaskan cruise
2. Burnie and Ashley
3. Dana and Matt
4. Sheri and Cole
5. Brodie and Kurt -- Philiminated

Brodie is going to make good with his date plans for Blair.

Survivor: Kaoh Rong - April 27 Blog Party

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

I hope that between his Immunity advantage and his idol, Tai is safe through Tribal. I wouldn't shed any tears if Jason went away.

Lifeguard Laurie has been keeping up with the pool --

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

Jury
Neal Gottlieb (when the infection is gone) - Merrilee, JoyzJenn
Nick Maiorano - Laurie, ML
Debbie Wanner - meb, Rbennie
Scot Pollard - Delee, Pinky

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

Of course, Jason is very upset with Tai. He's lost both his partner and his idol.  Michele and Julie are upset they were left out of the loop. Yet, Tai is now in with Aubry, Cydney and Joe.

Tai apologized to Jason and Jason acted cool about it. But, he's not.

Reward Challenge time -- they race through obstacles to collect three rings, tethered together in random pairs. They then have to toss the rings onto a fish hook target. Jason picked the wrong rock and won't participate. Julie/Aubry, Tai/Joe, Michele/Cydney. The prize is a helicopter tour of the island followed by a fried chicken feast.

Cydney and Michele win. Can pick one person to join them. They chose Aubrey to go with them because she hasn't eaten.

While on Reward, Michele works her way back in with the girls.

Cydney and Aubry know they don't want to go to the final three with Tai. But he can wait. They have others who need to go first and they need Tai.

Jason and Julia think that, with Michele, they only need one more to get Tai out of the game. They're thinking Cydney. Jason wants to sell her on the idea.

Immunity Challenge! Race to a platform, memorized symbols and corresponding numbers, open a combination lock, solve a puzzle. Julia is in the lead, Joe is sitting it out due to exhaustion. Now Michele is also working on her puzzle.

Michele wins with the word BLINDSIDED.

In discussion, the name Jason is brought up. But the consensus seems to be Julia. Michele isn't too happy with that. And, it would be typical of Survivor to have a flip. Thankfully, Tai is suspicious -- he will bring his idol and his advantage to Tribal.

Some of the key votes seem to be up in the air as Tribal Council starts.

The tally --
Tai does NOT play his idol. Aubry whispered to him he's safe.

Tai, Julia, Tai, Julia, Julia, Julia.

Julia gets the boot. Even her best buddy Michele voted for her to go. Only Jason and Julia voted Tai.

Off Topic: That Was the Week It Was - April 24, 2016

Good morning! Since it's a Sunday morning, that means it's time for my weekly off television topic reflection on the week gone by in both words and photos I've taken along the way. Please stop by on show nights for east coast live blogging (and blog parties) for both The Amazing Race and Survivor!

We've finally had a week of actual spring temperatures in the area -- perhaps a bit chilly overnights, but not below freezing. I've noticed many trees are a bit more sparse with their blossoms than they usually are. But, at least, what's blooming now has a chance of surviving the weather. Of course, with more trees blossoming and sprouting new leaves come the allergies.

Achoo!

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

• I slowly recovered from that illness of the previous week. I was ready to call 911 (which I've never done other than a witness at traffic accidents and such -- never for myself) at one point. I probably would have called a taxi instead if it came down to going to the emergency room. My health insurance is cost prohibitive when it comes to ambulances if you're not admitted to the hospital. I don't know how all the people who regularly call ambulances for minor things do it. Oh. Wait. They probably don't pay the bills!
• After enduring blasting thump-thump extremely loud bass "music" from the apartment above me on Tuesday night until nearly midnight, I broke down and called the landlord's office. I hate to do that -- I don't want to be known as a "complainer." This is the second complaint I've made in the 16 years I've lived here. But, although usually quiet on weekdays, the tenant above me is ridiculous with his stereo Friday evenings through Sunday nights. I generally can't read, listen to my own music or watch television when he has his stereo cranked. You can hear it in the parking lot and in the hallway of the floor below him (my floor). I had enough. It vibrates my windows and my ceiling light fixtures. So, the Tuesday night was my breaking point. He has been quiet since I called. However, I'm not sure he's home yesterday and today. I haven't heard footsteps (which I would not complain about).
• There has been now two manhole cover explosions and fires -- same manhole both times -- around the corner from me. While it's tying up traffic, it's not affecting my power here. They need to fix that, though.
• If you haven't heard, Prince died. That was a shocker. He was much too young and we lost such a great talent. It makes you wonder about your own mortality when someone that energetic and seemingly healthy (vegetarian and all) passes at such a young age. I do hope it wasn't drug-related. Our generation has lost too many talented folks to that scourge.
• Today would have been my father's 90th birthday. He's been gone for decades. I'm much older than he ever lived to be. I've lived most of my life without my parents since they both died young five months apart. The only good things about that is that they're forever young in mind (as that's the only way I ever knew them to be) and, unlike so many of my friends, I'm not dealing with aging parents medical issues today. But I still miss my father. He was a dear, dear man who worked hard and thought I was special. I think he'd get a kick out of my photography work these days!

Oh, well ... onto the photos for this week -- clicking on an image will bring up a larger version.

Dogwood trees are in bloom

Both the white and the pink dogwood trees are in their glory at the moment. This particular tree is on Berckman Street in Plainfield.

It's a magical time to behold

I really don't know what these trees are. There are several of them at the Plainfield Train Station.

Jersey Shore Soul Survivaz

... shop at Jesus Embroidery on North Avenue in Plainfield. And, no. I doubt he's a gynecologist despite what his jacket says. They ride to survive, y'know.

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

The Amazing Race Blog Party - April 22, 2016

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

The Magnificent Margo (and Mom) have made the random picks for the blog pool and here they are ...
Tyler & Korey-P- Paula Bell, Bruce & Ray, SueGee
Burnie & Ashley- Buzzmaam, Delee
Sheri & Cole- Donna in FL, Merrilee, Becky
Zach & Rachel- Sharon N, Nana in NW
Dana & Matt- Grandi, Nicklepeed
Kurt & Brodie- David, Ed in OH

Philiminated:
Marty & Hagan- Jackie, Willie J
Cameron & Darius- chrob61, PDXGranny
Jessica & Brittany- Donna in AL, Monty924
Erin & Joslyn- Brian, Margo, Rbennie
Scott & Blair- Meb, Jennasmom

Tonight we'll see if Sheri and Cole can make it through a Speed Bump. I'm worried!

Ready to race?

Teams are off to Bali in Indonesia. All teams are on the same flight.

Once they get their clue, they have to wait until morning. They can search for the next clue spaced out in 15 minute interviews. They must deliver two separate offerings to different places --- it's fruit basket ensembles on their heads. The second offering is SNAKES!

Then they're off past the Bat Temple!

Roadblock -- Making salt from the ocean to finish. Who's worth their salt?

Meanwhile, Sheri and Cole hit the Speed Bump. They have to figure out a guy on a bike is a Meals on Wheels and deliver meals.

Sheri and Cole finished the Speed Bump and now they've bypassed Rachel and Zach in the Roadblock. It involved carrying heavy loads of water and Rachel is the only woman who did it. She's struggling.

A second Roadblock - Build a kite and go fly a kite! These are giant kites. The Alpha Team is using Brodie as Kurt used up his Roadblocks. Only Burnie and Ashley know that the Alphas have used up their Express Pass.

Pit Stop
1. Tyler and Korey - won $5,000 each
2, Burnie and Ashley
3. Sheri and Cole
4. Dana and Matt
5. Brodie and Kurt
6. Zach and Rachel -- Philiminated

Survivor: Kaoh Rong - April 20 Blog Party

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

The promos are promising us another blindside. Who woulda thunk it?

Lifeguard Laurie has been keeping up with the pool --

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

Jury
Neal Gottlieb (when the infection is gone) - Merrilee, JoyzJenn
Nick Maiorano - Laurie, ML
Debbie Wanner - meb, Rbennie

Let's get this show going!

Scot, Tai and Jason are happy dudes -- they're all safe, Debbie is out and they still have the idols. Scot wants to work with Aubry and get rid of Cydney. Aubry isn't really buying into it even though she's acting receptive to him.

Reward Challenge time. Balance ceramic pots on a balance beam with one foot. They can choose to play for a bacon cheeseburger, fries and beer or a letter from a loved one or they can play for an advantage. They're only competing against the people playing for the same reward.

Advantage - Tai, Cydney and Aubry
Food - Scot, Jason, Michele
Letter - Julia, Joe

Julia wins the love letters from home.
Michele wins food.
Tai wins the advantage.

Tai's advantage is that he won an extra vote (up until five people are left).

Julia wants to target Tai to bring out the idols. Uh-oh. They figure the guys will vote for Cydney. Aubry is a bit suspicious of both Julia and Michele. The plot thickens.

Hmm ... Tai and Aubry are going to work together! Spiffy! She's definitely more his type than the bullyish dudes. She told him she's willing to work with the guys. Tai tells the guys and Scot/Jason think Aubry should be out next. They're making Tai feel even more of an outsider.

Immunity Challenge time! Stretch arms out to touch disks holding up ceramic pots with fingertips. (I wonder if all these pots are symbolic of 420?)

Joe out. Scot out. Julia out. Tai out. Michele out. Cydney out. After a tremendous effort, Aubry loses out and Jason wins Immunity. (Grr.)

Scot and Jason are sure that it will be Aubry going home. Of course, they do have a super idol. Scot and Jason convince Julie that they need to get rid of Tai anyway. Cydney and Aubry are thinking of blindsiding Scot. Aubry tries to convince Tai. Hmm.

Tribal Council time. Huh. Scot tells Jeff that they're not going anywhere. Tai just looks uncomfortable. Jason is being super-smug. Gah. We know he can't go!

The tally ... Tai is getting conflicted play it/don't play it. He doesn't.

Tai, Aubry, Scot, Tai, Aubry, Scot, Scot, Scot.

WHOA, NELLIE! Tai won't match up his idol and save Scot! Scot is GONE!

Epic! Legendary! I once again love that Tai guy!

Off Topic: That Was the Week It Was - April 17, 2016

Good morning! Since it's a Sunday morning, that means it's time for my weekly off television topic reflection on the week gone by in both words and photos I've taken along the way. Please stop by on show nights for east coast live blogging (and blog parties) for both The Amazing Race and Survivor!

I don't have a lot for you this week. I've been under the weather most of the week with a stomach virus and an upper respiratory infection. I still feel icky even though the doctor gave me some antibiotics. He said since the respiratory infection is viral, that just may take time. I hate how I seem to catch more of these things and they affect me so much more as I get older.

We finally seem to have turned the page and this week was spring, albeit with a few nights of overnight freeze/frost temperatures. Of course, this was the week that for three days I was so sick I only went to the doctor's office and the drug store. Grr.

Yesterday, when I arrived at Bridgewater about a half-hour early for work, the cars were lining up along the front of the TD Ball Park stadium for a vintage car show. So, I had time to take shots and even had an interesting conversation with one of the car owners. I shot some of these same cars last year when I saw them. But, this year I had a better vantage point.

Other than that, I don't have much for you. Onto the photos! Clicking on an image will bring up a larger version.

Ron's sweet Thunderbird!

He's the only driver I talked to as the line of vintage cars drove by to park for a car show at the TD Ball Park (Somerset Patriots) adjacent to the Bridgewater Train Station. When I told him I was going to post a shot of his car on this blog and gave him the website info, he told me he owned a Yankees Stadium and gave me his YouTube. Um, right. Sure he owns a Yankees Stadium! But ... wait! He's right! He's a Yankees superfan and does indeed have his own stadium! You can see it at this YouTube video. Cool. Nice guy and you could only meet someone like him in New Jersey! (Plus a really sweet T-Bird with color-coordinated fuzzy dice!) If you're reading this, Ron ... nice to meet you!

A Chevrolet BelAir, year unknown

And what am I doing in this handbasket?

Sign at the Plainfield NJ Transit Train Station.

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

The Amazing Race Blog Party - April 15, 2016

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

The Magnificent Margo (and Mom) have made the random picks for the blog pool and here they are ...
Tyler & Korey-P- Paula Bell, Bruce & Ray, SueGee
Burnie & Ashley- Buzzmaam, Delee
Sheri & Cole- Donna in FL, Merrilee, Becky
Zach & Rachel- Sharon N, Nana in NW
Dana & Matt- Grandi, Nicklepeed
Kurt & Brodie- David, Ed in OH

Philiminated:
Marty & Hagan- Jackie, Willie J
Cameron & Darius- chrob61, PDXGranny
Jessica & Brittany- Donna in AL, Monty924
Erin & Joslyn- Brian, Margo, Rbennie
Scott & Blair- Meb, Jennasmom

Ready to race?

Teams are off to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. The traveling Travelocity gnome is promised ahead. All the teams are on the same flight. So, we're starting out even once again.

In the desert, they pick up their gnome and face the Detour. Race It or Oasis. Racing bikes against camels or leading camels to a camp. Sheri and Cole are lost as all the other teams are hitting the Detour.

The Alpha Boys made it through the all but impossible task of racing camels. But now they can barely walk.

They're the first ones to the Roadblock -- at Aqua Adventure -- getting into a shark tank and solving a puzzle for their next clue.

The Alpha Boys give up on solving the puzzle and use their Express Pass. It's off to Poseidon's Revenge. Oh my.

Cole and Sheri actually beat the camels on bikes. But they're lost again now.

1. Brodie and Kurt -- won a trip to Finland
2. Burnie and Ashley
3. Korey and Tyler

Dana and Matt are having a meltdown. If they don't get their act together, Sheri and Cole might pass them. That is, if Sheri and Cole don't get lost again.

4. Zach and Rachel
5. Matt and Dana
6. Sheri and Cole -- NONPHILIMINATION!!!

They're still in it! They will have a Speed Bump in the next leg!

Survivor: Kaoh Rong - April 13 Blog Party

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

Lifeguard Laurie has been keeping up with the pool --

Aubry Braco - Jennasmom, Glenn
Cydney Gillon - Leo Lionharted, PDX Granny
Debbie Wanner - meb, Rbennie
Joseph Del Campo - Grandi, Petals
Julia Sokolowski - Indiana Jane, Nickelpeed
Kyle Jason - Nana in the NW, Sharon N.
Michele Fitzgerald - Brian TCC, Kelsey NY
Scot Pollard - Delee, Pinky
Tai Trang - Margo, anonymouse

Jury
Neal Gottlieb (when the infection is gone) - Merrilee, JoyzJenn
Nick Maiorano - Laurie, ML

Let's get this show going!

Tai is worried about his vote for Jason. He, Scott and Jason talk about using the Super Idol to save themselves. They're also hiding the machete and stuff to make camp life miserable. Tai thinks it's all a bit too extreme. He doesn't want to be a part of it, but says he can't control what they do. 

Scot and Jason get Plan Sabotage into motion, hiding the tools.

Debbie tells us they're not gentlemen. Ha. The girls are working on their own methods not using the hidden tools. Scot, in his own little hissy fit, dumps water on the fire.

Tai tells the boys that he can't do this. And Scot reminds him that he threw them under the bus last night at Tribal.

Reward Challenge -- Two teams of four, attached to one long rope, unravel, retrieve sandbags and hit targets. The reward is Chinese take-out. One person will be left out and gets to pick the team they think will win, celebrate with them or lose out with them.

Scot, Jason and Tai look for a female volunteer. Julia decides to join them. Joe sits out and picks the girls to win.

Jason, Scot, Tai and Julia win Reward.

Debbie thinks that Julia's still with them while Cydney thinks that she's going to play both sides. Aubry thinks the same. Julia told us that it would be good to sit in the final four with Jason and Scot because the jury would never vote for them to win. But, will they vote for her if she stabs her original alliance in the back? Hmm.

Oh, geez. Not Tai is putting out the fire. What have they done to him?!?!

Debbie wants Scot out. Aubry thinks it would be smarter to vote out Julia and flush out any idols the guys might have.

Immunity Challenge time! Stack blocks on a beam while avoiding trip obstacles. Once stacked, the blocks should fall like dominoes hitting a gong.

Julia wins Immunity! There goes Aubry's plan.

Debbie tells the girls (including Julia) they need to vote three for Scot and three for Tai. Julia runs to the boys and Scot tells her that she needs to vote Cydney. Aubry and Cydney think they need to cut Debbie loose. They think Debbie will bring them all down before Scot and Jason can. Joe doesn't want to vote for Debbie, though.

Cydney and Michelle go to Julia and tell her they want to send Debbie home. She's certainly not against that idea.

Tribal -- Jason and Scot decide to talk. They say Tai has an idol. Jason also shows his idol. Jason claims they'll let fate decide which of them (Scot or Jason) will stay or go.

Jason gives his idol to Tai. Tai sits down with both.

The tally:
Scot, Cydney, Scot, Cydney, Cydney, Debbie, Debbie, Debbie, Debbie.

So, the Super Idol wasn't needed and Debbie is out.

Off Topic: That Was the Week It Was - April 10, 2016

Good morning! Since it's Sunday morning, 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. If you're a fan of either Survivor or The Amazing Race (or both), please stop by on show nights as they air East Coast time for live blogging and blog parties in the comments area. It makes the show even more fun to watch when you watch it with friends!

Our weather here this past week has been more like winter than spring. I'm so tired of putting away my winter jacket thinking it's all over only to get it out once again ... or shiver in my fleece. Although we've had the threat of snow more than a few times this week, I only saw some flurries once. Nonetheless, I'm tired of it. We need spring!

My downstairs neighbor passed away in either a hospital or a hospice (not here in the building) a few weeks ago. I didn't realize it until some men were emptying out his apartment and bringing most of his stuff to the dumpsters and stacking furniture around the dumpsters. Most of his stuff was either fiberboard type furniture or incredibly worn stuff that might have been nice 30 years ago. The men cleaning out the apartment took the nicer pieces and I noticed some things seemed to disappear to scavengers overnight. It's very sad that that represented a man's life. He was my downstairs neighbor for about twelve years, my source for building gossip and he'd often offer me a ride home if he saw me downtown on foot. He didn't make a lot of noise and, if he did, I always felt free to go down and say something to him. But, I never had to do so. Rest in peace, Lee.

Meanwhile, my upstairs neighbor of about a year and a half is growing more annoying. He's extremely quiet on weekdays. But, on weekends he turns into some sort of party animal with a horribly loud thumping bass stereo. I've lived in this apartment for 16 years. There's been about six different tenants upstairs from me during that time. With all of them, I could only hear conversation if they were shouting at each other. I rarely heard more that a hint of music from upstairs.

None of them had carpet -- he does. I hear him shouting in "normal conversation" over the "music." I can't really call it music as all I hear is the bass thumping. I know some other people, perhaps his neighbors on either side, have called the police on him. I've been tempted to do so. The noise hasn't started up yet as I get this posted. But the landlord will get a call tomorrow if it does. I have to work on Saturdays and don't get home until around 8pm. I don't want to hear, nor should I hear, a constant thump of bass which sounds like a mallet pounding on my ceiling. Nor should my one day off on Sunday be noise from early in the morning until midnight. Grr.

I finally figured out how to use the now free Google NIK photo editor I downloaded a few weeks ago. I couldn't see where it went in my computer! All I could read online had it used as plug-ins for Photoshop or other expensive photo editing software programs I don't own. I discovered I can open photos with the various six programs of NIK. But then I couldn't tell the system where to save them and found they were being saved under documents. Now I have it all under control. I think.

Work has been totally exhausting. But, what else is new?

Onto this week's photos! Clicking on an image will bring up a larger version.

My ride home from work

It's too bad it doesn't take me right to my door! But I do prefer to hear train whistles from blocks away rather than right outside my window. I edited this shot of my train arriving at the Bridgewater Train Station. It's nice to leave when there's some daylight. Now it it could just warm up a bit!

Welcome, Love, Justice, Peace

Banners were flying yesterday at the Friends (Quakers) Meeting House on Watchung Avenue in Plainfield. By the time I noticed them to take photographs, I was up on the westbound platform of the Plainfield Train Station. So, Justice is a bit obscured ... as it sometimes can be in real life.

It's a cold, cold rain

No, we didn't get the snow they predicted. But, man, that rain was COLD. This is a shot of my arrival home from work last night at the Plainfield Train Station.

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

The Amazing Race Blog Party - April 8, 2016

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

The Magnificent Margo (and Mom) have made the random picks for the blog pool and here they are ...
Tyler & Korey-P- Paula Bell, Bruce & Ray, SueGee
Burnie & Ashley- Buzzmaam, Delee
Sheri & Cole- Donna in FL, Merrilee, Becky
Zach & Rachel- Sharon N, Nana in NW
Dana & Matt- Grandi, Nicklepeed
Scott & Blair- Meb, Jennasmom
Kurt & Brodie- David, Ed in OH

Philiminated:
Marty & Hagan- Jackie, Willie J
Cameron & Darius- chrob61, PDXGranny
Jessica & Brittany- Donna in AL, Monty924
Erin & Joslyn- Brian, Margo, Rbennie

Since last week was a non-Philimination, Sheri and Cole should be facing a Speed Bump this leg. Amazing Race fans ready? Let's GO!

All the teams are on a midnight train to Georgia (not the United States Georgia), so it's all an even playing field again. That is with the exception of the Express Pass (Kurt and Brodie) and the Speed Bump ahead.

So far they're being directed from Freedom Square to another location where they have to ride a gondola to an extremely old church/fortress.

Detour - Either Georgia winemaking or making a string. They have to clean pots or make a candied wine string thing.

From the Detour, it's onto the National Opera for the next clue. Zach and Rachel are in the lead, first ones off the Detour. Uh-oh ... Korey and Tyler are switching to the cleaning the wine pots. That's not easy, either.

Roadblock -- Who's light on your feet? Ballet. Yikes. It's not ballet as we think it. Think of an Irish jog mixed with a Russian wedding dance, but certain moves which must be done.

The Pit Stop is coming up!

1. Zach and Rachel - won a trip for two
2. Burnie and Ashley
3. Brodie and Kurt
4. Sheri and Cole (Apparently no Speed Bump. I just assumed, I guess.)
5. Korey and Tyler
6. Scott and Blair -- Philiminated.

Aw, I liked them. All the teams are likeable this season. 

Survivor: Kaoh Rong - April 6 Blog Party

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

Oh ... in Big Brother news, Jeff and Jordan got married and they're expecting a baby! Check it out on my BB Facebook page.

Lifeguard Laurie has been keeping up with the pool --

Aubry Braco - Jennasmom, Glenn
Cydney Gillon - Leo Lionharted, PDX Granny
Debbie Wanner - meb, Rbennie
Joseph Del Campo - Grandi, Petals
Julia Sokolowski - Indiana Jane, Nickelpeed
Kyle Jason - Nana in the NW, Sharon N.
Michele Fitzgerald - Brian TCC, Kelsey NY
Nick Maiorano - Laurie, ML
Scot Pollard - Delee, Pinky
Tai Trang - Margo, anonymouse

Jury
Neal Gottlieb (when the infection is gone) - Merrilee, JoyzJenn

It should be interesting watching these folks scramble for numbers. It will be the first out by Tribal Council since the merge as last week Neal left for medical reasons.

Joe's worrying about the ex-Brains players being the odd men/women out. Well, most certainly I'd say Debbie is odd! However, it's more Aubry who is being targeted. She knows it. She's hoping to find a crack or start some trouble to keep in the game.

Kyle Jason tells the others of his daughter's problems with autism. Cydney points out to us that it will make him harder to beat at the end and that's something they need to think about.

Rewards Challenge has them split into two teams of five. They're playing for ice cream. It's a schoolyard pick. Julia, Scot, Nick, Debbie and Tai vs. Aubry, Cydney, Jason, Michelle and Joe. They have to support teammates on posts through the water. Then all five have to balance on a small platform. It's not easy!

Scot, Nick, Debbie, Tai and Julia win the ice cream! Bond-forming time for a few!

Meanwhile, Cydney is suspicious about Nick working his way in with Jason and Scot. Hmm.

Immunity Challenge time. They have to balance on a very narrow perch holding a handle behind their heads. Jeff is trying his best to annoy, antagonize and destroy them. He offers a temptation in the form of food for ones who feel they're safe tonight.

Julia steps down before the food. It's pizzas, hot dogs, brownies, chicken. Jason, Scot, Joe and Michele take the food.

Tai lets it slip he doesn't want a Brain to win.

Debbie is out. When Nick said Brains were targets, Cydney smirked. Nick and Aubry are out.

Tai and Cydney are the only ones left in.

TAI wins Immunity after Cydney looked like a rock through it all!

He tells us the Brawn and Beauty remainders will split the vote between Debbie and Aubry. I think Cydney might have other plans. We'll see.

Nick advises Aubry to vote Debbie and tells her there will be a split vote. He acts like the vote will be Joe or Debbie. Cydney wants to target Nick. She approaches Debbie and Aubry with the idea. She approaches Michele and Julia. Michele, of course, is in an alliance with Nick. So, she's iffy.

Tribal Council time. Nick is his arrogant self claiming a Brain is going home on a split vote. Tai mentions the super-idol abilities, surprising some who know nothing about it.

Jason votes Aubry, Nick votes Debbie. Debbie votes Nick.

The tally:
Aubry, Debbie, Nick, Aubry, Jason, Nick, Nick, Nick, Nick.

HA! Nick is out!

Off Topic: That Was the Week It Was - April 3, 2016

Good morning! It's Sunday morning ... time for my weekly off television topic reflection of the week gone by in both words and photos I've taken along the way. If you're a fan of either Survivor or The Amazing Race (or both!), please stop by on show nights as the shows air East Coast time for my live-blogging of the episodes and the blog parties in the comments area!

My apologies for getting this post up so late today. Last night's wild weather awakened me several times with hail and winds which sounded like freight trains! There have been several trees down around town and power outages. My power has stayed on (so far), but many areas in Plainfield are out as I get this written up. And now, several hours into these winds, I just got a Nixle Alert on my cell phone advising me to stay inside due to dangerous conditions outside. Well, duh. I took trash out to the dumpster and snagged my Sunday newspaper from the front of the building. The wind was ridiculous. I'm glad I don't have to go to work today.

Meanwhile, a certain cat keeps jumping on me to purr in my ear. Don't get me wrong. I love the cat. But, sheesh ... he sure can be an affection mongering kind of cat! Once he's on my shoulder, I can't type at all.

Random notes on the week:

• We keep alternating between winter and spring. Unfortunately, most of the warmer days, we've had rain.
• We started the week with high wind warnings. We ended the week (and started this week) with high wind warnings.
• I keep having to get out my winter jacket, then putting it away.
• I worked extra hours this week and I'm totally exhausted.
• I actually have three of four days off starting today. I work tomorrow, but have off both Tuesday and Wednesday. I volunteered to take a paid vacation day to help with a budget cut this week at work. Good for them; good for me. I need the rest. I've been running on empty.
• We didn't get the overnight snow coating they predicted for last night. However, I'm sure we had a hail coating in the middle of the night!
• I bought a package of peanuts to feed squirrels. I'm weird like that.
• The Walking Dead season finale is tonight. Gulp. They better not kill off Darryl. Or, if they do, perhaps they could bring in Larry and his brother Darryl and his other brother Darryl from Newhart. I bet they'd be quite capable in the zombie apocalypse. 

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

On a wing and a prayer?

More like on wings and wind currents. A turkey vulture was having the time of its life gliding about in the high winds earlier in the week. He's probably hiding with the hurricane-force winds we're getting today!

Daffodils are still growing strong

Despite some outright overnight freezes, they're hanging in there!

First bum of the day

No Plainfield Train Station ticketed passengers can use that platform shelter in this photo. The bums hang out all day and most of the night there. They're responsible for all the trash on the grass in that area, too. It's sad that new apartments have been set up on North Avenue in rehabbed buildings, commanding a luxury rent price ... and they look out on the Plainfield Train Station bum gathering. The police regularly stop by and move along those on the East 4th Street side of the station. Yet this spot is almost totally ignored. I doubt those new apartments will ever have good quality tenants until the loitering issues are solved. 

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

The Amazing Race Blog Party - April 1, 2016

The show is starting! As you all know, it's been off for a few weeks due to basketball. (Grr.) As it airs here on the East Coast, I'll post the major happenings live. Refresh the page to get the latest! However, as it always is ... the real party is in the comments area. Please join in on the fun! (And bring tasty beverages and snacks!)

The Magnificent Margo (and Mom) have made the random picks for the blog pool and here they are ...
Tyler & Korey-P- Paula Bell, Bruce & Ray, SueGee
Burnie & Ashley- Buzzmaam, Delee
Sheri & Cole- Donna in FL, Merrilee, Becky
Zach & Rachel- Sharon N, Nana in NW
Dana & Matt- Grandi, Nicklepeed
Scott & Blair- Meb, Jennasmom
Kurt & Brodie- David, Ed in OH

Philiminated:
Marty & Hagan- Jackie, Willie J
Cameron & Darius- chrob61, PDXGranny
Jessica & Brittany- Donna in AL, Monty924
Erin & Joslyn- Brian, Margo, Rbennie

Amazing Race fans ready? Let's GO!

Teams are on their way to Armenia. All teams are on the same flight. So, any one could win this leg ... theoretically. There is an Express Pass waiting for the winner of the leg. The teams are bunched waiting to purchase opera tickets. They're not going to see the opera -- their next clue is hidden in the theater.

Teams have to climb a gazillion steps next -- Cascade.

The Alpha Boys are leading the pack, followed by Cole and Sheri.

Detour: Thread - Make a rug or ... Bread - making traditional bread. Both tasks are difficult.

Tyler/Korey and Blair/Scott are the last ones out of the theater.

The Alpha Boys are the first on their way to the next clue. No real surprise there. They have to take a certain bus and pick up the clue along the roadside at a stand.

Roadblock -- Who's feeling drained? They have to do an oil change. Only two cars at a time can be on the ramp.

Alpha Boys are heading to the Pit Stop.

Pit Stop:
1. Kurt and Brodie - won Express Pass (to be used before the 9th leg)
2. Burnie and Ashley
3. Zach and Rachel

Sheri at first didn't have the tool to loosen the oil filter. Then she keeps trying to loosen it in the wrong direction. That might cost them the leg/race (dependent on whether it's a non-Philimination or not). We're probably due for a non-Philimination. But I could be wrong.

4. Dana and Matt

Scott helps Sheri!

5. Scott and Blair
6. Tyler and Korey
7. Sheri and Cole -- NON-PHILIMINATION!

They're immediately going to start on the next leg!