Big Brother 18: Blog Pool Picks Announced!

While some latecomers were added in, the pool sign-up is now closed and ready to be exposed! If you didn't get in, please feel free to cheer on your favorite hamster and take part in things anyway! As the season goes on, I'll be posting the current pool standings in blog party eviction night posts and after eviction. May the best hamster win!

Tiffany Rousso - meb, SueGee, David, Jessica UNderwood

Natalie Negrotti - Sharon N, Jackie P, QuixoticElf, Orkmommy

Jozea Flores - Sasha, Merrilee, Tammy, Petals, JonMD1267

Bridgette Dunning - Brian, Indiana Jane, Caela, Chauncey, Paula Bell

Paulie Calafiore - Joel, Chacha, Sally, Ed In Ohio, Buzzmaam

Glenn Garcia - Sharon C, uncartie, Dennis Comfort, Delee, Donna in Alabama

Bronte D'Acquisto - Jean in Tampa, elee86, Russ, Cheryl, Donna in FL

Zakiyah Everette - Tilde, Jo C, Jenng326, Ayana, jennifer

Corey Brooks - Fred aka TwoBlackAces, Barbara B. W., Dierdre, Cheryl in NC

Paul Abrahamian - Jackie, Arf Barf, WolfpackRed, chrob61

Victor Arroyo - Helenann2K, RBennie, Janice, Monty924

Michelle Meyer - Rich, Chase, Glenn, Anonymouse

If you want to scope out your hamster, use the 'first impressions' link at the bottom of this post to bring up the twelve hamsters. I'm aware that we're probably going to have four returning hamsters in some capacity. But they haven't been announced and won't be a part of the pool. Sucks to be them, huh?

Are we READY?!?!

Image © CBS

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.

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?

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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 -- 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.

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.

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?

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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.

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?

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