'Big Brother 8' - Live Feeds, TV Squad, and WhatNot

Okay, I lied about the whatnot. Is that a penalty nomination or is it a vote?

I have two articles over on TV Squad awaiting publishing online. One is about the Allison Grodner interview with EW.com and the other is on Amber and Daniele's appearance on The Power of Ten (with a photo even!) next Tuesday at 8 PM. The Grodner interview should be posted by about 7:30 ET. I don't know about the other one yet.

I'll be live-blogging the live eviction show as it airs here on the East Coast. Everyone's invited! It begins at 8 PM ET, be here or be square hepcats.

As for the house happenings today -- it's been relatively quiet (the quiet before the storm?). They have to clean house today as if it's not on television every single day. I never understand that, but it could just be me. Each eviction night they get a feast sent in by the show -- this week they're having In 'n Out burgers. Lots of primping was going on, none by Evel Dick. He fluffed his hair, though.It looks like a definite Jen Go Home tonight and they discussed various ways they would like to send her off. We'll have to see if any odd send-offs come to fruition.

'Big Brother 8' - Live Feeds Into Thursday Pre-Dawn

<--- Daniele smiles at Amber during their late night chat in the HOH room.

Sigh. Again, it's been on the uneventful side in the house. It goes from explosion and vote-switching to the doldrums day by day this season.

Here's what's happened since I last reported from inside that Big Brother House of Calm Winds:

• Zach and Evel Dick had a fight about Eric and his responsibility for saving Dick in the game. Evel ended up apologizing. Zach seemed okay with it, but I don't think he'll forget how quickly Dick can go off.
• Jen told Jameka she's never gone this long without a massage before.
• Jen found more of her stuff which had been hidden by Dick.
• The HG were on an extended indoor lockdown and don't know why. Nothing seemed to change in the yard upon their return.
• Jen continues to eat and now seems resigned to the fact that she'll be voted out on Thursday although still balking at going to the sequester house.
• Jameka and Jen both worked on packing some of their things in preparation for the show.
• Amber asked Zach and Evel Dick if they've masturbated in the house. Both said no. Amber and Zach said Dustin did four times. Dick finds it odd they know such things.
• Amber told Jameka she's depressed.
• Amber thanked God for letting her be on the game show and see her cousin. (Perhaps her cousin was the back-up person they use? Not sure of the terminology they use for the "helper" if the contestant gets stuck.)
• Dick is angry that Daniele made a deal with Amber. They fight ... again.
• Jameka is looking forward to getting off of slop Thursday night.
  
• Daniele hates being there. (A huge surprise, eh?)
• Jameka cried and prayed.
• Amber and Daniele talked forever (still as I post this) in the HOH room.
  
• Daniele reminisced about Nick ... way too much, methinks.

Sneak Peek: TBS - 'World's Funniest Commercials'

My friendly FedEx guy knocked on my door today and gave me a screener for the upcoming World's Funniest Commercials on TBS. Cool. The BB feeds are kind of blah and depressing today; I needed to smile!

Set to air Thursday, August 30, and once again hosted by Kevin Nealon, this show is always fun! Last year it came to us from Times Square in New York City, this year it's Paris. Oui, you heard me, Paris! Kevin's wife, Susan Yeagley co-hosts the show.

With TV commercials from all over the world, and the funniest ones to boot, this show is a keeper with me. One of the things I enjoy the most about it is the plethora of commercials I've never before seen -- both the foreign and regional US ones (outside of my region).

"Nothing beats a sunset and a ginger lime..." Oh, my!

For me, funny ad campaigns are good ad campaigns. If a commercial is boring, I don't pay attention. Make me laugh and I'll always remember your product.

Remember -- Thursday, 8/30 at 9 PM (after BB!), on TBS. Be there.

'Big Brother 8' - Live Feeds Report - Wed. 8/22 So Far

Today has been on the uneventful side for the most part.









The biggest "excitement" for the houseguests was the time spent with the HOH digital camera. Above you see Zach and Jessica with glass bowls on their heads. They also took photos of the ants in the kitchen.

A thrill a minute, eh?

Jen ate and ate some more.

All of the others either all but pretended she doesn't exist or made snide comments to/about her. They've picked up with the "she cheats and doesn't follow the rules" and are running with it.

Daniele made Dick remove Jen's bags of stuff from the HOH room and told Jen they weren't in the room any longer.

Daniele went on about not knowing what to write in her HOH diary entry this time because she said it all the last time.

A few folks tired to pry information from Amber about the NYC trip, but Amber was pretty impressive in not revealing anything. I'm shocked. She didn't even cry about it.

Jen found her clothes, at least most of them. Dick didn't destroy them, just hid them from her. He told her she'd get the rest back five minutes before the live show. Her bikini top managed to come unclasped in the kitchen. Eep. Was it divine intervention?

While Jen was in the DR, Dick grabbed the final bag of her clothes from the HOH room and hid it in the tall dresser.

While taking pictures, Zach had a pink boa and Eric wore Dustin's crown. Amber was mad that they used the crown. @@

Jen fussed some more about not wanting to go to sequester as it takes her away from her life. (What does being on the show do? Take her away from her life and allow her to be on TV, eh?) Zach tried to tell her that being on the jury is as important as being in the game. No go. She don't want to go!

They have an indoor lockdown going on as I get this posted. Dick joked it was because a banner plane flew by which read "Jen save Jen."

All in all, not a day for the record books in the house. And, there's no sign of Amber or Daniele on The Power of Ten as I post this. I will post an announcement if they appear, but I think it's going to be next week. I could be wrong, of course!

UPDATE: I wasn't paying strict attention, but I believe they just said two Big Brother contestants will compete on the show next Tuesday.

'Survivor 15: China' - My First Impressions on the Castaways - Part One

I'll be blogging review/recaps of the new Survivor season over on TV Squad this year, but I want to let you in on the cast members and, more importantly, my impressions and predictions for each of them right here! Since there are sixteen of them, I'll be posting on just a few at a time until I finish. I'm going alphabetically by first name from the official website information. Ready?

First up is Aaron. Now, I watched his video on the CBS site and he turned me off right away by mentioning how hunky he is. But I'll try to forget that as I read about him on his bio page.

Well, at least he doesn't say how "hunky" he is on the bio page! He likes to surf and cook. In addition to being a surfing instructor, he manages a tapas restaurant and bartends. That sounds typical for a reality show contestant, doesn't it?

He's a Fruity Pebbles fan and has varied tastes in music and foods. He doesn't mention Survivor in his favorite shows list, but mentions Top Chef a few times on the page.

He thinks his strengths are his cooking knowledge and how to make edible things tasty, plus he thinks he's witty and fun (in addition to saying he'll be a show hunk in the video). A weakness? Well, he just might be too nice.

Oh, my.I'm just not getting good vibes from Aaron. No, I'm not wincing like I did when I read "Boston" James' page last season, but I think he might be a bit too full of himself. I could be reading him totally wrong, but that's my first impression. Physically, he looks like a contender.

Next we have Amanda. While she's into outdoors activities, she's also been modeling since she was sixteen and is leaning towards the show biz aspect, I think.

Amanda was Miss Montana USA in 2005 and Miss Earth in 2006. Me? I didn't even know there was a Miss Earth contest. Did it have mud wrestling? That would be earthy indeed! (I know. I'm bad. I'm just so not into beauty pageants.)

But then there's the physical aspects to this young woman. On paper (er, computer monitor), she's looking very good. She's into rock-climbing, hiking, all kinds of woodsy-related outdoor activities.

She thinks she's motivated, competitive, and determined. And, most important, she never leaves home without her cowboy boots. In looking at her favorites list, I see she lists Survivor first amongst her favorite shows. She's a Grape-Nuts cereal fan. (I always do my own psychological profile based on their favorite cereals, y'see.) That tells me she has common sense and is health-conscious, but doesn't go overboard.

I didn't watch her video yet, but I think she could very well be a strong female in the game. I predict at least the final half, probably further, for Amanda.

Okay, and then we have Ashley, the wrestler. This could be an interesting group of very physically strong women if we keep up the trend started by Ashley and Amanda.

Reading through her bio page, it looks like a lot of name-dropping going on. I'm really not sure on a personal level if admitting you were on Danny Bonaduce's show is a good thing at all.

She went to the same college as I did (SUNY), but it doesn't list the location. Let's see if she can do the SUNY system proud. I wasn't too keen on the last Survivor contestant who went to my location of the school -- Sean Rector from the Marquesas season.

Ashley thinks she's spunky, quirky, optimistic, happy, resourceful, creative, adaptive, and relentless. (Yikes, sounds like Jen of BB8 describing herself.) From her favorites, I see Survivor made her show list after two wrestling things, 24 and South Park, but at least it's there. Her favorite cereal is Kashi. Nothing against Kashi, but it tells me she's power hungry for power cereal and will most likely snub her nose at Fruity Pebbles eaters.

Her chances? Hmm ... physically, she looks good. But something tells me she may rub folks the wrong way. I haven't watched her video, so I could be totally off base, but there's something there. I predict mid-pack or less for her.

Do you have any predictions for these three?

'Big Brother 8' - Live Feeds and Stuff - 8/22

This is the excitement from inside the house so far today -- an interesting camera angle capturing Jen doing laps in the pool as reflected in a window by the moose. I think she must be going for the 440 laps make a mile bit.

Dick is sitting on the couch in the yard smoking and spitting. All of the others are still asleep.

Over on TV Squad, I have a new feeds update post going on a bit more about last night, but the houseguests haven't given me any new fodder for today.

Yet.

TV Squad Article on Dustin's Exit Interview

I have an article up about Dustin's exit interview with the TV Tattler up over on TV Squad.

Check it out, if you'd be so kind! :-)

Google/Blogger Outage

And, I'm baaack! The entire Google/Blogger/Blogspot server went down for a few hours, but it's returned. Sorry, folks. It was system-wide and beyond my control. But, no fear. The houseguests are still sleeping and my last post is still the latest news.

'Big Brother 8' - Live Feeds - Overnight Into Wed. 8/22

Zoetawny had fun with Jen's eating spree, didn't she? Although there have been no more groundshaking spats in the house, Daniele and Amber returned from their trip. Amber says that Drew Carey is the best boyfriend ever! Okay, I'm just giving you a spool of lies with that last sentence. Here's the skinny on the latest from that Big Brother House of Game Show Contestants, Bingers and Whingers:

• Just to clear up from an earlier post -- when they all (but Jen) sat down to spaghetti dinner made by Eric, Jameka was with them but she didn't eat. Neither did Zach. I missed why Zach didn't eat, but he tends to watch his calorie intake and times he eats meals. He won't eat after a certain hour. Keep in mind, this is a guy who lost nearly 70 pounds shortly before going on the show. It could have been a solidarity move with Jameka, I suppose. He's been making game moves on her as of late.
• Eric wedged Jen's door shut so she was trapped in the bedroom, but BB yelled at him so he un-wedged it.
• Zach trapped Dick in the storeroom in the same manner, but that was in fun.
• Everyone is pretty much acting like Jen doesn't exist when she enters a room.
• Zach asked Evel Dick about Eric and Jessica. Dick told him they're all on the same page -- final five.
• Amber and Daniele returned about midnight Big Brother time (3 am here). They said they were only allowed to say they went to New York City but BB said they couldn't say why. (I just hope now that Amber's gone from the area it will stop raining today! It's been raining since she came this way.)
• I see the sun coming out. See! A dark cloud follows Amber!
• About the only news they seemed to pick up on outside the house was that Amber heard Michael Vick did something, but she didn't know what. (Dog-fighting arrest.)
• The others filled Amber and Daniele in on all the excitement since they've been gone.
• Jen claims she destroyed the cigarettes because she hates smokers and she's never even seen BB before -- they begged her to be on the show. (Now, we know there's a ChillTown connection. I'll buy that she hates smoking, but I think she's studied the game.)
• There was a lot of bickering back and forth between Jen and Eric since they acknowledged she exists in the Amber/Daniele return.
• Dick claims that BB said, "Thank you for being the bigger person." -- in regard to her destroying his property (cartons of cigarettes).
• Amber told Jen that it was very rude of her to do what she did. She asked how spoiled is she? Hmmm... Amber didn't cry over the demise of the cigarettes! She was more shocked that Jen destroyed property that wasn't hers.
• Meanwhile, it's dawning on Jameka that she's golden this week. With Jen acting out, it's certain that all will turn against her and she (Jameka) should sail through this week.
• Jen claims that she thought everyone was ignoring her and that led to her flipping out like she did. Yesterday she blamed the slop diet for flipping out.
• Jen told Eric and Jessica that Dick and Daniele wanted to make a deal with her, but she wouldn't do it.
• Before a quick block of the feeds Daniele told Dick that she heard the show is doing a good job of portraying people as they are. (Of course, that could have been a handler saying something to appease her, but...!)
• Jen is still fussing that she doesn't want to be in sequester -- she'd miss all the things happening in the house and she doesn't want to sit on a beach in Mexico. (I read that to mean, "I won't be on TV all the time.")
• Jen said she didn't eat just to hurt Jameka and really didn't look at it that way.
• Jen still thinks they "can't make her" go to sequester if she doesn't want to go.
  
• She doesn't know why she's even in the show because she has the best life anyone can have. @@
• Jen thinks that Amber, Jameka and herself are the most honest people in the game. (I would go for Jameka perhaps out of that bunch. The other two have both been sketchy. I'd put Zach in the honesty pool before Jen or Amber. But with Amber, she's bad at being shady.)
• Jen told Amber that Dick said they were only going to keep Jameka until the week before she can compete for HOH again.
• It looks like America voted to get Jen out of the house. Eric told Jameka she has his vote and doesn't seem to be working on Dick and Company to oust her.
• In talking about Jen being a nanny, Eric said he'd rather leave his kids home alone (if he had kids).
• Daniele told Dick to get Jen's clothes and belongings out of the HOH room. She wants no part of "this."
• Daniele seems very pleased for a change. The trip made her a happier person ... for a bit, at least.
• Dick told her he'd take Jen's stuff out in the morning and hide it in the backyard.
• Dick told Daniele that they (BB) changed Jen's penalty due to their plan to evict Jameka this week when they thought Jen would be a penalty nom. Instead the show gave her an automatic penalty vote.
• Jameka and Amber don't think they're "floating."
• Amber thinks that Jessica and Daniele are in an alliance because Daniele told her she would have liked to go on the trip with Jessica. (Um, maybe because Jessica is more fun than Amber? Dang, if I were on the trip, Amber would be the last person I'd choose to accompany me!)
• Amber had a long, long talk with Jameka -- she kept going on about when she wins HOH. She'd put up Eric and Jessica and, if veto used, Dick out. Or Daniele out depending on the minute she's talking.
• Dick and Daniele had another "I'm not listening to you" whine whine tiff. Of course, Dick was the "I'm only trying to communicate with you and you shut me out" broken record.
• Amber and Jameka are very leery of Eric. They think he's been pumping them for information -- asking if they made any deals with Daniele.

All are sleeping as I post this. I'm very surprised that Daniele and Amber seem to be actually keeping the secret of what they did on their trip. They must not have won the big bucks, eh?

And the sun is indeed out here now that Amber has left the area. Good.

'Big Brother 8' Live Feeds News or Lack There Of

Since I last posted feed news, not much has been happening. Jen apparently will receive one penalty vote although the others think the punishment should be more as she's been flaunting her eating. Due to the fact that Jameka is following her slop regimen, it seems more of a violation.

She will not receive a penalty nomination. Even Dick admits that's probably right as Amber would have been blindslided and it wasn't fair to Jameka either -- the plan to 1, 2, 3 them out of the house. He's now saying that Jen will leave 6-0 this week.

Jen vanished from the feeds long ago. Sleeping, maybe? The others all ate and are hanging around together, small talk.

They still have no idea where Amber and Daniele went and the girls haven't returned yet.

About the only real game talk was that Zach told Jameka he promises her his vote to stay (which is actually a vote for Jen to leave) because he hates cheaters. He's been calling Jen a cheater at every opportunity.

'Big Brother 8' - Aug. 21 Show Live-Blogged from the East Coast

Welcome! Grab a bowl of slop and a glass of iced tea and make yourself at home! The show is about to begin here on the East Coast.

This entry will constantly be updated with the show happenings as they air here in the NYC area. Please forgive any typos or misspellings and share your thoughts in the comments area. Refresh the page to get the latest.

We be in recap mode now. In the background I have America's Got Talent finale on. I hope to catch the eliminations there and will let you know about them and the winner, too. Unless I miss it, of course. I'm recording it.

Daniele has ticked off both Amber and Jameka. Once again, Amber thinks she's a "good person."

On AGT -- that young girl just got eliminated. Not Butterscotch, the country and western one.

Jen is talking to Jessica. She's pumping for information, but Jessica is playing dumb. Eric and Jessica are messing around. Not in a really adult manner, mind you. Zach likes to torment Eric when he's with her.

Amber tells Jameka she "can't with" jeesica because she's sneaky. Amber thinks she's such a big threat in the game and a target. "I had a vision."

Amber cries. She feels it, she sees it. Both Jameka and her will be in the final two! Hallelujah! (Which I probably spelled wrong.) No more crying she vows through her tears!

Eric is finding his Woobie now. He's cracking up over it. He's thrilled that "we" chose Jessica. Very sweet.

On AGT, Butterscotch was just eliminated.

Daniele and Zach are talking, he's sick of Eric and her dad. Daniele complains that Jen complains and Amber and Jameka mope around. What does Daniele think she does? They turn to Jen, Zach calls her a loose cannon. BTW - the talk turns to Jen, she isn't there. Zach tells us he's a force to be reckoned with.

Veto player pick -- special competition, two finalists will be rewarded with a top-secret trip out of the house. Daniele picks Houseguest's Choice -- Dick. Amber bitterly picks Jessica. Jameka picks Zach. Jen says it double sucks that she didn't get to play. Eric hosts.

Oh, people want that trip!

Time for the comp -- motorcycles in place they each get to sit on. A huge speedometer. The questions are based on the CBS.com polls.

Kail great politician? 19% -- Dick gets eliminated with 78%.
Life in the BB house easy? 14% -- Zach eliminated with his 62%.
Dustin a better boyfriend than Joe? 47% -- Jessica is eliminated.
Rather a beer with Nick than Mike? 70% -- Jameka out with 87%.
Amber is crying in the comp because Jameka got eliminated. Once again she puts everyone ahead of herself -- Amber thinks of herself.
Zach sexiest bunny of all? 35% -- Daniele wins POV with her 46%

Jen is happy because she prefers noms stay the same. Right. Amber and Jameka cry and hug. Amber is literally shaking.

And Amber cried. Did I mention that?

Make her STOP.

Daniele is telling Dick that she wants to make a deal with Amber for next week. Of course, we know that both Daniele and Dick wanted to backdoor Jen anyway, so this gives them an edge.

Now Amber is saying her vision was so real and can't believe it didn't come true. Amber suggests she make a deal with Daniele and bounces the idea off of Jameka.

Daniele and Amber go tothe HOH to avoid the herd. Amber first asks, then Daniele tells her she'd take her off for her next HOH. They've edited in a dinging noise after each promise Amber made after Jameka warned her not to promise too much. Heh. Of course, Daniele took it.

Eric and Dick talk, proud of their alliance and how it paid off. Dick still wants them as final four -- Dick, Daniele, Eric, Jessica. Eric would rather see Zach up than Jen, but is willing to compromise.

The Veto Meeting -- Jameka was pleasant, will respect her decision. Amber cries, tries not to cry. Daniele gives a speech about strong competitiors in the game. On a strategic level, saves Amber. Daniele nominates Jen... one of the biggest competitors in the house and (paraphrasing) some of us are here to win the money.

Daniele vows to us Jen will go home. Jameka is worried. Jen is confident she'll be here next week.

Daniele and Amber find out they're going to board a jet to NYC -- they're going to be contestants on The Power of Ten.

Uh-oh. I wondered why we had such teary, er... rainy weather today -- Amber's HERE.

Ack.

YES! TERRY FATOR WON AMERICA'S GOT TALENT! HE'S MY FAVORITE! HE'S AMAZING!

Now that I got that out of my system ... America's Player. Who does Eric work to evict?

'Big Brother 8' - Video - A Bit of Last Night

I wasn't recording at the time, but this is the second incident that I mentioned happened while I was typing when Dick went on about not touching him. I'm looking for more video of the original meltdown.

Thanks to commenter Kathy (yay!), here's a link to the YouTube user who has a virtual ton of videos posted covering last night.

'Big Brother 8' - Live Feeds So Far 8/21

As you can tell, this afternoon is a thrill a minute in the Big Brother house. What Zach is doing, most are doing.

Here's what happened throughout the day so far:

• Amber and Daniele still haven't returned. We still don't know anything about the big trip.
• Dick was the first one up and was still giggling about the events of last night. If BB hadn't replaced the cigarettes, I don't think he'd think it that funny. (I was thinking of the dollars involved -- cigarettes are about $50 a carton or more these days, so Jen destroyed a few hundred dollars of his personal property.)
• Once Jen was up, Evel Dick kept up his nasty comments every time she passed by.
  
• In reference to Jen still eating, Zach said he hates cheaters and Eric wants a rules book clarification because she's still eating (when she's supposed to be restricted to slop and condiments).
• Jessica pulled a prank yelling that Jen's picture on the Memory Wall had gone grey.
• All of the houseguests seem to think Jen is making a mockery of the rules by eating. There has been no official BB clarification if she's on a penalty nom or not.
• Throughout the day Jen has been constantly eating about anything she can find.
• Throughout the day, Zach has been making comments about cheaters and Dick's been a vulgar broken record.
• People are napping. I don't see Jen right now. She's probably eating.
• Once Daniele and Amber come home, things should perk up in the house.
  

'Big Brother 8' - Live Feeds - The Overnight Into Tuesday 8/21

<-- Amber preparing for her big trip yesterday before the brouhaha went down. Is there a reason behind Jen's bizarre actions? Is she off her rocker or does she have a plan? Here's what's been happening since my post about said brouhaha:

• Jen looked for the replacement cigarettes to destroy them if she could.
• Jen continued to eat despite the terms of her slop restriction.
• Jen (hi, it's Jen) says that if she has a penalty nomination, she cannot compete for HOH next week and cannot save herself with the veto -- so she'll keep on eating.
• She's studied the rules book and was told that by the DR.
• Evel Dick kept up his stream of vulgarities and encouraged her to eat.
• Jen pointed out that it didn't matter if she ate more anyway.
• Jen asked Eric if anyone has ever gotten a penalty nomination or if it had always been a threat. He said if it happened, this would be a first.
• Jameka is worried that Jen is doing all of this in an effort to stay in the house. (I think so, too.)
• She thinks it would be easy for the HG to vote her off this week, then Jen next when she can't protect herself due to the penalty nom.
• Zach told the others that he confirmed what Jen said about penalty noms in his own DR session.
• Jen isn't sure if continuing to eat is allowed with a penalty nom, but she's going to eat anyway.
• Jameka is getting more upset by the moment. She said the executive producers left just before Jen started eating and destroying Evel's cigarettes. She thinks that Jen broke the rules (well, yeah) and there should be a clause in there to protect her.
• Jameka regrets stopping Jen from hitting Evel Dick because that would have meant expulsion and would have saved her (Jameka) this week.
• Jen kept eating ... and eating ... and eating.
• Jen told Jameka that she spoke to the DR about it being unfair to her (Jameka) and expected more punishment. She said they thought it odd she was concerned about Jameka.
• Jen claims she only did it so she would be out of there.
• Zach and Dick talked about getting rid of Jameka this week, then Jen the next. (It works?) They seem pretty intent on the idea of a Jameka eviction Thursday as being the way to go.
  
• Jessica told Jameka she was told that BB would address Jen's actions in the morning.
• Zach and Dick think it's the "perfect crime" -- Jameka this week, Jen next week when she's defenseless, then Amber ... out, out, and out.
• All are asleep as I post this -- Amber and Daniele haven't returned yet from their trip.
  

'Big Brother 8' - Live Feeds Monday Evening 8/20

Oh! Oh! It's a brouhaha! No, we don't know where Daniele and Amber went, but...!

• Before the big night out, Daniele told Dick that Jen was reading the rule book to see if there was something which would keep her in the house.
• Jen asked Daniele why she put her on the block after saying she had her back. The conversation was, like, almost impossible, to, like, follow.
• Dick called Jen a name.
• Jen exaggerated a reaction to his smoking, fanning and making a big deal about it.
• Jen fussed to Jameka that when Daniele is on slop, there are more special breaks.
• Things escalated. Dick blew smoke at Jen, she tried to slap the cigarette out of his hand and burned herself. Jen took Dick's cartons of cigarettes, destroying some.
• Dick took all of Jen's clothes and hid them in the HOH room -- Daniele had left the key with him.
• Dick said BB said he could hide things, but not destroy them. (Although Jen destroyed his cigarettes.)
• Eventually the DR gave Dick three cartons back but there were four before Jen.
  
• At one point Jen went to the DR and was in there for a long time causing the others to speculate if she was asking for her DOR (Demand of release -- a voluntary exit.)
• Jen told Daniele in her talk earlier that she couldn't do sequester -- not this early.
• Now it's mainly Dick calling her names and telling her to go cry somewhere else.
• Argh... I was typing and heard Dick keep telling her not to touch him -- "Don't touch me!" -- repeatedly ... then the feeds blocked.
• They're back, Jen is touching up her make-up and the others are saying, "It's Showtime!"
• If you have ShoToo, tonight is probably going to be a good one to watch or record!
• Jen also ate a burger, breaking her slop vow.
• Jen claims to Jameka that BB told her she could destroy the cigarettes, but then backed down when she did it.
• She says she destroyed them all because he was mean to her and BB bought new ones for him because he freaked out.
  

'Survivor 15: China' Website Live and Press Release

This season I'll be writing my Survivor 15: China show recap/reviews over on TV Squad. But I'll still be doing the East Coast Updates right here on this blog, linking the TV Squad reviews, as well as other miscellaneous show doings. I'll also be reviewing/recapping Kid Nation over there.

Today CBS released the cast news and updated the website. I've been working on editing photos and will be posting my takes on the cast (with photos!) over the next few days.

Here's the press release from CBS:

CBS today announced the 16 new castaways who will compete in SURVIVOR: CHINA when the 15th installment of the Emmy Award-winning series premieres Thursday, Sept. 20 (8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network.

SURVIVOR: CHINA will feature a cast of 16 Americans who will begin the series amid the bustle of downtown Shanghai before moving to HuangPu Mountain’s Mi Tuo Temple for a Buddhist ceremony where they will be instructed to leave all of their worldly possessions behind. The castaways will then be marooned with the clothes on their back at two separate islands on Zhelin Lake (translation: the Land of 1,000 Lakes) located in the Jiangxi Province. They will split into two tribes, Fei Long (translation: Flying Dragon) and Zhan Hu (translation: Fighting Tiger), and will each be given a copy of Sun Tzu's The Art of War for tribe motivation and assistance throughout the game.

SURVIVOR: CHINA will once again afford each tribe the opportunity to obtain a Hidden Immunity Idol which may save someone from elimination at a future Tribal Council. This time, two Hidden Immunity Idols will be in plain sight (one at each camp), although the castaways will not realize this at the start of the game. Each week, the winning tribe of the Reward Challenge will be allowed to kidnap someone from the losing tribe. The person who is kidnapped will receive a note from host Jeff Probst before departing for the enemy camp and will be instructed to give it to one member of the enemy tribe (the kidnapped victim will decide who receives it) in private. The clue will inform this person of the Hidden Immunity Idol located somewhere at their camp. This person must then decide if they wish to share the information with their tribe or keep it to themselves. The kidnapped victim will return to their original tribe at the following Immunity Challenge.

The website is located here.

'Big Brother 8' - Monday Live Feeds Report - 8/21

And Amber Cried ... it's a rock band! it's a t-shirt! It's a way of life! (Graphic by Zoetawny)

All I know is Jackie is gonna start crying if she has to put up with Amber on the live feeds for many more weeks. Jackie will cry more if Amber wins.

It's already got Jackie speaking of herself in the third person. That is so not good!

Here are the events from that Big Brother House of Swearing on Daughter's Lives:

• The woobie was a hit with Jessica. I still think it would have been funnier if Eric had to think of a reason to give it to Evel Dick or Zach!
• In talking with Jameka, Amber (who told Daniele that she wouldn't tell Jameka the plan as to who will be replacing her on the block -- she swore on her daughter's life that she won't put Daniele on the block if she gets HOH, Daniele wanted a one-week commitment, but Amber said any time she's HOH -- but, of course, I don't think she'll ever be HOH) discussed the replacement nominee.
• They figure it it's Jen, then they have the votes to oust her.
• The POV Ceremony was held, blocked to the feeds, but the results were obvious -- Daniele saved Amber (argh) and put Jen in her place, just as she planned all along.
• Evel Dick told Jen not to be bitter and Jen said she wasn't, but he won't have her jury vote.
• Daniele told Jameka to remember to mention to others that she's not a threat because she can't win HOH for another three weeks.
• Jen warned Amber not to trust Daniele -- after all, Daniele assured her that she had her back. (Maybe she said, "I have your backdoor." and it was just misunderstood. Just kidding -- she did say "back.")
• Daniele and Amber are getting ready for their trip they won in the POV comp.

There ya go!

'Big Brother 8' - Live Feeds Bulletin - POV Used 8/20

As per her deal with Amber, Daniele used the veto to save Amber. She put Jen in her place, so it's Jameka and Jen on the block.

More to come!

'Big Brother 8' - Live Feeds Sun. Evening to Monday Wee Hours 8/20

Eric is now a marked man. I'll explain more about that later in this report. Alas, there are more important happenings from that Big Brother House of Revolting Rabbits:

• Jameka advised Amber to make a deal with Daniele to only not put her on the block if she wins HOH.
• Jen is pushing for anyone to put up Daniele and Dick next time -- one must go, she says.
• While Jen wondered about the replacement nominee if the POV saves either Amber or Jameka, Eric told her not to worry. But then he said you never really know because Daniele and Dick lie all the time.
• Eric reported back to Dick his talk with Jen.
• Amber went to Daniele and proposed a deal -- she once again swore on her daughter's life (didn't she learn her lesson the first time?) that she wouldn't put Daniele on the block if she got HOH, but wants her to take her off the block this week.
• Sigh.
• Since Daniele's target this time has always been Jen in a backdoor, she agreed to Amber's deal although it was just icing on the cake.
• Sigh.
• Amber promised to tell no one, not even Jameka.
• There was a party for Daniele's birthday, but those on slop couldn't have the birthday cupcakes. She received nothing from Kris, not a surprise.
• She did get a letter which made her very somber, but not sure who it was from.
• Dick messed up her age by referring to it as a "landmark" birthday and Jen jumped on it. (She just turned 21, but has told everyone that she was turning 22.)
• Daniele got in one of her pouty moods and retired to the HOH looking like she wanted to cry ... again.
• Zach played chess with himself after Daniele ignored him ringing her doorbell.
• Amber told Evel Dick that her boss told her "not to embarrass" him while she's on the show. Um.
• Eric and Jessica talked -- he's not worried about going on the block this week, he thinks they're both safe. He thinks Amber will try to make a deal with Daniele, but it will be Jameka coming down from the block. (Not so astute, Mr. America's Player!)
• Amber told Jameka that Daniele was smart -- knowing she'd come down and her real target would go up. Jameka pointed out that if Zach won POV, the noms would have remained the same. "Oh. I was her back-up target."
• She didn't cry, but looked like she wanted to.
• Daniele told Eric that the DR was pushing for her not to use the POV. Jen even said she was asked who the replacement nominee would be.
• They played a Spin the Beer Can game with questions, then quarters when BB gave them more beer.
  
• At midnight, they celebrated Daniele's birthday again. (BB honored it Sunday because nothing else goes on.)
• Evel Dick was happy that Daniele seemed to be having fun.
• Eric wore Jen's bikini while Zach wore the Jenitard. Fun, fun, fun!
• Zach told Eric that if he makes the final two, he can win against Dick, but not against Daniele.
• Amber proceeded to tell Jameka all about her deal with Daniele. It's a good thing she didn't swear not to tell on her daughter's life when she promised Daniele she wouldn't tell anyone, not even Jameka.
• Daniele told Zach that Eric was a smart player when Zach told her he doesn't respect him in the game. He says Eric is like an encyclopedia, but doesn't apply the knowledge.
• Everyone thinks it's odd that Eric hasn't been chosen to play for POV yet.
• It looks like Eric got his Woobie from the DR -- he had something in his clothes and furtively hid it in the bedroom.
• Jen and Jessica talk Eric into letting them paint him with their waterpaint kit. Everyone gets into the act. When it's all done, he puts on Dustin's crown and all have a hoot.
• Zach told Daniele that he really wants HOH. She told him to win it, then.
• He also mentioned that no one goes to her HOH room unlike when Jessica was HOH. Daniele likes the privacy.
• There we end the overnight hours, with Eric painted with sayings such as "Kail, Marry Me! and "I heart Kansas" and "I heart Zach" as well as purely decorative paint.
• Daniele is talking to Dick about what to say when putting Jen on the block. She's sure she doesn't have Jen's jury vote no matter what.
• Daniele is having second thoughts because she told Jen that she had her back until the end. Dick asked her why she said such things. Daniele still wants to put Jen up, she just doesn't know how to go about dealing with Jen for the week.
• Eric gave Jessica the Woobie, so much for fun with that!
  

'Big Brother 8' - Aug. 19 Show Live-Blogged from the East Coast

The show is starting here on the East Coast. As it airs, I'll constantly be updating this entry, so please refresh your page to catch the latest!

Also, make yourself at home in the comments area. I love to hear, okay, read your thoughts.

So far we're still in Recap City.

Amber is crying. Oh, she got played, y'know. She really shouldn't let her spare tire hang out with its tattoos. Not a good fashion statement and she's not really fat. Ick. Amber says she knew Mini-Mad had six cards, but when she heard seven she agreed because it's her lucky number. @@

Eric and Jessica are happy, thinking they made the right move at the right time. Dick and Daniele are beside themselves with glee, espeically Dick. He wants her to put up Jameka and Amber, but she wants to talk to people.

Jessica tries to make amends with Jameka because she wants to keep her on her side. Jameka is worried that Eric is in on other side deals, but Jessica tells her she trusts him.

It's time for the HOH room. Now, there's a difference between Dick and Daniele versus Jen. Horrible pictures make them smile not cry! Zach mentions there are no pictures of her boyfriend. However, there is a letter from Nick. Eric says the big Nick "letter" was as if it had been created by a thirteen-year-old girl. Daniele is excited.

Daniele talks to Amber and said it was Dustin's own fault with the way he treated people. Amber told her she has to do what's best for her. Daniele told her that she hasn't made up her mind yet. Daniele tells us that she's there for Amber on a personal level, but strategically it's different.

Amber forgets what various words mean. It's very odd. "What does 'outed' mean?" Although this segment makes Amber look dumber than she actually is, it's kind of funny. I have to say it's not something which constantly happens on the feeds -- they had to gather that for a while.

Eric is talking to Amber, told her it wasn't planned that Dustin would go. He tells her he was more worried about himself in the game. Eric tells her, "I've always (pause, grimace) cared about you."

Beer pong time. And, it's to the wagers! Eric has to wear booty shorts, size small. Jessica and Eric had to swap clothes, thus the Eric in Jessica's dress bit.

Jamkea talks to Evel Dick. She wonders how he was able to stay when they thought it was a sure thing. Dick told her and Amber that of him and Daniele, he had to go. He said if he could pick anyone to be up against, it would have been Dustin.

Amber is sure that Eric made a deal with Dick and Daniele, with Jen?

Food comp time -- it's togas! Zach thinks he looks great. It's a beer pong done giant-sized. Two teams of four -- Red is Eric, Dick, Jessic and Zach. Blue is Amber, Jen, Jameka, Daniele. Dick thinks the Blue Team has to go on slop to weaken them -- with Daniele being HOH, she will eat no matter what.

Both teams got feast balls in. Jen is on slop no matter what, so she's a bit half-hearted in the game. After a good start for Blue, the teams end up tied near the end, both with one barrel left. Eric's OPNLY good shot finished the game. Red wins, Blue is on slop. Since both teams got the feast barrel, there will be a feast for all one day.

They return inside to a smaller table. It reminds Daniele that she stuck with people she doesn't like.

Eric and Jessica flirt and mention Julie's hint about a romance/shomance. Eric is actually blushing as Jessica and Dick tease him.

Jen is talking to Daniele. She's worried that she'll be put on the block. Daniele tells us that she doesn't trust Jen.

It's America's Player -- Which HG should Eric get nominated? Amber -- he's very happy. So, he goes to talk to Evel and Daniele to push for an Amber eviction. Dick agrees, but Daniele tells us she doesn't really trust Eric.

America's Player -- To whom should Eric give his childhood woobie (stuffed animal)? I say Zach just for giggles and snorts. Or, maybe Dick.

Nominations today -- Amber is nervous that she'll go up on the block because she gets along with everyone and Daniele would lose in the final two with her. Jen and Jameka are also worried. Daniele wants to be sure of what she's doing. Eric thinks he wants to feel quite confident that he's safe. Daniele says some people have been doing nothing and don't deserve to win the game.

Ceremony -- one of the hardest decisions, strategic, not personal. Key order -- Jessica (didn't take it personally last week), Jen, Dick, Zach, Eric.

Amber, since day one you and Jameka get along with everyone. I don't want to be with you in the final two. Fight for the power of veto. Fairly short and sweet. Jameka feels it's all ordained. Amber said God told her she would win POV tomorrow and will be in the final two.

Daniele tells us Jen is the real target.