'Big Brother 8' - Live Feeds - Sunday, July 15, 2007

Graphics arteest Zoetawny has been at it again! But I have to admit... although the pitch of Jessica's voice drives me up the wall, she's a hoot to eavesdrop in on. Listening to her makes me feel oh-so-wise and intelligent.

Like Dick's wish to keep crazy people in the house, I prefer there be such shallow folks around in the world so that my own self esteem can go on a joyride.

What's been happening in that Big Brother House of Flying Monkey Boy and an Ambiguous Fellow?

• The POV Ceremony has not been held. The target to place on the block with Dick (assuming that Daniele will save herself which is almost a given) seems to rotate chiefly between being Joe or being Nick.
• Jen wants to put up Nick because that will affect Daniele more. It's always been Daniele she really wanted gone. And, she said before the POV comp that if someone uses it, she will target whomever the POV user was close to in the house.
• She thinks that Joe leaving will benefit everyone but herself.
• Eric campaigned Jen for a Nick gone if he goes up on the block with Dick.
• Eric thinks Nick alienated himself from his old alliance.
• Zach doesn't want Nick out. He'd prefer Jen put Joe on the block with Dick.
• Mike thinks Nick is a mole, but trusts him more than he does Dick. He thinks if Dick wins HOH, he'll put him (Mike) up for eviction.
• Nick told Mike that between Dick and Joe, he'd rather see Joe leave.
• Zach told Nick that Jen was going to put him on the block.
• Nick told Jen about what Zach said and told her if he went up against Dick, he (Nick) would end up going home. He also told her about the Mrs. Robinson alliance.
• Jen told Nick that if Joe went up, he'd go home. She also said the whole house wants Zach gone next week. (I thought they all wanted Joe gone this week? Work on that first, Jenthetic!)
• The boys played their Magnus Strong Man competition -- certainly not an official Big Brother comp!
• Mike warned Zach to cool it because others in the house think he's playing the game too hard and it could backfire on him.
• Mike and Zach came to the realization that others know about the Mrs. Robinson alliance. (Well, duh.)
• They want to pour water in the backyard spinning teacup to see if it really holds only nine gallons of water.

The show begins in about an hour here. I'll be posting an East Coast Update entry although we know from the feeds who won POV. Maybe they'll surprise us! Or not. ;-)

Pants Mania - This Week on 'The Late Show with David Letterman' - July 16-20, 2007

Even I need a respite from the Big Brother house, right?

Make mine pants!

Here are the guests we can expect to see this week on The Late Show with David Letterman:

• Monday, July 16: Michelle Pfeiffer promoting Hairspray, Jonah Hill talking about Superbad, Michele Lauziere (Master of the Unusual)
• Tuesday, July 17: Adam Sandler pimping I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry and musical guest Mute Math (CD is Mute Math).
• Wednesday, July 18: John Travolta (Hairspray), Paula Abdul promoting her new reality series (which I've managed to not see yet) Hey Paula, musical guest Teddy Thompson whose CD is Upfront and Down Low.
• Thursday, July 19: Kevin James (I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry), musical guest White Rabbits - CD is Fort Nightly.
• Friday, July 20: Julia Stiles of The Bourne Ultimatum and comedian Nick Griffith.

Yes, all fresh shows this week! Hairspray is getting a lot of hype. I think I'll have to go see it when it arrives at the theaters. I always like quirky John Waters things. I don't know how keen I am on a chubby female John Travolta, though. Vinnie Barbarino would take a bruising from the sweathogs on that!

'Big Brother 8' - Live Feeds Video Bit - Late Night 7/14

In this video clip from the feeds that I uploaded to YouTube, Dick talks to a captive (chained) Amber and Kail. He discusses Jen and how she needs to change drastically to stay in the house. He tells them that Daniele and he won't be able to entirely solve their issues in the house, but he feels they've taken small steps.

Watching him, it's good strategy at work. It's a shame he decided to pitch the speech to the only player in the game who saw right through it. After he left the room, Kail told Amber how manipulative and intimidating Dick is. "He has to go."

This was late last night in the Big Brother House -- beware, the language gets a bit crude.

'Big Brother 8' - Live Feeds From Saturday, July 14

Graphics artist Zoetawny makes her seasonal animated image debut with HOH HO Jen. Gee, there should be earrings which say Jen, too! Great job and she (Zoetawny, not Jen) rocks!

Here's the rundown of today's events in that Big Brother House of Jenitards and Plasma Slop Passes....er, something like that. Remember, there is more information in my TV Squad article linked in my previous post. (Somewhat akin to following the yellow brick road, eh?)

• Before the veto comp, Jen told the others she wanted the comp to be between Dick, Daniele, and herself. She didn't want them to play for the win. She told them that if someone removed either of them from the block, she'd put up someone close to them.
• The POV comp was Christmas-themed with rewards and punishments. (Naughty and nice?)
• As mentioned earlier, Daniele won POV. Dick won a plasma TV. Jen has to wear a red unitard. Joe has a slop pass for the week. Kail and Amber are chained together for 24 hours. (Amber chose Kail.) There was also a money prize.
• Jameka got a group step-dancing.
• Nick and Daniele cuddled and sweet-talked a lot. Too much. At times all four feeds were on them. @@
• Zach, the flying monkey boy for Jen, is pushing for Joe to be put in Daniele's place on the block.
• Jen thinks whoever she puts up would end up going home and Dick will stay. She told Zach she'd never put up Kail or Mike.
• according to a story he told the others, Dick has a marijuana arrest in his background. I haven't seen it on thesmokinggun.com, though.
• When Dick and Jen talked, she told him he wouldn't be going home. She also said it would have been stupid to not put him on the block. He told her she'd probably go home within a few weeks. She replied that if he had won HOH, he would have nominated her. She called him simplistic and one-dimensional. Oh, big words!
• Dick told Jen that her goofy shirts down't help her any. Heh.
• Jen said she's a WoW addict and doesn't go out at night. That's World of Warcraft, a game.
• Joe was Dustin's first boyfriend.
• There's a movement afoot to convince Jen to nominate Zach, her flying monkey boy. I personally don't think she will, but who knows? Maybe she realizes he's just clinging to her for life. Maybe she knows he's using her. But, then again, maybe he could be a vote for her to stay down the road.
• Dick told Nick that the threats he made to Jen weren't serious. They were just to rattle her. Then he said, "Even the voices in my head told me to tone it down." (See, he needs to stay!)

Lots of small talk, no explosions tonight.

'Big Brother 8' STUFF

A post is in the works which includes some cool new Zoetawny (she rocks) graphics, but I'd like to point you to my latest TV Squad article.

I also came across this interview with Carol posted over at EW.com.

An excerpt:

So how were you both cast? I'm guessing that two enemies didn't happen to both randomly decide to apply for Big Brother.
[She pauses, then quietly confers with a CBS publicist for a moment.] We all went through the whole casting process, but she was cast first and mentioned me, and that's how I kind of got pulled into it.

I think I'll be very concerned if the show ever contacts me. She said she had never seen an episode before she was being cast.

'Big Brother 8' - Live Feeds Quickie Update - POV

I apologize for getting this to you a bit late, but Daniele won the Veto again. Since she's Jen's target, this will upset a few plans to the Jenth degree. In addition to Jen, Daniele and Dick, it was Amber, Joe and Mike playing for the veto. Dick won a plasma television.

A full report will be filed later tonight!

'Big Brother 8' - Live Feeds Overnight Into 7/14, Video, and Stuff!

"Good morning, houseguests. Stop singing, please."

My latest TV Squad article can be found right here. Eventually I'll put a link in my sidebar which will get you there easily. Of course, I already have the main site listed on the sidebar... I have for many months now.

This is video I took shortly after the feeds returned post nominations last night. Dick, Joe, and Jameka react to the nominations and Jameka gets a hairdryer. No, the incidents aren't really connected. BB apparently gave all of the houseguests items they had requested. Be warned - language is a bit rough. We're talking BB houseguests here, y'know.




In other late night dealings from that Big Brother House of Ne'er-do-wells:

• Daniele admitted to Nick that she's only 20 years old. They pinky-sweared that he wouldn't tell anyone.
• Dick gave shout-outs to his son, Vincent. It's his birthday.
• Jen claimed she nominated Dick and Daniele because "their vibe is bringing the house down." (I say she wants to get rid of Daniele because she's jealous... or, just as Dick says in the video above -- she wants to be the "hott girl" in the house. Alas, I think of the two, Daniele would have the votes to stay. I like Daniele, but I like watching Dick more. He's more interesting on the feeds.)
• Nick said he's kissed guys before. (Slowly emerging from that closet, eh?)
• Jen said Jameka's key was pulled first because she planned on using most of the money won to help others.
• Dick vows a week of revenge against Jen. He also said he'll give Joe the rest of his cigarettes if he leaves. He also flipped off Jen during the Nominations Ceremony. Jen is very upset about that. We'll probably see a blurred hand on the show.
• Nick said if he got POV, he wouldn't use it to save either Daniele or Dick. He told Dick his vote would have to be to save Daniele. Dick understands.
• Joe tried to defend Dick to Jen mentioning his constant cooking and cleaning for the house. She said it didn't matter. He was negative and bad vibes.
• The HG were told there would be a 7 AM wake-up call on Saturday. No one knows why. They're speculating luxury comp. They still think POV will be held on Sunday.
• Zach thinks "a ton of hot chicks" will want him after the show. @@ (Who wants a flying monkey boy?)
• Amber is torn over how she'll vote. She said her heart is with Daniele, but her head says Dick because she honestly likes him. She thinks he likes and cares about her.
• Zach and Mike want Daniele gone. They'd rather have Dick on the jury because they think he'll be more fair.
• Nick told Daniele about the Mrs. Robinson alliance. He thinks Kail, Mike or Zach need to be put on the block next week to break up the alliance. He was very truthful in telling her all about it. (Heh, so much for that alliance, eh?)
• In Kail scheming, she wants to make a deal with Dick and is calling him Mr. Robertson as a code name. Wha...?
• Mike eavesdropped as Eric and Jessica were talking about how nasty Zach is and a bit of strategy. Mike is sneaking around spying on a lot of the others. Uh-oh! But he's noticed, too. That won't bode so well.
• As I write this, all are sleeping. But the expected 7 AM wake-up call didn't keep most from staying up half the night.

'Big Brother 8' - Live Feeds Bulletin - Nominations

After a few hours of blocked feeds, it looks like Jameka might be on the block. She's crying. Not sure on the second one yet. I'll update this post when I glean the info. (I love saying stuff like "glean the info.") I believe the second is Dick. Joe's key was the last one pulled.

I may be wrong on Jameka. She's still crying, but Dick's talking like he and Daniele (the original plan) are on the block

I will clarify.

No, Jameka is just being emotional.

Dick and Daniele are on the block.

'Big Brother 8' - Live Feeds Update - Friday, July 13

There's a lot of scheming going on, but the nominations haven't gone down as of the time I'm getting this posted.

The nominations SEEM like it will be Dick and Daniele right now. Jen honestly thinks that Daniele would go home. Zach is in the thick with Jen and operating as her flying monkey.

Nick had a talk with Jen in which he told her Zach was saying that she would be putting up him (Nick) and Daniele. In that case, he'd go home. He tried to get her to realize that Daniele would have votes to stay against many people. He suggested Joe on the block.

Earlier Zach had nixed Joe on the block because he can go anytime. He suggested Daniele and Amber.

After Nick finished his talk with Jen in which she practically confessed Daniele and Dick on the block as a sure thing, he (Nick) told Dick that Jen would be putting them (Daniele and Dick) up. They talked about how they couldn't trust Zach... something said often before.

Earlier today there was the food comp -- blocked from the cameras. Jen said she was the only girl who can eat (because she's HOH). It seems to be the girls and Joe on slop. There also was some sort of incident with Eric in the comp that upset folks. But I haven't heard details.

'Big Brother 8' - Live Feeds - Late Night -Overnight Into 7/13

Although I really didn't want Jen to get HOH, this puts a bit of spice into the game. These folks, even those who don't get along, have been much too passive much too long.

Give me fireworks.

Here are the happenings from the late night/overnight hours in that Big Brother House of You're So Vain, I Bet You Thought This Show Is About You:

• The HG are talking conspiracy -- Dick, Jameka, Amber, and Daniele all think Julie had two answers to the last question and chose the one which favored a Jen win. @@
• Jen said she wouldn't do a nomination of both Dick and Joe. "No one likes Joe, but they may keep him over Evel."
• No alcohol for the hamsters due to the scheduled food challenge Friday.
• Jen told Mike she wasn't going to put up Dick, but after their fight, she should.
• Jen is worried about girls leaving the house, although she'd rather Daniele leave than Dick. That's because it would break up the Nick connection. Dick's only real connection is Daniele. (She's actually thinking!)
• Unlike last week with Kail, Jen is opening the HOH Room for meetings about deals.
• Dick figured out the Kail, Mike, Zach alliance.
• Nick and Jen talked about the kissing brouhaha. Jen told him, "It's hard to pretend you're a dumb girl when you're not." (Hmm... food for thought, eh?) She thinks she would have gone home if she didn't win HOH.
• Jen thinks the house would be boring if Dick wasn't in it. (Hate to break the news, but it's boring even when he's there!)
• Most of the HG have told stories about how they got cast... Eric notes that Jen didn't say much. (She said, and I reported, that a friend at CBS got her in. I say ChillTown!)
• Lots of anti-Zach speak goin' on. That's new. It's Nick, Daniele, Amber, and Dick doin' the smack talk.
• Dick was going to have a meeting with Jen, but it fell through. I don't know why.
• Jen fussed about the HOH photos again and newly fussed about them not giving her a silk pillow.
• Mike and Kail have doubts about Nick's loyalty in the Mrs. Robinson alliance.
• In a Kail and Jen HOH Room talk, they discussed key order for the nomination. At the moment, it looks like Jen will nominate Dick and Daniele. Keep in mind, this may change. It could be something that Jen's saying because of Kail. She could do somethng entirely different during the actual noms. I have a feeling that we may be underestimating some of Jen's gameplaying skills in the house.
• I hope I'm wrong and she's not a smart player.
• Dick, Amber and Eric are still up talking in the backyard as I post this.

'Big Brother 8' - Live Feeds Update - Since Live Show 7/12

Okay, I downloaded a different driver for my audio recording and managed to record with the BBReloader not in a silent movie fashion. This live feeds clip I uploaded to YouTube is my first Big Brother feeds recording experiment. Jameka, Dick, and Eric are reliving their surprise that Jen won the HOH competition. I should get better at this as I go along, so bear with me! Caution - language is a bit rough, but thankfully no nudity!



So... Eric thinks Jen is the focus player, eh? I actually understand his reasoning and he's right. She's the one the Internet has glommed onto with Jessica's "dumbisms" running a close second.

Here are the other recent shenanigans in a nutshell:

• Daniele, Joe, and Dick all think the comp was geared to a Jen win.
• Daniele asked Joe if he would keep her in the event that she and her father were both on the block.
• Joe doesn't think he's America's "favorite" anymore because of his comment about Dustin's "surface smile." (What he doesn't understand is that he hasn't been America's favorite since the first time America met him!)
• Dick didn't want to see the new JenHOH Room.
• Jen hates the pictures in her JenHOH.
• The room itself didn't change like in the past -- just the goodies. She received snacks, leggings, photos, ear plugs and more. But "all I wanted was silk sheets!" No silk sheets for you!
• Joe wants her to nominate Dustin, but she told him she's leaning towards Daniele and Nick.

The nominations should be tomorrow (Friday) and the food competition is expected, too. Half of the house will be on BB Slop again by this time tomorrow night.

'So You Think You Can Dance' 7/12 Results Show - East Coast Updates

The show is starting here on the East Coast. As important events occur, I'll update this entry. Please refresh or return for the latest on what couples make the bottom three and who leaves tonight.

Sabra and Dominic are safe. Danny and Anya are Bottom Three once again.

Kameron and Lacey are safe. Sara and Pasha are safe. Cedric and Shauna are Bottom Three. (Let's see if Cedric gets by again!)

Hok and Jaimie are Bottom Three. Lauren and Neil are safe. (Although I adore Hok, the performance of Lauren and Neil was superb.)

The bottom three couples are now dancing for their lives, Anya has a neat outfit on, not my favorite performance of hers -- too busy! Danny was gorgeous -- such control! Shauna gave it her all -- I think she beat Anya. Cedric is back to his same old same old. Jaimie's dance was similar to Shauna's. Hok did his thing.

Hillary Duff is singing "stranger" while the judges make their decision.

The votes are unanimous, taking everything into account, not just the solo. Shauna is the girl going home... growth and personality issues. Cedric is gone. Too bad other dancers were booted in past weeks to keep him.

'Big Brother 8' - 7/12 Live Show East Coast Update

Recap, recap...

Check in with this post as I'll update it throughout the show as it airs here on the East Coast. Julie said it's been an "emotional rollercoaster ride" already. Yeah, right.

Into the back and forth over who should stay and who should go. Jen is wearing sunglasses which make her look like The Fly.

Julie is talking to the houseguests now. No voting yet.

Dick's mother and his son will tell the story of Dick and Daniele's estrangement later in the show.

Now the first talks in the DR about the nominees, but not the voting.

Vincent, Dick's son, is talking. He said Daniele borrowed money from him, didn't pay it back, and he didn't handle it well. She left. His mother thinks Dick (Richard) wants to be close with Daniele. Vincent is so much better looking than the pictures I saw of him. He obviously would like to see Daniele and Dick mend fences. Dick says he's there to win the half-million and his daughter back.

Julie is talking to Kail in the HOH Room. Why all men in the alliance? Basically she thinks it just happened that way.

But, first... more DR commentary on the nominees!

A segment about Eric being America's Player. He knew ahead of time, but his family didn't. His friends and family say he's been wanting to be on the show for eight years. His family booed when they viewed him chosen as he had a strategy all laid out and this might ruin his game.

America's Player was told to vote out CAROL. Eric seems like he's going to do it... "America, we vote to evict Carol."

Julie is talking to the nominees now... Amber is crying againas she talks. @@ Carol did well.

The vote... huh, going to reveal the vote without showing who voted for whom? 10 to 1, Carol is gone.

Julie showed Carol the five dollar video clip. Carol looks amazed... she didn't remember what the fight was all about. It's to the goodbye messages. Joe's is nice. All nice so far. Jessica actually said nice things. Julie said they'll reveal the lone vote to keep Carol tomorrow on The Early Show. I'd say offhand it must be Joe.

HOH Comp is Majority Rules, question booths, answer with the majority questions about their housemates. Zach is out. Dick, Daniele, Nick are out. Jameka gone. Amber gone. Jessica and Mike out. Tiebreaker - closest to correct number w/o going over... how many gallons of water held in spinning teacup?

OMG -- JEN won HOH.

The America's Player question is who to target for eviction. Who should Eric target for eviction for us? Alas, he can't target Jen. ARGH.

'Big Brother 8' - Feeds Update - Daytime - 7/12

<---- All dressed up and nowhere to go.








The houseguests are very excited and nervous about the live show tonight. They're like teenaged girls waiting on their first dates.

The live show will start here on the East Coast at 8 PM (5 PM PT). I will have an East Coast Update post going with the important events as they air, so please stop back to discuss the events or sneak a peek from the West Coast!

What happened today in that Big Brother House of Please Stop Singing?

• BB got the houseguests out of bed early at 8:15 with a wake-up song. Of course, the feeds went to Blue Liquid.
• Daniele joked that Internet feed watchers are probably canceling their feeds because they're so boring. (Ha!)
• Early in the morning Kail said she was waiting for Carol to wake up so she could move her stuff in. (Talk about being sure Carol's leaving, eh?) She tried to correct the situation by saying it was her initial room, but...!
• Dick was a vacuuming machine. And, he used one, too!
• The girls and most of the guys primped a lot throughout the day.
• Dick got on a Bash Jen kick. Among the less crude remarks were ones about her talking all about herself (and how great she is) all the time, walking loud when others are trying to sleep.
• He confronted her and said, "Stop being such an inconsiderate b____ or I will make you the most miserable b____ in the house. There isn't a single word that comes out of your mouth that doesn't involve you."
• She told him that BB said the HG had to wake up. He told her it wasn't her responsibility.
• He left the room, she kept combing her hair as if nothing had happened. Um... okay.
• There was a feeds block of about an hour while the HG apparently practiced for the HOH comp. It must not be a house/memory kind of comp as no one is studying or asking questions.
• They're just passing time awaiting the show at this time.

'Big Brother 8' - Live Feeds - Overnight Into Thursday 7/12

Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz....

Last night was an uneventful night. About the only interesting tidbit is the revelation that Dick talks to himself for our benefit because he's watched the live feeds in the past. He told us this. I believe him.

The HG were still operating on the idea that Carol will be leaving tonight, but nothing is known for sure.

Today should be quiet as they prepare for the live show. You think they forget they're on camera outside of the live show and now the BB: After Dark show.

Hey, what about US, houseguests?

'Big Brother 8' Bulletin - Julie Chen on Late, Late NOW

Julie Chen is on The Late, Late Show with Craig Ferguson right now here on the East Coast. They're talking vacation. @@

He introduced her with the clip of Dustin, Dick, and Jessica getting the news they weren't alone in the house.

'Big Brother 8' - Live Feeds Into the Evening - 7/11

Maybe Jen would prefer this screen capture I took of the feeds to be her official Big Brother Memory Wall picture. See, Jen, it could be worse... much worse!

The feeds have really been just a bunch of nothing this evening. About the only thing I feel is really worth noting is that Jen now thinks she's the one who will leave tomorrow... again.

They've talked about what to expect on tomorrow's live show as far as when the person leaves -- one minute to take bags, etc. They've played shuffleboard. They've giggled a lot. But, on the whole, there hasn't been a heck of a lot of game or strategy talk.

Blog reader sflewie was kind enough to send me some Alice in Big Brotherland graphics she made. We have Daniele in Wonderland and Zach and Mike -- Tweedledee and Tweedledum. It's said that they actually do look that much alike at a quick glance. I've gotten so I have no trouble telling them apart now, but it certainly took a while.

You can click on the images and see them a bit larger.

Returning to news from the feeds (or lack thereof) -- Joe and Amber are still bickering like kids. He thinks Dustin is poisoning her mind. @@ She told him she feels like his big sister. Um. Okay.

They talked about the book 1984 again. The only ones familiar with it are Dick, Daniele, Joe, and Eric. That's just sad. It's not required reading anymore, I guess. I still have my copy from high school somewhere here.

Jameka made the crowd chili and rice for dinner. I'm sure that will sit well with Dick's flatulence issues.

Earlier tonight, they each talked about what they'd do with the money if they won. Lots of going back to school, lots of personal belongings, some real estate, some charity... and a lot of that begins at home.

That's about it. They all feel it's Carol's last night, but they aren't allowed to actually discuss the votes they cast in the DR today. Joe mentioned to Eric (I think it was) that he voted for Amber. I guess we'll see tomorrow night, eh?

TV Newsy Bits - Wednesday, July 11, 2007

First and foremost, I'd like to thank everyone for their kind words regarding my TV Squad writing gig. I wouldn't have been hired if not for all the folks who have faithfully read this blog (and previous ones). You've made it into a community and it's you who kept me going!

I'll still be writing East Coast Updates here on the blog -- letting folks know who's going home on Thursday nights, so make sure you tune in tomorrow! I'll also be continuing coverage of the boot (East Coast time) on So You Think You Can Dance. Here, the feeds reports will continue in a bulleted list format while I'll delve deeper into things and cover more extensive material there. I'll probably not roll my eyes a lot there, but you know I want to! Eventually, when I can get my volume woes worked out on my BBReloader, I should be posting YouTube clips of feeds here.

Onto the TV Newsy Bits I found "out there" --

• Can't get enough of Melissa and her soul-patch? Reality Check with Gina and Fans of Reality TV both have interviews with the most recent chef ousted from Hell's Kitchen.
• Several sources including EOnline! and Zap2It have articles about the return of The Apprentice on NBC.
• I received a press release from the CourtTV folks today. Remember, a while back I mentioned they have a brand name change and lots of other changes planned for early 2008. Um, the new name of the channel will be truTV. No, I would not lie. It's true. Or tru. Or truTV.
• The OC Register has some tidbits on the upcoming Survivor: China. Interesting reading!

'Big Brother 8' - Live Feeds Report - Daytime 7/11

Wednesdays in the Big Brother house are traditionally a bit boring. I forgot about that. The big events of the day are voting which we don't see and they aren't allowed to discuss and the HOH camera.

The one thing I'll really remember about today is the overuse of the word "whatever." I swear it's been said 482 times from everyone ranging from Carol to Dick to Kail. Stop it.

Whateva!

Here are the not-so-thrilling thrilling events from today in that Big Brotherly House of Brotherly Love (just check out the Mutual Admiration Society amongst the guys!):

• Zach and Kail had a hushed conversation in the Storage Room about Dick. Kail thinks Dick is a loose cannon. Zach thinks it's wiser to get rid of Daniele first, then Dick won't be as dangerous.
• Kail plans on collecting Dick's IOU for a favor if he becomes HOH - don't put her up will be her request.
• Kail has no idea who "Mrs. Roberson" is because she never saw the movie. Zach at least knows the song and was singing a few bars. (Where do they get these houseguests? Under rocks? I can't believe a woman her age isn't at least a bit familiar with The Graduate or the song... one or the other! Roberson!)
• The HOH camera came to life and fun was had by all. Yawn.
• Nick and Daniele's showmance is hitting tough times. Too bad, so sad.
• In talking with Daniele, Amber said that Zach is a floater and must go.

Mind you, folks... that's the big news since my last post. Whatever! At least we know tomorrow will be an interesting night. The daytime hours will be quiet, but this group is much tidier than past casts. They won't have as much housecleaning to do for the live show.

'Big Brother 8' - Live Feeds Blurbs - Overnight Into Wednesday 7/11

Just the facts, ma'am.

I'm posting this update a bit late, so it's going to be as short and to the point, yet catching the news up.

Here are the important quickie updates from that Big Brother House of Hopeless Hamsters:

• I can't believe most of the HG aren't familiar with the book 1984, sort of the impetus for the concept of the show. Only Dick and Dustin seem to really know much about it. @@
• Nick told Joe that Daniele told Dustin (follow that trail) that she's just using Nick for her game. When Nick asked her to pinky-swear, she wouldn't. She's acting differently to him today.
• Eric told Carol that he's not sure of how he'll vote. "I'm not a swing vote, I'm an unknown vote." He must be planning to vote with our choice... which I think will be to oust Amber.
• The voting is in process, but they can't talk about how they voted.
• Jen primped a lot for her DR session. Now, that doesn't surprise you, does it? ;-)
• Mike wants the house to see him as a floater, not a part of the Mrs. Robinson alliance.
• I think Dick and Kail are the two real hardcore players this year. Kail is so Maggie and Dick is the one who sees it.
• Right now there aren't any new indicators on the vote. It still looks like it's too close to call.

So, Where Have I Been This Morning?

I apologize for not posting the latest news from the overnight... that will be coming soon.

But I have news. Big news. News so big, I should probably use a larger font.

I've accepted a paying blog position with the folks at TV Squad. Right now, I'll be writing feeds wrap-ups perhaps three times a week, some Big Brother episode recaps/reviews for them.

What does that mean for this blog? Well, there will be a few changes - a lot will go on as it has been. This won't affect reviews of any other shows I write about, or Newsy Bits, or the community here on the whole. It does mean that reviews I write for them will be in a synopsis form here (and linked). The content I write about the show there isn't going to be duplicated here and vice versa. They're giving me leeway to post about the show in this blog, but it's going to be different from what I write for them. Here, the tomfoolery and @@ will remain!

At the moment, there's a lot going on and it's all new to me (and them), but in time we'll get it all worked out. I'm very excited to make the ranks of "professional blogger" and it's all due to the folks who have supported me in my endeavors over the past few years. Thank you... and you know you guys rock!

To read my first posted article there, check this out (and feel free to comment!). In addition, for the folks who used the AOL TV Big Brother feature to get here, this blog's feeds will no longer be posted there... but I have my own little box for the TV Squad articles!

'Big Brother 8' - Live-Blogging 7/10 Episode

The show has started here on the East Coast. This entry will be updated as it airs. So, it's going to be a bit rough - typos and missplellings <--- might occur!

So far they've had a recap. Kail, in reference to her reasons for nominations, thinks she's "scotch-free" from blame. Huh. I wonder if she has gin?

Kail is getting insight into Dick. She sees what I've seen. The guy inside doesn't match his exterior.

Now it's to a Nick is so great segment. He's flirting with Amber and professes his affection for Amber as perhaps a "dirty girl." Shomance alert! Jen is shown as looking quite perturbed, and very likely jealous when Nick cuddles with Daniele. To stir the pot, Joe told Nick that Jen was saying he was making out with her. Jen, in her own Jen-World as Joe puts it, has herself believing they made out when it didn't happen.

Jen is confronting Nick in the storage room. It's an odd situation. She's an odd girl. Now all of the houseguests are talking about her. They are "so over" Jen. Heck, so am I! Amber suggested to Kail putting Jen on the block if Carol wins the PoV comp (which we've known about since Friday). Amber prays for divine intervention.

It's time to pick the players for the veto competition, only six will participate. The two nominees and HOH are drawing the others at random. There is a wild card available. Kail got it - Houseguest's Choice - she chose Daniele. Carol chose Nick, Amber chose Jameka. Kail chose Jessica as host, most likely for her stunning voice.

They must all stash vetos somewhere in the house. The last veto found ends up winning for the hider. Daniele is youngest and smallest, but she's determined to win. She put hers in the bucket of slop. The others aren't nearly as imaginative.

Just a note -- now I can see why the house was such a mess and the comp took five hours on the live feeds.

As the comp goes on, the ones not participating are locked in the HOH Room. Dick is going off on Jen. Heh, they let the HOH crowd out to see the disaster. Amber's veto was first found, Nick's was second. Third was Carol's. Jameka's was next. Kail's was found, so it's a victory for Daniele!

It's time for Eric to make up his sob story and tell Kail. Yep, what we saw on the feeds! Kail fell for it hook, line and sinker.

It's to the Drama Mamas... Joe and Dustin. Dustin is being a bit reasonable. Joe accepted an apology. Back to the Jen fussing... or fussing about Jen from the other houseguests and into commercial.

Daniele is taking the veto decision seriously, weighing the pros and cons of her actions. It's time for the veto meeting. Kail doesn't want her nominations changed. Carol says she wants to compete longer, not ready to go home. Amber says she deserves to be taken off the block, mentions the jounrey, and her family. Daniele talks about stirring the house up a bit, dramatically pauses, then keeps the noms the same.

In a DR brief, Jessica said "Bye, Carol. See you at high school reunion in ten years." Aren't these girls about 23 if memory serves? They've been out of high school for a good six years or more. Perhaps she thinks the 17th Year Reunion is a really big gathering?

America's Player vote is up and running at the official show website. Who should Eric vote for to go home? Carol or Amber? Get your say in!

'Big Brother 8' - Live Feeds Report - Tuesday Daytime 7/10

Remember -- tonight's show will air at 9 PM ET/PT. The other nights (Sunday and Thursday) start at 8 PM ET/PT. I figure I'll watch the first hour of America's Got Talent, then switch to Big Brother. I intend on live-blogging the show tonight as long as the thunderstorms stay away. We're expecting a few bad ones tonight here. (Grr.)

So, if you're watching the show here on the East Coast, stop on by to comment during the commercials. If you're another time zone, the happenings are yours for the peeking in!

Here are the daytime happenings from that Big Brother House of Jenisms and Those Who Mock Her:

• Kail, who made the comment about "if my child chose to be gay" during the season premiere, asked Dustin if he's romantically involved with Amber. @@
• Jen apparently could do only one day with real clothes. She's back the the barely-there bikini. (At least she should save that for the Showtime viewers!)
• Dick told Nick that Jen was going around saying that she and Nick are going to go out after the show. Remember, Nick is really sweet on Daniele.
• Carol said that if she stays and happens to get HOH, she'll put Dick on the block because he's the only one in the house she "hates."
• Carol tried to cut a deal with Zach to stay in the house. His terms were only if she votes the way he tells her for two weeks.
• Contrary to the saying, it rained in California today sending the HG back inside for cover.
• Mike told Daniele that the Big Brother Strongman Competition (the thing the guys are setting up) will be tomorrow.
• To show how exciting their chats are -- they miss chewing gum and spearmint is the general favorite. (Mine would be Juicy Fruit or Big Red.)
• Daniele, continuing with her age lie, told Joe that she would be 22 on the same day as Mike's birthday. She also told him that being with Dick in the house is awkward.
• Mike and Zach discussed the possibilities and possible deals to keep Carol in the house.
• Dick mentioned to Kail that he had real problems with Daniele as a teenager. When he asked Kail what she thought of him as a father, it was no comment - "I can't answer that."
• Carol told Dustin that it's hard to talk to Amber now since they're both on the block. She also told him it's just a matter of time before Nick and Daniele "hook up." He agrees.
• Carol told Amber (thought she had trouble talking to her) that she thinks the votes are shifting. (@@ - Now I know why she and Jessica were friends! Why would she mention THAT to AMBER... the one they may be shifting against? Where is her mind?_
• Dustin said he knew he was gay when he was five years old. (When I was five years old I believed in Santa Clause and had no idea whatsoever what gay, straight, or sex itself was all about.)
• One of the girls mentioned that she watched Pirate Master because it was the "worst show ever." I have the feeds minimized, so I'm not sure who said it, but I agree.

That's about where we stand for now. The guys have been talking some CroMagnum (?) man stuff since yesterday, but I'm clueless how to explain it... so I haven't mentioned it before. It's something to do with their Strong Man stuff. They're macho men, y'know.

'Big Brother 8' - Live Feeds Late Night Into Overnight - Tues. 7/10

Yes, it's the Jensa Member herself who's still up at this hour. Mike and Jen are talking and talking... and talking. No really interesting strategy, no real insight.

If she worried about her picture on the Memory Wall, she really should think of all the screen caps on all of the websites which may show her in even worse condition. You know that if I can catch her making an odd face or something truly awful... I'll snag it!

Here are the late night shenanigans from the Big Brother House of Bored Baristas:

• In reference to the switch to Amber out this week, Zach told Mike in a whispering conference that it would be in their best interest to keep her in and focus on getting Joe out next week. Mike said he'd talk to Kail, but seems to agree. So it may be back to Carol leaving this week.
• Mike is actually very into housecleaning. (Could he come over here, please?)
• Evil Dick gave the cameras a free peep show from the shower. (My eyes! My eyes!)
• Someone ate Jameka's waffle. You don't mess with Jameka's waffle. The culprit was Dustin. He apologized and apology accepted.
• Joe held his storytime and Dick was noticeably absent -- smoking in the backyard. The cameras focused on Dick instead of the stories. It turns out that Big Brother banned Joe's stories because they're copyrighted material, they aren't of his own imagination.
• Jen told Joe about how she knows Mike Boogie. (See, the ChillTown Ringer!) She has also met previous BB winner Drew. Joe told her he hated Mike Boogie. (Maybe he has some redeeming qualities after all, eh?)
• Everyone is still talking about how annoying Jen is, but the latest thinking is a Joe eviction next week, not Jen.
• Dustin and Joe talked while on the hammock, but it became Drama Mamas again.
• Eric hurt his foot wrestling with Jen. "She's a powerhouse!"
• Jen fussed more about her Memory Wall photo.
• Jameka has applied to be on the show before and made it to the finals.
• Joe told Dick that if he got HOH he'd put Jen up on the block. Dick agreed that she must go before sequester because she's so annoying.
• Daniele and Nick got all touchy-feely under covers.
• Dick told Jen that she had her wild workout today just to garner attention. He went to be at a reasonable hour... 3 AM (their time).
• Jen and Mike stayed up talking in the kitchen until a few minutes ago. When she went to bed, she went to the HOH Room.
• All hamsters snoring in their cages as I post this.

'Big Brother 8' - Live Feeds Report - Into the Evening - Mon. 7/09

Liven up, houseguests! This ain't no party, this ain't no disco, this ain't no fooling around! (Credit to Talking Heads)

First off, on the whole, they're getting along too well. For the most part, those who don't get along with each other tend to avoid each other. While that may work for their interests in the house, it doesn't make for really intriguing live feeds.

Yeah, they pick on Jen and her behavior brings it on, but that can get old rather quickly.

The houseguests had no competitions today and really had little to do with themselves. The food restriction was lifted last night, so eating was a big event as was exercise.

Since I last posted, these are the earth-shattering events from that Big Brother House of Frats, Sororities, and a Hapless Hipster:

• Jessica told Eric that Carol was lying about what producers said to her about staying, food and more.
• Eric realizes he he probably blew a phone call home prize because he put a friend down instead of a family member.
• They also talked about Kail being a big threat because she gets along with folks and will probably last a long time.
• Zach warned Dustin that Joe was trying to get together a movement to throw the HOH so he (Joe) would win. If Joe wins, his plan is to put Jen and Dustin on the block with Dustin being the target. Dustin was already aware of the Throw HOH movement, but didn't think of the angle that they could get rid of Jen at any time. Zach promised him he wouldn't throw the comp. He didn't promise him he wouldn't put him up.
• Eric first applied for Big Brother in season two. He was out of the country for the callbacks. He's a huge fan. (An antsy angry rabbit one, too.)
• Jen wore her Jenth Degree shirt.
• The guys are going to have a World's Strongest Man competition for fun.
• Jen mentioned that the latest ending date for the show would be September 24. I'm assuming that date was in the contract, but the show generally ends just past mid-September. CBS hasn't announced the final show date as of yet.
• Nick and Daniele are still a shomance. He gave her the key to his heart today. Aw.
• When Dustin told Amber about Zach's conversation with him, she played it down.
• Jen went into such a frenzy working out in the gym room trying to work off 1200 calories that the others were concerned that she'd pass out. They think they picked on her too much.
• Zach and Mike don't trust Jessica.
• Eric thinks they should make 9 to midnight party time for those watching on ShoToo. Hey, what about me?
• Kail met with Mike and told him they need to switch the vote - the target will be Amber, not Carol. Mike passed it on to Nick. So, it looks like we should see Mike, Nick, and Kail votes to oust Amber this week. The tides may be turning.

Lots of small talk going on, Carol doing some sort of cheerleading practice, hot tub sitting... and that's it!

'Hell's Kitchen' - A Quick Take on Episode 6

Why did Ramsay keep Melissa last week? It's not like the men are so great on their own, but I knew she would surely make them worse.

The challenge saw a win for the Red Team, but I can't help but wonder if this one was just a tad tainted.

After all, the prize was a photo shoot with Ramsay. It seems that the women always seem to win that prize. I wonder if they could have gotten by with serving a walking live lobster. Rock didn't take too well to their rather suspicious win either. Ah, but he had to see the girls in their glory and had to go through their trash as punishment.

When it came to the dinner service, the guys crumbled while the girls got the job done. With the exception of Bonnie not knowing what to do with a kitchen fire in a pan -- don't walk around with the pan -- and Julie letting the pressure getting to her and crying, the Red Team did a fairly remarkable job throughout the service.

Then there was the Blue Team, the Men Plus Melissa. They were horrible. Everything Melissa touches, she curses. Josh and Brad had their worst services to date and Rock just watched it all happen. He didn't do poorly, but he couldn't save the sinking ship.

In the end, after six dinners from the Blue Team were sent back, Ramsay shut the kitchen down and ordered the Blue Team to come up with two nominees. Melissa knew she would be one on the block no matter what (deservedly so). Then it was between Josh and Brad. Brad said it was his personal worst night while Josh has continued to not perform well on the whole.

Ramsay didn't give them a chance to even tell who they nominated. He called Melissa up, took her jacket, then had her whisked away. Then, in a move to make us think he was getting rid of both Josh and Brad, he reamed them... and sent them back to line with Rock.

So this leaves us with Julia, Bonnie, and Jen on the Red Team. I still hold my grudge against Jen for trying to use pasta from the trash can, but she's most likely the most capable in the long run. While I think a lot of Julia, I'm not sure if she's ready for the responsibilities which come with the win. It's getting to the point where Waffle House might limit her. Bonnie is out of her league and I don't see her lasting much longer.

Of the men left -- Rock, Josh, and Brad -- only Rock has any possibilities. Josh and Brad could go before any of the remaining women and it wouldn't ruffle my feathers.

I think we'll see it down to Rock and Jen as the final two. But I could be wrong. I'm still not impressed with any of the chef wannabes this season.

'Big Brother 8' - Live Feeds Update - Monday Daytime - 7/09/07

These houseguests really have to kick things in gear. Perhaps I'm sadistic, but I like watching big time drama. I'm not talking about crying about your photo on the Memory Wall.

I'm talking like the Eric backyard scene with Kaysar in Season 6. Or even the Janelle/Beau brouhaha that very same season. While there are little tiffs here and there and no one seems to like Jen (except maybe Kail - at least on the surface), there aren't any huge showdowns. Not yet, anyway.

Here are the events of the daytime hours so far in the Big Brother House of Go Blue... like, 'cuz we're the Blue Team:

• Dick thinks that Nick will target him because it would make his romance (shomance?) with Daniele less awkward.
• Dick seems to be in this to win it. He told Amber that he studied Dr. Will's performance on the show and took notes.
• Dick also said that Eric was an "angry Jew rabbit." He then mentioned that his grandfather was a Russian Jew. (Hmmm... qualifiers don't always cover comments which focus on religion, culture, etc. My personal jury is out on that comment. Angry rabbit defines Eric.)
• While he was alone before heading to be, Dick stopped at the Memory Wall. He told us that he wants Jameka to go home and that Jen must go before sequester.
• Dick finally headed to bed when it was almost 6 AM their time. (A few folks asked if he ever sleeps -- he does, but definitely not enough and in small chunks of time.)
• Jen, Mike, and Kail studied for the next HOH in case it's a question-based comp.
• Jen wore her "Jenerous" shirt today. (I'm sure we'll see Jentastic, Jenlicious, and more as time goes on.)
• Jen and Zach clash. (Jen clashes with most of the folks.) She decided to paint her toenails red to annoy him because he hates red. Then she walked around asking how much he had to yell at her to get a penalty nomination. @@
• Still with Jen - she wants BB to contact her orthodontist because she lost retainer on, like, Day 2. It cost a fortune, y'know. (So, why has she waited until, like, Day 10 to bring it up?)
• I'm not sure if this is the result of the America's Player vote or not, but Eric went to Kail sniffling, fussing, mumbling, bringing up Daniele's possible eating disorder, and a personal friend of his with an eating disorder. This could be the big sad sob story and to whom he must tell it. I believe it is. Good acting, but it's annoying.
• Now I feel old. Carol and Jessica were 13 when Big Brother had its first season. Feh.
• Nick was on MTV Spring Break in 2002.
• That's the deal, Internet Fans! Dick is still out of the picture and must be sleeping, so he's had a good day's sleep. Maybe he's a vampire.

'Big Brother 8' - Live Feeds Overnight Right - Into Mon. 7/09

As I prepare to send this in Dick is still awake. This time he has Eric and Amber. Big Brother should enforce an earlier bedtime!

Here are the late Sunday night happenings from that Big Brother House of Pirates and Damsels in Distress:

• Jameka thinks others will throw the HOH challenge. No one really wants it due to the pressure.
• Joe held his storytelling time again. He needs a campfire and better stories.
• Dick and Dustin believe Carol is going home this week, Jen next week.
• Dick explained the concept of backdooring to Amber and they wonder if that's the best way to send Jen home. He likes everyone in the house except Jen -- he says she's an idiot.
• The others headed off to bed leaving Eric, Dick, and Amber talking in the yard.
• They discussed who would put up whom if they got HOH. They discussed past seasons and the year of the X-Factor (which they think is comparable to this season). It's surprising me that Dick is very aware of past seasons. I expected it from Eric. Amber is the least knowledgeable about the show.

Eric headed off to bed, so it's just Dick and Amber small talking in the yard as I post this.

'Big Brother 8' - Live Feeds Report - Into Sunday Evening - 07/08/07

Joe smokes like Greta Garbo. He poses with his cigarette as much as he smokes it.

Isn't it amazing the differences made between the live feeds and the show during the editing process? Things I've noted are:

The namedropping. I didn't see Dick do that prior to the tonight's show, so I must assume it's from the first five days before the feeds went live. Joe, on the other hand, has dropped plenty of names.

Carol took the nomination news fine on the show, yet we know she's been fussing, whining, snapping about the cameras. They're playing her up to be a keeper.

If you were only watching the show, you'd think Eric was just darn wonderful and you'd want your beloved daughter to marry him. On the feeds, he's an antsy pottymouth who goes quasi-berserk at times.

What the show captured right is the relationship between Daniele and Dick. Oh, they also nailed the bimbo-in-training qualities of Jessica. No, she still needs training to become a full-fledged bimbo, y'see. Instead of "Go, Blue!" because, after all, she's on the Blue team -- once she gets her Bimboship, there will be no end to the cheering. The show was right on with Jen and the way her houseguests feel about her.

Onto the latest events from that Big Brother House of Altered Editing:

• As mentioned in a prior report, the Power of Veto Ceremony was held and Daniele didn't change the nominations. Carol and Amber remain on the block.
• Amber must not be all that into the show. While talking to Jameka, she wondered if the Internet had audio or just video. @@ (Now, that would be really boring... more than these houseguests are now!)
• Jessica and Daniele think Jen will go home next week. (I wouldn't mind that.)
• Jen continues her streak of unpopularity with the other houseguests. Eric and Dick were laughing about her being a "fun nanny." Kail and Zach think she lies and she's untrustworthy.
• Joe is trying to campaign to keep Carol. He told Zach that she would owe them if they saved her while Amber just expects they will save her. Joe is worried that Amber's alliance will come after him if the vote is close but she stays. Zach told him he'd go with the crowd.
• Joe went to Jessica in his Save Carol campaign. She wasn't overly receptive. (I thought Allison Grodner said Joe was smart. Yeah, go to her enemy on the show to plea for a vote. @@)
• Zach thinks that Carol must go because of the possibility of the Alliance of Six -- the six with enemies in the house. He feels they must make a dent in it.
• When the houseguests were talking about how staged the Diary Room sessions are -- BB leading them into saying things -- we got BB trivia and theme music.
• Dustin, Amber, and Dick had an interesting conversation about our America's Player, Eric. Dustin asked if he was a Looney Toon. Dick said he was a bit better today and he likes him, so that's good. Amber said he could never be put on the block even as a pawn because he'd freak out too much. They all said he was funny.
• Carol and Jessica have been talking. Not strategy, no way an alliance, but getting along well enough.
• Amber and Daniele whispered a lot. Amber thinks Dick is great, but she doesn't trust Zach, Kail, or Mike. Neither girl trusts Eric. Amber told Daniele that she should talk to Dustin more because he's cool.
• Kail has applied to be on the show since 2005.
• Eric said that Jen was a finalist to be on Survivor but got the Big Brother slot through CBS connections. (Yeah, ChillTown ringer!)
• Eric and Dustin were trying to figure if they're on anyone's radar. They don't think they're targets... at least not in the next few weeks.
• Now, Dustin watches the show. When Amber told him that Dick never washes his hands, Dustin mentioned Season 3 (Gerry).
• Jessica said she had glitter all over her and didn't know where it came from. (Probably fell from that empty space between her ears. As a matter of fact, I can see that head filled with glitter. It's fitting, isn't it?)
• Okay, Dick namedropped in a conversation to Kail. So, he does do it. It was evident on his MySpace page, but I didn't see him do it before.
• Carol and Mike have a "date" tonight. It ended up being small talk about family and such. Pleasant, but boring.
• Jameka straightened Amber's hair.
• Nick and Zach talked more about Jen's documented lies.
• Zach said if he wins, he'll put up one of the Six again. But he and Nick think that if Dustin wins, Joe's an automatic on the block. They both would like to see Joe leave. (So would I. He brings nothing to the house.)
• Then Zach changed his tune to Nick. He said if he won, he'd put up Jameka and Joe with the hopes Jameka would go. He calls her a "sleeper." I think that means she's flying under the radar.
• Zach told Nick he'd give him money if he were to make it to the Final Two with him and win. Against all their rules, we ended up getting blocked.
• Nothing really exciting going on as I get this posted...

'Big Brother 8' - Live-Blogging Episode 2 - 7/08/07

This post will be updated throughout the show as it airs here on the East Coast. Forgive any typos or misspellings... please! Refresh this page to check in on the latest. And, as always, feel free to comment.

We've gone through the recap and they're still in the past with Daniele crying about her father's presence in the house.

Dick is talking to Daniele, she tells them of the age lie. He's concerned with her weight. He's being really sweet, but she's a bit resistant. He wants the Final Two with her. He won't betray her in the house.

Onto Joe and Dustin... Joe is being nasty. Joe thinks Dustin's presence keeps him from being "the Joe I want to be." He talks more of the STD. Dustin isn't too happy. Dustin and Daniele are talking. Dustin told her that her relationship with her father is different. Joe's just an ex-boyfriend, Dick's family to her.

Jessica and Carol aren't having as many problems as the other two enemy couples, but they don't trust each other.

HOH Room viewing going on. Golly gee, wowsers. She has pictures of her husband and children. Daniele thinks if she gets HOH her pictures will be of her dog and grandmother.

Now Jen is crying about her Memory Wall picture. She can't be consoled. Sheesh. Talk about overeacting! She's going on and on about it. Haven't they got any more fodder for the show? (Now I don't like her even more.)

Returning from commercial, we're getting sound and sight bites of houseguests. Dick likes Jerry Manthey (Survivor) and namedrops a lot. He hasn't met Jon Bon Jovi only because he's from New Jersey.

Dustin likes getting Amber's story, but he doesn't see her crying in the Diary Room like I'm seeing now. The rough life bit to the max.

Mike proposed an alliance to Kail. You can tell it's Mike because Zach wears a Z necklace. Mike doesn't trust Daniele because they see her on the spy screen talking to Dick. Now Zach is in the room and Kail presents the alliance idea. They want to try for Nick into the alliance. Kail is talking to him in the storage room, he says he's in.

It's the food comp we didn't see on the feeds. Blue and Red teams to play. Huge popcorn boxes and butter spouts. Jessica is a bit... um, simplistic when she talks. They have to pump as much butter from the pumps all over their bodies and transport it to their box. Most butter transported wins, losing team on slop for the week. For the sex angle, only their teammates can wipe the butter off their bodies. Jen doesn't want Dick touching her. @@

Mike thinks the butter-covered girls are sexy while Jameka said how unattractive butter-covered folks are. Amber is using her hair as a secret weapon to carry melted butter.

Blue team got 37 pounds, Red got 77 pounds! Jameka, Joe, Daniele, Eric, Joe, Jessica, Nick are slopeating.

Joe and Dustin are talking/arguing. Oh, the drama mamas arise. Enough already, move along. I don't see fences being mended here and they both remind me of someone I know. Make them stop!

TV ad for Housecalls!

Back to the show. Dick is trying to talk to Daniele again. She's still giving him the cold shoulder. She told him that she thinks he's coming on too strong to people. She's actually talking to him.He's talking strategy. To us, he says, "I'd die for my daughter. I'd do anything for her." Daniele tells us in the game, she'll play with him.

Kail is contemplating the nominations. Mike advises her to go for the people who didn't perform well in the competitions.

They're pushing Eric as such good clean fun as America's Player. Now it's time... Eric is working for you... time for Eric to make up a sob story about his past, to whom should he tell it? Huh? That can't be all there is to it! He makes up a sad story and pours his heart out to someone? Of course, they haven't shown the noms yet and POV won't be shown until Tuesday. So maybe that's the only choice tonight.

"Nominations Today." Dick's concerned Daniele will be put on the block. Kail is taking the task seriously. Her Harum o' Boys is confident. It's time for the Nominations Ceremony. Dustin, Evel Dick, and Jessica given keys in the beginning and are safe.

Keys oulled in this order: Eric, Joe, Zach, Daniele, Jen, Mike, Jameka, Nick. "I nominated Amber and Carol for eviction." Based on work performance. First ones out of HOH comp, fairness.

Amber is crying in the DR still. She feels betrayed by another mother. In her own DR session, Kail tells us there are other reasons for the eviction in addition to what she said at the table. She says the other reasons are only for her to know. Carol took the news well, but we know from the feeds that changed.

Okay... who should Eric tell his sob story to? I'm thinking Dick...!

'Big Brother 8' - Live Feeds Update - POV Ceremony 7/08/07

After a long blockage of the feeds, they returned. Then I had to wait even longer for the news...

The Power of Veto Ceremony has been held. Daniele didn't change the nominations. Amber and Carol are still on the block. It sounds like the general concensus has Carol leaving this week.

We Interrupt This Blog...

I've been playing with Movie Maker while the houseguests sleep. Now if I could only get Movie Maker to realize my name is Jackie, not Jacki. These are photos I've taken around NYC and NJ. And, yes... this is my own YouTube video. Yeah, I'm a bit weird. ;-)

Where's Your Pants? - This Week on 'The Late Show with David Letterman' - July 9-13, 2007

Apparently CBS doesn't know where their pants are! As I write this, the entire guest list for the week at the official Late Show website is entirely blank... just an empty box. Grr. I'll have to peruse AOL TV Listings for my info, huh? It seems that CBS and the Late Show could hire someone who would actually keep their site in a timely fashion.

• Monday, July 9: Don Cheadle, a summer toys demonstration, musical guests The Smashing Pumpkins. This one sounds like a keeper to me. I love when Dave does toys!
• Tuesday, July 10: Sienna Miller, Michael era, musical guest Interpol. Um, okay. I guess.
• Wednesday, July 11: Actress Emma Watson, musical guest Spoon. I'm not really excited.
• Thursday, July 12: Actress Vera Farmiga is the only guest listed. I'm sure there's more to the show than that!
• Friday, July 13: Queen Latifah, author Alan Zweibel, and The Smashing Pumpkins. That can't be right... Smashing Pumpkins on both Monday and Friday? I doubt it!

Anyhow, there are the discombobulated guests for the week. CBS should get their site updated!

'Big Brother 8' - Saturday Evening Into Sunday Morning - 7/08/07

<-- In what seems like it's going to be the custom throughout the summer, Dick has stayed up most of the night. He's washing dishes and cleaning the kitchen. If he keeps this up, we'll have to call him Domestic Dick instead of Evel Dick. (Note: That's his spelling of evil, not mine!)

We're not into the really heavy drama point with these hamsters yet. But each day, we learn more about them.

Here's the lowdown from Saturday evening and the overnight hours in that Big Brother House of Loquacious Loonies:

• Carol thinks that Amber and Jessica have teamed up to campaign against her. She thinks Amber is using her family for sympathy. Meanwhile, Amber told Eric that she's just making sure everyone knows how much she wants to remain in the house.
• Jen actually wore clothes all day instead of her barely there bikini. Of couse, they were Jentastic clothes, but...!
• Jameka calls Dick "E.D." because she refuses to call him "Evel."
• Zach has lost almost 30 pounds this year before going into the house.
• Many of the houseguests are concerned about Daniele's weight. She's one of the ones on BB Slop and a thin woman losing more weight. Dick is very worried.
• I don't watch Joe a lot on the feeds. But when I do, I find him annoying. He likes to be the center of attention and is into impressing others by namedropping. "Oh, I know Susan Sarandon!" Um, I don't care.
• Joe has also memorized all of Finding Nemo. (And I think I'm a time-waster, eh?)
• There was a bit of strategy talk between Jameka and Daniele. It sounds like they want Jen out next week but they're worried about her relationship with Mike.
• Daniele thinks that Kail, Mike, Jen, and Eric have formed some sort of alliance or pact.
• Dustin spilled the beans -- both he and Jessica were recruited for the show, they didn't apply. So that means that of the enemies, it was Joe and Carol who wanted to be on the show in the first place.
• Dustin and Amber are getting closer every day. I can see them working together on strategies. Between them, they think they have Nick, Dick, and Zach in their corner.
• Dustin has a crush on Nick.
• Amber had a "date" with Mike -- which she endured because she wants him to be in her corner. Dustin had a "yoga date" with Nick.
• There's a bat who calls the backyard his home. At least that will mean fewer bugs under the lights at night.
• Carol thinks that Amber is trying to "steal" her votes by doing things like giving Zach a backrub. (Okay, girl... I liked you in the beginning, but you're annoying me now.)
• Nick told Kail that Joe offered to be in a secret alliance with him. "How do you back out without telling him you're already in a secret alliance?"
• Kail and Zach now think Carol's not a threat and they should really get rid of Amber this week. These are two to watch -- they're already heavy into strategy early in the game.
• Amber thinks that Joe harasses Dustin.
• Carol said that the producers told her she should try harder to stay and that she was in the Top 3 on the viewers website poll.
• The food restriction for the BB Slop folks went off at midnight, so they feasted.
• Carol thinks the tides have turned and she now has the majority vote to stay in the house. We'll see.
• Dick and Dustin think that Mike and Kail have a strong alliance to each other and that Mike "spies" on others reporting back to Kail. Neither trust Kail; both think she's a very strong player.
• Jen had a brouhaha with Nick. We got Blue Liquid Tunnel.
• Daniele thinks Eric is crazy. "He flipped out on me twice today."
• Dick has a "date" with Kail tonight. (What a couple!)
• Again, Dick stayed up longer than everyone else, talking to the cameras and housecleaning.

Okay... my thoughts on a few things now...

Eric is not a good choice for America's Player. He's too antsy and anxious. Why oh why couldn't they have chosen Jameka? I think that girl is going to fly under the radar until the end. Eric is too flakey and full of nervous energy. Plus, they'll have to bleep every other word out of his mouth for national network television.

I think Kail is a bit Maggie-like. She's gathering the flock and is quietly in charge.

Are Nick and Daniele merely a showmance or are they going to be an item? I don't know.