'Big Brother 8' - Monday Live Feeds So Far 8/27

Yep, Evel Dick is sitting pretty. Or, as pretty as he can sit with those funky feet!

Here are the day's events so far from inside that Big Brother House of "But I had a Vision!" --

• Before they went to sleep, Eric double-checked with Jessica to make sure she was still okay with his plan to let the nominations stand. She's fine with it.
  
• Jameka seriously tried to turn Jessica against Eric. I think she was doing it more in Amber's interest and perhaps Jessica's down the road rather than her own.
• Jessica told Jameka that she doesn't think Eric is going to use the veto. Jameka went on about Eric, Dick, and Daniele ... and sometimes Zach!
• Jessica reported the Jameka conversation back to Eric.
• Eric kissed her. I think this is probably the America's Player kiss. America has no sense of adventure!
• Eric is mad that Jameka told Jessica he didn't want to win HOH because they might give him pictures of his girlfriend. He says that's none of Jameka's business and he's been honest with Jessica.
• Eric told Jessica he really wants to win HOH next week.
• Jameka, the school counselor, asked if someone could explain the "Jensa Member" t-shirt. She doesn't get the reference. (I guess it's safe to say she's not a Mensa Member. It's scary that Jen obviously knew the reference and Jameka doesn't.)
• Amber told Jameka that Jessica told her that she isn't the target, but she (Amber) thinks something is going on between Jessica, Eric, Daniele, and Dick. (Ding, ding, we have a winner!)
• Eric didn't use the veto -- for the first time this season! Amber and Zach are still on the block.
• The washing machine still isn't working right.
• It hasn't been a thrill a minute, folks.
  

'Dancing With the Stars' - Line-Up Spoilers?

... or possibly not. The official list is due Wednesday morning, but I found this on TMZ. I'm not sure if it's a joke or serious, but know you guys want to see it!

'Big Brother 8' Live Feeds Bulletin - POV Ceremony

The POV Ceremony is over. It sounds like Eric had a nice speech. It also sounds like the nominations are remaining the same -- Amber and Zach are on the block. Jameka doesn't understand why Eric wants his two enemies to remain in the house with him. She thinks it might be a tie.

'Big Brother 8' - Live Feeds Into Monday 8/27

<--- Amber actually smiling as the houseguests play spin the bottle. It's more of a mix of spin the bottle and truth or dare or something. There is no kissing involved. They tell a "truth" and all say "how sad." Very odd. Not like yesterday morning with Jessica and Eric! Which, by the way, was the only interesting point of the day and that was sort of blah. Without further ado, here's the news from inside the House of Big Brother Previously Rejected Applications:

• Eric's rather anti-climatic kissing of Jessica yesterday morning won't count for America's Player. If she's chosen, he will have to do it again. (One more time, this time with feeling!)
• I still want him to have to kiss Dick or Zach, though.
• Amber read her bible often yesterday. Hopefully she has at least portions memorized by now.
• The washing machine is still on the fritz.
• Strategy or not? Dick went to Amber complaining there's only so much of Zach he can take. They had a talk about how annoying Zach is with his know-it-all ways. Amber once again brought up Zach promising to cook for Jameka and not doing it.
• Amber cried. (Not due to the Dick conversation, just on general principles.)
• Eric and Jessica discussed whether the big Dick/Daniele fight was real or staged. Jessica thinks it was real because Dick's eyes are all red.
• Amber talked to Jessica. She said she wants someone good to win the season. At this time, the only good people left in the house are herself, Jameka, and Jessica. (That's according to Amber, not me.)
• Amber says that if she stays and wins HOH, she would never put Jessica or Eric on the block. (Never? Um, those numbers are getting down, girl!)
• Jessica told her if the vote's a tie, she'll vote out Zach.
• Amber thinks that Dick and Daniele are a strong pair, but Jessica and Eric aren't because they're just good friends.
• Jessica sat with Dick for a while trying to avoid Zach and everyone. Her strategy is to sleep to avoid people.
• Dick has flip-flopped back to wanting Zach out.
• Amber still loves her rat!
• Amber finally nailed Eric. Just to talk to him, minds out of the gutter! She's worried that she's the target and promises him things she can't possibly keep like never putting him on the block. She did the "good people" to win thing, but now he seems to mysteriously be a part of that. She says she doesn't want Dick, Daniele, or Zach to win.
• Amber cried while talking to Eric.
• When she asked him if she should be nervous, he told everyone should be nervous because there are only seven players left.
• Eric told her he's basically against the backdoor method of evicting a houseguest on the whole. He said he's a bit upset that almost everybody who's gone home this season has been backdoored.
• She cried some more.
• Amber told him that she can tell he's a good person by his eyes. @@
• Eric told Jessica that tomorrow (today) it will be blatantly obvious whether they're with Dick and Daniele or against them.
• Jessica said she's not worried about the final four, she's worried about next week.
• Amber told Jameka that Eric won't be using the veto.
• Zach and Amber both campaigned their cases.
• Then it went into the game which is still on as I post this. As a punishment, Dick had to lick Jen's picture twice. Fun, fun. So sad!
• The game is over as I add to this -- Amber is whispering to Jameka that Jessica has always been suspicious of her and Eric. @@ (I felt I had to add that to make your morning!)
  

'Big Brother 8' - Sunday 8/26 Show Live-Blogged from the East Coast

I apologize for my hours of absense, alas... had stuff that had to get done. I hate that, don't you?

The show has started here in the NYC area. As usual, I'll be updating this entry as it airs. Please join in on comments!

So far, recap, recap and a happy Dick. Oh, all of the cryptic comments by Jen as she left! Jessica is wondering what she should know. Amber is happy Jameka is still around. They're still congratulating each other on Jen's exit.

Now they're re-celebrating Jessica being HOH. Zach feels safe, heh. If God doesn't think Amber should get the HOH, it's not meant for her. @@

Amber is justifying her loss by the fact God meant NEXT week she'll win HOH! Jameka thinks it might be a great week for her because she's close to both Jessica and Eric. Amber thinks Jessica might put Daniele and Dick up. She loves God.

Eric is flirting with Jessica. The woobie listens.

Eric tells us he has no game when it comes to women. But compared to an Ogre and a 44-year old, he's the best left in the house.

It's time for Jessica's HOH room! Excitement galore. Dick thinks the cheerleading squad is ugly. She got her Booyah shirt.

Now Jessica is trying to find out what Jen wanted her to know. Amber said it's that Eric has a girlfriend and there's a lot more to it. Jessica doesn't like cheats and looks pensive. Amber tells Eric, too. Eric looks uncomfortable, but then he does that a lot.

Eric does much work on Amber, tells her there is a relationship -- it comes and goes. He tells Amber he has tried not to cross lines in either direction. He wants to talk to Jessica. He tells us that everything he's done towards her in the house has been true and honest.

So he talks to Jessica. She seems quasi-okay with things.

It's time for Dick and Daniele to argue! He wants her to take vitamins. "He wants to be all parenty and stuff!" Zach picked up enough to get an "I'm on your side Dick dig" to Daniele. Dick asked her if she ever took any responsibility for her part in their break-up. He never left, he never abandoned her.

Y'know, I don't like it when the show airs their dirty family laundry.

Good, Jameka and Jessica talking in the HOH room. Jameka suggests putting up Dick and Daniele. Jessica is acting like she might do that ... most likely for the benefit of Jameka. She tells Jameka she doesn''t know what she'll do, but she won't put Jameka up. Jessica says that Daniele is a bigger threat to her than Dick is.

Luxury comp time -- jessica gets to pick the teams and goes for girls and guys. She also participates. They have wetsuits and a sudsy thing in the backyard. The prize is a Big Brother shopping spree. They must get into their birthday suits. Amber thinks her boyfriend will kill her. Daniele said she's modest and her father is in the house.

Clothes have letters which spell things like toga and Jenitard. They have to put on the clothes with the letter and hang it on the line. I personally would have abstained. The guys are separated from the girls, but still...!

Heehee, the guys spelled goat while the girls saw toga in it, as did Dick. The guys are totally dazed. The girls are going at it with a final of bunny suits! Shrieks of joy! They win! They have two minutes to put on as many of the new articles as they can. Inside the house there are racks and racks. The guys watch wearing robes and yell advice.

Amber says she's not as small as she looks. Jessica took the mannequin. I think it was her anyway.

OMG -- Amber thinks she has the hair and the face, and the body to be a top model. She tells us through tears in the DR that it's the future for her. Jameka gives her encouragemnt. Eww.

Zach pleads his case to Eric and Jessica, tells them to put up Dick and Daniele.

America's Player - Who should Eric get nominated? He's thrilled with the choice of Amber and guarantees it.

He talks to Jessica, tells her that Amber doesn't trust them. Jessica tells Eric that Jameka suggested Dick and Daniele. She knows her nominations didn't hurt her the last time, but has to think out her strategy.

America's Player -- Which houseguest should Eric kiss? (He blew that this morning with Jessica!) I want him to kiss Zach or Dick!

It's time for the HOH nominations thoughts. I love how the HG has to say it's the job of the HOH each week like we don't know. Jessica tells us she has to put up two people who aren't a threat to her this week, maybe take out a power player?

Hmmm...

Time for the cermony. Jessica says the game gets harder each week because she gets closer to people each week. She said some people have been working with her, others have been since day one and others haven't been there for her at all or too little.

Keys: Eric, Daniele, Jameka, Dick.

Nominated Zach and Amber, feels that he hasn't been with her the entire time, nor has Amber. Zach tells us he actually has to work this week to stay in the house. Aha, he admits floating!

And Amber cried. "I'm not mad at you, God. Help me!"

'Big Brother' - Past Winners, Present Strategies?

As the houseguests sleep, I thought it would be interesting to pick up and run with something commenter Barbwire came up with on a previous entry here.

In thinking about Jameka and Amber's game strategy or lack there of, she wondered about past winners of the show and whether some flew under the radar. I'm offering my take here and would like to open the discussion floor for your thoughts. Does Amber really have a strategy? Jameka? If either wins, will it be a purely under the radar win? How about Zach? Has a lack of strategy won the game before?

Here's my take on the previous winners:

Season 1 Winner: Eddie McGee didn't play under the radar, but no one really had a plan that year.

Season 2 Winner: Will Kirby, didn't play under the radar yet threw every comp, his strategy was to lie and tell them he was lying. Puppetmaster and probably my favorite all-time houseguest.

Season 3 Winner: Lisa Donahue - now, I think she played a bit under the radar. Not my favorite player, nowhere near it. She was strong at times in comps.

Season 4 Winner: Jun Song, had a reputation for playing under the radar but I think she actually had a strategy and was a bit sneaky. I think she was pretty game-smart and used others (especially Jee) to her advantage.

Season 5 Winner: Drew Daniel, not the strongest strategist by a long shot. Joined an alliance and was likable. I think I'd put him in the flew somewhat under the radar camp.

Season 6 Winner: Maggie Ausburn, definitely didn't fly under the radar, but instead had others do all of her dirty work for her. In my opinion, a bit of puppetmaster although certainly not as entertaining for me as was Will Kirby.

Season 7 Winner: Mike "Boogie" Malin, didn't fly under the radar but instead rode on Will Kirby's coattails throughout the season. I was NOT happy to see him win, not at all.

Here's my take on those left in the house right now and their strategies:

Amber: Has no real strategy, had a vision she'd win, thinks she's good and nice, thus worthy of winning. She's playing under the radar, but her tears and whining bring her to the forefront -- that's not strategy, though.

Jameka: Nice and good person, make friends with all and win. Under the radar.

Daniele: Strong in comps, I think her original strategy was to get along well with people, win comps. Immaturity issues, her father in the house, and the personalities of others have affected her strategy. A change to super-alliance with Dad and win at the end because they like her better.

Dick: Studied the game and often says he wants to emulate Will Kirby. Alas, his own personality does him in. Change in strategy to work with Daniele. He'll be thrilled if she wins, but is also thinking about his own position in the house. Cooks, cleans, makes himself useful even in rant stages.

Jessica: Under the radar, nice, but uses Eric and others to do her dirty work for her, thus still coming up in favor of others. Decent people skills and she's using them. Decent in comps. I do think her strategy is a bit under the radar when compared with others in the house, but a stronger player than Amber or Jameka. She actually tries to think ahead in the game.

Zach: Almost under the radar, but his strategy is showing more as the numbers in the house dwindle. He puts himself in the position of siding with the HOH each week promising to vote their way in an effort to keep the spotlight off himself. He listens and picks up on everything. He would have been more successful with different housemates. I could see him and Roddy teaming up, etc. Zach puts himself in the position where he never offends anyone by nominating them, never wins any comps. Maybe he can't win comps because he did really want to save his own butt with the POV this week.

Eric: He's the Big Brother scholar, but his strategy has had to change due to America's Player. If he were at his own devices, I think he could have every move planned out ahead. Unfortunately for him, the AP has thrown him some curve balls. I think he's handled the cover-up with the stray votes and such better than I ever could. I'd actually like to see how he'd play the game on his own. I think he could very well be the best strategist in the house if not for the AP intervention.

Your thoughts?

'Big Brother 8' - Live Feeds Report - Into Sunday Morning 8/26

Yes, I think Zoetawny nailed it. Eric is a legend in his own mind!

I seriously wonder what his game plan was prior to being saddled with the America's Player gig. He knows the game in and out. He probably would fare well if he was playing it straight up.

But there are some issues with Eric, some he could improve with a bit of restraint and others a bit beyond his control. What he could improve is he talks too much and talks without first thinking. I think he sometimes talks just to talk. That he could change if he worked at it.

Harder for him are his mannerisms and body language. He's on the hyper side, always looks either nervous or guilty, wiggles around as he talks, and his eyes are all over the place as he talks or even sits. That body language tends to make him come across as sneaky or dishonest even if he's being truthful. He's squirmy!

Controlling his body language would be a tougher task than controlling his mouth, but I think it's hurting him in the house and with anyone who watches the feeds regularly. They don't show as much of his body language on the show as we see on the feeds.

Anyhoo ... here are the late night and overnight happenings from inside that Big Brother House of Lovable Buffoons (Or Not):

• For the longest time last night the feeds were intermittent as Daniele kept reading out loud from the BB Rules Book. "When Big Brother announces a lockdown, you must immediately ..." Feeds block. "Houseguests can use the pool at anytime but may not swim alone as there is no lifeguard." You guys don't know how much I'd love to get my hands on that book!
• Evel Dick assumed the chef position last night, cooking dinner for everyone.
• As BB won't let them have good cutlery, he had to chop and mince with a plastic knife.
• He swore at and bullied the [bleepin'] broccoli and carrots.
• Evel Dick said he has never seen so many green potatoes at a time.
  
• Amber is upset. She wants to talk to Jessica. She has too much to pack. People are deserting her. Fuss, fuss, whine, whine, sniffle, honk.
• Daniele thinks it's odd that they only got all those banner planes within one week and none since.
• They have the fake rats from the Power of Veto comp. Amber seems disturbingly attached to hers. (It's not a living being, Amber!)
• Jessica told Eric that, during the POV comp, she was thinking that Amber just might win. Apparently Amber had a good showing in the comp. Scary, eh?
• Jameka and Jessica plan to make Sunday's dinner.
• Zach offered to make dinner for Jameka and she told him to cook for everyone, not just her. Amber points out that he's said he was going to do so three different times and hasn't done it yet.
• Heh. Eric said that when he was in first grade he wrote an essay named "Sometimes I Wish I Was a Fly." They sent him to the school psychologist.
• Daniele told Dick she "can't stand these people."
• Jessica decided her fake rat has "devil eyes" and places it so it can guard the HOH room.
• Jessica, Amber, and Jameka tried to de-trunk Eric in the hot tub. (Y'see, in this aspect he does very well. Women are not intimidated by him and he doesn't creep them out at all. It's almost like a kid thing going on.)
• Dick exposed himself to Eric. Eric found it oddly amusing that it just seemed part of being in the house.
• Daniele told Dick that Amber kept complaining that Nick didn't mention her in the letter she received.
• Eric told Jessica that if the nominations remain the same, he'll say in the POV speech that he respects her opinion. But he'll try to scare everyone first by acting like he's going to shake things up.
• Daniele and Dad had a lengthy nice talk about family memories and house happenings. Good. No whining.
• Daniele said she can't talk about the trip, but watch for a "New Amber who's serious and kicking ass." Then she laughed.
• Dick wants an honest alliance -- no side deals with Jameka or others.
• Eric later told Jessica that now he's worried that Dick may have some side deals going on since he brought up the issue.
• When talking about Amber's visions, Eric said, "What is she? Miss Cleo?"
• The Alliance of Four -- Dick, Daniele, Eric, and Jessica -- came up with a new name for their alliance. It's the Little Julie Chen Alliance. Um. Okay.
• Eric thinks this might be the most bitter jury ever on the show. I think he could very well be right.
• Eric called Amber the One Person Nerd Herd. Not to her face, of course. She would have cried and we don't need more of that!
• Eric and Jessica continued their platonic, yet flirting, relationship. Oh, there was a massage! They touched! Oh, my!
• It's all quiet in the house now (finally) as I get this posted.
  

'Big Brother 8 - Live Feeds - Saturday 8/25 So Far

Lucky Jessica gets to entertain Jameka and Zach in the HOH. It's a fascinating conversation.
Jameka: "What's the R in RV stand for?"
Everyone: "I don't know."
Zach: "The V is for vehicle."
@@ They may as well have Amber in the room with them! (It stands for recreational ... recreational vehicle, RV.)

Here are the day's events since I posted the morning update:

• Eric kept telling Jessica he never cheated, etc., etc. He is really irked at Jen's mention about his girlfriend/relationship.
• He does indeed seem to be a bit smitten with Jessica. Is it all part of the game? I don't think so. He reminds me of a 14 year old boy in love.
• Eric and Jessica discussed various scenarios around the POV. They intend to eliminate one of their original nominees and aren't targetting Dick, Daniele, or Jameka.
• Amber and Jameka talked about how Eric is feeding Jessica ideas and it's his decisions, not hers, going into play.
• Amber and Jameka were also discussing number combinations with 1, 3, 5, and 7. I don't know what that was about, but it was important to them!
• Amber prayed and told God to "do what you think is best." Um, I may have to pray to remind him that her leaving the house as soon as possible is best!
• Jessica, Jameka, and Zach practiced memory questions for comps.
• There was a long feeds blockage, then WHAM -- Eric had won the Power of Veto! Apparently Zach was a very close second, but second doesn't cut it.
• The Veto Comp had them finding rats. (I can't see how that would be that difficult in the house this season, can you?)
• Jessica's happy because an Eric win means the nominations will remain the same -- Zach and Amber.
• Amber cried. Or pouted. Or cried while she pouted.
• Not knowing it vanished, Zach keeps talking Pirate Master. He's mentioned it before. Maybe he wants to be a pirate bunny.
• Zach is pleading his case to stay with anyone who will listen.
• Jameka says she'll be shocked no matter what Eric does with the veto.

Lots of napping and a rather subdued house today. It's raining there, the clothes washer is still on the fritz.

'Big Brother 8 - Live Feeds POV Winner 8/25

Eric won the Power of Veto. A full report will be posted later this evening!

'Big Brother 8' - Live Feeds Into Saturday 8/25

Graphic artist Zoetawny had to use her "mad skillz" to create a second HOH graphic for Jessica! I think, in watching the feeds, Jessica is the one person least changed whan she's Head of House. With others, they seem to gloat (Dustin, Dick) or, in Daniele's case, freak out a bit. Jessica handles it well. I just wish her voice was a bit different. So, what's been happening inside that Big Brother House of Whispers and Wimps? Here's the skinny:

• Zach had a long talk to Jessica about his nomination. He's worried that he might be evicted, but approached the conversation at the angle that he isn't the target. He told Jessica he's not mad at her and understands that it was the most logical move for her to make.
• Zach really wants to win POV (remember, he hasn't won anything yet) and remove himself from the block. If he does, he wants Jessica to put Dick on the block and backdoor him.
• Zach also thinks that Dick and Daniele will play hard for POV if they're chosen because they want the nominations to remain the same.
• Jessica took all Zach was saying in and obviously took it under consideration. After all, she was nodding her head and saying "uh-huh" and "yeah." I'm sure Zach took that to mean she agrees with him.
• Jessica committed to nothing with him.
• Zach told Jessica that, no matter what happens, he'd vote as she wants him to.
  
• Eric is still upset about Jen's comment warning Jessica about his girlfriend. Perhaps that was the impetus for his nasty remark as she left. He's still stewing about it.
• Jameka worked her way right into the happy group o' houseguests while Amber was a bit somber and Zach was um, Zach-ish. (He always reminds me of a comic book geek who's smart but not ever "in with the in crowd." Not a bad thing, but it makes it hard for others to understand where he's coming from at times.)
• Evel Dick wants Zach to go. It's only fitting that Zach wants Dick to go, right?
• Amber cried.
• Eric wonders if he'll set a record if he doesn't get chosen to play for the veto again.
• As the HG feasted, Amber was subdued.
• Beer pong was played. I miss zuma-zuma.
• Jameka went on a crying streak -- alone. Well, her and God, that is. She cried, she prayed, she cried while praying.
• Daniele told Dick everyone hates him. He didn't think so, so they went through the list. It's everyone. He just laughed.
• Jameka tried to shake Jessica's faith in Eric. Jameka just doesn't trust him and thinks Jessica shouldn't trust him either.
• That didn't last long as Eric and Jessica are still up talking in the HOH room as I post this. She has the woobie and they're still BFF. (Best friends forever)
  

'Big Brother 8' Live Feeds - Nominations

As expected, Amber and Zach are on the block.

And Amber cried.

'Big Brother 8' - Live Feeds - Friday So Far - 8/24

The nominations ceremony hasn't happened yet. I'll post a bulletin when I hear the news.

But here are the other happenings from inside that Big Brother House of Odd Ducks:

• BB woke them up early today -- 10 AM their time. Of course, that's only early if you've been up for most of the night.
• Daniele and Zach tried to convince Jameka that sushi can be good.
• Daniele thinks that Julie Chen's HOH questions have been uncomfortable and intrusive. (Um, this is a show with 24/7 live feeds, cameras, microphones. It's an intrusive show, darn it!)
• BB woke up the houseguests again just before 11:30.
• Jameka said the school where she works actually handcuffs misbehaving kids until their parents arrive. Yikes.
• Daniele told Jameka she didn't have to do chores while growing up -- her grandparents did everything. (Why am I not surprised?)
• There was a luxury comp -- timed grabbing and putting on of clothes (similar to ones in the past). The girls won.
• In all of the Eric/Jessica talks it seems the noms will be Amber and Zach. Jessica still isn't sure what she'll say at the ceremony.
• They think if they go after either Dick or Daniele, they (Jessica and Eric) will wind up on the block next week.
• No one is on slop this week and there was no food comp unless it was part of the luxury comp.
• Zach talked to Jessica and Eric. He admits that he thinks there's more to Eric than he's seeing and it worries him. He suggests an Amber/Dick nomination. He offers to be "with them" in their quest.
• Eric later mentioned to Jessica that Zach does this with every HOH -- plays up to them and promises to vote with them. That's why he doesn't get nominated.
• Daniele is worried that Zach is trying to shmooze Eric and Jessica -- and that they'll put them (D&D) on the block if they listen to him.
• Although there was a bit of nudity in the luxury comp as they tried on clothes, was it necessary for Amber to flash the Internet later putting on her new clothes?
• My eyes. My eyes.

That's it. Amber blinded me. I'll have to find a cure before the nominations ceremony.

'Big Brother 8' - Live Feeds Report Since the Live Show Into Friday

<--- Eric tells Jessica he thinks she wants him to be a Nancy Boy.

Whatever!

Here are the evening's happenings since the live show ended from that Big Brother House of "You Can Never Be Too Blonde and Win Too Many HOH" --

• Eric thinks Jen's speech was rude (the one in which they plead their case to stay). Well, I think his "speech" was rude when she left. He should have just let her go without his snide comment. If she was considering voting for him in the jury, he blew it right there.
• The house mood is upbeat, but I'm sure that will change with the pressure of another HG going home.
• Dick hopes Jen gets fired from her nanny job.
• Jessica asked Amber what Jen had wanted to tell her before she left. Amber said she wasn't going to say, but since she asked ... Jen wanted to warn Jessica not to trust Eric because he has a girlfriend named Cheryl. She doesn't want Jessica to be hurt.
• Jameka tried to give advice to Daniele about how to talk to her father. She says he's abrasive but means well -- he's always proud of her and loves her.
• Jameka says Evel Dick's intentions are good. (And where does the road paved with good intentions lead ...?)
• Daniele kept fussing about her father, nothing to do with the Jen incidents. She fussed in general about him and it was more of a woe-is-me fuss.
• Dick and Eric continued to trash talk Jen long after she was gone.
• Amongst Jessica's HOH goodies she got a "Booyah" shirt.
• Jameka had an Amber moment. She asked Daniele what boas (the kind you wear, not the snake) were and how you spell the word.
• The HG speculated that Kail might be the mayor of her town. Heh.
• Amber told Eric that Jen told her to tell Jessica not to trust him.
• There was a big In N Out burger feast during which Jameka overate and regretted it ... not!
• Eric said his girlfriend is long-distance.
• Jameka seems to be pushing Jessica (a bit) to put Evel Dick on the block.
• Jessica told Jameka she won't put her on the block.
• America's Player? -- Eric told Jessica that she should put Amber on the block. Amber and Zach. I'd say the Zach is a personal choice of his, Amber the voted one.

All are in bed as I post this, with Eric and Jessica just parting ways (for the dawn).

'Big Brother 8' - 8/23 Live Eviction Show Live-Blogged from the East Coast

The big show is starting here on the East Coast. I'll constantly be updating this entry as the show airs. Please forgive any typos or misspellings and have a good time in the comments area!

So far, recap!

Julie says it's been an exciting and explosive week. She has the explosive right. Now recapping the veto meeting in black in white.

Jameka is happy that Jen replaced Amber as it means a better chance she'll stay in the game.

Jenth Degree is on the treadmill when Dick comes in. He told her that talking about not needing the money has had a big effect. Jen tells him she's not bitter. Then she goes to Daniele in the HOH room. The JenBot actually sheds a tear. They really shortneed this. The conversation lasted about 20 minutes in real life.

Amber and Daniele take off for their trip.

Jen is talking to Jameka about not wanting to go to the sequester house. Jameka thinks she disrespected the integrity of the game.

Ah, Jen hides her won stuff in prep for destroying Dick's cigarettes. And, she's cooking! Turkey burgers! Jameka shouldn't play with her bare feet as she talks. Dick thinks Jen wants attention. AHA! The cigarettes! She has them, to the storage room! Jumping on them! She hid her clothes so Dick couldn't destroy them, yet is destroying four cartons of his cigarettes.

Dick looks for them, mentions the deal to be nice and wants to know where she hid them. Everyone else just stares. Dick found her stuff and hid it upstairs in the HOH room thinking she had just hidden his cigarettes.

Jen approaches Eric and others saying, "I'll now perform ... eating." Everyone tells her not to, but then dismiss her as a cheater. She's called to the Diary Room. She explains to us that she received a penalty vote -- an automatic vote to evict her tonight.

They show the slapping his cigarette bit. Ah, they're showing it all! Must see TV! He was wrong to blow the smoke, but she kept at him. She slapped at him, yet he actually was pretty restrained.

Amber and Daniele are heading to the Big Apple for their Power of Ten appearance. A private jet. Now Amber says NYC is so cool -- on the feeds she dissed it. They will play against each other, then one will go for the big bucks. Nick is going to be Daniele's "friend, family member" whatever and Amber's cousin will be hers. Nick's Mohawk has gron in a bit. Oh, geez ... they showed the beginning. Amber is a ham. @@

Julie is talking to them. And Amber is going on, but not crying! Julie tells Jen she's the first person in 8 years of the show to break food restriction and receive a penalty vote. Jen thought she made history by being there.

Now the streak of Eric's streaking, etc. We're into commercial and the voting should begin soon.

Julie's talking to Daniele in the HOH room. She tells Julie she owes a lot of credit to Eric and Jessica. She says she would love to be sitting next to her Dad in the final two ... because he has a lot of enemies. @@

Talk with the nominees -- Jen says, "I'm Jen" No, she's happy and honest and doesn't fit in here, happy to come here, happy to leave. Jameka is honored and happy to be in the house, nice speech.

Jen has one penalty vote for eviction.
Amber votes to evict Jen.
Dick votes to evict Jen.
America votes to evict Jen (Eric)
Zach votes to evict Jen
Jessica votes to evict Jen

Unanimous plus one, Jen is evicted from the Big Brother house... but a commercial first!

Jen gives a big smile. Amberr hugs, Eric says as happy as she is to be leaving, they're happier to see her go. Zach hugged her. Jen said something about Daniele having her back, but I didn't catch it all. Ah, Daniele just said she said, "I'm glad you had my back."

Julie tells Jen she's one of the most compelling HG ever. She listed various Jen-actions. Dick mean things -- is it how he feels or strategy? Jen said it wasn't appropriate either way. She mentions she'll be on the jury. Jameka says although bad first impression, changed. Eric calls her fun and unique and interesting. Dick tells her she should have been gone long ago. Jessica is apologetic. Zach tells her she's a great competitor. Daniele wishes she had left on a better note and apologizes. Amber, crying face, says she's not as bad as she thought she was -- show off the beautiful person inside to the whole world.

HOH Comp -- "Tanks for the Memories" -- Evicted HG will get revenge. They're on dunk tanks. Jen gets to dunk them if they're wrong with the answers.

Who did Joe say was most in need of a slop diet? Zach or Jameka? All right (Zach)
Spelling bee? Eric wrong -- (I missed the whole question)
Jameka or Dick -- Carol give Bible to -- All wrong.
Nick prefer to see streaking -- Eric or Zach -- Amber gone, Zach gone.
It's between Jessica and Dick.Jen got to dunk Dick.
Jessica is the new HOH.

America's Player -- Who do we want out of the house?
I really, really want Amber gone. It's gotten so even her voice on the live feeds grates at me.

'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!