Off Topic - That Was the Week It Was - November 20, 2011

It's Sunday morning, time for my weekly off television topic reflection on the week gone by in both words and photographs I've taken.

Let's see ... what happened this week? I worked, came home, slept and ate.

There. That's all.

Well, I guess not quite all. But it's just been one of those weeks. My knee is running a bit tired, but I'm not in the constant pain I was in pre-surgery. I'm definitely walking faster as the days go on. That's a good thing. Pre-surgery it was taking me a half-hour to walk to the train station in the mornings. Now it's taking me fifteen minutes.

Once again the weather here has had its warm days and its more chilly ones. Tuesday night and all day Wednesday it rained. That brought down tons of the autumn leaves and made my power go wonky Wednesday evening. It went off a few minutes before 8 PM, then came back on after a less than a minute. I listened to my scanner to find that the police were dispatched for an arcing wire in my neighborhood, but couldn't find it.

Then, about midnight, as I was heading to bed, the outdoors lighted up. Huh? I looked out the window knowing it wasn't a thunderstorm. The power dimmed, came back, dimmed, came back. I turned the scanner on again. This time the police were dispatched for a blown transformer, but the power ended up staying on. Well, at least until I went to sleep, that is. Apparently there was an outage overnight, but I awakened on time to go off to work before the dawn. Thankfully my alarm clock is one of the atomic ones which automatically reset when the power returns.

That was my excitement for the week.

Of course, this upcoming week is Thanksgiving. I hope everyone has a fine holiday! 

Onto this week's photos -- clicking on an image will open it larger in a gallery doohickey. To see this entire entry and all of the photographs, you must hit the "read more" link!

Screaming squirrel

What he was screaming about, I don't know. But I could hear him a half-block away. Cleveland Street, Plainfield.

Where's the sidewalk?

My 'hood on Thursday morning after Wednesday's rain.

Traffic light is not

The power was back on in the neighborhood, but the traffic light was still out at Richmond and East Front. And, as per Murphy's Law, there was more traffic than I've EVER seen at that hour at that intersection. I scurried across when I had the chance. And I'm really not a scurrier with this new knee yet!

Survivor South Pacific 11/16 Episode Blog Party

Survivors ready? It's almost time for the show to start here on the East Coast. As it airs, I'll be updating this post with major events. But the real fun and active discussion can be found in the blog party comments. Stop on in and share your thoughts on the show!

Just in case I disappear -- some fool hit a power pole at the end of my block. The power went out briefly, then returned. But who knows?

Redemption Island duel time! Ozzy, Keith and Jim balancing two vertical poles with a horizontal pole across the top. No one is rooting for Ozzy (except Petals). Jim is out, first member of the jury. Keith is out and in the jury. Ozzy wins and is stays in the game! Well, stays on Redemption Island, that is.

Immunity Challenge! They're balancing bowls of rice on their heads, crossing over teeter-totters and dumping the rice in bigger bowls. Um. Okay.

Sophie, my blog pool person, wins Immunity! Jeff promises them there will be a twist at Tribal Council tonight.

Whitney, Dawn, Albert, Cochran and maybe Sophie are thinking an Edna ouster.

The tally --

Dawn
Edna
Dawn
Edna
Dawn
Dawn
Dawn

The plan didn't fly, Dawn heads to Redemption. The twist is another immediate Immunity Challenge and vote. The challenge is one with questions. My gal Sophie wins AGAIN! The vote is on.

The tally --

Cochran
Whitney
Whitney
Whitney
Whitney
Whitney

That's it, Savaii sans Cochran is gone -- Whitney heads to Redemption.

The Amazing Race 19 Blog Party - 11/13/2011

The show is starting on time here on the East Coast in a few minutes. Once it starts, I'll update this post with the major happenings. But the real fun is in the comments; please pipe in with your thoughts! See you there!

The teams are heading to Copenhagen! Double U-Turn ahead. Uh-oh ... Marcus and Amani are still at the airport while the other teams are already in Copenhagen!

The Roadblock has a team member dancing an historical dance in traditional costume.

Marcus and Amani have caught up to Jeremy and Sandy.


Detour - All hopped up has them racing rabbits in a course. All churned out has them making butter.


Ack! Ernie and Cindi team U-Turned Bill and Cathi! Bill and Cathi U-Turned Laurence and Zac.


Pit Stop --
1. Ernie and Cindy, won a trip to Fiji.
2. Bill and Cathi
3. Andy and Tommy
4. Amani and Marcus
5. Jeremy and Sandy
6. Laurence and Zac - Philiminated

Off Topic - That Was the Week It Was - November 13, 2011

It's Sunday morning, time for my weekly off television topic reflection on the week gone by in both words and photographs I've taken. This was my first quasi-full week back to work. I actually only worked four days, taking Tuesday as a personal day due to yet another follow-up visit to the orthopedic surgeon.

No, there are no issues with the knee. Well, nothing unexpected or needing a doctor visit anyway! I'm definitely in better knee shape than I've been in for the last ten years. People keep commenting about how much happier I seem. (And, no ... I'm not thrilled to death to be back to work!) It's just that this is the first time in a decade I'm not in constant and sometimes crippling pain. Chronic pain can really take its toll on a friendly shining disposition! But, no. I'm not "perky." I refuse to be perky.

That said, some folks would probably think the pain I have now at the end of the work day is bad. But it's nowhere near like I had before. The quad muscle is still way too weak making stairs rough. My knee and ankle tend to be swollen by the end of the day, so I still ice and elevate in the evenings once I get home. If this were to be as good as it gets, I'd still be happy. I know what bad really is. Plus, I also know healing and muscle strength will just continue to improve for more than a year. My next follow-up visit with the orthopedic surgeon is on December 21. 

Our weather here this week was basically very mild with above average temperatures except for one day. On Friday we had a blast of colder air and wind which reminded me winter is going to eventually come. I just hope that we don't have a lot of snow and ice this winter. On the whole, I like winter better than hot and humid summers. But last year's storms were a bit too much!

On the home front things have been quiet. Crazy Joe across the hall rather surprisingly told me anytime I wanted to use his car, just ask. Huh. He's lived across the hall from me for nine years and we're friendly enough coming and going, but that offer is totally unexpected. He does have two cars and knows I walk. But I know that all the years I had cars, no one drove them but me! It was very nice of him to offer. However, I doubt I'll ever take him up on it. I'll just depend on him to scream at kids running and playing in the hallway. They don't call him "Crazy Joe" for nothing.

Other than that, I've got nothing for you. We might as well get to the photos for the week. Remember to hit the "read more" link to see all of them. Clicking on an image will open it larger in a new gallery doohickey. Or, perhaps it's a gallery thingamajig. I really don't know.

Plainfield Train Station at Night

Last night at the Plainfield Train Station. It was quieter than it usually is at night. That's good and bad. It means the annoying street people aren't around. But, in a way, I prefer SOME folks around. There have been a lot of robberies in the city lately and, while I'm really not a good victim as I can be surly if the need arises, it's better to even have the crowd of street people around at night. Alas, even my local bodega was robbed at gunpoint the other night. The gang stuff doesn't bother me as much as all of the recent robberies. 

But I'm a two minute walk from the police station at the train station. When I come home later on Saturday evenings I walk over there and take the bus so I'm not walking across town. I get off a block from home on the bus and know all the folks in that Berckman Street block. I could always run to someone's house and they'd help if I had a problem. But still, I wish they'd nail these robber dudes. If I'm coming home really late, I'll snag a cab.

Westfield Train Station

I stayed on the train going home Friday night until Westfield. I was spoiled at work with direct deposit, but my short term disability checks were actual checks. My physical therapy was near a branch of my bank. So, for most of my time off, it was a non-issue. But once physical therapy stopped, I'm not really near my bank. I had gathered my last three checks and it was time. 

Oh. And my bank happens to be across the street from Trader Joe's. Two birds, one stone. Did you know that Trader Joe's now has shrimp corn dogs and their own brand bags of onion rings (which are scrumptious!)? Some things Peapod grocery delivery just doesn't have, so a Trader Joe's stop is always nice.

Fall Colors in the Fog

The foliage is pretty no matter whether it's sunny, foggy, raining or even snowing. I took this shot in Bridgewater, NJ.

Survivor South Pacific 11/09 Episode Blog Party

Survivors ready? It's almost time for the show to start here on the East Coast. As it airs, I'll be updating this post with major events. But the real fun and active discussion can be found in the blog party comments. Stop on in and share your thoughts on the show!

Savaii folks lit into Cochran as expected.

Immunity is down to one winner this week. It's in rounds, first round is a coconut target shoot, second is cracking a coconut and filling mouth with juice, through an obstacle course and filling a tube with it.

Uh-oh for Cochran ... JIM won immunity!

Huh? Jim is saying he's going to give Ozzy his necklace and convince people to vote for Cochran? That would be silly!

8:22 PM and Tribal is starting? Hmmm ... 

Lots of big macho talk, but Jim kept his immunity necklace.

The tally:
Ozzy
Cochran
Ozzy
Cochran
Ozzy
Ozzy
Ozzy
Ozzy

Ozzy us out again to Redemption.

Whoa! Another immunity challenge! It's one where Jeff offers them food to skip the challenge. ALL of the old Upolu sits out to eat with only the three ex-Savaii compete. Jim was out first and snapped at Jeff. Heh. He annoys me. Whitney wins immunity.

Albert thinks Dawn is sneaky and more of a threat than Jim. Jim is the blatant target. Coach says Jim is a rhinoceros who can charge at you while Dawn is a snake -- both can kill you.

The tally:
Edna
Edna
Edna
Jim
Jim
Jim
Jim
Jim
Jim

Jim gets to meet up with Ozzy and Keith at Redemption. 

The Amazing Race 19 Blog Party - 11/06/2011

The show is actually starting on time here on the East Coast! It's a miracle! Once it starts, I'll update this post with the major happenings. But the real fun is in the comments; please pipe in with your thoughts! See you there!

Uh-oh! Double U-Turn ahead! They're all on the same bus to the next destination town. So they're starting off even again although Amani and Marcus will face a Speed Bump.

The Roadblock has one team member riding a bike taxi doohickey delivering a person and fish. As their Speed Bump, Amani and Marcus have to assemble a slide puzzle of the local flag. Jennifer made what seems like it might be a fatal mistake -- she left her clue with Justin and doesn't know she has to bike back to the starting point to turn in the money from the trip. Marcus passed her and now Jennifer is just standing there waiting to ask another team not knowing they're all gone. Finally she headed back to the starting point.

Detour -- Dug Out or Lug Out -- Canoe race or unloading cargo from a ferry boat.

Ernie and Cindy decided to use their Express Pass.

Ernie and Cindy don't U-Turn anyone and are on their way to the Pit Stop. Andy and Tommy don't U-Turn anyone either. Amani and Marcus don't use the U-Turn. Laurence thinks they HAVE to U-Turn someone -- U-Turns Amani and Marcus who already went through, so it's no use! Sandy and Jeremy don't use it.

Pit Stop:
1. Tommy and Andy in a foot race  - won a $15,000 total on a Discover card
2. Ernie and Cindy
3. Bill and Cathi!!!
4. Amani and Marcus
5. Laurence and Zac
6. Jeremy and Sandy
7. Justin and Jennifer -- Philiminated

Off Topic - That Was the Week It Was - November 6, 2011

It's Sunday morning, time for my weekly off television topic reflection on the week gone by in both words and photographs I've taken. Unlike last Sunday when I was powerless due to the freak nor'easter which passed through, this week I have power and heat. Thankfully I was out only about a day; others didn't fare that well. Even so, I'm spoiled. It's incredibly annoying to be without power for more than twenty minutes.

This week was active for me. We had the snow aftermath, Halloween, a walk I took just to walk around (and run a few errands) on Halloween day, my return to work after being out for over four months recovering from the knee replacement and kneecap dislocation, and attending this year's Plainfield Library Photo Competition opening and exhibit.

I'm including some photos of the snow aftermath, but I posted others on my Facebook earlier in the week. I hope that link works. Most of my Facebook is Friends Only, but I did make that album public. As I was out and about in town yesterday, I noticed there are still some traces of snow here and there. While the sun has been out every day, it's been chilly and the nights have been below freezing. But, honestly? I don't mind it at all. Autumn and its crisp nip in the air is far preferable than 90 degree high humidity summer days.

My walk about town getting my train pass and stopping by the post office actually was my Halloween. As it's been for ten years in this apartment, I had no children trick or treating even though there are children in the building. Unlike many local schools, Plainfield schools didn't close with power outages or particularly dangerous streets with wires down. I was out early in the day and it was very pleasant. I made the mistake of exploring the various dollar stores ostensibly to find lantern oil (ran out Saturday night) and ended up carrying bunches of cheap stuff that I can use back home with me. No lantern oil though.

On Thursday I returned to work. I set three alarm clocks to make sure I didn't oversleep as I've become quite the night owl in my time off. As I had to walk to catch a train at 6:37, it was dark. My pace is definitely better than pre-surgery, however I really had to watch my footing on uneven spots or where branches were still strewn about. I don't dare fall.

Work itself, both days I worked this week -- Thursday and Friday -- went fine. We had just switched to new computer software before I left. So I ended up slightly lost as I had only worked a few days on the new system. It was good to see folks and find out that people actually missed me. Ah, warm fuzzies. I have a new boss whom I had met briefly after my surgery. I like him. This is all going to be fine. My knee held up well, my energy level not so much. It takes a good six months to a year (or more) to really feel recovered with both the knee and regaining stamina. I ended out conking out on the couch at 8 PM Friday night.

Yesterday I headed to the library for the annual Photo Competition. Since the library had some of my works on exhibit all summer, I was invited to submit photos out of competition. That means I wouldn't be eligible for any awards. Since I really enjoy the competition, the idea behind it (to build a photographic history of the town) and the folks involved in it, I entered four photos. And, oh my ... I ended up winning an "Out of Competition" certificate and ribbon for one of them! I wasn't expecting that at all. Cool!

The photo which won first prize this year was by a newcomer to the competition and taken about five blocks from me. While it wasn't anything artsy, it was an amazing shot of the flooding aftermath of Irene -- men wading waist high in the flood waters to rescue a stranded motorist whose car was all but underwater. Great dramatic shot and it shows that the people in this town will help out others in need!

Welp, enough blathering. I'll be getting a Peapod grocery delivery a little bit later today and need to rest up for catching that 6:37 AM train tomorrow! Remember to hit the "read more" link to see all of the photos. Clicking on an image will open it larger in a new window ... more of a gallery with the new Blogger set-up.
  

Library Park Lamp

After I left the library yesterday, I found myself all alone in Library Park. The leaves are probably slightly past peak right now, but it was still colorful with the bright blue cloudless sky as a backdrop. It's fun to walk with leaves crunching under my feet. Have I mentioned how much I really love autumn?

Another Bird on a Wire

The European Starling is considered a nuisance bird here in the United States. It was introduced by someone determined to bring every bird mentioned in the works of William Shakespeare into our country. Well, that worked. They're here to stay -- all 200 million (or more) of them. (Gosh, I love the Internet. I can learn ANYTHING here!) Although a "nuisance bird," they sure do make the neatest sounds and quite an array of them!

Survivor South Pacific 11/02 Episode Blog Party

Survivors ready? It's almost time for the show to start here on the East Coast. As it airs, I'll be updating this post with major events. But the real fun and active discussion can be found in the blog party comments. Stop on in and share your thoughts on the show!

Are you ready for the merge?

Both tribes are at the duel. The winner of the duel will come back into the game. We're talking a tie-sticks to make pole, get three keys, open three locks challenge. OMG! Ozzy's stupid move worked and he won the duel! Goodbye, Christine.

The merge is on -- Ozzy bad-talked Cochran pre-duel and now hopes Cochran can "infiltrate" the other tribe. 

Coach called out Cochran on exactly why Ozzy went to Redemption. Cochran ended up admitting it all. He gave the idol back to Ozzy. Dawn, all of a sudden, decides to really team up with Cochran. This could be interesting.


Immunity challenge on. One man and one woman will win.

Dawn won for the women! And Ozzy was the male winner!

Now Dawn doesn't want to back up Cochran in a flip.

Tribal ...

Tally:

Ozzy plays the idol for Whitney (they think she's the target)

Keith
Keith
Keith
Keith
Keith
Rick
Rick
Rick
Rick
Rick
Rick


It's a tie.


Tally:
Keith
Keith
Keith
Keith
Keith
Rick
Rick
Rick
Rick
Keith


Cochran flipped! Keith is gone ... to Redemption Island.

The Amazing Race 19 Blog Party - 10/30/2011

The show is delayed AGAIN here in the NYC area. 60 Minutes is starting at 7:29 PM ET, so we're talking a half-hour. Grr. Once it starts here, I'll update this post with the major happenings. But the real fun is in the comments; please pipe in with your thoughts! See you there!

The teams are flying off to Africa! They're all on the same flight, so it will be an even playing field once again. Roadblock -- they have to deliver tobacco bales to a warehouse.

Detour - Building toy trucks or sewing. Uh-oh! My blog pool pick team has fallen into last place (Amani and Marcus). Eep. They're still in the warehouse with Bill and Cathi ahead of them. I expected Marcus to do much better with the bales than he did. The last task they have is taking two beds to the Pit Stop.

Pit Stop order:
1. Justin and Jennifer - did not pay their truck driver. Oops. Penalty -- must go back.
2. 1. Andy and Tommy - won a trip to the Virgin Islands
2. Justin and Jennifer
3. Bill and Cathi (didn't pay, must go back) - Sandy and  Jeremy
4. Laurence and Zac
5. Ernie and Cindy
6. Bill and Cathi
7. Amani and Marcus - NON-PHILIMINATION LEG! YAY! They're still in it! 

Off Topic - That Was the Week It Was - October 30, 2011

Yes, yes ... it's late for my weekly off television topic reflection on the week gone by in both words and photographs I've taken. I have a valid excuse, though. Due to a freak (yet not major) snowstorm, my power was out from about 1:30 PM yesterday until almost 10 AM today. I didn't go out for photos yesterday, nor yet today as the power outage messed with various plans I had and I'm playing catch up now. However, just before the power died, I made this video and posted it on Facebook:

This past week was my last full week off from work and boy did I test that knee on a few days. On Tuesday I went to a work-related awards luncheon in northern New Jersey. It always surprises me to see windy little mountain roads and a country atmosphere in the state. I'm so used to densely populated and flat here. The leaves up there went from peak to nearly bare as we headed further north. As a side note: the storm whopped them with 18 inches of light fluffy snow. Since they had fewer leaves on the trees and it was a lighter snow, we suffered more here with our wet slushy four inches (or so).

On Wednesday, my brother and his wife came down from Albany and we met up in the city (NYC) for lunch at Katz's Delicatessen and roaming at large. I roamed at large a wee bit too much and could barely walk the next day. Ow! It didn't help that NJ Transit thought it wise to TURN OFF THE ESCALATOR and make folks climb the equivalent of almost four flights of stairs on a narrow single-file turned off escalator with steep steps to get to my bus gate. That after a day walking almost did me in. But after a day of rest on Thursday, my knee was workable on Friday.

Then came the snow and power outage. What a week! Make sure you click the "read more" link at the end of this post to see all the photos this week!

Color in da 'hood

This tree is always beautiful but one of the first to go naked in the 'hood.

Plainfield Train Station

From a very different angle. I actually took the stairs on the east bound platform on Tuesday. I would not have done that on Thursday!

Survivor South Pacific 10/26 Episode Blog Party

Survivors ready? It's almost time for the show to start here on the East Coast. As it airs, I'll be updating this post with major events.

But the real fun and active discussion can be found in the blog party comments. Stop on in and share your thoughts on the show!

Christine wins another duel! Mikayla is history now.

Hmm ... Ozzy told Cochran that (worse case scenario) someone needs to beat Christine and he might hand off the idol to someone, beat Christine so he'd come back. Hmm ...

Meanwhile, Coach is getting Coachy praying and leading others on a wild goose chase for the idol he has. Oh my gosh, the praying worked! They miraculously found the hidden idol! @@

Immunity challenge's reward is a screening of Jack and Jill w/Adam Sandler.

Upolu wins! More thankful praying.

Since Cochran screwed Savaii's chances for immunity, all of a sudden Ozzy doesn't want to go to Redemption Island.

YIKES! Ozzy retrieved his idol and is once again saying he'll go.  Despite his tribe's disapproval, they do his bidding. He gives the idol to Cochran who does NOT play it.

Tally:
Ozzy
Ozzy
Ozzy
Ozzy

Ozzy goes to Redemption Island. Go figure.

The Amazing Race 19 Blog Party - 10/23/2011

The show is actually starting on time here in the NYC area. I might just faint! Once it starts here, I'll update this post with the major happenings. But the real fun is in the comments; please pipe in with your thoughts! See you there!

Pitstop order:
1. Marcus and Amani! (My pool pick!) Won a trip to Bali
2. Bill and Cathi
3. Ernie and Cindy
4. Justin and Jennifer
5. Andy and Tommy
6. Laurence and Zac
7. Jeremy and Sandy
8. Liz and Marie - Philiminated just when I started enjoying them

Off Topic - That Was the Week It Was - October 23, 2011

It's Sunday morning once again -- time for my weekly off television topic  reflection on the week gone by in both words and photographs I've taken. I've had yet another quiet week on the home front. I seem to have picked up a cold. That or perhaps just really bad allergies. I'm congested and sneezy. But, no. I haven't been hanging around Snow White.

The weather here has really seemed to become fall-like this week. I don't mind that at all. Autumn is one of my favorite seasons. I like temperatures in the high fifties, low sixties in the daytime. I enjoy wearing a sweater. I really enjoy not sweating while I'm walking! 

Walking with leaves crunching under my feet or just shuffling (not like the Party Rock Anthem ... "every day I'm shuffle-in, I'm shuffle-in'" -- I mean really shuffling not dancing to the beat!) through accumulations of them. Pumpkins abound. I bought some apple cider which I'm mulling over mulling. Alas, I can't find any really local apple cider doughnuts. Unfortunately it doesn't look like we're going to have great foliage colors here this year, probably due to the severe rain totals over the summer. The winds are also blowing many leaves down before they even get the chance to go out with a blast of brilliance.

My knee is doing okay. I go back to work in less than two weeks, so it better be doing well! Weather permitting, I have been going for daily walks so it won't be a total shock for the knee when I walk back and forth to the train station daily. I had some unexpected pain one cold and rainy day this week. That needs to stop!

Those of you who only check in for the Sunday posts might (should) notice I've changed the format of the blog. I've updated it to the latest Blogger platform and I'm still experimenting around a bit. One of the things I'm doing with these photo posts is just having a few photos showing on the main page. Never fear, though! If you click the "read more" link, the full post will open before your very eyes.  By doing it this way, my main blog page isn't a huge long scroll to get though to the posts. So, here goes ...

Frost is yet to come

Some flowers are still sitting pretty on East Front Street in Plainfield.

Ahem ... fashion police, please!

But some fashions aren't sitting as pretty -- also on East Front Street. I thought wearing pajama pants was passe.

Survivor South Pacific - Returning Castaways Ozzy and Coach Observations

Remember now, returning reality "stars" on some of my favorite shows aren't necessarily my favorite casting choices on said shows. I've seen these people already and, in some cases like this, I've seen them more than one season. Folks are dying (figuratively, not literally I hope) to get in on the more popular reality shows. So, why do we keep getting retreads? I don't really care if the producers "like" someone. They tend to like the contestants I tend to want to throttle. That would be figuratively, of course.

Case in point: Coach Ben Wade ...

Let me make this perfectly clear -- in his previous two seasons on Survivor, Coach Ben Wade did absolutely nothing to endear himself to me. He was whacko, wore odd clothing, had feathers in his hair, thought that he was "all that and the bag of chips," did poorly in competitions often whining about his back while all the time being under delusions of CIA (whatever) grandeur. 

When I heard he was returning this season, I prayed his tribe would pull a Redemption Russell and vote him out first. I had trouble facing the prospect of being annoyed by him for more than an episode, two at the most. But then something happened ...

Coach no longer seems to be playing the character this season and, instead, he's actually playing the game. He's doing better in challenges and not whining. He's not acting as whacky as in both previous seasons and ... get this ... he's kind of likable. Surprising, I know. 

Sure, every now and again, I see brief glimpses into the "old" Coach. But, for the most part, he's strategizing fairly well, thinking ahead, showing quasi-solid leadership abilities, and exhibiting a very shrewd understanding of both the game itself and his fellow castaways.

I can't believe I'm putting these words to paper (maybe because they're on my monitor, maybe I'm just being figurative once again), but if he continues in this vein, I won't mind if he wins. Yeah, you can hold me to that.

Then there's Ozzy Lusth ... 

In his first season on the show, I really liked Ozzy. He was the Jungle Boy who could jump up palm trees, swing from vines, spear a slew of fish in one outing. While his social game wasn't always the best, his work ethic endeared him to all. His good looks didn't hurt him any either. His abilities allowed him to remain after all of his tribe got the boot. He lost to Yul Kwon, an athletic thinking man kind of dude.


In his next outing (Micronesia), he realized his social game was lacking and worked a bit more on that aspect. However, he made the classic Survivor blunder of being voted out while possessing the hidden idol in his pocket. So, you'd think in this third shot he'd continue to work on his social game and not make any more stupid blunders. Not quite so ...


First off, with his Jesus hair, he seems to have developed a Jesus attitude. Nah, not that Jesus had an attitude, more like those who worship him. Nothing wrong with worshiping Jesus, mind you. But it seems like Ozzy thinks he's worthy of some sort of castaway worship because of his past deeds on the show. Okay, Nature Boy ... it's not happening for me.


He's still not playing a good social game, perhaps worse than his first outing on the show. Even his work ethic has slumped. He'll go out get a fish or two, then nap while the others are working. He has temper tantrums when things don't go his way or his minions don't bow or kowtow to his every whim. He found a hidden idol and, knowing that he's irked his whole tribe, he told them he has it in a fit of anger. Sheesh.


When I heard he was returning to the show, I really didn't mind. I enjoyed watching him in the first two seasons he was on. But now he irks me as much as the "old" Coach, but in a different manner. He's not entertaining me. He can go away.


There. I said it. (Sorry, Petals.)


Your thoughts?

 

Commercially Speaking

Commercials. They're the bane of existence to folks watching television shows live as they air. Of course, that's probably fewer and fewer folks every year thanks to zapping them on DVR recorded shows. While some commercials can be entertaining, others just irk me to no end. I'm here today to share but a few observations.

An example of the irksome would be the FiberOne commercials. Fiber in foodstuffs is never a bad thing. There's no need to hide it (especially if your company has the word "fiber" in its title!). What the heck is this "fiber makes me sad" bit? Now, a lot of things in life make us sad. But fiber? Who's writing these things? Who's approving them?

The Dairy Queen ads, while I like the kittens in bubbles, seem to be a cheap takeoff on the Old Spice commercials. The Old Spice commercials were creative and different as the Old Spice dude went through a series of bizarre set transformations. DQ is trying to do the same sort of thing. Now, I like a good Brazier Burger, but get serious and be innovative ... Old Spice was! Plus, their man is so much more sexy!



The commercials for prescription drugs just frighten me. I know it's a government regulation that they have to list known possible side effects, but really ...! Oh, I have sinus congestion. Let me just ask my doctor to prescribe me this drug which might cause heart disease, strokes or thoughts of suicide! Feh. I think I'd rather keep the sinus congestion or go for the over the counter medicines instead.

I will admit that I do tend to fall for gimmicks like cute little urban hamsters selling cars ...



How about you? Are there some commercials you have to pause to watch each time you notice them? Are there others that make you wonder who's getting the big bucks for boring or annoying content?

Disclaimer: I have nothing to do with any of the companies mentioned, good or bad. About the closest connection would be that my father always had Old Spice back in the '60s.

Survivor South Pacific 10/19 Episode Blog Party

Survivors ready? It's almost time for the show to start here on the East Coast. As it airs, I'll be updating this post with major events. But the real fun and active discussion can be found in the blog party comments. Stop on in and share your thoughts on the show! And ... I hope everyone enjoys the new digs! 

Ozzy, in his own little pity party, told his tribe (ex-alliance) that he has the idol. Meanwhile Runt Hantz has found the idol at their camp.

Time for the duel! Christine wins her 4th duel!

Coach worked on his Edna minion while Ozzy apologized to his tribe.

Immunity -- wheelbarrows, slingshots, coconuts and targets. Reward is a water slide area and picnic lunch.

Savaii wins immunity after a horrible start! Mikayla really lost any edge Upolu had by using the slingshot one-handed. Why she did it that way, I haven't a clue. But now Coach wants her out.

The tally --
 Mikayla
Edna
Mikayla
Edna
Mikayla
Edna
Mikayla


Mikayla heads off to Redemption Island and lemmings follow Coach.

Ch-ch-ch-changes

I've gone and done it. I've updated my Blogger platform to the latest. It seems all of my posts and all of their comments have made the move intact. I'm still playing a bit with the sidebar content. There definitely are benefits to the new style - my followers actually show, I can post spoiler posts with an actual jump page so they're not blatant on the main blog page, posts can be linked to Facebook or Twitter easily, the blog is easier to edit and move things around in the design and I don't have to worry about Blogger sunsetting the format for a while.

The Amazing Race 19 Blog Party - 10/16/2011

The show is actually starting on time here in the NYC area. I might just faint! Once it starts here, I'll update this post with the major happenings. But the real fun is in the comments; please pipe in with your thoughts! See you there!

The teams are off to Phuket, Thailand.

Detour - Helping rebuild Phuket by working with coral or set up the beach. Such a gorgeous and stunning country!

Roadblock is "Who wants to be king of the hill?" Racers have to climb a really tough rock wall. Andy and Tommy have gained a huge lead. I knew they, as snowboard champs, are of the fearless variety and would be great at almost any physical challenges.

Wow! Bill did great on the rock climbing! Meanwhile, Zac the world sailor, is having trouble navigating to the pit stop.

1. Tommy and Andy - won $5,000 each
2. Justin and Jennifer
3. Jeremy and Sandy
4. Laurence and Zac
5. Ernie and Cindy
6. Amani and Marcus
7. Bill and Cathi
8. Liz and Marie - non-Philimination leg. They're saved but will have a speed bump next week!

Off Topic - That Was the Week It Was - October 16, 2011

It's Sunday morning, time for my weekly off television topic reflection on the week gone by both in words and photographs I've taken. Unlike last week, I actually got out and about a bit this week. This week's weather was nice for the most part, but the pleasant autumn days will be turning cold soon enough.

I had yet another follow up visit with my orthopedic surgeon this past week. He took more x-rays ... still looking good. He's still concerned about the kneecap dislocation. I myself have noticed that my stability is increasing, so I don't think I'm as worried as he is about it. Yet I do think my gait goes wonky sometimes if I'm not being careful. Anyone walking in back of me might think I've imbibed. Uh-oh! I also still have some pain issues, usually after putting stress on the knee. But it's still better than pre-surgery!

Welp, I've not much more to say -- onto the photos for the week! Clicking on an image will open it larger in a new window, then just hit back on your browser to return to the blog.

Ohh ... fancy-schmancy new city flags!

They might have been up for a while, but I just saw them this week. Corner of Watchung and East Front, Plainfield.


More photos after the jump

Survivor South Pacific 10/12 Episode Blog Party

Survivors ready? It's almost time for the show to start here on the East Coast. As it airs, I'll be updating this post with major events. But the real fun and active discussion can be found in the blog party comments. Stop on in and share your thoughts on the show!

Oh geez ... more Hantz runt crying.

The duel is on! They have to catch balls as they spiral down a metal "track." Christine wins again! I guess just as well ... I can never understand her rants. But they are fun to watch.

Albert found the idol clue, but couldn't find the idol. He told Coach and Sophie. Coach found it. He told the other two, but he's holding it.

Immunity challenge has them chewing off roasted pig with hands behind back -- they cannot eat it, must spit it in bin, most after a certain time wins. Reward is spices and bread. Savaii 22.12 pounds. Upolu 22.14. Upolu wins! They're excited to keep the meat, spit and all. Ew.

Ozzy wants Cochran to go, the others have their eyes on Elyse to weaken Ozzy.

Time to tally the votes --
Cochran
Elyse
Cochran
Elyse
Dawn
Dawn
Elyse

Elyse is voted out!

The Amazing Race 19 Blog Party - 10/09/2011

The show is running about 36 minutes late here in the NYC area. If it's on time in your area, feel free to jump in on the comments! Once it starts here, I'll update this post with the major happenings. See you in comments!

They're heading to the Dutch colonized Indonesia. They have to join a bicycle guard. Oops! Ernie loses a pedal and all the other teams are passing them!

They're at the next Detour -- deliver meals to those working in fields and plant 300 rice seedlings or chores with sheep.

After climbing the steps of a temple, they run into a Roadblock examining Buddha statues. Whoa! Tommy gave Marcus and Amani (last team) the count and hand signals of the Buddha statues!

Team 1 - Laurence and Zac -- used more buckets with the sheep, have a penalty.

Team 1 - Tommy and Andy
2. Laurence and Zac
3. Jeremy and Sandy
4. Justin and Jennifer
5. Ernie and Cindy
6. Marcus and Amani
7. Bill and Cathi
8. Liz and Marie
9. Kaylani and Lisa - Philiminated

Off Topic - That Was the Week It Was - October 9, 2011

It's Sunday morning time for my weekly off television topic photo post. I don't really have any photos I've taken during the past week. Yep, you heard me. After I returned home from vacation, I kind of became a hermit. I think that I only went out Thursday evening for dinner and a Trader Joe's trip with a friend.

Most of the rest of the week I've spent with my knee elevated. I swear it took three days to get the swelling down. I guess I really did overdo things with both the knee and the lack of stamina post-surgery issues. However, I'm up to snuff once again and should be out and about more.

Since I took a gazillion photos on my vacation, I don't lack for photo fodder. I also put together three videos ... enjoy!

Fox-tailed squirrel

Unfortunately I spooked him, so it's not the best of shots. But check out that glorious tail!

Wild horses with cattle egret

The cattle egrets often sit atop the horses to eat flies and other insects. The horses seem to appreciate and accept them.

Sunrise

Sunset

Walking stick bug in the grass

I haven't seen any walking sticks since I was a child!

Looking out over the Currituck Sound

Flowers on a power pole

Pelican flying low over the ocean

Osprey nest atop a power pole

Rough surf

As a storm approaches

Neighbors heading out during high tide

Cool. I found investment property!

What can I say? It was there in Kill Devil Hills.

Sunrise with which I took editing liberties.

Damselfly

HUGE spider has a meal.

Tanning, I presume.

Reflection and its bird

Vincent wanting out of boarding!

He's a real happy kitty now. I think he purred two days straight.

Survivor South Pacific 10/05 Episode Blog Party

Survivors ready? It's almost time for the show to start here on the East Coast. As it airs, I'll be updating this post with major events. But the real fun and active discussion can be found in the blog party comments. Stop on in and share your thoughts on the show!

The duel -- Christine beat Papa Bear although it was very close.

The Immunity Challenge has three from each tribe bearing weight. Uh-oh ... two men and one woman from each. The reward is a rooster and two hens.

Savaii wins! And Dawn has really redeemed herself by holding onto 140 pounds (guys Brandon and Jim went out earlier loaded with 240) and being the last person standing.

Tribal Council time.

The tally --
Edna
Stacy
Stacy
Stacy
Stacy
Stacy

G'bye Stacy

The Amazing Race 19 Blog Party - 10/02/2011

The show is running about 24 minutes late here in the NYC area. If it's on time in your area, feel free to jump in on the comments! My updating of this entry is going to be a bit sparse tonight. I'll definitely include the two eliminations. However, while I was away on vacation, my little cable digital box doohickey on my TV near my computer decided to stop working. So I'll be watching my TV in the other room and checking in during commercials. (No, I don't own a laptop. Sigh.)

Are you ready to race?

Gah! Ethan and Jenna arrived 10th, Philiminated.
Ron and Bill last, Philiminated.