BB18: Live Feeds Report - Into Saturday Evening - June 25

Searching for the meaning of life?

Just a note: You can tell by the number of screen caps in an entry how exciting the day was. The more screen caps, the more ... BORING. Here's the latest from inside that Big Brother House of They Opened The Yard, Let's Laze Away The Day:

• Frank was up and out in the yard alone for quite some time. He talked to us! Yay! That's one thing I always liked about Evel Dick -- he took the time to talk to the live feeders.
• Overall, Frank's happy to be working with the vets, happy to be back in the house. He fussed about how uncomfortable his pixel-naked costume is and how he won't be able to work out in it. He fussed about the ants and talked to the birds. He also mentioned how the newbies hammed it up for the cameras.
• Paulie eventually joined up, also lamenting on the pixel-naked uncomfortable costume.
• Paulie thinks Jozea is lying to others and working to get him voted out.
• Frank assured him that they're just playing Jozea along and Paulie is safe.
• (If they can keep Jozea thinking he has it in the bag, this eviction will be epic!)
• Jozea trusts Da'Vonne.
• BWAHAHAHAHA! She's taking him for a ride ... right out the door! She's been against him since he made that "I'm the Messiah of the house" comment.
• But, more seriously, Paul seems to be liking the vets more and more. Yes, he who spearheaded the Get Them Out Plan. Now he's finding out he actually LIKES Frank and James quite a bit.
• Victor is still snowed over by his friendship with Jozea. He thinks Jozea is playing a good game and no one would ever vote him out.
• Ha. I think Paul is leaning towards voting Jozea!
• The fish are already being neglected.
• Jozea and Victor turned on Bridgette because she went to the HoH room instead of Jozea's "meeting."
• Oh, geez. Politics raised its ugly head. I'm not even going to go there on this blog!
• Jozea thinks he's going to be a star or, at the very least, the next Mario Lopez. Keep dreaming.
• Not a heck of a lot going on. Have some screen caps!

Frank talked to us

And talked some more

Paul does have a very impressive tattoo

We should all love each other and me

Girl talk

Jozea doesn't know she's his nemesis

Victor, you're known by the company you keep

Now Zakiyah has gotten into the hat craze

BB 18: Live Feeds Report - Into Saturday Morning - June 25

Shades of Cody

Yep, Paulie has Zakiyah sprawled all over him, caressing him. At least she's not a married woman with a husband watching from home!

Here's the latest from inside that Big Brother House of Blowhard Buffoons:

• Paul may have the record for wearing his PoV the longest. 
• I forgot to mention in my last report that an unfortunate happening goes on when the feeds are blocked for a comp (so far) this season -- we got the Jeff cast interviews with commentary between each one with Jeff and JESSE Goddard. Eek. Give me back neverending fish and the theme music loop, please!
• Jozea admitted that his real name isn't "Jozea" and that's just his "stage name." It sounds like he's really your average Jose.
• It seems like it might be Frank naming the nomination replacement. Perhaps because it's Frank's Road Kill nominee? I could be wrong on that.
• Frank, Tiffany and Michelle talked about putting Bridgette up.
• Of course, the others on the Dark Side don't know that it's Frank who put Paul up on the block in the first place.
• Meanwhile, just watching her, I don't think Bridgette is entirely comfortable with the side she chose. 
• Jozea wants to call another house meeting even though everyone went to bed and his last meeting called never happened. Heh.
• Tiffany is a bit suspicious about Paulie. Hmm. Paulie is quite in with Jozea and Paul. Hmm.
• Others might be, too. Paulie doesn't know it's Frank who put Paul on the block.
• After all, loose lips sink ships and all.
• Frank thinks Victor needs to go (after Jozea) while Corey wants Paul out.
• Corey has worked his way right into the veteran's bunch. I believe he's loyal to them, not a double agent. The newbie crowd not in with the veteran's already bunch him with them.
• Paul told Paulie that he won't vote for him to go. Huh. So, he'll vote Jozea or the Mystery Replacement?
• Once again, Corey mentioned he doesn't want his family (or others) to think he's gay. This time it was because Jozea flirted with him. Corey seems to be a nice guy overall, but he does seem to have some kind of issues with either self-identity or homosexuality. 
• He also told his bunch that, at eviction, he wants to say "I gaily vote Jozea out." The others squashed that. Good.
• For most of the meeting, Jozea kept talking about how they're running the house and running the show.
• We'll see about that.
• Oh ... and James was in on the meeting! Like Jozea has any loyalty from him ... AS IF.
• Paul is pretty sure the live eviction is Sunday. The rest of the world knows better. This is what happens when you bring in a hamster because he has a beard.
• Bronte and Natalie continue to bond. Not that they'll have much power ever with the rest of the house.
• Frank, for the most part, is playing quite low-key at the surface. I think he's going to be one to watch for the win, though. He's personable and knows the game. I would have liked him better in his own season had he not clicked with Boogie.
• Frank told Paul that a comment he made to Nicole, calling her a female dog, wasn't cool. Paul said he'd apologize and knows it was wrong. Hmm.
• Frank also doesn't think it's right that Bridgette feels bullied, mostly by Jozea. (Also Victor and Paul.)
• I'm not so sure she'd be the best nomination replacement for them. I bet she'd swap sides. She's getting quite upset with Jozea and Victor. Paul made an effort to talk to her more sincerely at one point during the night.
• Interesting -- James told Tiffany he still talks to Shelli, but not to Clay. (They broke up.)
• James is also playing a great social game. I'm not too keen on returning hamsters with newbies but they made some good choices with this group, methinks.
• BB gave them alcohol. It's the equivalent of one and a half beers or wine each. Go wild with that, kiddies.
• Natalie doesn't drink. (And yet they allowed her on the show?)
• In their big drinking game, Victor had to streak naked through the house.
• Frank thinks he can flip Bronte, Paul and Natalie. Hmm. He has done a lot of work (socially) on improving Paul's social game. 
• Jozea remains the number one target. If Paul's stupid and saves Jozea with the veto, he'd go home. He's not BB-savvy, but I doubt he's that dumb.
• Meanwhile, Jozea keeps sinking his own ship as he keeps talking about how great he is. I think Victor's the only one remaining loyal in his camp.
• They're all asleep as I post this.
• And, no ... Corey is not sleepwalking!

That bunny hat gets around

Cool table, I miss the key box

Naked and afraid

Will make it further this season

BB18: Live Feeds Report into Friday Evening, PoV Winner - June 24

Corey bunny

Here's the latest from inside that Big Brother House of Clueless Recruits:

• Well, we found out why it sounded like there were three people on the block.
• It's not that Paul was the chosen one to take place in a possible PoV save.
• It's that Paul, Jozea and Paulie are all on the block.
• And, it's Frank's doing, but Paul and his buddies are unaware of who exactly did it.
• Apparently, they had some competition (before the feeds went on and, remember, last night's show wasn't live) called Roadkill.
• No one was told the winner. It was Frank. And, it gave him the power to put a third person on the block.
• So, he did. He told his inner circle, but neither Jozea nor Paul know who did it.
• Heehee.
• Natalie and Bronte are developing a strong alliance of two. They think they need to play more like Michelle and Natalie, not allowing the guys to manipulate them.
• Oh, by the way ... Jozea's big meeting for 2am never happened.
• Silly boy.
• The veto players were chosen: Nicole, Paul, Paulie, Jozea, Corey and Da'Vonne. Michelle will host. I'm not quite sure how those numbers work out or how they did it. If the HoH and each nominee for eviction picked someone, there should be eight.
• Jozea kept saying how he thinks production rigs the comps and has a set outcome. @@
• When he was talking to Michelle and Bridgette, Jozea showed how absolutely clueless he is about BB. He didn't know who Ian Terry is. He knows who Frankie is, but not that he's Ariana's brother? 
• That says right there that he isn't a show fan. We knew all too well -- Frankie didn't let us forget!
• The feeds were down for a few hours for the PoV comp.
• They're back.
• Lord have mercy, Paul won.
• Jozea and Paul are wearing dog costumes.
• Michelle is wearing something very red. Is she a tomato? Ah, she finally stood up. She's a fire hydrant.

James is James is James

Hanging out (or not)

Frank had the power and used it

Nicole making a point

Waiting for the comp

Jozea doggie

Lord have mercy ...

Big Brother 18: Blog Pool Update

Since we didn't know the returning players until after the pool cut-off and didn't include them ... plus, we had all these folks climbing over the fence trying to get into the pool -- the blog pool has been updated.

Also, with Glenn being the first boot when he barely had a chance to play, his pool people have been reassigned. No one already in the pool for hamsters other than Glenn has been changed. Yes, Petals, you still have Jozea and love him.

Tiffany Rousso - meb, SueGee, David, Jessica UNderwood

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Paul Abrahamian - Jackie, Arf Barf, WolfpackRed, chrob61

Victor Arroyo - Helenann2K, RBennie, Janice, Monty924

Michelle Meyer - Rich, Chase, Glenn, Anonymouse, Delee
Nicole Franzel - Kelsey NY, Grove Wiley, Nickelpeed, Sharon C  
Frank Eudy - Dr_Celine, Dennis Comfort, Stephanie in Baltimore, PDX Granny
Da'Vonne Rogers - Donna in Alabama, uncartie, MarthaLight, Donna NY
James Huling - Becky, Donna in Alabama, Sharon S, Willie J

BB18: Live Feeds Report Into Friday - June 24

Category 4 punishment costume

Well, here we are ... the first live feeds report for BB18 here on the blog. I hate coming in after they've been in the house for over a week without us knowing what's been happening. The live feeds went on at 1am-ish here and now we have to play catch-up! Here's what's been happening in the late night hours inside that Big Brother House of Newbie Noobs:

• We now know the punishment for Category 4 hamsters (from the comp).
• They have to appear "naked" with pixeled-out cardboard (?) pieces velcroed to them.
• They say the velcro is uncomfortable.
• Too bad, so sad.
• The ants are already running rampant in the house. 
• Jozea chews with his mouth open. I'm not surprised.
• At midnight their time, the Have Nots (Big Sister team) get to feast. I guess because the live feeds went on? I don't know.
• Wait, it seems the Have Nots might have ended because they're sleeping in the regular rooms.
• But, we're talking FEAST.
• The vets were talking votes and think that Paulie will stay 8-3 over Jozea.
• Apparently, if Jozea comes off the block, Paul will be put on the block.
• Shades of her sister, Tiffany complained of a migraine. Plus, when I had the feeds on and went to my refrigerator ... I could swear she has her sister's voice!
• Jozea seems to be doing a good job of alienating himself from his fellow newbies. Not a good move on his part. 
• He has no clue what to say to win friends and influence people!
• He made an off the cuff comment about not appreciating service men who have risked their lives for this country. James, a veteran, took issue as did Michelle ... her father was military.
• He also said lots of other rather stupid stuff. Plus, his attitude is reminding me of the hamster who refused to go to the Diary Room and threw her mic in the pool.
• Bridgette is hogging a double bed and not sharing because she has a boyfriend.
• Jozea called a meeting for 2am. Nicole is upset because she wasn't invited.
• C'mon, Nicole ... get yourself together!
• None of the vets were invited.
• About an hour into the feeds, they realize they're on and promptly act like idiots because they know they're on camera. @@
• Jozea, the biggest camera idiot of them all. I know he's from NJ where I am, but the dude is too much.
• Corey is worried that people will think he's gay.
• In a way, he's coming across quite Clay-like. But he does seem nicer. He's definitely loyal to Nicole. That's a good thing as they (the vets) are so out-numbered.
• Victor is wearing a bunny hat. It brings out his dimples.
• Hmm ... James also knows that Tiffany is Vanessa's sister. I wonder who else knows.
• During the feast, Paul ate peanut butter and jelly bacon. That just might be good!
• James instigated a pillow fight with Bridgette. Fun was had by all who got into it. 
• Ohhh ... Zakiyah told us (the camera) that she doesn't like Victor. It seems she's hanging out with the vets (and Da'Vonne) quite a bit. She just might be trending their way.
• Victor doesn't seem to be winning female friends at all for the playboy he thinks he is. Both Michelle and Tiffany think he's annoying and trying too hard.
• Jozea's big meeting plans excluded the vets plus Corey, Michelle and Paulie.
• Natalie and Bronte figured out Paulie is working with the vets, or at least with Natalie because he's not mad that he was put on the block. They think he's the pawn. They're right.
• They also think their fellow newbies guys have an alliance and the girls aren't included.
• There's a new female alliance in town -- the Fatal Five -- Tiffany, Nicole, Zakiyah, Michelle and Da'Vonne.
• That's about it ... for now.
• Laters!

Naked, but not naked

ZZ Top redux

Tiffany's Walking Dead hat

Feasting

First pillow fight of the summer

Big Brother 18: Eviction and HoH Episode Blog Party - June 23

As the show airs, I'll be live updating the happenings right here -- refresh the page to get the latest! As always, the real party is in the comments area. Come watch and talk about the show with us! And, but of course ... bring snacks and tasty beverages.

Here are the random picks for the blog pool as we head into this:

Tiffany Rousso - meb, SueGee, David, Jessica UNderwood

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Paul Abrahamian - Jackie, Arf Barf, WolfpackRed, chrob61

Victor Arroyo - Helenann2K, RBennie, Janice, Monty924

Michelle Meyer - Rich, Chase, Glenn, Anonymouse

After tonight's eviction, this blog pool will be updated. The latecomers we caught climbing over the fences will be allowed in and the first evicted pool people will be reassigned. When the pool was formed, we didn't know who would be returning. The "newbies" added into the pool and first boot people will be divvied up among the veteran hamsters. Of course, if only three of them remain after tonight, some of the pool folks might be assigned to the hamsters with the fewest pool peeps. It's all random picks! For tonight's show, the pool is as stands above!

Ready to party?

Recap, recap ...

The Freakazoids -- Glenn, Nicole, Tiffany and Corey -- must compete against each other in tonight's third round comp. The loser will get evicted. The others will decide who's HoH. Nominations tonight.

Oh, geez. Tiffany is crying and Da'Vonne is trying to get her to spill that she's Vanessa's sister. And, so she does. Tiffany said she wouldn't be emotional. Huh.

Paul pushes Corey to go after the returning hamsters. Meanwhile, Corey isn't quite sure that's the best for his own game. Nicole is trying to work reverse psychology on Corey to convince him that they should decide to make her HoH (if she doesn't get the boot). It works.

The competition has them stranded on their own islands, climbing a tree, retrieving coconuts, pull themselves to complete their SOS.

NICOLE WINS! She's SAFE!

Vanessa, er ... Tiffany ... is looking almost identical to Vanessa in the Diary Room.

Tiffany is safe.

Corey and Glenn just about tied. Corey stays as he was judged first. Glenn goes home. The first eviction of the year.

Nicole convinced them that she would be HoH IF they really wanted it. It worked! Nicole is the HOH and Paul is ticked off. Heh. Paul lets Corey know that he's not happy. Poor Corey.

Paulie tells James and Nicole that he has a connection with them because of Cody and would like to work with them. The plot grows thicker.

As Nicole puts it, Victor just handed her a nominee on a silver platter by telling her first that all the newbies want the veterans out and that Jozea really wanted her out. Can we guess that Jozea will be nominated?

Heh. James is up to his pranking already.

The slop has arrived for Paul, Jozea, Zakiyah and Da'Vonne. The bedroom is bumper car beds, flashing lights and a carnival atmosphere. Now Jozea has done himself in with Da'Vonne by being boastful and calling himself the Messiah of the newbies.

The vets talk with Corey. Nicole wants Jozea out. To make sure he goes, she wants to put up someone who'd win the veto -- Paulie. But she has to make sure Paulie is okay with it.

Hmm ... sometimes the pawn goes home. Especially if he has a brother who already played the game. Hmm.

Nominations Ceremony -- Jozea and Paulie. Uh-oh. Not an easy decision, chose a strong player from each team.

Jozea is cocky; he claims that he rules the house.

PoV and a new surprise for Saturday.

Just a note: The live feeds go on at 1am for me here on the East Coast. My first live feeds report should be up early morning East Coast time. And, a blog pool update will also be posted. Come on back!

Big Brother 18: Season Premiere Blog Party

Yes, it's a sure sign that summer is here! Tonight is the season premiere of Big Brother 18. We've checked out the new hamsters and we're ready for this! I am expecting four returning hamsters, as well. But, since they've kept them (and exactly their roles in the game) under wraps, only the new hamsters were included in the blog pool.

Tonight's show is two hours. The season premiere continues with another episode (eviction? who really knows?) tomorrow at 9pm ET/PT. The live feeds don't get turned on until after tomorrow's show airs on the West Coast. So, we're talking 1am here in the good ol' East Coast time zone!

Here are the random picks for the blog pool as we head into this:

Tiffany Rousso - meb, SueGee, David, Jessica UNderwood

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Paul Abrahamian - Jackie, Arf Barf, WolfpackRed, chrob61

Victor Arroyo - Helenann2K, RBennie, Janice, Monty924

Michelle Meyer - Rich, Chase, Glenn, Anonymouse

As the show airs, I'll be live updating the happenings right here -- refresh the page to get the latest! As always, the real party is in the comments area. Come watch and talk about the show with us! And, but of course ... bring snacks and tasty beverages.

From inside the empty house, Julie Chen warns us to fasten our seatbelts as it will be a bumpy ride. One hamster will go home tomorrow night. There are four stowaways secretly tucked away in the house. New comps.

Into cast promo clips as they find their keys.

Finally, all the intros done and the hamsters are on stage in front of the house. The craziest summer vacation ever. Natalie, Victor, Michelle and Paul go in first. Next is Bronte, Zakiyah, Glenn and Paulie. Last are Corey, Bridgette, Jozea and Tiffany.

Champagne all around as they introduce themselves to each other. Let the lies begin. It seems the Victor is smitten with Natalie, but Natalie is smitten with Corey. They catch on that there's only twelve of them and think they can expect the unexpected.

Julie promises them twists. She tells them they're not alone -- there are four stowaways in the house since they first moved in. They haven't seen them, but will compete for the half-million dollar prize.

The first one to pop out is Nicole from BB16. Then James from BB17 comes out of a trunk. I'll enjoy watching him! Next is Da'Vonne also from BB17! Last to pop out is Frank Eudy from BB14. (Thankfully, not FrankIE. I couldn't take that again!) He cut his hair and doesn't even look like himself.

Already the new hamsters want the return hamsters out. The returnees feel the pressure. Jozea, Paul and Zakiyah seem to be forming an early alliance.

Paulie confesses that he's Cody's brother. Paul seems right through it with the timing. Now, will Tiffany reveal? Not yet. But Da'Vonne is onto her.

Uh-oh. Julie tells them this summer they will play in teams of four that they will pick for themselves. The first comp of the summer is about to start.

The backyard has four huge rockets and an aerial feel about it. The teams, each former player will be on a different team and they get first pick. Opposite sex, next player picks the next player.

Not really in this order:
James - Natalie, Victor, Bronte
Nicole - Corey, Tiffany, Glenn
Frank - Michelle, Paulie, Bridgette
Da'Vonne - Paul, Zakiyah, Jozea

At stake -- cash, punishment and safety. "Ride the Rocket" -- if all four fall off, eliminated. First team out, Have Nots. Second, Mystery Land with a mystery punishment. Third team, Cash City - ten grand to be split between them. Winning team, Safetyville -- safe from the next two evictions.

The rockets are only moving slightly when a storm moves in.

Tiffany falls off first, then Glenn. Nicole isn't too happy. Then she falls off. It's only Corey left on that team on the rocket.

Michelle, Bridgette and Frank go down. So it's just Paulie there for that team.

Zakiyah and Da'Vonne both go down. Paul down. Jozea is down. Their team are Have Nots.

James is down. Natalie is down. The birds go on them. Bronte is down. Paulie is out and his team is in Mystery Land. Corey is down.

Victor, James, Natalie and Bronte are safe!

Julie bids them adieu and reminds them that one will be leaving the game. The newbies are still conspiring against the returning hamsters. Da'Vonne tries to work her way in with her team and the "vets."

The winning team wants to come up with a name. Paulie's team calls themselves Category Four like the storm. Glenn, etc. are Freakazoids. Paul and those folks are Big Sister. Victor's team settles on Team Unicorn.

Tiffany (and Petals) think that Michelle is Nicole's sister. Michelle confronts Tiffany and asks if she's Vanessa's sister. Tiffany admits it to her. They pinky swear that Michelle won't tell.

Julie appears, calls them to the living room and has them sit by team. Team Unicorn won't compete in the next comp -- Hit the Road, three rounds. Only one team will be vulnerable, then they compete individually against each other.

The backyard is done up like a beach. Round up -- build a fifteen piece pyramid sand castle. It's a bit complicated; reminding me of a Survivor challenge.

Category Four is SAFE. Lots of friction between Paul and Da'Vonne. On the other hand, Corey wants to work with Nicole. Da'Vonne is already all emotional. Sigh.

Round Two has them working together (the teams) must build a sandcastle puzzle -- there are decoy pieces that won't fit and only one solution.

Team Big Sister is safe.

Tomorrow night will show the third round tomorrow with Nicole, Corey, Tiffany and Glenn competing against each other.

BB18 on Jackie's TV Blog - What to Expect ...

... THE UNEXPECTED!!!

Bwahahahaha!

No, that's them. We're us!

A bit about me and my Big Brother background:
I started out writing about the show, monitoring the AOL Big Brother message boards and chat rooms for the show way back in the beginning -- season ONE. When a knee surgery knocked me out of work one summer, I started blogging the live feeds in addition to working as a freelance writer for AOL Television writing show recaps. Unfortunately, my earliest seasons blogged went away when AOL sunsetted their blogging platform -- AOL Journals. I then moved to Blogspot for blogging and continued the freelance gig until Ariana Huffington shut out all the paid freelancers when the Huffington Post took over AOL TV. (Grr.)

Since then, I've been "working" for myself, blogging both live feeds reports and live-blogging the shows right here on this blog. I also work a "real" full-time job and don't get a heck of a lot of sleep all summer, every summer! Technically, I don't get paid to do this -- I do receive some ad revenues, but receive no monies for any CBS All Access referrals. (Not sure how to get in on that or if the blog would qualify!) I really appreciate any donations made to the blog -- money is always welcome, but it also gives me the feeling that folks actually are entertained and enjoy the blog. The Paypal link is in the right sidebar if you feel so moved. Not that you have to, mind you.

A bit about YOU:
Many folks involved here have "known" me from the early AOL days, some even from the first season! Many others are new to us each season. The community here continues to grow each season and we welcome people to get into the spirit! I do monitor comments and those disruptive troll ones will vanish. Everyone is allowed to have their own opinions of the house hamsters without being "attacked" by fellow commenters. Not that that happens a lot ... but it will get squashed if I see it.

This blog is generally a friendly place! And, that's due to the community we've built here and the great folks who are a part of it all. Hate speech, slurs and such will be removed and I do ask that things stay on a PG-13 level for the most part. I know it seems like a lot to ask of you, but it seems to work for having the best blog community around! There are plenty of other places where it's the Wild West; I'd rather things remain friendly here. Merci in advance!

Without you, I wouldn't be doing this!

What to expect from the blog:
THE UNEXPECTED!!! Oh, wait. I need to stop that.

REGARDING LIVE FEEDS:

• A minimum of two live feeds reports a day. I'm on the East Coast (and have to work for a living), so it's likely to be early morning and late evening in my time zone. 
• My live feeds have been compared to Reader's Digest Condensed. Heehee, but it's kind of how they are!
• Each live feeds report will contain some screen caps. I have to admit that sometimes I like to go for the unflattering ones. I'm mean like that.
• If time and action allow, there may be more live feeds reports within a day, but never less than two (even if they're boring hamsters).
• I'm only one person and have to work to keep the roof over my head, so I can't post every breath the hamsters make and I sometimes am not available to post some events as they happen. But I do flashback on the feeds to see what I might have missed!
• The commenting community here will pitch in with comments for exciting action during times I may be at my workplace or in the rare event that I actually might be sleeping.
• Comments will be monitored to make sure they're truthful and false reports will be taken down. 
• In the event of an endurance comp after a live show that plays out on the live feeds, I will make every effort to hang in with them watching, posting what's going on and providing screen captures of the comp. One of these days I might conk out, but so far it's never happened. I'm just really sleepy at work the next day!
• Keep in mind, the live feeds often run things a few days before the shows air. They are SPOILERS and intended as such. If you don't like spoilers, you probably won't like the live feeds!

REGARDING THE HAMSTERS:

• First off, it's traditional that they're called hamsters because it's like watching hamsters in one of those Habitrail cages.
• The hamsters have put themselves in the public eye, so they're opening themselves to public opinion. Yes, they can be mocked (unlike fellow commenters).
• That said, comments which go too far might be removed. Hate speech, concentrating on weight and other things a bit beyond their control such as looks will all be monitored. 
• Now, if they do weird stuff to their hair or cry all the time or something like that, that's something easily controlled and that could certainly be mocked! :)
• Please call them by their names, especially at the start of the season. While some nicknames can be funny, it's often hard to know who you're talking about!

 WHAT ARE BLOG PARTIES?:

• Back when I was a paid freelancer writing show recaps for other venues, I wanted to provide something for my own blog community as I couldn't post the recaps here as well due to copyright issues. Thus, I came up with "blog parties." 
• They're basically a live blogging East Coast time of every episode (typos and all) with all the community partying in the comments.
• They can be considered spoilers for those in other time zones.
• Everyone is invited to watch the show and join in on the fun with us real time! 
• We like cyber beverages and snacks.

I realize this is quite long. But I know there are some new hamster watchers out there and think they should know what to expect! (THE UNEXPECTED!!!) Plus, I'd like to encourage lurkers to come on out and join in! As Dr. Will once said, "We don't bite ... HARD!" Okay, we don't bite at all. We're in it for the fun!

All BB-related posts made here on the blog will be linked at my Big Brother on Jackie's TV Blog Facebook page immediately upon posting. So, if you never want to miss a post, like that page to get notifications!

Big Brother 18: Blog Pool Picks Announced!

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

Tiffany Rousso - meb, SueGee, David, Jessica UNderwood

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Paul Abrahamian - Jackie, Arf Barf, WolfpackRed, chrob61

Victor Arroyo - Helenann2K, RBennie, Janice, Monty924

Michelle Meyer - Rich, Chase, Glenn, Anonymouse

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

Are we READY?!?!

Image © CBS

BB18: Blog Pool Cut-off LOOMING AHEAD!

Have you signed up for the blog's Big Brother 18 pool yet? No?

What are you waiting for?!?!?

All entries must be made TODAY by 3pm ET.

Please sign up only on the post linked right here.

BB18: First Impressions -- Tiffany Rousso

DON'T FORGET -- THE CUT-OFF FOR THE BLOG POOL IS TUESDAY, 3PM ET. YOU NEED TO SIGN UP AT THE POST ON THIS LINK, NOT THE FIRST IMPRESSION POST!

Tiffany Rousso, age 32

Welcome to my last first impression of the new BB18 hamsters! I've read Tiffany's bio on CBS.com and watched her Jeff interview on CBS All Access. And, of course, we know her sister Vanessa from last season. Here are some facts and my first impressions of Tiffany:

• She's a high school teacher currently residing in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida and hailing from West Palm Beach, Florida.
• It's not mentioned in her bio, nor do I recall Jeff asking, whether she's single or not.
• She says she will not be as emotional as Vanessa was in the house.
• Oh, that's so good.
• I just hope she brings no beanies.
• She might have an edge coming in. Not only does she have insider knowledge via her sister, she seems both athletic and smart.
• She's not really willing to jump in with the information about who her sister is. She'd rather they not know, but will play things by ear.
• In her bio, she mentioned being a Janelle fan. She thought Janelle was great in comps when she needed to be and was likeable. She would like to do the same herself.
• I think she's quite pretty.
• She doesn't mention her cuteness. That's in her favor with me!
• She'd rather win and be hated by America than lose and be loved.
• Good.
• She plans a loose alliance with bigger targets so they would be targeted first and a close alliance with fewer hamsters.
• Y'know, I like her. She's not really reminding me of Vanessa. I thought Vanessa was a shrewd BB player, but her emotions were whacked out and she drove me a bit bonkers. I'm not getting that analytical vibe from Tiffany. But I know she knows the mistakes in her sister's game.
• Tiffany just might be very interesting!

What do you think of Tiffany?

Images © CBS

You can check out my first impressions of the BB18 hamsters by clicking the label at the bottom of the posts entitled "first impressions" or by using this link.

BB18: First Impressions -- Bridgette Dunning

DON'T FORGET -- THE CUT-OFF FOR THE BLOG POOL IS THIS TUESDAY, 3PM ET. YOU NEED TO SIGN UP AT THE POST ON THIS LINK, NOT THE FIRST IMPRESSION POST!

Bridgette Dunning, age 25

I've read her bio on the CBS website and watched her Jeff interview on CBS All Access. Here are some facts and my first impressions of Bridgette:

• Oh my. She's giggly and bubbly.
• In answer to Jeff's question about win and be hated by America or lose and be loved, she seemed shocked to think that people might hate her. Of course, she wants to win and be loved for winning.
• Hmm.
• She's a traveling nurse and, unlike many in this cast o' hamsters, she does have a boyfriend whom she seems to want to pledge loyalty.
• That's a bit refreshing.
• She doesn't like mean people.
• Well, that's good. Usually mean people are the only ones liking mean people. That said, a few of my favorite BB hamsters over the years have been villains.
• She's from Fresno, CA. But she's also lived in Brooklyn (NY) and Oakland (CA). She currently resides in Ventura, CA. I wonder if she drives on the Ventura Highway.
• Bridgette claims to be a fan of the show. She's seen three seasons. That's impressive.
• Not.
• She thinks she will be voted for the win (if she gets that far) because she's so super-cute and awesome.
• Um. Well ...
• She has a cat named Hercules.
• She does seem to have a strategy and could possibly pull it off. I think that she's probably smarter than she comes across as with all of her giggling and bubblyness.
• She liked watching Johnny Mac last season because he was so hilarious. She obviously doesn't watch live feeds or she'd realize he was missing in action napping most of the time he spent in the house.
• Bridgette is either going to annoy the heck out of me on the live feeds or be entertaining. Time will tell.

What do you think of Bridgette?

Images © CBS

You can check out my first impressions of the BB18 hamsters by clicking the label at the bottom of the posts entitled "first impressions" or by using this link. It's a work in progress, mind you. I'll get them all before long.

BB18: First Impressions -- Zakiyah Everette

DON'T FORGET -- THE CUT-OFF FOR THE BLOG POOL IS THIS TUESDAY, 3PM ET. YOU NEED TO SIGN UP AT THE POST ON THIS LINK, NOT THE FIRST IMPRESSION POST!

Zakiyah Everette, age 24

I've read her online bio at the CBS website and watched her Jeff interview on CBS All Access. Here are some facts and my first impressions of Zikayah:

• Ah, a show fan. Good. She says she's watched since the third season. If so, she really needs to watch the second season -- that was epic!
• She's single, a pre-school teacher from Charlotte, NC and still residing there.
• She says she needs the money because she's a school teacher and is continuing her own education.
• Her online bio is way short compared to some of the others.
• In it, she says she likes Jordan and thinks she's a lot like her.
• We'll see about that.
• She told Jeff she wouldn't mind having her own Jeff and Jordan story, falling in love.
• But she also said she'd do anything to win and chose the "win but be hated by America" option to Jeff's infamous question.
• Zakiyah is worried that her own mouth might be her biggest downfall in her game -- if someone really gets to her, she's afraid she might let loose.
• I'm worried that I'll keep typoing her name.
• Jeff commented more than once about how pretty she is. She is pretty, but her bio has her concentrating on said beauty.
• I don't know what a powerhouse she'll be in physical comps, but she does look fit.
• She also probably knows the game better than many. (cough:::recruits:::cough)
• She might be a contender. I just don't know.

What do you think of Zakiyah?

Images © CBS

You can check out my first impressions of the BB18 hamsters by clicking the label at the bottom of the posts entitled "first impressions" or by using this link. It's a work in progress, mind you. I'll get them all before long.

BB18: First Impressions -- Paulie Calafiore

DON'T FORGET -- THE CUT-OFF FOR THE BLOG POOL IS THIS TUESDAY, 3PM ET. YOU NEED TO SIGN UP AT THE POST ON THIS LINK, NOT THE FIRST IMPRESSION POST!

Paulie Calafiore, age 27

I've read his bio on the CBS website and watched his Jeff interview on CBS All Access. (Plus, I know his brother via the voyeurism that is indeed Big Brother.) Here are some facts and my first impressions about Paulie:

• Slight dimples.
• Comes across more Jersey than I ever really saw in his brother.
• Oh, yeah. His brother is Cody who gave away the BB16 win to Derrick on a silver platter.
• He thinks he's going to have to tell the other hamsters who he is because he has "Calafiore Brothers" on a huge tattoo on the side of his rib cage.
• Since it seems that most of the newbies are aware of that season (if no other), it probably would be best he 'fess up.
• He's from Howell, NJ and still resides in Howell, NJ.
• In his bio, he's listed as a DJ. In the interview, he says he owns an entertainment company. I seem to recall Cody mentioning an entertainment company a while back.
• Paulie claims that he will decide his strategy once he's in the house to see what's needed.
• His bio is very short, but the interview was a bit long.
• He says he wants to pay off his parents' mortgage and help his sister's educational bills.
• Like Cody, he comes across as a nice guy.
• He thinks Cody was one of the best social players ever and hopes his social game is just as good.
• I say, as long as he doesn't flirt all over a married woman!
• I would kind of like to see home go far. But, I think it's more likely he'll be targeted because he's Cody's brother and he just might be very good in comps. After all, some of them really wish they hadn't kept Rachel's sister as long as they did!

What do you think of Paulie?

Images © CBS

You can check out my first impressions of the BB18 hamsters by clicking the label at the bottom of the posts entitled "first impressions" or by using this link. It's a work in progress, mind you. I'll get them all before long.

Off Topic: That Was the Week It Was - June 19, 2016

Good morning! Happy Fathers Day! My own father passed away decades ago and I still miss him. I wonder what he would think of the world today. He was a good father, hard-working and he passed much too young.

Since it's Sunday, this is my weekly off television topic reflection on the week gone by in both words and photos I took along the way. If you're interested in my latest posts on Big Brother 18, hit this link to see them all! A very important TV note -- the blog pool is open for BB18 -- if you want in, the cut-off is Tuesday at 3pm ET and you need to sign up on this linked post ONLY. Please don't sign up on this here post or any of the other BB18 posts as your request might be missed!

After I posted last week's off topic photo post, I learned of the horrible events in Orlando. It's still bringing tears to my eyes even though I didn't know any of the 49 victims. The presence of such evil in our world is incredibly sad. I have no answers. I know from early childhood, mass murderers exist. I recall the guy on the watchtower in Dallas in the 60s. But I fear some people are fueling the fire of such evil with homophobic, racist and even Islamophobic ways. Perhaps I'm naive, but can't we just stop all this hate and exist together in the world? Sigh.

This past Friday evening, the city of Plainfield (NJ) where I live held a candlelight vigil for Orlando's victims. I was in attendance. Many of the photos beyond the jump are of the ceremony. Plainfield is a city of diversity; this area of New Jersey is a true melting pot of all cultures, religions, colors and more. I'm proud to live here. It enriches my own life to know and be friends with so many diverse folks. I honestly think many folks who direct hate on generalizations don't personally know any individuals in the groupings they hate so much.

Onto this week's photos -- clicking on an image will bring it up in a larger version:

Nature's glory

Teeny bee

Or, perhaps it's a mimic fly. As seen on Berckman Street in Plainfield.

Mayor Mapp speaks

Mayor Adrian Mapp speaks to the Candlelight Vigil for Orlando crowd at Plainfield City Hall on Friday evening.

I see Dan; he doesn't see me

We need to change the world

Did you know that more hate crimes are committed against the LGBT community than any other group? For the life of me and based on my own life experiences, I cannot understand why. I just don't get the anger directed at people being gay. All I know is that I'm glad I was raised to accept people for who they are no matter religion, gender identity, color, culture ... and on and on. After all, I certainly expect people to accept me for who I am. I don't expect everyone to like me, but I don't expect anyone to hate me for no good reason! I don't like everybody in the world. But that's based on a personal traits level, not a wide-sweeping generalization. I don't direct violence at people I dislike. If folks aren't doing you any personal harm, don't do them harm. That should be easy. But, apparently in the world today, it's not. It's sad.

**CLICK THE 'READ MORE' LINK TO SEE THE REST OF THE PHOTOS**

Big Brother 18: Blog Pool OPENS!

Big Brother 18 starts Wednesday night, June 22, at 8pm ET/PT. This year, it's a two-hour premiere! The regular schedule will be Sunday and Wednesday at 8pm, Thursday at 9pm.

ORKMommy will be making the random picks for the blog pool again this season. She rocks, y'know.

I want in! What do I do?

If you want in to the blog pool, you need to sign up in the comments of this post and this post only! Please don't try signing up on any other posts -- we might miss your comment.

Is there money involved in this?

Of course not! You needn't pay anything to get into the pool. You don't need to buy a seasonal beach pass or anything! Mind you, you don't win any money either. What you do win is bragging rights until the next season and the smugness that goes with it.

How does it work?

ORKMommy makes random picks betwixt the hamsters and the blog folks. You cheer on that hamster all season until they either win or get evicted along the way.

When is the cut-off for entering?

All pool requests must be in comments to this here post and submitted by Tuesday, June 21, 3pm ET. Be there or be square.

Are we ready for our summer fun?

BB18: First Impressions -- Glenn Garcia

Glenn Garcia, age 50

I've read his bio on the CBS website and watched his Jeff interview on CBS All Access. Here are some facts about and my first impressions on Glenn:

• He's the only real adult in the cast at 50 years old. The next oldest is 32, the rest are in their 20s.
• While he has the Latino surname, he didn't mention it in the interview, unlike the rest of the Hispanic folks in BB18 I've written about so far.
• That said, he mentioned The Bronx quite often.
• His hometown is The Bronx and he still resides there.
• He's currently a dog groomer.
• But he was a police detective. Hmm.
• He has a fiancee, but will do whatever it takes to win. He says she would understand.
• He is a big fan of the show. Yay.
• Among his favorite players are Dr. Will and Evel Dick. (Yays from me.)
• He also named Boogie and Frankie. (Boos from me.)
• He has a daughter that he will miss a lot.
• Aw.
• Did I mention he's from The Bronx?
• He seems quite set on the win. 
• Despite the age difference, I think he'll fit in much better with the younger cast than Donny Thompson did.
• I'm not too sure how he will do in physical comps. I think he might have endurance, but perhaps not speed.
• I want him to do well ... he's stuck in there with all those kids!
• While he really wants to win it all, he definitely wants to be there in the end (final three) even if he doesn't win.
• But he's sure he'll win.
• (They all are.)

What do you think of Glenn?

Images©CBS

You can check out my first impressions of the BB18 hamsters by clicking the label at the bottom of the posts entitled "first impressions" or by using this link. It's a work in progress, mind you. I'll get them all before long.

BB18: First Impressions -- Bronte D'Aquisto

Bronte D'Acquisto, age 26

I've read her bio on the CBS website and watched her Jeff interview on CBS All Access. Here are my first impressions and some facts about Bronte:

• She's from San Diego, but currently living in Denver.
• She's a mathematician who thinks that 8x9=89.
• Is there any hope for America? She already has one degree in math, is working on her second and plans to get a doctorate.
• Yet, she doesn't know her multiplication tables.
• She's ... um ... perky.
• She's seen all of BB16 and about half of BB17. Yet she calls herself a fan.
• She likes hair accessories. I guess we'll see ribbons and flowery stuff stuck in her hair all summer.
• If she lasts the summer, that is.
• She hopes to be "the girl version of Derrick."
• Bwahahaha! I don't think she has a chance of that!
• I think she's in for some big surprises in the house. She's really rather clueless about a lot of BB.
• That said, Bronte claims that she's going to use a mathematical and scientific strategy to win the game.
• She says she really really wants to win the money. 
• One thing I liked that she said is that she isn't going in there to make friends ... she has friends. She wants money. She has no money.
• The image below is her figuring on her fingers the answer to 8x9. Oy.
• I'm not sure about her. She's either going to drive me crazy on the live feeds or play a genius game.
• I wonder what the statistics are regarding her winning it all.
• Heehee.

What do you think of Bronte?

Images©CBS

You can check out my first impressions of the BB18 hamsters by clicking the label at the bottom of the posts entitled "first impressions" or by using this link. It's a work in progress, mind you. I'll get them all before long.

BB18: First Impressions -- Corey Brooks

Corey Brooks, age 25

I've read his bio on the CBS website and watched the Jeff interview on CBS All Access. (Plus, read a bit elsewhere about him.) Here are my first impressions and some facts about Corey Brooks:

• It must be the season of men dimples.
• Corey is single from Dallas and residing in Dallas.
• That's in Texas, y'know.
• He coaches baseball for young teenagers.
• He has a slew of male roommates.
• Yet, it's been pointed out that he's used homophobic slurs on Twitter. Go figure.
• In his bio, he claims to like getting "sick bro pics." I don't even want to go there.
• He thinks he's lovable.
• And, in the Jeff interview, he kept going on about his integrity and how nice he is.
• As to Jeff's notorious ending question, Corey stated he'd rather lose and be loved by America than win and be hated.
• Oh, gag me with spoon. While what he says on base level is very nice, I'm getting a smarmy feeling about him. Maybe it's just me. It's like he's acting to win an Oscar or something.
• He's not a big fan of the show and has only seen a few seasons ... probably not in their entirety. I'm sure he has no clue about how the feeds really reveal the real hamsters.
• He calls women "chicks" in his bio.
• Ew.
• It sounds like he might have only watched (some of) BB16.
• He wants to get into a strong alliance.
• Eh. I'm not too keen on him despite the dimples.

What do you think of Corey?

Images©CBS

You can check out my first impressions of the BB18 hamsters by clicking the label at the bottom of the posts entitled "first impressions" or by using this link. It's a work in progress, mind you. I'll get them all before long.

BB18: First Impressions -- Victor Arroyo

Victor Arroyo, age 25

I've read his bio on the CBS website and watched the Jeff interview on CBS All Access. Here are some facts and my first impressions on Victor:

• Another male hamster with a very nice smile.
• I had to get that out of the way.
• He's single and from Slidell, LA (although he claims New Orleans) according to his bio.
• He's Puerto Rican. BB might just have tied their record with the number of Hispanic folks from season one to now.
• His online bio makes him sound a bit of a male chauvinistic pig (to delve into past feminism chants). But he came across much better in the interview.
• He does seem to think he's all that and a bowl of jambalaya. 
• That said, in some ways, he does seem likeable.
• In the interview he thinks he can "manage" the BB house because he manages a staff of 14 at a gym.
• Um. I manage 90 currently and have managed more in my workplace. I don't even want to THINK of "managing" BB hamsters!
• He is looking at some things quite sensibly -- he knows he might be good in physical challenges because he lifts weights and exercises. But he doesn't run and thinks he might tire fast.
• Victor claims to be a fan of the show, but not a superfan. I'm always on the ledge about folks coming into the house who haven't delved into the live feeds. To me, they show the real show. He might be in for some surprises.
• I read elsewhere that he's tried out for the show before, but didn't make it. So, at least he isn't a recruit.
• He cooks. Yay.
• But does he wash dishes?
• He says he's open to a showmance, but his real goal is the half-million. 
• He thinks he's nice to everyone and hopes everyone likes him, but doubts all will.
• He has a stuffed Ernie (Sesame Street) that he'll miss.
• Okay ...
• I think he's going to be interesting on the live feeds (and eye candy, too). But I'm not sure if he's going to be a contender for the win.

Your thoughts on Victor?

Images©CBS

You can check out my first impressions of the BB18 hamsters by clicking the label at the bottom of the posts entitled "first impressions" or by using this link. It's a work in progress, mind you. I'll get them all before long.

BB18: First Impressions -- Michelle Meyer

Michelle Meyer, age 23

I've read her bio on the CBS website and watched her Jeff interview on CBS All Access. Here are some facts and my first impressions of Michelle:

• Ah, we have a superfan in the house! She's watched the show, international BB versions and live feeds. She also says she's involved online with BB fan stuff.
• She's hoping to get out a shout-out or two on the live feeds. I doubt she'll shout out to us here on the blog. I don't think we know her.
• She hails from and still lives in Washington Township, Michigan.
• I have no clue where that is. I've been to Detroit if that counts.
• Not surprisingly, she's a huge Ian Terry fan.
• It seems like she wants to pattern much of her gameplay after his game -- laying low, taking punishments, being friendly, winning comps when needed. Now, she wants to appear weak, yet win comps. It's hard to do both.
• She's a dietician and seems quite concerned with healthy eating. Oh my. I guess she would recommend kale over chocolate chip cookies. I'm not sure I can deal with her ilk.
• Ahem.
• She does have a strategy, albeit based on Ian's for the most part. But, had she listened to advice from Ian, she'd know that you can't really have a set strategy -- you need to play to your own strengths and weaknesses and things can change so much in the house.
• She's single and not adverse to a showmance, but not seeking one.
• Michelle feels she might have a problem staying out of the drama in the house.
• Hey, I say drama makes the live feeds FUN. Go for it!
• I'm not sure if all will work out for her. Superfans can win it all or crash and burn. I think it wise that she doesn't plan to talk all the time about how much she really knows the game.

Images©CBS

You can check out my first impressions of the BB18 hamsters by clicking the label at the bottom of the posts entitled "first impressions" or by using this link. It's a work in progress, mind you. I'll get them all before long.