Survivor: Millennials vs. Gen-X Blog Party - November 2

As Survivor airs here on the East Coast, I'll be live-blogging with the major events.  As always, the real party is in the comments area. Please feel free to join in on the fun! Later on tonight, I will have a post for the BBOTT show/live eviction. 

Here are the blog pool match updates from the Lovely Lifeguard Laurie:

Vanua - Orange 
Chris Hammons - Cheryl in NC, Jennasmom, Lanell from TN 
David Wright - Buzzmaam, MikesGirl, Sharon C 
Michelle Shubert - Ed in Ohio, Nickelpeed 
Zeke Smith - Beachmom, monty924 , Glenn

Takali - Purple 
Adam Klein - Brian, Kelsey NY, Sharon N
Jessica Lewis - Cupcake, Jean, Petals 
Ken McNickle - Dolores in Hollywood, Margo, Russ 
Taylor Lee Stocker - Donna in FL, Janice from GA, Stephanie in Baltimore

Ikabula - Green 
Bret LaBelle - Brandi Peralta, Judi Sweeney, Skyriverblue 
Hannah Shapiro - David, meb, Terry is a Texan 
Jay Starrett - Becky, Jackie, Shayne 
Michaela Bradshaw - Donna in NY, Krysta G, Pinky 
Sunday Burquest - Brenda, Kristen from Ohio, SueGee 
Will Wahl - Cheryl, Indiana Jane

OUT 
x Rachel Ako 
Mari Takahashi - cwcamper, Marthalight 
Paul Wachter - ChickMc, PDX Granny 
Lucy Huang - Delee, ML 
CeCe Taylor - Anonymouse, Merrilee
Figgy Figueroa - Donna in Alabama, Laurie 

Fourteen are left. Who will be voted out tonight? Survivor fans ready? Let's go!

Oh, geez. Taylor's world is grey without Figgy. While Adam thinks he made the right choice in voting her out, Taylor promises revenge.

On Vanua, David works on his trust with Zeke, tells him about finding the second idol. Zeke takes the trust seriously ... for the time being.

Time for the Reward Challenge! Work together to unwind, release three balls, push them through a tunnel, place all three on a perch. The prize is a chef cooking for them. Second, kebabs.  

Vanua wins first place! Ikabula gets second place!

On Takali, Ken and Jessica are sizing up which is best for their own strategy -- Adam or Taylor. They think Taylor might be more honest.

On Ikabula, Michaela, worried about showing how strong she is in comps, works on her social game. Hannah thinks Bret is lying about being a funeral director. (He's a cop.) Hannah thinks he's a cop. She has her fellow Millennials also wondering.

Immunity Challenge time! Throwing coconuts into a net, flag with numbers drop, retrieve key with combination from flag numbers, sandbags, target. 

Takali wins Immunity! Vanua takes the second Immunity! It will be the first tribal for Ikabula.

Bret and Sunday are sure that one will go because there are four Millennials against them. The Millennials plan to split the vote in case of an idol. On the second vote they all vote Bret. Meanwhile, Jay is realizing how big a threat Michaela is in the game and works his buddies to vote her out. But it might not happen. Hmm.

The tally:
Bret, Bret, Michaela, Michaela, Michaela, Michaela

She lit into Jay. Hannah goes all panicky.  

I'm sorry to see Michaela go. She is one of the strongest most consistent players this season. 

The merge is next week. 

BBOTT: America's Nom, PoV and Halloween - Monday, October 31

OMG! It RAINED outside!

They're the first hamsters in the BB house for Halloween. The least BB could have done is give one of them a hamster costume! Sheesh.

• America's nomination came through. Surprise, surprise ... it's Scott.
• (Not a surprise, not at all.)
• The real horror story of the day is that it rained overnight and all the stuff in the yard got WET.
• Horrors!
• The veto comp had them going through the house one by one looking for dead Clementine's belongings (or something like that). Thrills and chills abound.
• Danielle won the Power of Veto.
• It's kind of doubtful she'll use it. Shelby can negate three votes. It's more likely than not that Scott will leave.
• What a shame.
• Ha.
• In other news, Jason is out of cigarettes. BB gave him nicotine patches.
• But it's not the same.

Spooky veto comp

Body language

Studies package for 20 minutes

Then does this

BBOTT: Nominations and Stuff - into October 31

Needs to stop chewing her lips

The hamsters are all excited about being the first ones to be in the BB house over Halloween. Of course, today is also the reveal of America's nominee and the veto comp. 

• In the Safety Ceremony last night, Danielle made Scott, Morgan and Alex safe.
• So, as I surmised in my last update, the nominees are Shelby and Whitney.
• Shelby has her America's Care Package, but what good will it do her now?
• Well, if America puts Kryssie on the block, her side knows to vote that way and she could negate three of the Late Night Jamboree votes. 
• And, if America nominates Scott, he should go barring a veto win.
• Of the two known nominees, it's more likely Whitney would stay over Shelby.
• Shelby has rubbed more the wrong way at times while Whitney cruises through not offending anyone and being as sweet as pie.
• Shelby said that she definitely will cancel Kryssie's and Justin's votes She's not sure of the third. But, of that bunch, the only vote she'd let go through is Jason's.
• Hmm.
• Jason was the main Shelby "attacker" just a bit ago.
• Nothing will be settled until America's nomination is announced later today. 

Pumpkin pal

Now she's got Whitney doing it

Not a jamboree

Off Topic: That Was the Week It Was - October 30, 2016

Good morning! Since it's Sunday morning, it's time for my weekly off television topic reflection on the week gone by in both words and photographs I've taken along the way. This is a regular Sunday part of this blog in addition to the television posts. Right now I'm covering Big Brother: Over the Top daily -- you can find those posts at this link. I'm also live blogging Survivor episodes as they air on Wednesday evenings. Come join the blog parties!

Happy Halloween tomorrow to all! While many at my workplace are wearing costumes and their are costume contest prizes, I'm not partaking. I've had too much on my plate the last few months at work. Tomorrow will just be another day with too much I need to get done and not enough time to do it in. I won't have time to partake in any of the work festivities. However, I might snag some chocolate from the lunch room to keep me going!

In all the years I've lived in this apartment, I've never had a trick or treater even though children live in the building. First, I got to the point where I'd buy only Reese's peanut butter cups or, perhaps Butterfinger bars, because I like them and would eat them if no children came by. Some years went by that I bought no candy and no one came. This year, unless I pick up some tomorrow, I have nothing for kids. No kid better knock on my door!

Someone stole my Sunday newspaper. Grr. I went down relatively early for it and it was gone. I have gone several months with no Sunday newspaper thefts, now have had two in the past four weeks. Someone new in the building? If I didn't want online daily access, I wouldn't get a hard copy at all. And, subscribing to just Sunday's paper is the cheapest route, plus I can use the grocery coupons. I really hate thieves. I wish I could get them to throw the paper up on my fire escape. But, with my luck, they'd probably break the window with it or throw it onto the wrong fire escape.

AMC is showing all of the Halloween movies. I've had them on since about 6am. I wish I didn't have to work during their Stephen King marathon this past Monday. I like scary stuff although real life is a lot more scary. Speaking of horror ... wow, Walking Dead. Just wow. Rest in pieces, Abraham and Glenn.

While I don't really know any new tenants in my apartment building, some tenants (I also didn't know) moved out this past week. I can't believe the stuff people throw out when they move! They could have made several hundreds of dollars selling the stuff on Craigslist! They chucked a good condition couch and matching chairs. Now, I'd never trust that stuff due to bedbug scares. But I did grab a small metal (in brand new condition) baker's rack shelving doohickey. It perfectly fits between my table and refrigerator in the kitchen. And, it's perfect for my onions and potatoes on lower shelves, canisters on the top. Heck, I can even fit my toaster on a shelf and free up counter space.

That's about it. Onto the photos for the week! Clicking on an image will bring up a larger version.    

Downtown mums

The planters in downtown Plainfield are now sporting yellow mums. I'm talking light yellow, not the gold of the ones near my workplace. It's great to see the planters go seasonal in Plainfield -- I remember many years when they didn't have them. They're a nice touch for the aesthetics of downtown.

Autumn in the 'hood

We have touches of color mixed in with the green leaves many trees are still sporting in my neighborhood. The acorns are coming down on rapid order, making squirrels happy little critters. Where I grew up, the trees are already barren by Halloween. Here, they haven't even hit peak yet. This year many of the trees were de-leaved with heavy winds for nearly a week, though! I'm still waiting for the trees outside my windows to turn yellow.

Whole lotta pumpkin

Even though there's been frost on the pumpkin a few times during the week, the ones adorning my workplace grounds are still looking mighty good! I've noticed some of the small pumpkins have gone missing (grr). But the large ones would take a few people to pick them up.

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

BBOTT: Some Are Safe, New Alliances? - into Sunday, October 30

Sharing giggles with the LNJ

Shelby winning the America's Care Package of negating the votes of three people has thrust the hamster house in another direction entirely.

• The Have Nots chosen by America this week are: Kryssie, Whitney and Justin, not necessarily in that order. That's been a bit indicative of the upcoming America vote for eviction.
• I personally think it will probably be Kryssie nominated by America for eviction this week.
• Of course, if we were actually IN the house, either getting Whitney or Justin out would be a better idea. Justin is way too popular to make it near the final three -- he would win a popular vote hands down. But he doesn't really PLAY the game so much -- he's just being his quirky self and, by gosh, people LIKE him. I wouldn't want him next to me at the end!
• As for Whitney, she's not an Alex, but she's playing the game and is working a strategy.
• In a diary room session, Alex told us that she'd like to work with Danielle.
• Danielle told Scott and Alex they were safe (from her nominations) this week.
• Scott told us that he, Danielle and Alex plan to work together.
• Hmm. I wouldn't mind them as the final three. Then Alex would win it all, as it should be. I'd like to see her win. She's really been trying to work strategy, win comps and play the game of BB. Yet, she's been put in riskier spots more so than others in the house.
• To be honest, Kryssie would be one I'd be willing to bring to the final three because she wouldn't win.
• A good player, preferably likeable too, would win against any of those who got into arguments or became overly emotional.
• Justin and Jason will go far because of fan popularity. But no one else in the house wants to be sitting in a final three with them.
• Morgan also approached Danielle (or vice versa) about working together. Hmm.
• In the first Safety Ceremony, Danielle made these hamsters safe: Justin, Jason and Kryssie. No real surprises there.
• I'm thinking, after the next Safety round, if she keeps her word, she'll save Scott, Morgan and Alex. That would leave Shelby and Whitney as her nominees. America will probably nominate Kryssie. Of that bunch, Kryssie would get the boot.
• I guess we'll see. 

 

Sharing giggles with Alex and Shelby

Pacing the yard, talking to us

She's safe ... for the moment

Decisions, decisions

Alone again, naturally

BBOTT: America's Care Package and into Saturday, October 29

Have Not reprieve

Oh, geez. America, what is wrong with you? Do you WANT boredom? I mean, nothing against Shelby and all, but ...!

• The big news of yesterday is that Shelby got America's Care Package.
• Sigh.
• Now, I like Shelby okay. I wish she wouldn't make such odd faces, but that's sort of entertaining in and of itself.
• BUT ...
• ... I don't watch BB for Kumbaya, holding hands, all is love entertainment.
• If the side Shelby's on, which already has the numbers, now can eliminate all three votes of the other side, all will be peachy-keen, namby-pamby and BORING.
• I would guess that, if America nominates Kryssie, she will go home this week.
• I'd really rather Scott go.
• In other news, they're all excited for Halloween.
• Woohoo.
• In yet other news, the Have Nots ended and the new Have Nots haven't been named yet.
• A feast was enjoyed by all.
• We've had no new brouhahas or even kerfuffles, albeit some saltiness about America's Care Package.
• I'm a bit salty over it myself. 

Not a lot of hot tub action in BBOTT

Everybody hates me! Wah!

I can't get it open!

Kryssie's care package reaction

Jason undercover

BBOTT: Thursday Hamster Happenings - Into Friday, October 28

I'm not napping!

The BBOTT rule about no napping doesn't seem to make a difference in many staying up late. They must be running on fumes. It's no wonder they're edgy.

• There have been no more brouhahas, not even a kerfuffle.
• Julie showed up on the living room screen to talk to the hamsters and had trouble getting them there.
• In her questioning, we found out that Danielle still feels strong dislike of Scott and he's all like "whatever."
• I'm not thrilled with either one.
• The bright spot of Julie's "visit" was the footage of Justin's pizza song/dance set to music as we saw on the show the other night. It broke the tension in the room.
• The Late Night Jamboree folks are really taking the possibility that their trashtalking might have turned America off. They're worried about America's nomination.
• Of course, it will be a wait and see to find out who America nominated as Have Nots. They've been an indicator of what direction America might go with the nomination.
• Scott keeps acting like he's a dead man walking.
• We can only hope he is.
• The targets seem to be either Alex or Scott. 
• I like Alex. I want her to stay around.
• But, unless the LNJ bunch can take out one of the "Plastics," this house is going to be all kinds of boring. Right now, the Plastics have the numbers and, if they keep taking one LNJ hamster after another ... yawnsers! 

He thinks he will go this week. I hope so.

Houseguests? Anyone home? Bueller?

Product placement

BBOTT: Brouhahas Afoot and a New Hoh - into Thursday, October 27

Justin tells us he loves us

Oh my. It was more than a kerfuffle. It was just about to the point of a brouhaha. Here's what happened:

• In her save me speech, Neeley said that Scott is a disgusting person because he applauded Kryssie's injuries during the veto comp.
• Scott denied doing so after the America's tie-breaker vote sent Neeley out the door.
• But, mind you, he has this wacko loud superior kind of clap he does do. He did it when Neeley got the boot. It's almost a violent clap rather than applause of any kind.
• He claims he did that to Kryssie not realizing she had already done the comp or got hurt. He thought it would throw her off her game.
• It all turned into a mess quickly before the HoH comp.
• Danielle went off on Scott about bullying people.
• The girls on the "Plastics" side were all abuzz about being bullied by the Late Night Jamboree crew.
• And, vice versa. 
• Mostly Scott was targeted.
• But the bullying of Shelby was also brought up.
• Even Jason had pause to think -- perhaps all of Neeley's trashtalking of others was responsible for America's vote.
• Do ya think ...?
• Now, I've mentioned Scott creeps me out. He can be very abrasive and really doesn't take into consideration the feelings of others. He'd probably be a good bill collector! (heehee)
• But I also don't think he's that aware of how he comes across.
• The brouhaha went on without much resolve other than people thinking they need to be nicer to people. But people have to be nicer to them, too!
• Gah.
• The Memory Wall was adorned with BB baseball cards and the comp was questions based on the cards.
• Danielle won.
• Everyone went to the HoH room reveal and acted all nicey-nice. 
• I'm sure it won't last.

Studying BB bb cards

Testing their memories

Kryssie sits alone to one side, rather sad

Going off on Scott

Fences mended for HoH room? Nah.

BBOTT: Weekly Show and Live Eviction - October 26

I'm putting up this post so anyone who wishes to do so can comment on the weekly show. I'm not going to live blog the show as we've already discussed all that happens. As it is with this online BB version, I will post about the HoH comp in the morning. Midnight starts for it are too late for East Coast people!

I will step back in for the live eviction, though! When Morgan saved herself with the veto, Kryssie put Whitney in her place. So, we have Scott, Whitney and Neeley on the block.

Live eviction time, speeches and all. Soctt was Scott. Neeley badmouthed Scott for her speech. Whitney was pleasant.

The votes to evict:
Jason - Scott
Morgan - Neeley
Danielle - Scott
Shelby - Neeley
Alex - Neeley
Justin - Scott

By a vote of four (America's vote) to three, Neeley is evicted. Scott inappropriately claps loudly.

Survivor: Millennials vs. Gen -X Blog Party - October 26

As Survivor airs here on the East Coast, I'll be live-blogging with the major events.  As always, the real party is in the comments area. Please feel free to join in on the fun! Later on tonight, I will have a post for the BBOTT show/live eviction. I was lackadaisical last night and today -- Whitney was the renom. So, it's Scott, Morgan and Whitney on the block.

Here are the blog pool match updates from the Lovely Lifeguard Laurie:

Vanua - Orange 
Chris Hammons - Cheryl in NC, Jennasmom, Lanell from TN 
David Wright - Buzzmaam, MikesGirl, Sharon C 
Michelle Shubert - Ed in Ohio, Nickelpeed 
Zeke Smith - Beachmom, monty924 , Glenn

Takali - Purple 
Adam Klein - Brian, Kelsey NY, Sharon N 
Figgy Figueroa - Donna in Alabama, Laurie 
Jessica Lewis - Cupcake, Jean, Petals 
Ken McNickle - Dolores in Hollywood, Margo, Russ 
Taylor Lee Stocker - Donna in FL, Janice from GA, Stephanie in Baltimore

Ikabula - Green 
Bret LaBelle - Brandi Peralta, Judi Sweeney, Skyriverblue 
Hannah Shapiro - David, meb, Terry is a Texan 
Jay Starrett - Becky, Jackie, Shayne 
Michaela Bradshaw - Donna in NY, Krysta G, Pinky 
Sunday Burquest - Brenda, Kristen from Ohio, SueGee 
Will Wahl - Cheryl, Indiana Jane

OUT 
x Rachel Ako 
Mari Takahashi - cwcamper, Marthalight 
Paul Wachter - ChickMc, PDX Granny 
Lucy Huang - Delee, ML 
CeCe Taylor - Anonymouse, Merrilee

Fifteen are left. Who will be voted out tonight? Survivor fans ready? Let's go!

David thinks that they made the right decision in voting out CeCe. Zeke, of course, is a happy camper. 

On Ikabula, Jay thinks he has to take care of people. He wants to find the idol. He finds one right in front of Will. Whoops! Michaela walked up on them and now she knows, too. She's one of the best players on their tribe (in my opinion). She tells us it will remain secret unless she needs to snitch to stay in.

Reward Challenge time -- callers with blindfolded players collecting puzzle pieces. The caller will solve the puzzle directing blindfolded players. First prize is a sweet feast, second is cookies. 

Coming from behind, Vanua wins first place! Ikabula won second place. 

Hannah feels faint and they've called medics. Apparently she hyperventilated and ended up with cramping hands. Poor Hannah.

Zeke, realizing he's still bottom of his age group (although the oldest) is thinking he needs to jump ship and ally with the Gen-X bunch.

Hannah is going on about her anxiety issues.

Taylor and Figgy are very smug in their showmance. Taylor thinks they're a power couple. Figgy isn't as certain they should "come out." Jessica tells her they knew. Ken knew, too. Ken tells us that he's going to make sure he's okay and that Figgy/Taylor are like kids playing camp.

Immunity Challenge time! Race balance beams on water, collect six bags, three balls, table maze. 

Ikablua wins Immunity! Vanua is finally safe!

Figgy thinks they should vote out Ken. She pushes Adam in that direction. Of course, Taylor is on board with his Figgy. Jessica proposes to Adam he join up with her and Ken. Ken approaches Adam and promises him safety in the game. Adam isn't sure what to do.

Tribal Council -- lots of giggles, but Adam's still in the middle. He is the only swing vote.

The tally:
Ken, Figgy, Ken, Figgy, Figgy!

Woot! Ken is safe! Adam made the right choice. Taylor is giving him the evil eye.