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.

BB18: First Impressions -- Jozea Flores

Jozea Flores, age 25

I've read his bio on the CBS website and watched his Jeff interview on CBS Access. Here are some facts and my impressions at a quick glance:

• Yet another BB newbie hamster and likely a recruit. He claims in the interview that he only got into the show last year. I doubt he's seen the live feeds ever although he knows they exist.
• He has great dimples trying hide under that scruff. He's a cutie with an awesome smile.
• Yet another not diverse age-wise, yet Latino hamster. He talks of his family in Puerto Rico.
• In his bio he was asked to give three adjectives to describe himself. He gave four. Don't bet on him for any counting competitions.
• He says in the interview that he's from New York City. But on the bio he's from Bridgeton, NJ and residing in Los Angeles, CA. Um. Okay.
• He thinks "nothing will be difficult living in the Big Brother house." Oh, silly newbie hamster. You know nothing, grasshopper. Perhaps you'll learn. Perhaps you'll crash and burn.
• Oh, jeez. He's a big Frankie Grande fan. 
• Maybe I should stop right now.
• But, I'll go on. I love misery.
• Jozea says he's a celebrity make-up artist.
• He thinks he's a "visual genius."
• He's single.
• He THINKS he has game. His answer to Jeff's question regarding winning and everyone hates him or losing and loved by all had him winning.
• From what I could see, he does look very fit and might do well in physical comps.
• That said, I'm not sure if he really knows how mentally stressful and shades of evil which make for Big Brother. I'm not sure he's got what it takes to dive into the depths of the madness ahead.

What do you think of Jozea from the brief bits we have?

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 -- Natalie Negrotti

Natalie Negrotti, age 26

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 Natalie:

• Quasi-local to me, she lives in Franklin Park, NJ. She's originally from Venezuela, though. Yep, a Latina. Ohhh ... diversity speaks!
• Other than that, she's typical of the cutesy 20-something casting we see over and over again over the BB seasons.
• She's single as a Pringle. So she says in the Jeff interview.
• She also says she'll lie and deceive, but won't sleep with anyone. (But she is open to a showmance, just -- apparently -- wiser than to have sex on the live feeds.)
• She's seen very little of the show. I'm thinking RECRUIT by BB.
• Natalie lists her occupation as an "event coordinator." In her bio, she mentions she was a cheerleader for the NY Jets. (Or, is that NJ Jets?!?!)
• She wants to form a girls allowance ... er, alliance. She thinks three girls will be optimum.
• Sigh. Those plans usually fail.
• Her favorite hamster was Donny Thompson because he was so nice and genuine. I'll give her credit for that. But, remember, she's seen very few seasons. And, absolutely no live feeds.
• She thinks everyone will want to be in an alliance with her because she's so nice and so pretty. @@
• She thinks no one will realize how tough an adversary she can be because she's so pretty and girly. @@
• She can't live without her hair glitter and spray-on tan. Oh my. I don't think we're in for much in the way of intellectual conversations from Natalie, do you?
• I've really mixed feelings about Natalie. In some ways, in the Jeff interview and online CBS bio, she seems so oblivious as to what she's getting into. At other times, it's like she knows what it might take to win.
• Will she win it all? I kind of doubt it.

What do you think of Natalie based on what little we have?

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.

BB 18: First Impressions -- Paul Abrahamian

Paul Abrahamian, age 23

I've read his bio on the CBS Big Brother website. I've seen his video on CBS All Access. Here are some facts and my impressions:

• His faux-hawk and beard are perfectly coiffed. How long is that going to last in the house?
• He says he's a "clothing designer." I think I'd rather see what that huge tattoo is on his chest.
• He's single (for the last few months), hails from and currently resides in Tarzana, CA.
• He's a thrill-seeker. Well, that in and of itself, is only sort of good in the BB House. The idea of going on the show, that touch of fame (albeit fleeting and to a limited audience), the competitions ... all of those provide the adrenaline high for a thrill seeker. But, what's he going to do with all the down time they have?
• He's very into music. He better not be one who sings and makes the live feeds go to fish. I'm warning him right here and now ... don't sing! Don't hum. I don't even want you to whistle, kiddo!
• He wears a ton of rings in the Jeff interview. I hope he doesn't think that they would preclude him from washing dishes.
• Paul seems to think he can mentally "crack" practically anyone. Hmm.
• Yet, he doesn't really to have a strong urge to have more than fun in the house. He stated once in the interview that he wanted to win. However, when asked more directly about it, he went more along the adventurous fun aspect of being in the house. Will he be able to scheme? I don't know. 
• He thinks he can be sneaky and will use other peoples' weaknesses against them.
• But ... can he backstab and be truly underhanded? Is he going to be a real BB villain? I'm not getting that vibe from him, although I could be wrong.
• He claims to be a big fan of the show. I do believe he might be more of a fair weather fan. But, big fan? Nah. He didn't mention watching the live feeds at all. He only knows a bit of the show, methinks.  

What are your impressions of Paul?

Images © CBS