Off Topic - That Was the Week It Was - July 4, 2010

Happy 4th of July! With the holiday falling on a Sunday, no one quite knows when to celebrate. Here in Plainfield (NJ), the fireworks were Friday night while the parade was Saturday. The official state observance is tomorrow. As far as I'm concerned, TODAY is the holiday. I had to work both yesterday and tomorrow, so this is my Independence Day.

It's also Sunday, so it's time for me to reflect on the week gone by in words and photographs I've taken. I took the photo of the flag above and then messed with it. I had to work yesterday, so I took pre-parade photos. Otherwise, they're just things which caught my eye as I traveled about heading to work and returning home.

We had a brief respite between heat waves -- three or four days with decent temperatures. But we're heading into a long stretch of above 90 degree temps here as I write this. Since the city (NYC) hit 89 yesterday, we might have started here already. It's usually warmer in inland NJ than along the shore. The humidity wasn't bad, though. That's what does me in during heat waves. Blech!

My week in real life has been quiet. But since the Big Brother 12 cast news came out, I've had plenty to do! Earlier this week my take on the cast, twist and house went up over on TV Squad. And, I'm catching up here on the blog with the videos. The show premieres Thursday with the live feeds going live later that evening.

My apartment building was remarkably quiet when I returned home from work last night. Huh. Did everyone go camping or something? Not that I'm complaining, mind you. I like quiet. But it's odd on a Saturday evening to not hear anything passing through the halls.

Maybe everyone was out partying at the big Hispanic festival downtown which lasted until 10 PM. That's on again today and, while I'm tempted -- I went last year and enjoyed myself -- I'll probably skip it due to the heat. I saw the results of beer and partying last night when I got into town.

A Plainfield cop was trying to prop a drunk upright and tell him he was going to call him a cab when there was a definite alcohol and language barrier. I was tempted to go by, yell "You're a cab!" at the man, but restrained myself. I'll admit to enjoying a frosty-cold beer on a hot day myself. However, I wouldn't enjoy having a dozen of them! I don't like the feeling of being drunk. With beer being sold at the festival, I'm sure many imbibed all day and will do it again today. The food is great. But I'm probably just going to hide from the weather while I can.

Onto this week's photos ... clicking on an image will open it larger in a new window.

I met a clown

This was yesterday among the throngs of locals all ready for the parade as I headed to work. I got a nifty pen and washcloth with handcuffs and bail bond advertising on it. I really don't foresee me ever having to use a bail bond service, but I used the pen all day at work yesterday! I messed a bit with the editing of the photo to make it appear a bit more like an illustration. Watchung Avenue, Plainfield.

Patriotism (and commercialism) abounds

I want a hat like that dude's! Also on Watchung Avenue pre-parade yesterday. I believe the jail-outfitted person was with the bail bonds clown.

Staking out shady seats

I realized yesterday that I'm spoiled. The parade passes right by my apartment each year. If it's too hot, I can sit in my recliner chair with the AC on and watch it go by. The start point is about four blocks from my building. If I want to be there, all I have to do is go outside when I hear the noise coming.

I took this shot probably an hour to ninety minutes before the parade was even expected to pass through this section of downtown (Watchung Avenue and East Front Street). I couldn't believe all the people set up so early! I've never seen the parade as it went through downtown before as it's so easy just to watch from home. Of course, I didn't see it yesterday as I had to work. But I know local blogger Dan Damon was out there with his camera as I bumped into him the evening before.

The judging stand

Oh, cool! They actually had the flags from all fifty states flying! The main judging stand was set up in front of the YWCA on East Front Street.

What? No SpongeBob SquarePants?

I see Dora, Tweety and Spider-Man! East Front Street, Plainfield.

Mr. Lee not in his pimp suit

My downstairs neighbor was hanging out in front of the Monarch/Senior Citizen Center on East Front Street. Since my last shot of him featured his bright blue (with lavender shirt) "pimp suit," I figured I'd show he can be "normal." Well, that was until he showed me pictures of himself in drag performing Aretha Franklin's "RESPECT" at a recent talent show in the Senior Citizen Center. I don't think he realizes real drag queens shave off their facial hair!

In the spirit of the day

I edited this shot to leave only the woman in color. Also on East Front Street.

Hey, dude ... you can't be tired already!

At the corner of East Front and Richmond long before the parade started.

I wonder if these are blowflies?

You know the kind -- the ones on CSI which can determine when a body died! They were definitely more colorful than your average housefly. Obviously, they were outside, not in a house.

Starting the day

This was early in the morning on North Avenue across from the Plainfield Train Station. One man leaves his apartment, the other gets his coffee. Me? I'm over at the train station looking for photo fodder! I edited this a bit for illustration value.

Here comes the sun ... flowers!

Yes, the sunflowers have bloomed on East Front Street! Unfortunately, the plants are WAY taller than I am and I can't get a decent shot from the front without going up on the porch of this house. I don't think they want me doing that. Eventually, some sunflowers will be more in reach. The early morning sun lighted these up nicely.

A hazy shade of summer

Yeah, I know the song is supposed to be winter, but ...! I took this shot early in the morning the last day of our previous heatwave. That would be Monday morning. This was taken from the corner of Watchung Avenue and East Second Street with the back of the post office silhouetted on the right.

Y oh Y?

Here's more on the disrepair going on at the YWCA on East Front Street. Seriously, it wouldn't take much to chip off that old paint and slap up fresh, as well as to fix minor things like that frame piece. So many people take advantage of the YWCA's programs. Why can't they give a little back and treat this cool historical building to a very minor (and cheap) facelift on the windows?

A damselfly poses for me

He was pretty cooperative. Since the "needle" part can't be more than a sixteenth of an inch wide, I managed to get pretty close. This shot is one which might be best viewed by clicking on it to open it larger in a new window. Hmm ... maybe since it's a "damselfly," it's a she. I have no clue how to tell. I should be satisfied that I know it's a damselfly.

"On the first part of the journey
I was looking at all the life
There were plants and birds and rocks and things
There was sand and hills and rings
The first thing I met was a fly with a buzz"

And the sky with no clouds

The heat was hot and the ground was dry
But the air was full of sound -- "Horse With No Name" by America

I remember analyzing that song in a philosophy class back in high school. It really makes no more sense to me today than it did back then. Sometimes I feel I've spent my whole life in a desert on a horse with no name. But, then again, "in the desert you can remember your name 'cause there ain't no one for to give you no pain." Oh, such slaughter of the English language!

I took this shot of the Strawberry Moon over East Front Street in Plainfield early Monday morning.

Another damselfly

I so wanted to get a decent shot of one of the blue ones! They just wouldn't stay still for me. Then, when I got the shot, he blends in a bit with the leaf. His abdomen (?) was even thinner than the previous damselfly. The sunshine diluted the blue color which was actually quite vivid.

I see dead people

On the New Jersey Transit train heading to work. I'm probably a bit old-fashioned, but that neck tattoo combined with the plain white dress shirt, tie, and cheap-looking suit ... well, it reminded me of stories I've read about prisoners being released from jails with a fresh suit and a couple of bucks as they complete their sentence. I don't think they do that anymore. I'm thinking of stories I read back in the 60s.

Eating like a bird

Mmm ... pizza for the chickadee! This is one bird who's forgotten that birds will take over the world and is thanking mankind for pizza crust.

Busy Bumbler

The bushes are still alive with bumblebees in Bridgewater. Those bees are generally accepting of both my camera and me, but don't really stay still for long except when their butts are sticking out of a blossom. And that, of course, kind of blows the shot! I'm allergic, but I don't really fear bumblebees at all. They're a good-natured kind of bee (if such a thing exists).

I'm up! Where's my food?

Poor Vincent had to deal with the noise from the parade yesterday all on his own. He's not easily frightened and didn't seem any worse for wear when I got home. But I think he probably didn't like the loud music and fire engine sirens. He might have liked the horses.

How was your week?

Big Brother 12 -- Hamster Videos

Once CBS set up the initial website before releasing the information on the latest Big Brother house guests, they asked people in the forum to come up with questions for them. As a result, the questions aren't geared towards any of the hamsters as individuals as no one knew who they were at the time. Nonetheless, they're intriguing. I'm going to go through a handful of them this morning, then catch up with the rest tomorrow.

First up, Ragan ...



Wow. $300,000 grand in college loans and he hasn't started paying them off yet? I want to think Ragan is going to be fun to watch, but his focus on people being mean to him is a bit off-putting to me. Sure, I don't like mean people. However, the focus on people being mean to me basically vanished once I got out of high school. So I'm not sure how I'm going to take him. Perhaps it was just the question triggering that response. Many people think he's the saboteur plant. I don't -- he would be too obvious. We'll see.

Next up, Monet ...



Oh my. I didn't like what I had seen of Monet so far, but this kind of changes my opinion. She seems to have a relatively calm and confident demeanor along with some strategic thinking. I might have to eat my words about wanting her gone before the season starts. I liked her answers. I do, however, keep typoing her name as "Money" and might slip up at times. Her parents must have been art fans, eh?

Matt is on the block (so to speak) next ...



He's my own choice for the saboteur. I could be totally off-base. There's something about him which seems very insincere. He comes off a bit cocky or something ... I can't put my finger on it. Once the feeds are up, I'm gonna watch him like a hawk. He's up to something!

Next up, Rachel ...



She seems to be fixated on her "big boobs." Perhaps augmented? I'm not all that thrilled with Rachel. She could possibly play a good game. But what I don't like is her "big secret" that she's smart. Does she think a pretty person can't be intelligent, too? And, what's the big secret if you're an intelligent person? Most intelligent people have no desire to play the dummy. My jury's out on her.

Everyone, it's Lane ...



Hmm ... he seems quiet, laid-back and just a tad sneaky. He's a salesman, so he probably knows how to shmooze. He's the one who initially reminded me of JT in his winning season of Survivor. He still does, albeit perhaps an older and wiser JT. I think he might go far.

What are your thoughts on this group? Next installment tomorrow (or late tonight).

Talking Hamsters

I took a quick look at our new Big Brother hamsters over on TV Squad. Unfortunately, the one week I didn't have Wednesday off from my job was the day they chose to let all the new information out.

Over the weekend I will be getting photos and more detailed information that I can dig up. Hopefully, I can get that started by tomorrow evening. But tonight I'm zonked ... and this cat just won't get off my lap! In the meantime, check out the TV Squad article and I'll be digging up more dirt for here!

'Big Brother 12' Meet the Hamsters

I just about literally got in the door from work. But I wanted to get this video posted. I have to investigate these new hamsters a bit more, write up an article for TV Squad on them and then comment more on them here over the next few days.

Hmm ... I'm not seeing a lot of age diversity at a first quick glance, are you? But Allison said she listened to what we (the fans) want!



And here is the new house ...

A Saboteur in the Big Brother 12 House?

The latest commercial for Big Brother 12 has Julie saying that one player won't be in it to win it. Instead, that person will wreak havoc in the house. I'm thinking it's along the line of "America's Player." However, I don't know if we'll get a vote on what the person will do or not. I'm not sure if they'll even reveal the person to us in the beginning. This should be interesting!



Press day in the house is set for Wednesday. Once again, I wasn't invited. (sniffle) I expect the cast announcements and house reveal should be Thursday ... on The Early Show and Entertainment Tonight. I might be a bit off on those as I'm hearing rumors and guessing the timing. Either way, I'll be at work. But I'll post as soon as I can!

UPDATE - THE CAST REVEAL WILL BE ON WEDNESDAY ON THE EARLY SHOW. And, we do get a say with the saboteur -- check it out.

Off Topic - That Was the Week It Was - June 27, 2010

It's time for my weekly off television topic look back at the week gone by in both words and photographs I've taken. Huh. Oh my. I haven't posted anything about television this week! How could that be? I guess it's a mix of being weather-related lethargic and perhaps just not overly excited about anything I have watched.

That will surely change by the end of this week as I expect the cast announcements for Big Brother to be made. The show starts on July 8, so they'll probably be in the house without active feeds by next weekend. My guess is that they'll be in sequester and doing promo bits as early as tomorrow. The official website has removed the hamster photos from last year and stuck up generic ones, thirteen in all. We could have thirteen in the house, or they might just be filling the spots from last season's photos. All the mysteries will be revealed soon.

Sigh. I so hate high temperatures accompanied by high humidity levels. I don't like to sweat unless I'm doing something physical. To stand outside not moving and sweat is annoying. I've been running my air conditioning way too much. That bill is going to be interesting! In the winter, my heat is included in my rent. However, my electricity is all on me. I told Vincent (my cat) that he needs to go out and get a job if he wants the air conditioning on while I'm at work. He scoffed.

I don't even get cross-ventilation from my windows as they all face the same direction. Well, my bathroom window (which is basically just for plain old ventilation) faces a shaft in the middle of the building. That doesn't really count. There's nothing I enjoy more than a comfortable evening with the windows open and maybe a fan going. But those nights have been few and far between this past week.

Let's see ... what else can I whine about? Hmm. Well, I was quoted in an article in the New Jersey Star Ledger (the state's main all-encompassing newspaper). My name was misspelled and the street I live on was totally off. While the news reporter was pleasant enough, he was no Mark Spivey (the more local Courier News reporter) on the case.

Of course, this was all in relation to the landlord woes of my building and so many others properties all flummoxed up by mismanagement. My quote was about knowing where my deposit is and filing a 1099 for for the first time so I can reap the gazillions in interest. Okay, not gazillions. I'm just happy to know my security deposit still exists! Oh ... and I also noted some eviction notices going up in my building. None for me. But, then again, I pay my rent.

My town (Plainfield) is still having gang-related shooting issues on the west side. Supposedly the mayor has declared a state of emergency, but I see no differences here or in my travels around downtown to the train station and such. I'm still in the situation where a teenage boy from my building exits, sees me approaching, runs back to unlock and open the front door for me with a grand gesture and a friendly greeting. I guess, although it's the people causing the problems on the west side, it's the people who make this town such a friendly place for me on the east side. I have no answers.

I missed a good photo opportunity in town yesterday as I work on Saturdays. They had a big street fair downtown. Local blogger Bernice got some good shots. I'll also miss next Saturday's 4th of July parade for the first time since I moved here nine years ago. It goes right by my building, so it's hard to miss. They always have it on the 4th and I always have the 4th off as a paid holiday (or a Sunday with another day off). This year, they're having the parade on the 3rd, a Saturday. Vincent is going to be entertained at the windows. I'll be at work.

Onto this week's shots -- clicking on an image will open it larger in a new window ...

Synchronized Squirrels

Yep, it's the Olympics of the animals! I took this shot as the squirrels frolicked on the oak trees by the Plainfield Train Station.

Just call me Butterfly Whisperer

The shots I had this spring of butterflies were in a butterfly enclosure. This one was "real life" near the Bridgewater Train Station. I had just missed shooting (with my camera) both a chipmunk and a rabbit as they ran by me. Not together, of course. I decided to stand under a tree for shade when this butterfly joined me. I took several shots. I could almost swear he was panting in the heat. He just sat on the leaf slowly opening and closing his wings.

I don't know what kind of butterfly he is. He has most of the colors of an Eastern Swallowtail, but is missing the bold definition, the orange spot, and the wing shape. With his wings outstretched, we're talking maybe around three inches. He flew away and my train came. It made my day that I got a wild butterfly without chasing it all over the place in the heat.

Added note: I found out what the butterfly is -- 'Astyanax' Red-spotted Purple. Its red spots are just very muted, yet show when the photo is enlarged.

Yes, it's a New Jersey Transit bus

I still can't get used the these shrink-wrapped ads on buses (nor on buildings in the city). If you try to look out the windows from within, it's all dots obscuring the view. If you're waiting for a bus, the appearance can throw you off. I guess they make money from the ads, yet they raise the fares. That's life. On Watchung Avenue in Plainfield.

Another Day, Another Dollar

I edited this one, muting the colors on the man and making the background black and white. Early in the morning at the Plainfield Train Station.

Downtown flower

Yet another flower from the planters on East Front Street in Plainfield. Although the planters themselves aren't all that great on an aesthetic level, the flowers are very pretty this year.

East Front at Richmond

The house on the corner always has the prettiest flowers, winter decorations, and more. The one next to it is where the sunflowers are. Well, will be. Right now all the plants are much taller than me, but no flowers yet. Soon. Plainfield.

Westfield Trader Joe's

I went out to dinner then a Trader Joe's run with a friend early this week. Yes, they had my sea-salt brownies! I didn't buy any of the Two Buck Chuck you see in cases in the window (the Charles Shaw wine). I'm not a big wine drinker -- it gives me a headache. But the wine, at $2.99 a bottle, seems to have quite a group of fans. And, apparently it's decent quality, unlike Boone's Farm which I recall from my college days. (Hiccup.)

Red Sky at Night

Sailor's delight? After a quick storm passed, the clouds at sunset were nothing short of magnificent. Tuesday evening.

Lone Lily

A lone tiger lily has burst through a hedge on Berckman Street in Plainfield.

Breakfast of champions ...

... cheesy popcorn. Plainfield Train Station, early in the morning. Yes, I edited it to leave him in color, the rest black and white and "posterized."

Fuzzy Wuzzy

No wonder I'm sneezing! Not dandelions, but we're talking seed spore activity here. Bridgewater Train Station.

I Will Survive

Or, perhaps "Against All Odds." It's amazing that plants can take root in the middle of cement.

Cute Weed

I haven't a clue what it is.

Yet another weed

This plant is very tall ... some are well over three feet. The blooms are dandelion-esque, yet not quite the same. Bridgewater Train Station.

Disrepair at the YWCA

The mayor of Plainfield actually wanted to buy the building for 5.5 million dollars (when the town needs so much more important things and has budget woes). I see a lot of deterioration with the YWCA building on East Front Street in Plainfield. I understand that the Y itself is having financial woes (aren't we all?). But I can't help but think that those who benefit so much from the programs the Y offers could get together, chip the paint off, paint the window frames, and replace missing glass without a great expense. It's a gorgeous and cool building. Why are they allowing it to go to ruin?

Start spreading the News ...

Meanwhile, the State News convenience store at the corner of Watchung and East Front has new signage. I don't know whose skyline it is on the sign ... certainly not Plainfield's! I took this early in the morning before most of the businesses open.

Sittin' in the railway station ...

... got a ticket for my destination ("Homeward Bound" by Simon and Garfunkel). This young man started taking the train a few months back. He has severe vision problems and a white cane. He always wears suits, sneakers, and tucks his pants legs into his socks. I follow him getting off the train in the evening as he shouts "Let me out! Let me out!" and waves his cane around. Hey, it clears the way for me, too! Proper train etiquette is that boarding passengers wait for people to detrain, but they don't always wait.

African braids

Many of the hand-painted signs on downtown businesses look like they're decades old. It's kind of a neat trip back in time. Watchung Avenue in Plainfield.

Let me look in my (not so) crystal ball

The orange building scheme from the corner of Watchung Avenue and East Second Street as reflected in the lamp at the Plainfield Post Office.

Busy bee

I've been getting a lot of bumblebee shots as these bushes are alive with them. Most are cooperative. They're more interested in what they're doing than they are in me.

Accidental flash

These are the same weeds as I posted above, but my flash went off. I liked the darkened background.

Rent a bird feeder

Oh. I guess they mean an apartment in the house, eh? East Front Street in Plainfield, edited (obviously). I guess the tree is dead as it didn't bloom this season. It usually has pretty pink-purple blossoms. It doesn't even have a leaf this year.

East Second Street rowhouses

I don't think "rowhouse" really applies, but I can't think of another name for them. They round the corner at Church Street and have a bit of a courtyard in the back. Alas, although some details are nice such as the painting of the trim, they're rundown. When I walk by and a door is open into a hallway, they're rough. No wonder the landlord offers two free months of rent!

Also, when I go by, all I can think of is a line from an old Supremes song, "Love Child" -- "I started my life in a old cold rundown tenement slum (tenement slum), my father left and never even married Mom (married Mom) ..." Oh, great. Now I'm singing.

I will just lie here and look listless

This is part of Vincent's morning routine on a workday (of mine, not his). I pay attention to him when I get up. He sits on my lap or shoulder as I have coffee. But once I have to actually get ready, he goes to his chair, literally falls over to his side, and looks listless and forlorn. I can only think that he believes I go off having great adventures every day and leave him home.

How was your week?

Off Topic - That Was the Week It Was - June 20, 2010

It's Sunday morning, time for my weekly off TV topic reflection on the week gone by ... in both words and photographs I've taken. It's also Fathers Day. So, if there are any fathers out there reading this, have a good one! I often wonder how my father would react to today's world. He died young when I was very young. He always told me I was his favorite daughter. I have three siblings, all brothers. Heh. He was a good Dad, worked too hard, and has been gone from my life longer than he was in it. I still miss him.

In other news, I don't have much other news. It's been one of those weeks in which I work, eat, sleep, then do it all over again. Sometimes I shake up the eat and sleep order just to liven things up. Vincent is well. I bought him some catnip mice to replace the now gone mice in the wall. It's just not the same for him. But I sleep a lot easier knowing that I don't have to worry about mice in the apartment, nor blood on the duvet.

My elevator is still working, yay! It's such a relief not to trudge up the stairs with groceries and such. After all, the elevator was one of the reasons I went for this apartment so many years back. That and the laundry room in the basement.

Plainfield is still having shooting incidents, gang woes, and now a (probably) gang-related murder on the other side of town. Unfortunately, people outside of the town basically hear about the crimes in town. I find it one of the friendliest places I've ever lived. People say hello (or howyadoin') as you pass, folks stop and chat, teenagers hold doors open for me.

No, I wouldn't wander around on foot in the wee hours of the morning. However, there aren't many places I do that these days. Maybe Manhattan if I miss the last train to New Jersey. But there's always people around there. I feel safe enough in my own neighborhood to take trash out at odd hours if the whim hits. True, this warfare between gangs has to stop.

But Plainfield is a lot more than just crime -- a lot of decent, hardworking, and even some wealthy folks live here. Heck, actor Dudley Moore lived his last few years and died here (not due to gang violence) and Judy Blume penned books here. We won't even go into the George Clinton and P-Funk! ;-)

Onto this week's photographs ... clicking on an image will open it larger in a new window.

Not blooming yet

While the sunflowers on the left are taller than the man on the right (or they were when he walked near them), no sunflowers yet. I'm watching! East Front Street, Plainfield.

Bunny in da 'hood, bunny in da 'hood

This is next door to next door from me. It used to be a church-related private school's playground. However, it shut down and eventually all the playground equipment was removed ... probably a liability as the neighborhood children liked to play there after the school vanished. The church is still there and I don't miss screaming children at recess and lunch periods.

East Front Street flowers

The planters in Plainfield are full of pretty flowers.

Uh-oh

He knows I took his photo. He's probably going to hunt me down, sting me, and kill me. I'm deathly allergic to bees. Actually, these bees aren't overly excitable. They're not all that interested in humans.

Hubba hubba!

Probably someone's husband husband. But I can man watch from across the tracks, can't I? Plainfield Train Station.

Quiet late spring morning

East Third Street in Plainfield. I messed a bit with the editing to make it look a bit more like an illustration -- more noticeable when you view the larger size.

Mad World

All around me are familiar faces
Worn out places, worn out faces
Bright and early for their daily races
Going nowhere, going nowhere
-- "Mad World" by Tears For Fears

On an NJ Transit train, Raritan Valley Line. I edited it to leave only the window in color.

Master of His Domain

East Front Street, Plainfield.

In which I risk my life for the shot

Now, THESE are ornery! I don't know if he's a wasp, a hornet, or a cicada killer. I didn't ask.

What about George?

This is the cemetery in back of the Friends Meeting House (Quakers) in Plainfield, along Church Street. They dug a trench along the fence for a stretch of fifteen feet. I think they're just a bit too close to George for comfort!

Gravedigger, when you dig my grave
Could you make it shallow
So that I can feel the rain, Gravedigger.
-- "Gravedigger" by Dave Matthews

I hope George wasn't shallow!

Now they're ordering Chinese take-out and littering!

I tell you ... those birds are plotting against us. Even worse, I think this was chicken. That's creepy cannibalism, isn't it? East Front Street in Plainfield. I hate litter and this meal looks like it was barely touched!

Rapunzel, stay out!

Nope! No tresses here! I'm always aghast when folks PAY for signs with misspellings. There isn't just one, but two with this same spelling on either side of the entrance to ScottWay Townhomes off of East Front Street. Of course, I may be misspelling "ScottWay." But, if I were making a sign, I'd check the spelling first!

Kewl

Shouldn't be parked on the street without paying the meter, but there is a license plate in the window. Front and back bumpers might help, too. Outside of Custom Underground on East Fourth Street, Plainfield with the Plainfield Train Station in the background.

Buggy!

I don't know what it is, but I don't think he did all the damages to those leaves.

Where Plainfield Auto Body WAS

They even swept the lot, ripped the windows out, put in new, put up a new fence, stuck two chairs and two planters out. But no one seems to be in there, per se. I edited this to make it look a bit more like an illustration. East Fourth Street, Plainfield.

And then there were two

Blue chairs in sea of grays. Yeah, I messed more with it.

Carved in stone

The stairway leading to the westbound platform at the Plainfield Train Station. I don't use it, but I always think it's kind of neat.

Berries

I don't know for sure what they are. I won't eat them. I prefer to be sure of my berries!

Too Much Catnip

I woke Vincent up from a nap and it looks like he's hungover!

How was your week?

Talkin' TV

I know I haven't been posting all that much television talk as of late. Perhaps I'm in a bit of the doldrums awaiting Big Brother with its live feeds and a bit too ambitious posting schedule here and on TV Squad. As of now, there are still no official announcements on casting or possible twists. Since it's due to start on July 8, I expect casting to be announced somewhere around the end of June.

My latest feature article on the show is up over on TV Squad -- A Wish List for Big Brother 12. As usual, those who don't like either the show or reality TV in general are posting comments. I never understand why folks who don't like something take the time to read, then complain. There are plenty of shows I don't like. Guess what? I don't watch them, nor do I waste time reading about them! That's the marvel of living in this technological era -- tons of TV channels from which to choose, shows on the Internet, movies on demand, a collection of DVDs and books. Let others watch what they enjoy. It's a big enough world for us all.

So, what have I been watching?

I've gotten hooked on Persons Unknown, reasons unknown. It's weird, perhaps a bit contrived. But, since it's only thirteen episodes and nothing else I'm hooked on is in the 10 PM Monday time slot, there I am. It seems obvious that the "kidnapping" of the mother has something to do with the grandmother. But then, many things aren't as they appear. It leaves me confused. But I'm mesmerized for the hour. Plus, it's created by the person responsible for The Usual Suspects. That was nicely done.

I like The Good Guys on FOX. Oh, I wouldn't panic if I were to miss an episode. However, it's a fun little romp through a non-realistic world of cops and robbers. The whole timing bit reminds me of the backwards Indian wedding episode of Seinfeld.

I've been watching both So You Think You Can Dance and America's Got Talent. Tonight I will record the latter as SYTYCD is two hours. I'm still not sure whether I like the idea of only eleven new contestants and the return of the best from the other seasons. While I enjoy seeing folks like Twitch again, it seems to limit the possibilities for new dancers on the show. I guess we'll see how it works for tonight's first real competition show. The fact that it will be live intrigues me. I'd surely fall on my butt! But, then again, I never thought I could dance. Well, at least since I stopped being a teenager.

What are you watching and enjoying?