Off Topic: That Was the Week It Was - May 31, 2015

Good morning! It's Sunday morning. You know what that means. It's time for my weekly off television topic reflection on the past week in both words and photographs I took along the way. I've been on a staycation (budget not allowing any extended trips, but I needed to take the time off) this week. I was thinking of going into the city to capture Manhattanhenge but it was too muggy, I was too lazy and now it's such a crowded event that it's almost annoying.

I did make a trip into neighboring Westfield and spent a part of one day at Mindowaskin Park. Most of this week's photos are from my park visit. For the first time since I started visiting the park several years back, I saw three bullfrogs. I didn't get any photos of them as I startled each one of them and they leaped into the water. Hey, they startled me, too!

A chipmunk also scared me at the park. There I was, innocently sitting on a bench, looking through photos I had taken. Next to the bench, set in the grass, was an old sewer grate. I just caught movement from the side and my thought was RAT or PENNYWISE THE DANCING CLOWN! Er, no. It was a chipmunk. I did get a few shots of it, but they didn't turn out all that well as he ran so darn fast.

The biggest news of the week is that my horrible, noisy, thumping so my floorboards move, child screaming at all hours neighbors moved out! I hadn't voiced any more complaints to the landlord about them since the first time. I figured whoever moved in under them would take care of that. And, so it did. Apparently the landlord lost a second tenant who moved under them.

Alas, they only moved downstairs to the first floor -- the very same apartment that two different families moved out of because of them.  I would guess the were given the ultimatum to move to the first floor or out of the building. It's been blissfully quiet here since they went away. Yay!

If you missed it, I wrote a post with some Big Brother news in it the other day. As more information comes around, I'll be posting. You can always find my BB posts by using this tag.

Onto the photos from the week! I might share some more of the gosling shots next week as they were so cute. I didn't make a slideshow as some people were having trouble loading it. If you click on an image, you'll get a larger view in a gallery.

Wood (or Carolina) Duck

This is the second time in several years that I've photographed a male Wood Duck at Mindowaskin Park. I have yet to see a female there. This male, like the last one I saw, stayed alone, refusing to mingle with the mallards or (heaven forbid) the Canada geese.

The mallard has his own beauty

The males are the ones with the white bodies and iridescent heads. Both male and female sport a swatch of blue or purple speculum feathers on their wings.

Mallard's colors close-up

I love the color of the blue on this mallard!

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

Big Brother Tidbits

I know you're all itching for news on the upcoming season or, more likely, for it to start already. However, I don't expect any casting news for a good three weeks or so. That in mind, I decided I should post some newsy bits about the upcoming season and pass on some recent happenings with past house hamsters.

To start things off ...

Big Brother 17 will kick off with a two-night season premiere -- Wednesday, June 24 and Thursday, June 25 -- both nights are 8pm ET/PT although the Thursday live shows will return to the 9pm ET/PT the next week. The regular schedule for the show will be as in recent years: Sunday 8pm ET/PT, Wednesday 8pm ET/PT, Thursday 9pm ET/PT.

Regarding those live feeds ...

The bad news is that there will be no way for the Canadian audience to access the live feeds this season. The good news is that it's easier and cheaper for the United States show fans to get the live feeds. This year, they're bundling the live feeds into the CBS All Access subscription for a mere $5.99 a month. We'll still have the four camera and quad camera views (probably two cameras at different angles in the same room, but ...!) We'll still have the flashback feature to catch up and there are social aspects like chat rooms and such.

One cool thing about the CBS All Access subscription is that you can watch shows from previous seasons. I signed up this past week and so far I've watched the first season of Survivor and Twin Peaks. I've started skipping through episodes of my favorite BB season -- Season Two. No, you can't access the live feeds from past seasons.

You can sign up for the CBS All Access subscription at this link. You will need a credit card even though the first week is free. They rather bizarrely test out the card by taking a dollar out and putting it back in. Huh. It's the first time I've ever noticed that kind of thing with an online account.

 

CBS will be releasing pre-season bits via the All Access subscription. Right now I'm not seeing much of interest on there beyond access to all previous seasons aired shows (including BB1). On June 10th, BB16 winner Derrick Levasseur will have a private chat with subscribers. On June 15th, it will be Frankie Grande with a chat. Later that week (6/15), they're promising a live stream early reveal of the new houseguests. The live feeds themselves aren't expected to start until after the west coast viewing of the June 25 (Thursday) show.

Past hamsters in the news ...

Jeff and Jordan are the big ones in the news. Not only have they set their wedding date, they're appearing on WE tv's Marriage Boot Camp: Reality Stars. That show has its season premiere tonight (Friday, May 29) at 9pm ET/PT on, of course, WE tv.

For the first time, Survivor seasons were filmed out of order. While they'll be filming the show with previous castaways over the summer and airing it in September, Survivor 32 is already done and over with. But, we won't see it until February. And, guess who's on it? Caleb Reynolds from BB16. It's another Beauty, Brawn, Brains edition. I wonder what woman he'll creepily stalk on the island?

Back in February, Mike Boogie Malin filed for bankruptcy. On the other hand, Will Kirby still operates his successful dermatology practice. Meanwhile, BB14 winner Ian Terry is teaching physics in Texas. Howie Gordon has an actual television meteorologist job.

Life goes on.

Off Topic: That Was the Week It Was - May 24, 2015

Good morning! I hope everyone is enjoying their holiday weekend! Of course, Memorial Day isn't all about beaches and grilling -- please take time to remember the reason behind the holiday to think those who gave their lives in service to our country.

Since it is Sunday, that means it's time for my weekly off television topic reflections on the week gone by in both words and photographs I've taken along the way. I do plan to post some television stuff during the upcoming week even though The Amazing Race and Survivor are over for the season and the summer shows are yet to start. So, please check in for those!

Here are some random ramblings for you:

• I'm on a staycation. I really, really need it. I actually need more than just a staycation, but that's all I can get. I'm so tired all the time! Plus, I'm really grouchy and I don't like to be that way.
• On Thursday night I took a taxi home from the train station as I got home much later than I feel comfortable about hanging around on the downtown streets. (My neighborhood is fine; downtown can be scary at late night hours.) I went to the Yellow taxi across the street from the train station. They called an orange cab (Caribe) to take me home. That was weird.
• Speaking of dangerous, I heard on my scanner last night that three people were shot in town along with many other assaults. It happened at a festival held in a park. I don't go to that sort of thing here.
• I don't know what the theme is for autumn's Plainfield Library Photo Contest and can't find the information online. Hmm. 
• Weather permitting, I hope to hit Mindowaskin Park in Westfield one day, perhaps head into the city (NYC) another and maybe even go to a farmer's market. 
• I might just end up lazing about. Who knows?

Without further ado, here are this week's photographs. Clicking on an image will bring it up in a larger gallery view. I hope everyone has a great week!

Pulling into Plainfield

My train to work arrives at the station. Goody, goody.

The Red Admiral butterfly

He paused on a leaf just long enough for me to snag a quick rather not zoomed in photo.

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A mother, father and adolescent pigeons practically posed for me at the Bridgewater Train station. The adult birds were very curious about the camera, yet watchful over their two offspring. I'm including a flash slideshow here. If you can't get it to come up on your computer or smartphone, the Photobucket link for the pigeon shots can be found right here.

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

Survivor: Worlds Apart Season Finale Blog Party Extravaganza!

Survivor fans ready?

Well, here we are at season's end. And, guess what? I don't care for ANY of them! I find this is the most wholly unlikeable cast ever on the show! How's them apples?

If anyone, I'd have to cheer on the castaway who was my random blog pool pick -- Carolyn. She's played a strategic game as well as winning challenges. She's no spring chicken when it comes to the overall cast, so that's mighty good. It's hard to be an older woman playing the game. Just ask me.

Er, no. Don't ask me. I haven't been, nor will I ever be, on the show. I'll just mock them from afar.

The only other one I think quasi-deserving of a win would be Mike. That doesn't mean I particularly like him. It just means he's played the game and I apparently have grown used to the hoarseness of his voice.

As the show airs here on the East Coast, I'll update this entry with the major happenings. Refresh the page to get the latest news. As always, the real party is in the comments area. I hope to see you there with fresh fruits and vegetables ... um, make that cold beverages and calorie-laden snacky foods.

Before we get into the show, here are the latest blog pool standings from that Lovely Lifeguard Laurie:

Carolyn - Jackie, TerryinTX
Mike - meb, Nickelpeed 
Rodney - Margo 
Sierra - Jennasmom 
Will - Rbennie 

Jury
Hali 
Joe
Jenn
Shirin
Tyler 
Dan

Let's get started!

Let's see how long the reminiscing takes. No wagering, please! Ding-ding! We have a winner -- eight minutes!

Finally, they're back at camp. Although all voted for Carolyn, it's Mike who is all alone. 

Reward Challenge is a convoluted affair with tiles shuffleboard, balancing them on machetes machetes over obstacles and more. The reward is loved ones visiting. The winner's loved one goes back to camp with them. Plus, the winner will have an advantage in the next Immunity Challenge.

Mike wins Reward and the advantage! Guessing at the talk in camp, he's going to need it. 

Mike's advantage is 30 minutes to explore the maze from the next Immunity Challenge. They will all be blindfolded and have to find four medallions and the Immunity Necklace. His Mom and he screw up and his advantage seems (at this point) to be knowing what the Immunity Challenge IS, not how to complete it. 

And, the Immunity Challenge is on! Mike wins it, but I don't think it's because he had the advantage.

Carolyn has to go to her Plan B, her bond with Mike. Sierra, Mike and Carolyn agree with Rodney going before anyone, Will as a second choice. I'm good with that. 

Rodney tries to get in with Mike. He does have a point that against him in the final, Mike would win. Rodney wants to push a Sierra vote. 

Time for Tribal Council. We'll see if Mike really wants to play with players or will go with the easy win over Rodney or Will. 

Rodney votes for Sierra with a bit too much confidence.

The tally -- Sierra, Rodney, Sierra, Sierra.

Oh, my. Whoa! Both Mike and Carolyn voted Sierra! Oh, my.

Into the Immunity Challenge! Untying knots to open a gate, water slides, keys, puzzle pieces. Mike wins with Carolyn second -- Will sucked at it and Rodney sucked even worse.

Rodney is sure the final three will be Mike, Will and Rodney. Hmm.  Mike tells Carolyn he'll vote Rodney with her, the others will vote for Carolyn. He thinks it will end in a fire challenge and she can practice and win. 

Mike tells us he'd rather lose to Mama C than win over two goats.

Tribal Council time!

The tally -- Rodney, Carolyn, Carolyn, Rodney ... as Mike promised. And, sure enough, it's a fire-making challenge. Carolyn didn't do all that well when practicing, but Rodney is pretty inept at everything. I guess we'll see ... after the commercial.

Dang, neither of them have a fire after twenty minutes! They keep getting replacement flints. The jury is yawning, now 45 minutes. 53 minutes. Rodney has had flame twice, now has fire. So does Carolyn. They have to burn through the rope. CAROLYN WINS! 

Rodney is now on the jury. He's very bitter. 

Jury ...
Joe -- You've got to earn it. Bring it. Earn my vote tonight.
Hali -- Mama C, stereotypical mother role disadvantage ... how did it affect game? Played hard, fought hard.
Rodney -- Will, how did you keep it real and will you keep it real with the jury? Try to make friends. It was all I had. Mama C -- power moves. Tyler, Dan. Hooked up with Mike. Plan A and back-up plans.
Tyler -- Mike, put all on jury. What did you bring in redeeming social manner? I saw paranoia. Mike wanted to do better socially, miserably failed at making bonds. "I suck."Carolyn -- I protected you, heartbroken, gutted. Redeem yourself. Most difficult vote. Survivor makes you do things to get to this point.
Sierra -- She asks Will which trait from the other two he likes in the game.
Jenn -- Addresses the jury and goes pro-Mike.  
Dan -- Mike, Colby Donaldson proved just because you win idols, you don't win the jury. No necklace to save your ass tonight. Mike apologizes to Dan. Dan thinks it's the most genuine thing he's said since the auction. 
Shirin -- She was hoping Mike and Will would be there. Will attacked her, Mike protected her. It was a million dollar moment for her. Doesn't mean Mike has her vote. Her vote goes to the one who played the best and that's Carolyn. Mike is like a howler monkey. Carolyn is a stingray. She was on the winning vote each time. Will is the dead fish. 

Okay, Shirin wins for the jury appearances! She quotes Sue Hawk, let it be the way nature intended. I think it's the only time I've actually enjoyed her this season. She had to be working on that since going to jury.

The vote is on and we should soon whisk to Hollywood. Rodney voted Will so he has one vote. Hali voted Mike. Jenn voted Mama C. Dan looks all befuddled and slams his head. Maybe he abstains! 

The tally -- Mike, Will, Carolyn, Mike, Mike, Mike ... MIKE WINS THE SEASON! 

Mike is no longer eligible to be on next season. He had been a choice in the Second Chance listing.

Huh. Still unlikeable people at the reunion.

The Second Chance cast for the next season to be announced. 

Kelly Wiglesworth 
Kimmie Kappenburg (sp)
Jeff Varner 
Keith Nale
Peih-Gee Lawe
Ciera Eastin
Vytas Baskauskas
Terry Dietz
Andrew Savage
Abi Gomes 
Kass McQuillen
Monica Padilla
Kelley Wentworth
Shirin Oskooi
Steve Fishbach 
Woo Hwang
Tasha Fox
Jeremy Collins
Spencer Bledsoe
Joe Anglim

Heading to Cambodia.

Off Topic: That Was the Week It Was - May 17, 2015

Good morning! It's Sunday morning. You know what that means. It's time for my off television topic review of the week gone by in both words and photographs I've taken along the way.

Spring finally has its sturdy foothold here in my area of New Jersey. We've had at least one 90 degree day (boo) and a few overnights have been a bit more than chilly. Yet, there has been no mention of snow. Woot, woot!

It's also apparently heavy-duty construction time. I realize that spring always brings about some construction and road projects. But I've never seen so many everywhere like I am this year. In Plainfield, they opened the Park Avenue bridge by the Plainfield Train Station just in time to shut down the Watchung Avenue bridge on the other side of the station and keep traffic north/south crippled and detoured. Things have been going on on East Second Street (which really, really needs repaving -- I almost fell stepping in a pot hole) for the last six weeks or so. Now they're calling East Second Street the detour for East Front Street as they pave and re-line from Watchung Avenue to Terrill Road, thus crippling east/west travel.

Even by my workplace, construction has tied up the roads and they've done some mighty strange reworking of the travel lanes. In one place, it's definitely more dangerous for pedestrians in the crosswalk. In other places, it's going to create traffic issues as they took out lanes.

Here are some random thoughts and observations coming from the past week:

• The railroad bridge work crews use an air horn to get their people off the tracks when trains are coming.
• I'd like an air horn to blast bicycle riders on the sidewalks. Sure, I stand my ground and make them go around me. However, an air horn would be a lot more fun. No bicycling on the sidewalks!
• I feel safe riding the train. In view of the distance covered and the commute time involved, I'd venture to guess my commuter train might hit 60mph or so. We have no curves on my work commute route. Now they're saying that the train in the horrific Philly crash might have been hit by a projectile. I've seen people (mostly kids) do that. Once a rock hit the window by my head. It didn't break the window, but it did make me almost jump out of my seat.
• The Plainfield Police are making people move their parked cars on my street (for repaving) by sitting there with their sirens on early in the morning. That's annoying. Just tow the darn cars. The signs are up all over the place. If they don't get it, they deserve to pay the towing charges.
• I am exhausted. At times I feel my work is crushing my soul. I'd rather work with big cats or other animals. People are draining me dry. I can only hope retirement in a few years is financially doable. Then I can pursue things I enjoy doing and, hopefully, have a more positive outlook. Right now, I'm just too tired to do much other than work, sleep and eat.
• I'm going to go through Letterman withdrawal later this week. Sniffle. The big Survivor three-hour finale/reunion and Letterman's last show air on Wednesday night.

Onto this week's photos -- clicking on an image will bring it up in a larger window gallery thingee ...

Just Chillin'

The Plainfield area skateboard/bicycle-tricks teenage crowd has a new hangout. It looks like a combination skateboard, tattoo and skateboard culture gear store has opened on East Front Street. It's just up the block from their skating "arena" near the Park-Madison complex. Now, if I were a parent, I'd have plenty of worries as these kids never wear safety gear and the tricks they do involve a lot of falling on pavement. As a citizen (and they're not doing it outside my windows at home), I think it's just fine. If these guys are focused on learning new skateboard tricks and having fun ... go for it. It's 100% better than other things they could be doing and what many kids are involved in around town.

Pretty in pink

These have been planted near town homes on East Front Street in Plainfield. Whatever they are, they're certainly very pretty.

I am PIGEON!

A pigeon on North Avenue in Plainfield shows off his impressive wingspan.

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