The Amazing Race 27: Blog Pool OPENS!

Come one, come all! Yeah, yeah ... I know BB17 isn't over yet, but The Amazing Race is coming!

If you want in on the blog pool for this season, please leave your name in the comments on this post only! If you comment elsewhere, it could very well be missed. We're once again giving a free pass for the first team out as we hardly get to know them.

The season premiere is Friday, September 25 at 8pm ET/PT. The deadline will be Monday (September 29) at 6pm ET. The random match-ups will be announced before the second episode airs. There will be a blog party for the season premiere -- Friday, September 25 at 8pm ET -- just no pool for said premiere.

How it all works:

• Magnificent Margo and Mom (who rock our socks!) make random picks for us.
• We cheer on our random pick team until they either get Philiminated or win The Amazing Race.
• There is no wagering nor passing of monies in this blog pool! 
• The winner(s) reserve the bragging rights for eternity ... or, at least until the next season starts.
• If you're posting anonymously, you do need to come up with a sign-off name for your comments. 

So ... who wants to jump in the pool? The water's fine. We won't make you eat native delicacies, either!

Big Brother 17: Live Feeds into Tuesday - September 22

Shut it down, Steve!

Here's the latest from inside that Big Brother House of Biding Time:

• For the most part, all has been amiable with little game talk.
• They've played cards together, cooked, eaten, had lots of small talk.
• BUT ... when there is actual game talk (about this season and the inevitable end of it), somehow it's always Vanessa.
• Vanessa talking to Steve.
• Vanessa talking to Liz.
• But never at the same time.
• Vanessa had an extended talk with Liz, pointing out how Steve has betrayed her and, while she likes him as a friend, he's not worthy of the win.
• She's had similar talks with Steve about Liz, pointing out all the reasons Liz shouldn't win.
• She has promised them both the final two and told them not to tell the other.
• She's promised them both the final two and told them if they hear anything different, it's because she had to say it.
• Her reasons? (That is, as far as I can tell.) -- She obviously wants Steve to take her to the final two if he wins Part Three. Plus, if it's not HER choice ... she probably thinks she will have Liz, Julia and Austin in her corner in the jury.
• And, if she (Vanessa) wins Part Three, she can have her choice and I think she thinks that she has a better chance against Liz in the final two. She will then point out all the flaws in Steve's game and betrayals to the jury.
• However, the problem with Vanessa is that she is hard to read. She doesn't talk to US. Over the season, I've kind of figured out what she'll do. But it's still tough. I can never say for sure what's going on in her mind.
• On the other hand, Steve does talk to US (or, to himself) a lot. We know that he's planning on dumping Vanessa if he wins Part Three. So far, he's been covering it well with both Vanessa and Liz. He's made no promises to Liz and Vanessa thinks he'll never choose Liz over her.
• And on it goes ...

Play your cards right, Liz

Yes, Liz. There's a camera there.

If she wins Part Three, she should win

If he wins Part Three, he needs to carry through on his plans

Big Brother 17: Live Feeds into Monday - September 21

Thinking on his feet

Here's the latest from inside that Big Brother House of It's the Final Countdown:

• Again, most of their time together was spent playing cards, eating and small talk.
• Except for Steve, that is.
• He was up a good portion of the night pacing the backyard, hammocking and talking to himself/us.
• He went over his whole strategy for the game.
• He went over his speech to evict Vanessa (if he wins Part Three).
• He went over all of the reasons he's done what he's done in the game.
• He all but explained the Meaning of Life and Everything.
• I'm sure Vanessa is also thinking out her final approach to the game.
• But she doesn't vocalize.
• Meanwhile, Steve has been pressuring Vanessa to commit to telling Liz that she won't take her to the final two.
• Vanessa hasn't/won't do so.
• Steve is wisely taking that as an indication that Vanessa would take Liz over him.
• So, he keeps studying and planning.

Thinking on the hammock

Thinking while diagramming

Big Brother 17: Live Feeds Sunday into the Evening - September 20

Liz sleeping

I really don't have much for you tonight. Here's the latest from inside that Big Brother House of Prolonging the Agony:

• They napped a lot.
• They ate a lot.
• They did not fight.
• They played cards.
• Liz did the cooking again.
• Vanessa and Steve ate Liz's cooking.
• No one died.
• Vanessa and Liz did facials.
• Steve doesn't like potatoes nor fish.
• Now, there's some deep insight, eh?
• Vanessa is still playing physically injured although having playing cards available perked her up some.
• No real game talk.

Vanessa sleeping

Playing cards

Scary Vanessa

Scary Liz

Big Brother 17: Final HoH Part One, Season Review Show Blog Party - September 20

Good evening! Ready for a blog party? While many of us already know the results of the final HoH Part Two comp, tonight's episode will focus on the reveal of the HoH winner from Part One. I suppose they might show the second part, but I think they'll do the review of the season (ah, the memories of the way they were!) instead. 

Off BB17 for a moment -- if you want in on the Survivor blog pool, please sign up on the pool sign-up post. (Don't sign up on this BB17 post, please. We might miss your name.)

The show is running late due to football here. I'll be posting this at the regular 8pm ET although word verification won't come down until it starts here (about 8:27pm ET). I'll be updating this entry with the major happenings as it airs here on the East Coast. Refresh the page to get the latest. As always, the real party is in the comments area. I hope to see you there!

Although 60 Minutes just ended here (8:26pm ET), obviously the show started on time elsewhere as seen in the comments at the party below! 

And ... we're starting! Recap, recap ...

Vanessa has made final two deals with both Liz and Steve. They celebrate with the champagne. Vanessa denies making a final two Liz deal to Steve. She's telling him what he wants to hear, but he doesn't really seem to be believing what he's hearing.

More champagne and the fancy reminiscing breakfast segment now. The twins exposed by Da'Vonne comes first. Jeff downfall with the Vanessa set-up for it. Audrey calling out Vanessa. Lots of fingers pointing at Vanessa, crocodile tears and Vanessa on defensive. Ew ... Austin/Liz segment. Ah, the Zing was worth it.

Ah, onto James and Meg. They were more fun to watch, for sure. To the Nerdmance -- Steve and Johnny Mac. Shelli and Clay now. (Along with their ten-year age difference.)

Becky hit in the face by the train re-tell. Clay's mumbling and Audrey's transgender thoughts. Then onto the real weirdness of Oddrey ... the lies she spread to create dissent in the house. James's pranking, WhackStreet Boys ... okay, I'm just about reminisced out.

The Diary Room segments with Audrey are a hoot, though.

Finally, to the Part One of the HoH comp. Carnival set-up. "How 'bout them apples" is the name of the comp. They have to sit on hanging giant candy apples being dipped into red liquid and slammed into a wall. They won't show the end of this until during the finale on Wednesday night. It's a good thing we already know.