Off Topic: That Was the Week It Was - November 12, 2017

Good morning! Since it's a Sunday morning, it's time for my off television topic reflection of the week gone by in both words and photos I've taken along the way. If you're not interested in either, please feel free to check out my previous and newer posts I will put up after this -- they will be television related! You can find my Survivor posts at this link.

Brr! Baby, it's cold outside! The past few days around here have had record low temperatures. To be honest, as long as I'm dressed for it, I don't mind the cold of winter (even though it's still fall) as much as I hate the heat and humidity of the summer. With the cold, you can layer up and dress for it. With the heat and humidity, taking your clothes off, you're still all sweaty. And, in my case, I'd be all sweaty with people laughing and pointing at me before the police hauled me away! 

I bought a nice new winter jacket a couple of weeks ago. It's been some years since my last winter jacket purchase. I think it's money well spent -- this one is quite warm and fits well. And, my heat is included in my rent at my apartment and I have control of it. It's cozy in here. In the summer, I have to pay for electricity, thus pay for air conditioning.

As I get older, I don't care so much for snow or ice, though. If we could harness it just so it would fall everywhere except roads and sidewalks, I'd be a happy camper. I still find snow breathtakingly beautiful. I just don't want to fall.

I had yesterday off from work, having requested it off as a personal day long ago. It was the day of the Plainfield Public Library Photo Contest. I ended up not entering this year. The theme for the year wasn't a great one for me and the change in judging criteria turned me off last year. I don't really do photos of people posing and smiling or just candid uncropped photos with half-people at the edges which seems to be the draw of judging now. I like to be more art-related in my photos and I guess that's out now. I'll think about next year, but will see what won prizes and honorable mentions versus what was entered this year once they release it online. I was thinking of going yesterday, but spent the majority of the day sleeping it away. I needed the rest.

All that said, my photos this week aren't all that artsy! But, here they are ...

Kodachrome ... brings the nice bright colors

Um. Of fall. Although these leaves are gorgeous on their own, I found a Kodachrome filter on my Google Nik photo editor brings out the colors even more.

I find it easier to take videos with my new phone rather than the camera. Here's a train going the other way at the Plainfield Train Station while I waited for my extremely late, almost time for the next train, to arrive on Friday.

Plotting to overthrow humanity

Soon all will be barren

Looking out on Watchung Avenue from the eastbound platform of the Plainfield Train Station.

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Survivor 35: Heroes-Healers-Hustlers - November 8 Blog Party

As the show airs here on the East Coast, I'll be updating this entry with the latest happenings. Refresh the page to get the latest! The party itself is in the comments -- join in on the discussion!

Tonight is going to be the merge -- not a moment too soon for Soko! Since I'm out of the blog pool, I'm cheering on the two NJ castaways -- Chrissy and Ryan!

Lifeguard Laurie has updated the blog pool and here ya go:

Levu Tribe
Ashley N. - Donna NY, MikesGirl, tbc. 
Desiree W. - Delee, Mario Lee, Skyriverblue, Buzzmaam 
Devon P. - David, Margo, Laurie, Fred aka TwoBlackAces 
Joe M. - Cheryl ICNY, Krysa Gibson, Sharon C.

Soko Tribe
Chrissy H. - Donna in Alabama, meb, SueGee, KelseyNY 
JP H. - Cheryl in NC, Krisen from Ohio, Shannon
Ryan U. - Anonymouse, Glenn Allen, Nickelpeed

Yawa Tribe
Jessica J. - ChicMc, Silk, Sharon N. 
Mike Z. - Becky, Janice, Rbennie, PDX Granny 
Cole M. - Dolores in Hollywood FL, Marthalight, Stormy 
Lauren R. - Brian, Jennasmom, Rochelle, Judi Sweeney 
Ben D. - Donna in FL, Merrilee, Tammy.

Flame Extinguished 
Katrina R. - Pool People moved to a different teams.
Simone N. - 4nancie, Nana in the NW, weenabe
Patrick B. - Beachbound Gmom, Jackie, Petals, Sara Welty
Alan B. - Ed in Ohio, monty 924, Terry is a Texan
Roark L. - Auntie Leigh, Indiana Jane, Pam
Ali E. - Dr_Celine, Monnie8, Tennistoe

Survivor fans ready?

Chrissy thinks she's in a secure place. Yawa thinks they're in a secure place. Ben is still leery of the Cole/Jessica relationship, though. Levu is a split tribe, broken spirits as well. They're out of food and suffering. 

And then we're right into today's ... drop your buffs! They're thrilled. They're all hungry and know this is the pivotal point for the game.

They get purple buffs and know food will come. Joe thinks he's in a great place with his hidden idol.

Uh-oh. No feast? Nope. Jeff says they have something better -- it's Outback Steakhouse (hmm ... they also do Big Brother) feast. Chrissy catches onto Joe right away. Jessica is already scheming about building up alliance numbers. Ben wants his alliance with Chrissy being on the down low. He thinks they can look forward to blindsides and tears.

They have all kinds of new tools to build a new shelter. Cole can't see any clues for another idol. But they are right nearby. Ryan gets back with his buddy Devon. He thinks an alliance with them, Lauren and Chrissy would be perfect.

Lauren isn't keen on the idea. She rats out Devon's proposal to Dr. Mike. Mike expects a war as the lines are being drawn in the sand. Devon would like to take out either Cole or Joe. I actually think they're fairly good targets. Ben still isn't sure he can trust Cole. Cole is still alienating his buddies with the exception of Jessica. Mike is a bit perturbed that Ben is thinking Cole of their Alliance of Yawa Five should go. Mike warns Cole. Oh my.

It's time for the first individual immunity challenge of the season. Stand on a narrow beam while spinning a ball in trap -- like a centrifugal force round one. They have to move down the beam which narrows as time goes on. Ryan was out almost immediately. Mike is out. 

Jessica is out. Ben is out. Whoa -- they're starting to drop like flies! Four remain. Desi, Cole, Chrissy and Ashley remain. Cole out. Chrissy out. Ashley out.

Desi wins Immunity!

Cole wants to mend fences with Ben. Ben acts receptive, but tells us differently in confessional. He tells us that if he tactically needs to work with Cole, he will. Cole talks to Joe and spills the beans. Joe will use the idol if he feels he needs it. Yipes! The Healers are going to target Chrissy because she's smart. They don't know if Ben's with them or not. Lauren wants Ben on board, but he wants Cole out.

Others are thinking of either Joe or Cole, or forcing Joe to play an idol (which they think he has). Ulp. Now Jessica's name is on the list. 

We're having many possibilities thrown at us. At least Tribal Council won't be predictable! And, now it starts ... 

No fisticuffs, but lots of talk of trust and alliances via the original and secondary tribes. Joe is irking me. Maybe he'll irk them enough, too. Joe gets up and tells them he has another idol. Now Cole is worried because he thought Joe might be a target. Ben says that battle lines have been drawn and they'll find out who is with whom.

It's time to vote. 

Joe plays his idol for himself.

The tally:
Chrissy, Jessica, Chrissy, Jessica, Chrissy, Jessica, Chrissy, Jessica, Chrissy, Jessica, Jessica, Jessica.

Phew! I want Chrissy to stay. But, as a game observer, I don't know if Jessica would be the best to send packing right now. But they sent her packing anyway.

Off Topic: That Was the Week It Was - November 5, 2017

Good morning! Since it's a Sunday morning, it's time for my off television topic reflection of the week gone by in both words and photos I've taken along the way. If you're not interested in either, please feel free to check out my previous and newer posts I will put up after this -- they will be television related! You can find my Survivor posts at this link.

This past week included Halloween. I kept to my record of never having kids come to my door since I've lived in this building -- 18 years! Now, there are indeed too many kids living here for it being mostly one-bedroom apartments with supposedly a limit of two tenants in them. But the kids do know me and, even though I speak to them about playing in the hallway, they seem to like me and trust me anyway. (Just my luck!) Yet, no one trick or treats within the building. Oh, well. Each year I buy candy I like just in case someone comes by. All the more KitKat bars for me this year!

Other than Halloween and work, not much is going on in my life right now. Same old, same old. I'll be happy once we vote on Tuesday no matter who wins what -- I'm sick of all of the election junk mail in my mailbox! Although, I must say, I'm happy that there will be a new governor for New Jersey. I never cared for Chris Christie. He always comes across as a rather obnoxious bully to me. Perhaps he's not such, but I always get that feeling whenever I see him.

After our non-ending heavy rain and wind at the beginning of the week, we have had pretty nice weather. When you compare it to Hurricane (Superstorm) Sandy of five years ago or the seven-inch snowstorm the year before that, the weather has been gorgeous! The kids had a bit chilly Halloween, but it was sunny and clear and the power was on. We had a few really warm days this week, but now we're heading into more seasonal temperatures. That's fine by me. I do like a chill in the air. 

Onto the photos I took this past week -- clicking on an image will open a larger version ...

Heading to work

My NJ Transit train arrives at the Plainfield Train Station on Saturday morning.

Gotta love it!

I stopped into my local bodega on my way home from work on Halloween evening. These three also stopped in there. They had gone all out on their costumes -- I found it refreshing that young teens are still into the fun of the day! If their parents happen to see this, you've raised some friendly and polite children. I'm thinking they probably felt too old for the Trunk or Treat at City Hall, but made their own Halloween a happening.

The Beaver Moon

It actually went full sometime during Friday night. I took this shot last night (Saturday). I'll trap the moon with my camera, but I won't go out trapping beavers.

Flags, Flakes and Bikes

Saturday morning, before cars took over Watchung Avenue, a herd of bicyclists took over the street. All in all, there were a good dozen of more bikers racing through. Oh. And I guess it's Christmas season now. Way too early! Plainfield.

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Survivor 35: Heroes-Healers-Hustlers - November 1st Blog Party

As the show airs here on the East Coast, I'll be updating this entry with the latest happenings. Refresh the page to get the latest! The party itself is in the comments -- join in on the discussion!

Lifeguard Laurie has updated the blog pool and here ya go:

Levu Tribe
Ashley N. - Donna NY, MikesGirl, tbc. 
Desiree W. - Delee, Mario Lee, Skyriverblue, Buzzmaam 
Devon P. - David, Margo, Laurie, Fred aka TwoBlackAces 
Joe M. - Cheryl ICNY, Krysa Gibson, Sharon C.

Soko Tribe
Ali E. - Dr_Celine, Monnie8, Tennistoe 
Chrissy H. - Donna in Alabama, meb, SueGee, KelseyNY 
JP H. - Cheryl in NC, Krisen from Ohio, Shannon
Ryan U. - Anonymouse, Glenn Allen, Nickelpeed

Yawa Tribe
Jessica J. - ChicMc, Silk, Sharon N. 
Mike Z. - Becky, Janice, Rbennie, PDX Granny 
Cole M. - Dolores in Hollywood FL, Marthalight, Stormy 
Lauren R. - Brian, Jennasmom, Rochelle, Judi Sweeney 
Ben D. - Donna in FL, Merrilee, Tammy.

Flame Extinguished 
Katrina R. - Pool People moved to a different teams.
Simone N. - 4nancie, Nana in the NW, weenabe
Patrick B. - Beachbound Gmom, Jackie, Petals, Sara Welty
Alan B. - Ed in Ohio, monty 924, Terry is a Texan
Roark L. - Auntie Leigh, Indiana Jane, Pam

Survivor fans ready?

As we could have expected, Ali is mad at Ryan for voting out Roark, with violins playing sad music in the background as she lights into him. Chrissy is thrilled, though. Ryan is thinking that he now has an enemy in the game, something he cannot afford to have.

Over on Yawa, Mike caught a fish. He's beside himself. Well, until he dropped it in the fire. Ben is getting a kick out of him. Meanwhile, Ben notices that Mike shares his small fish and Cole hogs out. Cole thinks they need him as he's the only one who can bring them victories. Uh-oh, not good gameplay, it's throwing Ben, Lauren and Mike into a solid threesome.

Reward Challenge time -- Gathering poles, balance beam, buoys, slingshot two targets. Reward ten pizzas and soft drinks. Second place gets a pizza.  

Soko wins first place, Yawa wins second.

JP knows he's in a good place because his tribe is on the weak side in challenges. Ryan thinks JP's social game might be worth making him a target as he would be dangerous after the merge.

On Levu, Ashley and Devon would like to flip Ashley to their side to go against Joe. Desi isn't blindly loyal to Joe, though. She knows that he's basically using her. Even though Devon is following him, Joe finds an idol clue without Devon catching on. It's now nighttime and he's digging for it. And, now he has it. He says he'll keep it a secret and, after the merge, he'll go find a third idol.

Whoa! It's morning and Cole just passed out. Jessica and Mike are both healers, remember. They got some rice and hydrated him. They realize they do indeed need him. But Mike is a bit leery that they need to get rid of him as he'll just keep going downhill. Ben agrees with Mike that Cole is a liability.

Immunity Challenge time -- Lauren sits out. They have to work together with ropes and balance blocks to spell Immunity.

Yawa wins first place, Levu is second place. Uh-oh for Soko!

JP tells us Ali is next ... so she probably won't be. Ryan agrees with him to his face, but tells us that JP is a big danger after the merge. He wants Ali to work with him to get rid of JP. Ali agrees with Ryan and goes to Chrissy with the plan. Chrissy is agreeable about the plan. Hmm. But she feels the need to talk it over with Ryan. 

Time for Tribal Council and Jeff's Probsting questions. JP is kind of on the hot seat, but isn't defending himself. The rain and the wind starts just after JP says that this might be a wake-up call for him. Lots of talk of trust. 

JP votes for Ali. Ali votes JP. Now it's up to Ryan and Chrissy.

The tally --
Ali, JP, Ali, Ali.

Ohh ... they turned on Ali and kept JP!

The merge is next week! 

  

Off Topic: That Was the Week It Was - October 29, 2017

Good afternoon! Since it's a Sunday afternoon, it's time for my off television topic reflection of the week gone by in both words and photos I've taken along the way. Yeah, I know I usually post this in the morning. But I'm in a lackadaisical mood today. If you're not interested in this, please feel free to check out my previous and newer posts I will put up after this -- they will be television related! You can find my Survivor posts at this link.

We're under a flash flood watch here today with heavy rains and heavy winds expected as the day goes on. It's raining as I get this written, but it's not really stormy ... yet. I just hope it doesn't cancel or delay my expected Peapod grocery delivery order I expect between 4pm - 6pm. 

We've certainly had worse weather around here on this day in past years. Five years ago, Hurricane (or Superstorm) Sandy hit the area turning everything topsy-turvy in the area. While I'm not close enough to a shore point to worry about ocean storm surge, the wind damage in this area was bad. My power was out nearly two weeks. And, a few days after the storm, we had a three inch or so snowstorm. I had no power, no heat. I found out the meaning of not wasting daylight. We had received possible evacuation notices from the city of Plainfield before the storm -- I live near a stream called the Green Brook and it has necessitated some boat rescues across the street in the past. In a few other storms I've seen water come up about a foot or so around my building. But here with Sandy, the rains weren't the issue. It was the wind.

The year before Sandy on this date, we had a seven inch snowstorm ... with all of the trees still bearing leaves! The wet snow brought trees down throughout Plainfield which knocked out my power for three days. Gah! We need underground cables! While I remember an earthquake back around eight years ago, they would be more reliable in this area. 

So, Halloween was canceled here two years in a row -- 2011 and 2012. Looking at the forecast this upcoming week, Halloween is the only day with lots of sunshine expected. I never have trick-or-treaters here, but I always buy something (I like) just in case. But I do know they're out there. I'm glad they'll have a good day for it.

I really don't have much photo-wise this week. I worked a lot. I'm tired. But, then again, I always feel tired. Oh, well. Onto the photos I took -- clicking on an image will bring up a larger version.

Saturday night's moon

I tried taking a shot with my cell phone, which does have a quasi-decent camera. But it came out as a white blob in the sky no matter what I did. So, this is the real camera. Hmm ... all of these shots this week are the real camera. I didn't take much with the cell phone.

Birds on a wire

Probably planning on overtaking the world and destroying humanity. Yep, they do things like that. Or, at the very least, they think about it.

Color through the trees

While the trees lining my apartment building's parking lot are still either green or shedding brown dried leaves, the neighbor has color in his backyard.

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