The official CBS TAR website is up although, at the time I'm writing this, the bios aren't yet posted. Not all of the teams featured in the promos at the end of last season are on the show. However, it looks like we're in for a good season nonetheless.
Here are my thoughts on some of the teams:
Margie and Luke - Oh my gosh. I hope he has matured and she has stopped mother henning him. I understand that the race itself is stressful and even more stressful for a deaf competitor. But, sheesh. Luke needs to rein in his frustration. He's very capable otherwise.
The Globetrotters - I know that many show fans object to "famous" folks on these shows. But fame and notoriety aren't going to win the race. Do things stupidly and you're out. That's what happened to this team -- they're not the brightest bulbs in the pack. But I enjoyed watching them and they're back.
Kynt and Vyxsin - I notice they're spelling his name as "Kent" now. Hmmm ... I KNOW it was "Kynt" before! I recall that I first thought they'd be unsuccessful in their season. True, they didn't win, but they fared quite well and were interesting to watch.
The Cowboys - The epitome of an alpha male cowboy hat wearing no matter what team. They're very good. But for some reason, I don't want them to win this one. Perhaps because they're such a threat on the "can do anything on a physical or mental" level. Physically, I think they're in better shape than the Globetrotters.
Mel and Mike - I recall this was another team I wasn't overly enthused about in the beginning of their previous season. I thought I'd detest the father. Instead, I adored the guy. I so hope they'll do well this season!
Zev and Justin - YAY! I bet they won't lose the passport this time 'round! As a person with an Asperger's connection, I would love to see them win. They were fun to watch, too.
I'm sure to be talking more about the casting before the show premieres on February 20. But those are the teams which really caught my interest at first glance. How about you?
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Off Topic - That Was the Week It Was - January 16, 2011
It's Sunday morning, once again time for an off television topic look back on the week gone by in both words and photographs I've taken. Let's see ... what happened this week? Snow. Bitter cold. That's it. Goodbye.
Er, well.
I guess we're having a real winter this year. Back when my knees were good, I'd be loving it and spending much too much money skiing. Instead, I'm gingerly walking across ice patches, dodging slush at times, and working to get a foothold in snowbanks. The strain on the knee which needs replacement is making it hurt more. Grr. Mind you, I'm not on any pain medication other than ibuprofen.
Enough whining.
I received an email from the library with the theme for this year's photo contest. The theme will be "Plainfield ... On The Go!" Oh, I can SO find fodder for that! Being a pedestrian, train rider, and occasional bus rider, photographs within that theme are all around me. I felt honored that the library used one of my shots as an example of "composition" on the theme announcement.
The television aspect of my life has been picking up once again. (Thankfully!) New Letterman shows nightly, Detroit 1-8-7, Southland and more. Cast announcements were made for Celebrity Apprentice (which sounds like it should be a hoot this year) and Survivor: Redemption Island. With all the cold and snow, at least I'll have some enjoyable television to go with my other addiction ... reading.
Onto this week's photos -- clicking on an image will open it larger in a new window.
Notice the taxi is blocking the only visible clear path to the Plainfield Train Station. Since NO ONE SHOVELS THE SIDEWALK ON NORTH AVENUE and there are only a few cleared areas to enter the station property after you've had to walk in the street to get there (!!!), this is not a good idea. Yes, the area is a cab stand ... but not blocking the way of pedestrians!
One morning this week, a red cab was blocking the walk. As I walked by him I yelled, pointed at the snow piles and made gestures at a pathway. He looked at me like I was dumb. So, when I walked around to the back of his cab, I gave it a thump with my hand -- not so hard that it would hurt either the cab or me, but enough so he could hear. D'oh! He moved forward and unblocked the path. I received a round of applause from all the others who had to walk even further for egress or climb over the snow.
My apologies to Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In. Plainfield Train Station.
Not a typical sight in town -- club scene kids with their skinny yet drooping pants. They're probably lost. The boy walked right smack into me (before I took this shot) when I stopped at an intersection to await the right of way to cross in the crosswalk.
"Hey, you stopped right in front of me!"
"The light is red."
"What?"
North Avenue and Watchung.
A streetlamp and a traffic light make the ice glow in red and golden hues. This shot was taken on East Fourth Street, but the drainpipe in the front of the building is creating the same effect. This building is also an annex to the narcotics squad for the Plainfield Police Department. The exit they use was also coated with ice Friday night. When I went through Saturday I noticed someone had chipped all that away. Good. I ended up catching a cop one other year when it did that. If they come out of that door and forget the ice is there, it's an instant fall.
You put an "All Trains" sign there. You obviously know your customers walk there. SHOVEL IT. There is a stretch of nearly 100 yards totally ignored. I end up walking in the street until I hit the grate, then cautiously head over the foot-packed snow. Bridgewater Train Station.
One more snowstorm and the bike will be consumed. Bridgewater Train Station.
Lookin' at their 'hood from my 'hood. Looking from East Front Street to East Second Street. Red sky in the morning, eight (or so) fresh inches of snow that evening.
Bridgewater, NJ. Those aren't mountains, they're gray clouds. It's very flat around here unless you look east. Then you can see the Watchung Mountains. Alas, the "mountains" are really just high hills.
The corner of Berckman and East Front. I edited it to leave the fire hydrant and sign in color. Sure, our raised fire hydrants look foolish most of the year, but the snow is why they're not flush with the sidewalks!
I can see this Christmas tree will never be picked up. They probably think it's growing that way.
I don't know this man. But I see him out there almost every day on his bike, usually toting bags. His clothes are always clean and he seems quite sober at all times. He also, unlike so many, rides in the street and doesn't terrorize pedestrians on the sidewalks.
But the man has Bozo hair. If he dyed it pretty colors, it would be better than Bozo hair. He always wears a cowboy hat which poufs his hair out even more. Watchung Avenue, Plainfield.
What kind? Sexual? Portrait vs. landscape? What do you mean? Oh. It's Union County College on Church and East Second. I guess it's for the new semester.
The home at the corner of Richmond and East Front still has all of their holiday decorations up. But they're only lighting this one corner. I think the decorations are going to stay until the snow drifts in the yard are gone.
This is what happens when I hold a plastic straw in the air.
So, how was your week?
Er, well.
I guess we're having a real winter this year. Back when my knees were good, I'd be loving it and spending much too much money skiing. Instead, I'm gingerly walking across ice patches, dodging slush at times, and working to get a foothold in snowbanks. The strain on the knee which needs replacement is making it hurt more. Grr. Mind you, I'm not on any pain medication other than ibuprofen.
Enough whining.
I received an email from the library with the theme for this year's photo contest. The theme will be "Plainfield ... On The Go!" Oh, I can SO find fodder for that! Being a pedestrian, train rider, and occasional bus rider, photographs within that theme are all around me. I felt honored that the library used one of my shots as an example of "composition" on the theme announcement.
The television aspect of my life has been picking up once again. (Thankfully!) New Letterman shows nightly, Detroit 1-8-7, Southland and more. Cast announcements were made for Celebrity Apprentice (which sounds like it should be a hoot this year) and Survivor: Redemption Island. With all the cold and snow, at least I'll have some enjoyable television to go with my other addiction ... reading.
Onto this week's photos -- clicking on an image will open it larger in a new window.
AHEM
Notice the taxi is blocking the only visible clear path to the Plainfield Train Station. Since NO ONE SHOVELS THE SIDEWALK ON NORTH AVENUE and there are only a few cleared areas to enter the station property after you've had to walk in the street to get there (!!!), this is not a good idea. Yes, the area is a cab stand ... but not blocking the way of pedestrians!
One morning this week, a red cab was blocking the walk. As I walked by him I yelled, pointed at the snow piles and made gestures at a pathway. He looked at me like I was dumb. So, when I walked around to the back of his cab, I gave it a thump with my hand -- not so hard that it would hurt either the cab or me, but enough so he could hear. D'oh! He moved forward and unblocked the path. I received a round of applause from all the others who had to walk even further for egress or climb over the snow.
Here comes the train
Here comes the train
Better get ready, 'cuz
Here comes the train.
Here comes the train
Better get ready, 'cuz
Here comes the train.
My apologies to Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In. Plainfield Train Station.
Club kids?
Not a typical sight in town -- club scene kids with their skinny yet drooping pants. They're probably lost. The boy walked right smack into me (before I took this shot) when I stopped at an intersection to await the right of way to cross in the crosswalk.
"Hey, you stopped right in front of me!"
"The light is red."
"What?"
North Avenue and Watchung.
How do you walk across ice?
Very carefully!
Very carefully!
A streetlamp and a traffic light make the ice glow in red and golden hues. This shot was taken on East Fourth Street, but the drainpipe in the front of the building is creating the same effect. This building is also an annex to the narcotics squad for the Plainfield Police Department. The exit they use was also coated with ice Friday night. When I went through Saturday I noticed someone had chipped all that away. Good. I ended up catching a cop one other year when it did that. If they come out of that door and forget the ice is there, it's an instant fall.
Oh, New Jersey Transit ...
You put an "All Trains" sign there. You obviously know your customers walk there. SHOVEL IT. There is a stretch of nearly 100 yards totally ignored. I end up walking in the street until I hit the grate, then cautiously head over the foot-packed snow. Bridgewater Train Station.
Assimilate now, bike!
One more snowstorm and the bike will be consumed. Bridgewater Train Station.
Sunrise
Lookin' at their 'hood from my 'hood. Looking from East Front Street to East Second Street. Red sky in the morning, eight (or so) fresh inches of snow that evening.
Sunset
Bridgewater, NJ. Those aren't mountains, they're gray clouds. It's very flat around here unless you look east. Then you can see the Watchung Mountains. Alas, the "mountains" are really just high hills.
Is he facing Mecca?
Where is his prayer rug?
Where is his prayer rug?
Oh! Acorns!
Someone didn't
The corner of Berckman and East Front. I edited it to leave the fire hydrant and sign in color. Sure, our raised fire hydrants look foolish most of the year, but the snow is why they're not flush with the sidewalks!
Let's lean the other way
I can see this Christmas tree will never be picked up. They probably think it's growing that way.
Local sight
I don't know this man. But I see him out there almost every day on his bike, usually toting bags. His clothes are always clean and he seems quite sober at all times. He also, unlike so many, rides in the street and doesn't terrorize pedestrians on the sidewalks.
But the man has Bozo hair. If he dyed it pretty colors, it would be better than Bozo hair. He always wears a cowboy hat which poufs his hair out even more. Watchung Avenue, Plainfield.
Orientation Today
What kind? Sexual? Portrait vs. landscape? What do you mean? Oh. It's Union County College on Church and East Second. I guess it's for the new semester.
Corner of Christmas Wonderland
The home at the corner of Richmond and East Front still has all of their holiday decorations up. But they're only lighting this one corner. I think the decorations are going to stay until the snow drifts in the yard are gone.
Keep your eye on the prize, Vincent
This is what happens when I hold a plastic straw in the air.
So, how was your week?
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Survivor: Redemption Island -- Cast Quick Takes Part 3
The official CBS website for Survivor: Redemption Island is up and running. However, the show doesn't start for over a month, February 16th to be exact. Since we have time, I'm going to break down the cast posts by smaller groups with my personal quick takes. Please let me know your impressions in comments!
The much beloved Margo has offered to run the blog pool once again. Remember, there's no wagering, per se. You'll be assigned a castaway to cheer on and bragging rights if that person is the sole survivor. You can sign up for the pool at this link. Margo rocks, doesn't she?
This post covers the final group of women castaways. To check out the others I've "quick-taked," hit the link to the show at the bottom of my post. Let's get on with it ...
Name (Age): Krista Klumpp (25)
Tribe Designation: Zapatera
Current Residence: Columbia, S.C.
Occupation: Pharmaceutical Rep
Krista -- Another blond pageant queen, this one from Alabama. I'm kind of hoping she can be really devious and do well. After all, she must have built character with a last name like "Klumpp" competing in beauty pageants, right?
***************************************
Name (Age): Kristina Kell (46)
Tribe Designation: Ometepe
Current Residence: Malibu, Calif.
Occupation: Law Student (University of La Verne College of Law)
Kristina -- I like her. I respect her. I admire her. But can she be sneaky and evil enough to win it all? She may be too above-board no matter how hard she's driven.
********************************************
Name (Age): Sarita White (36)
Tribe: Zapatera
Current Residence: Santa Monica, Calif.
Occupation: Visual Effects Producer
Sarita -- Raised by hippies and she's 36? Yikes, want to make me feel old or what? She might be interesting to watch. But if she's not seeing any villains, she is sorely lacking in intuition.
***************************************
Name (Age): Stephanie Valencia (26)
Tribe: Zapatera
Current Residence: Long Beach, Calif.
Occupation: Waitress
Stephanie -- In her bio on the official website she says, "If Parvati and Russell had a love child, it would be me." Oh my. She's gonna meet her daddy! I don't know. The girl comes across as devious and has such a typical reality show "real" career -- a waitress. She might be interesting to watch.
Stay tuned for the final group of men ... including two very familiar faces.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Celebrity Apprentice cast announced
Richard Hatch? David Cassidy? I might have to watch. It sounds like it's going to be more comedy than reality ...
Watch the promo video!
Watch the promo video!
insidetv.ew.com
For those of you who mourned the non-celebrityness of last season’s Apprentice, have no fear: TV’s guiltiest pleasure is back! Celebrity Apprentice returns to NBC...
Survivor: Redemption Island -- Cast Quick Takes Part 2
The official CBS website for Survivor: Redemption Island is up and running. However, the show doesn't start for over a month, February 16th to be exact. Since we have time, I'm going to break down the cast posts by groups of five with my personal quick takes. Please let me know your impressions in comments!
The much beloved Margo has offered to run the blog pool once again. Remember, there's no wagering, per se. You'll be assigned a castaway to cheer on and bragging rights if that person is the sole survivor. You can sign up for the pool at this link. Margo rocks, doesn't she?
Okay, time to delve into five of the guys ... er, that's figuratively delve, mind you.
Name (Age): David Murphy (31)
Tribe Designation: Zapatera
Current Residence: West Hollywood, Calif.
Occupation: Defense Attorney
David -- I think this guy might present us with an interesting cerebral game. After all, he's a defense attorney. He's used to seeing through people's lies yet acting like he's in their corner. I'm not too keen on how smart he thinks he is, though.
**************************************
Name (Age): Grant Mattos (29)
Tribe: Ometepe
Current Residence: West Hollywood, Calif.
Occupation: Yoga Instructor
Grant -- White boy, blue eyes and hair mats, er ... dreads. Ex-NFL player, current yoga guru. I think he's going to pose a physical threat simply by taking off his shirt. Eye candy for me, but he could definitely have a target on his back once merge is near.
************************************
Name (Age): Matt Elrod (22)
Tribe Designation: Ometepe
Current Residence: Nashville, Tenn.
Occupation: Pre-Med Student
Matt -- No hair mats on this Matt, but he initially reminded me of "Fabio" from last season. That was until he spoke and I noticed he's a pre-med student. Definitely a pretty boy. I can't help but wonder if some showmance is in the works.
Name (Age): Mike Chiesl (31)
Tribe Designation: Zapatera
Current Residence: Del Mar, Calif.
Occupation: Former Marine
Mike -- I think I'm in love. I hope he does well as I'd like to watch him all season. 'Nuff said.
Tribe Designation: Ometepe
Current Residence: Santa Monica, Calif.
Occupation: Technology Executive
Phillip -- Now, this is a 52-year-old who looks to be in great shape. I don't know how well he'll work the social game. He just has this look in his eyes like he's scrutinizing things.
What are your opinions on this group?
Stay tuned for the next installment!
Name (Age): Matt Elrod (22)
Tribe Designation: Ometepe
Current Residence: Nashville, Tenn.
Occupation: Pre-Med Student
Matt -- No hair mats on this Matt, but he initially reminded me of "Fabio" from last season. That was until he spoke and I noticed he's a pre-med student. Definitely a pretty boy. I can't help but wonder if some showmance is in the works.
********************************************************
Name (Age): Mike Chiesl (31)
Tribe Designation: Zapatera
Current Residence: Del Mar, Calif.
Occupation: Former Marine
Mike -- I think I'm in love. I hope he does well as I'd like to watch him all season. 'Nuff said.
**************************************
Name (Age): Phillip Sheppard (52)Tribe Designation: Ometepe
Current Residence: Santa Monica, Calif.
Occupation: Technology Executive
Phillip -- Now, this is a 52-year-old who looks to be in great shape. I don't know how well he'll work the social game. He just has this look in his eyes like he's scrutinizing things.
What are your opinions on this group?
Stay tuned for the next installment!
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