The Amazing Race 31 starts April 17 - BB and Survivor Teams!

It's been announced that the new season of TAR will start following the airing of Survivor: Edge of Extinction on Wednesday, April 17. Now, I had absolutely no interest in that Million Dollar Mile (whatever) anyway. So, I'm glad it was booted to Saturday night in its death throes.

This upcoming TAR season was surely made for this blog and its readers! Why else would they have contestants from three CBS reality shows -- Big Brother, Survivor and The Amazing Race -- the three shows always covered here? 



From Big Brother, we have …

A sister team of Rachel Reilly and Elissa Slater, now ages 34 and 32 respectively. Rachel has an edge over many of the BB hamsters as she's been on TAR twice already with her husband Brandon. Her stats are: Big Brother 12, winner of Big Brother 13, The Amazing Race 20 and The Amazing Race All-Stars. It will be interesting to see how she does with her sister who was on BB15.

Engaged couple Nicole Franzel and Victor Arroyo, ages 26 and 28. Although not even a showmance in their one BB season together, they're engaged now. Her stats: Big Brother 16, winner of Big Brother 18. He was the hamster who kept winning comps to come back in Big Brother 18. I'm not sure how she'll do on TAR -- she's one of those lovable but kind of naïve sorts. I can see him excelling at any challenge thrown his way. It's a shame he can't do all the challenges himself on the show!

Here's quite the duo! Friends Janelle Pierzina and Britney Haynes! Now ages 38 and 30. Janelle was a BB fan favorite with three summers on the show -- Big Brother 6,Big Brother All-Stars and Big Brother 14. She was a tremendous competitor in BB6. Britney has two BB seasons under her belt -- Big Brother 12 and Big Brother 14. Not as big a player on the physical comps as Janelle, I think she has a very entertaining (and sarcastic) wit about her. I'll enjoy watching them race as a team together!



From Survivor, we have ...

Married couple Rupert and Laura Boneham. He's 54 now, she's 49. Rupert had a large fan base from his four appearances on Survivor --Survivor: Pearl Island, Survivor: All-Stars, Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains, Survivor: Blood vs. Water. Laura was on Blood vs. Water with him. While I think Rupert is a very admirable man in his business and personal life, I was never really a fan of his on the show(s). To me, his schtick was to roar and act like a pirate. Age-wise and competition-wise, I think they're going to be out of their league on TAR.

Friends Corinne Kaplan and Eliza Orlins, ages 39 and 35 respectively. Corinne was on Survivor: Gabon and Survivor: Caramoan. Eliza was on Survivor: Vanuatu and Survivor: Micronesia. I didn't realize that Eliza is now a public defender in Manhattan. No, I won't go there and get into trouble just to meet her. Don't even ask! This should be a pretty solid team. As an added bonus, if they go to China, Eliza can speak Mandarin! I enjoy the both of them and they just might be contenders!

Then we have friends Chris Hammons and Bret LaBelle, both from Survivor: Millennials vs. Gen-X. Chris is 40, Bret is now 44. Chris is a defense attorney while Bret is a police sergeant. I enjoyed both of them personality-wise on the show. But, if memory serves, neither was all that great at the challenges. It looks like Chris, in particular, has gained some weight. I can't knock a person for that -- glass houses and all that, y'know! But … excess weight against lean and mean teams often brings an early exit from the show … or a late arrival on the welcome mat.

I'll be covering the returning TAR teams in a separate post. But, I'll leave you with a little teaser. Who could forget Colin from TAR5 and "My ox is BROKEN!"?

Big Brother 14: Live Feeds Tuesday Into Wednesday Dawn - Sept. 18-19

Win or lose, BB NEEDS to give Ian the hammock!

With the exception of Dan's jury plea practice in the wee hours of this morning, the live feeds have been on the mundane side. For the most part, Danielle has calmed down and seems to accept her third-place fate. Ian's still hammock rocking planning while Dan is always scheming. Here's what happened into the wee hours inside that Big Brother House of Three Hamsters Standing:

• The Talk segment they taped yesterday (blocked to the feeds) is now being advertised to air today. It's on at 2pm here, but check your local listings.
• Dan fussed about Diary Room interference and how they're stirring ^#% up. 
• But we didn't get the full story on that because ...
• "Houseguests, you are NOT allowed to talk about production!"
• Then we get fish.
• No, it's never FOTH anymore -- that's been gone for years. (Front of the house which sometimes sported a cute lawn boy watering the plants.)
• I always liked chicken cam (BB1) or spider cam (BB7) best.
• Lots of meaningless talk -- such as who physically has the bigger head, Danielle or Dan?
• The answer is Danielle. #bighead to refer to Danielle.
• They rehashed just about everything and I refuse to. I already hashed it.
• They drank beer, but no one got drunk.
• Danielle told Ian she has breast implants.
• "Shh ... only you and Dan know."
• As well as the rest of the Internet, Danielle.
• Ian practiced his jury plea speech while rocking in the hammock.
• He's thrilled with the Quack Pack.
• He's happy to be a Renegade, too.
• Dan will only be happy with the big win.
• Danielle told them that she never saw Dr. Will's gameplay.
• Perhaps that's why the Mist worked so well on her?
• Today's feeds are scheduled to cut off at 3pm ET.
• If anything of any consequence happens, I'll post. However, I'm a bit under the weather and I have a busy night ahead.
• So, no promises!
• I will definitely have blog party posts for both the Survivor: Philippines season premiere and the Big Brother 14 finale tonight.
• Be there or be square.
• And bring snacks.  

Danielle has adjusted her attitude a bit

Now, you know the feeds were boring if I played with screencaps to turn them black and white with a bit of color ...

His future's so bright, he had to put on shades

It's (not) in the cards, Danielle

BB warrior mode

Big Brother 14: Live Feeds Into Wednesday Evening - Aug. 1

The bears are so right for this season

Well, there have been a few interesting developments during the day today. I'm not really sure what to make of them. Here's the latest from inside that Big Brother House of Bearly Beguiling:

• The hamsters woke up to an indoor lockdown.
• Uh-oh. It must be something big being built in the yard for the HoH comp.
• We're due for an endurance comp. I guess I better take a nap before tomorrow night's show!
• Frank and Boogie think that Ian will win an endurance comp.
• I say it would depend on the comp.
• Boogie's worried what Ian will say or do during a long lockdown.
• Boogie thinks that Britney is not only the worst coach in the house, but she doesn't do well in comps.
• I don't care. I'm a Britney fan this season!
• Joe decided to hold a cooking show while preparing food.
• He then licked his fingers.
• I call penalty vote!
• Oh my. Boogie (of all people) and I have something in common!
• Neither of us like avocado or cheesecake.
• Eek.
• Danielle told Ashley and Janelle that she's definitely voting out Frank.
• Wil and Britney think that Jenn has the best relationship with Joe.
• Meanwhile, Jenn seems to be totally off the radar in the house. Her name comes up now and again as a floater or a spy, but that's it.
• Lots and lots of small talk about entertainment, previous seasons, what the newbies can expect after being on the show ... and on and on.
• Britney is worried that Wil and Danielle will not vote to evict Frank even though they say they will.
• Janelle, still mysteriously sure the coaches will go into the game tomorrow, thinks that if Ian wins HoH, he'll put her (Janelle) and Shane on the block.
• YES! BB called out Joe for licking his fingers and tasting the food! Penalty vote, PLEASE!
• Sigh. No penalty vote. Just a "Stop that!"
• Frank told Janelle that if he stays although her team tried to vote him out, he'll go after them next week.
• Although the feeds kept getting cut out, something odd is going on.
• For the first time ever, they're pre-taping the nominee speeches for the live show.
• Hmm.
• They obviously don't want long speeches messing up their timing.
• Probably because the coaches are coming into the game.
• Sigh.
• Britney suspended Big Ted (the bear) from strings on the loft by the HoH room.
• Then it was a wait for Frank to notice his Big Ted was missing.
• When he saw it and came upstairs, Britney quickly passed it to Dan who then passed it to Shane in a game of keep-away from Frank.
• So Frank picked up Britney and carried her to the bathroom threatening to flush her head in the toilet.
• He didn't do more than take her to the door.
• He got his bear back.
• Wil told Janelle, Britney, Ashley and Danielle that Frank and Boogie tried to offer him a deal.
• I don't know.
• We might have more waffling tomorrow and the vote isn't as clear as it once was. 

Triple threat? Ha!

Teddy talk

Oh noes! Big Ted is in trouble!

Frank carries Britney threatening to flush her

Ian studies the Big Brother rulebook

In bed with the devil

Exclusive! My Interview With 'Big Brother' Executive Producer Arnold Shapiro

Bringggggg...
"Hey Boogie, it's Will."
"What's up now?"
"Do you know Jackie?"
"Is she part of ChillTown?"
"I don't think so, but maybe we can take her aboard. She got herself an interview with Arnold Shapiro for her blog!"
"Oh! We definitely need to talk to her!"
"Or maybe just about her!"

Arnold Shapiro, Executive Producer of the CBS show Big Brother (together with Allison Grodner and Rich Meehan) took time out of his busy schedule to answer a few questions for me. I polled some of the show fans on message boards and in this blog to see what they really wanted to know and here's the skinny directly from Mr. Shapiro:

Q: In the opening credits for the show, as well as the intro/exit to commercial breaks, there is a close-up shot of a partial face and eye with the Big Brother logo. Whose eye is that? The talk has spread from a staff member to Mike "Boogie." Please settle one of the longest lasting silly 'BB' disputes ever for us.

A: Although I was not producing BB1, it's my understanding that the partial face and eye is not the exotic story that some have surmised. In fact, they belonged to someone working at the graphics house that designed the logo opening -- "just some guy down the hall who we grabbed for the shot." That's the real story. Nothing exotic or even interesting.

Q: Live feeds watchers, in particular, often hear the phrase "penalty nomination." I've watched the show since it started and don't recall one ever being used. If a penalty nomination were to be used, how would it work? Would there be three houseguests nominated for eviction? Why aren't penalty nominations used?

A: The possibility of a penalty nomination really exists. It's an option we've yet to use. Yes, it would probably mean that there would be three nominees up for eviction. I'm glad we haven't had to use it because it would mean that a houseguest really messed up and didn't follow our rules.

Q: Have you tasted the Big Brother Slop? Is the big problem with it that it's bland? (The houseguests always seem to be spicing it up somehow.) Is it an oatmeal blend? How many consecutive weeks can a houseguest be placed on the BB Slop restriction?

A: I have not personally had the pleasure of sampling the BB slop. I'm told it's nutritious but extremely bland. The longest time a houseguest would be required to eat only slop - after losing a food competition - is one week. However, George is on slop for as long as he's in the house because of a unique offer that he agreed to in the veto competition. So George will be the "slop record holder" of BB All-Stars.

Q: Is there any word about a Season 8?

A: We usually find out about whether we're picked up for another season in the weeks after our season ends so at this point there is no word on BB8. But our ratings are strong, the shows are good (in my humble opinion), and I feel optimistic that there will be a BB8 - with an all-new cast.

Q: You've had several show twists over the years, many involving a major twist to the season itself (Ex-Factor, DNA, etc.). What major twist did you find the most difficult to achieve and/or work with from the production end of things? Have you ever had to give up on a twist idea because it just wasn't workable?

A: Every twist that was created we have been able to pull off. If a twist idea is too unrealistic, we won't try it (mainly because of the time involved that would be wasted). The most challenging twist we achieved was "Project Do Not Assume" or "DNA" where we put a half-brother and half-sister into the house ("Cowboy" and "Nakomis") as well as the identical twin sisters who switched places every few days and fooled the house guests 10 times (Adria and Natalie). In the process of interviewing identical twins we found Drew and Diane who we put into the house as individuals.

Q: The Internet audience watching the live feeds makes Big Brother a show like no other. With websites reporting every breath they take and every move they make, what challenges does that present? Do you think the show would be as successful without the feeds watching (and reporting) audience?

A: Big Brother is unique because of the Internet feeds. I'm sure it contributes to our success. The only challenge the feeds present to us is that we have to block them from time to time because of competitions or if the house guests are doing something that presents a legal problem for us. And, unfortunately, the subscribers become angry and frustrated and call us with their complaints. But I can assure everyone that we do our best to keep the feeds on as much as we possibly can. When they are not on, there is a legitimate reason.

Q: Are there any houseguests (outside of the 20 choices) that you personally would have loved to see in with the current mix of the 'All Stars' house?

A: Even with 20 choices, there were still past house guests we liked and would have liked to include, but we had agreed that 20 was our number. My biggest disappointment - personally - was one of the 20 who did not make it in: Lisa Donahue. But, again, there were reasons for everyone who is in and who is not. But I personally wish that Lisa could have been one of the chosen 14.

Q: You weren't involved with the first season. Did you know what you were getting into with Chicken George? (I'm glad he made it this season.) He's a bit off-the-wall, y'know.

A: Although I did not produce season one, I watched it. I was quite familiar with "Chicken" George. Yes, we knew what we were getting ourselves into. But I must say, in interviewing him, he is one of the nicest house guests I've ever met, and he is truly honored to be a part of All-Stars. His antics are part of his "charm" (or whatever word you might want to substitute).

Q: Are there any houseguests whose behavior truly surprised you in the house -- a total change from when they were in casting?

A: Being in the house changes everyone to one degree or another. So, no, I'm not surprised by the way anyone has acted or is acting. The house makes everyone somewhat unpredictable. I guess you have to experience it to fully understand it.

Q: I realize the most recent season is often what stays in the minds of viewers. Therefore, there are four people from last season. Do you think they have an unfair advantage? (Or will Will and Danielle just take 'em down one by one?)

A: America voted in four people from Season 6. So whether or not they have an unfair advantage, it was a situation created by the viewers, not by us. It's too soon in the season to say whether they have an unfair advantage. Things change by the week - and the hour - in the BB house, so we won't know until the end about the advantages or disadvantages of being from BB6.

Q: My favorite comps tend to be the ones like the one transforming faces and/or ones which make me laugh aloud. An example of the latter was one where the houseguests had huge sponge outfits on a few seasons ago. Do you have a favorite competition?

A: I don't have one favorite competition, but, like you, I prefer the ones that make me laugh out loud, and several have done that -- too many to mention here. Remember, it's usually not the competition itself that's funny, but rather the house guests' reaction to it or the way they play it that results in audience laughter. We've had great competitions that were suspenseful, that required coordination skills, a strong stomach, agility, courage, etc. Our goal is to try and make each competition be something different to the house guests and to the viewers.

There you go, directly from Mr. Shapiro! I want to thank him once again for his time and may the best All Star win this season!

This interview is an exclusive running solely here and in this article of mine on Blogcritics.org. If folks copy it elsewhere, it must be linked back to either here or Blogcritics. Or I will find you. I'm in NJ. I know people, y'know.

And, for those who may not have read my show blog from last year -- I interviewed Jym Buss, the Supervising Producer/Competitions, regarding his work. He's not working for the show this season after being there for more than a few years, but the interview provides a neat inside look into the comps.

Big Brother 14: Live Feeds Monday Night Into Tuesday - July 30-31

Wil he ever win anything?

So, we all know that Frank was put on the block due to Shane saving Ashley. What else has happened in that Big Brother House of Ill Repute? Read on ...

• Danielle said she thinks Shane put Frank on the block because he's jealous that Frank paid attention to her.
• @@
• Danielle keeps throwing herself at Shane. The feeling doesn't seem to be mutual. Not at all.
• Her coach Dan is telling her getting out Frank is the smartest move.
• Of course, that's not what Dan is telling Boogie!
• Frank blames his predicament on Ian's "indecisiveness."
• That's not the case, but they feel they need a scapegoat.
• Britney and Janelle think Dan has thrown all of the coaches comps.
• Shane says that Danielle's constant attention to him is making him uncomfortable.
• Yet Britney thinks he should play up the showmance a bit to make sure she votes for Frank to go.
• Danielle told Shane that since "nobody knows about them" -- her and Shane -- Frank is trying to flirt with her for the vote.
• Like she isn't obvious hanging all over him!
• Meanwhile, Shane told her that she needs to cool it.
• "You realize this is Big Brother, not The Bachelor, right?" he asked her.
• Heh.
• But it's sad in a way.
• BB gave them six beers and a bottle of wine. Wow.
• Britney told Dan she doesn't really trust Janelle, but trusts Boogie less.
• She doesn't want his team to have three votes, so Frank needs to go.
• Then, next week they need to knock someone off of Janelle's team to lessen their votes.
• Ian was surprised that Britney told him she prefers funny guys over hot guys. When she asked him whether he'd rather be hot or funny, he said hot.
• I think he should stick to funny, sweet and quirky.
• But that's just me.
• Janelle and Dan think the players would turn on the coaches if the coaches got in the game.
• They also mentioned being asked about the option of the coaches going in the game.
• Diary Room has a big mouth, eh?
• Frank told Shane he didn't need to blindly follow what Britney wants him to do.
• Shane admitted he needs to play his own game.
• But, mind you ... Shane has no vote as HoH unless there's a tie.
• Joe told Janelle that he was irked that Wil took the credit for Frank going on the block when it was all Janelle's doing.
• Suck up.
• But, while Janelle offered the Kool-Aid to Britney and Company, Britney had already drank from the jug -- Britney wanted Frank out all along and couldn't get Shane to put him up. Janelle was just reinforcement.
• Janelle and Joe think Frank is flirting with Wil and that he's bi-curious.
• Of course, they all bought Britney's story that Wil and Frank had a final two deal.
• Wil will vote whichever way Janelle wants him to, though.
• That's just about it for now.
• It looks like Frank is still the target.

Pillow talk

Laying a finger upside her nose

Boogie woogie woogie

The 'Big Brother 7 All-Stars' Hit the Campaign Trail!

As Monica would say, "It's AWN!"

The candidates for the Big Brother 7: All Stars hit the streets, the airwaves, the chatrooms, and more trying to get themselves back into the House of Horrors. Er, the Big Brother House, that is.

This week's campaign trail includes:

Today, June 25: Erika at Venice Beach, CA, 12:00 noon. George Boswell will be hitting the streets in his chicken costume in Chicago and Rockford, IL. Howie will be doing a chat at Jokers, 10 PM ET/7 PM PT. Marcellas is appearing on Reality Remix (FOX Reality Channel) -- check your local listings. He's also going to be on KIFR radio (San Francisco - 106.9 Free FM) doing the Gretchen Massey Show from 9-11 PM PT.

Monday, June 26: Grr, if I didn't have to go to work, I'd be at the Plaza for The Early Show -- James, Janelle, Mike "Boogie" and Monica begin their campaigns on the show itself, some will be on the Plaza. Monica will also be appearing at the Applebee's located at 102 N. End Ave., between Murray and Vesey Street. Marcellas will be on Reality Remix again and also on Sirius Satellite radio, the "Out Q" station at 8 PM ET/5 PM PT. Lisa will be on 98 PXY Radio "Spezzano and Sandy" morning show, 8 AM ET. Kaysar will be doing a Jokers chat at 10 PM ET/7 PM PT. George will be seen on the streets of Las Vegas in his chicken costume (of course). Diane will be doing a chat at Big Brother Extra at 9 PM ET/6 PM PT. Dana will be at the Madonna concert in Hartford, CT (bet Madonna is thrilled, eh?). Alison will be at the Sugar Bar, 525 Park Street, Columbus, OH, 11:00 PM local time

Tuesday, June 27: The Early Show Plaza appearances and campaign pleas by Ivette, Alison, Jase and Kaysar will be happening...once again, I won't be at the Plaza due to work (waah!). Lisa will be doing a Jokers chat at 10 PM ET/7 PM PT. George will be running the streets of Los Angeles in his chicken suit.

Wednesday, June 28: The Early Show Plaza appearances and campaign pleas include Dana, Danielle, Cowboy and Dr. Will. I think Dana will be the only one on the Plaza (sure, that's my day off!). George will be still running amok in his chicken costume in Los Angeles.

Remember, vote early - vote often! The voting is open at the official CBS BB7 website! Let's NOT have another summer of Alison, I beg of you!

Another interesting bit -- there seems to be 14 slots on the CBS site, not 12. Hmmm...

Big Brother 14: Season Premiere Blog Party!

Come one, come all! It's the season premiere of Big Brother 14 and the biggest (and most fun) blog party is right here! While I won't be posting blow-by-blow happenings, I will update this entry with major events. However, the real fun is to be had in the comments area. Come join the fun! The pool is ready and the drinks are on the (BB) house!

The live feeds themselves won't be starting until 1am here on the East Coast. I plan to be gathering some fodder and getting a post up after a few hours.

Oh my, rumors were true. "One will leave before the night is through."

The returning rodents will be "coaching" the hapless hamsters.

Invitations, but no keys?

Ian, the cute little nerd dude, is already onto Willie Hantz as he's also a Survivor fan.

Returning: Dan, Janelle, Britney and Mike Boogie (rumors were true). Each coach picks three hamsters to coach. If a coach has the winning hamster, he or she wins 100 grand. Dan outed Willie Hantz as Russell's brother, but Willie is denying it.

They received invitations instead of keys because there are only 11 keys. (Their budget must be really bad ... couldn't make another key!) The comp will determine who leaves.

Britney picks Shane, Willie, JoJo

Boogie picked Frank, Ian, Jenn

Janelle took Wil, Ashley, Joe

Dan chose Kara, Danielle, Jodi

HoH comp, playing in teams. Winning team coach picks HoH. Losing team coach must pick the person to leave. They have to get bears on a shelf -- it's slumber party related. They have cross three moving beds.

Britney's team won. The comp is still on for the worst team. Coaches can make substitutions now.

Janelle's team is second, Boogie's is third.

Britney chose Willie as HOH. Dan has to send someone home. Jodi is indeed gone. Gee, now the cast is all white. Oh. And Dan still shouts in the Diary Room. Gah. 

Big Brother 14: Live Feeds Into Wednesday Morning - Aug. 22

He WILL win if not stopped soon

Well, I judged Joe wrong. He did tell Frank he was going to go with the HoH side, not the Boogiemobile. The Boogiemobile, of course, could be easily confused with the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile. But I digress. Here's the latest scoop from inside that Big Brother House of Tears and Turmoil:

• I was kind of looking forward to a complete blindside of Boogie. Thanks for blowing that, Joe!
• In a way, Boogie and Dan are working very much to the same tune right now.
• Boogie is avoiding others and letting Frank run around working his tail off to keep him in the house.
• Dan is laying low letting all those around him fall apart.
• Not so mortal enemies Danielle and Jenn kissed and made up. Well, not quite in a lesbian way, but ...!
• Joe's big "confrontation" with Frank consisted of ... "I regret to inform you that my decision is a no."
• Huh?
• That's IT? From Mr. Big Boy Willie Fighter? Sheesh. What a letdown. It's bad enough he went to Frank sans Boogie.
• Oh, sure. Ashley was there. But she doesn't count.
• And she now realizes she won't count. After all, she's "voted out all of her friends in the house and has no one."
• Her words, not mine.
• Frank tried, but Joe ain't budging.
• Hey, he even has a name for his alliance with Dan, Britney, Shane and Danielle -- the Headhunters.
• Joe then went up to the HoH room with the four plus Jenn.
• Laughter and boisterousness ensued.
• Then it was time for Secret Squirrel Ian to go into overdrive.
• He walked about (on toes, as squirrels often do) and worked himself up, taking gaspy breaths.
• Then he cried.
• The Emmy goes to IAN!
• He sucked both Frank and Ashley right in!
• Frank stormed up to the HoH room.
• A shot rang out! The maid screamed!
• He yelled about how they made Ian cry.
• Britney sat there looking actually shellshocked.
• They sat in amazement at his fury for a moment after he left.
• Then they giggled.
• But then Ashley went up wanting to talk to Jenn alone.
• No way, Jose!
• Jenn lighted right into her in front of the new HoH group (which includes Joe).
• Secret Squirrel is still being secretive -- neither Jenn nor Joe know his role.
• One thing good about Jenn is that she does say what she means and she doesn't pussyfoot about.
• So the cryfrontation went down, not a confrontation so much.
• "But, but ... I'm all alone in this game!"
• "You made your bed, now lie in it."
• Okay, I paraphrased Jenn's sentiment there. But since her make-out session with Frank, I've wanted to say that.
• As I write this up, the HoH crew is STILL up (including Jenn and Joe) out in the yard.
• Jenn and Ashley sort of made up.
• Boogie Boy is going to be history come tomorrow night.
• But who will be the second boot?
• Hmm ... 

No, I don't want to work with you

At least Jenn says what's on her mind

Just before the big crydown

The Emmy goes to  ... Ian Terry

OMG, Frank is berserk!

The big cryfrontation

Off Topic - That Was the Week It Was - July 8, 2012

What? It's Sunday? I guess it must be time for my weekly off television topic reflection on the week gone by in both words and photographs I've taken along the way.

But, first ... (as says the ChenBot), I do have to touch on all of the Big Brother 14 news just a bit. If you haven't noticed, I've started posting about the cast. I plan on posting more a bit later today about our new hamsters. They actually entered the house last night, but the live feeds don't start until after the premiere airs. I posted cast interviews over on my Big Brother Facebook Page for this blog. Please feel free to like the page -- I link all my BB blog articles there, as well as some additional content.

On more personal non-television matters, I received word from the new landlord that Vincent can indeed stay despite the new "no pets" lease. YAY! I really didn't want to move. But if they said he had to go, we would find another place to live. I did make it clear to them that I would be moving if they didn't allow him. I know this area isn't the easiest to find good tenants and, apparently, so do they.

As for my knees mishap last week, they seem to be okay. I couldn't make an appointment due to the holiday week, but really need to call back this week. The left (older) knee swelled up for about three days and is still sporting all kinds of beautiful colors. The right (new) knee has a scrape and a small bruise in addition to some residual pain around the kneecap. Both seem to be stable enough. I'm not going to have them redone no matter what! At least not for the next twenty or thirty years, I hope.

My latest staycation started yesterday. Supposedly the latest heat wave should end tonight and I might be able to enjoy roaming about with the camera or take a run into the city. I'd go to the beach but too many people go there this time of year!

Onto the photos I've taken this week -- I had some extra photo fodder because the Plainfield 4th of July Parade was held yesterday, on the 7th. Don't ask. I watched the parade because it goes right by my apartment building. But I didn't partake in any of the other events of the day because it was just too darn HOT. Clicking on an image will open it in a new window, clicking again will make it larger, then close that window to return here. 

Horse in the 'hood!

I edited this to leave only the horse and rider in color. Obviously, this is from the parade. We rarely have horses just roaming around here in the 'hood.

Early morning Presbyterian

I like the way the early morning sun played out on the local Presbyterian Church. East Front Street, Plainfield

I see the bee's knees!

The bees are still busy in Bridgewater!

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

Big Brother 14: Live Feeds into Sunday Morning 7/15

Oh my, what big chess pieces you have!

As I get this written up, the hamsters are all still sleeping. Willie talks in his sleep ... something about getting the bears. Um. Okay. Here's the latest news from the late night and overnight hours inside that Big Brother House of Recruited Characters:

• Don't expect Janelle to ever do another "All Stars" season. According to her, it ain't gonna happen.
• Ian can name every BB eviction in order. That's an obsession, for sure.
• They had a flare-up when trying to get the fire pit started.
• I'm not sure why BB gives them dangerous weapons.
• Ian can kick himself in the face with his foot. I know I saw that on his Facebook page, now the hamsters have seen it.
• Why? That's my only question.
• Joe is STILL paranoid!
• Willie told Frank that he is indeed Russell's brother.
• So now the news is getting around. I don't think it will bear much weight with them at this point. He's getting known for his own merits or otherwise.
• Jenn and Frank told Joe it wasn't their fault they were chosen by Boogie. They'd like to disassociate themselves from him, but can't really do that.
• Since no one is telling him, Dan told Kara he thinks she has a 75% chance of staying.
• Yeah, right.
• She's still the latest target.
• Although I would go for getting Frank out. But I'm not a hamster in the house.
• Janelle thinks Dan is trying to send her on guilt trips when he tells her that she's his mother's favorite houseguest.
• Dan's mother just has good taste! I only wish she had told him to stop shouting in the Diary Room.
• Later today, expect the PoV Meeting! 

His knees are going to regret that someday

Chillaxin'

What? We're supposed to PLAY the game?

Big Brother 14: Live Feeds Tuesday Night to Wednesday Afternoon - Aug. 14-15

The big date

It's kind of sad that the biggest news in the last 24 hours has been a juvenile make-out session. Here's the latest from inside that Big Brother House of We Made Out on Camera!:

• Yep, the big Frank/Ashley HoH room date went down.
• They spent most of the time talking game.
• Actually, Ashley kind of threw her buddy Wil under the bus -- told Frank she didn't like what he's been turning into, "the mean gay guy."
• Frank tried telling her that he thinks that Ian was quite upset that she was going on the "date" with him.
• She doesn't think so.
• Since they had to (as Frank said) wait for the cheesecake to harden, they made out.
• Ugh.
• Joe, although told by Boogie that he'll be safe this week, is campaigning for votes ... yet not coming across as desperate as we've seen before.
• Danielle says she's had a terrible week -- she's been "villainized" by the Janelle boot and the Zingbot said mean things to her.
• Poor pitiful Danielle.
• Heh.
• The HoH room fish are dying ... as they do every year. What's up with that?
• I liked the year they had the tarantulas.
• Today is Day 40 in the house. Ian is thrilled to still be there -- he never expected to last so long.
• That said, he should last longer. His name was tossed around in the beginning for eviction and isn't really mentioned in any immediate dream plans of those who would be HoH ... if they could win a comp.
• Wil told Ashley she needs to get Frank out if he (Wil) leaves this week.
• Ashley told Wil that Frank is playing Boogie's game, not his own.
• Lots of exercise, whining about how hot it is, small talk, talk about previous seasons, talk about Have Nots eating soon, etc. 
• Yawn.
• I'll be happy to see a bit of drama with the new HoH and eviction tomorrow night.
• Stop on back at 8:00 PM ET for the blog party while we watch the show!
• And, as always ... if you're so inclined, and you like the BB live feed updates, there is a Paypal donation link on the sidebar. :-)  

Eek! See, Ian ... NOT the girl for you!

Shady!

Shadier!

Hunky in pink

Big Brother 14: Live Feeds Tuesday - Aug. 14

Hammock campaigning

I'll be happy when Thursday comes and the real activity starts up again. This week it was three days of action, four of doldrums. Here's what happened through the day and into the evening inside that Big Brother House of Waning Wannabees:

• Ashley wanted to braid Frank's hair but he didn't want to show his receding hairline (covered by the mop now).
• I didn't get a screen cap of it, but YES ... his hairline is very receded.
• Wil, Joe and Jenn wouldn't be surprised if Ashley floated to the final two.
• Wil is telling the others that Frank was too scared to make a big move and get Dan out this week.
• He thinks if Dan was taken out, everyone else would have a fair chance to win.
• @@
• Of course, Wil is pretty sure that he's going home and isn't a happy camper!
• Boogie doesn't live with his young son or his "baby's momma."
• Britney and Ashley rebelled against photo day in the house, making faces.
• They are "so over it."
• They think a Pandora's box is coming.
• They think a double eviction and fast forward is coming.
• Heck, they might even think Christmas is coming.
• They are bored.
• Ashley wants her first "big girl apartment." She can pay the rent on mine if she wants to know what it's like.
• Joe got reprimanded by BB for tasting things not allowed as a Have Not.
• About time.
• They should also talk to him about licking his fingers and sticking them in the food others will be eating.
• Dan and Frank talked about how to eventually get rid of Britney and Shane.
• Then Britney and Shane talked about their final four deal with Dan and Danielle and how Ian doesn't know about that.
• Joe campaigned, telling Britney and Shane that he would target Ashley if he won HoH.
• Like Joe could win a comp! Bwahahaha! That cracks me up!
• Ashley (who used to say Ian creeped her out) said that Ian is spending too many hours of the day with Britney.
• So she's going on a "date" with Frank tonight.
• It's not that Ian didn't propose a pool date with her to get back in her good graces.
• Ian said that all the girls will forget him after they leave the house.
• That's about it. They're grasping at straws for entertainment in the house. Comp time can't come too soon. 

Fashion plate

Has outstanding college loans

Can Dan do it again?

Labeled drinkware this season

Eye mask as a fashion accessory

Frank gets little braids

Boogie and his ear