Big Brother 14: Season Finale Blog Party

Welp, this is it. Since early July, we've watched hamsters in the house off each other, many indirectly (but effectively) at the hands of Dan, the Man With a Plan. It's down to Ian, Dan and Danielle. Who will be in the final two and who will snag the majority of the jury votes? As the show airs, I'll update this entry with the major events. But, true to tradition, the real excitement is in the comments area -- come join us!

And, while I have y'all here -- I'd like to thank you for the kind words about me and about the blog. If you so desire, I'm always willing to accept donations at the Paypal link on the side. Mind you, you don't have to donate. But, y'know ... if you feel like it, I appreciate it. Donations or not, I do appreciate each and every one of you. (I refuse to say 'preesh!)

But, first ... let's get on with the HoH final competition! Final three -- quack.

Dan talked to Ian before part one and convinced him to throw it. Then he got Danielle to drop by telling her he would do better against Ian in Part Three (and bring her).

Dan schemes with Danielle to have her get all mad at Ian if she doesn't win. Dan thinks he can talk Ian into throwing the third part of the HoH to him. We'll see about that.

Part Two is the BB Skyscraper. They have to scale a building and place eliminated hamsters in the correct order. Danielle - 7 minutes, 31 seconds. Ian - 6 minutes, 4 seconds. Ian wins Part Two!

Heh. Ian tells Dan he won't throw the comp. He's "risk-averse."

The jury talks over the final three. Joe and Britney are pro-Ian. Frank and Jenn are still bitter. Onto Danielle -- riding Dan's coattails, but then thinking she's smart. Dan -- Britney is in awe. Dangerous. Frank, Joe and Shane are reserved about his gameplay.

The final part of the HoH -- Ian pitted against Dan. It's how well you know the members of the jury. Ian is a point ahead! Two points ahead!Three points ahead! IAN IS THE FINAL HOH!

Ian votes to evict ... Danielle because he "has to honor his commitment to Dan."

Jury questioning time.

Ashley -- Ian, credit for the Quack Pack, did you make the decisions or follow?
He takes credit and Dan tries to interrupt.

Frank -- Lying and backstabbing (Dan), wedding ring -- Had to be ruthless, but it got me to this point.

Jenn -- Ian, don't respect snitches. After reset, had to play my own game.

Joe -- Up to elbows in blood (Dan), how with no HoH? Dan talks about all the stabbing in the back he had to do.

Britney -- Ian, why do you deserve to win over Dan? Build my own destiny, made my own alliance, played a slightly cleaner game.

Shane -- Satan, er, Dan ... why do you deserve to win over Ian? Britney brought Ian by the leash. Ian is saying BULL. 

Danielle -- Ian, did you know Dan had a final two deal with me? No, he gave me his grandfather's gold necklace with cross.

Speech time: 
Ian -- Disgusted with what he just heard in the questioning. He lays into Dan. Stands up for himself well.

Dan -- Does his practiced speech I posted this morning. "I beat you, but I love you." Danielle has daggers in her eyes.

Voting time - Ashley first. then Britney, Frank, Joe, Jenn, Shane, Danielle (try to keep her word).

The eliminated non-jury hamsters dish before the votes are read.

The votes:
Danielle -- Dan
Shane -- Ian
Jenn -- Ian
Joe -- Ian
Frank -- Ian 

IAN WINS BIG BROTHER!!!

Everybody is QUACKING! Ashley and Britney also voted for Ian. The vote for Ian to win was 6-1 with the one for Dan being Danielle.

Frank won the favorite HG. How did that happen?

Thank you, everybody, for the summer of fun here and the kind words! Quack!

Survivor: Philippines - Season Premiere Blog Party

The show is about to start here on the East Coast. As it airs, I'll update this post with any major events. But, as with every blog party, the real fun is in the comments area. I hope to see you there!

The finalized random picks for the blog pool are:

By tribes:
Kalabaw
Carter : Deb, Pam M in NJ, Syd
Dana : Auntie Leigh, Joey
Dawson : Brent McKee, lynn 1, Zoetawny
Jeff : DKNYNC, Jennasmom
Jonathan : Brian, JonMD1267, Tammy G
Katie : Glenn, Merrilee
Matsing
Angie : Donna in Alabama, Monty924
Denise : Buzzmaam, Karen in CA
Malcolm : Dewan, Margo
Roxy : Dusty, Lifeguard Laurie
Russell : Jackie, Petals
Zane : Ed in Ohio, Russ in CA, Sharon
Tandang
Abi-Maria : Chrob61, meb, SueGee
Artis : Delee, ML
Lisa : Gaylos, Nana in the NW, Terry in TX
Michael : Donna in FL, Lars
Pete : Becky, Rbennie
RC (Roberta) : ChicMc, PDX Granny, Sharon S

Thank you, Lifeguard Laurie! Survivor fans ready?

***************** 

Hidden immunity idols are in play this season. They get to scramble at sea for supplies including chickens. Jeff Kent already hurt his knee in the scramble. The red tribe, Kalabaw, even lost their chickens they snagged.

Matsing (blue) built fire within 45 minutes of landing at their camp.

Jeff Kent, whose knee is still hurt, already is leading his fellow Kalabaw to get rid of Jonathan because he's a repeat player.

On Tandang, RC is getting on with Lisa (not THAT way)! No one seems to recognize Lisa except Skupin, who hasn't said anything. RC makes an alliance with Abi, Pete and Skupin.

Ah, Dawson recognizes Jeff Kent. She tucks that knowledge away for when it's needed.

Mike Skupin tells Lisa he recognizes her. He likes her. She doesn't want it revealed unless someone else recognizes her.

Zane is lining up the gals in his corner. then the men -- Russell and Malcolm. Meanwhile, Malcolm and Denise (the sex therapist) seem to have their own little alliance.

Skupin is already getting himself all banged up!

Penner found a clue to a hidden idol. Russell, not searching like Penner was, accidentally found a clue. Zane saw Russell find the clue. He thinks Russell has the idol and wants him out first.

Immunity Challenge -- First two tribes to win get Immunity and Reward. Race to get paddles, boat out for puzzle pieces, then a puzzle to be solved. Kalabaw wins first place -- Immunity and a fire-making kit. Tandang -- Immunity and a flint. Matsing goes to Tribal Council.

Zane throws himself under the bus in a weird scheme that they'll get Russell out instead. I'm not really understanding. Russell has turned off most of his tribe with his leading while insisting he's not a leader.

Tribal Council time. They're not pleased with Russell being a dictator. Zane votes Russell and vice versa. The votes: Zane, Russ, Zane, Zane, Zane. His plan didn't work and my blog pool dude Russell lives to play another comp!   

Survivor: Philippines - Jeff Probst's Cast Assessment (Video)

I watched this after I posted my thoughts. Some of them coincide with Jeff's. Remember, the premiere is tonight leading into the Big Brother season finale!

Survivor: Philippines - Blog Pool Picks

Lifeguard Laurie has come up with the random picks for the blog pool. This is an image file, so you can click on it to get a larger image --

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

Survivor: Philippines - The New Castaways, Part Three

Alright! We've gone through the familiar faces, the Matsing and Tandang tribes, so now it's the Kalabaw tribe. Kalabaw has familiar faces Jonathan Penner and Jeff Kent in it, everyone else is a newbie. Survivorfans ready?

Dana Lambert - Age 32, current residing in Winston-Salem, NC but she's originally an Arkansas gal. We have yet another superfan here, but this one's a bit different. She seems to be doing it as much as for her life resume as she is for a win. She's a cosmetologist who thinks she's most like Boston Rob in her game approach. Y'know, I kind of like her. At this glance stage I have to say I don't think she'll win, but I could be wrong. Again, she's another one who looks much younger than her actual age. I can just see her being a Southern belle now! :-)

Carter Williams is 24 years old, a track coach and a fairly recent college grad who's been concentrating on getting on the show. He currently resides in Shawnee, KS. Huh. He's a runner, but lists surfing as a hobby. I didn't realize surfing was a big thing in Kansas, did you? He seems to be at least a quasi-superfan and says he'll play challenges with the heart of Ozzy, but has more of a personality of Eric Reichenbach or Fabio. He seems very likable, but I'm getting a laid-back vibe from his video. I'm not sure how well that will do for a win. His tree-climbing skills may not a win make.

   
Katie Hanson is a 22 year old college senior from Newark, Delaware. She's studying criminal justice and plans to be a state trooper. (You go, girl!) She's also a pageant girl having been Miss Delaware 2011 and in the national Miss USA pageant. Oh my. She thinks she's most like Danni Boatwright. She's one I'm of two minds about. I think, with her passion for police work, she might very well be a strong competitor. But then, I see that one of her reasons for wanting to win (other than the money) is to meet a hot guy ... well, that's not so good in my book. We'll see.
 

 

Sara Dawson, called Dawson for some reason, is a 28-year-old insurance salesperson currently living in Silver Springs, MD but hailing from Georgia. She thinks her gameplay will be a mix of Sugar and Sandra. Hmm. Yet another huge fan of the show, she plans to concentrate on her social game. She does seem to have a likable personality, but also comes across as a bit fake to me. I can't really get a take on her. I think I'll have to say that how she'll do will remain a mystery until she does it.

Keep in mind that if you want to be in the blog pool, you need to reply before 3 PM ET (noon PT) to this post or email to lifeguardlaurie@gmail.com

Big Brother 14: Live Feeds - Dan's Plea Practice - Sept 19

Dan goes over his speech to the jury

"When this game was reset, I knew I was in trouble. On the pirate ship, I saw two huge physical competitors in Frank and Shane that I couldn't beat. I saw two huge social competitors in Jenn and Joe ..." On and on.

He's using a stopwatch to time himself. He's basically going on the fact that everyone's game was so great that he had to play a ruthless game, not because he wanted to, but he had to. He couldn't depend on winning competitions. He had to get people to do something for him, then stab them in the back. He had to do the funeral to make it seem like he wasn't working with Danielle. When Joe figured it out, he had to go. The funeral was also a cover to make a deal with Frank -- if Britney knew, she would have stopped it.

He goes from mentioning that Ian said nasty things about Ashley to the fact that he doesn't have a photographic memory like Ian. I think he's settling on the latter one. I personally think that's a better choice. If he trashes Ian, it looks sleazier and childish.

But, he's obviously setting all of this up planning to be sitting next to Ian ... NOT Danielle. I think he will indeed throw the comp. After all, if he's practicing the speech and timing it, it would throw everything awry to be sitting next to Danielle.

For some reason, his speech is reminding me of a domestic abuser telling his victim, "You MADE me do it. I love you, baby." Oh, sure. It's a bit nicer. Jus' sayin' ...

I will put up another post with the highlights of yesterday and last night. But I felt this deserved immediate attention. Nothing else has been as newsworthy. 

Survivor: Philippines - Blog Pool OPEN

Lifeguard Laurie will be running the blog pool once again this season. (Yay, Laurie ... you ROCK!) If you want in on the pool -- remember, the winner gets bragging rights until the next season -- please respond to this post. I apologize for the short notice, but we need your name in by 12 PM ET or 3 PM PT tomorrow (Wednesday). You can also email lifeguardlaurie@gmail.com

Who wants to go swimming?

Big Brother 14: Live Feeds Monday Night Into Tuesday - Sept. 17-18

Are they ALL still alive?

  
With the HoH room closed off since last week, I guess they occasionally show us the fish to show that most are still alive. It's weird, though. A single camera will be on the fish instead of two trained on the room from different angles. It shows that they indeed could have four cameras in four separate places instead of the normal two rooms, two angles each. Here's the latest from inside that Big Brother House of Wasted Days and Wasted Nights:

• Not feeds per se, but ... Julie Chen was on Craig Ferguson last night. (Not literally ON him, but on his show!) She just started talking about Dan's gameplay and he cut her off. Every time she started to talk BB, he interrupted. Grr.
• It sounds like the final three will be on The Talk either today or tomorrow while the winner will be on The Talk Thursday.
• Dan kept asking Ian questions about Survivor. Ian is as much a fan of that show as of BB. I too have watched every season, but can't just list the seasons in order and spout out the winners.
• I'd say he should go on the show. Alas, I fear he'd weigh 20 pounds at the end of it, though.
• Danielle is coming back to life and being better around Ian. She even played cards (Speed) with him last night.
• And, she even smiled occasionally.
• Hmm ... Ian heats up peanut butter to go over his ice cream. I never thought of that. I need to try it with chocolate ice cream.
• Danielle admitted to Dan that he carried her through the game even though she claimed she carried him through it the night before.
• Dan put on a big sad act for Danielle with his own pity party about how bad he is.
• Hook, line and sinker if I believe him!
• Danielle believes him.
• She tells him she'll get the whole jury to vote for him.
• @@
• Remember, she gets about five minutes jury time before they vote (if she gets tossed by Ian or Dan).
• Ian hammocked. 
• Danielle, never learning, popped more pimples in the mirror.
• I hope they clean that mirror soon.
• Not much game talk (other than previous seasons and Survivor).
• They're asleep as I post this. 

Fountain of Survivor knowledge

Will she ever learn not to do this? Ever?

Quoting the bible ...

Survivor: Philippines - The New Castaways, Part Two

The season premiere is Wednesday, 8 PM ET/PT, leading into the season finale of Big Brother. I've already posted about the familiar faces on the show and the Matsing Tribe. Tonight I'm taking a look at the Tandang Tribe. Two of the familiar faces are on this tribe -- Lisa Whelchel and Mike Skupin.

Abi-Maria Gomes is 32 years old, presently living in Los Angeles, but hailing from Brazil. She claims to be a business student. I don't know. When watching her video, she came across as much younger. Although I admire her moving here and earning her citizenship, I'm not quite getting how she feels being on the show will change the world for the better. She seems a bit narcissistic in the video, too. She might just annoy me.

 

Artis Silvester, age 53, is a government IT guy currently living in Terry Town, LA. He beat stage 4 cancer and, as he says, he's a survivor playing Survivor. He thinks he's a combination of Rupert, James and Rudy. Well, that's different. The man doesn't look 53! I love in his bio that one of the reasons he's playing is because he's sick of yelling at the television when the castaways do stupid things. I think I'm going to like him.

 

Pete Yurkowski, age 24, is from Holmdel, NJ. Hey, I know where that is! (No, it's not near me -- it's further south). He has his engineering degree, yet he's a model. I do like that he's not into the Jersey Shore persona. Those who don't live here tend to get a skewed version of the state. He seems pretty full of himself and plans to be a Russell. Not a Good Russell, mind you. Sigh. Hopefully he has a better social game. I'm curious whether others might immediately tag his as a threat or not.

RC (Roberta) Saint-Amour, age 27, from NYC is an investment banker. She has swum the English Channel, worked several years as a lifeguard. And, though she's from the city, she thinks she just might win this thing. Here we have another show super fan, having watched every season. I like that she says she's an original and no other previous castaway is like her. I like her. Hopefully that won't change when I see her in action.

Tomorrow, I check out the Kalabaw tribe!

Big Brother 14: Live Feeds Into Monday Evening - Sept. 17

"To be the best, you have to beat the best."

Next season, they really need to rework this final three thing. Or, perhaps just not have Danielle in there. Yeah, that's the ticket. Here's what's been happening in that Big Brother House of Put It Out Of Its Misery, Please:

• In the late hours of last night, Ian made the mistake of trying to be friendly to Danielle.
• She lit into him, going on and on about how she can't believe what he's doing to her.
• She accused him of having a final two deal with Dan.
• Ian really didn't say much at all, admitted to very little.
• He basically sat there and let her rant at him, albeit looking very uncomfortable.
• He pointed out that Dan has betrayed her more than he ever did.
• "I expected that from him, but not from you!"
• Say what?
• After she finished ranting at him, she went inside and plopped herself down on a couch fussing that she needed to go to the Diary Room for a good fifteen minutes.
• Heh. BB ignored her.
• Instead, Dan came in and kept smiling at her.
• He's deliberately trying to push her off the edge, it seems.
• Well, if there's any edge left to her psyche, that is.
• When she retold the Ian conversation to Dan, she claimed he cried a tear.
• He did not! He looked horribly uncomfortable, but didn't cry. Not one tear.
• Instead of taking her rants seriously, Dan kept giggling.
• Now, that's where I would decide to stop talking and pull the covers over my head or something.
• Instead, she just kept going on about Shane, Ian and how Dan had betrayed her.
• She's a bit better today.
• Apparently the Diary Room warned her about her physical threats regarding Ian.
• Dan has again confirmed Ian will take him to the final two if he wins the third part of the HoH.
• I'm still not even sure Dan will try to win.
• All I can say is that, thankfully, it will all be over tomorrow night for the live feeds. 
• My apologies for saying tomorrow night and not specifying. The SHOW is Wednesday night.
• However, tomorrow night will be the last night of the live feeds. The show day itself is usually cleaning or blocked. 

I left SO much to come here!

I wish Danielle would just shut up

Call the psych! Call the psych!

Big Brother 14: Live Feeds Sunday Into the Evening - Sept. 16

Danielle's body language says it all. She's defeated and resistance is futile. This could very well be the most awkward final three ever in the house. Here are the non-events from inside that Big Brother House of Misery:

• Danielle is not only acting about being mad at Ian, she's actually mad at him.
• She told Dan she wants to punch him (Ian) out and can't stand talking to him.
• Say what?
• All Ian did was win a comp. It's DAN who's bamboozled her all season!
• She told Dan she never liked Ian and was only putting up with him due to the alliance -- she doesn't need to pretend anymore. She also said she doesn't like Ian because he's an atheist.
• Dan corrected her with "agnostic."
• Doesn't matter. Still enough reason for misdirected anger and "hate."
• She spent most of the day sulking, pouting, sighing, fake-crying, a few real tears here and there and playing the martyr.
• Ian hammocked a good portion of the day away.
• Dan sleazed Danielle acting like he's got her best interests in mind and she basically bought it again.
• Oh, not hook, line and sinker (heehee) like before.
• But seeing as it's DAN she's talking to, not IAN ... something is still awry in her mindset regarding who did her in.
• Of course, it was Danielle herself who did herself in by falling for Dan's "coaching."
• She might just realize that but is now too dependent on Dan's input.
• Pavlov's dog hamster-style!
• By evening, she was acting civilly with Ian, but not having much fun at anything.
• We have three more days of this.
• BIG SIGH and I feel I need to put on my pouty face. Whatever did I do to deserve this kind of treatment from these hamsters?
• It's not fair! I've lived and breathed the live feeds for three months of my life and this is my thank you! HUH!
• Er. 
• Ahem.
• Danielle told Dan he's sitting pretty either way, whether he or Ian wins the third part.
• Heck, she doesn't really know it, but he's been sitting pretty with the final three, as well.
• She knows Ian won't take her.
• "What? You don't think I can win against Ian?" Dan asked her, referring to the last part of the final HoH comp.
• She didn't answer.
• Dan is still making sure Ian will bring him to the final two, but seems to have stopped thinking about how to get him (Ian) to throw the comp.
• That's because Ian said that would never happen -- he's planning on playing for the win.
• Good Ian.
• Dan, on the other hand, is thinking of throwing the comp so that Danielle's exit is at Ian's hands.
• He seems to think he might have a chance with the jury against Ian.
• Sigh. Three more days of this. 

Big Brother 14: Shane Eviction Fallout, Season Reflection Show Blog Party - Sept. 16

Apparently CBS is just now learning its lessons -- due to sports, the show is scheduled to begin at 8:30 PM ET here in the NYC viewing area. I'm putting this post up at the regular time as I know folks look for it and the show might be on time in other viewing markets.

Once it finally starts here, I'll update this post with the major events. I don't believe they'll be showing the two parts of the HoH comp already played, but I might be wrong on that. If you don't know and want to know, go back a few days in my posts and you'll find out.

The real fun is in the comments section. Come join us dissing ... er ... DISCUSSING ... the show!

8:36 PM ET and 60 Minutes just ended here. I'm ready for the show, how 'bout YOU?

It's the aftermath of the Shane eviction. Silly Danielle. "Dan lied AGAIN."

Celebration champagne brunch time ... and reflection time, too.

Finally, all the reminiscing is over and they're starting the Hook, Line and Sinker endurance comp. We know how it and part two end, but that won't be aired until Wednesday.

Survivor: Philippines -- The New Castaways, Part One

I already covered the familiar faces on this season's cast. Now it's time to take a look at some of the new faces coming aboard. 

First up are members of the Matsing Tribe (which include the previously discussed familiar face Russell Swan):

Zane Knight is a tire repair dude currently living in Danville, VA. Country and tattooed, he's obviously no high fashion recruit for the show. I'm not quite sure what to make of a man who has a pet peeve about ice cream sprinkles. He's 28 years old and married, loving his wife and Jesus. He wants to be on the show so he can afford to buy his own tow truck. Lofty dreams indeed. I'm wondering how he'll fare in the sun. He's more pale than I am! He claims he'll be most like Brandon. Sigh. I'm guessing Hantz not the Brandon Quinton from Survivor: Africa. Eww.

 

 

Roxy Morris, age 28, is a seminary student residing in Brooklyn, NY. While her online bio definitely touts religion, she isn't coming across as some very religious folks do in her video clip. She comes across quite secular and I'd bet she's spot on with her statement that she would assimilate well. She's an Army Chaplain and seems not only personable, but physically fit as well. Uh-oh. She also likes Brandon. Oh my gosh, what is wrong with people? The guy was a flake! I feel that Roxy will have a good social game, but I can't see her being overly conniving. While nice guys win now and then (Ethan comes to mind), the schemers usually win more often.

Malcolm Freburg is a 24-year old bartender living in Hermosa Beach, CA. While his video claims all the Dartmouth greatness, he's a bartender like so many reality show contestants we've seen in the past. I'm sure he didn't study "mixology" there. While he comes across way too cocky in his video, there's actually something about him I like. He's definitely a student of the game -- like Ian on BB14, he grew up watching it and wanting to be on the show. I like that he enjoys the strategic part. It looks like he'll have no problems in the physical arena. He believes he'll play a bit like Russell (Hantz). Oh my. I only hope he has a better social game. He's certainly better eye candy than Hantz!

Denise Stapley is a 41-year-old sex therapist. Well, that's something new and different for a career on the show, eh? She currently lives in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. On the surface, she should do well. She's into triathlons and such. As a therapist (sex or otherwise), she should know how to build a decent social game. She thinks she'll be most like Stephenie ... a good thing, I say. All that said, there's something about her which turned me a bit off in her video. I can't put my finger on it, though. Maybe it's the fast talking; maybe it's the therapist peeking through. I reserve judgment on her. 

Angie Layton, age 20, currently lives in Provo, UT. 20? She's a CHILD! She's a model, go figure. Oh, and if you watch the video, she mentions she "said yes to Survivor." Can we say recruit? She is very pretty as she should be having been Miss Utah Teen and runner-up for Miss Teen USA. She thinks she'll be considered a "dumb blond" and compares herself to Fabio. One of her reasons for being on the show, other than to win, is to "meet some hotties." I just don't know about this one.

That's it for the Matsing Tribe. Tomorrow evening, I'll post about the Tandang Tribe, Tuesday evening the Kalabaw Tribe members. On Wednesday, the season premiere leads into the finale of Big Brother 14.     

Off Topic: That Was the Week It Was - September 16, 2012

Good Sunday morning, world! Since it is Sunday morning, this is my weekly off television topic post reflecting on the week gone by in both words and photographs I've taken along the way. If you're looking for Big Brother content, never fear ... it's right here. But if you want a peek into my life, feel free to read on.

After a spritz of overnight rain early in the week, it was glorious weather here for the remainder. On the anniversary of 9/11, the weather was hauntingly like it was that day. Teenagers and college kids don't remember that we didn't used to have huge planters around the corners at Penn Station. They've grown up with security checks at airports. Not me. I remember a day with more innocence. I will never forget 9/11/01, the lives lost and the way the world has changed.

On the home front, the not as new now landlord had new washing machines installed in the laundry room. Oh my. An incentive to do laundry before it grows to two loads! They also put down gray carpet on the stairway and landings in the front of the building. That, at least for the immediate entry area, might be a mistake. The floor covering right at door level was some kind of fake stone-looking stuff. People entering the front door in bad weather make a mess. Oh, well. At least the carpet is gray already!

There is another thing about the landlord, this one a bit disturbing. For the second time, I noticed Craigslist apartment for rent advertisements for units in the building ... only in Spanish. Um. Is that even legal? It's not that they (landlord and company) even speak Spanish although many of their workers do. It sounds like they want Hispanic tenants rather than any other to me. I personally just want decent neighbors in the building -- I don't care Hispanic, black, white, Indian ... whatever. But many folks won't even know the apartments are available if the ad is solely in Spanish. Hmm.

We had a fire alarm go off in the building yesterday. As usual, I went out to make sure there was no real fire. It's always either a malfunction or someone's bad cooking. I know not to open my door if my cooking sets off the little alarm within my apartment (which it does sometimes as the CO/smoke alarm is way too fussy!). But, when fools open their doors, the main building alarm goes off and we get fire department response and all.

When I went out to make sure there was no fire, there was a tiny elderly black woman who looked very frightened and disoriented. She was obviously blind, about 90 years old and she just clutched my arm when I asked if she was okay. She was saying something, but I couldn't make it out. I've never seen her before in my life.

I released myself from her grasp when I saw a fire engine pull up, went and told them there was no fire, but I was worried about an elderly woman in the hallway. They didn't have much better luck communicating with her than I did. They called for an ambulance. She had house slippers on and obviously couldn't have come far. No one passing by in the halls recognized her, either.

One firefighter decided to check all the doors on the second floor. I was thinking the front of the building as I didn't know her. What? The apartment next door to me was unlocked and, upon opening it, there was a heater on (yikes, it had to be 90 in there) and the apartment even smelled like the elderly woman! Mind you, that's not a good thing. Now, I know the man who lives there. He's lived there for about four years now. I thought he lived alone. 

When I mentioned his name to her, she nodded. He's her son. Oh my. The firemen got her to call him. Upon discovering where she lives, I realized why she wasn't talking to us. I know the man living there is from Africa, although he speaks English. She doesn't speak English. She speaks Swahili. The poor woman. The fire alarm scared her and she left the apartment, but didn't know how to get downstairs. Between her blindness, her language barrier and probably what seems like a bit of dementia ... it's all a bit sad. At least if I ever see her again, I know where she belongs.

In other news, it was indeed my birthday yesterday. I want to thank everyone who sent me greetings and cards. Vincent didn't give me anything! 

Onto the photos for the week. Clicking on an image will open it on a Photobucket page, clicking again will make it larger. To return here, simply close that page.  

My new friend

I met this beautiful python walking on Watchung Avenue in Plainfield yesterday. No, the snake wasn't walking, I was! When I asked the man carrying it if I could take a photo, he offered to take photos of me holding it. I figured if he ran off with my camera, I'd take off with his snake.

The Alley

This is an alley off of East Front Street (Plainfield) leading to what's normally a parking lot. There were dueling Hispanic festivals going on yesterday in two adjacent city parking lots. One has been held for four years now in celebration of the independence of Mexico and Central America. It gets a huge turnout and I've enjoyed it each time I've attended. I'm about as non-Latina as one could be. But it's a fantastic thing for the city and draws more folks from all over the state each year. This year, with a second Hispanic festival adjacent, the crowds had to be several thousand. 

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

Big Brother 14: Live Feeds Saturday Evening into Sunday - Sept. 15-16

I've been a fool. I AM a fool.

Well, well, well. Y'see, hamsters are adorable and all. But when they don't get what they want, the claws come out. Here's the latest from inside that Big Brother House of It Finally May Be Dawning on Danielle:

• After the feeds returned post-Part Two of the HoH comp, Ian was covered with soot and Danielle was screaming at him.
• But that was an act.
• The night before, when Ian wasn't taking the bait to throw the comp to Danielle, that was Plan B -- If Ian won, Danielle was supposed to throw a fit, Dan was supposed to fight with her and hopefully they could get Ian to throw Part Three.
• In her screaming, she was actually threatening Ian if he didn't take her to the final two.
• Why, she'd taint the jury!
• Um. If evicted on Wednesday night, she won't have time to taint anyone to the jury!
• It didn't work.
• Dan and Ian celebrated a Renegades victory while Danielle showered and was in the Diary Room.
• Unfortunately, Ian still believes in the Renegades although it's obvious that he's been overcoming much of the mist.
• Dan hinted a million times that Ian should throw the last part so that he (Dan) would have the pleasure of evicting Danielle (who obviously hates him).
• Dan knows he's golden for final two whether he himself wins the last part or whether Ian wins it.
• But Dan would prefer to take Danielle with him over Ian. He has a plan and an idea he'd stand a better chance to win over her.
• But, then, if Ian wins, he'll take Dan to the final two over Danielle. 
• It would just be harder to win over the jury then.
• Danielle cried in the bedroom, rereading her HoH letters from home and apologizing for disgracing her family.
• It seems to have dawned on her that she's been playing Dan's game for a Dan win all along.
• D'oh!
• Ian, on the other hand, told Dan he didn't want to throw the comp. He actually wants to win this.
• Good boy, Ian. Do NOT trust Dan to take you to the final two.
• A lot men did and a lot men died ...
• (Women, too.)
• Ian was very worried about his stuffed snake and bear. They were (as usual) tucked neatly in his bed ... the bed next to the weeping and angry Danielle.
• Ian refuses to outright deal with Danielle's tantrum. He told her he was still weighing his options.
• When Dan prodded at Ian attempting to instigate more of a problem, Ian told him he should just leave Danielle alone and not be mean to her.
• Uh-oh. Ian's not reacting the way Dan had hoped!
• When Dan was alone and only the live feeds were with him, he pondered what to do.
• He thinks his best shot now would be to throw the comp to Ian so Ian would vote Danielle out (thus getting his hands bloodier).
• Dan and Danielle were sleeping when BB opened the backyard up to them.
• Ian is rocking on the hammock. All is well in his world again.
• It looks like, no matter what happens, Ian (at least) will really play for the win on the third part of HoH on Wednesday.

Like notches in his gun belt, such are the grays on the Memory Wall

I'm a disgrace

I'll be able to pay my college loans. No debt!

Big Brother 14: Live Feeds Bulletin - Final HoH Part 2 Winner

The winner of the second round of the final HoH competition is ...

... drumroll, please ...

Ian Terry!

Ian beat Danielle in this part and will face Dan in Part 3 on Wednesday night's live show.

Survivor: Philippines -- The Familiar Faces

Three returning players - Russell, Jonathan and Mike

You know me. I'm generally not a fan of returning players on reality competition shows. I'm just not. That said, I really don't mind these three players returning. All were medically removed during their own seasons and I don't mind them getting a chance to try again.

Good Russell -- Remember that? There were two Russells in his season and we had to differentiate between them. One was Hantz, Evil Russell. The other was this Russell, Good Russell Swan. Until dehydration got the best of him, I enjoyed his gameplay. He came across as a decent guy and was good in challenges. While Hantz and his various relatives have gone on to unduly inundate our television screens, this is the first we've heard of Swan since his season. I'm definitely interested in seeing how well he can do. He's 45 years old now and still full of muscles.

Jonathan Penner -- This is actually a third shot for him. He was on Cook Islands, finishing sixth. Then he was on Fans vs. Favorites/Micronesia in 2008. It was in the latter season he was hauled away with an infection in a wound on his knee. I'm not as keen on him getting another shot at this as he's already been on two seasons. But, the dude can be entertaining, witty and is intelligent. Thus, I'll allow him to return this season. Yeah, you know it's all up to me. Right? He's 50 now, no spring chicken.

Mike Skupin -- Now, there's a blast from the past! It was eleven years ago in the Australian Outback when Mike passed out in the campfire suffering severe burns and smoke inhalation. It was only Day 17 at that time. He's someone who, without a doubt, deserves another shot at the game. He was also the one who speared a wild pig and drew outcry from so many folks. Nonetheless, I want to see what he does with his second shot at the game. He's 45 now and probably still bears the scars of his last attempt.

*******************************

And then we take the good, the bad and The Facts of Life ...

While I think Jo would be better at roughing it in the woods than Blair, we get Blair. She says that she's been a super fan of the show since its inception. I'm of two minds about her appearance as a castaway. It will be interesting to see a child actor grown up without an arrest record. But, then again, I'm already a bit leery about her being a bit too religious. Mind you, I have nothing against religious folks ... except when they constantly live and breathe religion on competition reality shows. We'll see. She's no school girl any more at 49 years old.

Jeff Kent, retired baseball player

Okay, I don't know him, not at all. I'm not a big team sports follower and only "know" players on local teams such as the Yankees or Mets. But I'm including Jeff Kent here as I'm sure somebody out there would consider him a "familiar face." He's retired, but only 44 years old. I would think that he'd be great at the challenges where they have to throw stuff or bat stuff!

Another thing I like about all five I've listed in this post -- they're not kids! It's great to see that people over 40 do exist.

I know we exist in the real world.

What do you think of these castaways? Like the ones coming back? Have you a clue who the baseball guy is? 
 

Big Brother 14: Live Feeds Friday into Saturday - Sept. 14-15

Ian makes a final two deal

Yep, it's that time of the season. It's time to watch the paint dry in the house. While this season's dynamics are a bit different due to Dan's Mist and his rather radical moves, it's still watching paint dry for the most part. Here's the latest from inside that Big Brother House of Fool Me Once, Shame on You; Fool Me Twice, Shame on Me; Fool Me a Gazillion Times and I'm Just a Simple Fool Tool:

• Just to remind you -- both Ian and Danielle dropped in the endurance, allowing for a Dan win.
• Danielle definitely dropped due to Dan's Mist.
• Dan is taking credit for the Ian drop. But I'm not so sure Ian didn't drop of his own volition thinking he could nail the next two rounds.
• With Danielle, we saw an obvious, albeit incredibly stupid, deal with Dan.
• Oh. And, before you ask ... I have no clue when Part Two of the final HoH will be held. I'm figuring sometime today, but don't know day or evening.
• Okay, back to the house now. 
• BB woke them up early yesterday and then blocked the live feeds with trivia.
• Oh my! A secret game is being played? The HoH comp continues?
• Nope.
• It was a champagne breakfast and, I imagine, reflection on hamsters wished to the cornfield.
• Ian is going hammock cold turkey. He hasn't had backyard access since the day before the live show.
• Thus, he flogs his shoulders with his stuffed snake instead of wild rocking.
• It isn't the same.
• Danielle cried some more after re-reading her HoH letters.
• Dan didn't seem affected.
• Ian seemed genuinely sympathetic and offered her his teddy bear.
• Dan seriously wants to convince (or have Danielle convince) Ian to throw the second part of the HoH comp to Danielle.
• If Ian does that, I'll have to revoke his privileges in the Jackie's Favorite BB Hamsters Club.
• That would, of course, give Ian NO CHANCE WHATSOEVER to win the final HoH.
• I don't think he's misted that much, do you?
• Dan told Ian that he's mad that Danielle is being so "sour" over the Shane move. After once again telling Ian that he wants to be with him at the end, Dan said he'd like to be the one to evict Danielle (as HoH winner).
• Ian said he's sorry, but that's not going to happen.
• In other words, he will not throw the comp to Dan.
• Good.
• Both Dan and Ian think that Frank is probably one of the most bitter jury members ever.
• Y'think?
• Unfortunately, I do think that both Danielle and Ian still believe that Dan will take them (respectively) to the final two.
• I'm thinking he'd go for Danielle over Ian, then tell the jury how he played for both of them and should win.
• With Ian, Dan doesn't have as strong as an argument for the win.
• As he's done all season, Dan will do what's best for Dan.
• Danielle told Ian she'd like to be the one to vote Dan out (as HoH).
• C'mon Ian ... don't fall for either of them. PLAY for the win, don't throw anything. You know better!
• Sorry. I got carried away there for a moment.
• Danielle also told Ian she "carried Dan all season."
• Um. Okay.
• Ian seriously thought he was going to get evicted instead of Shane. Well, yeah ... we could tell by his hyperventilating!
• There were some electrical problems in the house with the refrigerator down, the storage room door not opening, etc.
• Ian thought perhaps a zombie apocalypse had gone down and they were abandoned.
• Oh my ... that would make a good movie ... reality show contestants locked away from the world as the world ends and they don't know it!
• They napped.
• They toilet-papered Ian like a mummy.
• Dan put Ian and Danielle in boxes.
• They napped.
• They argued over whether Britney pushed the reset button.
• They mocked Frank.
• They played odd question games.
• They napped.
• Dan played Robot and did many strange things.
• Danielle asked Ian if Boogie said she was ugly.
• Oh, come on, Danielle. Get some self-esteem. While I'm not a Danielle fan, she (with the exception of being so gullible to Dan's Mist) isn't bad at the game. She can pull off wins. She is pretty -- would be prettier if she'd get rid of those incredibly fake arched eyebrows and stop picking at pimples -- but she is indeed a very pretty young woman. Maybe she should go Jenn's route and stop living for approval from men. I don't know.
• She deep down knows Dan has played her like a fiddle, yet the Mist still works on her.
• Sigh.
• On a side note -- if I were Dan's wife and he ever looked at me quietly with that smile on his face, I'd bonk him over the head with a frying pan.  

They slept (note Ian's ally bear in bed)

They slept some more

They slept even more

Oh noes! The bear and snake have been nominated!