Off Topic: That Was the Week It Was - September 23, 2012

Good morning. It's Sunday morning, so that means it's time for my weekly off television topic reflection on the week gone by in both words and photos I've taken along the way.

Since my last off topic post, unfortunately I have been quite ill. Last Sunday night, I awoke to a high fever, chills and various aches and pains. It only got worse. On Tuesday, I went to the doctor who decided blood tests were in order to determine what's wrong. It's all due to a mosquito. Grr. I'm not naming the illness here as I don't want a gazillion whackos finding this post in a search. However, it's the "fever" version rather than the "virus" version. I do have a list of symptoms to watch for which, if they happen, would necessitate a trip to the hospital. 

At this point, I don't think that will happen. I'm still running a low-grade fever and still feel all kinds of fatigued. My appetite is slowly returning. I've arranged to be off from work until Thursday in hopes that I'll be more chipper then. Well, as chipper as I get, anyhow.

As a result of going to work only one day this past week and staying in bed for most of said week, my photos are a bit lacking. I did go out yesterday for a run to CVS in Scotch Plains to pick up my photos for the Plainfield Library Photo Competition as the deadline is looming ahead. My printer here at home always wants to print photos off center and, with ordering them online at CVS, it's a snap! 

While in Scotch Plains, I stopped by their Farmers Market. Oh my! I rarely make it to Farmers Markets as the one here in Plainfield is on weekdays I work and the others (Scotch Plains, Westfield, Bound Brook) are all on Saturdays, another regular workday for me. I have been to the Plainfield one before. It's nice, but quite small. Going to the one in Scotch Plains gave me a different perspective. There were several farms involved and the market took up the entire municipal parking lot.

I didn't buy a lot as I didn't feel like carrying a lot on the bus on the way home. They had green peppers three for a dollar -- sure, they were small, but I don't plan on making stuffed peppers with them. I took peppers right off my latest Peapod list when I got home. I also picked up some very nice cucumbers at two for a dollar. And, best of all, I bought some apple cider doughnuts. I have a craving for them every fall and rarely see them in stores around here. I really should have bought some small gourds for the window.

And, thankfully ... it is autumn. After some storms passed through late last night, we have beautiful autumn weather on the schedule this week. Hopefully I'll feel better enough during my scheduled time off to spend some time outside.

Onto the photos -- clicking on an image will open it in a new window, clicking again will make it larger. To get back here, just close the new window.   

Its days are numbered

The blossom on this weed is still holding up, but its leaves are in a sad state.

The itsy-bitsy spider in its itsy-bitsy web

I have some sad news. The one day I went to work, I noticed that Venus the Spider was gone. Her web is in tatters and she's nowhere about. However, I saw that these tiny spiders -- this web is only about two inches wide -- have taken up residence in the poison ivy by the Bridgewater Train Station. This particular web was shining in the sunlight and caught my attention.

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

The Amazing Race Cast Video ... and Pool?

The new season of The Amazing Race makes its debut Sunday evening, September 30 at 8 PM ET (sports permitting, of course). The Amazing Margo has offered to host the blog pool if folks are interested. Will YOU be watching? Do you want in on a pool? In the days ahead, I'll be delving more into the cast. But, here's the Phil intro for now ...

 

Big Brother 14: The Interview Aftermath

What? I looked totally DUMB all summer? Thanks, DAN!

Alas, I can't post the live feeds backyard interviews. We got another super open-mouthed gape from Danielle when Missie told her that Dan told Shane that Danielle was playing him (Shane) all summer as Shane got evicted. Last night, Danielle's love affair with Dan came crashing all about her. She told all the interviewers she sees a future with Shane.

Meanwhile, the live feeds interview with Shane saw a man who went on about being broke, jobless, maybe homeless after wasting a whole summer. He said the long distance relationship has no future. On the other hand, I really liked Mike Boogie's backyard (live feeds) interview -- he's so happy with Ian he could bust. It's good to see another side of Boogie. He's actually human. Go figure!

On The Talk, Ian showed his before season plan was exactly how everything went down ...

Hit the 'Read More' link for more Jeff backyard interviews as well as reliving the jury grilling and final speeches. I have too many videos on the main page and it's slowing the loading. But, there are more ... trust me!

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!