Off Topic: That Was the Week It Was - October 14, 2012

Good Sunday morning to you! As it is Sunday, it's time for my off television topic reflection on the week gone by in both words and photographs I've taken. Lots of photos today, so I hope you have a cup of coffee with you! 

I'm feeling much better this week -- still a bit fatigued, but definitely more myself. After a real dip in the temperatures at week's end, today is supposed to be delightful. My last day off (Wednesday) started out rainy, chilly and grey. The weather turned around by noontime and I ended up having myself one fine day off with my camera at my side.

I had decided to go for a Trader Joe's run in Westfield. And, despite my disappointment over the summer with the algae and neglect in the nearby Mindowaskin Park, I walked over there to see what I could see. As I approached the park, some HUGE bird flew low directly overhead. Yipes! What the heck was that? 

Following my last sighting of where it seemed to go, I found a gorgeous great blue heron. I guess I'm into cheap entertainment, because I watched him for a good hour as he stalked about the low waters, watching and waiting, and then ZOOM ... fish in mouth!

Canada geese, various ducks and a rambunctious squirrel or two made for the most enjoyable, yet quiet, afternoon I've had in a long, long time. The kids were all in school. The park had its walkers -- one woman walked laps around the park for the entire time I was there. A few folks were out with their dogs walking. Some young mothers were there with toddlers. A few people just sat on the benches and read books. It was a perfect day for a walk in the park!

Here's some of the gazillion photos I took -- clicking on an image will open it in a new window, clicking again will make it larger. Just close out that last window to return right here to the blog.

Great blue heron in Westfield

After the rain

This was the result of overnight rains as I walked in Westfield on Wednesday.

Catching the early train

Heading off to work early in the week. Plainfield Train Station.

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

Survivor: Philippines - October 10 Episode Blog Party

Survivor fans ready? I'm kind of wondering how the alpha male bonding between Jeff Kent and Penner is going to go. I can't really see them together in the long run like Richard Hatch and Rudy, can you?

As the show airs here on the East Coast, I'll update this entry with the major happenings. However, as always, the real action is in the comments. Come join in, the pool is fine!

Espionage! Pete set up RC by putting the clue to the idol sticking out of her bag. Chaos ensues. Jeff, Penner and Carter formed an alliance on their tribe. The women know something's up.

Immunity challenge time! Carrying pots of rice on bamboo through an obstacle course, then smashing all six pots. First tribe finishing gets steak and spices. Second gets vegetables, salt and pepper and a pot. Both of the full tribes sit out their women. So it's all men against Malcolm, Denise and Russell.

Tandang won 1st place. Kalabaw won second. Sigh. Matsing loses once again despite a valiant effort. Kalabaw decided to trade their food for a tarp. 

Tribal Council time. No backstabbing this time. Jeff tried to pit them against each other but the worst they could say about Denise is that she's fantastic. 

The tally: Russell, Malcolm, Russell.

He was my pool pick, but that's fine with me. I think Denise is fantastic!

Huh. Russell thinks he was blindsided when he was the weakest link in almost all the challenges. @@

The Amazing Race: October 7 Episode Blog Party

Although I'm getting this post up by 8pm ET, the show isn't scheduled to start here until 8:30pm. Grr.

Once it does start, as it airs I'll be updating this post with the major happenings. However, the real fun is in the comments section. I hope to see you there!

The teams are off to Indonesia! The winner of this leg will receive an Express Pass which allows them to skip a challenge. Once there, they bunch up for 8am bull races. The monster trucker couple took a different flight to get to Indonesia and it backfired on them. All the other teams are awaiting a night before the bull races while they're still in flight.

The bull race actually has the teams on mopeds racing the bulls.

Roadblock: Who likes to party? Operating a bicycle with a party for four children aboard and making balloon animals.

Detour -- Ice by the pound, delivering ice or fish by the barrel, stock and set up a fish stall in the market.

Natalie and Nadiya won first place and the Express Pass.
2. Lexi and Trey
3. Jaymes and James
4. Abbie and Ryan
5. Josh and Trent
6. James and Abba
7. Kaitlin and Britany
8. Rob and Kelly
9. Gary and Will
10. Amy and Daniel -- PHILIMINATED. 

Sigh.

Off Topic: That Was the Week It Was - October 7, 2012

To start things off this morning, how about some action?

The 007 of Plainfield, NJ? Cool. Apparently the John McClane character is from Plainfield, NJ. Bruce Willis is most certainly not. He's a Jersey boy after spending his first few years in Germany. But he's from the northeast corner of the state. McClane wouldn't have been from there! He's definitely more of a Plainfield kind of guy. Mind you, the movie is set in Russia ... not NJ or NYC.

Anyway, it's Sunday morning. Welcome to my weekly off television topic post. I usually reflect on the week gone by in both words and photographs I've taken. I really don't have a heck of a lot to say this week. I've been ill. I'm feeling somewhat better. I worked. I slept. Vincent still thinks I'm his own personal sofa. I guess, without further ado, it's onto the photos I took.

Clicking on an image will open it on a new page, clicking again will make it larger. Then just close out that page to return here!

Waning moon

It's as dark as night when I leave for work most mornings. This is the (slightly) waning moon Monday morning as I walked out the door. I always think photographing the moon is a challenge. Challenge met this time; I got detail!

Carpenter at work

Carpenter BEE, that is! Although almost the size of small flying mice, these bees are quite docile and make for good photo fodder. Bridgewater, NJ

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

Survivor: Philippines - October 3rd Episode Blog Party

Will Lisa, the former child TV star, finally gain her footing in her tribe? Will the "veterans" be targeted? Will Penner's tribe realize the idol indeed was the decorative doohickey on their rice bin?

Ah, burning questions indeed.

As the show airs here on the East Coast, I'll update this post with the major happenings. However, as always, the real fun is reacting to the show in the comments section. Come join in on the fun!

Well, Lisa is teaming up with Pete and Abi against Mike (or so it seems). Jeff figured out that the decorative doohickey on the rice bin was the idol and that Penner probably has it. Matsing has lost their raft.

Immunity Challenge time. Diving for puzzle wheels, solving the puzzle. Reward is a fishing kit and canoe. Second place, a smaller fishing kit. Kalabaw wins first, Tandang second. Matsing has to go to Tribal Council once again. It's mostly due to Russell being inept.

Penner figured out Jeff is leery of him, admitted he had the idol and wants to work with him. Jeff only gave him a four-finger handshake, not a manly one. @@

Abi, of all people, found the hidden idol in their camp. She told her buddy Pete.

TC - Angie voted Russell and vice versa. No surprises there! The tally -- Angie, Russell, Angie, Angie. Oh my. I figured Russell would be the goner.

The Amazing Race: Season Premiere Blog Party

Oh my ... the premiere is even going to be on time-ish. 60 Minutes started here on the East Coast at 7:04 PM. So, a few minutes off. It looks like there are a lot of strong teams in the cast this season. Plus, the winner of the first leg wins TWO million dollars if they win the show. That has happened six times over the previous seasons, so it's a possibility. We'll have to see the first leg to judge whether we want that team winning so much, though. After all, it's OUR show. They're just there for our entertainment!

Margo has finalized the random picks for the blog pool --

                              **Pool Match Ups**

Abbie & Ryan - Donna in AL, Sharon, Rbennie
Amy & Daniel - Auntie Leigh, DKNYNC, ML
Caitlin & Brittany - JOEY, Lars, tlynsta,
Gary & Will - PDXGranny, Buzzmaam, Jackie
James & Mark - Caela, Jennasmom, Sydney, Brian
Jaymes & James - Margo, Becky, Zoetawny
Josh & Brent - Sharon S, MEB, Dusty, Monty924
Natalie & Nadiya - Lynn1, Glenn, Ed in OH
Rob & Kelley - Laurie, JonMd1267, Delee, Nana in NW
Rob & Sheila - Terry in TX, Brent Mckee, ChicMc
Trey & Lexi - SueGee, Merrilee, Donna in FL
 
Very cool -- I have the team Phil called "not normal." I actually like that as long as they don't go out early! They look like a fun team. I'm so not into the drama with some of the teams we have to endure.

As the show airs here, I'll update this entry with the major news. However, the real fun is always in the comments area. Come join us!

The race is starting off in Pasadena, CA. They're heading to China! Now, there's a way to start the race!

Roadblock - Who's ready to get paddled? A table tennis challenge.

Double Roadblock - Who wants to go tubing? Eating the fallopian tubes of frogs, a delicacy. EW.

Yikes, the second four teams (including my pool boys) just arrived when the first are almost through with the second roadblock!

Teams are off (some of them) to the Bund Observatory, the pit stop for the first leg.

Abbie and Ryan are the first team to arrive. If they win, they get the two million.

2. Danny and Amy
3. Caitlin and Brittany
4. Natalie and Nadiya
5. Rob and Kelly
6. James and Abba
7. Josh and Brent
8. Gary and Will
9. Trey and Lexi
10. Jaymes and James (by 15 seconds)
11. Rob and Sheila -- PHILIMINATED 

Off Topic: That Was the Week It Was - Sept. 30, 2012

It's Sunday morning. That means that it's time for my weekly off television topic reflection on the week gone by in both words and photographs I've taken along the way. Tonight will be the big season premiere of The Amazing Race. I will be posting a blog party post for the show and would love to see you there!

Hmm ... my week, eh? Well, it was nothing for the history books of most fantastic times of my life, for sure! I'm still under the weather. However, I did return to work on Thursday. Sure enough, the rain came to join me for my work return. It's held off for the most part for the past few days. But I ended up making sure I had my umbrella with me anyway.

On Tuesday I dropped off my entries for the Plainfield Library Photo Contest. It was also my first time in the library since they remodeled and reopened a few weeks back. Wow. I'm impressed with the changes! It's definitely a change from the libraries I grew up loving. Heck, all they had were books! I really enjoy the staff working there, as well. Good people, some fantastic artwork, BOOKS and more. If I lived next door, I might just develop an addiction.

I think I'm just going to head into random notes of the week or my observations. Yeah, I know it's cheating, but ...!

• There is an elderly man on my street who has a motorized wheelchair. He has a boom box on his wheelchair. He plays Jamaican music. It's like it's coming over a PA system. He needs to stop.
• Then again, there are also those fools who feel they need to use their cellphones as mini-boom boxes. It's all tinny and annoying. They need to stop, too.
• Sure, just as I was walking up to my building, I hear a voice shout, "Do you need a ride?" I turn around and it's a police car. It was one of the narcotic detectives, albeit it in uniform and on patrol. He's a good guy I know from the bus stop downtown. I told him I lived here.
• I guess it's good that the narcotics/gangs cops "know" me, but haven't a clue where I live.
• Not that it would matter if they did. I lead the ultimate in boring well-behaved lives these days. My drugs of choice are ibuprofen and caffeine. My only "gangs" I might belong to are fellow local bloggers and folks who say hello on the streets.
• The school year has resulted in more school kids on the morning train. Their conversations SO differ from when I was in high school. Three boys were talking about how many lives they had gone through and how to get a special weapon to get to the next level.
• We talked about rock concerts at Saratoga and anti-war protests.
• Vincent the Cat is now addicted to Temptations cat treats. It's my fault. I'm an enabler.

Onto the photos for the week. Clicking on an image will open it larger in a new window, clicking again will make it even larger. To return to the blog, just close the Photobucket window.

Late season bee

I'm really not liking the yellow jackets who have started to bumble around bumping into me. They can be aggressive. But the bumblebees themselves are always laid back and good photo fodder. East Front Street, Plainfield.

Uh-oh, walking upright!

If they get opposable thumbs, we needn't fear a takeover from birds anymore. It will be squirrels overthrowing mankind. East Front Street.

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

The Amazing Race: Phil Keoghan's Season Breakdown

So ... have you signed up for the pool yet? Margo hasn't announced a cut-off time unless I've missed it. I think midnight tonight (Saturday, Eastern time zone) should be the latest you can sign up. That would be fair, I believe. Of course, if Margo has indeed indicated a cut-off earlier than that and I missed it ... oops and she's the Pool Boss!

The season premiere is tomorrow night at 8 PM ET or after 60 Minutes, whichever comes last. (Sigh.) I really hate that so many of my favorite shows are on Sunday evenings with a haphazard schedule due to sports coverage. I seriously think that they'd be better off scheduling sports to end at 8 PM and cutting out one primetime show. Ah, but that might lose them some revenue, huh?

Anyway ... I'm including Phil's breakdown of the teams we'll be watching this season. I so agree with him about those teams who claim they want to test their relationships. I mean, are they serious? Under super pressure when the best of friends might crack, silly folks want to test themselves. Okay. Go for it, fools!

I'm taking an immediate liking to several of the teams just based on the videos I've seen at this point. But I'm going to need to see them in action to really judge them. How about you? Do you have an early favorites? 

Survivor: Philippines - Jeff Kent Wants Penner Gone

I know blog reader Petals isn't going to like this, but I have to agree with Jeff Kent. He wants Penner out first from his tribe. His reasoning? This is Jonathan Penner's third attempt at a win! While he was medically evacuated the last time, that's not the story of his first shot on the show. In that season, he was voted out.

Kent's reasoning is solid. Not only has Penner had the chance before and it would be nice for a new castaway to win, but they don't really need Penner. He helped them set up the camp and there honestly isn't much else he can help them with at this point. It's not like Penner is a challenge winning hero or anything. We know Penner has the idol, Kent merely suspects it. If they can blindside him, all the less of a chance of it being used. 

 

As long as they don't throw a challenge in order to take him down, I'm for them getting Penner gone. How about you?

Survivor: Philippines - Sept. 26 Episode Blog Party

Well, last week they did seem to get the most foolish person off the island. I mean, c'mon ... what kind of strategy is it to tell everyone to vote you off unless you're Dr. Will on Big Brother? Hopefully, this week my blog pool dude, Russell, will improve his social game some. If not, I fear he won't last long.

A non-related note: If you want in on The Amazing Race blog pool, please stop by this post and get your name added in!

The show will be starting in a few minutes here. As it airs, I'll update this post with the major events. However, as always, the real fun is in the comments area. Come join in cahoots with us!

Survivor fans ready?

The blog pool picks are as follows:

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 VOTED OUT
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

*********************************** 

RC found the idol clue and Abi caught her, so they're "in it" together.

Penner found the idol in his camp.

Lisa feels alienated.

Immunity Challenge time, reward included -- blankets, pillow and tarp for first. Tarp for second. Tribal Council for third. They're dragging heavy sleds of puzzle pieces across a dirt field. Three puzzles.

Tandang wins first place, Kalabaw second. Matsing to Tribal Council ... again.

Angie is targeted because she's been cuddling Malcolm. Roxy is trouble. So, who will go home?

The vote tally: Roxy, Angie, Roxy, Roxy ... is OUT! Her mouth did her in. 

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!   

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.

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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.