Off Topic: That Was the Week It Was - January 17, 2016

Good morning! Yes, it's Sunday morning -- time for my weekly off television topic reflection of the week gone by in both words and photos I've taken along the way. I swear I'll get back to posting about television soon! I promise!

Here are some random observations from this past week:

• I was saddened to hear on Monday morning that David Bowie had passed away on Sunday last week. I had just quoted one of his songs in last week's photo post not knowing he was even in ill health. A true innovator and such a talent ... he will be missed.
• My upstairs neighbor now seems to have a new girlfriend living up there and a new stereo as well. Lots of thumping around, arguments and loud music. One night as they were fighting late into the night and I contemplated calling the police, someone beat me to it and the police came. It's so much better (and quieter) when people live alone! Sigh.
• Our winter weather here remains very weird. We've only had snow flurries and it's past mid-January now. We'll have record-setting warm temperatures followed by cold snaps. Even the cold hasn't been as cold as it could be! All the precipitation has been coming during the warm periods, so we've had plenty of rain. Mind you, I'm not complaining. I could do without ice and snow for a season. Small children will have the opportunity to see snow in their lifetimes. My wish isn't to deprive them permanently of such. Just one winter. That's all I want.
• That said, it does limit my photo fodder when most of the trees are barren and there are no flowers nor bugs to shoot.
• I've a few short weeks (four days, not five) ahead at work. Yay! This coming week I'm taking a paid day off mid-week and next week I have a vacation day to start off my staycation the following week. Yay! It's not as good as retirement because I won the Powerball, but I'll take it.
• Yes, I played the Powerball. I lost four dollars doing it. But, when I bought the tickets I didn't spend any more than I minded losing. Heck, I could have gone higher. However, I'm rarely lucky at winning stuff. I'm not much of a gambler at all. I probably spend a whole ten dollars a year on lottery. I was never into casinos or betting. At least, by working I'm guaranteed a paycheck! My 401K is the most "gambling" I do and I let other people do that for me.

Onto this week's photos. Clicking on an image will bring it up in a larger gallery version.

Y'know ... we need new bulbs

NJ Transit's haphazard maintenance at the Plainfield Train Station is ruining the possibility of symmetry and balance if I want to take shots of the rows of lamps on the platforms. Yet the ne'er-do-wells and denizens of the streets have found access to power outlets enabling them to loiter more at the station. 

Saturday night's moon

Yep, I shot the moon. It's been mostly overcast as of late when I've been out in the dark. At least clear skies give me the challenge of moon shot with my carry around point and shoot digital camera.

Every step you take, every move you make ...

... I'll be watching you. I got out of work in the daylight for the first time in ages. As I got to the top of the stairs at the Bridgewater Train Station I had that uncomfortable feeling that someone was watching me. Sure enough, I looked at the fence and there were three deer, two of them intent on watching me.

I believe they're the same ones I've photographed before. They're quite curious about either me or the camera, not sure which. They don't seem to have fear of humans as much as they have curiosity about us. They're in the "field of geese" -- a fenced-in field at the Superfund toxic waste site adjacent to the train station. There is no hunting, nor trespassing, allowed in that area. They don't have much to fear from humans at all. They hopefully have a healthy fear of fireworks, cars and trains. Oh ... and geese. I've seen the geese charge at them. More deer shots (and closer ones) after the jump.

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

Off Topic: That Was the Week It Was - January 10, 2016

Good morning! It's Sunday morning once again -- time for my weekly off television topic reflection on the week gone by in both words and photographs I've taken along the way. I really don't have all that much for you this week.

It's the after-holidays doldrums. We haven't any snow as of yet. So I don't have a heck of a lot of photo fodder. It's dark when I get out of work. We actually had a few days of bitter cold this week after record warmth bookends. (Today is a record setting day with the high expected to be 60 degrees or more, but pouring rain most of the day.) I'd rather not have snow just because life is easier without it. But, photo-wise, snow would give me some inspiration.

Okay, it can snow for me to take photos. But then it must go away overnight. How's that?

Thankfully many television shows are back to first-run episodes this past week. I've been watching the start of American Idol which I'll stop following once Survivor arrives. New episodes of Blue Bloods, Elementary, The Big Bang Theory and more kept me occupied this week. Plus, I got in some books ordered from amazon.com -- Stephen King's Bazaar of Bad Dreams and Brooklyn Noir short story anthologies. So, hey ... I'm set to be snowed in if need be!

Then the snow can go away.

Heh.

Oh ... I've also been watching some OLD shows. Antenna TV on cable now has The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson original episodes airing at 11pm weekdays. Way cool time warp going on with that! Now, I just wish they'd pick up the old Letterman NBC shows from the 80s when he was in his wild and crazy late night guy days.

Hmm. I do have plenty of soup here, lots of stuff to read and watch, bubble baths and bath salts (not the drug kind, the BATH kind!). Y'know, I wouldn't mind being snowed in for a few days. But then it would need to go away. I hate walking (or riding or driving) on ice and snow. My next staycation is at the end of the month. I guess I'll just look forward to that. I don't really WANT winter. I just like being stuck at home, I guess.

I've rambled on enough. Onto the photos (or lack thereof) for the week. Clicking on an image will bring it up in a larger gallery version. I hope you all have a good week!

What if the Hokey-Pokey is what it's all about?

Fashion

"We are the goon squad and we're coming to town. Beep-beep." - David Bowie, 'Fashion' -- as seen on Watchung Avenue in Plainfield.

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

Off Topic: That Was the Week It Was - January 3, 2016

Good morning! I hope 2016 brings everyone happy and prosperous days ahead! Of course, I also hope it brings us some entertaining television seasons. Since today is Sunday, this is my weekly (except last week) off television topic reflection on the week gone by in both words and photos I've taken along the way.

My apologies for the lack of posts lately and for even missing the photo post last week. The holidays aren't a great time for me on a personal level, my workplace gets overwhelming and I've been running on empty. It all ends up with a lack of inspiration to do much other than sleep in what little free time I have on hand.

Well, this week I did end up watching the huge The Walking Dead marathon instead of sleeping during my off work hours. It lasted for days! Eek. I really should have slept instead! What do the kids say? Oh, I'll sleep when I'm undead. Heh.

Although we're in for a chilly week ahead, we had the warmest December on record. I have no real complaints about that. Even this week's chill isn't deep freeze surrounded by ice and snow. I don't really mind the cold weather; it's the dangerous walking and driving on icy/snowy streets and sidewalks. My heat for my apartment is included in the rent. My electricity is not included. Thus, the air conditioning season brings about higher bills for me than the heating season.

That's about all I have for you. You'll probably note the lack of real inspiring photo fodder in the photos below. But, hey ... I showed up this week!

Clicking on an image will bring it up in a larger version.

Looks almost like buds on the tree

But things haven't gotten quite that crazy. It's actually grey clouds and fog lifting and the angle of the morning sun. Photo taken in my 'hood. But that's not my castle. It's not a castle at all. It's a church.

Plainfield Train Station

My last train ride home in 2015. 

Winter dandelion

This weather's been unbelievable. Despite a dip in temperatures, dandelions continue to grow.

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

Happy New Year!

I hope everyone has a happy and prosperous New Year!

May 2016 give us some great television watching times!

Taking a Photo Week Off

I'm taking this week off from the photo post. I took this shot at Rockefeller Center in Manhattan (near the tree) back in 2011. Unfortunately, this past week hasn't been photo-productive and yet has been totally exhausting for me.

I hope everyone is having a great holiday season! 

Merry Christmas!

I hope everybody is having a wonderful holiday!

Off Topic: That Was the Week It Was - December 20, 2015

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

Unfortunately, I'm a bit under the weather (which was very warm until the last few days) and seem to have caught the stomach bug going around at my workplace. I don't have a ton of photos for you, but here we go:

Clicking on an image will bring up a larger image in a gallery ...

Watchung Avenue on a rainy evening

I miss the wreaths, but the huge lighted snowflakes are festive when they light up and don't have gaps in working bulbs.

Close-up of a flake

Not all are working

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

Survivor: Cambodia, Second Chance - Season Finale Blog Party

Good evening! As the show airs here on the East Coast, I'll update this entry with the major happenings. Refresh the page to get the latest! As always, the real party is in the comments area -- come join in on the fun!

I hope you brought plenty of beverages and snacks! It's going to be three hours, four Tribal Councils and a reunion show! Thankfully, Abi-Maria is NOT among the crowd left going into the finale tonight. Phew!

Here's the latest blog pool update from the Lovable Lifeguard Laurie:

Jeremy Collins - Brian, meb, Nickelpeed
Keith Nale - Tammy, gaylos, Margo
Kelley Wentworth - monty 924, Grandi, RENOthunder
Kimmi Kappenberg - Glenn, Nana in the NW, Rbennie
Spencer Bledsoe - Ellen vdW, Nancerella, Terry is a Texan
Tasha Fox - Donna in AL, Jennamom, Stephanie in Baltimore

Jury
Kass McQuillen - Donna NY, Marlo, Petals
Andrew Savage - Jennasmom, JoyzJenn, Silk
Kelly Wiglesworth - ML, Sharon N, Indiana Jane
Ciera Eastin - chrob61, Jackie, Russ
Stephen Fishbach - Brenda, Matt, Rochelle
Joe Anglim - Delee, Mother Guru, PDX Granny
Abi-Maria Gomes - Nobody is stuck with her!

Survivor fans ready?

Kimmi, thinking she's low man on the totem pole with her own alliance, wants to flip the game and join Keith and Kelley in a scheme to blindside her allies. Hmm.

It's straight to the first Immunity Challenge -- racing to collect puzzle steps, get to the top and solve a slide puzzle. Every challenge from now on will be fresh to this season, no second chance repeat challenges. The stairs they have to assemble have holes in them which will only fit one step. Spencer is the first working on the slide puzzle. Tasha and Kimmi are trailing behind.

Spencer wins Immunity!  

Tasha wants Keith or Kelley gone. She thinks that Kimmi is still with them. Kimmi tells Keith that they'll blindside Jeremy. Spencer is suspicious of Kimmi getting close to the other two.

The four agree to split the vote in case there's an idol. That's Kimmi with Jeremy, Tasha and Spencer. Both Spencer and Tasha distrust Kimmi. Jeremy is way too trusting! Uh-oh. This could be interesting!

Tribal Council time. 

Spencer says that he, Jeremy and Tasha are voting three strong. He left Kimmi out. Keith promises a showdown.  

The tally - Kelley plays her idol because she doesn't trust anybody! Good move, I'd say.

The tally --
Wait ... Jeremy plays his idol, too!

The tally --
Kelley, Jeremy, Kelley, Jeremy, Kelley, Jeremy.

No votes count! I'd say they need to go to Rock, Paper, Scissors, Lizard, Spock!

No, it's a revote -- they can only vote for Tasha, Keith or Kimmi. 

Heh, Jeremy finger-wagged at Kimmi much like Alicia did in her season! 

The tally --
Tasha, Kimmi, Tasha, Kimmi, Tasha, Kimmi.

It's a tie. No revote as they claim they're good with their votes. Everyone must come up with an unanimous decision on who goes home. If they can't decide, Keith will go. What? Keith says he'll go? Yikes! Kelley wants him to stay. Kimmi is unanimously voted out.

Time for Immunity once again. Race through a giant obstacle course gathering six bags of puzzle pieces, solve puzzle. 

Kelley is in the lead, Spencer is running last.  Whoops ... he passes Tasha! Kelley and Keith are leading. Spencer is sucking at this. Kelley Wentworth wins Immunity! Keith is sure it seals his doom in the game.

Kelley makes a fake idol for Keith to hopefully keep him in the game. Jeremy is very worried that one of them will use an idol and go after him. (Exactly what they want him to think!) 

Jeremy hinted to Keith that he and Kelley should vote for Spencer to go. 

Tribal Council time once again. Keith hints that he has an idol.

The tally:
Spencer, Keith, Spencer, Keith, Keith.

It didn't work. Keith is out.  

Final Immunity Challenge -- One hand tied behind back, drop a ball down a chute which is like a roller coaster and catch it. After a while, another ball added. Then another. Gates in the chute will open to divert balls to trhow them off. They're up to four balls and Kelley is the first out. Tasha out. Spencer out!

Jeremy wins his first individual Immunity Challenge ... and cries. Kelley cries too, but mainly because she probably just lost her chance at the million.

Will Jeremy turn on either Spencer or Tasha to improve his own chances of winning? Hmm. 

Tribal Council time. Yeah, again. Whoa! Spencer says that if they decide to take Kelley to the final three, she would win and he'd vote for her. Spencer is really laying it on thick. That alone might do him in.

The tally:
Spencer, Kelley, Kelley, Kelley

She fought hard and played a good game. But it's a final three of Tasha, Jeremy and Spencer.  

Final Tribal --

Savage up first, talks about honesty. Calls Spencer out on his arrogance against Jeremy, almost threatening him at the last tribal. Spencer doesn't regret the move, but does regret his presentation. He calls Jeremy out on his arrogance about Kimmi. He claims it's because she hurt his feelings.

Stephen -- Jeremy, trust, honor and integrity. Tasha did Jeremy's dirty work? No one dictates anything to her! Spencer, willing to betray people? Didn't really have relationships, had to do what I had to do.

Ciera -- Flippers rarely make it to the end. This season voting blocks which require flipping. Why should it be rewarded? Jeremy thinks it was the blocks moving not individuals. Tasha said it was due to the tribe swithes. Spencer said he had to take advantage of blurred lines to move forward.

Keith -- Being humble. Jeremy, convince me that Spencer should win. If you do, then I'll vote for you. Spencer had to do the same thing.

Abi -- She has notes. What was your subtle move that got you here. Tasha said working with Spencer. Spencer said Joe because they were both in the middle and he had to shift distrust. Jeremy said he hunted for idols and saved Stephen.

Kimmi - Spencer, you were a bully at tribal. Jeremy, what happened to our alliance -- you, me and Tasha?   

Joe -- My vote is open tonight. Tasha, game within a game. What did you do other than work under Jeremy? 

Wiglesworth -- Pick a number between one and ten. Jer, 2, Tasha 3, Spencer 4

Kass -- You played like Chaos Kass (to Spencer). He believes he's changed. 

Kelley -- Still processing, wanted to play as an individual. Tasha, build and maintain relationships. Spencer teetering between his past and present, working on his people skills. Jeremy is here for Val and his children, all for them. (Plays the pregnant wife card.)     

Time to vote ...

And it's off to Los Angeles! No jetski. 

Jeremy, Jeremy, Jeremy, Jeremy, Jeremy, Jeremy 

Jeremy wins! No surprise there. He played the game well AND had the family angle.  All ten votes were for him.

Next season, number 32 ... the cast is introduced. Sigh, it's Caleb. Most punishing season in Survivor history. Looks like lots of medical issues. Brain vs. Brawn vs. Beauty.