Survivor: Cambodia, Second Chance - October 14 Blog Party

I hope you all brought snacks and tasty beverages! 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!

Lifeguard Laurie's Pool Update:
Bayon -
Spencer Bledsoe - Ellen vdW, Nancerella, Terry is a Texan
Kimmi Kappenberg - Glenn, Nana in the NW, Rbennie
Stephen Fishbach - Brenda, Matt, Rochelle
Monica Padilla - ChicMC, Kelsey, sanra
Jeremy Collins - Brian, meb, Nickelpeed
Kelly Wiglesworth - ML, Sharon N, Indiana Jane

Angkor -
Woo Hwang - Ed in Ohio, LafayetteLisanne, Laurie
Andrew Savage - Jennasmom, JoyzJenn, Silk
Tasha Fox - Donna in AL, Jennamom, Stephanie in Baltimore
Abi-Maria Gomes - No body is stuck with her!
Jeff Varner - Donna in FL, Linda in MA, SueGee

Takeo -
Ciera Eastin - chrob61, Jackie, Russ
Joe Anglim - Delee, Mother Guru, PDX Granny
Kass McQuillen - Donna NY, Marlo, Petals
Keith Nale - Tammy, gaylos, Margo
Kelley Wentworth - monty 924, Grandi, RENOthunder
Terry Deitz - Anonymouse, Merrilee, ORKMommy

Out
Vytas Baskauskas
Shirin Oskooi - Cheryl in NC, Kelly D, Sharon C
Peih-Gee Law - Becky, David, Joanie

Survivor fans ready?

Jeff is thrilled he didn't get one vote, but now he feels indebted to them for keeping him. Sasha is working a movement against him behind his back, though. Abi-Maria wants to target Woo because he's voted for her twice. Savage thinks Abi is unpredictable. Y'think?

Jeremy is happy to have his idol and claims he won't tell anyone about it. Let's see if he keeps with that.

Angkor is lamenting on their camp (or lack thereof) -- no resources, no real shelter, nothing.

It's Reward Challenge time. They have to race out running/swimming, retrieve bags, then launch them into a net by jumping on a plank. The Reward is a BBQ set, the next tribe winning a smaller set. They choose who has to run for the bags. Savage wins it for Angkor! Dietz wins second place for Takeo.

It does look like Takeo is living in the lap of luxury, resting in their hammocks. Kass read 'How to Win Friends and Influence People' thinking it would help her do better this season. Meanwhile, some don't trust her when she's merely making a birthday gift for someone else.

On Bayon, Spencer is throwing Kelly Wiglesworth under the bus to make himself more in with the others. Those two are the only two from their tribe on the new tribe.

Immunity is up for grabs again! Blindfolded with one tribe person calling out commands for them collect puzzle pieces. Bayon wins Immunity! Takeo wins Immunity! It's back to Tribal Council for Angkor for the second time in a row.

Tasha is still working her agenda to get Jeff Varner out. Jeff thinks he might have Abi's support. Woo is trying to get back in Abi's good graces. Hmm. Oh my gosh ... everyone is catering to Abi's whims ... including Tasha! Heck, they should just all vote Abi out!

TC has Woo and Varner vying against each other for the stay. Woo has the physical side while Varner has the loyalty edge.

The tally --
Jeff, Woo, Jeff, Jeff.

Jeff Varner is out.

Off Topic: That Was the Week It Was - October 11, 2015

Good Sunday morning to y'all! I hope all is well with you. Welcome to my weekly off television topic reflection on the week gone by in both words and photos I've taken along the way. Remember -- on Wednesdays and Fridays at 8pm ET, I post live updates on Survivor and The Amazing Race respectively. If you watch the show(s), this blog is the place to comment on them with fellow show fans! It's really a great bunch of folks and the internet trolls have learned their comments are deleted practically as they post them. If you're looking for a fun place to discuss either show, please feel free to stop by one of the blog parties ... and bring snacks!

Because I have a lot to say in the photo paragraphs, it's random notes in this beginning of the post:

• I'm ready to welcome back The Walking Dead tonight and Fargo tomorrow. Well, the latter I'll watch on Tuesday. 
• I obviously have problems staying totally television topic free in these posts, huh?
• Although this time of year is my favorite weather of all, I'm dismayed by the shortening of the daylight hours. It's staying dark so long in the mornings and the sun is setting way too early in the evening. Wah.
• Now I remember how the extended power outage in Sandy taught me to make the most of the hours during which there is daylight.
• Someone stole my Sunday newspaper today or it wasn't delivered. That hasn't happened in months now. I'm assuming stolen rather than not delivered. We have new tenants in the front of the building. I guess I have to start going out for my paper before 6am once again to keep it from being stolen. Sigh. Wah. I'm usually awake at that hour, but not really wanting to throw clothes on and go downstairs and to the front of the building.
• If I ever saw the actual newspaper delivery guy, I'd see if I could get him to toss it up on my fire escape. Then I wouldn't have to get dressed to go get it and no one could steal it! With my luck he'd throw it up on the neighbor's fire escape.
• I've noticed the Super Mario (not the game, the superintendent) has been working seven days a week lately rehabbing some apartments as people move out. My wing remains the same with long-term tenants, but the front apartments have a higher turnover. I saw a boxed new toilet in the elevator. I want one!
• I was fighting the virus that seems to be going around well into the week this past week. I think my immunity to such things seems to be decreasing as I get older.
• I don't know my own strength -- I broke my floor mop this past week. Truth to be told, it was a cheap one I've had for years, but it could have waited until I was on my last mop stroke, couldn't it? The mop stick just broke in two. Eep! I'm just so darn strong!
• Work remains work. Four more days and one worry will be out of my life. Mind you, I still have to work and the damage is already done. But things should improve some.
• But I'd still rather retire from there and do something I enjoy doing instead. It's just that the latter doesn't keep the roof over my head and give me health insurance for $25 a week!
• It's a beautiful day out there today. Maybe I'll walk downtown and buy me a new cheap floor mop!

Onto the photos -- more stories than artistic endeavors this week, but that's how it sometimes goes. Clicking on an image will open it in a larger version.

It's time for the mums!

As the flowers of summer fade into the past, planters with mums emerge on Berckman Street in Plainfield.

Been on the right track ...

... must have been the wrong train. I've been in the right place, must have been the wrong time. Ack! All the promos for the new season of Fargo have got Dr. John's 70s hit stuck in my head! I'm looking forward to the show's return tomorrow night. In this photo, I was on the right track and that is the wrong train. I'd rather take that train and skip work, though!

Assembling bridge faces

For months we've been rotating between shutdowns of the railroad bridges on either side of the Plainfield Train Station. If Park Avenue is open, then Watchung Avenue is closed. And, then vice versa. Now they have all of Gavett Place (all short block of it!) closed and they're assembling the bridge "faces" which will supposedly be set in place without huge shutdowns of the streets. We'll see how that goes. I swear more construction -- streets, gutters, underground stuff, curb cuts, sidewalk sections and buildings, too -- has gone down in the past six months than I've seen in the past three years.

Stop, drop and roll!

While it's easy for us to remember the saying, I'd be willing to bet most people on fire aren't quite thinking of it. Then it's up to us to knock 'em down and cover. I think most people on fire probably run in panic. Not that I've seen all that many people on fire, mind you. But I do know it's instinct. I watched them set up yesterday's annual Plainfield Fire Department's Fire Prevention and Safety Fair yesterday as I waited train. More shots of the set-up phase follow the jump.

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

The Amazing Race 27: October 9 Blog Party

I see you remembered the show is on tonight! I'm expecting a light turn-out as a few of our regulars can't make it tonight. Darn that Friday night time slot!

As the show airs here tonight, I'll be updating this entry with the major happenings. Refresh the page to get the latest news! As always, the real party is in the comments area. Come join in on the fun!

The latest blog pool update as per The Marvelous Margo --

Cindy and Rick #ChacAttack - Donna in AL, Donna in FL, Jennasmom, Sharon N
Denise and James Earl #TeamAlabama - Becky, Ginniejulie, ORKMommy, Willie J
Ernest and Jin #TheDancers - Glenn, Marlo, Nancerella, Russ
Jazmine and Danielle #TheTrackStars - Joanie, LafayetteLisanne, Margo, Merrilee
Justin and Diana #TheGreenTeam - Chauncey, Cherry Pie, Monty924, Nickelpeed
Kelsey and Joey #TheReporters - beachmom, ChicMc, David, Grandi in MD,
Logan and Chris #ThePaparazzi - Delee, PDX Granny, Rbennie, SueGee
Tanner and Josh #TeamTexas - Buzzmaam, chrob61, meb, ML
Tiffany and Krista #TheCheerleaders - Brenda, Brian, Cheryl in NC, Ed in OH, Nana in NW

Philiminated
TMZ girls (not in pool)
Adam and Alex #TheCousins -Anonymouse, DKNYNC, Jackie, Kelsey, Sharon C

Ready? Let's GO! 

Teams are headed to rural town in Argentina. Josh and Tanner have the added problem of Tanner's injured hamstring. Or is it Josh's injured hamstring? One or the other! 

Josh and Tanner keep up their campaign against Justin and Diana. Now they're promising the unused Express Pass (after they use one) to whatever team U-Turns them. 

Roadblock: Gaucho Grill. Who is smoking hot? Hanging racks of beef to be flame-grilled. It looks like street fair food I see in NYC! 

Oh. It's Josh's injured hamstring. Thanks to Tanner calling him by name. 

Josh and Tanner are done first. The dancers are the only ones not at the Roadblock yet. Joey and Kelsey through. Justin's cockiness has cost him. Chacattack passed them. Justin finally made it through the Roadblock.

Detour: Horse or Carriage. Polo or detail a carriage. Both entail delivering their horse or horse and carriage to get their next clue. The polo horses they have to dress are fake.

Uh-oh -- everyone is through with the Roadblock and Ernest and Jin haven't gotten there yet! ChacAttack has to go back because they didn't read their clue and they need to retrieve a buggy whip.

Whoa! The dancers got the meat done on the first try! Will they have a chance? (I like them.)

Teams seem to be getting lost on the way to the Pit Stop.

Pit Stop:
1. Tanner and Josh - won a trip to Cambodia
2. Justin and Diana
Phil warns of a Double U-Turn as he knows the two teams are in contention.  
3. Kelsey and Joey 
4. Jazmine and Danielle
5. Denise and James Earl -- 30 minute penalty because Denise shouted out what James needed to do in Roadblock. 

Tiffany and Krista forgot the whip to their carriage and have to go back for it. 

5. Logan and Chris take over the spot.
6. Denise and James Earl 
7. Cindy and Rick
8. Tiffany and Krista
9, Ernest and Jin -- Philiminated. (Sigh.)

Survivor: Cambodia, Second Chance - October 7 Blog Party

Survivor fans ready? 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!

To remind folks, Lifeguard Laurie has made the random picks for the blog pool and here they are:

Bayon Tribe
Andrew Savage - Jennasmom, JoyzJenn, Silk
Ciera Eastin - chrob61, Jackie, Russ
Jeremy Collins - Brian, meb, Nickelpeed
Joe Anglim - Delee, Mother Guru, PDX Granny
Kass McQuillen - Donna NY, Marlo, Petals
Keith Nale - Tammy, gaylos, Margo
Kimmi Kappenberg - Glenn, Nana in the NW, Rbennie
Monica Padilla - ChicMC, Kelsey, sanra
Stephen Fishbach - Brenda, Matt, Rochelle
Tasha Fox - Donna in AL, Jennamom, Stephanie in Baltimore

Takeo Tribe 
Abi-Maria Gomes - Nobody is stuck with her!
Jeff Varner - Donna in FL, Linda in MA, SueGee
Kelley Wentworth - monty 924, Grandi, RENOthunder
Kelly Wiglesworth - ML, Sharon N, Indiana Jane
Peih-Gee Law - Becky, David, Joanie,
Spencer Bledsoe - Ellen vdW, Nancerella, Terry is a Texan
Terry Deitz - Anonymouse, Merrilee, ORKMommy
Woo Hwang - Ed in Ohio, LafayetteLisanne, Laurie

Out
Vytas Baskauskas 
Shirin Oskooi - Cheryl in NC, Kelly D, Sharon C

Tonight we'll see them break into three tribes and witness how that shakes 'em up. Woot woot! 

Spencer tries to work himself back into the good graces of his tribe while Terry Dietz might be just a bit too smug.

Uh-oh. Right to a Jeff. Drop your buffs. Switching tribes -- two tribes to three tribes. Three tribes of six, one has to build a new camp and all. They each select a box which, upon direction from Jeff, they open to find buffs.

Bayon - Spencer, Kimmi, Stephen Fishbach, Monica, Jeremy, Kelly Wiglesworth.

Angkor - Woo, Savage, Tasha, Abi, Jeff Varner, Peih-Gee 

Takeo - Cier, Joe, Kass, Keith, Kelley Wentworth and Terry Deitz.

For the most part, many are happy with the switch-up. We'll see how long that lasts!

Heh. Spencer is trying something new with this new tribe -- he's trying to show feelings and form bonds. He opens up to Jeremy, a good choice.

Tasha thinks the friction between Abi and Peih-gee will work in her favor. She works on Abi. She also plays up to Varner and Savage. Savage is a bit leery of their promise to get him as far as jury.

Fishbach and buddies start an idol search. Jeremy finds a clue to the idol -- set up like the one Kelley found during an Immunity Challenge.

Immunity Challenge time. Push cart, keys, chests, disassemble and reassemble cart, complete puzzle. Losing tribe goes to Tribal. Two are safe. Jeremy pocketed his idol without being seen.

Takeo wins Immunity! Bayon wins Immunity! Angkor heading to Tribal. Unrest with Angkor with Tasha yelling there's a rat. Jeff was her target. Now it's hard feelings between Woo, Tasha, Savage and Jeff. Meanwhile, no one is noticing Abi Maria. Oy.

Andrew Savage uses the Varner meltdown to better his position as he was sure he was a goner. Abi Maria talks with Tasha and agrees to vote out Varner. She's not so sure that's the right move. Abi-Maria goes on to alienate Peih-Gee and Woo. Hmm. The Jeff vote-out is getting foggier. Now it looks like it might swing towards Abi. Maybe Tasha? Nah.

Tribal Council time! Varner claims that Andrew and Tasha are in charge of the votes. Abi votes Peih-Gee and vice versa.

The tally -- Abi, Peih-Gee, Abi, Peih-Gee, Peih-Gee, Peih-Gee

Abi-Maria stays, Peih-Gee is gone.

Off Topic: That Was the Week It Was - October 3, 2015

Good morning! Welcome to my weekly off television topic reflection of the week gone by in both words and photographs I've taken along the way. I'll be posting about television soon. I promise!

This week started out very nicely ... and then went downhill.

On Sunday, I went to neighboring Westfield for my first visit to their 26th Annual FestFall street(s) fair. Wow. They know how to put on a street fair! Most of their downtown business section, made up of several streets, was involved. There were foods of every kind imaginable, crafts booths, bakery booths, even a Polska Kielbasa booth! At least two streets were dedicated to children with rides, activities and booths with stuff kids enjoy. Local businesses had sales. There was an artist who does drawings and paintings of your home. His work was truly detailed. There were civic groups and a local ski club I knew nothing about. I haven't skied since moving to New Jersey after being a ski addict for years.

There was something for everyone there -- something I feel lacking in Plainfield street fairs. Almost everything street fair I've attended in the downtown area has seemed focused on either hip hop or Hispanic and definitely geared more towards the young crowd. Sure, I have missed some street fairs because I work on Saturdays. The FestiFall is on Sundays, a day off (usually) for me. But we don't have anything this huge with something for everyone to enjoy all in one fair, either.

On Monday I got good news at work. So, the start of the week went well.

Then came the downhill -- bad weather, constant rain and a virus going around my workplace caught me. Gah. I'm still under the weather, both figuratively and literally. Okay, my roof is under the weather more so than I am. However, it's still grey, cloudy, rainy and windy here. Due to the bad weather and the fact that I haven't felt well, my photos this week ended up being mostly the Westfield FestiFall. Oh, well.

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

Proving once again ...

... that flowers DO bend with the rainfall.

It made me want to be 10 again

They didn't have stuff like this when I was ten years old! One side has a rock-climbing wall, but it's the bungee/trampoline side that's so cool! The kids sit in harnesses and bounce off the trampolines high up in the air. They can do all kinds of acrobatic feats. I wanted to do it. I refrained.

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

The Amazing Race 27 - October 2 Blog Party

I see you remembered the show is on tonight! Er, either that or you're looking in after the police broke up the wild blog party!

As the show airs here tonight, I'll be updating this entry with the major happenings. Refresh the page to get the latest news! As always, the real party is in the comments area. Come join in on the fun!

The Marvelous Margo (quite possibly with Mom) has made the blog pool match-ups --

Adam and Alex #TheCousins -Anonymouse, DKNYNC, Jackie, Kelsey, Sharon C
Cindy and Rick #ChacAttack - Donna in AL, Donna in FL, Jennasmom, Sharon N
Denise and James Earl #TeamAlabama - Becky, Ginniejulie, ORKMommy, Willie J
Ernest and Jin #TheDancers - Glenn, Marlo, Nancerella, Russ
Jazmine and Danielle #TheTrackStars - Joanie, LafayetteLisanne, Margo, Merrilee
Justin and Diana #TheGreenTeam - Chauncey, Cherry Pie, Monty924, Nickelpeed
Kelsey and Joey #TheReporters - beachmom, ChicMc, David, Grandi in MD,
Logan and Chris #ThePaparazzi - Delee, PDX Granny, Rbennie, SueGee
Tanner and Josh #TeamTexas - Buzzmaam, chrob61, meb, ML
Tiffany and Krista #TheCheerleaders - Brenda, Brian, Cheryl in NC, Ed in OH, Nana in NW

The TMZ gals were Philiminated last week and aren't a part of the blog pool. I don't believe any of us shed any tears about them leaving.

Are you ready to race? 

Teams are headed to Buenos Aires, Argentina. They have to find the church where Pope Francis was baptized. A few of the teams are working together using strangers' phones to find the information. This is as they wait at the airport. Tanner and Josh are NOT working with Justin and Diana. They don't trust them and think they're a strong team they need to beat.

At the right church, they have to wait and will get admitted in the order of arrival. Stunningly gorgeous church!

Justin and Diana get there first. Detour -- Cartenaros or Fletero -- loading and carting cardboard or transporting a statue. Most are choosing cartenaros because, as one person put it, it's finite. But there are only eight openings for that. Jazmine and Danielle can't do the recycling cardboard. A few other teams are already doing the statue -- they have to put it back together once delivered.

Justin and Diana are maintaining their lead and are the first done. They gave their cart to Jazmine and Danielle. Logan and Chris are second.

Roadblock - Must learn a Tilted Tango. Oh my. It's a tango done on the wall. "Who wants to get sideways?" They are suspended with rappel wires.

Justin and Diana are headed to the Pit Stop after Diana nailed the tango. Justin is a bit loud in his exuberance which is ticking off the other teams some. Logan and Chris are on their tails. The alpha male team is not doing so well at the tango. Ah, they made it through.

Pit Stop:
1. Justin and Diana - also win a trip to Morocco.  
2. Josh and Tanner - Josh injured his leg in a footrace
3. Denise and James
4. Logan and Chris 
5. Cindy and Rick
6. Tiffany and Krista 
7. Kelsey and Joey 
8. Jazmine and Danielle
9. Jin and Ernest 
10. Alex and Adam ... Philiminated

Aw, there goes my blog pool team. I won't have trouble finding another team to cheer on on my own. And, it won't be Josh and Tanner. 

The Amazing Race 27: Blog Pool Match-Ups Revealed!

Do NOT forget -- the show airs tomorrow (Friday) night at 8pm ET/PT!

The Marvelous Margo (quite possibly with Mom) has made the blog pool match-ups! Cheer on your team as they race tomorrow night!

Adam and Alex #TheCousins -Anonymouse, DKNYNC, Jackie, Kelsey, Sharon C
Cindy and Rick #ChacAttack - Donna in AL, Donna in FL, Jennasmom, Sharon N
Denise and James Earl #TeamAlabama - Becky, Ginniejulie, ORKMommy, Willie J
Ernest and Jin #TheDancers - Glenn, Marlo, Nancerella, Russ
Jazmine and Danielle #TheTrackStars - Joanie, LafayetteLisanne, Margo, Merrilee
Justin and Diana #TheGreenTeam - Chauncey, Cherry Pie, Monty924, Nickelpeed
Kelsey and Joey #TheReporters - beachmom, ChicMc, David, Grandi in MD,
Logan and Chris #ThePaparazzi - Delee, PDX Granny, Rbennie, SueGee
Tanner and Josh #TeamTexas - Buzzmaam, chrob61, meb, ML
Tiffany and Krista #TheCheerleaders - Brenda, Brian, Cheryl in NC, Ed in OH, Nana in NW

May the best team (Adam and Alex) hit the Welcome Mat first in this leg!
Oh, yes. That's the team I have in the pool. So, I can do that.

Survivor: Cambodia, Second Chance - September 30 Blog Party

Survivor fans ready? 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!

To remind folks, Lifeguard Laurie has made the random picks for the blog pool and here they are:

Bayon Tribe
Andrew Savage - Jennasmom, JoyzJenn, Silk
Ciera Eastin - chrob61, Jackie, Russ
Jeremy Collins - Brian, meb, Nickelpeed
Joe Anglim - Delee, Mother Guru, PDX Granny
Kass McQuillen - Donna NY, Marlo, Petals
Keith Nale - Tammy, gaylos, Margo
Kimmi Kappenberg - Glenn, Nana in the NW, Rbennie
Monica Padilla - ChicMC, Kelsey, sanra
Stephen Fishbach - Brenda, Matt, Rochelle
Tasha Fox - Donna in AL, Jennamom, Stephanie in Baltimore

Takeo Tribe 
Abi-Maria Gomes - Nobody is stuck with her!
Jeff Varner - Donna in FL, Linda in MA, SueGee
Kelley Wentworth - monty 924, Grandi, RENOthunder
Kelly Wiglesworth - ML, Sharon N, Indiana Jane
Peih-Gee Law - Becky, David, Joanie,
Shirin Oskooi - Cheryl in NC, Kelly D, Sharon C
Spencer Bledsoe - Ellen vdW, Nancerella, Terry is a Texan
Terry Deitz - Anonymouse, Merrilee, ORKMommy
Woo Hwang - Ed in Ohio, LafayetteLisanne, Laurie

Out
Vytas Baskauskas 

Varner wants his tribe to go with the new school of thoughts. He's hooking up with Terry and they want to "really play this game." Varner thinks Abi will be easy to get out and is more worried about Spencer and Shirin. 

Uh-oh. Joe's tribemates think he's much too good at everything. He needs to watch his back by merge.

Abi meanwhile wants to show that she's a new Abi. Spencer isn't happy that he needs her in his camp. Jeff Varner considers her entertainment.

Kass thinks her fellow tribemates are great people and they make her a better person. I guess we'll see. She said that after Andrew Savage told them a touching sad story of his wife. Stephen tells Andrew that Jeremy went off looking for an idol when Jeremy actually just needed a bit of alone time because his own wife is pregnant and he's worried. Andrew told Jeremy about what Stephen said. That puts another nail in the Fishbach Coffin, methinks.

Aha! Abi has started a cat fight with Peih-Gee and Shirin! So much for the New Abi-Maria. Aw, Terry goes to console her and now she'll be forever loyal to him? I guess we'll see how that goes! Varner reels her in, too. After her own alliance laughed at her to her face, she's a Happy Abi once again. Until the next time she can be a drama queen, that is.

Immunity Challenge -- Obstacle course over walls, haul a heavy crate, solve a puzzle. Reward is a Survivor tool kit with all kinds of stuff. Ciera sits out. BAYON wins Immunity and Reward again.

Varner thinks either Spencer or Shirin should go home and their poor performance in the challenge should get the deed done. It sounds like the numbers are against Spencer and Shirin. Varner is leading the pack. Kelley thinks she will follow the numbers. Shirin thinks she has Varner in her corner and wants to try to make good with Abi.

Argh! Abi, thinking she's a smarty-pants and getting even with Shirin, tells Shirin that they all want to vote her (Shirin) or Spencer out. Shirin runs to Spencer. Shirin tries to bring Woo in and he reminds them that they have never talked to him before. "Absolutely not!," says Woo. Heh. Good for him.

Spencer is in tears. I can't feel sorry for him. He should have known better than to team up with Shirin! 

Tribal Council time. Aw, Shirin is going to go for the sympathy card. Spencer speaks a good piece trying to stay. Ack, Jeff lets Shirin speak last. I prefer Spencer stay! Spencer votes Shirin.

The tally --
Spencer, Shirin, Shirin, Shirin, Spencer, Spencer, Spencer, Shirin, Shirin.

Shirin is voted out!

Whoa! Next week it's "drop your buffs" and they get split into three tribes!

Survivor: Cambodia, Second Chance - Blog Pool Match-Ups Announcement

The blog pool match-ups for this season are IN! Lifeguard Laurie has made the random picks and here they are:

Bayon Tribe
Andrew Savage - Jennasmom, JoyzJenn, Silk
Ciera Eastin - chrob61, Jackie, Russ
Jeremy Collins - Brian, meb, Nickelpeed
Joe Anglim - Delee, Mother Guru, PDX Granny
Kass McQuillen - Donna NY, Marlo, Petals
Keith Nale - Tammy, gaylos, Margo
Kimmi Kappenberg - Glenn, Nana in the NW, Rbennie
Monica Padilla - ChicMC, Kelsey, sanra
Stephen Fishbach - Brenda, Matt, Rochelle
Tasha Fox - Donna in AL, Jennamom, Stephanie in Baltimore

Takeo Tribe 
Abi-Maria Gomes - Nobody is stuck with her!
Jeff Varner - Donna in FL, Linda in MA, SueGee
Kelley Wentworth - monty 924, Grandi, RENOthunder
Kelly Wiglesworth - ML, Sharon N, Indiana
Jane Peih-Gee Law - Becky, David, Joanie,
Shirin Oskooi - Cheryl in NC, Kelly D, Sharon C
Spencer Bledsoe - Ellen vdW, Nancerella, Terry is a Texan
Terry Deitz - Anonymouse, Merrilee, ORKMommy
Woo Hwang - Ed in Ohio, LafayetteLisanne, Laurie

Out
Vytas Baskauskas

Well, look at that. In her infinite wisdom, Lifeguard Laurie knew that no one could really cheer on Abi-Maria. After all, how did she even get voted back in except to torment her fellow castaways?

Insightful Big Brother Article (Not Inciteful!)

This HuffPo article is really, really long. I mean REALLY long. And, since Sheila is one of the ones speaking, I brought up an old Zoetawny GIF of her. It still stands today.

But First, an Oral History of Big Brother 

But, any Big Brother fan who's invested all these seasons watching the show should give it a read. It features various hamsters from season one on asked questions regarding aspects of the game. From the day to day action (or lack thereof) to whether production takes part in the game and how it's evolved over the years. They even talk about sequester and the jury house, places we hear or see little of ... well, we see what that want us to see from the latter.

I'm not going to chime in with my thoughts at this time because you're going to have enough reading ahead of you.

But I will be in comments after you've absorbed it! See you there!

Off Topic: That Was the Week It Was - September 27, 2015

Good morning! Yes, I slept in today. It was very relaxing not to have to stay up late watching the Big Brother live feeds, then get up early and flashback on the feeds, then post a report!

This is my weekly off television topic reflection on the week gone by in both words and photos I've taken along the way. For any folks new to the blog, I do this every Sunday. After all, we can't be couch potatoes watching television all day every day! Can we?

It was the first full week of actual normal temperatures here as we welcomed autumn mid-week. I love it. I'm so not a summer heat and humidity kind of person! Give me the high 60s and low 70s and I'm a happy camper.

No, I did not go camping, mind you. I returned to work after my staycation the week before. Sigh. If not for pesky things like keeping a roof over my head and the bills paid, I'd just pursue things I enjoy doing. Alas, I can't earn enough money at those things. So, work I must.

Some random stuff of the week gone by and what's ahead:

• I'll be posting links and videos of the BB hamster interviews tonight and during the week.
• If you want in on our blog pool for The Amazing Race, the cut-off is tomorrow and you'll need to sign up for it on this post right here.
• If you watch The Amazing Race or Survivor, I live blog those shows and throw blog parties as they air East Coast time -- Survivor on Wednesday 8pm ET and The Amazing Race Fridays at 8pm ET. New folks are always welcome to join in on the fun!
• Today I plan on heading to nearby Westfield for their FestiFall Festival. Yes, I'll bring my camera.
• This past week wasn't too exciting. I've overloaded this week's post with photos of a deer who was extremely curious about me.
• I worked, ate, slept and paid attention to Vincent (the cat).
• I dropped off my photos for this year's photo contest at the Plainfield Public Library. This year's theme isn't really the best for me, so I'm not all that optimistic about winning any prizes. A few of the photos I would have been able to use for the theme were already submitted in previous contests and they used them on the entry forms and announcements for this year's competition.
• I noted, between the amount of riff-raff who have been constantly hanging out at the Plainfield Train Station, on the streets and apparently at the site of some sort of encampment I saw downtown ... it appears the homeless problem in town continues to grow. The folks who were hanging out on the bench on the corner of Richmond and East Front (causing the city or someone to remove the bench and put up No Loitering signs) have moved to sitting in front of the Monarch Building on the benches there.
• Yet, Omar remains gone from the train station. He must be in jail, er ... "away" again.
• That's what drugs and excessive drinking will do people. 
• And, it's a reason to keep working. That's no kind of life to live.

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

I'm watching you ...

This young deer at the Bridgewater Train Station was just as interested in watching me as I was in watching her ... or him. I swear the deer must have wanted me to take her home with me or something! So curious! This was Friday on my way home from work. The whole saga in photos is after the jump.

 Eid Al-Adha

This past week marked the two day Muslim holiday of Eid Al-Adha, otherwise known as the Festival of Sacrifice. Traditionally, the faithful would slaughter animals to feed the poor. However, I doubt that was happening at the Plainfield Islamic Center. I believe it was just the feast part! More photos of this after the jump, too.

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

The Amazing Race 27: Season Premiere Blog Party

Are you ready for a whirlwind race around the world with all brand new teams? I am! As the show airs here on the East Coast, I'll post the major happenings. It's not easy for me to get all the names right in the beginning, so please bear with me. Refresh the page to get the latest. As always, the real party is in the comments area. Come join in on the fun!

If you want in on the blog pool for the season (run by the Magnificent Margo), please enter on this post linked here. Please don't ask on this season premiere post because your request might be missed. The team Philiminated tonight (if there is one) will not be included in the blog pool. The cut-off for joining the pool is Monday!

Let's GO, teams!

They're starting off on Venice Beach in California. The first destination is Rio! The team who wins a bike race (after a cab) wins the only ticket to the first flight. The others are all on the second one, a half-hour later. The team who wins this leg also wins an Express Pass. Once again, FitBit monitors have worked their way onto a show.

The bikes turn out to be water bikes. That's an interesting twist on it. Justin and Diana won the first flight ticket. The alpha male team came in last -- they broke their bike. Some of the female teams are getting a bit catty. Hmm.

Justin and Diana go for the Fast Forward which seems like it's hang-gliding.

The other teams go for the helicopter trip which will end in them having to answer a question.

Uh-oh. Due to wind conditions, the Fast Forward can't be done. Justin and Diana have to head back to the helicopters. They're going from hero to zero here. They'll be in last place. Aw, he's in tears. They're the team who has done their own replica of the race down to proposal under the Northern Lights.

Detour -- Beach soccer-volleyball or Sidewalk. Score against pro soccer players in a volleyball game or do a slide-puzzle which matches the mosaic walk.

No Roadblock this week. It's onto the Pit Stop from the beach.

Pit Stop -
1. Josh and Tanner (the alpha males) won. They get the Express Pass and, once they use it, they must give it to another team.
2. Jazmine and Danielle (best friend atheletes)
3. Cindy and Rick -- the doctor and dentist married couple
4. James Earl and his mother. (Eep ... warned you about the names!) DENISE!
5. Logan and Chris (dating)
6. Alex and Adam (the little dudes)
7. Ernest and Jin (the dancer dudes)
8. Kelsey and Joey (the dating news couple)
9. Justin and Diana. He cries again.
10. Tiffany and Krista (Cheerleaders)

Uh-oh. Phil comes to visit the last team just as they finish the puzzle. It's the TMZ gals -- Kelly and Shevonne -- PHILIMINATED!

Big Brother 17: The Aftermath and Steve on 'The Talk'

The Austin/Vanessa "talk"

I want to thank all of the people who hung out here on the blog through BB17 and a special thank you to those who hit that Donate button! Unlike other sites, I don't get a percentage of the cut from live feeds and such. So, the Donate button helps make up a bit for the amount of lost sleep and such through the live feeds. It also makes me very happy to know that people are enjoying themselves here enough to make donations. I really appreciate it!

That said ... let's get to business.

I stayed up way too late last night watching all of the Jeff Schroeder backyard interviews. (Especially when I had to get up early this morning for work, then stop at the library after work and not get back home until nearly 7pm. Eek.)

I'd say almost all of them handled themselves fairly well. Some don't know their language should be G-rated in these things -- Audrey, Vanessa and Austin come to mind. Johnny Mac seemed honestly touched that Jeff had seen his guitar videos and that many fans like them. Jason was realistic and said it's back to work and living in his mother's basement. Steve was the excitable lad we all know him to be. Austin said kind words about Steve and didn't act like a jerk. He must know how to turn off the Jerk button, I guess.

Then there was Vanessa. Oh my gosh ... while I think she played the best game all season until she didn't win that final HOH, she reminded me of headache times on the live feeds. Mind you, I didn't really say I like her -- I said she played the best game through the season. Vanessa actually drove me a bit bonkers on the live feeds! She talked a mile a minute in the interview, tried to rationalize everything she did, repeated herself (over and over again) and I thought Jeff was going to go cross-eyed in a trance or something.

For a moment I thought there was going to be a brouhaha ... or a kerfuffle ... or maybe fisticuffs! Austin came and gave Vanessa a whack just as she was starting her interview with Jeff. He was a bit heated, but she begged and rationalized and he realized that Jeff had turned and they were filming this. They hugged and made up, at least for the cameras.

Over the next few days I'll be posting or linking interviews with the hamsters.

Once again, thank you all for another fun season on the blog!

Big Brother 17: Season Finale Blog Party

The Final Three bid adieu to us

Liz spelled it out, Sneaky Steve nudged it

Well, this is it. We're at the season finale, another summer of voyeurism finished. This morning, before the live feeds shut down, the final three said farewell. Liz was the most excited and happy. Steve said the fact he's there proves that if you really want to be on the show, you can do it. Vanessa was a bit more like Tommy Chong. She's not a morning person.

Before we get on with the show, we have a few bits o' bizness to attend to:

• Both the Survivor and The Amazing Race blog pools are open for signing up. Please do not sign up on this BB17 season finale post! The sign up posts are at: Survivor Blog Pool and The Amazing Race Blog Pool.
• As for this season's BB blog pool, the remaining contenders are:

Liz - Skyriverblue, jo Chapman, monty924

Steve - KelseyNY, Carrie, K

Vanessa - Chacha, Heather Reyes, T-Town Chick

As the show airs here on the East Coast, I'll be updating this post with the major events (and perhaps a few minor thoughts thrown in). Refresh the page to get the latest news. As always, the real party is in the comments section! Come join in on the fun!

We have to get through the season recap first. Oy. Finally, we should be getting to the first part of the final HOH ... please! Please? Finally! We're to the swinging and dunking apple hamsters. The winner of this round skips round two and vies in part three with the winner of two. Got that?

All three are still up when a taunting voice tells them to slide down from the disks and sit right atop the apples. Please note this voice was never on the comp in the live feeds! Steve is out first. Vanessa sats that she can hang on for longer to psych out Liz ... claims she has another ten hours in her. She mouths final two at her while Steve's back is turned. Liz drops. Vanessa wins Part One!

Liz thinks she HAS to beat Steve in the next part, so she isn't trusting any deal with Vanessa.

It's onto Part Two. It's crossword puzzle format. Steve is thrilled because he likes puzzles. It's BB-related and they have to climb up to put their answers in. It's timed and Steve went first.

The time:
Steve - 28:22
Liz - 31:11

Steve wins Part Two and will go against Vanessa in Part Three!

Dr. Will's Roundtable with the jury! Yes! Johnny Mac joins them. Heh. Austin is shocked that Liz is working with Vanessa against Johnny Mac. Will brings up that he's being hypocritical. Heh. Jackie and Shelli talk about how much Vanessa is playing the game. James thinks she's been playing very well.  Austin and Becky seem bitter.

Shelli thinks Steve did brilliantly social. Johnny Mac calls him a rat. Julia thinks he's cowardly. Jackie thinks highly of Liz's game. James thinks Liz should win because she's in the house and they're all out there. Johnny Mac thinks other people (Vanessa) ran Liz's game.

Final Part of the Final HoH Comp! Vaness and Steve are on Scales of Just Us, have to prove how well they know the jury. A statement with two possible endings. Eight questions.
1. Steve 1, Vanessa 0
2. Both wrong
3. Both right
4. Both right
5. Both wrong
6. Both right
7. Vanessa right. A tie.
8. STEVE

STEVE WINS THE FINAL HOH!

To the living room. Steve EVICTS VANESSA! He went on about her being such a strong player and the move he had to make. Liz is in shock.

Vanessa admits to Julie that she wasn't going to take Steve to the final two had she won HoH.

Julie introduces the jury for the interrogation. They're happy to see Vanessa join them. They've agreed to three questions.

Johnny Mac - You relied on me or Vanessa for all you decisions. Tell me why I'm wrong. They can't hear him in the studio. We can.  He defends making the friendships, split the twin twist, work with Jackie, etc.

Becky - Liz, Austin created and influenced your strategy. What was your strategy? Liz says she aligned with Austin and Vanessa, target on back, did own campaigning.

James - Steve, sitting next to a player while you floated. Steve denies floating. Steve is defending himself quite well.

Liz - Biggest game move as individual? Aligning with strong competitors. (Um, individual?)

Jackie - Biggest function was a vote. Dang, he's being so well-spoken. The kid is prepared.

Austin - Why do you deserve to win the money over Steve? The twin disadvantage, want the money.

Well, Steve certainly after his initial nervousness, answered very well. Liz, not so much.

Final Plea time.
Liz - Not a big gamer, grew to love the game, Julia, incredible summer, three wins.
Steve - Prepared speech, played the game while Liz was in hotel, four HoH reigns, made moves making his own decisions, Liz followed others.

Voting time.
Shelli, loves both. Voting with heart.
Jackie - Congrats, proud of both, one who dreamed of it their entire life.
Becky - One person I'm proud to vote for.
Meg - Heart is torn, give credit to big moves.
James - Both amazing, let Jesus take the wheel.
Julia - My vote is obvious, but I love you both
Austin - Liz, love you. Steve, proud of you, Heart wants what it wants.
Johnny Mac - Choose between worst alliance ever member, can't think of insult for Liz.
Vanessa - No offense Steve, my vote goes for the person who I think best represents what this season stood for.

Non-jury hamsters time on stage. Da'Vonne disses Austin. Heh. Vanessa admits to being a millionaire poker player. Yawn. Jason gives Vanessa kudos for maneuvering through the game but disses her for not owning her game. Audrey is having time of her life, warm responses, gets teary.

The vote reveal --
Vanessa - Liz
Johnny Mac - Steve
Austin - Liz
Julia - Liz
James - Steve
Meg - Steve
Becky - Steve
Jackie - Steve

STEVE WINS BB17! Shelli also voted Steve.

Favorite Houseguest  -- Johnny Mac, James and Jason.

JAMES wins favorite houreguest.

Steve says he'll spend the money wisely and didn't expect to win.

Survivor: Cambodia, Second Chance Season Premiere Blog Party

I think we're in for a great season on the show. After all, these people, while not an "All Stars" kind of cast, have all played the game before. Many are no spring chickens these days and yet they'll be playing with/against some young alpha male types. It should be very interesting!

Because the blog pool gives back its first cast-off, akin to throwing a fish caught back to sea, you still have time to join in! The post where you need to sign up is at this link right here. Come join in on the fun and, remember, tonight's cast off won't be a part of our action. The cut-off date for joining the pool is Friday, September 25, 6pm ET. Please sign up on the post linked as any requests in comments on this season premiere post might get lost in the shuffle.

I'll be updating this post with the major events as the show airs here on the East Coast. Refresh the page to get the latest news! As we do what we do ... the real party is in the comments area. C'mon in and have a good time!

Let's get this party started! Survivor fans ready?

Nice scenes of the country (Cambodia) and, so far, a good intro segment for each new-old castaway.

They're divided onto two boats as Jeff greets them from a larger third boat. Twenty players from thirty seasons. He's calling out the tribes too quickly for me to list right now. Both tribes get off their boats and are timed getting supplies from his boat, then one tribe gets to go for rice on another boat. Now it's off for the rice.

Kelly and Joe both swim for it. Woo gets to the bag of rice first.

The tribes:
Bayon - Andrew Savage, Jeremy Collins, Joe Anglim, Keith Nale, Stephen Fishbach, Ciera Eastin, Kass McQuillen, Kimmi Kappenberg, Monica Padilla, and Tasha Fox.
Ta Keo - Jeff Varner, Spencer Bledsoe, Terry Deitz, Vytas Baskauskas, Woo Hwang, Abi-Maria Gomes, Kelly Wiglesworth, Kelley Wentworth, Peih-Gee Law, and Shirin Oskooi.

Terry approaches Spencer and said his son told him to work with him. Spencer seems definitely open to the idea.

Meanwhile elsewhere, Abi is already fussing because her bag is missing. That's going to turn others off right away.

Jeremy makes nice with Keith, thinking that he, Tasha and Savage are his best alliance bets. He thinks Joe is the best "shield" he can have, too. Joe, Savage and Jeremy are going to be quite the formidable trio powerhouse.

Fishbach says he once again feels like a "fishbach out of water." He's worried about his future with the tribe.

Vytas is playing up to the women; Shirin is already out for blood from him and reports to Jeff and Spencer. She's also on the prowl to get Peih-Gee out. Jeff is in culture shock with the jumping into the fray so quickly. Abi found her missing bracelet in Peih-Gee's bag. Hmm. Peih-Gee tells her that she found a bag with no name tag on it and didn't know. Hmm.

Meanwhile, Joe is trying to make fire scraping wood. Kass suggests using her glasses. And, the others see Fishbach out there looking for an idol. Joe is successful making his fire. All cheer!

There's already division in Ta Keo -- old school/new school, shelter people/beach people. Peih-Gee is already leery of Shirin. (Rightfully so.)

Kelley Wentworth found a clue to the hidden idol while on coconuts and palm fronds task.

The tribes get tree mail telling them that the first challenge will be the same one as the first challenge ever on the show. Tasha is giggly girlie over Joe. Heehee. Kelley thinks Vytas is annoying and wants him out. For some reason, Joe's yoga class all seemed to like him. Vytas had a lot of detractors right off the bat. Vytas thinks Abi is going to be the first pick for out.

We're onto the challenge. Reward is a fire-making kit. Quest for Fire is the challenge -- swimming out to raft, all must be there to swim it and light fires through the course, then bring fire ashore, place raft on stand, stick and rope to retrieve a key, open a lock, light final fire to win. Kelley is glancing around for the hidden idol as her clue indicated it's there. But she's too nervous to really search. She doesn't want them onto her.

Kelley got the idol! Woot for her!

Bayon wins Immunity!

Whoa! Jeff tells Ta Keo they're going to Tribal right now. Yikes. Kelly (Wiglesworth) feels guilty, like she let everyone down trying to build the stick to get the key. But I doubt they're going to target her. Nor do I think Kelley with the idol needs to worry.

Tribal Council. Jeff is asking his generally Probsting questions. Woo brings up the old school/new school ways. The guys talk about tribe unity reasons for voting. Abi thinks she's in trouble and would be heartbroken if she goes. They claim there's been a lot of gameplay and most aren't just voting on a whim tonight.

Woo and Vytas vote Abi. Abi votes Vytas.

The votes tally, Jeff mentions the idol, no one speaks up.

Vytas, Abi, Vytas, Abi, Vytas, Abi, Vytas, Abi, Vytas, Vytas.

Vytas is the first voted out. Yikes!

Big Brother 17: Live Feeds into Wednesday - September 23

They're going all poignant on us

Once again, not much in the way of news. So, I'll give you screen caps instead.

• A scrolling banner tells us the live feeds will stop at 9:45am PT. They'll probably barely be up by then!
• The banner also promises backyard interviews after the live show airs on the East Coast -- 8pm PT or 11pm here. As I work tomorrow morning, I'll probably have to play catch up with them. Since those interviews are on the live feeds only (initially), in the days to come I'll be posting links and such for interviews everyone can watch.
• After all, we all want to see Austin again.
• Right?
• Heh.
• As for action yesterday and overnight in the house ... um ... um ... they played cards, cooked, packed, cleaned some, Steve shaved his beard and the girls touched up their dark roots.
• No kerfuffles. No fisticuffs. No brouhahas.
• And, no new game talk.

Late night slumber party

Three people yet a messy kitchen

Good thing Liz is there. She cooks.

And, she cleans

Coco is reluctant to give up the dream

Steve shaved

Vanessa touched up her roots

The Amazing Race 27: Blog Pool OPENS!

Come one, come all! Yeah, yeah ... I know BB17 isn't over yet, but The Amazing Race is coming!

If you want in on the blog pool for this season, please leave your name in the comments on this post only! If you comment elsewhere, it could very well be missed. We're once again giving a free pass for the first team out as we hardly get to know them.

The season premiere is Friday, September 25 at 8pm ET/PT. The deadline will be Monday (September 29) at 6pm ET. The random match-ups will be announced before the second episode airs. There will be a blog party for the season premiere -- Friday, September 25 at 8pm ET -- just no pool for said premiere.

How it all works:

• Magnificent Margo and Mom (who rock our socks!) make random picks for us.
• We cheer on our random pick team until they either get Philiminated or win The Amazing Race.
• There is no wagering nor passing of monies in this blog pool! 
• The winner(s) reserve the bragging rights for eternity ... or, at least until the next season starts.
• If you're posting anonymously, you do need to come up with a sign-off name for your comments. 

So ... who wants to jump in the pool? The water's fine. We won't make you eat native delicacies, either!

Big Brother 17: Live Feeds into Tuesday - September 22

Shut it down, Steve!

Here's the latest from inside that Big Brother House of Biding Time:

• For the most part, all has been amiable with little game talk.
• They've played cards together, cooked, eaten, had lots of small talk.
• BUT ... when there is actual game talk (about this season and the inevitable end of it), somehow it's always Vanessa.
• Vanessa talking to Steve.
• Vanessa talking to Liz.
• But never at the same time.
• Vanessa had an extended talk with Liz, pointing out how Steve has betrayed her and, while she likes him as a friend, he's not worthy of the win.
• She's had similar talks with Steve about Liz, pointing out all the reasons Liz shouldn't win.
• She has promised them both the final two and told them not to tell the other.
• She's promised them both the final two and told them if they hear anything different, it's because she had to say it.
• Her reasons? (That is, as far as I can tell.) -- She obviously wants Steve to take her to the final two if he wins Part Three. Plus, if it's not HER choice ... she probably thinks she will have Liz, Julia and Austin in her corner in the jury.
• And, if she (Vanessa) wins Part Three, she can have her choice and I think she thinks that she has a better chance against Liz in the final two. She will then point out all the flaws in Steve's game and betrayals to the jury.
• However, the problem with Vanessa is that she is hard to read. She doesn't talk to US. Over the season, I've kind of figured out what she'll do. But it's still tough. I can never say for sure what's going on in her mind.
• On the other hand, Steve does talk to US (or, to himself) a lot. We know that he's planning on dumping Vanessa if he wins Part Three. So far, he's been covering it well with both Vanessa and Liz. He's made no promises to Liz and Vanessa thinks he'll never choose Liz over her.
• And on it goes ...

Play your cards right, Liz

Yes, Liz. There's a camera there.

If she wins Part Three, she should win

If he wins Part Three, he needs to carry through on his plans

Big Brother 17: Live Feeds into Monday - September 21

Thinking on his feet

Here's the latest from inside that Big Brother House of It's the Final Countdown:

• Again, most of their time together was spent playing cards, eating and small talk.
• Except for Steve, that is.
• He was up a good portion of the night pacing the backyard, hammocking and talking to himself/us.
• He went over his whole strategy for the game.
• He went over his speech to evict Vanessa (if he wins Part Three).
• He went over all of the reasons he's done what he's done in the game.
• He all but explained the Meaning of Life and Everything.
• I'm sure Vanessa is also thinking out her final approach to the game.
• But she doesn't vocalize.
• Meanwhile, Steve has been pressuring Vanessa to commit to telling Liz that she won't take her to the final two.
• Vanessa hasn't/won't do so.
• Steve is wisely taking that as an indication that Vanessa would take Liz over him.
• So, he keeps studying and planning.

Thinking on the hammock

Thinking while diagramming

Big Brother 17: Live Feeds Sunday into the Evening - September 20

Liz sleeping

I really don't have much for you tonight. Here's the latest from inside that Big Brother House of Prolonging the Agony:

• They napped a lot.
• They ate a lot.
• They did not fight.
• They played cards.
• Liz did the cooking again.
• Vanessa and Steve ate Liz's cooking.
• No one died.
• Vanessa and Liz did facials.
• Steve doesn't like potatoes nor fish.
• Now, there's some deep insight, eh?
• Vanessa is still playing physically injured although having playing cards available perked her up some.
• No real game talk.

Vanessa sleeping

Playing cards

Scary Vanessa

Scary Liz

Big Brother 17: Final HoH Part One, Season Review Show Blog Party - September 20

Good evening! Ready for a blog party? While many of us already know the results of the final HoH Part Two comp, tonight's episode will focus on the reveal of the HoH winner from Part One. I suppose they might show the second part, but I think they'll do the review of the season (ah, the memories of the way they were!) instead. 

Off BB17 for a moment -- if you want in on the Survivor blog pool, please sign up on the pool sign-up post. (Don't sign up on this BB17 post, please. We might miss your name.)

The show is running late due to football here. I'll be posting this at the regular 8pm ET although word verification won't come down until it starts here (about 8:27pm ET). I'll be updating this entry with the major happenings as it airs here on the East Coast. Refresh the page to get the latest. As always, the real party is in the comments area. I hope to see you there!

Although 60 Minutes just ended here (8:26pm ET), obviously the show started on time elsewhere as seen in the comments at the party below! 

And ... we're starting! Recap, recap ...

Vanessa has made final two deals with both Liz and Steve. They celebrate with the champagne. Vanessa denies making a final two Liz deal to Steve. She's telling him what he wants to hear, but he doesn't really seem to be believing what he's hearing.

More champagne and the fancy reminiscing breakfast segment now. The twins exposed by Da'Vonne comes first. Jeff downfall with the Vanessa set-up for it. Audrey calling out Vanessa. Lots of fingers pointing at Vanessa, crocodile tears and Vanessa on defensive. Ew ... Austin/Liz segment. Ah, the Zing was worth it.

Ah, onto James and Meg. They were more fun to watch, for sure. To the Nerdmance -- Steve and Johnny Mac. Shelli and Clay now. (Along with their ten-year age difference.)

Becky hit in the face by the train re-tell. Clay's mumbling and Audrey's transgender thoughts. Then onto the real weirdness of Oddrey ... the lies she spread to create dissent in the house. James's pranking, WhackStreet Boys ... okay, I'm just about reminisced out.

The Diary Room segments with Audrey are a hoot, though.

Finally, to the Part One of the HoH comp. Carnival set-up. "How 'bout them apples" is the name of the comp. They have to sit on hanging giant candy apples being dipped into red liquid and slammed into a wall. They won't show the end of this until during the finale on Wednesday night. It's a good thing we already know.