BB18: Live Feeds into Wednesday Evening - August 10

I flashbacked to see the time they finally got up

Here's the latest from inside that Big Brother House of Possible Turning Tides:

• They need to stop staying up all night! Today it was around 5:30pm here by the time they started their day.
• Gah.
• Paulie is still upset that Natalie told James of his off color remarks to and about her.
• "Typical Jersey girl." 
• Say what?!?!?
• Paulie thinks Paul is getting too nervous about the upcoming eviction. And, if he calms Paul down, Victor will follow suit.
• Um.
• Actually, I think Paul has come to the realization that Paulie has been totally running the whole house, including him.
• Bridgette told Victor about the plan to flip the house (and vote out Zakiyah). He's happy about it because he's wanted Zakiyah out all along.
• Natalie wanted forever to talk to Zakiyah to let her know that Paulie has betrayed her. But Paulie and Company kept Zakiyah pretty well secluded.
• She finally got her chance.
• She told her the things Paulie has been saying about her and how he isn't loyal to her. Zakiyah said she had been thinking that herself.
• Now she's feels stupid.
• Well, duh.
• She starts crying.
• Natalie tells her the main reason she (Zakiyah) is on the block is because of Paulie.
• Well, duh.
• Natalie also works in her anti-Nicole bit and Zakiyah agrees that she's never really trusted Nicole.
• Despite giving Zakiyah some interest and support, the flipping the house plan and evicting her is still in the works.
• Too bad. Zakiyah made herself collateral damage the second she latched onto Paul and never even attempted to play the game for herself.
• Tomorrow night should be very interesting!

That's right. Just smile and look pretty.

Talking past BB they've never seen

The plan really might work!?!?

Male bonding

BB18: Power of Veto Show Blog Party - August 10

Hamster watchers ready? Let's get this show going! 

As the show airs here on the East Coast, I'll be constantly updating this entry. Refresh the page to get the latest news! As always, the real party is in the comments area!

Just a quick note before the show starts -- tomorrow's live eviction show is being preempted in many areas due to sports of some type. Here in the NYC viewing area, WCBS2 is airing the game. But Big Brother will be aired on the sister station WLNY 10/55 at its regular time. Please check your local listings! 

Okay, done with the recap, let's get to it! 

Michelle cries after the nominations. She cries more and more. Zakiyah thinks the only person she trusts is Paulie and doesn't know why she's on the block. Michelle cries some more. All the girls try to console her while the guys celebrate.

She can't understand why Paulie's not up on the block. She calls Paulie out to his face. Meanwhile, Paul tells Victor that Zakiyah should go because she's so unconcerned with the nomination. Paulie wants Michelle out. Zakiyah gets a clue when Paulie hesitates when she asks if he would take her down if he wins the veto. 

Michelle and Zakiyah talk. Z isn't sure Paulie had anything to do with her going on the block. But Michelle thinks the nominations are Paulie's doing.  

Paul and Paulie talk. Paul wants Zakiyah out, Paulie would prefer Michelle go. They discuss the pros and cons of both. 

Paulie decides to work on James to use his two vote cancellation power to keep Zakiyah in the house. James does his usual nodding and grunting. He tells Paulie that he doesn't want to use votes that will get others mad at him.

Time to pick veto players! Victor wants the nominations to remain the same with Zakiyah getting voted out this week. He draws Nicole. Michelle draws James. Zakiyah gets Houseguest's Choice. Of course, she picks Paulie. 

Veto comp time has host Paul dressed in red lifeguard gear calling for all the floaters. It's Hide and Go Veto -- the one that James wrecked the house and won in his season. They have to each hide a veto card, then the others search for it. After the fifth veto card is found, they see whose card hasn't been found and that person is the veto winner. 

James is destroying things like he did in his veto. Nicole is the first one to find a card -- Victor's, hidden in Bridgette's duffel bag. Victor claims the kitchen mess (James) is nomination worthy. Nicole finds a second veto -- Zakiyah's. James found Michelle's card. Victor finds James's card. The comp is lasting so long that the audience is falling asleep. Victor finds the last card.

The reveal - Victor, Zakiyah, Michelle, James, Nicole ... all eliminated. Paulie wins the Golden Power of Veto.

Zakiyah is dancing around kissing Paulie. Paul advises Paulie to leave the noms the same and let Zakiyah go. 

Paulie tells Zakiyah that even if he doesn't use the veto, Michelle will go home. He tells her gently he won't use it unless he hears buzz that she's going. 

Paulie tells James that Paul wants to team up with Michelle and Victor to get rid of couples and that Paul is flipping.  

Time for the veto meeting. He gives them a chance to plead their cases. Michelle was rather dismissive. Zakiyah came across better. He does NOT use the veto.

James tells us the care package had his name on it and he will do what he wants to do with it.

We can only hope so.

BB18: Live Feeds into Wednesday - August 10

Paulie tries to influence James

Here's the latest from inside that Big Brother House of Mixed Messages:

• They pulled another all nighter, at least most of them did.
• Y'know, this gets very tiring for us who live east coast time and have to work real jobs, not give up all to be on a reality show!
• Not that I would ever want to be in that hamster house anyway, mind you.
• At least some of the evening was eventful strategy-wise.
• Natalie keeps trying to convince James that they should save Michelle this week or Paulie will win the game.
• He's reluctant as, by doing that, it would "piss off" the majority of the house and he's not quite ready to make that move for fear of his own game.
• Unfortunately, he doesn't realize how much his name has been tossed around. He really needs to kick his game into gear.
• Frank would be pleased with his little Cabbage Patch Kid.
• Bridgette talked separately to Michelle and Natalie, telling them how Frank told her that Paulie is running the house and, if they don't get him out, he'll win.
• Well, duh! 
• Of course, the "Nicole is evil" strain came into the talk, too. 
• But Paulie is more dangerous for the actual win.
• Michelle is still planning to "blow up" Paulie's game if/when evicted Thursday.
• She still thinks he was coached by Derrick and is playing Derrick's game.
• While I have no doubts Derrick gave him some advice, the games of the two are nothing alike.
• Michelle is still pushing her anti-Nicole agenda.
• They need to concentrate on Paulie! Sheesh. Nicole isn't good at winning comps. Paulie seems to win whatever ones he wants to win.
• He claims he doesn't want to win the next HoH.
• We'll see whether he wants to or not.
• It seems that Michelle's grudge against Nicole stems from Bronte getting voted out. That was a lifetime ago.
• Michelle thinks Paulie is afraid of her.
• Bwahahahaha!
• Ahem.
• Bridgette thinks that if they can convince Paulie that voting out Zakiyah is better for his game, the rest will follow suit.
• Well, yeah. The hard part would be convincing him, though.
• Bridgette decides that she'll flirt with Paulie to (1) give him another interest other than Zakiyah and (2) make Zakiyah act out in hopes she'll blow up her game with Paulie and get voted out.
• Now, I don't like Bridgette. But she's finally actually playing the game and not sponging off of Frank. I like that.
• Michelle really tried to influence James. She doesn't have the mist, for sure.
• James pointed out that if it's a double eviction and they kept her the first one, he and she would be on the block. She claimed that, in that case, she would be the one voted out over him. Plus, she promised to save him with the veto if she wins it. I can't see the latter really happening.
• Natalie told James about many demeaning/sexual comments Paulie has made to and about her.
• Now, that hit a nerve with James. He knows that his showmance with Natalie is more of a friendmance than anything. And, while he always talks a big game with women, he's more of a gentleman and good friend with many women. Certainly a world of difference from Paulie!
• Bridgette also approached James about targeting Paulie.
• Is a movement afoot? Why, yes, I believe it is! And, it's led by the Cabbage Patch Kid. Who woulda thunk it?
• James finally acquiesced and said, if they can get the majority of the house aboard, he'll go with it. He doesn't think it's the right time to rock the boat.
• Meanwhile, we know that Paul and Victor have been rumbling a bit about Paulie even though Paul and Paulie have mentioned Victor's name more than a few times.
• Would they jump the Paulie ship and get him out if they can?
• I'm thinking it would definitely have to be a backdoor renom. Any chance he would have to play in comp would be dangerous.
• Paul and Paulie talked. Paul says the couples are getting too strong. He proposed James out next. Um, Paul. You could break up Zakiyah/Paulie this week! (Even though they're just using each other.)
• Paulie is still hell-bent on getting Michelle out this week.
• James told Natalie he's sure he won't be put on the block.
• WAKE UP, JAMES! Your name is getting tossed around way too much!
• Zakiyah told Nicole that she overheard Paulie say that he wouldn't miss her (Zakiyah) if she goes.
• Hmm.
• I have no doubts he said it. I've heard very similar from him. But I think she's just trying to garner favor.
• After investigating around, Bridgette reported back to James that it seems the flip to keep Michelle won't work with the numbers.
• They both hope Michelle has the return ticket.
• Then Paulie came along and told James that Bridgette will nominate him (James) and either Nicole or Zakiyah.
• Of course, Bridgette had left before he said that.
• Continuing his rounds, Paulie told Natalie that Michelle has had it out for her since she got the first care package.
• Continuing to make his rounds, Paulie agreed to Zakiyah that he's still her "boo" and defended not using the veto because Michelle is a sure bet to go home.
• Michelle is making rounds of her own, preaching anti-Nicole and keeping her (Michelle) in the game. She hit Paul up.
• She told him she thinks she can get James and he could rule out two votes to keep Zakiyah. If he would get in on it, they might have the numbers.
• He seemed receptive (he moreso wanted Zakiyah out from the beginning), but told her that it has to be certain that James will go along with it.
• James confronted Paulie about the remarks he made to Natalie. Paulie actually admitted them, but claimed to be joking around. James (and Natalie) doesn't think it's funny.
• Bridgette told Natalie that "they" (Paulie and Company) want to put her (Natalie) and James on the block.
• Michelle tells Natalie that, if she stays, she wouldn't put her (Natalie) and James on the block.
• Um. She'd have to win something in order to do that.
• In the last talks of this report, James seems willing to go with the Keep Michelle Plan even though he predicts it the excrement will hit the fan.
• I said excrement. He used another word. I try to keep this blog rather clean. I don't want that excrement all over the walls here!

Ohh, Bridgette and Natalie get the strategy bug

Meanwhile, Michelle pops her pimples

Shiny happy people

Paulie continues his rounds

Obviously driven insane, call the white coats!

BB18: Live Feeds into Tuesday Evening - August 9

I hope she's not ready to vomit again!

Here's the latest from inside that Big Brother House of Ill Repute:

• Michelle, still bound to get Nicole out sooner rather than later, told James that Nicole and Paulie are running the house.
• Well, she's half right there. Paulie is kind of doing it all by himself.
• I can only think Michelle has decided to "blow people's games up" a bit early.
• She told James that Paul doesn't need the money; he lives in a huge house with wealthy family.
• She doesn't think Victor's nominations were strategic at all.
• As she spilled beans, James was his usual noncommittal self, nodding a lot and saying he didn't know ... even when he darn well knows and we know he knows!
• Paulie is still campaigning to make sure Michelle goes out this week, not Zakiyah.
• Natalie would prefer Michelle stay over Zakiyah. She told Bridgette that James was throwing serious shade at her over it. Bridgette told her that James was just trying to protect her game.
• Bridgette told Michelle and Natalie that it's Paulie who's running the house.
• While Michelle is still pushing the Nicole/Paulie final two suspicions, Bridgette's trying to think of how to flip things.
• Michelle went to Victor, telling him he shouldn't trust Paulie because Paulie was the one who directed his being backdoored.
• Victor told her he had no vote in the eviction as HoH.
• He didn't say he disagreed with her, just that he can't vote to keep her.
• He told her he trusts Paulie, though.
• Silly boy.
• Yet, he might be lying. Paul and Victor have both talked about Paulie being too strong.
• But, then again, Paul and Paulie have talked about cutting Victor loose.
• It still looks like Michelle will go on Thursday night.
• But there seem to be rifts growing all about the house and we're bound to see some sort of real action with the second HoH.
• Unless it's Paulie.
• But he did say he intends on throwing it.

I just don't know about that boy

Feats of strength, it must be Festivus!

While the others are being athletic ...

BB18: Live Feeds Overnight into Tuesday - August 9

Never pick your nose on camera

Here's the latest from inside that Big Brother House of Ignorant Imbeciles:

• Hey ... to start this off ... has anyone seen ANY of the HoH blogs this season? The hamsters keep talking about them and I'm not finding them this year. I see the tweets, but not the blogs. I can't even find them in a Google search -- only the ones from previous seasons.
• That aside, a good portion of the awake time last night was spent discussing breasts, real and fake.
• I won't go into detail. I don't care. 
• They played pool.
• They played chess.
• Both are as boring as the breast talks were.
• Paulie told Zakiyah that, if not before, Michelle sealed her fate today by blowing up someone's game.
• Of course, he has always preferred Zakiyah stay.
• So he's happy that he's influenced the rest of the house to his will.
• Once again.
• Zakiyah told Paulie that she'd like to put Victor on the block. After all, he was gone and shouldn't have come back.
• And ... she doesn't know why he put her on the block!
• In other news, Natalie put sea salt in James's water because he deserved it.
• Okay, I can go with that one.
• Natalie also told Bridgette it was Paulie's decision that James put her on the block with Frank.
• Bridgette is still of the mind that James did it and he didn't have to go along with the others.
• But that seems to be the name of the game the last several seasons. I'm tired of people going with the house and house votes.
• We all know that the house is actually divided. They shouldn't be sheep unwilling to play their own games!
• Speaking of which, I fully expect James to jump in soon. He did the same thing last year, sitting back for some time, then winning. Alas, his competition was too great. This year, the chief problem is Paulie. As obnoxious as he's become, the guy can win just about any competition he wants to win. Someone (likely James) needs to rise up and lead the charge to get him out of the house or just sit back and have BB write him the check.
• They're sheeple, I tell you ... sheeple!
• Natalie really tried hard to flip Bridgette into trusting and working with James. Now, that would be a good game move in my mind.
• Bridgette told Natalie that Paulie told her he doesn't really want to win HoH this week. Good. Maybe someone who will make the big move will win!
• A bit of an unconfronted rift is developing betwixt Paul and Paulie regarding Paul talking about the couples in the house and Paulie being one of said couples.
• Will Paulie turn and set his sights on Paul and Victor next?
• I can see it eventually coming that they will turn on each other -- Paul and Paulie.
• Technically, both have already turned on Victor and labeled him expendable, use and discard.
• Nicole thinks Paul makes up stuff in his never-ending storytelling.
• Y'think?!?!
• Nicole is also a bit concerned about Zakiyah not seeming all that upset that Paulie didn't save her with the veto. She thinks Zakiyah is a very needy person, always wanting someone to do things for her from preparing her food to giving her comfort.
• (Says the woman who seems to be using BB to find a husband.)
• Paulie told Victor he wants Zakiyah gone ... after Michelle, but before Nicole.
• As it stands, it looks like Michelle will go to jury on Thursday. She claims she'll "blow up" Paulie's game on the way out.
• But, even if she does, there are none so blind as those who refuse to see.

She knows Michelle is gunning for her

Has she no pride? All over Paulie once again.

Not sure which is more boring - chess or pool

BB18: Live Feeds into Monday Evening, PoV Meeting - August 8

He's trying too hard to be a "character."

Here's the latest from inside that Big Brother House of Fumbling Fools:

• There wasn't much action at all until a fairly early PoV meeting.
• While the live feeds are blocked for that, the results are always talked about soon after they return.
• Welp, Paulie didn't save anyone with the veto!
• Zakiyah and Michelle remain on the block.
• Michelle furthered her "boys alliance" theory to Zakiyah as a reason the veto wasn't used.
• But then Paul goes and lies right to her face saying that he didn't think the girls would go on the block this week.
• And ... she believes him.
• She tells Paul that, if she stays and wins HoH and it's a double eviction this week, she won't put him on the block.
• And, she'd be willing to be put up as a pawn if needed.
• @@
• Dang. She claims to be a "superfan."
• They obviously don't build superfans like they used to!
• Michelle also told Paul she wouldn't put Victor or Bridgette up either.
• Hmm. I know she wants Nicole out. I guess that's one she put on the block.
• The other? She's claiming a big move. 
• Paulie?
• Hmm. It does seem like she meant him.
• Well, she's not likely to win anyway.
• When Paul told Paulie of the conversation, he made no mention that Michelle might be thinking of nominating him (Paulie).
• Paulie wants to target James in the second eviction if it's a double.
• They don't know for sure it is. But we know.
• Paulie says it has to be an all guy finale because "the girls will vote for whatever girl is there."
• @@
• Zakiyah reported to Nicole that Michelle is claiming she'll make big moves and hinting she'd target Paulie if she stays.
• I don't know. To me, that would be more reason to keep her and evict Zakiyah!
• But, then again, Michelle doesn't do well in comps.
• Michelle once again told Natalie not to trust Nicole. I don't know why she has such a bug in her bonnet about Nicole.
• Paulie still seems to want Michelle out this week even though, by not using the veto to save her, Zakiyah just might not be his number one fan anymore.
• Victor pointed out to Paul that Paulie is working steadier with the other duos in the house and they're alone. (He wants Michelle to stay.)
• Paul nodded.
• As it stands right now, it looks like Michelle will go out the door.
• There is a bit of confusion and talk about what James will do with his care package power of cancelling two votes.
• I think he'll do whatever the majority wants with them.
• But I really hope he goes for the HOH in the second one. He will need it. His name is getting tossed around too much.

Up early and all alone. Sniffle.

Now that I didn't use the veto ...

Her save thoughts flopped

How did I get myself into this mess?

BB18: Live Feeds Overnight into Monday - August 8

Friendmance more than showmance

Here's the latest from inside that Big Brother House of Immature Idjits:

• Paul has been wearing that inflatable duck around his waist all night.
• It's not any sort of punishment meted out by BB for anything.
• It's just his cry for attention, methinks.
• No wonder he hasn't attracted any sort of showmance attention this season, right?
• Since they slept away most of the day on Sunday, most have been up all night.
• So, they'll probably sleep most of today away with the exception of the PoV meeting.
• Paul kept pushing his Oust Zakiyah agenda on and off to whomever would listen. 
• He knows Paulie would prefer Michelle go. 
• Most of the house would prefer Michelle go due to her crying jags and unpredictability.
• Both Paul and Paulie have been trying to convince James to do their will with his two vote cancellations power.
• Hopefully, James will do what James wants with that power. I only wish people had held off and waited to give him the immunity package.
• Oh, geez. Nicole got jealous because Natalie touched Corey.
• We're in junior high school here, folks! 
• While others are worried about a double eviction looming ahead, Know It All Paul doubts they'll do it until the One Way/Single Return Trip tickets end.
• Tons and tons of small talk conversations overnight.
• I don't really need Paul's advice on what to feed my cat, thankyouverymuch.
• Paulie and Victor talked about backdooring James. Oh noes!
• Of course, Paul and Paulie have also talked about backdooring Victor recently.
• Talk, talk, talk.
• Paulie wants Michelle out this week, Bridgette next. He thinks that Bridgette has Natalie thinking there's a guy alliance.
• Nicole believes in Paulie.
• Silly girl.
• They need to backdoor him or just hand him the check early to get it over with.
• She and Corey are on board with ousting Michelle this week instead of Zakiyah.
• She doesn't quite go along with Paul so much anymore.
• Will the Zakiyah/Michelle conundrum break apart Paul and Paulie?
• Hmm.
• We can only wish.
• Victor is still hoping the nominations stay the same. He doesn't want to be in the position of having to put anyone else up.
• It's unsure at this time whether Paulie will save Zakiyah with the veto or not. He wants her to stay and it appears he probably has the votes to do so if she remains on the block.
• Michelle herself seems to be hinting for a Bridgette replacement.
• We'll see what happens.

Wonders why women aren't attracted to him

Clinging to Paulie once again to keep safe

Listens a lot, makes many facial expressions

Lady Pottymouth of the Year Award

Note the time on this, they'll sleep all day

BB18: Live Feeds into Sunday Evening - August 7

As exciting as it got today. Paul got ducked.

Here's the latest from inside that Big Brother House of Bad Casting:

• Sigh. We're in the doldrums once again.
• Nothing really goes on during Sundays.
• They sleep.
• When they're tired of sleeping, they eat.
• When they're tired of eating, they nap.
• Rinse and repeat.
• BB didn't even attempt to wake them up until 11:30 or so their time.
• My day seemed half-over by then. (I'm running three hours later than they are. It was 2:30 in the afternoon here.)
• Victor and Paul talked. Victor's final six would include himself, Paul, Michelle, Corey, Bridgette and Paulie. 
• Paul nodded.
• I don't think his final six would include Victor if his talks with Paulie have been true.
• Nicole told Paul she'd prefer Michelle out this week when he asked her.
• He told her that they should try to get Zakiyah out since they have a shot at her. Michelle is more likely to be easier to get out later.
• Nicole agreed.
• Honestly agreed or not, I don't know.
• Later on, Corey and Nicole talked. He told her he's not sure why Paul is pushing for Zakiyah to go this week rather than Michelle.
• Meanwhile, Paulie kind of wants Zakiyah to stay and Michelle to go.
• And, he holds the Power of Veto.
• Corey thinks Paul is putting a target on his back by pushing a Zakiyah eviction.
• We know he has a duck on his back. Maybe it's an euphemism for target.
• Both Corey and James think Zakiyah is more level-headed and most likely wouldn't put either of them on the block if she won HoH.
• It seems the majority of the house wants Michelle out. But Victor and Paul want Zakiyah out.
• Hmm.
• And the beat goes on.

Two good reasons I'm not a cougar

Michelle and Bridgette small talk

Zakiyah remains slim no matter what she eats

BB18: HoH Comp Completion, Nominations Episode Blog Party - August 7

Hamster watchers ready?

As the show airs here on the East Coast, I'll be constantly updating this entry. Refresh the page to get the latest news! As always, the real party is in the comments area!

Ah, the recap is over. Let's get this show going! We pick it up with the comp. Julie tells them they can squat, but not sit on the discs. Zakiyah feels betrayed because she thinks Paulie blindsided her with the Da'Vonne vote. Paulie knows she's upset. He won't come down until after she does because he's afraid of what might happen.

The five guys form an alliance called the Executives. Obviously, before the comp started.

Internet trolls come out to attack them on the ropes. James is out. He gets "beat down" by three trolls. Bridgette is out next. Corey is out. So, there are the three Have Nots.

Nichelle is vomiting while spinning on her disc. She's down. She cries. What else is new? Nicole falls, thankfully not in the vomit puddle. Zakiyah comes down, quickly followed by Paulie who has no worries except from Zakiyah. She's onto him.

It's down to Victor and Natalie, both want to see photos from home and hear from their mothers. Finally, after he promises once again she's safe, Natalie drops.

Victor is the new HOH. Natalie cries. 

Paulie promises us that he'll get in Victor's ear and Victor will make the nominations he wants. 

Zakiyah cries to us from the Diary Room. In the bathroom, Paulie tells her to relax. 

Paul, Paulie and Bridgette meet up. She's willing to work with him in gratitude for not going home. But, of course, she's NOT an Executive. She's more the cleaner lady.

Michelle cries more. She's sure she will be going on the block. 

Victor tells Paul that Da'Vonne whispered "they will put you up in a double eviction." He doesn't know the "they." We know the "they." It's his buddies, Paul and Paulie. 

The Executives hold a meeting. They talk about putting Zakiyah up. Paulie can go either way. He says in the game she's a detriment to him. 

Nicole goes for damage control with Michelle. She tells Michelle that Da'Vonne was going to put up her (Nicole) and Corey. Michelle cries some more.

Paulie talks to Zakiyah. She asks him if he fell on purpose. Paulie wants to keep her calm so she doesn't blow up his game. 

James tries to reason with Michelle. No way. He now wants her out because he knows she can't be trusted. He talks to Paulie about it. Now Paulie is thinking it would be better for Michelle to go rather than Zakiyah.

Special delivery! It's the care package from the skies! It's for James. Underwear, socks, aviators and the power to eliminate two eviction votes at the next eviction. He's thinking it might put him in a spot and is a bit nervous about it.

Nominations ceremony time! He nominates Zakiyah and Michelle, surprise! Nine to one, he says ... the votes on his eviction night. He says Zakiyah would put him on the block. Michelle, clear to see, yesterday wasn't the day to piss people off. He gives them New Orleans beads, Michelle breaks down and cries.

Then she cries to us. And cries some more.

Paul wants Zakiyah out. Paulie wants Michelle out and wants to use James's power to do it.

Off Topic: That Was the Week It Was - August 7, 2016

Good morning! Since it's Sunday morning, 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. If you're here for Big Brother news, everything I have for you can be found at this link. I'll be posting another live feeds report late tonight as well as live-blogging the aired show. But this ain't that. This post is a year-round regular "feature" while Big Brother is a summer obsession. Or, something like that.

We've had another week of on and off super heat, on and off super humidity, on and off super thunderstorms here in New Jersey. I'm over it. Autumn can come anytime now.

I've also been a bit under the weather this week. While I blame the heat for some of it, most of my feeling poorly is due to sciatica. While it's not as bad as it was a few years back when I had severe issues with it, it's bad enough. I'm tempted to get my walker from my knee surgeries back in gear. Ack. And, of course, I've had to go to work every day. I have no doubts that's making it last longer and bother me more. I am SO ready for retirement.

In other news, I briefly caught some National Night Out doings in both Bridgewater and Plainfield on Tuesday evening. But then I went home and spent the night in.

I really don't have much more for you other than the photos. I apologize for being so late with this, but it's here now. Clicking on an image will bring it up in a larger version!

Love me an Eastern Cicada Killer Wasp!

These are fun to photograph as well as to watch. It would be nice some day to photograph the female carrying a paralyzed cicada back to the burrow. But, until then, I'll photograph the males and watch them vie for power. Since they can't sting, they're just plain entertainment for me. Bridgewater Train Station.

American Goldfinch

The American Goldfinch is the State Bird for New Jersey, but I rarely see them. When I do, they're such a delight -- bright yellow, small birds with a lilting song. They like thistle. If I had some outdoor space other than a fire escape, I'd put up a thistle feeder to attract them. As it is, I doubt my landlord or the fire department would want me messing with my fire escape.

By the way, there is an Eastern Cicada Killer Wasp flying in the background, lower left on the photo, just above the thistle.

Police cadets working the crowd

It was so refreshing to see that so many young kids are interested in being a part of the Plainfield Police Cadet program/Mentoring Academy. The class of 40 cadets graduated the program in a ceremony on Friday. But, on National Night Out on Tuesday in Plainfield, they worked the crowds, mingling and setting a good example. Their parents should be proud of them and the kids should be proud of themselves, too. Kudos to the kids involved, their parents and the Plainfield Police Department!

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

BB18: Live Feeds Overnight into Sunday - August 7

I have a hard decision to make

Here's the latest from inside that Big Brother House of a Big Mess:

• As you know from my last update, Paulie won the PoV.
• Now he's fussing about what to do, what to do.
• But apparently this dude can't ever just sit back and let someone else win for a change.
• Well, except for the HoH when he dropped right after Zakiyah came down.
• And, don't think she hasn't questioned him about that one!
• "Do you want me out? Did you just want to make sure I didn't win?"
• It was the hidden veto, tear apart the house comp. 
• I think BB gives this comp just so the house will actually get cleaned up at some point. 
• Victor, the clean freak, had the same thought about BB using it to get them to clean.
• Although, to give them credit, the rooms don't seem AS messy as with some previous seasons hamsters. I've seen it so bad that they practically had paths through the clutter to the beds.
• Paul's hosting outfit had him as a "lifeguard." He later wrapped the red lifeguard shirt on his head.
• I don't think I want him guarding my life, thankyouverymuch.
• There's a lot of James/Victor animosity going on. Paul and Paulie are soon going to have to pick a side.
• It sounds like Victor will probably put James on the block if Paulie takes Zakiyah down.
• You KNOW that if Paulie takes anyone down, it would be Zakiyah rather than Michelle!
• Michelle knows that, too.
• Zakiyah is thinking her man Paulie will save her.
• Paul says that if Zakiyah stays on the block, she will be voted out and Paulie won't have to worry about her at all.
• Thus, Paulie's quandary.
• Hey, he put himself in this boat. Apparently he didn't find any of the vetos the others hid, but he hid his so well that no one found it at all or it was the last one found.
• James made his pretty obvious, knowing he didn't want to win.
• Maybe he should have tried, then not used the veto. At least he'd be safe from a renom.
• Supposedly, according to Paul, the reason Victor is mad at James is because James made such a huge mess in the kitchen during the comp.
• Victor should be thankful Zach isn't in the house!
• During the comp, Victor was so mad at the mess James made and the fact that James's bag wasn't touched, that he ripped open James's bag and dumped all his stuff all over.
• Victor and James had a sit down. Victor told James he's happy that Paulie won the veto, so the noms will remain the same. James told him that Paulie is thinking of using the veto to save Zakiyah because he "can control" her, but can't "control" Michelle.
• As a woman, I can't help but wonder if Paulie will eventually look for a wife he can "control" and raise children he can "control."
• @@
• They didn't do a great job of cleaning up after the comp. Remind me to never hire them to clean my apartment.
• Paulie told both Paul and Nicole that he isn't planning on using the veto.
• But, in a long conversation with Bridgette, he was going back and forth over why he should or shouldn't use it. He ended up with the idea of not using it, but ...!
• They're all still in fear of a double eviction ... which we know for sure is coming this week. They just know one is due.
• Paul, Victor and Paulie have decided the use of the veto will be a "board" decision.
• Yeah, that's the little Executive Board alliance.
• Paulie himself wants Michelle to go, then Bridgette gone before Zakiyah. At least, that's what he told Nicole and Corey.
• But is it the truth?
• He also told Nicole she's the only girl he wants to keep around.
• Hmm. Maybe because she can't win a comp for the life of her and she might be a bigger target than he is as the numbers dwindle?
• If these hamsters were smart, they'd realize PAULIE should be the Number One target if they have any thoughts of winning this game.
• I think the only one who realizes that is James. And, he's playing the game so carefully this season, waiting for time to make his big moves, that he might be out before he can get the moves made.
• Zakiyah picked Paulie as Houseguest's Choice and fully expects him to save her.
• Michelle had her pity party. They crushed her dreams by putting her on the block. She's all alone in the game. She'll never meet ZingBot and on and on.
• Of course, if she meets ZingBot, you know she'd cry about her zings.
• Michelle once again is comparing Paulie's game to Derrick's. How big of a superfan is she? Their games are nothing alike. Derrick let others win and played a manipulation game. Paulie seems to want to win everything he can and try to bully.
• Oh, perhaps not physically bully, but you know what I mean. "I have all the power all the time. You'll do what I say or I'll want you out next."
• Michelle is hoping that Paulie uses the veto and Victor backdoors James.
• I hope he doesn't. James is the only one I find the least bit palatable this season.
• James told "us" that he made the big mess in the kitchen for us and to have fun. He forgot that Victor, the clean freak, is back.
• As it stands now, it looks like Paulie might not use the PoV and, if that's the case, Zakiyah should be voted out.
• But it ain't over until the fat lady sings.
• (No, Michelle is NOT fat despite all her self-esteem issues over her weight!)

On the block AND allergic to the dip

She just can't win for losing

I want that pool and hot tub combo!

Cleaning up the mess

Lifeguard? No way!

BB18: Live Feeds into Saturday Evening, Power of Veto - August 6

Enough Jeff, more than enough Jeff

Here's the latest from inside that Big Brother House of Blocked Live Feeds:

• The live feeds have been blocked most of the time since the hamsters woke up.
• They picked the veto players.
• The live feeds were blocked for that.
• But we found out anyway.
• In addition to Victor, Michelle and Zakiyah -- it's Paulie, James and Nicole. Paul is hosting.
• James will throw it. He doesn't want to be in that position.
• Natalie, sure that she will hit the jury house rather than the win, told James that no matter who he's against at the end (if he makes it there), he has her vote.
• Aw, ain't that sweet?
• That's pretty much all that happened before the feeds got blocked with Jeff Highlights for the PoV comp.
• Six and a half hours as I type this while waiting for the return.
• Grr.
• Seven hours.

At nearly eight hours after the feeds block, they're back on.
PAULIE is wearing the PoV necklace. What a shocker! It was the search through/mess up the house veto comp.

Gee, Paulie won a comp for a change

BB18: Live Feeds into Saturday - August 6

I like the jester hat better

Here's the latest from inside that Big Brother House of Tears and Testosterone:

• The nominees, Zakiyah and Michelle, have realized that, as long as the guys remain in charge of the house, they'll take all the women out one by one.
• Well ... yeah, they will. But, this season like so many in the past, had women wanting to ally, then blowing it. The men tend to ally and stick with it. 
• Meanwhile, Natalie tells James that Nicole is playing the game dirty.
• Girl against girl, again.
• Paul is still lying to Zakiyah, telling her that Bridgette had been the target last week, not Da'Vonne.
• We know he was instrumental in getting Da'Vonne out. If not for Paulie's persistence, Bridgette would have gone out the door.
• There's some sort of kerfuffle about beads during the blocked to live feeds nominations ceremony. Victor, from New Orleans, got beads in his HoH basket. It seems that he gave people them during the ceremony and Michelle either threw them down or at him or something.
• I guess we'll see what that's all about on the show Sunday night.
• Michelle told Nicole that she feels like a failure (over the HoH comp poor showing). 
• Like Michelle needed something else to feel bad about herself. She doesn't get that she's pretty, she is NOT fat, she's smart ... and, gosh-darn it, people like her. (My apologies to Stuart Smalley/Al Franken)
• But people get tired of a constant pity party.
• Paulie wants Zakiyah to stay, Michelle out this week.
• So, that's probably going to happen unless Michelle pulls a rabbit out of her hat and wins PoV.
• He's pushing his oust the females agenda to James.
• James nods a lot. But, as usual, doesn't really commit.
• I think James realizes he needs to stay on the good side of the power until the moment comes that they can be brought down.
• That is, if that moment ever comes.
• Paulie thinks the girls will say anything to get the guys to turn on each other.
• Well, yeah. Of course. Anything is worth a try!
• Michelle talked to Victor who told her that he had felt alone when he first came back into the game. But now he feels he's connected with everyone except Zakiyah (who only connects with Paulie and ex-connected with Da'Vonne).
• He acted like he wants Michelle to stay over Zakiyah.
• It doesn't matter. It's not Victor's HoH anyway. It belongs to Paulie. Paulie wants Michelle out, so be it!
• Paulie thinks Michelle uses crying as a game strategy.
• I just wonder if she uses it as a way of life.
• It's sad.
• Michelle is sure that she's the target.
• Zakiyah thinks that she's the target.
• I'm personally kind of doubtful the nominations will change unless either Zakiyah or Michelle win PoV. Anyone else, they'll probably remain the same.
• And, if they remain the same, I would predict Michelle out the door rather than Zakiyah.
• I could be wrong, but that's what I'm thinking!

Maybe he'll grow up someday

James gettin' the love

Pondering possibilities

Is it cruel that I hoped he fell over backwards?