BBOTT: Some Are Safe, New Alliances? - into Sunday, October 30

Sharing giggles with the LNJ

Shelby winning the America's Care Package of negating the votes of three people has thrust the hamster house in another direction entirely.

• The Have Nots chosen by America this week are: Kryssie, Whitney and Justin, not necessarily in that order. That's been a bit indicative of the upcoming America vote for eviction.
• I personally think it will probably be Kryssie nominated by America for eviction this week.
• Of course, if we were actually IN the house, either getting Whitney or Justin out would be a better idea. Justin is way too popular to make it near the final three -- he would win a popular vote hands down. But he doesn't really PLAY the game so much -- he's just being his quirky self and, by gosh, people LIKE him. I wouldn't want him next to me at the end!
• As for Whitney, she's not an Alex, but she's playing the game and is working a strategy.
• In a diary room session, Alex told us that she'd like to work with Danielle.
• Danielle told Scott and Alex they were safe (from her nominations) this week.
• Scott told us that he, Danielle and Alex plan to work together.
• Hmm. I wouldn't mind them as the final three. Then Alex would win it all, as it should be. I'd like to see her win. She's really been trying to work strategy, win comps and play the game of BB. Yet, she's been put in riskier spots more so than others in the house.
• To be honest, Kryssie would be one I'd be willing to bring to the final three because she wouldn't win.
• A good player, preferably likeable too, would win against any of those who got into arguments or became overly emotional.
• Justin and Jason will go far because of fan popularity. But no one else in the house wants to be sitting in a final three with them.
• Morgan also approached Danielle (or vice versa) about working together. Hmm.
• In the first Safety Ceremony, Danielle made these hamsters safe: Justin, Jason and Kryssie. No real surprises there.
• I'm thinking, after the next Safety round, if she keeps her word, she'll save Scott, Morgan and Alex. That would leave Shelby and Whitney as her nominees. America will probably nominate Kryssie. Of that bunch, Kryssie would get the boot.
• I guess we'll see. 

 

Sharing giggles with Alex and Shelby

Pacing the yard, talking to us

She's safe ... for the moment

Decisions, decisions

Alone again, naturally

BBOTT: America's Care Package and into Saturday, October 29

Have Not reprieve

Oh, geez. America, what is wrong with you? Do you WANT boredom? I mean, nothing against Shelby and all, but ...!

• The big news of yesterday is that Shelby got America's Care Package.
• Sigh.
• Now, I like Shelby okay. I wish she wouldn't make such odd faces, but that's sort of entertaining in and of itself.
• BUT ...
• ... I don't watch BB for Kumbaya, holding hands, all is love entertainment.
• If the side Shelby's on, which already has the numbers, now can eliminate all three votes of the other side, all will be peachy-keen, namby-pamby and BORING.
• I would guess that, if America nominates Kryssie, she will go home this week.
• I'd really rather Scott go.
• In other news, they're all excited for Halloween.
• Woohoo.
• In yet other news, the Have Nots ended and the new Have Nots haven't been named yet.
• A feast was enjoyed by all.
• We've had no new brouhahas or even kerfuffles, albeit some saltiness about America's Care Package.
• I'm a bit salty over it myself. 

Not a lot of hot tub action in BBOTT

Everybody hates me! Wah!

I can't get it open!

Kryssie's care package reaction

Jason undercover

BBOTT: Thursday Hamster Happenings - Into Friday, October 28

I'm not napping!

The BBOTT rule about no napping doesn't seem to make a difference in many staying up late. They must be running on fumes. It's no wonder they're edgy.

• There have been no more brouhahas, not even a kerfuffle.
• Julie showed up on the living room screen to talk to the hamsters and had trouble getting them there.
• In her questioning, we found out that Danielle still feels strong dislike of Scott and he's all like "whatever."
• I'm not thrilled with either one.
• The bright spot of Julie's "visit" was the footage of Justin's pizza song/dance set to music as we saw on the show the other night. It broke the tension in the room.
• The Late Night Jamboree folks are really taking the possibility that their trashtalking might have turned America off. They're worried about America's nomination.
• Of course, it will be a wait and see to find out who America nominated as Have Nots. They've been an indicator of what direction America might go with the nomination.
• Scott keeps acting like he's a dead man walking.
• We can only hope he is.
• The targets seem to be either Alex or Scott. 
• I like Alex. I want her to stay around.
• But, unless the LNJ bunch can take out one of the "Plastics," this house is going to be all kinds of boring. Right now, the Plastics have the numbers and, if they keep taking one LNJ hamster after another ... yawnsers! 

He thinks he will go this week. I hope so.

Houseguests? Anyone home? Bueller?

Product placement

BBOTT: Brouhahas Afoot and a New Hoh - into Thursday, October 27

Justin tells us he loves us

Oh my. It was more than a kerfuffle. It was just about to the point of a brouhaha. Here's what happened:

• In her save me speech, Neeley said that Scott is a disgusting person because he applauded Kryssie's injuries during the veto comp.
• Scott denied doing so after the America's tie-breaker vote sent Neeley out the door.
• But, mind you, he has this wacko loud superior kind of clap he does do. He did it when Neeley got the boot. It's almost a violent clap rather than applause of any kind.
• He claims he did that to Kryssie not realizing she had already done the comp or got hurt. He thought it would throw her off her game.
• It all turned into a mess quickly before the HoH comp.
• Danielle went off on Scott about bullying people.
• The girls on the "Plastics" side were all abuzz about being bullied by the Late Night Jamboree crew.
• And, vice versa. 
• Mostly Scott was targeted.
• But the bullying of Shelby was also brought up.
• Even Jason had pause to think -- perhaps all of Neeley's trashtalking of others was responsible for America's vote.
• Do ya think ...?
• Now, I've mentioned Scott creeps me out. He can be very abrasive and really doesn't take into consideration the feelings of others. He'd probably be a good bill collector! (heehee)
• But I also don't think he's that aware of how he comes across.
• The brouhaha went on without much resolve other than people thinking they need to be nicer to people. But people have to be nicer to them, too!
• Gah.
• The Memory Wall was adorned with BB baseball cards and the comp was questions based on the cards.
• Danielle won.
• Everyone went to the HoH room reveal and acted all nicey-nice. 
• I'm sure it won't last.

Studying BB bb cards

Testing their memories

Kryssie sits alone to one side, rather sad

Going off on Scott

Fences mended for HoH room? Nah.

BBOTT: Weekly Show and Live Eviction - October 26

I'm putting up this post so anyone who wishes to do so can comment on the weekly show. I'm not going to live blog the show as we've already discussed all that happens. As it is with this online BB version, I will post about the HoH comp in the morning. Midnight starts for it are too late for East Coast people!

I will step back in for the live eviction, though! When Morgan saved herself with the veto, Kryssie put Whitney in her place. So, we have Scott, Whitney and Neeley on the block.

Live eviction time, speeches and all. Soctt was Scott. Neeley badmouthed Scott for her speech. Whitney was pleasant.

The votes to evict:
Jason - Scott
Morgan - Neeley
Danielle - Scott
Shelby - Neeley
Alex - Neeley
Justin - Scott

By a vote of four (America's vote) to three, Neeley is evicted. Scott inappropriately claps loudly.

Survivor: Millennials vs. Gen -X Blog Party - October 26

As Survivor airs here on the East Coast, I'll be live-blogging with the major events.  As always, the real party is in the comments area. Please feel free to join in on the fun! Later on tonight, I will have a post for the BBOTT show/live eviction. I was lackadaisical last night and today -- Whitney was the renom. So, it's Scott, Morgan and Whitney on the block.

Here are the blog pool match updates from the Lovely Lifeguard Laurie:

Vanua - Orange 
Chris Hammons - Cheryl in NC, Jennasmom, Lanell from TN 
David Wright - Buzzmaam, MikesGirl, Sharon C 
Michelle Shubert - Ed in Ohio, Nickelpeed 
Zeke Smith - Beachmom, monty924 , Glenn

Takali - Purple 
Adam Klein - Brian, Kelsey NY, Sharon N 
Figgy Figueroa - Donna in Alabama, Laurie 
Jessica Lewis - Cupcake, Jean, Petals 
Ken McNickle - Dolores in Hollywood, Margo, Russ 
Taylor Lee Stocker - Donna in FL, Janice from GA, Stephanie in Baltimore

Ikabula - Green 
Bret LaBelle - Brandi Peralta, Judi Sweeney, Skyriverblue 
Hannah Shapiro - David, meb, Terry is a Texan 
Jay Starrett - Becky, Jackie, Shayne 
Michaela Bradshaw - Donna in NY, Krysta G, Pinky 
Sunday Burquest - Brenda, Kristen from Ohio, SueGee 
Will Wahl - Cheryl, Indiana Jane

OUT 
x Rachel Ako 
Mari Takahashi - cwcamper, Marthalight 
Paul Wachter - ChickMc, PDX Granny 
Lucy Huang - Delee, ML 
CeCe Taylor - Anonymouse, Merrilee

Fifteen are left. Who will be voted out tonight? Survivor fans ready? Let's go!

David thinks that they made the right decision in voting out CeCe. Zeke, of course, is a happy camper. 

On Ikabula, Jay thinks he has to take care of people. He wants to find the idol. He finds one right in front of Will. Whoops! Michaela walked up on them and now she knows, too. She's one of the best players on their tribe (in my opinion). She tells us it will remain secret unless she needs to snitch to stay in.

Reward Challenge time -- callers with blindfolded players collecting puzzle pieces. The caller will solve the puzzle directing blindfolded players. First prize is a sweet feast, second is cookies. 

Coming from behind, Vanua wins first place! Ikabula won second place. 

Hannah feels faint and they've called medics. Apparently she hyperventilated and ended up with cramping hands. Poor Hannah.

Zeke, realizing he's still bottom of his age group (although the oldest) is thinking he needs to jump ship and ally with the Gen-X bunch.

Hannah is going on about her anxiety issues.

Taylor and Figgy are very smug in their showmance. Taylor thinks they're a power couple. Figgy isn't as certain they should "come out." Jessica tells her they knew. Ken knew, too. Ken tells us that he's going to make sure he's okay and that Figgy/Taylor are like kids playing camp.

Immunity Challenge time! Race balance beams on water, collect six bags, three balls, table maze. 

Ikablua wins Immunity! Vanua is finally safe!

Figgy thinks they should vote out Ken. She pushes Adam in that direction. Of course, Taylor is on board with his Figgy. Jessica proposes to Adam he join up with her and Ken. Ken approaches Adam and promises him safety in the game. Adam isn't sure what to do.

Tribal Council -- lots of giggles, but Adam's still in the middle. He is the only swing vote.

The tally:
Ken, Figgy, Ken, Figgy, Figgy!

Woot! Ken is safe! Adam made the right choice. Taylor is giving him the evil eye. 

BBOTT: America's Nomination, PoV Comp - Monday, October 24

Shelby was worried, then relieved

Mondays are a big day in the BBOTT house. First, the America's nomination is announced. Then, immediately after that, the veto players are picked. And, then there is the Power of Veto Comp. I get tired just thinking of all that activity!

• No surprise to me, Neeley was America's nomination for eviction.
• Since she was chosen as a Have Not this week (also by America) and due to the fact that she sits wrapped up in a blanket wearing sunglasses indoors and out, day and night, without doing much other than trashtalk and gossip ... it was a given to me that she'd go up.
• The way they work picking the veto players is that all of the hamster chips are in the doohickey. The HoH picks two chips. If she picks her own chip or any of the nominees, whomever picked gets to choose a player.
• Kryssie drew Justin first, then she drew Scott. So, he could choose a player. He chose Shelby. Kryssie chose Whitney to host the comp.
• Then the comp took forever. It was a Wall of Shame. There were pegs all along the wall. They had to climb over to a clue, then match it up with a numbered card on the podium. The time limit was 30 minutes and each had to go individually. The others were all sequestered indoors.
• Morgan did great, finishing in about 8 and a half minutes.
• Kryssie, who's not athletic at all, had a hissy fit and quit the comp claiming her hands were bleeding all over and on ... and on.
• Scott was about a half-minute slower than Morgan's time.
• Morgan won the Power of Veto.
• Yep, the one nominee likely to get NO votes for eviction won.
• Since Kryssie already mentioned her Plan B renom would likely be Shelby, I guess we can expect that.
• But having Neeley in the nom mix might blow their plans to get Scott out.

I don't care much for either Neeley or Scott. However, I'd prefer Scott leave if I had my druthers. (What exactly ARE "druthers"?) He tends to creep me out. Neeley is just kind of no real there there. That's better than a creep out. 
 

Neeley is America's nomination

Morgan working the wall

Kryssie's Wall of Shame was shameful

 

Scott is ready for his Wall of Shame

BBOTT: Alex's Nominations - into Monday, October 24

I don't think I'd want her preparing food for me

With the exception of the final Safety Ceremony doings and scheming here and there, Sunday was rather uneventful.

• Kryssie's nominations are Morgan and Scott.
• Now, she talked at length with Morgan beforehand. Morgan is a definite pawn. Morgan even volunteered to be a pawn, thinking Scott would be the ultimate target.
• And, yes. Scott is the target. Originally, Kryssie didn't want to nominate him herself (even though she wants him out more than anyone else) because she didn't want it to look like an emotional play.
• Rather than take the risk that America wouldn't nominate him, she did.
• She used the reasoning that America put two of her allies on slop this week along with Scott. Neeley and Jason are Have Nots.
• Hmm.
• Scott seems to think that Neeley could possibly be voted out.
• I think Scott could possibly be voted out unless he wins the veto.
• Kryssie's bunch doesn't want Alex to play in the veto because she herself is safe this week and someone not a target would have to go up.
• They seem to have lost the realization that the veto winner can't be nominated anyway.
• But it's their game to lose, not mine.
• Danielle has realized that Neeley really isn't her BFF in the house. She's been talking to the other girls in the house about her! How dare she!
• Everybody's talking about you, girl. Maybe if you didn't talk so much about yourself, they wouldn't be.
• Justin is stirring the Neeley/Danielle pot.
• Whitney thinks Justin is the best/most dangerous player in the house.
• Now, I'm not getting that feeling so much. What Justin has in his favor is that he's truly gregarious. He likes hanging out with people, doesn't matter what people or what side. Because he does that, everybody seems to think he's playing the game. Nah. He's just playing Justin. 

But, what will America do?

How Neeley will always be remembered

If she wasn't safe, she wouldn't be

Off Topic: That Was the Week It Was - October 23, 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. This is a regular Sunday part of this blog in addition to the television posts. Right now I'm covering Big Brother: Over the Top daily -- you can find those posts at this link. I'm also live blogging Survivor episodes as they air on Wednesday evenings. Come join the blog parties!

Tonight is the big season premiere of The Walking Dead. Yes! Finally! I fear Lucille's target will be Glenn. But I hope I'm wrong.

We went from summer to winter this week here in New Jersey. Well, not quite winter, but close. Until late in the week, our temperatures were hitting records with a few days just a couple degrees short of the 90-degree mark. Then yesterday morning, it became raw with an at times wind-blown cold rain coming down sideways. We do need the rain. My area was one of the counties in the state listed under a drought warning this week. While we had rain on and off for about 24 hours, I doubt it put a dent in the reservoir levels.  

Work continues to be very stressful for me. I feel like I'm surrounded with people who don't care and are undependable. I swear everybody's calling out or taking vacation every other week while I have so much on my plate that I feel like I'm scrambling every minute I'm there. I've been working more hours than usual and still feel I'm not getting things done as well as I should. Oh, well. If I can make it to retirement (maybe next year at this time!), all will just be a bad memory.

That's it for now. Onto the photos! Clicking on an image will bring up a larger version ...  

The best season of all, it's FALL!

Autumn is usually my favorite season of the year. While spring is a close runner-up, fall is usually more crisp in the mornings, warmer in the afternoons with cool overnights. Generally, it's not as rainy as spring (although we need the rain this year) and it's colorful. I love the seasonal displays near my workplace. Unfortunately, I've seen some of the smaller pumpkins go missing. Why can't people just appreciate seeing them and not feel the need to steal? Sigh.

If only ...

In front of the Friends (Quakers) Meeting House on Watchung Avenue in Plainfield, if only peace on Earth could be possible. 

Golden dreams

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

BBOTT: Have Nots and Saturday Safety Stuff - into Sunday, October 23

At your service, Madam HoH

Yesterday's big news of the day was the beginning of the Safety Ceremony and the Have Nots (chosen by America) announcement. Not necessarily in that order, mind you.

• The Have Nots "we" chose are: Jason, Neeley and Scott.
• Hmm. Scott was a given in the minds of most. Neeley? Her personality and way of just sitting around trashtalking others instead of winning anything or actually doing anything is affecting how the public looks at her. 
• Then there's Jason. HE thinks America chose him because he's been playing both sides of the house to an extent. He thinks Justin does that much more and is more deserving of being a Have Not.
• Nope, that's not it, Jason.
• Y'see, we DO like you. But you've grown too smug and need to tone down the nastiness a bit. This is the equivalent of an NCIS Gibbs cuff across the top of the head. A wake-up call, if you want to call it.
• Kryssie, on the other hand, has upped her image a bit in my mind. She's really taking the HoH seriously and weighing all her options while trying to work with almost everyone in the house a bit.
• Well, everyone but Scott, that is.
• Since they found out that three will go to the finals instead of the usual two, Justin and Jason are the ones NO ONE wants to be with at the end. All think that either of those two would beat anyone else in a popular vote by America.
• Friends, allies, whatever -- most just feel those two need to go before the final three.
• Meanwhile, Kryssie wants to get out someone who "doesn't deserve to be there" this week rather than a power player. She's about the only one who says that if she makes it to the finals she doesn't care if she's up against popular players.
• She means Scott as far as one who "doesn't deserve to be there."
• We all know that.
• Sure, he won HoH last week and made the "big" and "personal" move of getting Shane out.
• But, for the most part, Scott is just sort of trying to be in with the in crowd and just not making the grade.
• For all we know, that might just be the story of his life. I don't mean to be cruel. I certainly spent enough early years of my own life doing the same thing. For all his expertise about BB, he just lacks the social skills to actually fit in well with others at all -- either the in crowd or the Misfit Toys. The Misfit Toys of life would accept him if he didn't come across as he feels he's so much better than they are.
• I still want him gone this week. He annoys me.
• In the first Safety Ceremony round, Kryssie made these allies of her safe: Neeley, Justin and Danielle. 

Shelby is pretty when she's not making faces

Give him slop for his constant trashtalking!

Stuck inside due to nearby concert

I've grown weary of him. Dismiss him!

Some are safe, some are not

BBOTT: America's Care Package, into Saturday - October 22

Your Safety Servant on duty

Yesterday's big action of the day was America's Care Package. America did the right thing in my mind. Of the house hamsters, I think Alex was the most likely to be targeted and out (unless America shook up the vote) this week. I'm not ready for her to go yet. She's a smart player and willing to take chances. I want to see what she can do.

• The America's Care Package was Safety Servant -- she has to wait on the HoH (Kryssie) and cannot be nominated for eviction this week.
• Kryssie picked up on the fact that this is twice that America has connected her and Alex. What could that mean? Does America want them to work together?
• Hmm.
• I don't think that's necessarily the case. I personally think America would like someone else who's more annoying or just not playing the game well out.
• Not that I can speak for America, but I think we probably target one of these more: Scott, Danielle, Morgan. While Shelby is strong on the hit list for the Late Night Jamboree hamsters, I don't think America feels quite as strongly against her.
• There was a bit of a rift between Neeley and Kryssie. Y'see, Jason and Neeley were giving Kryssie all of their ideas of what she should do with her HoH. 
• Kryssie balked after Jason left the room and said it was like they didn't even recognize she was in the room. She wants to wait to see the Have Nots to see where America stands with the hamsters before making any decisions.
• I can't blame her.
• Neeley got miffed. But she got over it.
• In other news, this is shallow of me, but I feel I must say it. Why in the world do Whitney's eyebrows look so fake and almost to the point of being Spock-like?!?! Why do women do that to their eyebrows? I'm a woman and I just don't get it! She either comes across as perpetually surprised or Vulcanish. Gah.
• Morgan approached Kryssie, telling her that Scott is trying for reverse psychology. And, if she or Whitney go up as a pawn, the girls will vote Scott out.
• We know that Kryssie's real target is Scott.
• But after her hissy fit breakdown about Shane being backdoored and an emotional move by Scott, she doesn't want her nominations to be taken as an emotional move against Scott.
• Follow that?
• She told Morgan that Scott is the target with Shelby being Plan B.
• Hmm.
• I'd just as soon Scott go. He adds nothing to my personal entertainment value of the show. While it's kind of scary to see the men diminishing from the house so rapidly this season, he can go away. Far away.
• Danielle is bugging me, too. She was all over Shane in her showmance and went so quickly to acting like he was never in the house. That's cold. 
• What do you think? 

You guys know it's MY HoH.

Still annoying, but now feels safe

Morgan isn't an Alex

Whitney in thought