Survivor: Blood vs. Water - October 30 Blog Party

Good evening! Happy Mischief Night to all! Hopefully we'll see some sort of mischief on the show tonight. Now, that could be fun. The tribes switched up last week leaving Vytas alone with the women on on tribe, Ciera alone with the men on the other. Vytas managed to last through one tribal council. But I'm not sure he can make it through another if the women decide to stick together!

Here's the latest on the blog pool from Travelin' Lifeguard Laurie:

Galang 
KATIE -- David, Margo, Zoetawny
LAURA B -- Buzzmaan, Laurie, SueGee
MONICA -- Becky, KayBeeRN, Russ
TINA -- Cheryl in NC, Lynn1, Terry in TX
VYTAS -- Donna NY, ML

Tadhana
ARAS -- Donna in FL, MikesGirl
CALEB -- Glenn, ORKMommy
CIERA -- Andrea J, Karen in CA, Rochelle
GERVASE -- Jackie, Pam in NJ HAYDEN -- Joanie, Quixotic Elf
TYSON -- Delee, meb

Redemption Island 
JOHN -- Ed in Ohio, Nana in the NW
LAURA M -- AlbGlinka, JOKATS, rbennie
KAT -- Jig, Petals

Off the Island 
RUPERT -- Brian, Kelsey NY, Sharon S.
RACHEL -- Donna in AL, Merrilee MARISSA -- Jennas Mom, PDX Granny CANDICE -- Dusty, Monty924
BRAD -- Brent McKee, Kelly D. Sharon N.

Quit 
COLTON -- Gaylos, Nickelpeed

As the show airs here on the east coast, I'll update this entry with the major happenings. Refresh this page to get the latest. But, as you all know, the real party is in the comments area. Come join us!

It's Duel Time! Let's see if Kat has a complete meltdown. She sobbed and hung onto Hayden before they got started. Oops. Hayden said his relationship with her is stronger than the game. Will he take Jeff's bait and swap places with her? 

When Hayden asks what's their best longterm shot for the win, Kat said he stands more of a chance to win it all. She duels. Untie knots, release machete, hack rope, release puzzle pieces and then, of course, a puzzle. John finishes first! Laura is second, Kat is gone. John once again gives the clue to Monica. She burns it again. 

Uh-oh. Aras seriously thinks that Gervase and Tyson can be trusted. Oops.

The Immunity Challenge has the tribes chained together at the ankle, navigating obstacles, collecting bags, making bolos and throwing them. The reward is a fried chicken picnic. 

It was fairly close, but Tadhana wins. 

Gah. Laura B. tells Vytas they've decided to vote him out. I wonder if that might do her in instead.

Tribal Council time -- Laura once again says that Vytas will be leaving. @@

The tally: Vytas, Laura B, Laura B, Laura B.

She blew it for herself. She's off to Redemption Island.

Next week a person returns from Redemption Island and the merge is ON! 

The Amazing Race - October 27, 2013 Blog Party

Oh my. The show might even be on time-ish tonight here on the East Coast. I believe it might be a few minutes late. But I wasn't watching the football game, so I can't be sure.

Last week we had one of those "To be continued ..." endings with the first place team being told to keep racing. Yet, they did win their prize. Hmm. As the show airs here tonight, I'll update this entry with the major happenings. I know we have a Double U-Turn ahead.

Since there was no resolution to last week's leg, Margo's blog pool standings remain the same --

Ally And Ashley - LafayetteLisanne, Jackie,Tammy
Brandon And Adam - Donna in FL, Monty924, Sharon
Jason And Amy - Nicklepeed, PDXGranny, Brian, DLA
Leo And Jamal - MEB, Margo, Brenda, Caela
Nicky And Kim - Nana in NW, Jennasmom, David
Tim And Danny - JOKATS, Dusty, Zoetawny
Tim And Marie - SueGee, DKNYNC, Rbennie
Travis And Nicole - Delee, Laurie, Lynn1, Merrilee

Sorry you have been PHILIMINATED
Hoskote And Naina
Rowan And Shane - ML, Becky, Cheryl in NC, KayBeeRN
Chester And Ephraim - Buzzmaam, Donna in AL, Sharon S

*************************************
8:07pm ET and 60 Minutes just ended. Tim and Marie did end up giving the extra Express Pass to the doctors, Travis and Nicole. That was in exchange for Pit Stop information.

Pit Stop continuation ...
2. Jason and Amy
Then three couples came in at once. Gah! I can't keep track!
Nicky and Kim were the last team to arrive, still in it, still racing.

All teams are even again on a boat and heading for Poland.

Detour - Pose or Polka. Copy stance of Neptune statue and get money from tourists. Polka is dancing, but of course! Uh-oh. At least the Neptune people have to wear their costumes until the end of the leg. Tim or Danny (whichever) might have to wear a dress!

U-Turn is just a'waiting ahead. Jason and Amy don't use the U-Turn.

Tim and Marie decide to use their Express Pass because they fear both Detours and the double U-Turn. So far, no one has used the U-Turn.

Eek! Tim and Danny U-Turned Leo and Jamal. They're the first to use it.

Roadblock -- Who has a sweet tooth? They have to search the longest apartment building in Poland for a certain pastry ... and they need to be nice. Since Tim and Marie aren't in costume, it's obvious they used the Express Pass.

Leo and Jamal U-Turned Brandon and Adam. Sigh. I was liking Brandon and Adam.

After completing the Roadblock, the teams must meet Phil on the longest pier in Europe. The last team checking in MAY be eliminated.

1. Tim and Marie - Won a trip to Hawaii
2. Jason and Amy
3. Nicole and Travis
4. Nicky and Kim
5. Tim and Danny
6. Leo and Jamal
7. Ally and Ashley
8. Brandon and Adam -- Philiminated. Wah.

Off Topic: That Was the Week It Was - October 27, 2013

Good Sunday morning to everyone near and far! Welcome to my weekly off television topic reflection on the week gone by in both words and photographs I've taken along the way. Later tonight I'll be hosting the blog party for The Amazing Race episode. But now we're talking off topic.

By Wednesday of this week our temperatures dipped here to a bit below average and that's where they remain. I don't mind. Sure, it's a bit chilly, but I like the nip in the air. And, at least we don't have a monster storm looming on the horizon as we did last year at this time. It even looks like the kids will have Halloween for the first time in two years around here. Last year we had Sandy with wires and trees down all over and no power. The year before we had a snowstorm with wires and trees down and no power. Sandy was a lot more horrific, but the snowstorm knocked us out for three days nonetheless.

I keep disrupting the writing of this entry to go down to the front entrance of my building looking for my Sunday newspaper. Sheesh. It was finally there at 7:15. It used to be out there by 6am. The longer it sits out there, the more of a chance it will disappear.

Often it seems that I'm the only one up early in the morning on Sundays. Not so much today. Every time I went to the elevator, it was on a different floor. Then, once I had my paper in hand, I had to go down to the basement before I could head up to my floor. A man from the floor above me was already in the elevator heading down there with his laundry. I also saw someone going up the back stairs (we have glass doors leading to them). Hmm. I hope they're not all vampires or zombies at this early hour!

Let's see. What else? Well, work is a bit hectic once again. Or still. I have a new boss who doesn't really seem to be used to a very busy atmosphere. She's learning. As for me, I can only do what I can do. I can suggest things to her, but that's about it. I'm still training new management -- she's not new, just new to us. Oh well, it keeps the roof over my head and Vincent gets his catnip, cat treats and cat toys!

Back on the home front, it looks like all the windows except for Crazy Joe's across the hall have been done. That's odd as he's been fussing about wanting new windows for nearly ten years now. Since Mario the super seems to be knocking on doors to set up times for them to be done instead of calling, maybe they just haven't caught Joe at home.

Heck, Mario was lucky he caught me. Had he tried in the evening, I usually don't answer door knocks unless I'm expecting someone. They're usually people wanting us to switch our electrical supplier, FIOS, Spanish speaking Jehovah's Witnesses or Farrakhan's Nation of Islam folks. The latter two have absolutely no interest in me. We have an intercom system. If I don't let someone in the building, I pretty much don't want to see them.

Onto this week's photos ...

Defying the season

The roses at one home on East Front Street in Plainfield want to believe it's still spring.

I see the light!

My early morning train arrives in the dark of night. Well, pre-dawn. Plainfield Train Station, NJ Transit.

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

Survivor: Blood vs. Water - October 23 Episode Blog Party

Ah, tonight's the night! In the promos, Jeff is supposed to be "mixing it up" with the tribes. I wonder how they're going to do that ... will "loved ones" be on the same tribe? Will it be by gender? Hmm.

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! But, as always, the real party is in the comments area. Come watch (and party) with us!

But first ... here are the latest blog pool standings from Lifeguard Laurie (who's hoping to see pretty leaves and a possible snowflake this week) --

Galang Team
ARAS -- Donna in FL, MikesGirl
GERVASE -- Jackie, Pam in NJ
KAT -- Jig, Petals
LAURA B -- Buzzmaan, Laurie, SueGee
MONICA -- Becky, KayBeeRN, Russ
TINA -- Cheryl in NC, Lynn1, Terry in TX
TYSON -- Delee, meb

Tadhana
CALEB -- Glenn, ORKMommy
CIERA -- Andrea J, Karen in CA, Rochelle
HAYDEN -- Joanie, Quixotic Elf
KATIE -- David, Margo, Zoetawny
VYTAS -- Donna NY, ML

Redemption Island
JOHN -- Ed in Ohio, Nana in the NW
BRAD -- Brent McKee, Kelly D. Sharon N.
LAURA M -- AlbGlinka, JOKATS, rbennie

Off the Island
RUPERT -- Brian, Kelsey NY, Sharon S.
RACHEL -- Donna in AL, Merrilee
MARISSA -- Jennas Mom, PDX Granny
CANDICE -- Dusty, Monty924

Quit
COLTON -- Gaylos, Nickelpeed

 ********************************************

Survivor fans ready?

Time for the duel! Laura won't let Ciera switch with her. They're on a balance beam untying bags of number tiles. They have to complete a "puzzle" with the numbers. Laura wins! John comes in second place. Bye-bye Brad Culpepper. Laura chooses to give the hidden immunity idol clue to Vitas. She doesn't want to put the target on Ciera's back. Vitas doesn't want it either and it goes in the fire.

Here comes the switch-up.

Er, after the commercial, that is.

"Drop your buffs, we're going to draw for new tribes." Tyson goes last so the fates can decide. Gervase, Aras and Tyson switch, with Ciera being the only woman on that tribe (Tadhana). Vytas is the only man on his tribe (Galang).

Caleb shared the hidden idol clue and Tyson is already a food sneak once again. Tyson is also trying to get any target on himself switched to Aras. Meanwhile, Vytas is working on fitting in with his women.

Immunity challenge time ... diving down to a cage, releasing gate, getting puzzle fish trap, vertical puzzle. Reward is a picnic lunch including sandwiches and brownies.

Eek! Laura and Tina forgot to get the trap! Sheesh! Despite that, they almost won the challenge. But it was indeed a Tadhana win.

Kat worries about Monica strategizing too much. Tina told Monica. Kat lies to Tina. Hmm. Vytas might be able to squeak by this week. Things seem between Kat and Vytas even though I'd rather see Monica go.

Tribal Council time.

The tally: Vytas, Kat, Kat, Kat, Kat ... Hayden's gal is headed to Redemption Island!

The Amazing Race: October 20, 2013 Episode Blog Party

Tonight's episode isn't scheduled to start here until 8:30pm (ET) due to football games. You know how I love that. Grr. Once it does start, I'll post the major happenings here in this entry as it airs. But, as always, the real party will be in the comments area. Everyone is welcome to join in!

Here's the latest blog pool standings from Margo the Magnificent:

Ally And Ashley - LafayetteLisanne, Jackie,Tammy
Brandon And Adam - Donna in FL, Monty924, Sharon
Jason And Amy - Nicklepeed, PDXGranny, Brian, DLA
Leo And Jamal - MEB, Margo, Brenda, Caela
Nicky And Kim - Nana in NW, Jennasmom, David
Tim And Danny - JOKATS, Dusty, Zoetawny
Tim And Marie - SueGee, DKNYNC, Rbennie
Travis And Nicole - Delee, Laurie, Lynn1, Merrilee

Sorry you have been PHILIMINATED
Hoskote And Naina
Rowan And Shane - ML, Becky, Cheryl in NC, KayBeeRN
Chester And Ephraim - Buzzmaam, Donna in AL, Sharon S

***************************************

It's starting! The teams are heading off to Norway next! All teams are on the same flight this time.

Detour - Hang Your Heads (hanging fish heads) or Hammering the Cods (smashing cod into jerky).Heh. Tim and Marie (the evil ones) don't know they're hanging their heads on an unmarked pole instead of a marked one. Everyone is passing them!

Roadblock - Who's the biggest swinger? An arctic plunge from a bridge in a harness, then a swim for the clue. Then they have to pull a boulder with a brand placement vehicle to get their next clue.

Ha! Tim and Marie left their clue behind thinking the coins they found were the clue.

Can you tell I'm not keen on Tim and Marie?

Pit Stop:
1. Brandon and Adam - also won $5,000 each.

Uh-oh ... the teams are still racing. They got a clue to carry on.

Heehee. The doctors realize Tim and Marie don't know where the Pit Stop is and try to get the spare Express Pass from them.

Then we get "To be continued."

Sigh.

On a bright note, they played a bit of Fish Heads by Barnes and Barnes during the credits.

Double U-Turn ahead next week!

Off Topic: That Was the Week It Was - October 20, 2013

Good morning! It's Sunday morning, yep. You know what that means. 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. Later tonight we'll have The Amazing Race blog party. I do hope to see you there!

I do have a few television related things I'd like to bring up before I get into the week. Odd, but both have to do with commercials --

First, I see the YouTube "Kid President" is now on the Meineke commercials. Very nice. Not only is his upbeat attitude infectious, but he has some serious health issues -- he has a brittle bone disease and has suffered over 70 broken bones so far in his life. It's good when good things happen to someone who's had their share of bad.

Second, as I was watching Brooklyn Nine-Nine (one of the only new sitcoms I haven taken to so far this year), I was wondering if there would be an Allstate "Mayhem" commercial as Dean Winters was the guest. Yup, there was!

Okay, enough television for the off television topic post!

My week started last Sunday morning -- yes, it always does, but this was different! Workmen showed up to rip out my old original (about 50 years old) windows and replace them. What an ordeal that was! They were supposed to have been here the day before, but switched to Sunday. That's good in a way as I was home on Sunday, not Saturday. The project lasted from about 9am until 1pm, partially because the contractors were doing another apartment at the same time. I wouldn't want them in here when I wasn't home and the super (whom I trust) can't be everywhere at once. Poor Vincent was trapped in the bathroom for all that time. There's a window in there, but it only leads out to the ventilation chute. That one wasn't replaced.

The landlord who bought this building about a year and a half ago has really made many improvements. New attractive glass entrance doors on the side and front. Railings for the steps at the door in the rear as well as a raised platform for the exit -- rain water used to puddle right in front of the door. New washers and dryers in the laundry room. Brighter lighting in the stairways and halls. IF the elevator goes wonky, it's fixed within a day.  They also installed a new emergency phone in there -- one I'm less likely to accidentally set off while toting packages or bags. Heck, they even fixed the light on the first floor button in the elevator. I can't recall that working in the past ten years. This landlord is the first (out of four since I've lived here) who has actually stopped ALL the leaks from the apartment above me! And, they only raised my rent $5 this year.

All that said, I do wish they'd watch how many people, including children, live in the apartments. I don't see how, when the building is only studio, one bedroom and two bedroom units, people can have five kids in an apartment ... often with two adults! There's a sticker from 1983 inside one of my kitchen cabinets saying my unit passed inspection and maximum occupancy is two tenants. Mine is a one bedroom. I guess that's all changed, huh?

In other news, I had good news this past week on the personal front. At least, good prospective news. I'll go more into things when (and if) they come to fruition. One has to do with blogging, the other with photography. Ah, two of my passions! 

The weather this past week wasn't as dreary as the last few. What rain we had confined itself to the overnight hours. As it should, of course! So, I got in some decent photos. This week it's supposed to be about ten degrees cooler on the average. That's okay with me. I have new less drafty windows!

Red leaves in the sun

Although the leaves are growing more sparse, the color is glorious at this tree outside the Friends Meeting House (Quakers) on Watchung Avenue in Plainfield.

Late season bee

This one's working the spotted knapwood at the Bridgewater Train Station.

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

Survivor: Blood vs. Water - October 16 Blog Party

Good evening, Survivor fans! The promos for tonight's show are hinting quite blatantly at yet another blindside. It brings to mind last week's show in which it seems like Caleb all of a sudden thinks he's in charge after Brad's ouster. While I so didn't want another season of Colton (and got my wish), as of this point, I've kind of liked Caleb. Hmm ... wonder if the blindside will be him.

How's the swimming, you ask? Well, the water's just fine. For some of us, that is. Here are the latest standings from the Super Soaker LifeGuard Laurie:

End of Week Three 10/9
Galang Team
ARAS -- Donna in FL, MikesGirl
GERVASE -- Jackie, Pam in NJ
KAT -- Jig, Petals
LAURA B -- Buzzmaan, Laurie, SueGee
LAURA M -- AlbGlinka, JOKATS, rbennie
MONICA -- Becky, KayBeeRN, Russ
TINA -- Cheryl in NC, Lynn1, Terry in TX
TYSON -- Delee, meb

Tadhana
CALEB -- Glenn, ORKMommy
CIERA -- Andrea J, Karen in CA, Rochelle
HAYDEN -- Joanie, Quixotic Elf
KATIE -- David, Margo, Zoetawny
VYTAS -- Donna NY, ML

Redemption Island
CANDICE -- Dusty, Monty924
JOHN -- Ed in Ohio, Nana in the NW
BRAD -- Brent McKee, Kelly D. Sharon N.

Off the Island
RUPERT -- Brian, Kelsey NY, Sharon S.
RACHEL -- Donna in AL, Merrilee
MARISSA -- Jennas Mom, PDX Granny

Quit
COLTON -- Gaylos, Nickelpeed

*********************************

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

Redemption Island Duel Time!
They have to build a bridge with planks, then un-build it and solve the puzzle with the planks. John wins! Brad comes in second. Candice is out of the game. He once again gives Monica the clue to the hidden idol. She once again tosses it in the fire.

Ew. They really don't need to show us disgusting wounds and toenails falling off. Ew.

Time for the Immunity Challenge!
Race down a slide, grab a ring, toss on a post, get a point for the tribe. Reward is steak, vegetables, spices and a wok ... or fishing gear.

OH MY GOSH! Tadhana won a challenge! About time! They chose the steak, possibly not the best decision as they could use the fishing gear for the rest of the game.

Aras would like Laura M. to be the vote as she might knock Brad out of Redemption Island and thus become a better ally for their own game.

The tally: Laura B, Laura M, Laura M, Laura M, Laura M. She's blindsided and headed to Redemption Island.

Ah, looks like Jeff is mixing things up with the tribes at the next Redemption Duel. Hmm ...

The Amazing Race: October 13, 2013 Episode Blog Party

Oh my gosh! The show is starting on time tonight here on the East Coast! Woohoo! I guess that must mean the pigs are flying over Hoboken!

As it airs, I'll update this entry with the major happenings -- refresh the page to get the latest! However, the real party is where it always is ... in the comments area. Come join us!

Margo's latest blog pool standings:
Ally And Ashley - LafayetteLisanne, Jackie,Tammy
Brandon And Adam - Donna in FL, Monty924, Sharon
Chester And Ephraim - Buzzmaam, Donna in AL, Sharon S
Jason And Amy - Nicklepeed, PDXGranny, Brian, DLA
Leo And Jamal - MEB, Margo, Brenda, Caela
Nicky And Kim - Nana in NW, Jennasmom, David
Tim And Danny - JOKATS, Dusty, Zoetawny
Tim And Marie - SueGee, DKNYNC, Rbennie
Travis And Nicole - Delee, Laurie, Lynn1, Merrilee

Sorry you have been PHILIMINATED
Hoskote And Naina
Rowan And Shane - ML, Becky, Cheryl in NC, KayBeeRN

***************************

Teams are flying to Lisbon, Portugal.

Once in Lisbon, a painting clue heads them to the Coach Museum and a Detour clue -- Tiles (making a figure of tiles) or Miles (figuring mileage between several cities on Magellan's journey from a giant map).

Roadblock - Who has s hand for slings and arrows? Dressed in armor, they have to shoot arrows at a target with a huge contraption. Then it will be onto a castle for the Pit Stop.

The last team to arrive MAY be eliminated.

Pit Stop --
1. Nicole and Travis, won a trip to Costa Rica
2. Jason and Amy
3. Nicky and Kim
4. Tim and Danny
5. Brandon and Adam
6. Leo and Jamal
7. Ally and Ashley
8. Tim and Marie

Sigh. Phil meets Chester and Ephraim at the airport when they arrive after all the other teams already made it to the Pit Stop. Their bad luck flight streak did them in ... Philiminated.

Off Topic: That Was the Week It Was - October 13, 2013

Yep. It's once again Sunday morning! G'mornin' to ya! This is my weekly off television topic reflection on the week gone by in both words and photographs I've taken along the way. Later this evening, you're all invited to the blog party for The Amazing Race, but this here isn't about television.

It was a doldrums kind of week here with more gloomy skies than not. Thus, it was another week of not great photos for the most part. It's pitch-dark as I head to the train station most mornings. The saying "the darkest hour is before the dawn" is definitely right. While I'm not one to wander around Plainfield alone at night, walking to the train in the morning hours is different. The denizens of the dark are finally asleep and, while quiet, the folks I do see on my early morning walk are all heading to work ... just like me.

I come up with nicknames in my mind for those I encounter in my daily journeys:

• There's Banana Man at the Bridgewater Train Station. He parks his car at the Target parking lot across the street to avoid the $4 daily parking fee at the station. He's ALWAYS eating a banana as our paths cross.
• There's Confused Lady at the Plainfield Train Station. She's been taking the early train for a good six months now and still looks confused about where she wants to sit (on the mostly empty train) daily. She also looks befuddled every day when the conductor wants to take her ticket and takes forever to dig through her purse for one. If she catches the train home daily, she'd do better off with a monthly ticket, but it just might confuse her.
• There's the Waving Man outside Everybody's Food Market on East Front Street. He doesn't work for, but hangs around the market -- a Jamaican/West Indies run establishment -- during business hours. He arrives before the store opens, moves the newspaper stack out of the elements and sits in his car, apparently awaiting the person who opens. He always waves and says hello.
• There's Spike Lee Lookin' Dude with the shih tzu doggie. He usually has a cup of coffee in one hand, the dog leash in the other. We greet, small talk about the weather and go our separate ways.
• There's the regular bunch of Latino workers awaiting rides. These aren't guys looking for work -- they definitely have steady landscaping and/or construction jobs. They buy their breakfasts at the restaurant which used to be Mi Ranchito (don't think it still is) on East Front Street and tote small coolers for their lunches. They often say good morning in unison as I pass by.

 Oh well, onto the photos for this week ... 

Yay! Acorn season!

This squirrel at the Plainfield Train Station was one busy little dude.

Getting colorful

The foliage is still being very selective around here. Some trees, mostly smaller ones, are already barren. But, many trees are still green. I took this from North Avenue looking towards the Friends Meeting House on Watchung Avenue, Plainfield.

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

Survivor: Blood vs. Water - October 9 Episode Blog Party

Oh my gosh ... is the newbie team ever going to win ANYTHING? At least, with the "loved ones" twist this season, there's a bit of a new dynamic in the midst due to the connections. Otherwise, it would just be another season of watching experienced veteran players trounce the newcomers.

As the show airs here on the East Coast, I'll update this entry with the major happenings. As always, the real party is in the comments. Please join us!

Here are the blog pool standings as of the last episode, brought to you by that ever-rockin' LifeGuard Laurie:

Galang
ARAS -- Donna in FL, MikesGirl
GERVASE -- Jackie, Pam in NJ
KAT -- Jig, Petals
LAURA B -- Buzzmaan, Laurie, SueGee
LAURA M -- AlbGlinka, JOKATS, rbennie
MONICA -- Becky, KayBeeRN, Russ
TINA -- Cheryl in NC, Lynn1, Terry in TX
TYSON -- Delee, meb

Tadhana
BRAD -- Brent McKee, Kelly D. Sharon N.
CALEB -- Glenn, ORKMommy
CIERA -- Andrea J, Karen in CA, Rochelle
HAYDEN -- Joanie, Quixotic Elf
KATIE -- David, Margo, Zoetawny
VYTAS -- Donna NY, ML

Redemption Island
CANDICE -- Dusty, Monty924
MARISSA -- Jennas Mom, PDX Granny
JOHN -- Ed in Ohio, Nana in the NW

Off the Island
RUPERT -- Brian, Kelsey NY, Sharon S.
RACHEL -- Donna in AL, Merrilee

Quit the game
COLTON -- Gaylos, Nickelpeed

****************************

Survivor fans ready? Let's partay! And, watch the show. Of course.

Redemption duel time!
Uh-oh. Husband and wife will have to duel against each other ... and Marissa.

They have to unravel a rope on a horizontal ladder doohicky, get puzzle pieces and solve a puzzle. John wins! Candice survives in second place and Marissa gets the boot. Candice told John to give the clue to the hidden idol to Monica. He went with it -- to put a target on Monica's back due to Brad being institutional in his tribal ouster. On Brad's advice, Monica burns the clue.

Immunity Challenge time!
Paddle out to crates (five of them), gather crates with puzzle pieces, solve puzzle, raise flag. Ho-hum. Reward is tea and biscotti or can be traded for fishing gear. Galang (veteran players) win once again. Oy.

Tribal Council
Ciera is worried, as she needs to be. Caleb should be worried. Whoa! Caleb says he will write Brad's name down and puts the rest on the spot.

The tally: Brad, Ciera, Ciera, Brad, Ciera, Brad. It's a tie. Re-vote time. We see Hayden scribble out where he started to write Ciera and put Brad's name instead.

The re-tally -- Brad, Ciera, Brad, Brad.

Big Bad Brad is headed to Redemption Island!

The Amazing Race: October 6 Blog Party

Grr. Once again we're delayed by football here on the East Coast. That's two for two, not good odds at all for the start of the season.

But, speaking of odds ... Margo has announced the blog pool random picks!

Ally And Ashley - LafayetteLisanne, Jackie,Tammy
Brandon And Adam - Donna in FL, Monty924, Sharon
Chester And Ephraim - Buzzmaam, Donna in AL, Sharon S
Jason And Amy - Nicklepeed, PDXGranny, Brian, DLA
Leo And Jamal - MEB, Margo, Brenda, Caela
Nicky And Kim - Nana in NW, Jennasmom, David
Rowan And Shane - ML, Becky, Cheryl in NC, KayBeeRN
Tim And Danny - JOKATS, Dusty, Zoetawny
Tim And Marie - SueGee, DKNYNC, Rbennie
Travis And Nicole - Delee, Laurie, Lynn1, Merrilee

Sorry you have been PHILIMINATED
Hoskote And Naina

Although I'm putting the post up at the normal 8pm ET start time, I can't update this entry until the show comes on. Once it does, as it airs, I'll update this entry with the major happenings. As always ... the real party is in the comments area. Come join us!

I expect the show to start here in the NYC area at about 8:45pm. Grr.

8:45pm ET -- Finally we have theme music and the show is starting!

The first clue has them in a bunching situation with a ship not opening until morning. Then it's off to the salt mines.

Detour - Has them riding bikes, choosing between brining and mining tasks. Then they take a thousand-mile bus trip to Santiago, Chile.

The Roadblock has them shining shoes, putting together a shoe shine stand and delivering it.

Pit Stop order --
Leo and Jamal got there first, but hadn't paid the cab right.

1. Chester and Ephraim - they won a trip for two
2. Leo and Jamal
3. Brandon and Adam
4.Jason and Amy
5. Travis and Nicole
6. Tim and Danny
7. Ally and Ashley
8. Tim and Marie
9. Nicky and Kim
10. Rowan and Shane -- Philiminated

Off Topic: That Was the Week It Was - October 6, 2013

It's Sunday morning. Good morning to ya! A bit later I will post the blog pool picks for The Amazing Race and the blog party post as the show airs here on the East Coast. But, you're at my weekly off television topic post reflecting on the week gone by in both words and photographs I've taken along the way.

We had another rather muggy and warm week here in this area. While the temperatures weren't bad at all, muggy isn't my favorite kind of weather. It's supposed to rain tomorrow night and the weather following that should be more seasonable for this time of year here. Good. Of course, I think all of us have a bit of trepidation as we head to the year anniversary date of Sandy. I don't particularly want to be a Rider on the Storm again this year!

My week was a bit uneventful once again. Work, home, eat, sleep and pay a lot of attention to a certain cat. I received my box of goodies ordered from Amazon.com with a gift certificate from my brother. So, I've started reading Stephen King's newest book (hardcover first release, half price!), enjoying new bath salts (not the drug kind, mind you) and bath foam, and playing with my new knives. Er, cutlery set. My other set was about 35 years old, its block discolored over the years and some of the knives broken or missing. It was time. I have a Peapod grocery delivery coming today and will get a chance to test out the slicer knife on a small roast. Woot.

Y'see, it's the little things. As the Rolling Stones say, "You can't always get what you want, you get what you need." I needed relaxing baths, an interesting book and knives!

Otherwise on the home front, all is quiet for the most part. The upstairs neighbor is still the best one ever up there and it's a relief to not worry about my bathroom ceiling flooding.

Last night coming home, it was dark but the streets in Plainfield seemed quite alive with skateboarders, couples walking, families with children in strollers and it all seemed very mellow. Probably there won't be too many evenings like that left. When I got to the bodega near my apartment, someone was playing P-Funk and people were nodding their heads to the music and they said hello. It all seemed so urban, yet so small town homey.

Oh well, the super just knocked on my door. Yes, on a Sunday morning. He wanted to set up a date to put new windows in. When they replaced the windows on the first floor last year, they told me not all the apartments will be getting them. I've noticed more and more getting them over the past few weeks. While new windows are going to be nice, it's definitely worrisome with Vincent and my work schedule. We decided he'll come by next Saturday around 8am before I leave for work. I'll put Vincent in my big old cat carrier crate thing before I go and they'll set him loose in the apartment when they leave.

Onto this week's photos, nothing really fancy once again ...

Who's your mum(s)?

Yep, 'tis the season of the mum. I found these on Berckman Street in Plainfield.

Let there be roses

Still hanging in nicely on East Front Street in Plainfield.

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

Survivor: Blood vs. Water - October 2 Blog Party

Guess what day it is! Why, it's Survivor day, silly camel! Maybe tonight we'll see Colton (who should never darken my silver screen again) quit ... once again. As the show airs here, I'll update this entry with the major happenings. Y'all know the real party is in the comments, right?

A few things before we get started:

• If you want in on the blog pool for The Amazing Race run by the Amazing Margo, you need to go to this post to sign up. The deadline is Friday, midnight ET. 

The current blog pool standings (LifeGuard Laurie rocks!) for Survivor: Blood vs. Water going into tonight's show are:

Galang
ARAS -- Donna in FL, MikesGirl
COLTON -- Gaylos, Nickelpeed
GERVASE -- Jackie, Pam in NJ
KAT -- Jig, Petals
LAURA B -- Buzzmaan, Laurie, SueGee
LAURA M -- AlbGlinka, JOKATS, rbennie
MONICA -- Becky, KayBeeRN, Russ
TINA -- Cheryl in NC, Lynn1, Terry in TX
TYSON -- Delee, meb

Tadhana 
BRAD -- Brent McKee, Kelly D. Sharon N.
CALEB -- Glenn, ORKMommy
CIERA -- Andrea J, Karen in CA, Rochelle
HAYDEN -- Joanie, Quixotic Elf
JOHN -- Ed in Ohio, Nana in the NW
KATIE -- David, Margo, Zoetawny
VYTAS -- Donna NY, ML

Redemption Island
CANDICE -- Dusty, Monty924
MARISSA -- Jennas Mom, PDX Granny
RACHEL -- Donna in AL, Merrilee

Off the Island 
RUPERT -- Brian, Kelsey NY, Sharon S.

Survivor fans ready?

Redemption Island time. Tyson realizes Rachel was ousted in the hopes of getting him to take her place. He's staying with his tribe. Colton's crying (AGAIN) and says he doesn't want to be there any longer.

I say, don't let the palm frond hit you on the way out, Colton.

Ah, Jeff brought up that his last exit was faked! He fusses more and then quits. He then runs to Caleb and cries. Caleb stays! Cool. I have no issues with Caleb other than his weird affection for Colton.

The duel is a dominoes type challenge. Candice wins! Marissa comes in second. Rachel (Tyson's gal) is sent packing. Candice give John a second clue to the hidden idol.

John decided to share the idol clues with Brad. But Brad isn't sure that John really trusts him or, for that matter, that he might not really trust John.

The Immunity Challenge has them dueling their loved ones a pair at a time on a platform on the water. The reward is either comfort (mosquito net, etc.) or fishing gear.

Galang wins Immunity once again. They get the comfort items as they already won fishing gear.

Brad, worried that John will go with Candice after the merge instead of him, wants to break up the Five Guys (no burgers and fries) alliance and blindside John. The guys are suspicious and think they should vote out Brad. Brad told them the clues to the idol.

Tribal Council time -- the tally --
Cierra, John, John, John, John. John goes to Redemption Island. Thanks, Candice!

The Amazing Race: Season Premiere Blog Party!

Yep, it's the big night -- the season premiere of The Amazing Race -- and it's delayed due to a football game here on the East Coast. Grr. I believe it's going to start about fifteen minutes late here even though I'm getting this post up on time at the right time! (Grr.) This isn't a good way to start out the season, for sure. Once again I implore CBS to revamp their lineup on Sunday evenings! Go ahead and SCHEDULE 60 Minutes at 8pm ET instead of 7pm, schedule the prime time shows accordingly and drop one from the evening. If no sports run over 7pm, use sports filler until 8pm. It's not so much that our show comes on later -- it's more of a bother to me that it's so unpredictable week to week!

</ vent>

Once again, there will be a blog pool going for the show. I know Merrilee was the winner last year (and she kept reminding us, as she should). Who will win this year? We're starting the pool with the second week (next Sunday). Please sign up on the blog pool sign up post as your message might be missed elsewhere. Margo is the lady in charge and she always rocks! Please have your name in by Friday night, 10/05, by midnight ET!

As the show airs here, once it starts, I'll update this post with the major happenings. But, as always, the real party is in the comments ... come join the fun!

They're starting off in the "old Wild West" and heading off to South America. The first place winner of the first leg gets two Express Passes -- one they keep, the other to give to a team of their choice. Heading to Chile, two flights available.

The Roadblock has one partner on each team paragliding while the other follows them.

A second Roadblock has them collecting fish from fishing boats while in a rowboat and delivering them to the fish monger.

Uh-oh. The doctors team -- Nicole and Travis -- in first place takes a cab to the Pit Stop instead of walking as per the clue. 30 minute penalty.

Pit Stop --
1. Tim and Marie (locals from Morristown, NJ) won both Express Passes.
2. Doctors Nicole and Travis (after their penalty)
3. Rowan and Shane
4. Chester and Ephraim
5. Nicky and Kim
6. Ally and Ashley
7. Leo and Jamal
8. Jason and Amy
9. Tim and Danny
10. Brandon and Adam

Hpskote and his daughter Naina were the last team to arrive. Philiminated. That's okay. I don't think I could deal with watching that father much longer!

Off Topic: That Was the Week It Was - September 29, 2013

Good Sunday morning, world! Welcome to my weekly off television topic reflection on the week gone by in both words and photographs I've taken along the way.

A few quick television topic things, first --

• The Amazing Race starts tonight. If you wish to sign up for the pool, check out this post right here. Please limit sign-ups to that post -- otherwise they might be missed.
• There will be a blog party post for TAR tonight at 8pm ET. However, as we know, there's always a chance it might be delayed by some sport or another. But the party post will be up on time even if the show doesn't start on time!

Back to being on my off topic ...!

Um. Well. I don't know what was wrong with me this past week. I overslept. I fell asleep watching television after work. I actually missed my train one morning and was late to work. I just don't know! Ack. Thankfully, the TV shows I missed are online, so I have caught up/will catch up with them.

I submitted my photos to this year's Plainfield Library Photo Contest. The theme for the year isn't something with which I'm overwhelmed with photo fodder. "Plainfield Celebrates." Now, many of the fun happenings in town are on Saturdays when I work. I really don't have anything to do with the local high school or sports. I don't have family or celebrations of my own so much here. I made due with some photos I had taken over the last couple of years. We'll see.

Oh! I did have some excitement this week! Oh! Vincent had been staring at the wall in the kitchen once again. When he did that for extended periods of time before, there were mice in the wall. Apparently he can hear them while I can't and there must be a small hole where the baseboard heat attaches to the wall that I can't even find. Sure enough, Tuesday afternoon after work, he was out in the kitchen staring at the wall. Then ... THUMP!!! Next thing I know, Vincent is prancing into the living room with a mouse in his mouth. He tossed it in the air, played and tormented it for a few minutes before I deemed it deceased and buried it "at sea." I let the landlord know because the other tenants don't have a Vincent, Mouser Cat Extraordinaire.

Onto this week's photos. I'm not really thrilled with my efforts this week. But, if nothing else, it will give you a chance to see what I see ...

Mums time!

I'm seeing homes decked out with pumpkins and baskets of mums on Berckman Street in Plainfield!

Sunrise on my commute

Soon it will be dark when I arrive and getting dark when I come home.

Roses by flash

Despite the chilly nights, these flowers are still doing well on East Front Street in Plainfield. It's so dark when I pass them that I have to use the flash on my camera, though.

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

The Amazing Race: Blog Pool Opens!

Come one, come all! The Amazing Race blog pool is open and the water is fine despite the chill in the air! The season premiere is tomorrow night (Sunday, 9/29) after 60 Minutes or 8pm ET (whichever). However, our pool is starting from the second episode ... that way no one is out the first night. Woot!

Here's the latest from that rockin' pool maven Margo:

I'll do a pool but we can start with week 2 therefore no one gets out first week.
I have
monty924
Merrilee
Caela
DKNYNC
Nicklepeed
lynn1
margo
Jackie
Zoetawny
anyone else?

I know David also threw his name in there. If you've asked on another post, please get your name in on this one if you don't see it above.

And, of course, come to the blog party tomorrow night.

And bring snacks.

And beverages!

Survivor: Blood vs.Water - September 25 Blog Party

Before we get into the show, I noticed some people are asking about the pool for The Amazing Race. I haven't heard from Margo yet, so I'm uncertain if she's going to be doing it this season. I should know before the premiere. I hope so, anyway!

Speaking of pools, here's our latest pool standings here on Survivor by that rockin' Lifeguard Laurie:

Galang Team
ARAS -- Donna in FL, MikesGirl
COLTON -- Gaylos, Nickelpeed
GERVASE -- Jackie, Pam in NJ
KAT -- Jig, Petals
LAURA B -- Buzzmaan, Laurie, SueGee
LAURA M -- AlbGlinka, JOKATS, rbennie
MONICA -- Becky, KayBeeRN, Russ
TINA -- Cheryl in NC, Lynn1, Terry in TX
TYSON -- Delee, meb

Tadhana
BRAD -- Brent McKee, Kelly D. Sharon N.
CALEB -- Glenn, ORKMommy
CIERA -- Andrea J, Karen in CA, Rochelle
HAYDEN -- Joanie, Quixotic Elf
JOHN -- Ed in Ohio, Nana in the NW
KATIE -- David, Margo, Zoetawny
RACHEL -- Donna in AL, Merrilee
VYTAS -- Donna NY, ML

Redemption Island
CANDICE -- Dusty, Monty924
MARISSA -- Jennas Mom, PDX Granny
RUPERT -- Brian, Kelsey NY, Sharon S.

*********************************************

As tonight's show airs, I'll update this entry with the major happenings. Refresh the page to get the latest! But the real party (and reactions!) is in the comments area ... come join us!

Survivor fans ready?

Ah, long recap, but the Redemption Island duel is upon us now. The three compete stacking spools on a rack thingee. Gervase turned down a chance to take Marissa's spot. Winner chooses to give a clue to a hidden idol to anyone of their choosing. Loser is out for good. Top two stay to duel again for the return. Candice is first done! Marissa stays alive! Rupert is gonzo! He;s the first out this season! Candice gives her husband John the hidden idol clue.

Colton is already the way he was on his season. Ick.

Immunity Challenge -- Pushing a tribe member in a barrel, collecting balls, then they play a skee-ball kind of game for the win. Reward is fishing equipment. Gervase wins it for the returning players, second win in a row. He tells them it's for Marissa. (Yeah, like he really cares.)

Because John had the idol clue and balked about voting out Rachel as his broliance wanted him to do ... he may be up for a blindside. Eep.

Tribal council time. Lots of layers to the voting this year. The person they vote out can be replaced with the loved one, etc.

The tally -- John, John, Ciera, Rachel, Rachel, Rachel, Rachel.

Welp, the blindside of John didn't work. They're sending Rachel to Redemption Island where it's possible that Tyson might take her place.

Big Brother 15: That Amanda Zuckerman Podcast

Now, I'm still not a huge Amanda fan. On the show she did what she did and did it fairly well, though. In real life, I'm sure I'd find her much too abrasive and so not like the friends I cherish in my world. But my world's not hers and vice versa.

I watched the live feeds. I watched the shows on television. I'm never one to claim that I "hate" anyone on any of these shows. They don't personally matter enough to me to feel that strongly. They're there for my entertainment. Yup, some of them might think they're the puppetmasters, but it's really me. They entertain me or they don't. It's as simple as that.

Amanda was only entertaining to me when there was a brouhaha or even a kerfuffle at hand. Other than that, she cuddled, slept, ate in bed with her newly discovered love of her life pizza delivery boy.

Yet I found this way too long podcast she did with Big Brother Gossip interesting. She provided some inside info on the behind the scenes stuff, how much the Diary Room really influenced them and more. Be warned -- the podcast is about two and a half hours long. Really. I'm not joking. I had it on while doing housework and listened on and off to it over the course of two days.

Finally, some of the myths and rumors which fueled even more difficulties with this season can be put to rest. Amongst other things ...

• Amanda tried out for the show five times before getting aboard.
• Amanda only met Alison Grodner in the final interview of the casting process.
• Amanda had met Mike Boogie years ago when she applied for a job at a company he owned. She didn't realize who he was until years later. She also didn't get that job.
• Amanda confirmed (as I've said all along) that the Diary Room didn't tell the hamsters to do anything. Sometimes they could guess at things judging by the questions they were asked, but the DR (and production) kept them pretty much in the dark over most of the things going on with the other hamsters.
• That said, production did ask Amanda to stop bullying Elissa because Elissa was refusing to go to the Diary Room, etc. They didn't tell her she had to stop and admitted it was within the rules. 
• The infamous incident with Howard really happened. (Oh, my!)
• At the jury house, they each had two handlers with them at all times and weren't allowed to talk game.

Now, there's a lot more to it. If you have the time, it's interesting not even so much from the Amanda angle, but the fact that she spilled more behind the scenes stuff than anyone who's ever been on the show.

Oh, mind you ... she's still abrasive and so not my kind of person. Good luck with that, McCrae!

Off Topic: That Was the Week It Was - September 22, 2013

It's Sunday morning! Woohoo! Hey, wait ... what am I so excited about? That means it's the last day of my staycation. Wah. However, it's also time for my weekly off television topic reflection on the week gone by in both words and photographs I've taken along the way.

I had all kinds of grand plans regarding what I'd get done and do this past week. While I did get some things done, I ended up goofing off most of the time. After three months of getting little sleep between work and covering the Big Brother 15 live feeds and show here on the blog, I was exhausted.

While I did get some of my planned errands done and I made a trip to Mindowaskin Park in Westfield to take photos and enjoy the peaceful tranquility there, I never did make it into the city. I was going to go into Little Italy in Manhattan for the Feast of San Genaro -- which was going on all week -- but I never got the energy to do so. Instead, I spent a good part of the time this past week stuck under a cat.

I need to go back to relaxing ... here are the photos!

Idyllic

I believe this was my favorite photo I took at Mindowaskin Park in Westfield. The footbridges over the water lend themselves to fantastic reflections, throw in three ducks and you got yourself a bit of tranquility!

Red eared slider

More about this little guy a bit later in the post ...

Reflecting on a duck

A duck and her reflection at Mindowaskin Park.

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

The Amazing Race: Meet the Cast Video

On September 29th, a week from this Sunday, we'll have the season premiere of The Amazing Race. Woot! In watching the videos and coming off such a nasty cast on Big Brother, I almost feel rejuvenated ... or something to that effect. It would be nice if BB went for quality and diversity rather than who looks good in a bikini!

Here's Phil's "Meet the Cast" video --



There is one team which is quasi-local to this area. However, I find them confusing. Why would ex-relationship kind of people go on a show like this where they're stuck together as a team and under such stress? The recent article on nj.com told us we can expect "a lot of bickering" by the ex-couple from Morristown, NJ. Oh, great. Just what I don't love on TAR!

Will you be watching?

Big Brother 15: The "I'm sorry if I offended anyone" Season

Although the cast interview at CBS.com aren't up as of this posting, you didn't really miss much if you missed them last night. Repeated apologies from the hamsters, really bad music, long lags in between interviews, very lightweight interviews with Jeff ... as poorly handled as the casting job was done in the first place for this season.

So, it's fitting.

I found written transcripts of backyard interviews by ET Online - check them out. EW.com has a lengthy podcast interview with the final three, too. They definitely got a bit more into things than did the CBS interviews.

All in all, I'm glad the season ended. Hopefully next year, I'll have a hamster to cheer on. I didn't even feel that way about most of the so-called "good" people this year. I liked Helen, then she went over the top. I liked Howard, but he seemed in his own game world and really didn't have a strategy, so he lost me. I liked Judd, but he would go weird at times. And so on.

I actually liked Evel Dick in his season. Yeah, I admit it. I also liked Ian Terry despite the fact he was a perpetual motion machine. Dr. Will made me smile and laugh. I could root for them despite their faults. But I never even liked anyone enough this season to declare myself a fan.

Time to move on ...

Big Brother 15: Season Finale Blog Party

Welp, this is it -- the season finale of what's probably going to go into the annals of BB history as the season with the most disliked cast ever. Heck, even the ones I kind of liked this season didn't win me over whole-heartedly in their gameplay or lack thereof.

The live feeds were shut down this morning as far as new stuff goes. If you're paying by the month, you need to cancel via cbs.com. If you've bought the season pass, you can access the flashbacks and such until October 20th. At that time, all will shut down. With the season pass, all will just end -- you needn't do anything to cancel.

After tonight's show there will be Jeff Schroeder backyard interviews with the cast hamsters. Since Letterman is in repeats and I don't have to cover live feeds or get up for work, I'll probably watch those. Those will only be available via the live feeds accounts, I believe.

I want to thank those who participated here this season. I look in on other places and the lack of civility and outright hate in those places makes me cringe. It's just a show. It's entertainment. Yeah, sometimes annoying entertainment, but nothing truly important to all of mankind. Hey, we already knew there are idiots out there ... ain't nuthin' new! I also want to thank those who took the extra step of donating to the blog via the Paypal link. All donations are dearly appreciated and tend to make up a bit for my lack of sleep for three months! Thank you again ... you guys rock!

As the show airs here tonight, I'll update this entry with the major happenings -- refresh the page to get the latest! But, as always, the real party is in the comments! Come dance with us as we celebrate the finale of a nasty season as we're all so thrilled it will be done and over with! ;-)

Part 1 of the final HoH continues ... the disco skating while holding onto a bar. Spencer's out first. No surprises there! Andy's down. GM wins part one!

Part 2 is ocean-themed. They have to find all the crabby ex-hg in a puzzle in Crab Grab. It has them climbing up a rock wall doohickey, rappelling down. It's one at a time, timed. Andy is up first. Spencer starts off well, but then it looks like he's going to have a heart attack. He pushes through it.

The times: Andy 21.54 minutes, Spencer 36.11. Andy wins part two!

Will schools the jury! McCrae joins them. The jury hates each other except Candice and Aaryn. They're friends. The jury admires GM except Amanda. Ha.

Final HoH part three -- How well they know the jury. Gah. Andy wins the final HoH.

Andy votes to evict OMG ... he evicts SPENCER because he gave GM his word the first night!

It's GinaMarie and Andy in the final two! I can't believe it!

Jury is introduced. Jury gets three questions for each ahead of time.

Amanda - GM, prior to Exterminators, biggest game move other than getting me out. GM -- She says getting her out.

Elissa - Andy's biggest game move before Exterminators. He says the Amanda alliance. Playing both sides.

Helen - GM -Biggest obstacle to overcome. Having Nick leave, plays with heart, now a better person.

McCrae - Andy stabbed everybody in back, would be a bitter jury member? Andy doesn't think so.

Candace - GM - personally offended so many. Why give you the money? GM said was totally shocked, the money would help family, etc. Special each and every one of you.

Jessie - Andy - So many lies? He says he's a coward. Apologizes.

Spencer - Andy - You cost me money. Why should I give you a half-million? Andy says was loyal, promised GM day one.

Speech time. Why they deserve to win.
GM - Best looking crew. Kept deals, played loyal, amazing opportunity, I'm GM, made connections, apologizes for anything she said which might have offended.

Andy - Played game with heart and mind. I meant all personal connections. Tried not to be a target. Adapted.

Inserting the keys for the winner.
Candice - Someone I love and respect
Jessie - Played most consistent game
Helen - Both are winners, hard to do, best game
Aaryn - Love both of you, vote for the one who's been there for her
Amanda - Best person, best player
Elissa - Flawless social game
Judd - Let the best Exterminator win
McCrae - Whoever wins buys drinks tonight
Spencer - Best player

Hmm. I think it will probably go to Andy, but no results yet.

The tally:
Spencer - Andy
McCrae - Andy
Judd - GM
Elissa - Andy
Amanda - Andy
Aaryn - GM
Helen - Andy

Andy wins. Not really surprising. Jessie and Candace also voted Andy.

Judd, Elissa and Howard were the top three for fan favorite.

Elissa won that. What a shocker, eh?

It's OVER.

Survivor: Blood vs. Water Season Premiere Blog Party

Okay .... Survivor fans ready? Tonight is the big season premiere! If you're like me, you've already checked out Jeff's cast assessment and the clip of the first seven minutes of tonight's show on cbs.com.

Hmm. I'm not really keen on returning players on reality competition shows. At least this time, there's a bit more of a twist than your basic fans vs. favorites scenario. The show starts out with the cast spending a night alone on the island (?) with their loved one, alone. But then the returning players are put on one tribe, the loved ones on the other. That's my understanding, anyway.

It's definitely a set-up for drama. Will people shy away from beating their loved ones in challenges? In the end, will a loved one vote against his or her real-life relationship partner? Once the merge goes down, will the blood work together or with original tribemates? There can only be one winner.

Jeff seems quite impressed with Aras and his brother, as well as Big Brother winner Hayden. I'm just personally surprised that Hayden is in a relationship with Crazy Kat! Jeff also says we'll see a different Colton. I reserve judgment on that one although his partner seems pleasant and likable.

As the show airs tonight on the East Coast, I'll update this entry with the major happenings -- so refresh to get the latest news! Immediately after the show, the blog party of the season finale of Big Brother 15 will be up. So, at that time, move onto that post those of you following that show!

The esteemed and lovable LifeGuard Laurie has compiled the random drawings for the pool and here they are (if you didn't make the cut-off of 3pm ET yesterday, feel free to pick your own castaway to cheer on!):

ARAS -- Donna in FL, MikesGirl
BRAD --Brent McKee, Kelly D. Sharon N.
CALEB -- Glenn, ORKMommy
CANDICE -- Dusty, Monty924
CIERA -- Andrea J, Karen in CA, Rochelle
COLTON -- Gaylos, Nickelpeed
GERVASE -- Jackie, Pam in NJ
HAYDEN -- Joanie, Quixotic Elf
JOHN -- Ed in Ohio, Nana in the NW
KAT -- Jig, Petals
KATIE -- David, Margo, Zoetawny
LAURA B -- Buzzmaan, Laurie, SueGee
LAURA M -- AlbGlinka, JOKATS, rbennie
MARISSA -- Jennas Mom, PDX Granny
MONICA -- Becky, KayBeeRN, Russ
RACHEL -- Donna in AL, Merrilee
RUPERT -- Brian, Kelsey NY, Sharon S.
TINA -- Cheryl in NC, Lynn1, Terry in TX
TYSON -- Delee, meb
VYTAS -- Donna NY, ML

All that said, the party is really in the comments area. Come join us!

They all gather together with Jeff after their night with the loved one bit. Jeff tells them they won't be playing WITH the loved one, but AGAINST said loved one. Most are looking forward to it. Jeff splits them up by new players and returning players.

Yikes! Each tribe has to vote someone out now! Uh-oh ... Laura, Rupert's wife, gets the can. Candice got the can(dice) on the returning players tribe. Oh my. Jeff says they're not out of the game -- Redemption Island is in play this season.

Jeff offered the loved ones to switch with those voted out. Rupert does so and Laura goes to the returning players tribe in his place. He will have to duel for redemption to get back in. John says that he thinks Candace can beat Rupert in the duels. He stays with the new player tribe.

Immunity Challenge time. Racing through water, puzzle pieces, put together a ship's wheel, raise the flag. They're also playing for flint. The old-timers already have a fire thanks to Tyson, but the new players need it! Gervase is dragging his team down. Eep. But during the puzzle, returning players take on the lead.

Galang wins Immunity. That would be the returning players.

The newbies have already got a male alliance of five men together with only four women on the tribe.

Tribal Council time.

Votes:
Katie
Marissa
Marissa
Marissa
Marissa
Marissa

Grr. Marissa got the boot mainly because she's female and Gervase gloated over winning.

Big Brother 15: Live Feeds Into Tuesday - Sept. 16-17

Doesn't mean they won't sleep most of the day, too.

As predicted, still a whole lot o' nuthin' happening in the house. For the most part, unless one is in the Diary Room, they're sticking together like glue. Here's the latest from inside that Big Brother House of Put Us Out Of Our Misery SOON:

• When alone with GinaMarie, Spencer talks about how evenly matched they are and works his agenda for her to take him if she wins the final round.
• When alone with Andy, Spencer talks about how well GM will do with the jury and how Andy should take him to the final two.
• Andy has promised both of them.
• GM has promised Spencer and nodded her head a lot and was agreeable when Andy told her that they (Andy and GM) couldn't beat Spencer.
• Other than that, it's napping, playing cards, trash-talking, small talk, YAWN.

What I think is -- If Andy wins, he'll take Spencer. If GM wins, she'll take Spencer. Spencer is almost guaranteed the 50 grand second prize. As far as who will do better in the final round, I do think Andy might be better under pressure. It's usually a bit of a crap shoot with questions about what houseguest might say in a scenario which never happened in the house. So, it's hard to study for. GM has worked on her counting and times if it goes to a tiebreaker.

Remember folks, today at 3pm ET, it's the cut-off time to sign up for the blog pool for Survivor: Blood vs. Water!

Spencer works his mojo.

A thrill a minute!

Big Brother 15: Live Feeds into Monday - Sept. 15-16

Andy

Oh my, I take a birthday rest from reporting that nothing is going on in the house to peek in and find an anonymous comment saying I've given up on the show. Mind you, I did post a show party post despite the fact it was a clips review show and it was on my birthday.
@@

Other than the GM win of the first HoH round and the Andy win of the second round, there is NOTHING of any consequence going on in the house. I've never been one to report on every breath taken, nor do I go into hugely descriptive or graphic details on trash-talking done by the hamsters.

The three in there are getting along fine with each other and continue to trash-talk the departed, occasionally mixing in a pleasant recollection. Last night they walked around to "spots" for most of the departed and described what happened in that spot. Andy drank most of a bottle of wine (or was it champagne?) during that.

Nothing worth reporting is really happening. Usually when it gets down to the three, there's no scheming left to scheme and, unless they're warring, it's boring!

I read an article by one of the previous hamsters who got this far -- I can't recall, but I think it was either Ian or Will. He claimed that pretty much all they have to do is talk about the departed hamsters; they have no new worldly information and that's been their whole life for so long. So, it's just about all they do have to talk about. I can understand that. Of course, that doesn't mean they need to trash-talk about them, but that's always been a mainstay of not only this season, but others as well.

So, I am still peeking at the feeds. They're napping, GM's cooking and baking stuff, Andy and Spencer even did housekeeping, Spencer did more laundry than he's done in three months ... and they've reminisced and trash-talked the departed. If you seriously want blow by blow every breath they take reports, you can check out Jokers. But I never did those kind of reports anyway.

Oh ... and I forgot to mention it -- GM got four of her nine stitches in her knee taken out. Excitement abounds!

Spencer

GinaMarie

Big Brother 15: Unseen Footage Show Blog Party - September 15

Tonight's show isn't scheduled until 8:30pm ET. However, I'm putting this up on time. It will be clips tonight, so I'm not sure how often I'll update this post. Yet the party will still be on in comments! Come join us!

Since it's going for 8:40pm here, the show is obviously late for being late! 60 Minutes is still on. I wasn't paying attention, so I don't know how late things will be.

While we're waiting, I want to mention that Britney Haynes (BB) has received bad news -- her little baby has been diagnosed with cancer. A fund has been set up to help the couple. You can find out more on Britney's Twitter page or #PrayForTilly on Twitter. Sigh.

8:51pm ET finally starting ...

• McCrae being told of the Exterminators
• Champagne brunch reminiscing time
• Moving Company start
• Winegate 
• Oh noes! Elissa is Rachel's sister! 
• Talking hook-ups in the house
• Long focus on McCranda ... ew, I'm so over them!
• Onto Judd the Stud 
• The GinaMarie meltdown after Nick got voted out 
• Candice keeping it real and going after Spencer 
• Amanda torturing Elissa 
• Crying in the Diary Room 
• The Amanda/GM cat fight, then Amanda lighting into McCrae for not being a man and rescuing her
• Andy falls in the pool
• Exterminator glee 

Finally, Part 1 of the final HoH comp! Disco roller skating, suspended by a key rope. With the start of the comp, the show ends. Of course, if you read my live feeds reports, we know who won it, as well as Part 2. Part 3 is live on finale night.

Off Topic - That Was the Week It Was - September 15, 2013

Good Sunday morning, folks! It's time for my weekly off television topic post reflecting on the week gone by in both words and photographs I've taken along the way. While there isn't any television talk on this off topic post, I must stray to it for a minute ...

• If you're looking for the latest Big Brother live feeds or show news, you can find those posts right here.
• If you want to sign up for the Survivor: Blood vs. Water blog pool, that post can be found here. The deadline for that is Tuesday. Please sign up only on that post or by contacting Lifeguard Laurie at the email address listed in that post. No other posts or places will be checked.

Okay, back to off topic!

I had a four-day work week this past week as I took yesterday off as a vacation day to kick off my latest staycation. I usually work Saturdays, so that was an added bonus. The weather, after hitting 96 degrees early in the week, was down to a high around 70 both on Friday and Saturday. Yay! That's MY kind of weather -- cool overnights, sunny, dry and not hot! Yay!

Yesterday I walked downtown to the big Central Americano festival. It wasn't as crowded as the last time I went. But, then again it could have been the time I went or the fact that the last time I went there were actually two festivals adjacent to each other. Nonetheless, people were parked as far up my block to attend the festivities and East Front Street was a huge traffic jam.

While nothing much went on last week, today is my birthday. I'm older than I ever thought I would be had you asked me decades ago. I plan a day of relaxation for the most part. Big Brother live feeds have died down and I can actually rest. I could go to the festival which is still running downtown today, but I doubt I will. 

Will it go 'round in circles?

Will it fly high up in the sky? I took this shot at the Latino festival in Plainfield yesterday.

Smile for the camera

This young mockingbird was with its siblings, but was the only one to pose for me up on the fence rail. The mockingbird parents have been very territorial, chasing other birds and even warily watching me for weeks now. There are five of the young 'uns. While they can fend for themselves, they still bother their mother for food by fluffing their feathers, shaking and crying out. Like toddlers, they are. Bridgewater Train Station.

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