Big Brother Update: Day 27

Another Live Eviction and another member of "The Regulators" was sent packing, as the House Guests voted 7-1 to evict Dominic Briones.  I haven't watched Big Brother for long (I'm into my 3rd season; I'm sure I've mentioned this before), but it's safe to say that "The Regulators" are officially the WORST ALLIANCE EVER!!  Keith, Cassi and now Dominic; all gone.  The reason Lawon has survived thus far is because he's done a good job flying "under the radar".


With Daniele pushing hard for Brendon & Rachel to " backdoor" Jeff & Jordan, Dominic ended up as "collateral damage" due to his association with her; a little something we like to call "guilt by association" (Strike One).  Dominic was already low on numbers, and whatever deals he tried to make with "Brendon & Rachel" didn't matter as he was already the target for eviction.  So you have to wonder why he agreed to throw the POV competition (Strike Two).  The final nail in the coffin came when he confided to Shelly about the plan to backdoor "Jeff & Jordan", failing to take into account that Shelly and Jordan have bonded rather well (STRIKE THREE; YOU'RE OUT!!).  


I'll give Dominic some credit, as he was the only newbie that at least tried to stand up against the alums, but couldn't really get help from anyone.  Just like Keith, he found out what happens to strong competitors who just happen to be on the wrong side of the fence.  It's like an unwritten rule, but the stronger players carry the bigger targets, unless they can win competitions; which puts them in a position to make deals, thereby ensuring their safety.


In hindsight, Dominic would have probably been better off working with Kalia instead of Keith when forming "The Regulators".  Like Lawon, Kalia has managed to stay under the radar.  That really comes in handy especially when you need the numbers to save you from eviction. 


My opinion of this season just got a lot better when host, Julie Chen, announced that House Guests would no longer be playing in pairs.  It would have been nice if the players receiving the Golden Key would have done more to earn it.  As it is, Daniele, Porsche and Shelly all got free rides in the house.  With players on their own now, things are bound to get more interesting.


The player to watch for, without any doubt, is Daniele.  Unlike Rachel or Jordan, Daniele is not afraid to make big moves early in the game.  What makes her dangerous is that she's not afraid of the power couples in the house, and unlike them, she REALLY knows how to play the game (finishing as runner up in Season 8).  She's just as good a competitor, which adds that extra edge.


I already heard that she won the HOH competition, so some heads will be rolling come the next Live Eviction.

Big Brother Update: Day 20 (2nd Live Eviction)

Cassi Colvin became the second House Guest to leave Big Brother after her fellow housemates voted 9-0 to evict her.  Not even ONE sympathy vote?  Not even from her "Regulator" buddies?  It's not like she would have survived eviction, but it would have been nice to know that someone had her back.

With Keith having been evicted the previous week, Danielle and Rachel decided to pull a "roadkill" move; and who better to throw under the bus than Cassi.  Rachel didn't like her (surprises, anyone?), and Danielle felt like it would be easier it manipulate Dominic if Cassi was absent.  

Having survived eviction, Shelly also received a "Golden Key", meaning her summer stay in the BB house has been extended for another two weeks.  Since she, Danielle and Porsche won't be the chopping block anytime soon, I have every reason to believe that Kalia will most likely be the next person gone.


Rachel once again became the HOH for the week, but I guess she still gets to eat slop?  Interesting.  Like I had mentioned in my previous articles, I'll do the best I can to stay away from the spoilers.  Stay tuned.

Big Brother 13: First Eviction

Things took an interesting turn after "Evil Dick" unexpectedly left the house to attend to a personal matter.  The "alums" seemed to be in control of the game up until that point, but had to get back to the drawing board immediately.  The numbers and momentum had swung completely in favor of the "newbies", so they needed to act fast.

Keith had the most to gain from Dick's departure, seeing as he was the main target for eviction.  Even though he had his "Regulators" behind him, he didn't help himself when he called out Kalia and Porsche during a "team" meeting.  That move ended up costing him a crucial vote.

His next best move would have been to try and win the Veto, but he threw the competition thinking he had votes.  It was really funny to watch Keith and Porsche in the Diary Room trying to act like they were on the same page, but even they knew that they weren't fooling anyone.

When Brendon and Rachel, winners of the POV, opted not to replace Keith and Porsche as their nominations for eviction, they managed to convince to Shelly to vote against Keith.  Of course, Kalia's vote was the nail in the coffin, and after 13 days in the house, Keith became the first House Guest evicted.  By surviving eviction, Porsche received a Golden Key, joining Danielle (who received one due to Dick's departure) and they now get to enjoy a free pass for the next 3 weeks.

The "alums" retained power when Jordan won the HOH competition, so it will be interesting to see how things play out towards Day 20; the next live eviction.

I found Nemo!!

Can you help me?

Spotted in an aquarium at the Rainforest Cafe located in Grapevine TX, was a clownfish whom I instantly named "Nemo".  I am completely certain that I'm not the only person who thinks of the movie Finding Nemo whenever they see a clownfish.  In my own defense, it wasn't too long ago that I finally watched that movie for the first time.

While waiting to be served, my friends and I decided to check out the numerous aquariums inside the restaurant.  It was then that I came across "Nemo", and didn't hesitate to take a picture or two. Granted, the photo quality isn't the best, but I was not going to pass this opportunity.  It took a little coaxing of course; for Nemo hid behind a rock at first before I could take a snap.  Jokingly, I gently tapped the glass and pleaded, "Nemo, please come out."  Sure enough, he came out swimming gracefully, and it was then I was able to take the pictures.

Now I too can finally say that "I found Nemo!!"

Fish are friends, not food.

I live in an-enenenomy.

Big Brother Update: First Nominations

The first nomination ceremony of Big Brother 13 took place Sunday, with Porsche and Keith becoming the first house guests "on the block".

This is no surprise to the fans who follow the show online, get updates on "spoilers" and whatnot, and also watch "Big Brother: After Dark".  I was really big on the online "spoilers", but since I'll be doing my best to blog about the show, I'll try to remain as clueless as possible.  No spoilers for me... :-(

With the "Golden Key" up for grabs, Rachel (HOH for the week) and the rest of the alums had to try and find an ally among the "newbies".  The alums, especially "Evil Dick", seemed to prefer Porsche, even though a similar approach had been made to Adam.  So it looks like Porsche will play the "pawn"; a role that has been known to carry great risk should the primary target (Keith, in this instance) manage to win the Power Of Veto competition.

Not to be outdone, a few of the "newbies" decided to borrow a page from previous seasons and form their own "side alliance".  Keith, Lawon, Cassi and Dominic banded to form "The Regulators".  Last season, we watched as "The Brigade" - which comprised of Matt, Enzo, Lane and Hayden - dominate the game, with its members ending up in the "Final 3".

The reason "The Brigade" was able to succeed with relative ease was because Season 12 was made up of new faces.  Everybody seemed to get along with one another, and the targets for eviction every week were Brendon and Rachel; who never really tried to get along with other House Guests.  By the time other house guests caught on, they had either been or were about to be eliminated.

Unfortunately, "The Regulators" don't have that privilege.  They are playing against a seasoned bunch that knows how to win when it counts.  However, with the announcement that "Evil Dick" left the show, it might be the break they need if they are going to make an impact.

If you follow the spoilers, you probably already know how the POV competitions and Veto Ceremony have played themselves out.  For the rest of us, we'll wait for Wednesday's episode.

Big Brother 13: Ol' School vs New School

It was great to finally get the new season of Big Brother under way.  A new season, new cast and the same old twists.

Keeping with the theme of "expect the unexpected", the house guests had barely even known each other before they were hit with the 1st twist; they had to "pair up".  It seems like that would be the theme for the season; much like Season 11 where teams were thrown into "high school"-style cliques.

I'm really not a fan of this strategy at all.  I feel like it prevents players from exploring their own opportunities; let the "alliances" form themselves.  In Season 11, the "cliques" strategy leaned heavily toward one group, and whoever wasn't "in" was sent packing.

Another twist was the return of "power couples" from past seasons.  I already suspected that there would at least be guys from yesteryear.  I didn't think it would be like this.  I wasn't surprised to see Jeff & Jordan, but was shocked when "Evil Dick" & Danielle entered the house.  I didn't mind Brendon, but wanted to pop my eardrums the minute I heard Rachel's laugh.

As much as I would have loved more fresh faces, I understand why CBS throws in a twist or two, and brings back some alumni; it's all about ratings.  If that's the case, why not bring back players who hadn't won?  "Evil Dick" and Jordan are 2 players who don't really need the money.

CBS has promised to make this the "most exciting season" and so far, it looks like they'll deliver on that guarantee.

I'm definitely looking forward to see how the "new school" stacks up against the vets.  Enjoy.

Sent from my Palm Pre on the Now Network from Sprint

Kira and the Classic 808

If you are into the local neo-soul scene, be on the look out for "Kira and the Classic 808."

Performing at Urban Roots located on 322 NE 2nd St in OKC, Kira showcased her vocals, singing a few cover versions as well as some original work.

Be sure to follow her on facebook.com/Kira-Classic for more updates.

Grant Goldstein warming up before the show.

Love: "For here" or "To Go".

This story ought to "take the cake" for this week.  A woman was arrested for trying to sneak her common-law husband out of a Mexican prison.

A spokesman for police in the state of Quintana Roo said that Maria del Mar Arjona was stopped by guards to inspect her "unusually bulky" suitcase, as she left the Chetumal prison.  What they found was not your usual suitcase luggage, but her boyfriend, Juan Ramirez Tijerina curled up in the fetal position.

Maria had just paid a conjugal visit, and it must have been then that they hatched this "incredible" escape plan.  This story has a certain feel to it; the kind where you're out to dinner, and even though the meal is good, you decide you'll finish it at home.

What if their plan had actually worked?

Big Brother 2011: Let the games begin.

It's that time of the year for America to indulge in drama and voyeurism; season 13 of Big Brother kicks off on Thursday evening.  True to the theme "Expect the unexpected!!", only 8 House Guests have been revealed so far, with a total of 14 to be cast.

As in previous seasons, they got to respond to the top questions sent in by fans.  I'm guessing that the remaining 6 contestants will probably be from past seasons, but who knows?  The House Guests introduced are:

• Adam Poch: A 39 year-old Music Inventory Manager from Hoboken, NJ
• Cassi Colvin: A 26 year-old model from Nashville, TN.
• Dominic Briones: A 25 year-old college student from San Mateo, CA.
• Kalia Booker: A 30-year old writer from Los Angels, CA.
• Keith Henderson: A 32 year-old Human Resources Manager from Boilingbrook, IL.
• Lawon Exum: A 29-year old Legal File Clerk from Inglewood, CA.
• Porsche Briggs: A VIP Cocktail Waitress from Miami, FL.
• Shelly Moore: A 41-year old Outdoors Industry Executive from Prairieville, LA.

While it's not easy picking a favorite at this moment, I will nominate Lawon for "most entertaining House Guest".  He reminds me of Kevin (Season 11) and Enzo a.k.a "Meow-Meow" (Season 12).  I'll have Cassi penciled in as my "favorite" to win, but I've never been good at predicting these shows.  I predicted that Kathy Hillis would win season 12, while Hayden Moss would be the first one voted off; that worked out really well.

Best of luck to all the contestants.

Born on the 4th of July.

While we take time to celebrate all things Americana on this day, please allow me to send birthday wishes to one Matthew Bartlett, a TGIF waiter from Orlando, Florida.

Flipping the bird, yet it ain't "Thanksgiving"

Bartlett came to the nation's attention when he flashed a middle finger in the direction of prosecutor Jeff Ashton, during courtroom proceedings in the Casey Anthony trial.  His gesture wasn't seen by any of the jurors present, nor Ashton himself; but it didn't escape the numerous TV and photo cameras that were present.  A local TV station notified the court and Bartlett was summoned before Judge Belvin Perry after recess.

After a brief Q&A that included a humiliating verbal beatdown, Bartlett was found guilty of "contempt of court", and sentenced to 6 days in jail.  Judge Perry added that Bartlett's gesture could have jeopardized the whole trial had it been seen by members of the jury.  Along with the sentence, Bartlett was also slapped with a $400 fine, and an additional $223 in court costs (some might call it "gratuity").

Judge Perry don't take no mess!!

Bartlett said that he planned to appeal the decision.  Last I heard, a motion filed by Bartlett's attorney to stay the sentence was denied by Judge Perry, meaning that Bartlett spent Friday evening in jail and would be there through his 29th birthday.

If I had to summarize this in my own words, it would be like this; Matthew Bartlett flipped the courtroom, and the courtroom flipped him back.