Biggest Loser Considerations

I finally got a chance to watch last week's episode of Biggest Loser last night. Thank goodness for "On Demand!" I was somewhat surprised that Courtney was the one who was sent home. I figured she was due for a big breakthrough on her weight since she'd had a couple of weeks where she hadn't been losing much. It was disappointing to have to see her go, and it was a bit heartening to see how much others reacted to the fact that she lost the weigh-in too. Clearly, she was special to other members of this year's Biggest Loser contestants. Eventually though, no matter how special they are to one another, they will all have to face voting to send someone they care about home, and/or saying goodbye to people they care about as only one person can win. It was pretty noteworthy and unsurprising that none of the members of the green team appeared to be all that broken up about Courtney's hastened departure. Why would they be? It kept them all there for another week.

One thing about this season of Biggest Loser that I've appreciated is the fact that all of the contestants have been reasonably likable although Q and Lariamay (sp?) seemed the most reserved of the bunch early on. Of all of the contestants left now, I think I feel the most indifferent toward the current members of the green team. I wouldn't say I dislike any of them, but I'm not exactly rooting for them either. It wouldn't have bothered me much if any of them went home this week. I have been impressed with Rulon. He's a funny-looking guy in some ways, but he's got a lot of personality, and I've been impressed with what he can do with his body even as big as he presently is. I was amazed and celebrated along with him when he did a handstand, and to see the way he threw that dummy around and brought it to the mats with a twisting leap through the air had a bit of magic to it - like a well-choreographed dance. You can see his athleticism breaking through, and it is a beautiful sight to behold. When people have a natural gift, or other ability that has been developed, and you see it in action, it is always impressive to those who have not got such talents or skills. I enjoy watching Rulon's athleticism breaking through. He's a good guy too. Other favorites: Hannah, Olivia, & Irene. Irene is quiet, but she's stayed in the game. She could surprise everyone, or she could end up a casualty of other alliances in a bad weigh-in week. She has a beautiful face too, with a doll-like quality.

Has Blogging Become Passé?

I was wondering to myself, just the other day, whether blogging had become passé. I don't really believe it has. I think it is no longer a trendy fad, and that those who wish to blog are out there blogging and maintaining a presence on the web. I think it has become an accepted part of life, at least in western countries.

I think those who blog typically have something to say and once they find a place they are comfortable navigating, they write. This doesn't guarantee an audience, but it is an outlet. I think one of the biggest changes in the blogging experience since its inception in the late 90s to early 2000s, when most people first heard of "web logs," is that people are less inclined to wonder why anyone would want to read about some unknown person's daily life experiences. People will often come and read if someone writes. It's just a matter of the right people with the right interests stumbling upon the right blog. Of course, one has to write consistently to keep them coming back.

Another big change since blogs have been mainstreamed is the tendency for people (people from the past, potential employers, current employers, law enforcement, the media, etc) to start looking you up on the web if it suits their purposes. Facebook tends to be the site of choice for getting a feel for who people really are beyond the pixels, but it started with blogs. So is blogging passé? Not yet. It still serves a purpose and gives people an outlet for creative expression.

Random Thoughts

Today I am missing some people . . . and that's all I have to say about that.

The Grand Illusion

I keep thinking I ought to start blogging again, but somehow, I never find the time. Somehow, I am keeping so busy in the dailyness of life - at least at the moment - that I am barely keeping up with the pace that the dailyness of life seems to be imposing upon me. There seems to be a lot of running to and fro, and when it comes to tasks to be completed, there are times when I don't seem to be getting anywhere. It's a frustrating turn of events for one who likes things to be "just so." The upshot of all of it is that, if nothing else, there is a humbling aspect to it all. I am being reminded how little control one really has despite the appearance of the control we wield in our own lives: The Grand Illusion.