After 32 seasons, when will you learn that a key skill to bring with you is how to make fire?
Let’s see, you need to start a fire first when you first get to your camp. Not only does the first person to make fire get early “hero” status but by making this happen, you get to eat cooked rice vs crawling critters. (If this isn’t reason enough, I don’t know what is)
But let’s learn from our final 4 contestants shall we?
Ok, you are 1 spot away from final 3. Usually by now you have spent 33-35 days living like hell for your shot at a million dollars. And if you are any good, odds are the others will try and get rid of your butt so there is a good chance you will be voted out.
So why is learning how to make fire important?
Just ask Cydney on season 32. She was well on her way to possibly winning the money (and my top pick next to Audrey). The top 2 deserving folks in my opinion. So I wasn’t surprised they had to square off. When it was a tie, what did they have to do?
Oh yea, make fire!
This is what Survivor does. They have for the previous 31 seasons so why would they change now?
If I was headed into the top 4 and I knew my ass might be on the chopping block, especially in a season of blindsides, you can bet your bottom dollar that my ass would be building fires all over the island!
At last, as much as I want to go tsk tsk tsk to Cydney, she isn’t alone. It has happened in the past. The loser being those that never bothered to learn how to start a fire before going on Survivor!
So, I implore all you future contestants, do me a favor. LEARN to MAKE FIRE! With or without flint. Use your eyeglasses, use glass, use your x-ray vision, I don’t care. Just learn!
I still love you Cydney. I liked the others but you and Audrey owned the twists and turns this season and one of you should have won. I was sad when you had to face off making fire, but I was even more sad that ironically, your bid for the $1,000,000 went up in flames (or at least the lack of them).
It was a great season. Some great moves. Well played and I’ll be back for season 33 of Survivor. Like many others, I’m always amazed and addicted to the giant fishbowl of personalities and really enjoy the fun of watching the great game players.
Just do me a favor. Just one word. FIRE!
~~~
For those of you that don’t watch Survivor… What???? You are missing a great show that just gets better as more folks learn to play the game. The true players who love the game are making so interesting. They just need to learn to make fire. LOL
Do you have a nickname? If so, do you like it? love it? hate it?
Sure we all have nicknames that people give us based off our name. For example, my last name is Adams, so I’ve heard my fair share of people humming the Addams Family theme and snapping their fingers (you just tried it didn’t you? – I know some of you did). This one actually makes me smile. I loved the show and while I might resemble cousin IT more than mom Morticia, it could be worse since there always is Uncle Fester.
I have another nickname that tend to hide. I love the story behind it since it makes me laugh, but the name in of itself I hate (no offense if it is your name). Oh, what is it? Well, let me explain first.
I have had long hair most of my life and as a kid I hated brushing it (yea, I was the typical tomboy). So the solution was to keep it in braids most of the time. My stepdad loves to assign names to people off of things and these braids were the target for mine. Only problem was, he got his fictional characters messed up and began calling me one that never wore braids.
I’m not sure if I would have liked it more if he got any of the right characters since I’m not sure Pippi Longstocking is much better than the one I was assigned (although she was a classic tomboy). Alas, I will never know.
So I have spent most of the past 25+ years shielding those I know from the truth….my nickname is……Alice.
Stop laughing….
If your name is Alice, I’m sure it is a lovely name for you. And if you are Ann B Davis, playing Alice on Brady Bunch made you some nice money. But for me… I’m not a fan.
Can you tell me what this girl has to do with a tomboy in braids?
So sad…..
My mom never calls me this thank god. She prefers to either yell in that mom kind of way that includes first and middle name. But since I usually was the good one, she usually just call me Brat. Hmm, now that I think about it, maybe I wasn’t the good one.
First, I’m not taking about my laptop. That is still waiting for its surgery which was postponed until tomorrow.
I’m talking about something just as devastating. (ok, not really, but it still stings)
Now, before you keep reading, I suppose I’m suppose to be nice and tell you SPOILER ALERT…..
Oh, I guess you need to know what I’m spoiling don’t you?
No silly, not the milk…. Geeshh, some of you…. I’m telling you…. 😉
No, my spoiler alert is for DWTS…. or Dancing With the Stars for you rookies.
First I lost my Skyler on American Idol and now this…. Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaa
Not my Maria!!!!!!!!!!!!! I love her. sniffle sniffle…..
She not only dances great, but I love her personality. And that laugh, too funny.
But it’s my fault. I know it is. Yep, I’m a non-voter. I’m so sorry Maria Menounos. I failed you.
At least Kim won Survivor, so I’m at least 1 out of 3 for the ones I feel really should win. Oh wait, Amazing Race the right couple won. As for the Voice, yea, I was bummed Juliet didn’t win. Hmm, maybe I’m having a worse week than I thought. If Arseno wins next week’s Apprentice I may just have to give up on Reality shows. The more I think about it, the wrong person won Biggest Loser too (Dang Jeremy).
Maybe it’s not me. Maybe the Reality world is upside down.
Ok, I’m tired and Reality Show rambling…. so I best end this torture for you all.
I’m off to ball myself up in the corner and suck my thumb.
As I’ve stated in the past. I love Prime Time Reality TV. I love rooting for the undiscovered being discovered. I think shows like American Idol, The Voice, Last Comic Standing, America’s Got Talent, etc are great for giving some folks their shot at stardom. We have learned from the past that just because someone is kicked off early, if they have “it” they can still do well. (Jennifer Hudson, Daughtry, Clay Aiken, etc). Lately some of the winners are forgotten as the credits roll and the confetti falls.
And since I don’t vote, I can’t blame America for getting it wrong.
Currently we have American Idol and Voice going at the same time. Sure the old girl (Idol) is getting up there, but I can honestly say, the people who made the top 10 can all sing and for the most part, might have a bad week, but don’t bore me week after week. I wish I could say the same for the Voice singers. I have been watching all season and honestly can’t pick one out of a crowd by name. They just don’t “grab” me. They aren’t making me ticked that they are in the bottom or even kicked off. Sure I like a couple of them (that rocker chick is pretty good – but once again, I don’t know her name yet.
Maybe I’m in the minority. Maybe you don’t think they are as boring as I do. Trust me, I want them to do well. I really do. I want to root for someone but not just because they have some sob story behind them. I don’t mean to be mean but just because you grew up poor, dad died, the car got a flat tire, and the kid next store stole your toys as a kid, doesn’t mean you sing well. (Although, you are perfect for singing many country songs).
And worse, some of them sing well but are still BORING! How do you pull that off? I’ll tell ya, lack of personality. For example, the country girl isn’t the best singer, but at least she has personality and I want to root for her. She makes it fun. Same with the rocker chick.
Ok, I’m done ranting. Sorry, I was watching what I missed the other night and realized we are one more week in and I still am bored. Sniffle sniffle.
At least Biggest Loser is on tonight and I can’t wait to see them walk out! Now that will be exciting.
Last night I watched the premier of Dancing With the Stars, or DWTS for those in the know. I love this show. Not because of the stars or the dancing (tho I love both).
I love DWTS because it shows what we are all capable of. Nothing brings a smile to my face more than the triumph of others.
When the stars are announced people go “who?” or “how did they get them?” “Oh no, they are doing this” or “that should be funny”. Then you wonder who they will be paired with and then wait for the next two weeks to see how they do.
And once again, this show surprised me with how much it makes me smile. When these folks take the dance floor, they no longer are a star. For most of them, I would bet dollars to donuts that they feel as insecure as you and I would. Most have no dance talent and most have to show things to the American public that none of us would ever want seen by our friends never mind the world.
We get to see them struggle with their body issues, their klutz issues, their hectic schedules, their not so pretty personality moments and a host of other things I’m sure they would prefer the world wouldn’t know.
Something about human triumph makes my heart smile. DWTS is one of those shows that do this. Just like Biggest Loser, people who question if they can, do what they think is the unthinkable and show they can. And sometimes, not just can, but can very well.
See, it’s not about how great they do, it’s about the journey, the fact they try and they succeed beyond their own wildest dreams.
It’s easy to sit at home and criticize this show. To call these stars names and poke fun at them. But you know what? Each and every one them are trying something new. Maybe for themselves, maybe for their moms or maybe for a shot of coming back in our homes. Who knows? More importantly, who cares?
What I do know is, they make me smile each Monday as they accomplish something they pushed themselves for. They accomplished something they never in a million years thought they would just a few months prior. And if your heart doesn’t smile just a little when they finish their routine, then you are definitely a half empty cup kind of person. Because when they finish, for me, my cup is full of possibilities and belief.
Next time you hear about this show, before you pass judgement, watch a season from beginning to end and see their journey. You will be surprised to realize it isn’t about if they are a “has been” or “they danced terrible”, no, it is about the fact they got out there, shook their tale feathers and did something they never thought they could. Who cares how well it went as long as they tried.
Isn’t that what life is about? Putting ourselves out there and trying things we thought we never thought we could do?
I hope you also find joy in watching this show. And I hope you also have some of those moments that your heart just smiles and you are happy for their success.
I have been watching Survivor ever since Richard Hatch first stepped his naked butt on the beach in Pulau. I’ve missed two episodes in all 24 seasons. Both due to power outages that even TiVo couldn’t fix. It is safe to say I love the show. Am I fanatic? On one level yes, but I never memorize all the people and locations like some freaks can do. But I can hold my own in a good conversation.
What I love best about survivor is the dynamics of the “characters” on the show. Yes, I said “characters” vs people. They are real people but sometimes are portrayed in a certain way. Personally, I think they are who CBS leads us to believe they are in most cases. They just get a little enhanced if you will by the editing. If someone is an ass, they will just be made a bigger ass. If they are a “good guy” then they will be played up as an even bigger good guy.
Each year I watch, I find myself shaking my head at some of the silly things these people do. When they do silly stuff late in the 39 day stay, I chalk it up to starvation or going looney being on the island, but when they do stupid early on, they are just stupid.
I find it humorous during the game when one side is all arrogant and rubbing it into the faces of the other team, then when the tide turns and the shoe is on the other foot, they get all mad at the other team for celebrating. Helloooo, wasn’t that you just the last episode that was prancing around and pointing at the other team? Or maybe through the first 1/2 of the season someone is lying to everyone and making false promises, but then when the 5th person in a 5 person alliance turns on them down the line since they know they are next to go they are branded a lying scum bag. First off, you lied the whole time yet obviously live in a glass house and secondly, you just got played by the person you thought wasn’t smart enough to realize they were next out if they didn’t flip. It’s a game people, get over it.
Then I crack up by the reverse, people that are so naive to think that NO ONE would lie to them. Certainly not their BFF for the past 23 days. The person they didn’t know 24 days ago that they would now give up a million dollars for. I’m always amazed how people forget why they came on the show in the first place. I’m pretty sure it wasn’t to make new best friends.
Did they forget the OUTLAST word on their flag? Never mind the OUTWIT.
I also love to watch with other people and laugh at how mad they get at times as well. How they grow to hate someone so much just for playing the game.
A few years ago when everyone hated Russell Hantz, I loved him. Was he a nice guy? No. But like it or not, he played part of the game better than many people. It was so transparent how he was playing, yet people were foolish enough to miss the obvious signs. After all, the guy wasn’t really hiding his game play. And, his arrogance did cost him the win, not once, but twice. He was so blinded by the fact that his plan got him to the end in the first place, he missed the fact that he forgot the social part of the game, not once, but twice!. He played the second time the exact same way with the exact same result. Amazing.
End the end lately, people are so mad at being played that they find it better to give $1,000,000 to a person who did nothing for 39 days other than align themselves with the most hated person on the island. These are the winners that no one ever remembers. They are so unmemorable that only Survivor fanatics or Wikipedia can remember their names.
So now we have Colton Cumbie. Colton, Colton, Colton. This kid is amazing and CBS must be loving him! He is ratings gold. In the first episode they set him up as the poor gay guy that would rather be on the women’s team. The other big bad boys didn’t like him and he didn’t fit in. He even got one of the women to give him an immunity idol. By the next episode he was driving the women nuts. Then on episode three we discover that now Colton is the Godfather. Getting grown men to do some of the stupidest things in Survivor history. The same men that dismissed him as the first gone.
I laughed my butt off all episode last night. How stupid these men were being by giving up their immunity all because Colton didn’t like one of them. Never
mind the stupidity of agreeing to go and possibly get your butt voted off. At least say no. Who cares if they get mad. You have 3 more days to get them to move on to a new target!
Now, before the “haters” come out and attack. Don’t get me wrong. Colton is a first class ass. He is arrogant, racists, elitist and basically a sucky person. And for the record, by the end of the episode, Bill Posley showed what real class was. I was so impressed at how he handled Colton at tribal council and how he was the true good guy. (I really hope Bill gets a shot on Last Comic Standing as I’d love to see what his comedy looks like since his internal character is so good).
But here’s the thing. I go back to what I said up top. These are “characters” on a TV show. Yes, they are real people. But without people this obviously “whacked” we would moan and groan about how boring the show is. Ratings this year have been down. But I bet more people start to watch to “see” what the heck all the Colton bashing is about. But the dynamic I find fascinating, isn’t what an “ugly” person Colton is, but how the other idiots on his tribe can’t see it. Once again, normally smart people doing stupid things.
Look, I can sit here and bash CBS for showing his acid spewing or I can sit back and just watch as it plays out. I’m telling you, I am constantly fascinated on this show by the stupid things people put up with or do. Plus, Colton isn’t the only “ugly” person on TV. If a person can not watch the show and see for themselves what an idiot he is then they have bigger problems.
I watch Survivor for the insight it gives into what makes people tick. How they react in certain situations. I know it is a game. I know that some people go on the show for their shot at not only the money, but also their shot at fame. But let’s face it, Reality TV continues to be popular because we get to see all sides of “real” people. The good, the bad and yes, the ugly.
Do you watch Survivor? If so, what are your thoughts? Does the show make you laugh at times too?
When I was younger I was a TV fanatic long before TiVo, remote controls, cable and 350 stations. I couldn’t wait for the new issue of TV Guide to come out. I would read it cover to cover. Looking for all my favorites so as not to miss any of them. For a brief while I even collected the TV Guides thinking they would be worth something.
This passion for TV lasted for a long, long time. I still love my shows today but I’m no longer as obsessed as I was then. Back then it was my form of escape. My mom would always wonder how I did my homework with the TV on, the radio on and still get good grades. I guess you could say I’ve always been a multi-tasker.
Through the course of the year, I’ll share some of my favorite TV memories (I’ve shared my love of Get Smart all ready).
In 1977 I was only 11 years old. And a new show came on called SOAP. SOAP told the story of the rich Tates & the working class Campbells. It was a knock off of day time soaps with a major comedic take on it all. It had murder, sex, crazy families, all the things good soaps have. And I loved it.
What I loved most though was this was my time with my mom.
I have 3 younger siblings and as you can imagine, her time was taken up by all of us. But Tuesday nights were mine. Each week for the 4 years that show was on TV, my mom and I would sit together and watch this awesome show. Some would say that maybe this show wasn’t the most appropriate but my mom knew I was mature enough to realize the comedy of the whole thing.
We were so bummed when the show was cancelled. We still watched TV but it was never the same. Nothing touched us as a pair like this show did. Who knows why, but we both laughed so much and just loved this show.
The show went off the air in 1981. It is 30 years later and to this day we still have a little joke we do from the show.
Billy Crystal’s character was the smart one and his TV brother’s character (played by Ted Wass) was a little on the slower side. On one show, Billy’s character is leaving and says to his brother…“CHAO” ….and his brother replies… “GRUB!”…
OMG, we laughed our butts off. To this day it makes me laugh so hard.
Every once in awhile one of us will say to the other “CHAO” and the other will reply “GRUB!”….
I miss those Tuesday nights, but I still have the memories… I Love Ya Ma….
I remember clearly the day I accidentally discovered what would become my favorite TV show ever. I was 13 years old and I read in the TV guide about a show called Get Smart. Now, there was no explanation of what the show was about just the two words GET SMART.
You have to understand my 13 year old self. I loved game shows and I loved to learn. And if truth be told, I was a little smarty pants even back then. So for some reason, seeing something that said Get Smart, I just had to check it out. Little did I know, that that day would begin a 32 year passion for a show that is rarely on TV anymore. (Darn you Nickelodeon!)
That day I discovered Max, 99, Chief, Sigfried, CONTROL, KAOS and Hymie.
A show so stupid and smart at the same time. A show that I would do whatever it took to watch all 138 episodes. Which back in the 70’s was not easy to do since there wasn’t a thing called TIVO, Hulu or even YouTube (GASP! I know). I was dependent upon the rerun universe. I would search through that TV Guide each week circling every time I saw the show was airing just to make sure I didn’t miss an episode.
I was so obsessed, I even took out my tape recorder and made a cassette of the shows and would listen to them over and over. It was years later that I finally got to see some of those shows again and I had completely forget what the visual was due to the one I replaced in my head through re-listening to those tapes over and over. And today, I’m proud to say I own the box set that finally came out a few years ago.
So what was the fascination? You know, I really have no idea. I just loved Max’s bumbling, the way 99 would roll her eyes at him. How he would drive Chief crazy by insisting on the Cone of Silence. I loved the friendship that Max had with Sigfried even though they were bitter enemies. The silliness of the whole thing really. You always knew when Max would say “Missed it by that much” or “Would you believe?”.
I could go on and on, but the point of my post today is that as I was driving home I started to think of when I was a kid, the one thing I knew that would make me smile and laugh was always this show. There are no words to describe the happy feeling I get watching it. I could watch it for hours.
Then I started wondering if any of you had a show from your childhood that even to this day, you could sit for hours and watch it. A show that could help you escape the world around you and for even a few short 22 minutes, you could return to a simpler time in your life and just be happy.
So when you have those tough days and long for a smile, just think back to that show that helped you find your smile. Your laughter. Think about certain episodes. And if you are looking for a great laugh and have a warped sense of humor, go ahead and YouTube those old 60’s episodes of Get Smart. I’ll share my passion with you. There is enough laughs for both of us. 😀
After 32 seasons, when will you learn that a key skill to bring with you is how to make fire? 
Audrey). The top 2 deserving folks in my opinion. So I wasn’t surprised they had to square off. When it was a tie, what did they have to do?
