Raoul’s Two Cents: September 30, 2022

Survivor

I’m embarrassed to say this but I succumbed to temptation. Over 20 years ago, I was a true blue follower when this started but I soon quit when I realized it was taking too much of my time. However, early this week as I was skimming through my Roku channels, curiosity got the best of me. Bless me father for I have sinned. I watched Survivor.

Hard to believe this TV show that premiered on May 31, 2000 is now on its 43rd season (that’s 622+ episodes). The big advantage now is one doesn’t have to wait days for the continuing episode. One can binge watch old episodes on Pluto TV for free (free in Roku but it includes commercials) or at a paid subscription at NBC (where you have more choices).

FYI: Many of the series were located near my Mom’s ancestral home where I spent my summer with my Dad recently.

Why the fascination? I dunno. For me, it’s the reality TV of human drama where adults act like emotional spoiled brats … sharing their strategies of conniving, lying and cheating. Sociologists and psychologists, here are your lab rats.

I was not aware that the show was franchised to other countries … but none of them (especially the shows made in poorer countries) are as successful as the original American version. Is it because we Americans are more self-centered, more entitled, more articulate about our demands in life?

THE BIBLE
Survivor is a microcosm of the history of human interaction. It reminds me of the Bible. If you’ve never read the Bible, you would think it’s just a book full of boring commandments but it is actually the history of man and his interaction with God. The lying, the cheating, the conniving — those are all there too. Sure there are outright instructions of dos and don’ts but more often, the narratives present situations where you need to figure out the lesson. Many lessons come in several layers. The deeper you dig, the more profound it gets. You come out with a more accurate understanding of God’s love and how He operates. There are free copies everywhere. You can even read it online and you can read it in different versions. There’s really no excuse not to read the best selling book of all time. How’s this for a shameless plug?

Only one person gets the million dollar prize in Survivor. In the Bible, it’s clear that a bigger prize is available to anyone. Don’t miss this fascinating catalogue of the reality and meaning of life. As the song goes: “Read your Bible, pray everyday … and you’ll grow, grow, grow!”

TGIF people!

Raoul

Joke of the Week

Thanks to Rodger of London

Videos of the Week

Thanks to Mike of New York for this man’s suggestion for Car Manufacturers.

Thanks to Art of Sierra Madre. CA for this embarrassing rendition of the British National Anthem by a host nation.

Parting Shots

Thanks to Tom of Pasadena, CA

Thanks to Naomi of N Hollywood, CA

Thanks to Wyne of Kalentong, Metro Manila

Thanks to Garie of Paranaque, Metro Manila

These I found