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

The post Lost Wallet appeared first on Traveling Archive.

No Contest Contest

I didn’t think it was possible. There is a reality TV where the judges are as nice and genteel as can be and still manage to keep the pressure on; where the contestants help each other to do their best even if helping the other person eats up their own time; where there is no prize money and yet the contestants give it all they’ve got for a mere recognition. There is tension. There is drama. There is comedy. And there is clean fun.

I was having this ordinary conversation with Peggy, a classmate in church, and somehow the discussion led to this TV show. Suddenly her eyes sparkled and she got really excited sharing it. Another person overheard our talk and she too joined in with excitement.

Who would have thought that people would be so excited about such a subject? It turns out that more and more people I talked to were also “secretly” watching this show in Netflix. I couldn’t believe it. It actually has a cult following.

So I decided to check out what the fuss was all about. Wouldn’t you know it? I started watching one episode after another. I got hooked! Imagine — a macho man like me, enjoying this “sissy” activity — hard to believe, huh? I rarely bake and I am not familiar with some of the jargon (ie. “over proofed” or “more savory than salty”) — yet, I was glued to the show. I got into the different personalities of the contestants. I was sad when people were cut off from the winning circle. And I love the creativity.

And this is my point: With all the sex, violence, horror, decrepit and shallow drama that Netflix dishes out, this refreshing show gives me hope for Netflix. Here we have congenial personalities and clean witty humor.  What a nice escape. Perhaps a downside to watching this is you get really hungry even though you can’t smell, touch or taste the food. If you’ve got a diet problem, move on. This show may not help.

By now you should know the title of the show, right? Right? Good.

TGIF people!

Psssst! …  it’s the Great British Baking Show.

Joke of the Week

Thanks to Peter Paul of S Pasadena, CA for sharing this joke.

Rodney’s Puns

Funny Video

The Future Politician

Shared by Vanessa of Whittier, CA

Parting Shot

Thanks to Naomi of N Hollywood, CA who shared this:

The post At the Auction House appeared first on Traveling Archive.