posted on September 11, 2000 11:34:52 PM new
Anybody else here get the channel BBC America? They are running a show now that makes "Survivor" look wimpy. No prizes. No games. In January of this year about 30 people were chosen to be "castaway" on an island in the Hebrides for an entire year. Families as well as singles. Each will contribute to the survival of their community. Tonight showed them learning to settle in. Milking cows, killing chickens, finding fresh water source, making compost heap, etc. Also problems in learning to work together--some big arguments.
Now, this show is *interesting*
Edited to say: forgot to add, that tonight's show was also a shake-down. Next time we'll see which ones made the final cut.
[ edited by bunnicula on Sep 11, 2000 11:51 PM ]
posted on September 12, 2000 10:15:26 AM new
bunnicula - Just now saw this post.
Didn't realize we do get this channel, but just checked and it's on here right now. Going to watch and see.
From your statements...I just have to know....why in the world would a family give up a year of their lives with no incentive to do so? (no prize?) I can't comprehend how a family could just up and leave their employment, have their children miss a years worth of schooling (I know some people do home school) and pay their bills with no money coming in.
Guess now I can go check it out and get some questions answered.
Don't know if I should thank you or not.... as I've been watching Survivors and Big Brother.
posted on September 12, 2000 11:38:10 AM new
I have to assume you'd chose to do this for the experience of it -- its one of those things I'd wanna do just for the sake of doing it. There have been several communal living opportunities that I've truly regretting not being able to convince my husband to be a part of -- he isn't as fascinated by the theories behind them as I am.
Indeed our current discussion is about when to take our Appalacian Trail thru hike. I wanna do it during our older daughter's freshman year in High School -- pull her out and take her and her sister (who is homeschooled) with us. I mean -- wowsers! Six months hiking as a family -- what a wonderful thing that could be! We aren't rich (boy, is that an understatement!) but we could take six months off for something like that pretty easily -- store our inventory and belongings; leave enough in the bank to cover expenses while hiking and for the first months after our return -- and *poof* a wilderness experience made to order.
posted on September 12, 2000 11:56:00 AM new
Okay bunnicula - Just watched two 1/2 hour shows. BBCA (America) Started at 12:30 PM here in the CDT.... for those who might want to know. Very interesting and very much like I thought Survivors was going to be when it first started. You're right...think this will be much more interesting.
One of the requirements I found interesting was that all agreed to no sex for the year. Even the couples and couples with families. Not too sure why that would be required....but hay...what do I know, maybe they'll need to save their energy. hehe Laughed when the young boy with his single mother was asked the abstaining question. He said "No problem" and then tried to make himself gag. LOL
I also found it interesting that the red team was willing to steal a car to be the winner of their first challenge....that the whole community was cheating while getting fresh water...and how they were interacting with one another.
As the program said: A new society for a new millenium (sp?)
Xifene (Hi) - What you have shared is exactly what I just heard a few of these adventurers say on The Castaways. For the adventure. Well, all I can say is that I sincerely admire your desire to experience something like what you shared, and what these people have chosen to do. I just know, I would never make it through something like that. Not a strong enough person....or chicken to try...not sure which.
Edited to say HI to Kcat and correct my spelling.
[ edited by Linda_K on Sep 12, 2000 11:59 AM ]
posted on September 12, 2000 12:14:46 PM new
Wow..wish I got that channel. Never even heard of it..BBC Channel? Guess I better get that satelite dish I have been thinking about.
posted on September 12, 2000 01:00:08 PM new
The "challenge" on the first show was to see how people would get along in groups. Problem solve. What their pesonalities were, etc. All in preparation to choose the 30 that would be living there for a year. Had ongoing commentary by a psychologist regarding behaviors. From what I've heard, once it all got going (January), there were no other games or "challenges" such as Survivor had. The challenge will be living under what is to us primitive conditions.
One mother said that she had been planning to home educate (British term for homeschool) her kids anyway. Also, all will be bringing some skills to the island, and one of the women is a teacher. (there's also a doctor, bricklayer, etc.)
One of the single men said that he was doing it because he wanted to challenge himself, & that at this point in his life it would be simple to sell his car, get rid of possessions & do it whereas later in life he might be more tied down.
Personally, I think that I would be interested in this type of thing as well--if they'd let me take my dogs
posted on September 12, 2000 08:44:11 PM new
Another episode is coming on tonight at 10pm Pacific, & will be repeated at 11pm Pacific. Looks like they'll be testing & judging more applicants--last night's episode produced 15 & tonight's will bring in the other half for the intended population of 30.
posted on September 13, 2000 12:23:12 AM new
Strange: of the two episodes this evening, the first was a repeat of *last night's* show (why?). The second show gave highlights of a week-long survival course on the island that was used as a final deciding factor by the obserber/commentators, which included a psychologist & an SAS Survival Instructor. At the end of the episode we were shown the first 15 to be selected & shown bits of the second group to try out. I see in my DirecTV guide that there are episodes scheduled tomorrow night & Thursday--then on Saturday there is an all-day marathon of Castaway. Am looking forward to it!
posted on September 13, 2000 08:55:14 PM new
My husband is addicted to the BBC comedies. When we moved to DISH and started getting BBC America, well, let's just say that my daughter may pick up a British accent on top of her "Dixie".
We are glued to Castaway.
posted on September 13, 2000 10:13:19 PM new
This show is what "Survivor" is based on...same producer!!!
I caught it tonight also...but has anyone mentioned that these people are expected to for a full year on this spit of land called an ISLAND!!...and I am still shaking my head over the woman who chose to take her KIDS(age 8-10)!!!!!
Keith
I assume full responsibility for my actions, except
the ones that are someone else's fault.
as I've been watching Survivors and Big Brother. 
