What do you think? Which reality TV show do you think Submarining best prepares you for?
Keeping the blogosphere posted on the goings on of the world of submarines since late 2004... and mocking and belittling general foolishness wherever it may be found. Idaho's first and foremost submarine blog. (If you don't like something on this blog, please E-mail me; don't call me at home.)
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Submariners On Reality Shows
My wife and I are thinking about applying for The Amazing Race -- it's our favorite reality show, and while we recognize our odds of getting selected are pretty low, we still think the application process could be fun. My theory is that the reason you don't see Submariners (with one notable exception) on reality TV is that they know we'd completely dominate; living through the crucible of a submarine deployment pretty much prepares you for everything there is in terms of interpersonal power-play relationships and overcoming system-generated adversity.
I hope you make it. That's my absolute favorite show. They've done what, 13 seasons, with 11 teams per season, so barely 140 people. The odds are low that a submariner would make it on.
ReplyDeleteI think you have a compelling story, which is what they look for, too. Helps that you're photogenic, too.
To answer the question, in light of being locked in close quarters with a bunch of oddball strangers, you would think a submariner would fare well at Big Brother. But, military people rarely do well on that.
ReplyDeletethe great food, long hours, lack of workout gear.....definitely the biggest loser
ReplyDeleteThe Apprentice. I have to admit my opinion of reality shows is mostly based on the few commercials that I can't skip through with the Tivo, but my guess is that arrogant, domineering, over-confident blow hards might fare well on that show and impress the Donald. After all impressing a Donald is what gets us ahead in our careers right?
ReplyDelete"my guess is that arrogant, domineering, over-confident blow hards might fare well on that show and impress the Donald."
ReplyDeleteDo we get to do our own version of "The Apprentice" with our very own "The Donald"? Lord knows, he's probably said "You're Fired" enough times. :)
T.J. and Ret ANAV:
ReplyDeleteA show like that would have so many political whores on it that you'd have to have the contestants checked for STDs for all the people that they've screwed over and dick they've sucked, just to even make it on the show! Let alone win. What a horrifying thought indeed.
Bring a new reality show to a boat near you for a deployment. That should get some ratings. "Brains on Boats."
ReplyDeleteReality? Watching the Movie Gas Pump Girls everynight for the midnight movie during an extended early 1980's deployment. Then trying to use the shitter without finding some dude Pumping it.Not sure that would be good press though. Hard duty duty for a 19 year old.
ReplyDeleteWasn't there a submarine CS on one of the cooking shows?
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of the reality show ON the boat. There would have to be some way to neutralize the COC, though. Not sure how many officers would come out on top in that kind of competition, and the risk of that would be enough to stop it from happening. Maybe it would work on a RN boat.
ReplyDeleteI think you're totally wrong about submariners doing well on Survivor type shows. The lack of a COC would change the game drastically.
ReplyDeleteWhy leave it at one submariner ?
ReplyDeleteI'm sure you have some bored friends. Maybe team up with some surface nukes.
Drown them in nerds.
Wasn't Family Guy's Quagmire a former submariner?
ReplyDeletesteve osc/ret
giggity.
T.J.
ReplyDeleteThere are commercials that cannot be skipped through when using Tivo?
I have a Dish Network based DVR. It's never not let me skip through a commercial. I'd stpo watching TV if it did.
Can't skip them if you are watching live tv...unless your DVR can fast forward time.
ReplyDeleteCan't skip them if you are watching live tv...unless your DVR can fast forward time.
ReplyDeleteWhat do you think? Which reality TV show do you think Submarining best prepares you for?
ReplyDeleteRemembering my last CO, XO and COB I'd have to answer "Biggest Loser"
"Hell's Kitchen" with a couple senior MS's as the critics and the normal host as the contestant.
ReplyDeleteDO IT Joel!
ReplyDeleteTAR is my favorite reality show by far, and it would be awesome to see someone on there that I "know".
I like the Amazing Race as well and even discussed applying with my wife. However, after a serious rethink about my motivation, I elected to not ever apply for any reality-based program. And that includes anything on HGTV or any game show.
ReplyDeleteMy advice -- don't do it, Joel. In reality (pardon the pun) all those shows either parody or debase a person's character. You don't strike me as one willing to sacrifice the character of your relationship with your wife for a few moments of screen time.
Honestly, if you're keen on doing something public with your wife, run for an elected office. The experience, win or lose, would certainly stress the ties that bind the two of you and in your case, would no doubt strengthen thoses ties. And, should you win the seat, irrespective of its importance, you could really make an enduring difference in many peoples lives.
Consider an example from my hometown, Willcox, Arizona. One of my mates from high school sits on the School Board. This year, faced with significant financial pressures, the school board has implemented some amazing and dramatic programs and initiatives that actually show promise in reducing the cost of education and improving student performance. His comments to me indicate that he and his wife are absolutely loving the challenge.
That's my two cents.
WCC
"Wasn't there a submarine CS on one of the cooking shows?"
ReplyDeleteYes, Kyle Kupiszewski was on "Chef's Academy" on Bravo.
http://www.bravotv.com/chef-academy/bio/kyle-kupiszewski
I know that I would tune in to a reality show titled "The REAL Boomer Widows of Kitsap (or King's Bay)"
ReplyDeleteAll those sex starved little vixens running out to the clubs before their hubbies have secured maneuvering watch. God I miss those days. :)
there was a guy on fox's Solitary he did fairly well. http://www.foxreality.com/page.php?id=38294
ReplyDelete