January 12, 2005

Guilty Pleasures

Since DVR technology became part of daily life here at Rancho Atkins some six years ago, the amount of television I/we watch has been drastically reduced. Rarely will I sit down and peruse what's on, or in Chuck's case, what else is on.

With our TiVO (and it's predecessor the Dish Player) the programs we like are recorded. When I'm inclined to sit down and watch some tube I choose from a pre-recorded selection of things I know I like, and I watch something.

The plus side of this is that I have stuff waiting for me that I know I like, the minus (and whether or not it's a minus is still debatable) is that unless I see a commercial or hear or read some buzz, I don't often add new things to my viewing repetoire.

Until last Wednesday that is.

Last Wednesday at around 8:00 Zoe was taking a shower in my bathroom. While she lathered, rinsed, and repeated, I lounged in bed and watched actual live television. If I had to, I could not have told you what my possible viewing choices were going to be, as the only thing I normally watch on Wednesday's is West Wing, and that starts at 9:00.

So I surfed. And lo, what did I find?

Play angel music in your head as you read this.....

Yes, I found The Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Model Search.

The basic premise is that there are 12 unknown model-wannabe's who compete in physical fitness/workout challenges; get makeovers and/or tips; and do photoshoots. At the end of each episode some of the girls are eliminated. The winner of the competition will be in the next Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Model issue and get a million dollar modeling contract.

I'm here to tell you, this is one of the best hours of television you can hope to ever watch. Intrigue, beauty, backstabbing, and silicone breasts. It's got everything.

I'm alternately sickened and thrilled that I a) found this show, and b) love it so much.

I love it so much that after last week I had to run into the family room and set the TiVO to get a season pass .

And tonight was Wednesday. And I got to watch. And I made Chuck watch with me. We've each picked our favorite girl. I'm all about Stacy. Chuck's girl is Alicia.

Go to the website. Pick your favorite model wanna-be. Tell me who she is. Go, cheer the girls on. I'm taking Stacy to the end!

Posted by beth at January 12, 2005 11:33 PM
Comments

I'm speechless. Absolutely dumbstruck. But fortunately, I can still type. I had a look at the site. I'd go with Stacy, too. But it's hard to choose, since they all basically look the same. How do you even tell them apart? Not a tattoo or nose ring in the whole bunch...

Posted by: Stan at January 13, 2005 12:01 PM

No visible tattoos or nose rings, but a few belly rings. And it's their glittering personalities that separate them you silly man.

Posted by: beth at January 13, 2005 08:00 PM

Indeed. And I'm sure that they were all positively scintillating. I much prefer the girls I meet at tattoo conventions. They are an interesting bunch.

Posted by: Stan at January 14, 2005 09:43 AM

Stacy's my girl...in fact, she's a friend of mine. Talked to her the other day and she said the ladies at the local bank were giving her shit becuase they DIDN'T see $1M in her checking account!! :-)

She can't tell us anything obviously...so we're still rooting her on!!!

Posted by: Scott at January 15, 2005 12:12 PM

I downloaded this show because I saw your post about it. When the girls opened their mouths, all bets became equal - they're all pretty vacuous, except one of the blondes seems sharper than the others). I have no "favourite" (yet). I'm amazed at the number of Paris Hilton look-a-likes. Why anyone would want to emulate her is beyond me. Stunning how none of them think they are good enough physically. Makes the rest of us a big bunch of lumps, doesn't it?

Posted by: Lesley at January 16, 2005 01:44 PM

I'm going to have to refrain from voting, as I'm working on the next Middle East Peace Treaty. Once that's done I need to perfect my theory of universal oneness, while also putting the final touches on my Great American Novel. Plus I've almost discovered the last digit of pi.

Busy busy busy here.

Posted by: Jim at January 17, 2005 09:31 AM

I haven't seen the show, but after looking at the website I'd have to pick Krisi.

Posted by: Alexa at January 19, 2005 08:44 PM

Update. I decided after the first show to go with Alicia as I can relate to her back ground. She's a bit of a bitch but I prefer her foster-home inspired toughness to Stacy's sociopathic, dead-eyed, gossipy-mean, Christian personality. She is ghastly. I hope she loses. Sorry :)

Posted by: Lesley at January 30, 2005 12:18 AM

So this is where the target audience for reality shows hangs out! You do realize what you're doing to the quality of American TV, right? Oops, must cut down on my oxymoron use...

Posted by: Everyone's a Critic. Well, Mostly Me. at February 2, 2005 04:16 PM