That's right folks, mark your calendars and set your DVRs....it's back. Thanks to the current writer's guild strike, Fox has found themselves with some extra time slots on their hands. What does this mean for us? Well, on one hand it means no new season of '24'. On the other hand it means there's ample time to finally run the reality series 'If Women Ruled the World'...seems like a bit of an unfair trade to me. I'm guessing most of you know exactly what I'm talking about. For those of you who missed hearing about this gem, allow me to enlighten you,

When Women Rule the World will feature 12 unsuspecting chauvinistic men becoming slaves in a new primitive Survivor-like "society" ruled by 12 "strong, educated and independent" women who are "tired of living in a man's world."

When Women Rule the World will reportedly begin with the men and women arriving on an island that features only partially-completed living accommodations. Similar to Survivor, the group will have to complete their shelters and find their own water and heat. However unlike the long-running CBS reality show, only the male contestants -- who will have to "accede to the women's every command, 24/7" -- will be doing any of the work.

One of the men will be "traded for supplies" -- aka eliminated -- during each episode of the 11-episode series, with the last man standing winning $250,000.

It's still unknown if the women -- who remain in the competition even after their assigned "manservent" is eliminated -- receive any compensation other than the satisfaction they get from bossing the men around.

Reality T.V. World



Ofcourse, I can already foresee where this is headed. It'll go in much the same direction as other reality t.v. series....with the women giving females everwhere reason to want to disavow their gender. They'll be catty and b*tchy, have stupid, petty fights, possibly culminating in hair pulling. Women such as myself will roll their eyes and offer a silent prayer that surely most women aren't really like this, while silently fearing they are. While feminists are applauding the idea of a matriarchy promoting series, they don't realize that this should be their worst fear realized. I'm guessing any series where women are given full and total power will serve it's highest purpose as a vehicle to make us realize that a matriarchy is a really, really bad idea. Ofcourse, I could be wrong and the women on the show will defy the reality television norm and behave calmly, fairly, judiciously and with dignity....I'm not holding my breath.

Ofcourse, one has to ask oneself, "what of the men?" What kind of men would volunteer to be part of such a disgusting travesty? Well, for starters, obviously the kind that are hoping to win $250,000. You almost have to wonder if they're actually saboteurs; men who foresaw the possibilities, the likelihood that this would be one of the best ways to denounce the concept of matriarchy and figured, "heck, maybe I can win $250,000 in the process." A nice, solid blow to feminism and a quarter of a million dollars to boot...not a bad turn of events.

More...

It won't be much of a reality show. The only reason the men will be controlled by the women is that the men have agreed to those conditions in order to win the prize money. We all know what would happen in real life if those folks were castaways.

FOX has been strongly anti-men for a long while. That's not new.

If these women were really worth their keep they would have to create their own shelters, etc., but even FOX knows that females aren't capable of doing any of the real hard work that allows them to survive. Without the men they would all die.

Blessings

Bob

There's a CBC production that's currently airing on national television here:


The Week the Women Went
CBC television
Airing from January 21, 2008


Can the men of a small Alberta town survive on their own?

What happens when the women of a small town pack up and leave – will chaos erupt? Will the kids survive? Will the men pick up the slack or head to the pub? The town of Hardisty, Alberta is about to discover what life without women is really like.

Chronicling all of the drama, humour and calamities that unfold, The Week the Women Went finds out what happens when the women of a town are whisked off for a week-long vacation with little to no contact with their families. The men are left to their own devices, juggling school lunches, homework and housework, in addition to jobs, businesses, and running the town.

As the buses pull out of Hardisty with the women on board, some men make a beeline for the golf course. Others party heavily all weekend, and then struggle to get the kids to school. Some have complete confidence in their ability to make it through the week, while others haven’t a clue what to do.

Cameras follow the men and women of the town as they suddenly see life from an entirely new perspective. We meet men who forge new bonds with their children, fathers who feel out of their element, and mothers who finally have a chance to put themselves first. There are shaky marriages and unexpected proposals; reconciliations and regrets.

The Week the Women Went combines intimate video diaries with riveting and sometimes surprising footage. What choices do the men make as they manage life on their own – will the dishes pile up, or will they get things done their own way? And what will the women do by themselves, without the pressures of family and work?

About The Production

To realize this large-scale social experience, 117 women left Hardisty for a week in Canmore, Alberta. Although some women were not able to go because of their jobs or because they were the sole caregivers in their family, 85% of the women did participate, helping to make the production a reality. The men remained in Hardisty. In addition to taking on the responsibilities of childcare, work and running businesses, they worked together on a special community revitalization project to which Paperny Films donated $10,000.



Weblog Comments (episode 4)

i thought that this show was great!

Posted by: eilish morrison | February 11, 2008 08:02 PM

OK, call me a loser!!! "I cried watching a reality show." I'm telling you when Curtis Chison made the box of memories with his son Carter and buried it in the sand box, I tried my damdest not to cry, but I couldn't help it. That was great to see. I also have to say to Ed, "good on ya!" the Ed that I know would have snapped at Travis cutting his own hair, but he was able to handle it, which was nice to see.
I can't wait till next episode.

Posted by: cc | February 11, 2008 08:29 PM

Dear "Loser": I KNOW!!! I not a fan of most reality tv but I also bawled through the time capsule burial scene. I wasn't sure where things were going after last week but now it's gone beyond just being a show about men leaving dirty dishes in the sink and partying too much while the women are away. Now we get to see the more vulnerable side of some of the men. The women being away is giving everyone a chance to reflect a bit. I am caring about these characters and their stories more than I expected to. Sam's tragic back story nearly broke my heart. Seeing him try to overcome that and become a more present dad to Keaton was really moving. And Keaton is just crazy about him. A breakthrough is happening there. Looking forward to next week's show. I'm here for the whole stretch.

Posted by: Toronto Girl | February 11, 2008 09:18 PM

It looks like a nice town but from watching the show so far you have three big losers living there.
1.) Brad mckensize at that age and still living at home what are you a sissy, and from watching you on Tv you sure are not father material, I wouldn't even leave my dog with you.
2.) Sam its about time you grow up and take on the responsibilities that you help create by having a sonn with your ex. It is no wonder she left you all you think about yourself and the beer. Get a Frigging life.
3.) Tyler you definitely are not father material, if those were my kids and I found out you treated like that you would have the sorest balls in the country just before I kicked your ass out. Grow up moron you act younger than the children that were left in your care.

Posted by: crawder | February 11, 2008 09:45 PM

Hey Crawder,
I don't know how you could be so negative about such positive stories. Sam is trying hard to be a good dad. his son worships him. and as far as brad goes, how many guys would take care of their fiances 3 kids for a week. maybe he's living with his mom to help her.

Posted by: sandra from Red Deer | February 11, 2008 10:01 PM

I can't wait for next week to see if mairead and her ex sister in law, get into a boozy bar room brawl. Now THAT would be entertaining!!

Posted by: mike w | February 11, 2008 10:11 PM

For your info crawder, Brad is never home. Why would he need a place of his own to stay there 4 days a month what a waste of money. As for Sam he is a sweetie, and Tyler well.......no comment! Paperny great show this week. Love it.

Posted by: concerned in Hardisty | February 11, 2008 10:30 PM

Doesn't Todd Moody look like Scott Baio?

Posted by: Anita Snoeks | February 11, 2008 10:53 PM

Hey Tyler you lying sack of sh*#!. How DARE you tell Donovan that you would help him in the water and then refuse to get in?!?!?!? I can only imagine the disgust Kelly must feel about what you did, or to be more exact, DIDN'T do!!!!! You make me sick. You're right - you aren't a teacher, you're a bully.

Posted by: disgusted | February 11, 2008 11:57 PM

Im shocked with the manner that Tyler uses to interact with those poor boys! WHAT THE HELL ARE U DOING? My heart sank when I seen Donovan struggling in the lake and all Tyler could do was laugh and continue to put back the beers! Whow do you find it necessary to belittle children? You turn my stomach, and I feel bad for Kelly and your childesh ways, she now isnt only a single mother of two young boys she also has to watch over your drunk ass to make sure you dont end up doing something stupid to yourself or others! Kelly dont put up with this sh*#, hes NOT WORTH IT... your kids need something more I could see the pain in your little boys eyes, and it was caused by the man you plan to one day marry!
Tyler your nothing but a Coward, you belittle others for your own gain to make yourself feel like a bigger man, your a pathetic example of a man

Posted by: Anonymous | February 12, 2008 09:16 AM

Oh for sure this "reality show" MUST BE staged, 'cause we ALL KNOW Nikki NEVER gossips....

Posted by: Anonymous | February 12, 2008 09:29 AM

Maybe if Nikki got a life she wouldn't feel the need to gossip so much. The show was true to life in that regard. She is the biggest gossip this town has ever seen...Deb was right, if you want to know anything, just ask Nikki, even if it's not true she'll tell you...Curt has moved up....WAY up. (but her hair looked real purdy)

Posted by: gossip girl | February 12, 2008 09:36 AM

I agree with everything that people have been saying about tyler... he is a pathetic example of a man! Nikki does gossip, but dont we all? If you say anything different have u written on here without putting your name on your post? Didnt think so... stop pointing the finger at a woman who does nothing more than yourself... when did everyone in this town become saints? im not perfect and neither are you!

Posted by: A finger Pointer Myself | February 12, 2008 10:14 AM

This is a pathetic example of a blog!

Posted by: PETT - People for the Ethical Treatment of Tyler | February 12, 2008 10:24 AM

Hey Kel, Big Daddy here....I got me a big ole 4by if'un yer wantin' the loser out today....y'hear?...we'll move that lazy SOB outta there today....

Posted by: big daddy | February 12, 2008 10:33 AM

Hey Tyler, this episode of TWTWW really portrayed you in a bad light, but for those of us that know you, know they edited it to make it look worse than it really was. Hopefully the people that post on this blog get it too. Where does one join PETT? We support you.

Posted by: Anonymous | February 12, 2008 11:51 AM

Okay, well since everyone feels the need to bash Tyler on here, I feel like I need to step in and defend him. I've known Tyler my entire life and have seen the good and bad. He's been through ALOT of bad that no one even knows about. No it doesn't justify his so called "bad-treatment" of the boys (which, by the way, you have no idea of their actual relationship, just what they show on tv), but life happens to everyone and people change because of it.
From my experiences, Tyler is one of the warmest, kindest, caring individuals and his intent is NEVER to harm anyone. Yah he acts tough, but that's just what it is, an act. He's a teddy bear and walls have been put up because of crappy things that have happened in life. So to everyone who finds a need to bash him, maybe you should take the time to find out who he actually is instead of breaking him even more apart.

Take a look at your own stinky existence and realize NOONE is perfect, nope not even you. Give him a break, he is a wonderful man, but putting him down isn't going to make that part of him shine through, you're only going to make things worse. Have a heart and stop being pathetic examples of people like you accuse him of..take a look at yourselves. This world needs the BIGGER people to stand up and care about others, not crucify them. I love you Tyler, don't listen to the negatives. I think you're worthy of all the good life can bring.

Posted by: PETT#2 | February 12, 2008 12:12 PM

Loved Curtis, disliked Tyler's behaviour (not him personally, just his actions) to the youngest boy from what was shown, and felt sorry for both Sam and his son. Hopefully everything will be sorted out in the up and coming shows. Can't wait. Good one.

Posted by: rmh | February 12, 2008 02:51 PM

We all know the real Tyler. Where do I join the PETT? I nominate Joe Foster as the president of the fubar chapter!

Posted by: Nothingman | February 12, 2008 03:50 PM

Is Joe the one that tows kids behind his boat while drinking beers? Your making your mama proud!!!!(dad to be)

Posted by: anonymous | February 12, 2008 04:00 PM

Hey PETT - People for the Ethical Treatment of Tyler,
I'm with you about the blog thing. As for the numb nut that mentioned something about Mairhead, leave her alone. No I don't know her but on another blog (last weeks to be exact) she specifically asked to be left alone. Lets respect her wishes

Posted by: Chris R | February 12, 2008 04:08 PM

Okay, I'm in love with Todd. Good thing he got married otherwise I'd be after him (lol). Wonder if he could teach my guy that I've been with for 18 yrs how to do the marrying thing.

Posted by: in love | February 12, 2008 04:16 PM

Hey In Love,
You wish you could teach your guy how to do the marrying thing and I wish I could teach my fiancee the marrying thing. My fiancee and I have been together for 5 years and we have a 17 month old son together. I'm 27 and she's 23. Oh well... love is patient or so they say. I just don't know how much more patient I can get.

Posted by: Chris R | February 12, 2008 04:46 PM

Mairead, if you're reading this... sorry I mis-spelled your name. It wasn't intentional.

Posted by: Chris R | February 12, 2008 04:48 PM

EVERY TIME ONE OF THE MEN LOOK BAD SOMEONE IS ALWAYS DEFENDING THEM AND IT ALWAYS COMES DOWN TO THEIR PAST ON HOW THEY WERE BROUGHT UP OR WHAT THEY WENT THROW IN THE PAST. THAT IS NO EXCUSE. GET THEM HELP IN STEAD OF MAKING EXCUSES FOR THEM.

Posted by: ANONYMOUS | February 12, 2008 05:20 PM

I think this show is great!
Bravo to the people who put themselves out there for the cameras.
I especially liked the guy with the sandbox.

Posted by: jersey from thunder bay | February 12, 2008 06:22 PM

In response to Toronto Girl - I think you live in a bubble.

I love this show - I grew up in a small town and would never change that fact, if I had to do it all over again, I'd do it in a heart beat.

Sam - U R CUTE (hot). Keep smiling and being there for your son. It is obvious that he is your priority, and there is not doubt in his mind, he admires you! And that is the only opinion that matters.

Todd - U do look like Scott Baio.

Tyler and Brad - (Don't listen to anyone) There aren't many men out there that would accept children into their lives that aren't theirs biologically. My hats off to you both!!

Nikki - Don't stress over the small stuff - there is an echo in every small town, - I'd be honored to know everything.. ha,ha,ha.

P.S. Sam I'm single, love hockey, golf, and curling....

Posted by: Anonymous | February 12, 2008 09:43 PM

I have been checking in on these blogs almost daily the last couple of weeks, and every time I do my heart just sinks for everyone within our community... I dont understand why you all feel it necessary to come on here and write such awful cruel comments about people you have grown up with, that you see daily on the streets, and are soo kind to when your face to face. It saddens me to even consider that some of the people iv looked up to, the ones I consider trustworthy and respectful adults could be the ones coming on here throwing mean gossip online for the world to read. What benifit do you think all this has on OUR town? It causes more tension, more gossip, and people constantly looking over their shoulders in fear that maybe they will be the next ones to have their life struggles (true or made up) be blasted all over this site.
People if you must come on here and be nasty have the courage to post your name! Stop cowardly hiding behind an anonymous post, because if you feel that strongly in what you have written you should be willing to take the back lash from the people you feel so negativly about.
Im not perfect and have never proclaimed to have done no wrong, but I can say this, NEVER have I come on here to hurt others, but others have done so to myself and my family! It just frustrates me. All that so many of us ever wanted from this expirience was for it to bring us a little closer together as a community, but obviously a few of you took it as an opportunity to pull us farther apart
If you have something to say to me then do so, but maybe look me up and talk to me person to person... We are all adults, so why have so many people decided its alright to act like children?


Posted by: Ashley Flaade (Belanger) | February 13, 2008 12:42 AM

Hey ANONYMOUS, next time you do something someone else doesn't agree with, I hope you remember the words you wrote on here. People make mistakes and sometimes they need some help from their friends to give them a boost when others find it necessary to drive them into the ground. Remember your words, because someday, you might need some backup and it won't be there. Oh, and incase you didn't know, there's a little thing called "editing" that some film companies use to make the people they're filming look worse than they are. Even in REALITY tv, it's not all true. Sorry if I burst your bubble a little.

Posted by: ANONYMOUS (since it's the in thing) | February 13, 2008 09:29 AM

Nicely written, Ashley.
Oh, and I think Sam is cute too!

Posted by: sarah | February 13, 2008 09:51 AM

Sam is a dreamboat.

Posted by: Logan Morrison | February 13, 2008 10:02 AM

Hey Ashley, if you don't like what is being said on the blogs then stop reading them, then we won't have to read your page long responses.

Posted by: Ashley | February 13, 2008 12:58 PM

Have problems reading then? It's ok, there're programs for that.

Posted by: Michelle | February 13, 2008 01:59 PM

I never said i dont like reading all of the blogs, i just think its sick to have to scroll through 15 nasty posts to be able to get to 1 positive comment! And if you dont like reading my "page long posts"then DONT!!!!!! I could care less... Im assuming that maybe its hard on your simple little brain to read such complex material... Grow up and get over it!

Posted by: Ashley Flaade (Belanger) | February 13, 2008 02:15 PM

I found this site through Facebook group - I noticed that there is not alot of blogging/discussion going on there....why? prob because everyone has to use their profile which is gen your name. As Ashley, or someone said it is easy to say nasty things when you can sign whatever....

Posted by: rmhayes | February 13, 2008 06:57 PM

The dumbest thing the women ever did was leave town as now there are alot of women in the rest of the country who may be after your men (lol). I'm already in love with Todd Moody, I think Sam is cute-I get a kick out of him, and the guy who did the sandbox is also very nice. Hmmm, maybe I should visit Hardisty!

Posted by: In love | February 14, 2008 09:51 AM

Hey 'in love' u need to get a hobby did you not realize that Todd Moody is Happily married with 3 KIDS......HELLO.......but Sam in the other hand is single and looking for love......

Posted by: Anonymous | February 14, 2008 11:06 AM

If Sam's looking, maybe he's looking in all the wrong places. We'd love to see you in Guelph, Sam. And I'm sure women across the country would love it if you visited their cities!
Just think, the "Sam Holinaty Looking for Love" cross Canada tour!


Posted by: Tina (Guelph, Ontario) | February 14, 2008 12:56 PM

Don't we all know someone like each person in this show. Good, bad, or ugly these are people that make up our community. It can't be all bad in Hardisty. No ones moving out! But, I must agree, if you put it out there - expect the unexpected comment from those who witnessed it! Also, there are alot of *^%$* going on this blog. Maybe we could all use APPROPRIATE communication to get our points across. I am sure there are younger people who are into this show and read the daily comments. Great show - next week - SHOWDOWN.

Posted by: Laura | February 14, 2008 01:24 PM

HA HA, maybe we should start a 12 months of dating site ....just for Sam.

Posted by: Anonymous | February 14, 2008 02:34 PM

Hey Curtis -You finally made the men look good. It's guys like you that actually want a chance to be with their kids (your son), and make the most of that time. Sometimes guys are cut out of those relationships without having been given a chance. I hope you get more time with your son....
As for Tyler - What a Jerk. U Let that kid jump in the water an not even help the kid out when he was scared to start with... Oh Ya you had a beer going,can't put that down. I am looking forward for you to get your butt tossed out, when his mom gets back in town. I could careless about people trying to defend you, That was low class what you did.
As for Mairead -I see she is going to get in the face of some of the other town's ladies... Nice! You have taken enuf, Can't wait to see that. You are one of the reasons I watch.

Posted by: Jeff | February 18, 2008 01:14 PM

http://www.cbc.ca/thewomenwent/about.html

I had the tv on during last night's episode of "The Week the Women Went." Surprise surprise, the guys aren't monsters, and the women aren't angels. Watching the women gossiping and bitching in a bar was priceless.

Note that the women are basically on a paid vacation away from home, while the men are expected to carry on with all their regular responsibilities (not cushy city office jobs either.)

By the end of 2 weeks, men will discover that their lives are better, and sometimes a lot better, if the females never came back.

I'm surprised that the females agreed to go.

Blessings

Bob

I look at things this way, taking this issue into account...women being massively and indisputably more dependent on men for survival in the short term in a physicalk sense, rather than the other way round.

For example I believe that if all women en masse went on immediate strike in any modern society, totally and without exception, men would still manage to keep the wheels rolling, so to speak, for quite a long time, I reckon. I mean keeping supplies and services running and everything else that makes the society function properly.

If the reverse was true, and all men downed tools, en masse, no matter what, and left the women to their own devices - the entire system would collapse within half an hour!

"Atlas Shrugs"? It would be great to see a movie version of this, where the consequences are presented realistically. Not likely in the current cultural climate.

What a concept. The men all leave town for a week, and leave the fembabes alone to fend for themselves.

By the end of day 1 the electricity is off, the water supply is off, the washing machines don't work. The gas pumps stop. The computer checkout at the stores quit. The refrigeration stops working. Truckers stop making deliveries.

By the end of day 2 the females have no food or water, no heat, and no transportation. Their uncomfortable shoes that they bought to display their lack of need for work are inadequate to walk. They don't know how to restore the utilities or provide the needs of life. Women are starting to die.

By the end of the week about 10% of the women and 20% of the children have died of thirst and starvation, and more of hypothermia if its not summer. They are unable to leave town because their vehicles have no fuel, though most haven't otherwise broken down for lack of maintenace yet.

Twelve blocks of houses have burned because some dumb babe tried to keep warm by starting a fire that got out of hand, and no men came to put it out, sixteen died in the fire.

A few females have been shot and died because some starving females found guns and started robbing other females. But the death tole is low because a) they aren't very good shots, and b) the other females gave up their food without much of a fight.

Disintary and cholera are causing more deaths as females try to cope with the lack of water and sanitation, drinking surface water poluted by wastes dumped in streets.

If the men stayed out a 2nd week the death toll would reach closer to 50% and very few females would survive a month without men.

On the other side, men would get along quite well without the females. It would take a while for family men to find alternate child care during the days, perhaps sharing with other fathers or forming co-ops. But on the whole there would be no siginificant disruption. The men might even eventually work out artificial wombs and cloning techniquest to provide themselves with children.

Blessings

Bob