I think it was a joke but that wasn't my first reaction to it, hard to tell. Clem, thank you for the support I do appreciate it.

It's easy to get snobby about TV programmes or even watching TV in the first place. How does one define what it worthwhile TV and what isn't? If programmes such as the Batchelor are enjoyed by many then why the heck not?

I watched it on several levels, none of them better than the others.

Why do people want to be on these programmes, revealing so much about themselves?

Why do these young women dress the way they do? Age inappropriate, over made up, over hairdo-ed, and lip glossed. It's the 80s without the hair.

If you are going to be on TV and in a competition surely you would realise that alcohol consumption is not going to help, especially when you fall off your bar stool.

Does singing 'Star Spangled Banner' off key really make Navy lieutenants fall for you? or back flips in a ball gown? Anyone else used these gambits as a chat up line? Or fallen for them??

The interesting part of the show is watching the body language and facial expressions, looking at reactions and trying to work out which women he likes and which ones he doesn't.

People can like the programme or dislike it, but please don't imply that others who watch it are in anyway inferior to those who settle down to enjoy a documentary for fun.

I haven't bought a tv since I've been living in Canada, but when I was back home I would stick on stuff like this just to have something on. I think I'm too cynical to believe any of it, it must be staged, it can't be real, these people can't truly be that thick/inane/self obsessed.

What if he doesn't like any of them? What then? Do they really find "love" or is it all fabricated rubbish?


PS. I can't sing and I would be very surprised if a back flip worked out, but I can fall off a bar stool. Does that count?

I've found that the bar stool effect is ruined if you forget you that have your tart tapper heels wedged behind the foot rest. You can redeem yourself if you manage not to spill your drink as you land face first on the floor.

Oh no, you didn't mention heels before. I would have trouble wobbling into the bar let alone onto a stool. Damn, I'll never attract a Navy lieutenant.

Spill a drink? Do catch yourself on

Yes...it certainly was meant to be 'very tongue in cheek'...and in jest! I had hoped the smilies conveyed that. No offence intended and I sincerely hope non taken........ Such are the perils of posting...I'm not really such a bad chap......

I'm now having to work for a living again (Thanks Darling & Brown & Co)...hence the late response....

work, the curse of the drinking classes

I know nothing of the bachelor. But, one year, I was driving across America, the trip with the super-toked cat on the dashboard, at the time of the finale of the Bachelorette. It may have been the first series, certainly it was one that had some controversy about it. My companion wanted to watch it.

We entered a bar in Hicksville Nebraska, or similar, in the hope of finding a TV. There, on the big screen, was the show and there, in the bar, was what seemed to be the whole population of the town cheering and booing the progress of the suitors. I'd say I've not seen the like but I have seen Big Screen Coronation Street in a pool hall in Canada.

Life well lived, innit?

So much nicer than lynching passing strangers, you were lucky they were otherwise occupied.

As my grandmother used to say, a joke is only funny if the other people laugh, but yes in this instance I probably took offense were none was intended. The lady in question had fed, watered and amused me for the weekend, I was offended by the remark and reacted. Sometimes this place really pisses me off with the judgements people make.

psssst Clem - want some of my pills xxx love ya xxx

If you're in a mood for sharing

oooh I could be a dealer!!

I'm chilled.... But thanks for the offer.