Tickle!?!?

[CANOPY SAM]

Okay, if you guys want something to talk about....

Why on God's Green Earth would Discovery give Tickle his own show?

First there was Here Comes Honey Boo Boo, as if this isn't the absolute worst TV program available, a show about an over-weight, undisciplined, precocious little girl, now we get to see the life and times of Tickle, an uneducated, slobbering drunken redneck who makes his living manufacturing and selling illegal moonshine?

I was personally appalled to see Moonshiners, and especially when one of those knuckleheads was using his 12 yr. old kid to work for him, and "bring him into the business".

I'm really struggling with where our world is going guys. I mean honestly, when the TV programmers recognize that the general American public really enjoys watching this stuff more then something truly educational, helpful for their well-being or success, or productive to society as a whole, what are we saying about who we are as a nation?

Doesn't it make more sense that we have TV shows about, "How to become a successful businessman", or "How do you start your own business", or "How to be truly responsible with your own finances", or "How do we bring jobs and manufacturing back to the United States", or "How to be the best Father, Husband, etc., to your family."

No, that would be boring. We should watch shows about people that mock education, responsibility, upward mobility, authority, and success.

Now we have, "Tickle". The stumbling drunken silly-me who will ultimately end up in prison, leaving his spouse without a husband, and his kids without a father.

I provide a Bible study every week in our local jail for any and all inmates that are willing to attend. I try to steer their lives away from behaviors like "Tickle" that are ultimately destructive, showing them what the scripture tells us how we should be living our lives. Now it seems that our brilliantly intuitive entertainment industry feels it's better to glorify this behavior, and make famous those who make this "against the grain" behavior a lifestyle?

All I can do is shake my head. I'm thinking of moving to Iceland.

[ozzie]

enjoy Iceland!!

[DTro]

Why should anyone aspire to be a common man, an average man? Do you realize what it means to be average? That means you’re the best of the lousiest and the lousiest of the best. Now if we demand more and more for producing less and less, while the have-not nations encourage and inspire, and indeed require hard work and maximum effort – if we deify the common men while they encourage and reward the uncommon ones – Well, the end result of such a lopsided race as that is too obvious to require elaboration

[LMITOUT]

[harvey lee]

Okay, if you guys want something to talk about....

Why on God's Green Earth would Discovery give Tickle his own show?

First there was Here Comes Honey Boo Boo, as if this isn't the absolute worst TV program available, a show about an over-weight, undisciplined, precocious little girl, now we get to see the life and times of Tickle, an uneducated, slobbering drunken redneck who makes his living manufacturing and selling illegal moonshine?

I was personally appalled to see Moonshiners, and especially when one of those knuckleheads was using his 12 yr. old kid to work for him, and "bring him into the business".

I'm really struggling with where our world is going guys. I mean honestly, when the TV programmers recognize that the general American public really enjoys watching this stuff more then something truly educational, helpful for their well-being or success, or productive to society as a whole, what are we saying about who we are as a nation?

Doesn't it make more sense that we have TV shows about, "How to become a successful businessman", or "How do you start your own business", or "How to be truly responsible with your own finances", or "How do we bring jobs and manufacturing back to the United States", or "How to be the best Father, Husband, etc., to your family."

No, that would be boring. We should watch shows about people that mock education, responsibility, upward mobility, authority, and success.

Now we have, "Tickle". The stumbling drunken silly-me who will ultimately end up in prison, leaving his spouse without a husband, and his kids without a father.

I provide a Bible study every week in our local jail for any and all inmates that are willing to attend. I try to steer their lives away from behaviors like "Tickle" that are ultimately destructive, showing them what the scripture tells us how we should be living our lives. Now it seems that our brilliantly intuitive entertainment industry feels it's better to glorify this behavior, and make famous those who make this "against the grain" behavior a lifestyle?

All I can do is shake my head. I'm thinking of moving to Iceland.

It's TV and entertainnment, they put on the tube what sells, one has to remember it is not all true but made for TV.

The suggestion for the shows you brought up simply would not sell on todays TV market.

Not saying you are wrong at all but it is like the news, good stuff hardly ever makes the headlines but murder someone and you are the talk for a week or better.

People go to a race to see blood, not a great race.

Priorities are all mixed up today so TV sells what they want.

[CANOPY SAM]

Darren, are those your words, or are they quoted from some famous/infamous philosopher? I can't even decipher if you're for or against this?

Harvey, what you say is exactly my point. But things wouldn't have to be so "mixed up". It's just that so many people simply roll over and buy into it.

My argument is that America has no moral compass anymore. It's still there, but the majority are being taught, by the predominant media, to ignore it.

We shouldn't deify a person like Tickle (or whatever his name is). The media mocks and disrespects guys like Tim Tebow who have honor and integrity at the heart of what they do, and they worship and immortalize people like Dennis Rodman, Homer Simpson, and Tickle because they snub their noses at authority, and anything that stands for a good, honest, humble life.

It sets a pathetic example for us as a country, and it's building a legacy for our children that ultimately is headed for complete and total failure and disappointment.

[harvey lee]

Parent's can still make a difference if they so choose. If not, well this country will continue to rot.

[toughguy]

Putting idi0ts on TV or the movies isn't anything new. 3 stooges? Barney Fife? Gilligan? Gomer Pyle? I could go on and on. I'm sure generations ago people were complaining about these shows too. The "kids these days" argument is as old as time. It's entertainment. It's up to people to separate fiction from reality. I know these shows are billed as reality TV but anyone that still believes that is dumb enough to have their own show.

All that said I hate the Kardashians with a white hot passion and would love nothing more than to never hear/see of them again. I do my part by never watching or purchasing anything to do with them.

If you don't like Tickle change the channel. This is the internet age. It's only going to get worse. There is a smaller filter on our entertainment content with each passing day.

[jentz]

I get a kick out of the ones who complain about violence,On TV the games etc. Back in the days of westerns war movies everyone was shootin every body.I am watching Bonanza right now Been got shot lilJoe shot and killed 3 men,while they talk of gettin the guy who shot Ben Dead or alive.

Now these stupid reality shows.Some are funny and yes Pickle is a star lots of people wish they could be in his shoes.Hahaha thats our world.

[corncob]

Todays TV seems to be all about "REALITY" programing , whether filmed as truthful or tough-in-cheek......How about the Turtleman?...What a guy, known far and wide for rescuing wild critters of any size or temperament and releasing them back to nature....I think Tickle or Pickle, whatever, are neighbors to Turtleman, Kentucky-Tennessee good ole boys....Different lifestyle down thataway ?.....It's entertainment ya know..Maybe we need a escape from all this moral, responsible, disciplined lifestyle, and loosen up a tad.....Enuff truth, justice, and freedom , at least a far as our TV viewing....Bring on Turtleman,Tickle, Pickle, HoneyBooBoo(LOL),the Gator hunter, Hogzilla, and the rest of the off the wall offerings.....I gotta go pet my Pit Bull.

[Gordie]

Todays TV seems to be all about "REALITY" programing ,

It is the farthest thing from REALITY, but its what gets the tube turned on across this fine nation.

Dtro that's the greatest response I have ever seen in Sillytown and that is as REALITY as it gets.

[CANOPY SAM]

I see what you're all saying, but I think we're getting off center just a bit here.

As far as TV morons go, yes, we've seen them on TV for a long time. But my point is more about who Tickle is, and what he represents. Barney Fife, Gomer Pile, and Gilligan, weren't horrible alcoholics who continually ignored the law, and their families. Yes, they were "funny" to watch bumble thru their TV lives. But they were also endearing characters, who genuinely cared about other people, and every one of them wanted to do "the right thing".

Many of the programs people have listed here are, or were, actually clean, healthy family programs. The Three Stooges were hilarious. Turtle Man doesn't drink or swear. Yea he's a little goofy, but he loves kids, kids love him, and he's respectful of everyone. Discovery has several good programs. I'm just disappointed at where they are going to bump up their ratings.

Watching someone who is severely chemically dependent, and who habitually breaks the law to feed their dependency, all the while ignoring their family, destroying relationships, and flirting with serious prison time...that's really not funny. It's sad, it's pathetic. Tickle needs help to stop drinking, and get on the right track with his life. A television crew and producers that encourage his destructive behavior just to increase their viewer ratings, it's the LAST thing he needs. And for America to sit back and laugh about it, rather than be empathetic, and helpful with his situation, shame on us.

I continually read in this entertainment thread conversations that exhibit frustration and disgust with our welfare system, and the folks who cling to it. Well, Tickle should be put at the top of the list. He doesn't appear the least interested in getting a regular job, or any kind of education that will help him to get a job. He'd rather break the law, and risk his very freedom, rather than be a decent, upstanding guy. So lets give him some prime time air time and promote him as a TV star???

Now I'm hearing from several posts that, "That's just the way our world is". Didn't I just say there are too many people that simply roll over and accept it?

TV violence is another topic entirely. Suffice to say on that thread that at least we didn't have to watch Hoss get his brains splattered all over the wall for the bindle of meth in his hat brim. I think there's a big difference between patriotic war movies, films with the classic good vs. evil battle, and Grand Theft Auto.

Anyway, I guess what I'm trying to say is I don't believe that just because sex, drugs, and rock and roll sells, it should be used as an example of how to be successful, and make your way to the top. Nor should poor decision making, or lack of education be something that we simply shrug our shoulders and laugh at.

Can you be successful engaging in these behaviors as a permanent lifestyle? Sure. Look at Motley Crue, Kid Rock, and a long list of entertainers just like them. Now look at how many lives have been permanently scarred, or even lost, by their reckless, and carefree approach to life. They make boat loads of money, but believe me, the IRS loves these guys cause they have absolutely no idea how to handle it. Most often, only a few short years after their sky-rocketing career dries up, they're broke, nearly homeless, and in rehab for their on-going addictions.

Tickle and HoneyBooBoo are almost certainly the next poor souls in line. And we sit back and enjoy the show...

[DTro]

Watching these programs and making fun of people just makes us all feel better about ourselves...bottom line.

and no I didn't just come up with that quote above. It was Paul Harvey

[jentz]

Otis was the drunk on Andy of Mayberry,This is a free country, I dont expect anyone to follow my way of life.Its their choice not my leaning on them.Yes my friends and I have things in common,Thats why were friends.They dont preach to me, I dont to them.I'm not out to save the world through religion.Maybe this post should more about what your making it.Your reglious belifes.

[JBMasterAngler]

Morals and religion go hand in hand. But you can still have good morals without religion. I believe that is the point that is trying to be made. I think to people with common sense, these shows are harmless. HOWEVER, unfortunately alot of people don't have common sense anymore

[corncob]

I suspect that many Americans don't have a clue as to the lifestyles of citizens from the many different regions in this country.....We definitely don't all do it the same, as is evidenced by some of these shows, even if they are skewed for public consumption....Tradition and other factors shape peoples behavior in many varying ways.....Minnesota norm is a whole lot different than Kentucky or Arizona or Texas.....Claiming the moral high ground can be a subjective pursuit.

[jentz]

Nascar fellows may like this song called Thunder Road

Now let me tell a story, I can tell it all

About the mountain boy who ran illegal alcohol

His daddy made the whiskey, the son, he drove the load

And when his engine roared, they called the highway thunder road

Sometimes into Ashville, sometimes Memphis Town

The revenuers, they chased him, but they couldn't run him down

Each time they thought they had him, his engine would explode

He'd go by like they were standing still on thunder road

There was thunder, thunder over thunder road

Thunder was his engine and white lightning was his load

There was moonshine, moonshine to quench the devil's thirst

The law they swore they'd get him, but the devil got him first

On the first of April, 1954

The federal man sent word, he better make his run no more

He said 200 agents were covering the state

Whichever road he'd try to take, they'd get him sure as fate

“Sonâ€, his daddy told him, “Now make this run your last

Your tank is filled with 100 proof, you're all tuned up and gassed

Now don't take any chances, if you can't get through

I'd rather have you back again than all that mountain dewâ€

There was thunder, thunder over thunder road

Thunder was his engine and white lightning was his load

There was moonshine, moonshine to quench the devil's thirst

The law they swore they'd get him, but the devil got him first

Roaring out of Harlan, revving up his mill

He shot the gap at Cumberland and screamed through Maynardville

With G-men on his tail light, roadblocks up ahead

The mountain boy took roads that even angels feared to tread

Blazing right through Knoxville, out on Kingston Pike

Then right outside of Bearden, there they made the fatal strike

He left the road at ninety, that's all there is to say

The devil got the moonshine and the mountain boy that day

There was thunder, thunder over thunder road

Thunder was his engine and white lightning was his load

There was moonshine, moonshine to quench the devil's thirst

The law they swore they'd get him, but the devil got him first

[Eric Wettschreck]

Thankfully I've never heard of this Tickle show thing until I read this thread. Then again, I don't watch a lot of tv and when I do it's usually a ball game, shark week, modern marvels, a show on Discovery or History about a bug or WWII, or sports center. I'm too busy to sit in front of the tube.

As far a programming goes, like it or not it's what sells. Parents have the choice to not let their kids watch programs just like we have the choice to not watch them if we don't want to.

[CANOPY SAM]

Jentz, I'm not really sure where you're coming from? You kinda thrust your own personal life into this, for what reason I'm not sure?

If this thread was about "my religion" believe me, it would be way more harsh than it is.

I think JBMA was actually right on thread. This has a lot more to do with common sense, and not caving into the current "norm". I'm not so concerned about how this kind of programming affects young kids as much as it affects young adults.

Ever day I see young parents, high teens, and young twenty-something year olds exhibiting shockingly immature behavior, making really uneducated decisions, and heading rapidly downhill with their lives. And every week I see the results of this lifestyle with guys I talk to in jail. Young men with little or no respect for authority. Guys who have historically snubbed their nose at the system, and will now pay for it, in some cases, for the rest of their lives.

I know we can't just change what's happening to our country by returning to the same values we had in the 40's and 50's. Drugs, sex, and rock and roll are a multi-billion dollar industry in this country.

I'm just extremely disappointed that the Discovery Channel, a programmer that's typically known for sharing educational, family friendly programs, has rolled over and caved into a "ratings" race. I'm sure this decision is likely driven by their advertisers, and may not be entirely up to the Discovery execs, I just don't like to see someone like "Tickle" glorified for the wrong reasons.

I suppose it's just me, but I think it would be more interesting to watch Tickle get help thru rehab, get into college, or a trade program, and see him rise above his situation to become the man he's capable of being, and the husband and father his family needs him to be.

I guess we'll have to see. Haven't even seen the program yet, and I don't even know when it's on TV, and in all likelihood, when it is on, I'll probably miss it. About the only thing I ever look for, and plan to watch, are sporting events.

I just really hope this show doesn't destroy this kid. The price of fame can be too much for a lot of people, and unfortunately the producers of modern TV shows could pretty much care less as long as they make bank. Not that I think about it, that's probably the saddest part in all of this.

[CANOPY SAM]

Well by some twist of fate I actually caught the first episode of this show last night.

I'm not sure this one will even last one season.

In earlier posts some spoke of "reality TV" that is completely staged for TV. Well this couldn't be a more clear example of that. It's not even a little bit believable.

It's a total set-up, and any viewer with 10 functional brain cells can see right thru it.

I suppose there isn't any real harm in this. I really don't like these shows that blatantly insult our intelligence though.

There was also a scene toward the end of the show where Tickle and his boys were laying in a pile of moonshine jugs, of course getting plowed, and then Tickle's girlfriend walked in and told em' to clear on out.

They haphazardly tossed about a hundred gallon jugs of shine into an SUV and went tearing on down the road in what could've been nothing less then a state of complete intoxication. Not the best example for young people, but yea, I guess we see it all the time on TV.

Anyway, Tickle, not funny.

[Getanet]

They'll try to turn anything into a reality show these days, as long as it's as far from reality as humanly possible. In fact, I was reading on this site that this past winter (or perhaps the previous one) a camera crew was on Mille Lacs trying to film a pilot episode of "Extreme Ice Fishing."

Don't get me wrong, I love ice fishing as much as the next guy. I like watching outdoor shows about ice fishing. But you would have to fake a lot of scenes to make ice fishing dramatic and entertaining enough for a "reality" show.

If any of you guys like Mountain Men on the History Channel, here was an pretty interesting article about Eustace Conway and his struggles to retain his land on Turtle Island:

http://www.al.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2013/08/history_channel_mountain_man_s.html

The show tries to make it appear he owes the government money, but in reality he owes a woman money as part of a settlement when she was injured at one of his camps.

He still lives a fairly primitive lifestyle, but not nearly as remote as the show makes it appear. His neighbor stops by from time to time, and he usually has a worker or two wandering around. But in reality it sounds like there are quite a few people at his camps and working his land.

[Living_The_Dream]

As much as liked watchng Moonshiners, and Tickle was a favorite. His show last night was a total failure, it won't last long. To bad Tickle maybe you can help Tim go legit?

[jentz]

Canope sam the words to that song were from a 50s movie with Robert Mitchum as the star glorifying the moonshiners in a movie called Thunder Road.That's where I am coming from.It's not new! If one would look at some history, many fads and what some think are ruining a younger generation has been around long before we have.How'd those generations turn out.People fantasize then as now.Appalling aint it??

To each their own, I dont and wont push my reglious beliefs on anyone.