KCohere,
Thanks for the comment and question. I just enjoy the fact that people even care to ask/discuss the experience I had on show. I read someone's misconception that us "reality stars" will turn our TV exposure into lucrative deals like $5000 speaking engagements. I was a HS teacher going into Solitary. When I eventually was let of the box and my pod I returned to school the next day. 20 years from now, barring any unforseen circumstances, I will still be teaching at Fairfax High School my alma mater. Therefore, any questions or comments are a blessing to me.
Unfortunately, the only face to face contact Mark and I had occurred during the Reunion show. Even in the first moments, as I exchanged hugs with all of my podmates, I knew everyone felt the same way. We endured something very unique and were just eager to get to know one another directly. It was readily apparent that he didn't have any hard feelings. Yes, I did feel bad based on the way it was presented on screen, but we all knew that in signing onto a reality show we were at the mercy of the editors.
Thank you for being able to see my actions not as just some cruel, mean person. Interestingly, if you are watching S2, I'm wondering why there isn't more "uproar" that others are being "cruel" to JP Number 9, whereas my "taking away" although from "all" was equaled and measured, 3 items from everyone. I guess "my thorn in my flesh" will always being considered the "cruelest one" as documented in Wikipedia.
To make a short answer long, I have asked Mark to come over my house and meet my family on a number of occasions, but due to work issues, he was not able to make it. In fact, Mark is no longer in Cali, but he has an open invite over to my place anytime. Moreover, I have had some of the other castmembers over. Currently, I have the most contact with Pam, Taralee, and Cliff.
Solitary can be grueling and difficult. Solitary is a guilty pleasure, but I filter it through the eyes of a competitor which is why I think I was successful. I spent my energy and focus on seeing the COMPETITION aspect of Solitary as a COMPETIVE Reality Show rather than the REALITY show part. You have to... it's you and a monitor and a computerized voice 24/7! Therefore, any pain that we endure is wrought by our own competive spirit and desire to continue in the game.
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KCohere
17 years ago
Well, Im late coming into the show. I only just started watching it last night thanks to ONDEMAND on my cable system. I kind of stumbled onto it. I watched the entire 8 episodes back to back. I have yet to see the 2nd season but am going to make sure I do. Thanks for checking in. I hope you and Mark do get a chance to hang out some day. Also, your kids are adorable.
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geesus-2
17 years ago
Thanks.
Yes, I'd like to just chill with the guy who became my foil.
Yes, I thank God for my kids. Are you getting that from the one picture show in Solitary or my myspace profile?
Steve
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KCohere
17 years ago
Well, both. :)
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Calinks
16 years ago
Well my buddy and I are just found out about this show 2 weeks go. we watch both seasons. Congratulations on winning you were a warrior beast out there! LOL, seeing as no one has posted in here for almost a year I don't know if you will see this but here goes.
I often wonder, about little things while watching a show like this so here are my questions.
How much did you actually talk to val? Was what we saw on the show the majority of your interaction with it or did you have longer conversations?
How do the meal bars taste? I really want to try one.
What was the easiest/most surprisingly, simple thing for you?
Do you know know close your pod was to the other contestants?
When you came back to school were you able to tell your students you won?
What was the first thing (besides see family/friends) you did after getting otu of solitary?
Do you have any word/info on season 3.0?
"Cool will get ya dead." -Former NBA Power Forward, Karl Malone
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geesus-2
16 years ago
Fortunately for you, I just happened to check this site.
Catch me here for a more timely response and read my blogs on season 2.
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=62795545
As far as some quick answers(knowing that VAL wants me to still keep some secrets) here goes....
There was so much conversations that never made it to airing. We were in the pods 24/7 so talking to Val was a treat for us.
Meal bars were dry pasty nastiness... basically a energy bar that can be found in many health stores!
Here's another link that answers some of those other questions:
http://www.realitynewsonline.com/cgi-bin/ae.pl?mode=1&article=article6303.art&page=1
Pod schematics was shown on Road to Solitary, but while in the Pod we could deduce it if we thought about it. Sorry so cryptic. Remember, can't ruin all the TV magic!
TOTAL SECRECY upon returen - I couldn't even talk about any part of the experience to my WIFE!
The day I returned, I took the day off of work... drive my own kids to school... took them to Chuckecheese that evening. The next day I went to work. Enjoyed ALL the freedoms/perks... warm showers, junk food at will, TV, internet, HUMAN CONTACT!
Solitary 3.0 should have finished casting soon and will shoot pretty soon after.
Thanks for the questions,
Steve #7
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Calinks
16 years ago
Haha thanks for the response Steve! For some reason I thought you might end up seeing my post sooner than later. Must have been tough to keep total secrecy but kind of fun as well. Knowing you came out on top and how surprised everyone would be when the found out.
"Cool will get ya dead." -Former NBA Power Forward, Karl Malone
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geesus-2
16 years ago
For my high school students the surprise came in how "mean" I was in the Take Away Experiment (epi. 1), whereas my friends were shockingly amused at the smack talking I was caught doing at the end in the finale!
Steve
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Calinks
16 years ago
I never got the whole cruelty thing. at the time I was watching the show I didn't know what anything was about. I assume you guys didn't have much info either. Although I thought it was funny how you were taking everything away, (especially when they showed that huge list on your face) I didn't think of it as anyone being horrible or cruel. I thought it was good strategy.
If you are playing a game where you are trying to outlast somebody else, why not take away things that would make them more comfortable? I'd be all over taking something away like a guitar. IF I was going to have to sit in a room for who knows how long and be bored out of my mind I wouldn't want to be up against some guy who can be cranking out the album of his lifetime while playing his guitar and having a ball. I thought they would get to have those items the whole time throughout.
Now after I understand how the show works and it is more than a game, things can be viewed differently but I don't see it as being mean or any true indication of someones character. If I am playing a videogame against somebody I may be heartless. I'm trying to win and play the game the right way. Doesn't mean I'm a horrible person.
"Cool will get ya dead." -Former NBA Power Forward, Karl Malone
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geesus-2
16 years ago
It was definitely the competitive side in me. As you figured out, outlasting someone would make it easier if they were void of comfort items.
I basically was going to go with either take everything or nothing from everyone. Luckily for Fox Reality my actions spiced up Epi. 1 a little more.
While in the pod, I just knew that I was going to be portrayed in a negative light when VAL said, "Number Seven you were the cruelest..."
Ironically, that incident made me more determined to win! I figured go hard or go home. Ultimately, I viewed Solitary as a game/competition, while others viewed it as a show.
Of course, we all get caught up in character as presented by "REALITY" TV and forget that those are real people in often contrived circumstances shown in snippets, yet taped 24/7.
Anyway, I'm glad you saw the strategy in it as well.
I can tell you this... having those comfort items when we did definitely were a blessing. It was the little bit of control in a situation that provided us no control.
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awildonger
14 years ago
Congrats on your win #7. I recently caught the marathon of this show on Fox Reality and immediatly fell in love with the concept.
So much that I started from Season 1 and are now watching them in order.
I don't really have any questions that haven't already been answered, so I will just say good luck to you and congrats on that stellar win.
The only comment I have is how much better the VAL voice has progressed since Season 1. Having that digitized voice as your only friend for so long would be a blessing and annoying all at the same time.
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