Survivor Forum
Even without 'Survivor'
Crowley has story to tell
Posted on: Jul. 01 2009,00:46
PortlandPressHerald
Even without 'Survivor,' Crowley has story to tell
The Mainer hopes a new book about his non-TV adventures will please readers and inspire kids.
By RAY ROUTHIER, Staff Writer
June 30, 2009
Bob Crowley
Bob Crowley’s biography details
the life experiences of a man who
won the affection of TV audiences.
If it weren't for the CBS reality show "Survivor," Bob Crowley probably wouldn't have come out with a book about his life.
So it's a little strange, but perhaps understandable in our super-litigious society, that the producers of "Survivor" wouldn't let Crowley include a single word about his stint on the show in the book.
"We had some stuff about the show in there originally, but we sent it to ('Survivor' producers) and they penciled everything out," said Crowley, 58, of South Portland. "When I went on the show, I signed something that said I couldn't write about it for three years."
Crowley gained national attention and became a statewide celebrity in Maine when he won "Survivor: Gabon" in December. Gov. John Baldacci later proclaimed a "Bob Crowley Day" in his honor.
Crowley won $1 million for "outlasting and outwitting" 17 other contestants in the wilderness of Gabon, on the west coast of Africa, plus another $100,000 for being named the favorite of the TV audience.
But in his biography, "Making Waves: The Stories of Maine's Bob Crowley," there are no behind-the-scenes tales about the filming of the hit reality show last year. Instead, there are 126 pages of Crowley talking about his life before "Survivor," and how he came to be the man who won the affection of national TV audiences.
The book is an "as told to" project compiled by Crowley's carpool mate, David Hladky, who writes under the name David Ladd.
He finished the book in March, self-published it and began distributing it to local stores. It sells for $14.95.
After taxes, Crowley took home about $660,000 of his $1.1 million winnings. He retired this month from his job as a physics teacher at Gorham High School -- he said he had been thinking about it before "Survivor," and the extra cash made it easier.
Crowley said he hopes people will enjoy "reading about a kid from Maine who had a very lucky life and has taken advantage of that luck a little bit," and that the book might inspire "kids to go travel, to do things, to work hard."
He also hopes Hladky can "make some money from it." Crowley says he gets "a small stipend" for his contributions.
Crowley and Hladky are aware that Crowley's "Survivor" success is the main reason most people might pick up the book.
"He still managed to get the word 'survivor' in there a couple times, as a hint," Crowley said of Hladky.
Hladky had talked to Crowley about writing a book on his life even before he went on "Survivor." And after Crowley won, Hladky brought it up again.
"It was easy to leave out 'Survivor' references to the extent that Bob's life is a fascinating read, even pre-'Survivor,' " Hladky said.
"However, it was difficult to leave out passages that would have explained how his performance on the show connects to his earlier life, his motivation and the unique way he thinks."
From December to March, Hladky tape-recorded conversations with Crowley on their daily trips to work at Gorham High from their homes in South Portland.
The book details Crowley's many jobs and adventures. He's been a lobsterman, a surveyor, a forester, a first mate on a science research ship in Labrador, and a high school physics teacher. He's also done wildlife relocation, built a house of discarded slate on his family's small Casco Bay island, performed tree work, negotiated for his teachers union and raised chickens.
Crowley said all the experiences prepared him well for the show.
"When I was there, I found out there's a lot of things people in Maine just know how to do, like tie up boats in the dark or land boats on a beach," he said.
Despite retiring, Crowley's life has been busy since winning "Survivor."
In addition to the book, he's been doing a lot of local speaking engagements, including at South Portland elementary schools, where his fee is generally school lunch.
He also has been asked to go back to Gabon later this summer to do some promotional work for that country's tourism industry. And he and his wife, Peggy, have been toying with the idea of driving a motor home across the United States, promoting blood drives along the way.
"I haven't been able to give blood since I've been in Africa, so we thought this might be a way to help and see the country," Crowley said.
Staff Writer Ray Routhier can be contacted at 791-6454 or at: rrouthier@pressherald.com
Copyright 2009 by The Portland Press Herald/Maine Sunday Telegram. All rights reserved.
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Crowley has story to tell
Posted on: Jul. 01 2009,00:46
PortlandPressHerald
Even without 'Survivor,' Crowley has story to tell
The Mainer hopes a new book about his non-TV adventures will please readers and inspire kids.
By RAY ROUTHIER, Staff Writer
June 30, 2009
Bob Crowley
Bob Crowley’s biography details
the life experiences of a man who
won the affection of TV audiences.
If it weren't for the CBS reality show "Survivor," Bob Crowley probably wouldn't have come out with a book about his life.
So it's a little strange, but perhaps understandable in our super-litigious society, that the producers of "Survivor" wouldn't let Crowley include a single word about his stint on the show in the book.
"We had some stuff about the show in there originally, but we sent it to ('Survivor' producers) and they penciled everything out," said Crowley, 58, of South Portland. "When I went on the show, I signed something that said I couldn't write about it for three years."
Crowley gained national attention and became a statewide celebrity in Maine when he won "Survivor: Gabon" in December. Gov. John Baldacci later proclaimed a "Bob Crowley Day" in his honor.
Crowley won $1 million for "outlasting and outwitting" 17 other contestants in the wilderness of Gabon, on the west coast of Africa, plus another $100,000 for being named the favorite of the TV audience.
But in his biography, "Making Waves: The Stories of Maine's Bob Crowley," there are no behind-the-scenes tales about the filming of the hit reality show last year. Instead, there are 126 pages of Crowley talking about his life before "Survivor," and how he came to be the man who won the affection of national TV audiences.
The book is an "as told to" project compiled by Crowley's carpool mate, David Hladky, who writes under the name David Ladd.
He finished the book in March, self-published it and began distributing it to local stores. It sells for $14.95.
After taxes, Crowley took home about $660,000 of his $1.1 million winnings. He retired this month from his job as a physics teacher at Gorham High School -- he said he had been thinking about it before "Survivor," and the extra cash made it easier.
Crowley said he hopes people will enjoy "reading about a kid from Maine who had a very lucky life and has taken advantage of that luck a little bit," and that the book might inspire "kids to go travel, to do things, to work hard."
He also hopes Hladky can "make some money from it." Crowley says he gets "a small stipend" for his contributions.
Crowley and Hladky are aware that Crowley's "Survivor" success is the main reason most people might pick up the book.
"He still managed to get the word 'survivor' in there a couple times, as a hint," Crowley said of Hladky.
Hladky had talked to Crowley about writing a book on his life even before he went on "Survivor." And after Crowley won, Hladky brought it up again.
"It was easy to leave out 'Survivor' references to the extent that Bob's life is a fascinating read, even pre-'Survivor,' " Hladky said.
"However, it was difficult to leave out passages that would have explained how his performance on the show connects to his earlier life, his motivation and the unique way he thinks."
From December to March, Hladky tape-recorded conversations with Crowley on their daily trips to work at Gorham High from their homes in South Portland.
The book details Crowley's many jobs and adventures. He's been a lobsterman, a surveyor, a forester, a first mate on a science research ship in Labrador, and a high school physics teacher. He's also done wildlife relocation, built a house of discarded slate on his family's small Casco Bay island, performed tree work, negotiated for his teachers union and raised chickens.
Crowley said all the experiences prepared him well for the show.
"When I was there, I found out there's a lot of things people in Maine just know how to do, like tie up boats in the dark or land boats on a beach," he said.
Despite retiring, Crowley's life has been busy since winning "Survivor."
In addition to the book, he's been doing a lot of local speaking engagements, including at South Portland elementary schools, where his fee is generally school lunch.
He also has been asked to go back to Gabon later this summer to do some promotional work for that country's tourism industry. And he and his wife, Peggy, have been toying with the idea of driving a motor home across the United States, promoting blood drives along the way.
"I haven't been able to give blood since I've been in Africa, so we thought this might be a way to help and see the country," Crowley said.
Staff Writer Ray Routhier can be contacted at 791-6454 or at: rrouthier@pressherald.com
Copyright 2009 by The Portland Press Herald/Maine Sunday Telegram. All rights reserved.
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Kentucky Charity
A Total Blast!
Posted on: Jul. 01 2009,00:37
RealityTVMagazine
Kentucky Charity A Total Blast!
June 26, 2008 08:00:55 by Ryan Haidet
Dozens of reality stars made their way to the fifth annual Kentuckiana Police and Firefighter Summer Bash Benefit last weekend in Louisville, Kentucky, for a good cause – to raise money to buy presents for kids stuck in the hospital on Christmas.
This was another stellar event that was worth every penny. Those responsible for the weekend’s activities made sure that everybody felt welcome and treated as if they were family. If they didn’t know you before you got to the event, they knew plenty about you before you headed home. That’s what makes this charity so worthwhile because guests realize how much they are appreciated.
There was never a dull moment. Plenty of one-on-one time was allotted to anybody who wanted to chat with their favorite contestants. This gave everybody there (even a fan like myself) the opportunity to see what some of these folks are truly like. I got to chat with Natalie Bolton about her experience with being vilified on Survivor: Micronesia – which is a shock considering how polite she is in person. And it was great to listen to Jay Hatkow’s story on how he heard the news that the show he was on – Pirate Master – was canceled (he was driving in his car when he heard it over the radio).
This was definitely a fans’ event and perfect in every way. Truly another five-star spectacle.
Previous Survivors including Yau-Man Chan, Ami Cusack, Todd Herzog, James Clement, “Boston Rob” Mariano, Amber Mariano, Bobby Jon Drinkard, Courtney Yates, Amanda Kimmel and Chris Daugherty (just to name a few) made an appearance. The Amazing Race was represented as well because Louisville locals Kynt and Vyxsin stopped by. Other celebrities stopping out included Jay Hatkow of Pirate Master, Raviv “Ricky” Ullman of Disney’s Phil of the Future and Ken Osmond who played Eddie Haskell on Leave it to Beaver. And that’s just naming a select few. The money for charity started coming in Friday night with a boat ride on the Ohio River. There were more reality stars on this ship than fans and sponsors, so there was plenty of opportunity for interaction with the reality stars. Not only by chatting with them, but by eating with them and even dancing with them. This was a great way for any fan to actually see what these folks are like face to face. Not too many other charity events offer this kind of interaction and that’s why this one is so good. The boat ride lasted several hours allowing fans ample time to get any desired autographs.
Then on Saturday, a day was spent at Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom. This year, however, the park was used to bring in several thousands of dollars for the charity. Guests who paid at least $1,000 got to participate in an Amazing Race-style challenge with a few of the celebrities as their teammates. From the start, the teams had to open clues that would lead them to various destinations in the park where they were forced to ride roller coasters, water rides and play games before reaching the finish line.
Although it took more than two hours to complete the challenge, it seemed everybody had a great time because it helped raise a lot of money. And it was great for guests in the park because they were seeing lots of celebrities running around. And for the fans who paid to participate – it was even better. How fun would it be to run in a race with Rob and Amber? How often do you get an opportunity like that? It’s for those reasons that more than a dozen people dished out the cash to do just that. And just like in Survivor: All-Stars, Boston Rob and his team finished second, while his wife Amber and her team won the whole thing. Members of the winning team each took home a personalized Louisville Slugger baseball bat that was turned into a Survivor torch – definitely an awesome memento.
After Six Flags, the celebrities and sponsors sat down for a private dinner before getting ready for the main Saturday night event. Hundreds of tickets had been sold at $50 a pop, which meant the stars were ready to sign plenty of autographs and take loads of pictures. This high-class event is what sets the Kentuckiana Police and Firefighter Summer Bash Benefit apart from others. Fans are face to face with the stars – not put at a distance. And even though the banquet lasted several hours, that time flew by because there was so much fun being had.
Each year, organizers Kelly Jones and Matt Keith never fail to impress me with how much dedication and care they have for their cause. If these two weren’t such close friends, the event would be nowhere near the huge success it is. Both men are so likeable that they leave a long-lasting impression. And it’s obviously true because many of the stars who show up for the event have been there more than once
None of the celebrities were paid for their time over the weekend. In fact, they all paid for their own transportation to get to the event because they knew they were going to something special with people who cared. They knew it’d be worth dropping some of their own money to help out those less fortunate. They knew that once they got to Louisville that they were among friends that they wanted to spend time with. Kelly and Matt have created a wonderful atmosphere that will likely be around for some time because it seems to keep growing each and every year. If you can only make it to one reality television event in a year, this is definitely the one to hit. A good time in every way, and I can’t wait for next year!
In the coming days and weeks keep checking RealityTVMagazine.com to read more about the event, its organizers and interviews with some of the favorite reality stars who stopped by to help raise money for the cause.
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A Total Blast!
Posted on: Jul. 01 2009,00:37
RealityTVMagazine
Kentucky Charity A Total Blast!
June 26, 2008 08:00:55 by Ryan Haidet
Dozens of reality stars made their way to the fifth annual Kentuckiana Police and Firefighter Summer Bash Benefit last weekend in Louisville, Kentucky, for a good cause – to raise money to buy presents for kids stuck in the hospital on Christmas.
This was another stellar event that was worth every penny. Those responsible for the weekend’s activities made sure that everybody felt welcome and treated as if they were family. If they didn’t know you before you got to the event, they knew plenty about you before you headed home. That’s what makes this charity so worthwhile because guests realize how much they are appreciated.
There was never a dull moment. Plenty of one-on-one time was allotted to anybody who wanted to chat with their favorite contestants. This gave everybody there (even a fan like myself) the opportunity to see what some of these folks are truly like. I got to chat with Natalie Bolton about her experience with being vilified on Survivor: Micronesia – which is a shock considering how polite she is in person. And it was great to listen to Jay Hatkow’s story on how he heard the news that the show he was on – Pirate Master – was canceled (he was driving in his car when he heard it over the radio).
This was definitely a fans’ event and perfect in every way. Truly another five-star spectacle.
Previous Survivors including Yau-Man Chan, Ami Cusack, Todd Herzog, James Clement, “Boston Rob” Mariano, Amber Mariano, Bobby Jon Drinkard, Courtney Yates, Amanda Kimmel and Chris Daugherty (just to name a few) made an appearance. The Amazing Race was represented as well because Louisville locals Kynt and Vyxsin stopped by. Other celebrities stopping out included Jay Hatkow of Pirate Master, Raviv “Ricky” Ullman of Disney’s Phil of the Future and Ken Osmond who played Eddie Haskell on Leave it to Beaver. And that’s just naming a select few. The money for charity started coming in Friday night with a boat ride on the Ohio River. There were more reality stars on this ship than fans and sponsors, so there was plenty of opportunity for interaction with the reality stars. Not only by chatting with them, but by eating with them and even dancing with them. This was a great way for any fan to actually see what these folks are like face to face. Not too many other charity events offer this kind of interaction and that’s why this one is so good. The boat ride lasted several hours allowing fans ample time to get any desired autographs.
Then on Saturday, a day was spent at Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom. This year, however, the park was used to bring in several thousands of dollars for the charity. Guests who paid at least $1,000 got to participate in an Amazing Race-style challenge with a few of the celebrities as their teammates. From the start, the teams had to open clues that would lead them to various destinations in the park where they were forced to ride roller coasters, water rides and play games before reaching the finish line.
Although it took more than two hours to complete the challenge, it seemed everybody had a great time because it helped raise a lot of money. And it was great for guests in the park because they were seeing lots of celebrities running around. And for the fans who paid to participate – it was even better. How fun would it be to run in a race with Rob and Amber? How often do you get an opportunity like that? It’s for those reasons that more than a dozen people dished out the cash to do just that. And just like in Survivor: All-Stars, Boston Rob and his team finished second, while his wife Amber and her team won the whole thing. Members of the winning team each took home a personalized Louisville Slugger baseball bat that was turned into a Survivor torch – definitely an awesome memento.
After Six Flags, the celebrities and sponsors sat down for a private dinner before getting ready for the main Saturday night event. Hundreds of tickets had been sold at $50 a pop, which meant the stars were ready to sign plenty of autographs and take loads of pictures. This high-class event is what sets the Kentuckiana Police and Firefighter Summer Bash Benefit apart from others. Fans are face to face with the stars – not put at a distance. And even though the banquet lasted several hours, that time flew by because there was so much fun being had.
Each year, organizers Kelly Jones and Matt Keith never fail to impress me with how much dedication and care they have for their cause. If these two weren’t such close friends, the event would be nowhere near the huge success it is. Both men are so likeable that they leave a long-lasting impression. And it’s obviously true because many of the stars who show up for the event have been there more than once
None of the celebrities were paid for their time over the weekend. In fact, they all paid for their own transportation to get to the event because they knew they were going to something special with people who cared. They knew it’d be worth dropping some of their own money to help out those less fortunate. They knew that once they got to Louisville that they were among friends that they wanted to spend time with. Kelly and Matt have created a wonderful atmosphere that will likely be around for some time because it seems to keep growing each and every year. If you can only make it to one reality television event in a year, this is definitely the one to hit. A good time in every way, and I can’t wait for next year!
In the coming days and weeks keep checking RealityTVMagazine.com to read more about the event, its organizers and interviews with some of the favorite reality stars who stopped by to help raise money for the cause.
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Survivor: Samoa / Premiere Date
Posted on: Jun. 26 2009,08:19
06.25.2009 CBS ANNOUNCES 2009-2010 PREMIERE
CBS Press Release
Network To Debut Nearly All of Its New and Returning Series During Official Premiere Week
Pre-Season Launch for "Survivor: Samoa"
Thursday, Sept. 17
SPASIFIKmag.com
CBS today announced dates for the fall premieres of its new and returning series, which include a pre-season debut for SURVIVOR: SAMOA and the launch of the new Sunday drama series THREE RIVERS in early October. The Network will introduce the majority of its schedule beginning Monday, Sept. 21, the official start of the 2009-2010 season.
SURVIVOR: SAMOA, the 19th installment of the hit reality series, will debut a week prior to the formal start of the season, on Thursday, Sept. 17 (8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT).
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Posted on: Jun. 26 2009,08:19
06.25.2009 CBS ANNOUNCES 2009-2010 PREMIERE
CBS Press Release
Network To Debut Nearly All of Its New and Returning Series During Official Premiere Week
Pre-Season Launch for "Survivor: Samoa"
Thursday, Sept. 17
SPASIFIKmag.com
CBS today announced dates for the fall premieres of its new and returning series, which include a pre-season debut for SURVIVOR: SAMOA and the launch of the new Sunday drama series THREE RIVERS in early October. The Network will introduce the majority of its schedule beginning Monday, Sept. 21, the official start of the 2009-2010 season.
SURVIVOR: SAMOA, the 19th installment of the hit reality series, will debut a week prior to the formal start of the season, on Thursday, Sept. 17 (8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT).
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‘Survivor’ Hopeful is ‘Too Nice’
for the Show
Posted on: Jun. 17 2009,22:44
TheJacksonvilleObserver.com
‘Survivor’ Hopeful is ‘Too Nice’ for the Show
Gannett News Service - Jun 18th, 2009
A Cincinnati man who walked more than 2,200 miles to Los Angeles to deliver his audition tape for the next season of CBS reality show “Survivor” was told by producers Tuesday that he was “too nice.”
“I’m the guy that walked across America and had my dreams killed,” said Greg Insco, 26. “The producer said I would get eaten alive, I said ‘By who? Ronald McDonald?’ If being too nice doesn’t get you on a TV show, that’s crooked isn’t it? Should I just be a jerk?”
Insco made the long trek on foot in large part in honor of a friend, Megan Gore, who died in 2006 of a sudden brain aneurysm at the age of 19.
While heartbroken over what producers told him, Insco kept his spirit, saying he might do the walk again for a later season — in half the time.
“I’m working on a Plan B,” he said. “I’m not just going to lay down and give up. I gave up everything in my life for this.”
Insco said he wants to invite producers to Cincinnati and have them walk through the streets, where residents will return a greeting or wave.
“I’ve walked through miles here where even the homeless won’t say hi back to me,” he said. “I just saw 30 Bentleys drive by but people here have forgotten what reality is. People die and are poor and don’t get everything they want.”
Surviving has definitely proved a forte for Insco. He nearly walked across North America. He killed and ate one rattlesnake that attacked him in the Arizona desert. He drank one water bottle filled from a toilet to stave off dehydration in the southeastern California desert.
But being a survivor is not necessarily enough to get you on “Survivor,” said the show’s casting director, Lynne Spillman, during an interview last week.
“It’s a social game. If it was who could survive, he’s probably perfect,” Spillman said.
Sex, confrontation and a sense of humor are key elements of cast members, according to Spillman.
The show gets about 20,000 applicants per season, she said. Crews are currently filming the 19th “Survivor” season in Samoa in advance of a fall airing.
The 20th season has been confirmed but a location not yet announced.
The life he is returning to, Insco said, is more reality than the producers will ever understand.
When the real estate agent returns to Cincinnati, he will be greeted by about $70,000 in credit card debt, foreclosed property and a repossessed car.
“It’s bad enough that they just shot down my dreams,” he said. “I tried to give everything in my life humanly possible to make this a reality.”
Insco said he planned to stay the night in Beverly Hills and wasn’t sure how he would get back to Cincinnati. Numerous followers have offered to purchase him a plane ticket but he would rather see the money go to the Megan Gore Scholarship Fund.
“I’ll just keep smiling. I honored my friend Megan and no one could ever take this experience from me,” he said. “I failed miserably but I gave it my all. People fail all the time but it’s OK as long as you try to your hardest and I truly did.”
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for the Show
Posted on: Jun. 17 2009,22:44
TheJacksonvilleObserver.com
‘Survivor’ Hopeful is ‘Too Nice’ for the Show
Gannett News Service - Jun 18th, 2009
A Cincinnati man who walked more than 2,200 miles to Los Angeles to deliver his audition tape for the next season of CBS reality show “Survivor” was told by producers Tuesday that he was “too nice.”
“I’m the guy that walked across America and had my dreams killed,” said Greg Insco, 26. “The producer said I would get eaten alive, I said ‘By who? Ronald McDonald?’ If being too nice doesn’t get you on a TV show, that’s crooked isn’t it? Should I just be a jerk?”
Insco made the long trek on foot in large part in honor of a friend, Megan Gore, who died in 2006 of a sudden brain aneurysm at the age of 19.
While heartbroken over what producers told him, Insco kept his spirit, saying he might do the walk again for a later season — in half the time.
“I’m working on a Plan B,” he said. “I’m not just going to lay down and give up. I gave up everything in my life for this.”
Insco said he wants to invite producers to Cincinnati and have them walk through the streets, where residents will return a greeting or wave.
“I’ve walked through miles here where even the homeless won’t say hi back to me,” he said. “I just saw 30 Bentleys drive by but people here have forgotten what reality is. People die and are poor and don’t get everything they want.”
Surviving has definitely proved a forte for Insco. He nearly walked across North America. He killed and ate one rattlesnake that attacked him in the Arizona desert. He drank one water bottle filled from a toilet to stave off dehydration in the southeastern California desert.
But being a survivor is not necessarily enough to get you on “Survivor,” said the show’s casting director, Lynne Spillman, during an interview last week.
“It’s a social game. If it was who could survive, he’s probably perfect,” Spillman said.
Sex, confrontation and a sense of humor are key elements of cast members, according to Spillman.
The show gets about 20,000 applicants per season, she said. Crews are currently filming the 19th “Survivor” season in Samoa in advance of a fall airing.
The 20th season has been confirmed but a location not yet announced.
The life he is returning to, Insco said, is more reality than the producers will ever understand.
When the real estate agent returns to Cincinnati, he will be greeted by about $70,000 in credit card debt, foreclosed property and a repossessed car.
“It’s bad enough that they just shot down my dreams,” he said. “I tried to give everything in my life humanly possible to make this a reality.”
Insco said he planned to stay the night in Beverly Hills and wasn’t sure how he would get back to Cincinnati. Numerous followers have offered to purchase him a plane ticket but he would rather see the money go to the Megan Gore Scholarship Fund.
“I’ll just keep smiling. I honored my friend Megan and no one could ever take this experience from me,” he said. “I failed miserably but I gave it my all. People fail all the time but it’s OK as long as you try to your hardest and I truly did.”
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Survivor on DVD
