That was only one small paragraph out of a 25 page article. I thought it was presented as more humorous than derogatory. I've heard most of those rumors myself... but not about the loofah (probably explains why they can't keep them in stock at Walmart).

Anyway, I found few inaccuracies and the piece was overall complimentary to The Villages. He did wind up recommending this place for his folks.

Well, I guess it's true then.

Actually, I thought I was reading an excerpt from one of the tabloids in the grocery store cashier line. I doubt there is very little semblance of any fact checking by the author. I thought he was going to say that a few aliens from outer space also live here.

True....so, why are so many defending it as if they are proud to live in a place described in this article? Not everyone has friends and family that think the villages is a good retirement spot. Some have had to boast about TV to friends and family and hope they get the correct picture of what it's all about. Some have had to listen to the garbage about STD's, and defend their new hometown. Then we have folks who keep referring to this stupid article. Someone decided that we haven't seen enough about the article so posted it on Facebook today. Ridiculous!!!! Sorry Tessinut, this rant is not geared at you :)

Loofah like really!
 

We have two golf carts & no antennas. As I drive around from Brownwood to Bonifay to Sumter Landing & points beyond...I don't see any golf carts with antennas. Lol! :p

The article painted a somewhat more accurate picture than Andrew Bleckman's "Leisureville" which makes a good door stop. :D

I for one would like to see these type of journalists spent a decent amount of time in TV, before they write hearsay, of some people opinions.

The amount of sex going on is so comical. He makes it sound like all men/women say hello, and ask if they can have sex with you in the same sentence. The people I hang out with are the complete opposite, of this exaggerated portrayal.

The STD article was irresponsible journalism, in that it didn't mention the rise of STD in TV, was no higher than the nations average.

Some people don't bother to check things out for themselves but become sheep in following other unsubstantiated statements.

I don't know about any of it from first hand experience, but why wouldn't there be swingers groups here, just like there are lesbians? Neither group is the majority, but the writer never claimed otherwise. Seemed clear to me that he was describing both his own experiences as well as relaying some of what he was told by various people he met here. Does everyone also doubt his experience in OBG with those residents or is it just the "embarrasing" sex parts that you call into question?

I think a lot of it was exaggerated in order to sell it to Buzzfeed. There is no doubt in my mind that Leisureville was written to sell. Sex sells.

I personally haven't seen a lot of what he describes, but it could be going on. I don't stay out and drink late.

We all know what our own reality is here.

We were driving home just now from a friends house where we played cards, I again said that not even the mega rich in the past; the Vanderbilts and the Rockefellers, could have a ten mile drive with such beauty as we see here, miles of no trash, beautifully groomed bushes and lovely trees and flowers and well maintained homes and lawns and people tooting along in their cute golf carts. We all live like we are very wealthy

and we all act like we always have.

Good post Gracie......you tell it like it REALLY is.

Perhaps because being a swinger is a lifestyle choice that takes a lot of time, effort, planning, energy and testosterone. (Or so I'm told). :angel:

Buzzfeed
 

I would hardly qualify the writer's ramblings as journalism. It wasn't researched, it was crude in parts, and contained numerous inaccuracies.
Also it was too long.
Today, anybody can write anything they are propelled to and post it on a blog on the internet.

So what if there are swingers here (and I'm sure there are -- population too big to not have a little of everything). Those that know and love you, know your choices and accept you warts and all. Those who imply you will change because of where you live don't know you, don't love you and don't deserve more than a shrug of the shoulders and a "So what?"

I'm tired of people thinking they have to defend their choices and TV. Had any of my friends commented on the sexual mores here, I might have replied "not my style"and continued with my planned move. It is a beautiful place to live with many things to do, all geared to keep us as happy and busy as we choose. What more needs to be said?

Right, Bare? So much maintenance and upkeep! More power to them, but it makes me tired just thinking about it. Probably they all eat a whole food, plant-based diet. ;)

:a20: I think most Wrinklies probably prefer playing golf to Swinging!
But there one guy in pristine good health that might have the energy and I think he is single ....

omg! I think I know who Mr. Midnight is.

When Blechman visited him Mr. Midnight had several take out food containers on his kitchen counter and a refrigerator magnet that read something like "If we are what we eat I'm cheap, fast and easy".

By the way, a lady friend of mine's parents were swingers...in Miami, Florida. Her father is still alive. Recently, well into his eighties, he required surgery. When the doctor was instructing him what he could and could not do the night before surgery the gentleman asked the physician if he could have sex. The doctor thought he was kidding but he was not!

I'm sure we'll hear from him shortly. :icon_twisted:

With the population in TV being what it is, of course there are some swingers and some orgies and too much alcohol on occasion and some bad judgements at times. However, in my opinion, and it is just an opinion, the article implied all of this and more was occurring in many places by many people and it was so overt that it was worth writing about in a most salacious manner.

I would give the author more journalistic credit if he had written that, like any mid-sized town, we have our share of swingers, druggies, alcoholics, etc. and that age apparently doesn't stop one from engaging in those behaviors. Of course, that wouldn't have sold as well.

At any rate, I need to go now -- I have to make a shaker of martinis and get out the loofah pads . . . I've got company coming over later. :icon_wink:

///

Sorry Wanda, we'll have to reschedule, we can't make tonight's group meeting! :icon_wink:

In general I found the article positive about TV. He was very impressed with the ambiance of the Villages, clearly saw the level of activity available and for golfers the paradise of playing endlessly. He also managed to interject the diversity and cultural differences we enjoy. I found his comment about the recreation centers being so elaborate very amusing. I have always felt their decorated themes are over the top. Just like the signs on the "historic" building in the town squares.....the stuff of theme parks and very quirky.
Then he spoke about the underside of the Villages which most certainly exists. We do not live in a bubble, much as we would like to believe it. I do believe there are men and women cruising the town squares looking for "companionship". We have folks who drink to much and drive, there are robberies and domestic squabbles, neighborhood disputes and rule breakers in every village. That's life in the city, and that is exactly what we are ...... a small city.

Just didn't care for the F word used as the writer did. It is used as a shock value. I have always felt that writers that can not express themselves adequately use these words.