I find bicycle races on television immensely boring. My Uncle Louis' description of such activity was 'moving your feet like hell to give your ass a ride'. To me they are the most boring activity on TV with quiz programs on obscure topics bringing up a close second.

What do you find most boring?

Tennis !
With the Tour de France at least you get to see some nice scenery.

The whole free-to-air crap. If I didn't have a smart TV and apps, I wouldn't switch it on.

Commercial TV.

I just see so few redeeming qualities about it. Just boring.

ABC, SBS and streaming is my fare now. And I will agree with you David about quiz shows. The SBS version of Mastermind is woeful.

Promos, Ads, Sport, Cooking Comps etc are so mind blowing stupid, the programming of Australian Tv defies belief !

The Block.

Love Island.

Survivor.

Australian Ninja.

Then of course there's = "Days of our lives" and the
"Young and the Restless." And the old re-runs of
"Becker," "Seinfeld," " Frasier." "Everybody loves Raymond,"
seen them all.

I also prefer to watch Chanel 7's - "Sunrise," instead of
Chanel 9's - "Today Show,"with Karl Stephanovic - who I
wish would take his current wife and go live in the US.

There's also the so called programs like "The houswives of
Beverley Hills,"Of Miami, and so on. And programs like
"Married at First Sight." All big yawns.

As well as - "I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here," which
should be put to rest and possibly replaced with something
by Miriam Margolyes - which has more depth and entertainment.

Dear David,

Happy Independence Day today in the US.

Wishing Americans All The Best!

Dear Foxy,

Thank you for that. I am too old and tired to bother overthrowing King Charles. I wish him well.

Hi Foxy,

Pray tell what is wrong with 'Days Of Our Lives' like sand through the hour glass, so are the days of our lives. I've watched every episode since 1962! Will Tony marry Liz, his secret half sister fathered by their mother during a passionate moment with Nick in episode 3047 in 2003! I've been waiting 20 years for the answer! Someone give me the answer please!

Dear Paul,

According to satirist Ben Pobjie - "The modern human is
obsessed with "reality." Pobjie tells us that ""like ravenous
wolves, we consume the exploits of reality TV stars, dissatisfied
with fiction and desperate to be entertained by the lives of
"real people." Real home cooks, real top models, real housewives,
singers, fat people, real whatever the people on "The Bachelor,"
and "Married at first sight," are.

Those are what some people live for. And yet we so often neglect
the greatest reality of all. The reality of our nation and how
it came to be. In history's epic sweep, as in reality TV, we can
find the magical elements that make humanity what it is.
Dreams, suspense, conflict, love, hatred, loyalty, desperation,
heartbreak, inspiration, violence, joy, sadness, anger, despair,
death, alcoholism, history has it all.

When we look into the past, we find profound insights into
the nature of the human race - and only by looking at what has
come before can we understand who we are, and why we
often misunderstand (and even at times hate) one another so much.

It is a simple truth recognised by historians everywhere that
there's virtually no problem in the present day that is not,
in some way, the fault of someone from the past.
And this is something that "Days of our lives," or
"My kitchen rules," just can't match.

Dear David,

I also wish King Charles and all of his royal family well.

I wish that Prince Harry would come back and embrace his
heritage. Just as I wish that Australians would eventually
grow up and become what they now should be - Australian
not British.

When we take out citizenship it is Australian not British, Foxy if you are still a British citizen I suggest you take out Australian citizenship.

Australia's head of state is King Charles. All members of
the Australian parliament are required to make before
taking their seat in parliament an oath or affirmation of
allegiance before the Governor General (The British monarch's
representative in Australia). The wording is set out in section
42 of Australia's constitution. It pledges allegiance to
King Charles, his heirs and successors.

The oath also applies to Australia's armed forces. Navy, army, and
air-force.

We might well ask why is a country that prides itself
on its egalitarianism and giving everyone a "fair go"
still decides to maintain a formal connection to the
British monarch?

Australia ia a constitutional monarchy which means that
we have a British monarch as our Head of State. They
can call themselves Queen or King of Australia when
visiting our country - but the fact remains - they are
a British monarch.

Australia supposedly is egalitarian, democratic, and
claims to believe in merit before backgound, status, class.
However, it's been unable to make it's constitutional
arrangements reflect the tenor and values of its society.

What's stopping it?

Many people are unaware of what is inside the constitution
and what it entails. Mant people think that being a republic is
inevitable. It will happen eventually. Just that there are more
important issues at present to deal with.

Our Indigenous people should be central to our conversation.
Hence the importance of the Voice.

Hopefully once this step is taken - others will follow.

Dear Foxy,

I wish all nations would disappear to be replaced by convenient administrative divisions. National loyalties are merely the vehicles to embody the patriotic myths which justify people in killing each other. If we must have wars, let us send the unfit to battle each other. Their death would improve the health of humanity. Let those who are the best and brightest in mind and body stay home and make children that embody their fitness.

Dear David,

Who decides who's fit and healthy?

Smacks of Nazi ideology.

Can't agree.

Dear Foxy,

I have never seen any statistics in the matter, but I have the impression that most of those Americans who fought in Vietnam were the poor, the black and the uneducated. The sons of congressmen or the rich in general did not serve. Donald Trump had 'bone spurs'. In WW2 there was general mobilization. In Ukraine Fortune magazine had this to say:

"Moscow has shown little consideration for these soldiers over the past 12 months. In February 2022 troops who were told that they were going on routine exercises instead found themselves fighting a war in Ukraine. Barely trained conscripts were sent into battle in defiance of Russia’s own laws.

Civilians with medical conditions that should disqualify them from military service were called up and put into uniform. And men mobilised for wartime service were told to bring their own medical supplies because of dire shortages at the front.

Ukrainians have found Russia’s soldiers to be everything from frightened teenagers who cry when they are captured, to men who brutally torture, rape and kill civilians and prisoners-of-war with no regard for the Geneva conventions. Russia’s soldiers have turned out to be very different from the formidable fighting force that many expected a year ago."

Wars of choice are different from wars of survival in the makeup of the armed forces.

Dear David,

If we want a durable peace, a peace built on something
other than war we need to consider how to construct
societies based on something other than the nation
state and its monopoly of violence. That may have been
the primary motivating factor behind the creation of
the European Union.

An attempt to foster inter-dependence and reduce the
significance of national frontiers in order not to
experience war in Europe ever again may have played
a strong part. The decision of the United Kingdom to
withdraw from the European Union and restore its
national sovereignty might suggest that the international
goal might be a Utopia.

But as Oscar Wilde wrote in "The soul of Man under socialism,"
a map of the world that does not include Utopia is not worth
even glancing at... Progress is the realisation of Utopia."

Dear David,

My parents managed to survive WWII. They experienced
life under the Soviet Regime. I feel for both the
Ukrainian and the Russian people. I would not wish
another World War for anybody.

Dear Foxy,

At one time the nation state did not exist. At one time ant hills did not exist. I don't expect that ants can move on to form a structure better than the ant hill. There is a chance that humans may do better than the nation state. If we can I don't expect to see it.

I feel sorrow for all who suffer.

Dear David,

An ant-hill that is destined
to become a giant ant-hill
will definitely become one.
No matter how many times it
is destroyed by elephants.

Nigerian Proverb.

Talking about not only boring TV - but
bad and misinformed TV.

A scare campaign has been gathering momentum for some
time in the conservative media.

People are being told that - the Voice to parliament will
dictate policy - not true.

People are being told that elite interests are behind
the Referendum. False again.

People are being told that the Voice
threatens the integrity of the constitution. Again a lie.

This is the false information that is being spread by
conservative commentators, mostly in the foreigner owned
Murdoch media.

News Corp has been the unofficial mouthpiece of the NO
campaign against the Voice. What a shame that the Murdoch
media is still allowed to have a monopoly on the media here
in Australia. People need to hear much more from diverse
voices. The same old bleatings, lies, and drum beatings are wearing
a bit thin. More equity and fairness and truth-telling is needed.

What I find most frustratingly boring is how the same news is re-presented over and over.
I watch ABC news at, perhaps, midday, and throughout the rest of the day, exactly the same news is re-broadcast.,
Even after midnight.
Rarely is there any up to date news.
So news is a once a day event for them?
Surely there must be later news events requiring comment?
Does under-staffing prevent updates?

Add to this the apparent inability of ABC 'presenters' to ask questions of those they interview, and you have a broadcast which is painful to listen to.
I have commented on this elsewhere.
Essentially, presenters make long speeches, and don't always include an actual question.
If I switch to commercial channels, I get endless advertising.
This is a lose-lose situation.

The ABC advertises too, which is really unacceptable.
They pretend it is not advertising.
They pretend it is 'announcements'?
The person listening or watching knows better.

Hi Foxy,

For a bit of a let down, my wife likes 'Outback Truckers'!

True IF, the news get repeated over and over, but realistically the Israelis can only kill and destroy a limited number of Palestinians and their home in a day! Gotta keep repeating the numbers.

It's kind of funny how in an age of such technology, there's just nothing good on tv to watch.
Every channel the same, all just total crap.

Hi AC,

'Total Crap' excellent program, top rating, did you like it last week when they got that Sumo Wrestler guy to rub that little kids face into a big pile of dog turds. I thought that was riveting viewing, wholesome family entertainment, no less. Next week they are going to reveal the remains of that grandma sheila they put through the industrial thrasher in week one, I can't wait. We need more programs like 'Total Crap' on telly, otherwise the kids might have to do their homework!

Dear Paul,

I thoroughly enjoy watching the Travel Guide series on TV.
Especially the ones with the Fren family. I also enjoy -
Postcards and Getaway. For me its sheer escapism. I also
enjoy - the Grand Design series - and am impressed with
what people can design and build. There's lots of boring TV,
but there's enough choices that we can enjoy. Even Question
Time in Parliament has its moments - as does the 7.30 Report
(last night's interview with Tony Abbott was a hoot).

Dear Paul,

Last night July 6th at 8.30pm, I watched the
"Devil's Confession: Lost Eichmann Tapes,"
Episode 3 - where Attorney-General Hausner
seeks to confront Eichmann with his own confession.
It was riveting TV - and very emotional. I finally
ended up turning it off. It was so confronting.

Dear Foxy,

I was at odds with my father because he was so completely dominated by my mother and made excuses for her unreasonable behavior. She once called him an “Eichmann”. To me that is a terrible insult. He told me that she apologized for that remark. I doubt that she ever did as I don’t remember mother ever apologizing for anything or ever admitting she was wrong. To the best of my knowledge that is the only time he ever lied to me. Now, I think he showed his great love by that lie. One can forgive much for love.

David

Dear David,

Eichmann was a monstor. And I'm sure your mother would
have apologised. Sometimes words are spoken in anger
that we don't mean. Of course they hurt and we should
take them back. I'm sure your mother did take the word
back.

The program about Eichmann on SBS last night
was frightening. It drove the fact home to me that
yes, just as love exists - so does hate, and awful things
can and do happen. Hopefully rational people do learn
from the past and don't allow crimes against humanity
to be repeated.

Dear Foxy,

You didn't know my mother. If she apologized for that it would have been the first time I heard her apologize or admit being wrong about anything.

Dear David,

You're right - I don't know your mother but I think
that I've gotten a glimpse of your character over
these years on the forum which I admire greatly I
think I can assume that there must have been some
good influences that you got from your mum.

No?

Dear David,

Also, aren't you just making a judgement about your
mum - that she didn't apologise to your father?
You can't really be sure can you? Children often
get things wrong or misunderstand?

Dear Foxy,

I am writing my autobiography. In it I wrote:

"I appreciate the frustration of my mother now that I am more aware of the feelings of an intelligent, questioning woman in a male dominated society."

That doesn't alter the fact of her behaviour, but I am trying to appreciate the reasons for it. She rebelled in her way, and I in mine.

The Moving Finger writes; and, having writ,
Moves on: nor all your Piety nor Wit
Shall lure it back to cancel half a Line,
Nor all your Tears wash out a Word of it.

In my autobiography I am trying to be honest and express my feelings. Those feelings may be wrong or bad, but they exist. I am not writing a hagiography. Mother in some ways appreciated me, and in some ways I appreciated her. She was not an ideal mother, and I was not an ideal son. I appreciate the fact that she never ridiculed me as others did. I appreciate her sense of humor.

A bit from the bio.

"I remembered defending myself against mother using humor. She would tell me something and get angry when I did it. “That’s not what I wanted, and you should have been able to read between the lines.” Autism was not a concept people were aware of when I was a child. I am somewhere on the autistic spectrum and could not read between any lines. I could only act on what she said. One time when she was angry and threatened to spank me, I said, “Would you wreak your vengeance on a helpless child?” She dissolved in laughter. I was threatened with spanking many times but never got spanked."

You are two of my favourite posters, now relax, turn on the telly, channel OOO, they are having a mega marathon of re-runs of that great riveting program 'Total Crap' staring Bonkers Bill and his performing chimp, Bozo. If it wasn't for programs like 'Total Crap' there would have been no reason for that fella, Louie Baird, to invent the bloody thing in the first place.

Dear Foxy,

I can't be sure she didn't apologise. I can be sure it would have inconsistent from what I knew of her to do so. I made a judgement which may be wrong. A judgement is not a fact. It is a guess based on the available information. I can state that we will have a sunrise tomorrow. That is a guess and could be wrong. I think my mother's lack of apology is a similar guess.

Dear David,

We may say a lot of things when we're angry or provoked
that of course we don't mean and later live to deeply regret.

I remember calling my father by a derogatory term once.
It hurt him more than it did me. I loved my father very much. He was a very gentle man.
An academic. I was so proud of him, yet I hurt him deeply
with my comment.

Of course I didn't know your mother - but I'm sure that
like me she would have been sorry for the pain she caused
your father. That is my judgement.

Dear Foxy,

Some people get a joy out of hurting and humiliating other people - especially those that are close to them. It gives them a feeling of power when they are powerless in other ways.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jcbvlLAVj4Y

Although we humans are alike in many ways, it is not a valid assumption to assume somebody else would act as we would in a similar situation.

Dear David,

I try not to assume. Instead I hope that none of us
will deliberately hurt anyone else. Or speak with malice.
Of course that is not always easy to do.

Some people get a joy out of hurting and humiliating other people
davidf,
Yes, Foxy & Paul1405 delight in that on this Forum. But, when they receive an (in kind) appropriate reply they feign indignation !
What they need to come to accept is that they only receive what they dish out.

Dear Individual,

Learning not to be judgemental is difficult for us
all.

Foxy,
When dealing with people who refuse to accept others' actual experiences then being judgemental is the only justification to try & make them see different aspects & acknowledge them !

Indy, do you have TV up your tree?

Dear individual,

To accept other people's experiences would make us all
a bit wiser.

Boring Tv is one thing but deep down dumb & mindless TV is another altogether !
I don't know how TV is in other Countries but surely it can't be much worse than some of the programmes shown here or can it ?
What have some of you wider travelled folk witnessed ?

Indy,

Someone said you still have an old black and white TV, but you've managed to get the black out of it, now its a white TV only, no dark stuff allowed. Is that true? Jose' bought a new TV, but he discovered it was "coloured", took it straight back to the shop for a full refund! ttbn's telly has no sound, he don't want to hear any VOICES!

Paul1405,
Your TV is not a TV, it's a mirror & you're listening to your own vitriol !