BS: Television

Subject: RE: BS: Television
From: Bee-dubya-ell
Date: 27 Jan 16 - 09:27 AM

I have not had a television capable of receiving programs for over 20 years. I have one, but it's only used to play DVDs, usually borrowed from the library. It is not connected to an antenna, satellite dish, or cable service.

By the way, why is it sometimes called a television "set" when there's only one of 'em? I have a chess "set" and it has 32 pieces plus a board.

Subject: RE: BS: Television
From: GUEST,punkfolkrocker
Date: 27 Jan 16 - 09:44 AM

Anyone still use a working valve [tube] TV ?

I have to keep reminding my old mum there's no point banging the top of her TV these days if it's 'playing up'.


Btw.. every time I've had to go round her house to fix it, the problem has always been 'user error'.

For instance, using the wrong remote [for her CD/radio boom box] for days on end before she let me know there was a problem...

"... and I'm banging the top of the set, but it still won't work..."

Slicing the aerial cable in half [how the F did she do that !!!???] and sellotaping it back together..

".. I keep banging it but it still wont do anything..."..... 😣

Subject: RE: BS: Television
From: GUEST,MikeL2
Date: 27 Jan 16 - 10:19 AM

Hi

I watched Liverpool match. I hate to have to agree with Steve over the off-side decision. It was extremely close but it did look offside to me.

Mind you compared with some of the off-side decisions I have seen this year it was controversial. The concern I have is that the decisions in many cases are so obvious that it defied belief that none of the match officials spot them.

Another point - the shirt pulling that hardly ever gets spotted. More like wrestling , especial for corners and free kicks into the area.
We at Man U have a bad example. Just watch Chris Smalling !!

And the stealing of yards especially at throw-ins. Last night Stoke were regularly doing it. Fer did get one of them.

Just one point of order for Michael....Liverpool is now not in Lancashire.

Cheers

Mike

Subject: RE: BS: Television
From: MGM·Lion
Date: 27 Jan 16 - 10:38 AM

MikeL -- No, I know. But if there was a God he would say it was. Just can't be doing with all this Greater·This and Inner·That and Outer·The·Other, and all these innovations. & I didn't actually say it was: simply used the term Lankies, which seems to me a useful sort of blanket-term for denizens of Gtr Mnchstr & Merseyside and all such Nowherevilles which used to be in Somewhere "when this old hat was new" as the song puts it.

Cheers ritebak 2U

≈M≈

Subject: RE: BS: Television
From: GUEST,leeneia
Date: 27 Jan 16 - 10:49 AM

I don't own a TV and never have. I'm not a snob; TV (and movies) just doesn't agree with my nervous system.

I have bad eyes, and I hate images that flash or move too fast. Once, at a Welsh Society meeting, they showed a video from the Welsh Tourist Board where images of mountains, castles, gardens, and harbors shot by in rapid succession. I couldn't stand to watch it. The content was beautiful, but for me the format was awful.

I have sensitive, damaged ears, and I found sudden loud noises and shrill voices painful. That eliminates the crime shows with gunshots and the comedies with squealing females.

I have also discovered that when watching movies, I tend not to breathe for long periods of time. Something about movies is bothering me deeply, but I don't know what it is.

I enjoy YouTube videos because they are short, because I can choose the content, and I can walk away at any time.

Subject: RE: BS: Television
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 27 Jan 16 - 02:20 PM

So, Michael, two offsides to your obvious misinterpretation, and my ally is a Man U man fee chrissake. Eat shit, punk!

Subject: RE: BS: Television
From: GUEST,MikeL2
Date: 27 Jan 16 - 02:26 PM

HI Michael

I know what you mean about the changes in boundaries in Manchester and Liverpool. Even we who live here can't be bothered.

My elder son who lives in Altrincham and used to be in the County of
Cheshire., was "moved" into Trafford which is in Greater Manchester. They were not happy about "moving" out of Cheshire which has a higher status around here. In fact they refuse to have Trafford as part of their postal address and use Altrincham Cheshire.

In fact we used to live in Northwich Cheshire and without moving one inch we live in Chester West !!!

Still with me????

Funny old world innit?

Cheers

Mike

Subject: RE: BS: Television
From: GUEST,Raggytash
Date: 27 Jan 16 - 03:21 PM

MGM, so Lancashire is nowheresville is it. I think I can convince you it is actually God's County.

In order to do so I need you to tell me which is the established religion of this sceptre'd isle .........this blessed plot, this earth, this realm, this England.

Subject: RE: BS: Television
From: MGM·Lion
Date: 27 Jan 16 - 05:20 PM

No, Raggy -- you misunderstood. Lancashire is the Somewhere where things used to be; it is these new non-creations like Greater This'n'That & Somethingside & Wotsit·West which they have moved them to that constitute the Land Of Nowheresville (see MikeL's post just above).

Try to keep up, please!

≈M≈

Subject: RE: BS: Television
From: Joe_F
Date: 27 Jan 16 - 05:54 PM

In 1970 or thereabouts, I ordered a miniature TV from Sears, thinking I would keep it on the closet shelf & only let it out when it promised to behave. Sears told me that that model had been discontinued, but it would sell me the next bigger one for the same price. It was too big for the shelf, so that was the end of that.

Somewhat earlier (1962?), I lived in a graduate dorm that had one in the lounge. It would snare me on the way to my room, but only until the first commercial came on. Even studying was better than that.

Subject: RE: BS: Television
From: Ed T
Date: 27 Jan 16 - 07:04 PM

"I like to watch"
Chauncey Gardner, Being There

Subject: RE: BS: Television
From: GUEST,Guest from Sanity
Date: 28 Jan 16 - 12:38 AM

Oh well, if you don't like the posts, you can always change the thread...or something like that....and now a word from our sponsors...

GfS

Subject: RE: BS: Television
From: Seamus Kennedy
Date: 28 Jan 16 - 02:44 AM

Dick - here in the US, we get wonderful shows about old-timey,folk, bluegrass, country AND western, western swing, usually on PBS, which I watch every time they're on. Also the Irish/Scottish/Celtic shows, so I like watching and listening. However, what's the difference (nowadays) between TV and Youtube? I've enjoyed the performances of so many 'Catters - MGM-Lion, yourself, Big Mick, Debra Cowan and others via that medium that I may as well be watching television.
See you in June in Cork?

Subject: RE: BS: Television
From: Keith A of Hertford
Date: 28 Jan 16 - 04:13 AM

I have seen some excellent TV in recent months, and the cost trivial.
Why would anyone deprive themselves?

News and current affairs alone are worth having it.
I am following Jericho and Deutchland 1983.
I have watched the Homeland series, and any number of histories-Wars of The Roses, Tudors, Naval histories, Shipwrecks (current series).
Historical fiction- the series based on Cornwells stories of Alfred and the Danes, his Sharp stories, etc.
Cutting edge Science, archeology, it is all there.
Grab it.

Subject: RE: BS: Television
From: Will Fly
Date: 28 Jan 16 - 05:14 AM

what happened to all the wonderful plays, documentaries and really good series that BBC used to serve up?

Did you miss the Royal Institution Christmas Lectures, Stargazing, The Story of Scottish Art, Stonehenge: a Timewatch Guide, Death Camp Treblinka: Survivor Stories, Winterwatch, Trust Me, I'm a Doctor?

All BBC, and the last six were all on last night...

The problem, as I see it, with TV, is the necessity to fill all the channels 24 hours a day, plus the multiplicity of channels. So, while there's still a good core of intelligent and watchable programmes, that core is surrounded by an immense amount of fluff. (But many people are attracted to fluff).

Classic television from the past like the Civilization series and Monitor stood more in isolation than sucj programmes would these days.

Now, back to Casualty... (I'll get me coat).

Subject: RE: BS: Television
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 28 Jan 16 - 06:28 AM

Winterwatch last night was an absolute treat. I was flicking between it on the big telly and the Man City-Everton match on my iPhone and Winterwatch won out. Gorgeous.

Subject: RE: BS: Television
From: akenaton
Date: 28 Jan 16 - 06:30 AM

I do watch some decent documentaries Will, but the drama and entertainment sector has really gone downhill.
I was looking at a list of the weekly plays from 1964 to 79...absolute magic and great cast lists.

As said above these plays caused great discussion amongst ordinary folk.....As you probably know, I worked in the building trade, after watching "The Lump" a play concerning unprotected labour in the industry, I joined the Communist Party!
That's the sort of effect good drama can have on people. Right or wrong, it makes people think.

Not much to think about in present day drama(soap opera)

Subject: RE: BS: Television
From: MGM·Lion
Date: 28 Jan 16 - 08:53 AM

What everyone is adapting to the occasion in many of the most recent posts {eg Will at 0514} is, of course, Theodore Sturgeon's irrefutable Law Of Science Fiction: variously rendered, but in essence

"90% of SF is crud -- because 90% of everything is crud!"

...including tv, natch.

Everyone's remaining 10% will vary:- Seeking out that 10% which works for oneself is surely the essence of the matter...

Subject: RE: BS: Television
From: GUEST
Date: 28 Jan 16 - 09:07 AM

MGM·Lion - Just curious... what's your favourite Sci Fi, Western, and War movies ???

Do you have one of each genre you'd absolutely recommend to anyone ???

Subject: RE: BS: Television
From: MGM·Lion
Date: 28 Jan 16 - 09:43 AM

Off top of head, in genres specified: probably

The Incredible Shrinking Man or Bride Of Frankenstein

The Magnificent Seven or Stagecoach or Westward The Women or Drums Along The Mohawk or Shane

The Bridge On The River Kwai or The Real Glory or The Red Badge Of Courage or An Incident At Owl Creek Bridge

But I don't set up to be any sort of authority on film, these are just personal choices, as you ask. And I'd probably recall a completely different set if asked again in 6 months time!

≈M≈

Subject: RE: BS: Television
From: MGM·Lion
Date: 28 Jan 16 - 09:45 AM

... or even 5 minutes' time: forgot Dr Stangelove, innit!

Subject: RE: BS: Television
From: GUEST,leeneia
Date: 28 Jan 16 - 12:05 PM

"Why would anyone deprive themselves?"

Obviously Keith didn't read a word of MY post. Well, why would he? I'm female, American and not one of the Usual Suspects.

If he'd read it, he might have learned something. And he might have thought, "There are probably other people like her. Could be thousands of them, for all we know."

Have you ever noticed that in a doctor's waiting room or in an airport lounge where a TV is on, that almost nobody is watching it? And if they do watch, it is only briefly. Why is that? It seems like a good question to ask.

Subject: RE: BS: Television
From: GUEST
Date: 28 Jan 16 - 12:28 PM

Because Drs get a cut from the advertising on the TVs - irrespective if anyone is actually watching.

And yes Leenia, we get it you can't enjoy TV because of your health.
No need to make an issue of it.

I can no longer enjoy running and swimming because of my health.
Many of us also don't get as much sex as we used to because of our health.

so yes, we do understand why you don't watch TV.
So enjoy what you can do without such fuss.

Subject: RE: BS: Television
From: GUEST,Musket
Date: 28 Jan 16 - 12:45 PM

With Keith on this. (As I type, I see birds dropping out of the sky, but anyway..)

Whilst Mrs Musket and I wind down to bubblegum of a decent variety such as Silent Witness, Endeavour etc, I like to unwind to the gogglebox when I get in late after playing in clubs etc. The documentary quality, especially BBC is staggeringly good, and I reckon the government threat to clip the BBC wings could affect this treasure trove.

That said, it does amaze me how many homes you visit, the telly is a constant companion. We turn it on to watch something and then turn it off again. I doubt, F1, footy and cricket apart, that our tellies have been turned on during the day.

I'm not American or female or indeed a suspect, usual or special. Although I doubt I would learn something from anyone on the basis of being any of the above. What a strange odd post? This started by Dick telling us he doesn't own a telly. I don't own false teeth, a hippopotamus or a monkey Butler.

Subject: RE: BS: Television
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 28 Jan 16 - 01:25 PM

It's STRANGELOVE, Michael. Just like it's Mr Ban and MOSLEY. Heheh.

Subject: RE: BS: Television
From: Keith A of Hertford
Date: 28 Jan 16 - 01:46 PM

Leenia,
Obviously Keith didn't read a word of MY post. Well, why would he? I'm female,

I promise you I meant no offence Leenia, and I am so sorry if I did offend.
I was belatedly replying to the op and not to yourself in any way.

If you can be selective there is a treasure trove of delights available for almost no cost. I think we should embrace it. I do.

I am so sorry that you can not enjoy it as others do. I hope things can be improved for you. There are many ways of accessing the content some of which may be less difficult for you.

Subject: RE: BS: Television
From: MGM·Lion
Date: 28 Jan 16 - 01:46 PM

Fair cop, Steve. Enjoy your petty triumph over a simple typo -- you don't enjoy that many, now do you! Expect this'n'll make your year!

〠≈M≈〠

teeheeheeheeheeheeheehee......................................

Subject: RE: BS: Television
From: GUEST,punkfolkrocker
Date: 28 Jan 16 - 01:57 PM

Leenia - In the UK at least, BBC4 has been trialling "Slow TV "...

Subject: RE: BS: Television
From: GUEST,punkfolkrocker
Date: 28 Jan 16 - 02:12 PM

MGM - that was me asking [forgot to type my name again]...

Despite my adult life of lefty liberal progressive social / cultural politics..

I still love cowboy, war, and space movies...

Can't help it, I'm a product of a 1960s council estate TV enthralled childhood...

[apparently us lefties are allowed to admit to enjoying some sci fi ...???]

Thanks, there are films on your list that have passed out of my memory
that i can check out again.....



..anyway, I'll say a mixture of encyclopaedias, wide ranging TV viewing, and American super hero comics
all gave me the breadth of knowledge and interests & immagination to pass the 11 plus and 'move up' to grammar school...

Subject: RE: BS: Television
From: GUEST,Musket
Date: 28 Jan 16 - 03:44 PM

Keith. Can I have royalty payments for you using "treasure trove?"

My regret remains not owning a monkey butler.

Subject: RE: BS: Television
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 28 Jan 16 - 05:32 PM

I can't follow plots and Mrs Steve rips my head off if I keep having to ask what's going on. The films I love are all the Pink Panthers, Butch Cassidy, all the Naked Guns, Airplane! And Blazing Saddles. I always watch 2001 when it comes on the telly though I haven't a clue what it's all about. I never read novels. I'm a non-fiction man on the whole, in spite of the bollix that I post here at times. ;-) Mind you, I get a fair bit of fiction on this website!

Subject: RE: BS: Television
From: GUEST,Shimrod
Date: 28 Jan 16 - 05:49 PM

"Lancashire is the Somewhere where things used to be; it is these new non-creations like Greater This'n'That & Somethingside & Wotsit·West ..."

News just in!

Apparently large swathes of the north west of England are soon going to be amalgamated to form a new county called "Developershire".This new regional designation finally acknowledges that most of the region belongs to developers and most of the local authorities exist purely to service developers' needs, accede to their demands and give them every assistance in their schemes to concrete over as much as possible.

Subject: RE: BS: Television
From: Will Fly
Date: 28 Jan 16 - 05:56 PM

Apparently large swathes of the north west of England are soon going to be amalgamated to form a new county called "Developershire".This new regional designation finally acknowledges that most of the region belongs to developers and most of the local authorities exist purely to service developers' needs, accede to their demands and give them every assistance in their schemes to concrete over as much as possible.

Hah! I thought that was West Sussex...

Subject: RE: BS: Television
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 28 Jan 16 - 06:00 PM

Nah, it's Taunton and Bude.

Subject: RE: BS: Television
From: MGM·Lion
Date: 29 Jan 16 - 12:41 AM

Steve: Something we do have in common, however much we may differ on some issues, is this inability to fill in the holes in the plots of so much tv drama. I genuinely think it isn't just us, it's writers vainly struggling for too much mystifying originality of effect who are to blame.

Which reminds me of a beef I have with contemp commercial channels:-

All these narrative ads, which seem to consist of a series of random and arbitrary 'happenings' & images, to me frequently add up to no comprehensible content whatever; often I can't even make out what·the·hell product is being 'advertised'!

Smartarse ad-agency pundits are taking over the world. Let us UNITE TO DEFEAT THEM, I say... Tho quite how I'm none too sure.

≈M≈

Subject: RE: BS: Television
From: GUEST,Guest from Sanity
Date: 29 Jan 16 - 02:51 AM

Just THINK(for a change) on how much you think you know...that you got from television, and the accumulation of fictionalized 'facts'!..whether it be movies or fictionalized 'news'.

just for an experiment: Go out into the woods, or somewhere in nature, take a long walk, after leaving your cell phones at home, or any other device of artificial stimulation, then go home and turn on the tube.
Notice the difference in the peace, and depth of thought, vs jumping into the world of make believe??

'...and now a word from our sponsors...'

GfS

Subject: RE: BS: Television
From: GUEST,Musket
Date: 29 Jan 16 - 03:05 AM

Back in the '70s, when children's telly was a couple of hours at teatime, there was a programme called "Why don't you turn off your television set and go and do something less boring instead." I think that was the title. It featured ideas of things to do (other than stand on street corners or lob bricks through the youth club window.)

There's irony for you.

Michael. I wouldn't worry. Probably not marketed at your particular sector...

Subject: RE: BS: Television
From: GUEST,Lapid
Date: 29 Jan 16 - 03:16 AM

"The couch potato marathon gold medal goes to Britain"

Subject: RE: BS: Television
From: GUEST,theleveller
Date: 29 Jan 16 - 03:47 AM

I've found that not posting very often on Mudcat gives me more time to watch telly - and for all the other things I love, such as reading, writing, walking and volunteering for the Woodland Trust.

Back in the day, I used to watch television mainly for the commercials, which were mostly far superior to the programmes. Hardly surprising when you consider that it's where some great directors like Alan Parker, Ridley and Tony Scott, Nic Roeg, Richard Loncraine and others learned their craft - to say nothing of the superb British film technicians, editors and sound recordists. Nowadays most of the commercials are rubbish, with one or two gems, and the programmes have also deteriorated (is there a correlation?). Even so, amongst the interminable drivel of reality and talent shows, there are still some programmes I wouldn't want to have missed. It's part of being the well-rounded and well-adjusted person that I am :0

Subject: RE: BS: Television
From: GUEST,theleveller
Date: 29 Jan 16 - 03:51 AM

"Smartarse ad-agency pundits are taking over the world. Let us UNITE TO DEFEAT THEM, I say..."

I'd like to help but I've pretty much retired from the business.

Subject: RE: BS: Television
From: Jack Blandiver
Date: 29 Jan 16 - 04:01 AM

I'm a non-fiction man on the whole, in spite of the bollix that I post here at times

There's an intergalactic lawman by the name of Officer Bolix (wonderfully played by Werner Klemperer) who crops up in Irwin Allen's seminal 60s TV sci-fi Lost in Space (series one, episode 26 (!) : All that Glitters). Just the one L, but the cast have great fun pronouncing it as if it has two throughout.

Subject: RE: BS: Television
From: GUEST
Date: 29 Jan 16 - 04:42 AM

Wilma's mouth tackles Fred and Barney's big bollocks

Subject: RE: BS: Television
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 29 Jan 16 - 06:30 AM

Musket - My regret remains not owning a monkey butler.

I thought everyone had one nowadays? How do you live without... :-)

Talking of big bollocks reminded to me address GfS's usual shite. I walk in the countryside. A lot. Where I go there is often no mobile signal anyway. I still enjoy the TV. More than ever now due to the plethora of choice via network devices. For some reason or another there are nutters like goofus who think that people who watch TV cannot do anything else.

On mainstream TV I am enjoying -

Endeavour (Just finished. Not going to watch 'Vera')
Jericho
Winterwatch
Midsummer Murders
Death in Paradise

On the net enjoying
Netflix 'Jessica Jones'.
Amazon 'Vikings'
Kodi via Raspberry Pi, any film that takes my fancy and
YouTube 'Have Gun Will Travel' :-)

Still find time to read, play music, enjoy the Grandkids, Walk, work, sleep and all sorts of other things:-)

Enjoy anything and everything - You only live once!

Subject: RE: BS: Television
From: GUEST,Raggytash
Date: 29 Jan 16 - 06:49 AM

I don't watch a great deal of television but the recent airing of Immortal Egypt with Professor Joann Fletcher presenting was superb. Her enthusiasm for the subject is brilliant and possibly contagious. I can't be bothered with soaps, have no interest in the "property porn" am a good enough chef to be able to ignore the cooking shows, (although I do sometimes watch James Martin, again his enthusiasm is worth it) Football and Rugby Sport I will sometimes watch, however if crickets on it is difficult to get me away from the screen.

I dislike television in pubs with a passion. I've never quite figured out how a licensee can have television and a radio or jukebox playing at the same time. Beggars belief in my book. Frankly I can do without either of them. Jukeboxes being the spawn of the devil.

Subject: RE: BS: Television
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 29 Jan 16 - 08:18 AM

Agreed about the Egypt series. It was compelling, and that stuff doesn't usually grab me unless I go/have been there. I've recorded Richard Fortey's series about islands. Must find a spare three hours to watch it!

Subject: RE: BS: Television
From: GUEST,MikeL2
Date: 29 Jan 16 - 11:12 AM

Hi Michael

<"All these narrative ads, which seem to consist of a series of random and arbitrary 'happenings' & images, to me frequently add up to no comprehensible content whatever; often I can't even make out what·the·hell product is being 'advertised'!">

Couldn't agree more. I am so glad you posted this: I thought it was only me that had this problem. Thought dementia was setting in.

Cheers

Mike

Ps did anyone see Man City's goal against Everton ??? Oh dear Lines man !!!!!

Subject: RE: BS: Television
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 29 Jan 16 - 12:29 PM

That decision was a horror. The pity is that a goal at that juncture must have had a terrible psychological effect on Everton. When a similar outrage happened to Liverpool the day before, at least the "goal" didn't turn the game. The players and the fans deserve better than these lousy decisions. They pay bloody good money to watch what should be well-run matches and the game is richer than Croesus. Let's have the technology.

Subject: RE: BS: Television
From: GUEST,Guest from Sanity
Date: 29 Jan 16 - 03:03 PM

Dave the Gnutt: "Talking of big bollocks reminded to me address GfS's usual shite. I walk in the countryside. A lot. Where I go there is often no mobile signal anyway. I still enjoy the TV. More than ever now due to the plethora of choice via network devices. For some reason or another there are nutters like goofus who think that people who watch TV cannot do anything else."

Apparently you must watch a LOT of T.V....enough to not be able to read and comprehend something simple, as suggested in my post...and then you try to interpret it into something else that I was NOT alluding to..(happens all the time with political party minds). What I suggested was to, "... then go home and turn on the tube.
Notice the difference in the peace, and depth of thought, vs jumping into the world of make believe??"

I'm sure you can COMPARE, can't you????....or have you been reduced mentally, of not comprehending either the post, a suggestion, or something that the 'party', didn't indoctrinate you for????

Never mind. Go back to your T.V. and become an expert at being mind numb....and only aware of what reality you've become PROGRAMMED to!!

GfS

P.S. Besides, being 'mind numb' makes for BORING, unimaginative, regurgitated 'music'(?).

Subject: RE: BS: Television
From: GUEST,Musket
Date: 29 Jan 16 - 03:31 PM

Post in wrong reality for that matter...

Hey Dave! Does your monkey butler do agency work in his spare time? I can only pay peanuts like, but the fringe benefits are ok. I'm used to flinging shit so he could fit right in.

Subject: RE: BS: Television
From: GUEST
Date: 29 Jan 16 - 03:32 PM

... or in other words..

if there's nothing good to watch on the telly, settle back and have a good wank...