The Who We Are update: First fortnight of the silly season, 2009

Wednesday May 9, 2007 04:08 PM

Who We Are

This week's forum is now a heritage item - worth studying but no longer current. For the latest on Australian attitudes and media trends, go to blogs.sunherald.com.au/whoweare.

To learn what Kyle Sandilands, Baz Luhrmann and Poh have in common, go to The Tribal Mind.
To discuss some of the strangest things written about Australia in 2009, go to Who We Are.

The ratings race, updated 9 am Monday
For the winners of the limerick contest, go here.

This was Pay TV's account of itself for the week: "High School Musical 3: Senior Year, the third movie in the series, premiered on Disney Channel with 108,000 viewers. NCIS on TV1 also had 108,000 viewers on the Tuesday night broadcast while Grand Designs Abroad on Lifestyle had its best result of the year with 101,000 people. Midsomer Murders on UKTV was watched by 97,000 people and this week's episode from the third season of Gossip Girl on FOX8 scored 92,000 people. Friends on 111 Hits was watched by 75,000 people, Law & Order on W was seen by 69,000 subscribers, Taggart on 13th Street had 68,000 people and Zoey 101 on Nickelodeon was watched by 68,000 viewers.

"In sport, Live: Football: A-League Bris v Adel on FOX Sports was watched by 69,000 people and Sky Raceday on Sky Racing was seen by 66,000 people. In the second week of summer, subscription TV won the week around Australia with subscription TV channels accounting for 24.1% of all metropolitan viewing between 6am and midnight, 21.6% of all regional viewing and 61.0% of all viewing in subscription TV homes."

What Women aged 16-39 watched, week ending December 12
Description Total Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 GLEE Ten 246,000 67,000 64,000 60,000 23,000 32,000
2 PRIVATE PRACTICE-TUE Seven 228,000 76,000 59,000 44,000 29,000 20,000
3 M - THE 40 YEAR OLD VIRGIN RPT Ten 217,000 49,000 74,000 44,000 22,000 27,000
4 FUTURAMA WED RPT Ten 180,000 50,000 61,000 28,000 21,000 21,000
5 THE AMAZING RACE 15 - TUE Seven 180,000 65,000 56,000 27,000 21,000 12,000
6 TWO AND A HALF MEN -TUE Nine 180,000 58,000 47,000 32,000 12,000 31,000
7 SURVIVOR: SAMOA Nine 179,000 58,000 64,000 25,000 15,000 16,000
8 THE MIDDLE Nine 178,000 63,000 50,000 30,000 15,000 21,000
9 BONES (R) Seven 177,000 48,000 51,000 42,000 12,000 25,000
10 TWO AND A HALF MEN -MON Nine 174,000 50,000 58,000 30,000 18,000 18,000
11 MR. & MRS. SMITH -RPT Nine 173,000 54,000 61,000 21,000 21,000 17,000
12 ACCIDENTALLY ON PURPOSE Ten 171,000 47,000 47,000 40,000 16,000 21,000
13 GARY UNMARRIED-TUE Seven 171,000 54,000 58,000 25,000 16,000 17,000
14 HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER-SUMMER Seven 168,000 44,000 51,000 36,000 18,000 19,000
15 THE MENTALIST -RPT Nine 165,000 36,000 60,000 35,000 13,000 21,000
16 THE CLEVELAND SHOW Ten 164,000 50,000 45,000 28,000 20,000 21,000
17 THE FORCE - BEHIND THE LINE-MON (R) Seven 159,000 49,000 30,000 40,000 17,000 22,000
18 THE SIMPSONS WED Ten 157,000 48,000 57,000 24,000 15,000 13,000
19 BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS SUMMER Seven 156,000 48,000 46,000 28,000 18,000 16,000
20 WHITE COLLAR TUES Ten 151,000 29,000 45,000 44,000 14,000 19,000
21 LIE TO ME THURS RPT Ten 147,000 21,000 54,000 34,000 18,000 20,000

22 DESTROYED IN SECONDS Seven 145,000 37,000 25,000 48,000 16,000 19,000
23 GARY UNMARRIED-THU Seven 145,000 36,000 42,000 32,000 17,000 18,000
24 SUPERNATURAL Ten 144,000 41,000 47,000 33,000 14,000 9,000
25 M-THE SANTA CLAUSE 2 Seven 143,000 43,000 47,000 26,000 14,000 13,000
121 HEROES 7TWO 48,000 18,000 11,000 7,000 8,000 4,000
140 UGLY BETTY 7TWO 41,000 14,000 10,000 8,000 5,000 5,000
158 CONSTANTINE GO! 36,000 8,000 7,000 6,000 12,000 2,000
159 REAPER 7TWO 36,000 10,000 13,000 3,000 9,000 0
163 STARGATE ATLANTIS 7TWO 35,000 9,000 16,000 2,000 4,000 3,000
168 WIPEOUT GO! 34,000 7,000 8,000 8,000 5,000 6,000
(OzTAM mainland capitals)

What Australia watched, Saturday
Description Total Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 SEVEN NEWS - SAT Seven 1,073,000 277,000 339,000 213,000 90,000 154,000
2 ABC NEWS-SA ABC1 877,000 243,000 289,000 155,000 85,000 106,000
3 NINE NEWS SATURDAY Nine 812,000 190,000 271,000 168,000 103,000 81,000
4 THE BILL ABC1 807,000 251,000 205,000 134,000 87,000 130,000
5 ABC NEWS UP-DATE ABC1 781,000 253,000 231,000 112,000 84,000 100,000
6 NO LEAVE NO LIFE Seven 771,000 177,000 266,000 151,000 69,000 108,000
7 HOPE SPRINGS ABC1 767,000 229,000 234,000 117,000 89,000 99,000
8 TAGGART ABC1 755,000 210,000 227,000 125,000 88,000 105,000
9 BORDERLINE Seven 670,000 161,000 223,000 139,000 60,000 87,000
10 WIPEOUT Nine 612,000 146,000 185,000 128,000 73,000 80,000
12 CRUSOE Nine 593,000 148,000 169,000 120,000 82,000 75,000
13 KINGDOM Seven 565,000 128,000 181,000 112,000 65,000 79,000
15 WALLANDER Seven 496,000 105,000 208,000 85,000 43,000 54,000
23 MYTHBUSTERS SBS ONE 349,000 87,000 101,000 82,000 40,000 39,000
24 AFI AWARDS 2009 Nine 343,000 87,000 128,000 48,000 53,000 28,000
27 IRON CHEF SBS ONE 288,000 91,000 82,000 45,000 39,000 31,000
33 ROCKWIZ SBS ONE 205,000 63,000 50,000 45,000 23,000 23,000
47 M-ROCKY III 7TWO 135,000 34,000 49,000 24,000 13,000 16,000
55 M-ROCKY II 7TWO 120,000 35,000 44,000 23,000 7,000 10,000

What Australia watched, Friday
Description Total Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 SEVEN NEWS Seven 1,098,000 281,000 342,000 204,000 136,000 135,000
2 TODAY TONIGHT Seven 1,064,000 252,000 326,000 213,000 133,000 139,000
3 BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS SUMMER Seven 987,000 262,000 301,000 171,000 127,000 126,000
4 ABC NEWS ABC1 874,000 269,000 278,000 153,000 87,000 87,000
5 NINE NEWS Nine 868,000 241,000 249,000 208,000 92,000 78,000
6 M-THE SANTA CLAUSE 2 Seven 787,000 195,000 283,000 133,000 83,000 94,000
7 A CURRENT AFFAIR Nine 765,000 205,000 225,000 174,000 81,000 80,000
8 MOTORWAY PATROL Nine 740,000 203,000 212,000 138,000 83,000 104,000
9 WIRE IN THE BLOOD RPT ABC1 730,000 208,000 225,000 127,000 67,000 104,000
13 HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER-SUMMER Seven 668,000 150,000 182,000 135,000 103,000 97,000
16 MALCOLM IN THE MIDDLE Ten 542,000 147,000 196,000 65,000 60,000 73,000
21 DESTINATION: FIFA WORLD CUP RPT SBS ONE 487,000 131,000 167,000 108,000 33,000 49,000
23 TOP GEAR SBS ONE 423,000 107,000 146,000 94,000 31,000 44,000
24 BONDI VET FRI RPT Ten 390,000 102,000 106,000 75,000 31,000 75,000
37 JOHN SAFRAN: THE LOST PILOT-LE ABC1 255,000 67,000 85,000 54,000 23,000 26,000
42 THE ZOO-SUMMER Seven 216,000 63,000 57,000 37,000 30,000 29,000
64 MOTHER AND SON 7TWO 143,000 35,000 43,000 33,000 16,000 14,000

What Australia watched, Thursday
Description Total Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 SEVEN NEWS Seven 1,162,000 277,000 367,000 221,000 141,000 156,000
2 TODAY TONIGHT Seven 1,069,000 235,000 339,000 213,000 141,000 141,000
3 ABC NEWS ABC1 1,011,000 315,000 294,000 197,000 77,000 129,000
4 NINE NEWS Nine 973,000 287,000 298,000 202,000 101,000 84,000
5 A CURRENT AFFAIR Nine 946,000 258,000 321,000 203,000 69,000 95,000
6 7.30 REPORT ABC1 884,000 327,000 229,000 161,000 76,000 91,000
7 GETAWAY Nine 870,000 244,000 272,000 160,000 87,000 108,000
8 HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER-SUMMER Seven 778,000 177,000 251,000 160,000 94,000 96,000
9 RESCUE SPECIAL OPS -RPT Nine 751,000 201,000 237,000 121,000 89,000 103,000
10 CSI: NY Nine 749,000 221,000 221,000 107,000 111,000 89,000
11 LIE TO ME THURS RPT Ten 741,000 168,000 285,000 129,000 71,000 87,000
12 AUSTRALIA'S FUNNIEST HOME VIDEO - DAILY EDITION Nine 731,000 192,000 237,000 147,000 58,000 97,000
13 TEN NEWS AT FIVE Ten 710,000 173,000 229,000 128,000 83,000 96,000
14 WHACKED OUT SPORTS Seven 694,000 167,000 221,000 137,000 72,000 97,000
15 GARY UNMARRIED-THU Seven 682,000 147,000 215,000 144,000 80,000 94,000
16 FRANCESCO'S MEDITERRANEAN VOYAGE ABC1 657,000 228,000 167,000 116,000 54,000 91,000
17 THE 7PM PROJECT Ten 631,000 175,000 230,000 100,000 66,000 61,000
18 MALCOLM IN THE MIDDLE Ten 602,000 178,000 232,000 80,000 64,000 48,000
41 STARGATE ATLANTIS 7TWO 250,000 72,000 96,000 36,000 21,000 25,000
72 FIFTH GEAR 7TWO 143,000 42,000 46,000 29,000 15,000 10,000

What Australia watched, Wednesday
Description Total Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 SEVEN NEWS Seven 1,185,000 299,000 346,000 205,000 168,000 167,000
2 TODAY TONIGHT Seven 1,175,000 312,000 344,000 216,000 144,000 160,000
3 ABC NEWS ABC1 970,000 290,000 280,000 184,000 89,000 127,000
4 NINE NEWS Nine 944,000 259,000 297,000 190,000 111,000 87,000
5 CITY HOMICIDE (R) Seven 931,000 219,000 331,000 166,000 97,000 118,000
6 TWO AND A HALF MEN -TUE Nine 913,000 279,000 274,000 162,000 86,000 111,000
7 COLD CASE Nine 907,000 262,000 292,000 151,000 96,000 107,000
8 7.30 REPORT ABC1 875,000 265,000 240,000 185,000 80,000 105,000
9 WHAT'S GOOD FOR YOU -RPT Nine 869,000 264,000 282,000 131,000 81,000 111,000
10 AIR CRASH INVESTIGATIONS-WED Seven 826,000 224,000 233,000 163,000 89,000 118,000
14 THE CLEVELAND SHOW Ten 749,000 199,000 249,000 139,000 71,000 90,000
20 MY FAMILY ABC1 630,000 177,000 158,000 135,000 67,000 92,000
21 MALCOLM IN THE MIDDLE Ten 594,000 167,000 207,000 84,000 68,000 68,000
27 CALIFORNICATION WED Ten 453,000 116,000 179,000 73,000 45,000 39,000
33 JOHN SAFRAN'S RACE RELATIONS ABC1 322,000 112,000 88,000 52,000 39,000 31,000
81 HEROES 7TWO 124,000 45,000 30,000 21,000 19,000 8,000

What Australia watched, Tuesday
Description Total Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 SEVEN NEWS Seven 1,429,000 413,000 492,000 213,000 137,000 174,000
2 TODAY TONIGHT Seven 1,256,000 356,000 388,000 206,000 136,000 171,000
3 A CURRENT AFFAIR Nine 1,001,000 301,000 348,000 174,000 84,000 95,000
4 NINE NEWS Nine 988,000 276,000 303,000 192,000 112,000 105,000
5 ABC NEWS ABC1 979,000 301,000 273,000 202,000 84,000 118,000
6 SNOWDON AND MARGARET: INSIDE A ROYAL MARRIAGE ABC1 960,000 310,000 263,000 166,000 102,000 118,000
7 7.30 REPORT ABC1 930,000 305,000 234,000 208,000 86,000 96,000
8 SURVIVOR: SAMOA Nine 911,000 283,000 347,000 123,000 72,000 86,000
9 PRIVATE PRACTICE-TUE Seven 899,000 270,000 267,000 162,000 117,000 83,000
12 JAIL BIRDS ABC1 838,000 235,000 251,000 169,000 88,000 94,000
13 WHACKED OUT SPORTS Seven 827,000 232,000 249,000 162,000 96,000 88,000
14 MR. & MRS. SMITH -RPT Nine 792,000 247,000 284,000 91,000 78,000 92,000
15 GARY UNMARRIED-TUE Seven 757,000 193,000 286,000 116,000 77,000 84,000
16 THE AMAZING RACE 15 - TUE Seven 728,000 232,000 241,000 113,000 76,000 66,000
18 ACCIDENTALLY ON PURPOSE Ten 725,000 173,000 211,000 161,000 88,000 92,000
19 MALCOLM IN THE MIDDLE Ten 685,000 202,000 254,000 97,000 61,000 70,000
20 WHITE COLLAR TUES Ten 685,000 156,000 243,000 138,000 74,000 74,000
25 THE OFFICE TUES Ten 584,000 150,000 176,000 110,000 77,000 72,000
33 30 ROCK (R) Seven 334,000 106,000 110,000 56,000 32,000 31,000
38 DHARMA & GREG Ten 294,000 74,000 82,000 71,000 37,000 31,000
51 THE CIRCUIT SBS ONE 212,000 53,000 69,000 26,000 30,000 34,000
53 PARKS AND RECREATION Seven 201,000 60,000 78,000 25,000 14,000 23,000
63 REAPER 7TWO 172,000 47,000 68,000 27,000 19,000 12,000
65 UGLY BETTY 7TWO 170,000 55,000 54,000 25,000 15,000 21,000
75 MOTHER AND SON 7TWO 138,000 26,000 54,000 19,000 23,000 16,000

The ratings race, updated 10 am Tuesday
How mischievous is Ten -- repeating Malcolm in the Middle just when Nine launches The Middle ... And what did you make of The Middle, anyway? Typical silly season secondrater or potential for prime time?

What Australia watched, Monday
Description Total Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 SEVEN NEWS Seven 1,289,000 346,000 371,000 239,000 162,000 171,000
2 TODAY TONIGHT Seven 1,217,000 325,000 347,000 235,000 160,000 151,000
3 NINE NEWS Nine 1,149,000 318,000 406,000 194,000 124,000 107,000
4 ABC NEWS ABC1 1,096,000 334,000 308,000 208,000 95,000 150,000
5 TWO AND A HALF MEN -MON Nine 1,088,000 277,000 407,000 159,000 91,000 153,000
6 A CURRENT AFFAIR Nine 1,081,000 308,000 383,000 194,000 92,000 104,000
7 THE MENTALIST -RPT Nine 1,041,000 261,000 414,000 156,000 98,000 112,000
8 THE MIDDLE Nine 1,027,000 302,000 367,000 139,000 79,000 140,000
14 ELDERS WITH ANDREW DENTON ABC1 804,000 231,000 242,000 169,000 68,000 94,000
16 TOP GEAR RPT SBS ONE 735,000 218,000 199,000 156,000 63,000 99,000
18 MALCOLM IN THE MIDDLE Ten 653,000 204,000 196,000 106,000 75,000 72,000
20 DESTINATION: FIFA WORLD CUP SBS ONE 621,000 190,000 180,000 129,000 54,000 69,000
23 LILIES ABC1 580,000 162,000 174,000 107,000 65,000 71,000
25 FUTURAMA MON Ten 549,000 138,000 194,000 106,000 52,000 58,000
26 SUPERNATURAL Ten 546,000 153,000 185,000 117,000 54,000 37,000
34 30 ROCK (R) Seven 318,000 75,000 92,000 70,000 38,000 43,000
65 HEARTBEAT 7TWO 164,000 33,000 48,000 39,000 31,000 13,000
69 MOTHER AND SON 7TWO 156,000 27,000 62,000 28,000 26,000 13,000
111 NURSE JACKIE MON Ten 84,000 50,000 13,000 13,000 7,000 1,000

The ratings race, updated 11 am Monday
Here's Pay TV's account of itself for the first week of the silly season: "In the first week of summer, subscription TV delivered more entertainment, information and viewers than any of the broadcast operators, comfortably winning the week around Australia. In week 49, subscription TV channels accounted for 24.0% of all metropolitan viewing between 6am and midnight (up from 22.4% in the previous week), 21.9% of all regional viewing (up from 21.4%) and 61.3% of all viewing in subscription TV homes (up from 58.2%).

"The Simpsons on FOX8 topped the week with 126,000 viewers, NCIS on TV1 had 111,000 people and Midsomer Murders on UKTV was watched by 102,000 subscribers. Grand Designs on Lifestyle was seen by 96,000 while FMC, Family Movie Channel, one of the 12 brand new channels on subscription TV, showed Kung Fu Panda on Sunday afternoon to 88,000 viewers. 13th Street, another new channel on the platform, proved popular with Taggart drawing 73,000 viewers, Wizards of Waverly Place on Disney Channel was watched by 72,000 people and Tuesday's News Day on Sky News drew 70,000 people as the Federal Opposition anointed a new leader.

"In sport, Live: Football: A-League Adel v Newc on FOX Sports was watched by 73,000 people and Sky Raceday on Sky Racing was seen by 62,000 people."

What Australia watched, Sunday
Description Total Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 BORDER PATROL-SUN Seven 1,350,000 373,000 411,000 283,000 140,000 143,000
2 SEVEN NEWS - SUN Seven 1,246,000 349,000 321,000 290,000 131,000 154,000
3 NINE NEWS SUNDAY Nine 1,180,000 305,000 445,000 185,000 142,000 104,000
4 OUTBACK WILDLIFE RESCUE Seven 1,158,000 337,000 353,000 211,000 114,000 144,000
5 BONES (R) Seven 1,119,000 320,000 298,000 234,000 116,000 150,000
6 THE ZOO (R) Seven 994,000 339,000 315,000 222,000 117,000
7 CHRISTMAS WITH THE AUSTRALIAN WOMEN'S WEEKLY Nine 981,000 248,000 363,000 172,000 106,000 92,000
8 ABC NEWS-SU ABC1 936,000 289,000 252,000 182,000 75,000 139,000
9 GLEE Ten 871,000 235,000 264,000 194,000 72,000 106,000
10 THE 40 YEAR OLD VIRGIN RPT Ten 801,000 207,000 294,000 120,000 78,000 102,000
13 DOCTOR WHO: THE WATERS OF MARS ABC1 731,000 262,000 143,000 126,000 75,000 124,000
16 SECOND TEST - AUSTRALIA V WEST INDIES Nine 649,000 151,000 244,000 101,000 74,000 79,000
19 CONSUMING PASSION: 100 YEARS OF MILLS AND BOON ABC1 516,000 179,000 112,000 88,000 66,000 72,000
22 A HISTORY OF SCOTLAND SBS ONE 449,000 135,000 129,000 87,000 45,000 53,000
33 WIPEOUT GO! 240,000 50,000 85,000 42,000 25,000 38,000

The ratings race, updated 10 am Saturday
This week's contest to suggest what Malcolm will do next seems to have morphed into a poetry competition (see Comments, below). We're happy to go with the flow, but to avoid anarchy, we will set some parameters. We're looking for a limerick about federal or NSW politics. Ideally it would follow the traditional rhyme structure and would conform with the laws of defamation and obscenity. Prize will be a copy of The Little Book of Australia, when it's released on January 26.

What Australia watched, Saturday, including all the FIFA fuss
Description Total Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 SEVEN NEWS - SAT Seven 1,155,000 299,000 299,000 283,000 133,000 140,000
2 NINE NEWS SATURDAY Nine 1,012,000 307,000 358,000 135,000 103,000 109,000
3 ABC NEWS-SA ABC1 933,000 248,000 305,000 187,000 86,000 107,000
4 THE BILL ABC1 809,000 234,000 173,000 161,000 115,000 126,000
5 TAGGART ABC1 750,000 212,000 149,000 161,000 120,000 107,000
6 CRUSOE Nine 747,000 205,000 225,000 117,000 71,000 129,000
7 ABC NEWS UP-DATE ABC1 746,000 211,000 166,000 148,000 107,000 114,000
8 NO LEAVE NO LIFE Seven 735,000 177,000 183,000 186,000 87,000 102,000
9 HOPE SPRINGS ABC1 732,000 172,000 210,000 157,000 93,000 100,000
10 WIPEOUT Nine 677,000 191,000 223,000 95,000 58,000 109,000
11 KINGDOM Seven 641,000 149,000 187,000 157,000 62,000 86,000
12 TITANIC Ten 610,000 171,000 184,000 110,000 76,000 68,000
13 BORDERLINE Seven 591,000 140,000 143,000 150,000 63,000 95,000
14 BEST OF GARDENING AUSTRALIA ABC1 546,000 131,000 186,000 106,000 66,000 57,000
15 SECOND TEST - AUSTRALIA V WEST INDIES Nine 528,000 146,000 173,000 83,000 67,000 59,000
16 TEN NEWS AT FIVE SAT Ten 503,000 117,000 167,000 87,000 56,000 76,000
17 WALLANDER Seven 493,000 114,000 179,000 96,000 51,000 53,000
18 THE AVATAR - ENTER THE WORLD Nine 473,000 112,000 171,000 54,000 48,000 88,000
19 REBUS RPT ABC1 417,000 113,000 111,000 81,000 61,000 51,000
185 2010 FIFA WORLD CUP FINAL DRAW SBS ONE 23,000 4,000 5,000 3,000 1,000 10,000
230 2010 FIFA WORLD CUP FINAL DRAW RPT SBS TWO 10,000 4,000 3,000 1,000 1,000 2,000
241 2010 FIFA WORLD CUP FINAL DRAW UPDATE SBS ONE 8,000 0 4,000 2,000 0 2,000

What the rich watched (what OzTAM calls Occupational Groups 1 and 2), week ending December 5
Description Total Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 BONES (R) Seven 465,000 107,000 117,000 129,000 60,000 53,000
2 FLASHFORWARD Seven 453,000 147,000 122,000 80,000 46,000 58,000
3 20 TO 1 -RPT Nine 450,000 120,000 147,000 79,000 47,000 57,000
4 BORDER PATROL-SUN Seven 440,000 112,000 117,000 104,000 60,000 46,000
5 MELBOURNE INTERNATIONAL COMEDY FESTIVAL Ten 436,000 134,000 144,000 88,000 37,000 32,000
6 THE MENTALIST -RPT Nine 426,000 118,000 136,000 91,000 31,000 49,000
7 DESTROYED IN SECONDS Seven 421,000 130,000 103,000 97,000 34,000 58,000
8 SEVEN NEWS - SUN Seven 401,000 101,000 99,000 98,000 49,000 54,000
9 THE BIG BANG THEORY -RPT Nine 391,000 92,000 124,000 94,000 29,000 52,000
10 WHAT'S GOOD FOR YOU THIS SUMMER Nine 380,000 105,000 120,000 67,000 29,000 59,000
11 TWO AND A HALF MEN -RPT Nine 379,000 95,000 120,000 80,000 30,000 54,000
12 GLEE Ten 373,000 123,000 85,000 97,000 31,000 37,000
13 COLD CASE Nine 372,000 98,000 116,000 66,000 41,000 51,000
14 ELDERS WITH ANDREW DENTON ABC1 371,000 139,000 89,000 61,000 41,000 42,000
15 BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS SUMMER Seven 371,000 121,000 105,000 67,000 33,000 44,000
16 NINE NEWS SUNDAY Nine 371,000 86,000 137,000 70,000 46,000 31,000
17 THE FORCE - BEHIND THE LINE-MON (R) Seven 363,000 96,000 97,000 88,000 27,000 56,000
18 OUTBACK WILDLIFE RESCUE Seven 363,000 85,000 99,000 84,000 50,000 45,000
19 OCEAN'S THIRTEEN -RPT Nine 357,000 116,000 108,000 69,000 22,000 41,000
20 PRIVATE PRACTICE-TUE Seven 351,000 121,000 93,000 77,000 35,000 26,000
21 ACCIDENTALLY ON PURPOSE Ten 351,000 95,000 105,000 74,000 36,000 41,000
22 NINE NEWS SATURDAY Nine 343,000 107,000 137,000 45,000 27,000 27,000
23 TODAY TONIGHT UNSEEN: 24 HOURS IN 60 MINUTES Seven 342,000 83,000 84,000 101,000 32,000 41,000
24 CASTLE (R) Seven 336,000 101,000 102,000 62,000 37,000 35,000
25 GETAWAY Nine 332,000 110,000 93,000 67,000 29,000 33,000
26 CITY HOMICIDE-WED (R) Seven 330,000 87,000 109,000 68,000 34,000 32,000
27 ABC NEWS ABC1 328,000 105,000 92,000 57,000 32,000 42,000
28 COLD CASE -RPT Nine 326,000 87,000 93,000 61,000 40,000 45,000
29 PRINCE CHARLES' OTHER MISTRESS ABC1 324,000 96,000 105,000 70,000 22,000 30,000
30 SEVEN NEWS - SAT Seven 323,000 81,000 77,000 98,000 31,000 35,000
(OzTAM mainland capitals)

What Australia watched, Friday
Description Total Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 SEVEN NEWS Seven 1,078,000 242,000 332,000 228,000 128,000 147,000
2 BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS SUMMER Seven 1,029,000 323,000 290,000 161,000 113,000 141,000
3 NINE NEWS Nine 961,000 266,000 321,000 169,000 113,000 93,000
4 TODAY TONIGHT Seven 960,000 230,000 265,000 213,000 114,000 138,000
5 M-THE SANTA CLAUSE Seven 893,000 233,000 295,000 143,000 97,000 126,000
6 ABC NEWS ABC1 885,000 251,000 235,000 188,000 83,000 129,000
7 A CURRENT AFFAIR Nine 863,000 252,000 300,000 154,000 76,000 82,000
8 WIRE IN THE BLOOD ABC1 734,000 192,000 217,000 137,000 82,000 107,000
24 TOP GEAR SBS ONE 426,000 101,000 139,000 109,000 39,000 38,000
29 TRAWLERMEN 2 SBS ONE 316,000 82,000 101,000 83,000 22,000 28,000
32 EROTIC TALES 2 RPT SBS ONE 295,000 94,000 89,000 64,000 24,000 25,000
39 OUTRAGEOUS FORTUNE Ten 247,000 73,000 74,000 35,000 33,000 32,000
66 M-CAR 54 WHERE ARE YOU Seven 151,000 42,000 41,000 30,000 13,000 25,000
72 TORCHWOOD ABC2 130,000 24,000 29,000 31,000 14,000 31,000

The ratings race, updated 10 am Friday
For once, Australian viewers have managed to see a US drama ahead of the Americans. The most recent episode of Flashforward has not yet been shown in the US, because of their Thanksgiving public holiday. By playing it on Monday, Channel Seven allowed those naughty downloaders to get hold of it. Here's how Hollywood Reporter discussed the scandal:

"Thanksgiving-averse Aussies leak FlashForward
This week's episode of FlashForward has leaked online. [US network] ABC didn't air the drama last week because of Thanksgiving. But wouldn't you know it, Australians don't care about our guilt-tinged empire-expanding holiday traditions and didn't take a break. Whether the U.S.-Aussie "FlashForward" schedule being jolted out of sync will result in future episodes also being leaked isn't known. (For the record, Aussies do have a Thanksgiving holiday, but it's in May and they don't really do it right)."

Anybody care to speculate on what the Americans imagine we are giving thanks for in May?

What Australia watched, Thursday
Description Total Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 SEVEN NEWS Seven 1,215,000 331,000 353,000 225,000 147,000 159,000
2 TODAY TONIGHT Seven 1,089,000 271,000 317,000 225,000 135,000 141,000
3 NINE NEWS Nine 1,071,000 287,000 391,000 198,000 105,000 90,000
4 GETAWAY Nine 1,027,000 318,000 324,000 183,000 91,000 112,000
5 ABC NEWS ABC1 1,025,000 320,000 283,000 205,000 87,000 130,000
6 A CURRENT AFFAIR Nine 1,012,000 288,000 356,000 201,000 88,000 79,000
7 7.30 REPORT ABC1 915,000 315,000 213,000 208,000 77,000 102,000
8 RESCUE SPECIAL OPS -RPT Nine 902,000 284,000 255,000 152,000 108,000 103,000
9 CSI: NY Nine 769,000 172,000 239,000 141,000 117,000 100,000
10 LIE TO ME THURS RPT Ten 762,000 184,000 278,000 127,000 81,000 92,000
12 AUSTRALIA'S FUNNIEST HOME VIDEO - DAILY EDITION Nine 728,000 207,000 228,000 147,000 65,000 81,000
13 THE 7PM PROJECT Ten 716,000 192,000 237,000 143,000 77,000 67,000
14 HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER-SUMMER Seven 680,000 162,000 218,000 113,000 94,000 93,000
52 STARGATE ATLANTIS 7TWO 186,000 48,000 38,000 44,000 26,000 30,000
75 MOTHER AND SON 7TWO 143,000 36,000 58,000 25,000 18,000 6,000
76 THE GRAHAM NORTON SHOW ABC2 135,000 17,000 59,000 26,000 17,000 17,000
83 FIFTH GEAR 7TWO 113,000 34,000 37,000 16,000 18,000 9,000
88 UFC WIRED ONE 104,000 19,000 38,000 15,000 17,000 15,000
115 DROP DEAD DIVA GO! 72,000 22,000 27,000 7,000 9,000 7,000
121 SHARK 7TWO 70,000 30,000 13,000 5,000 12,000 10,000
231 THE WIRE GO! 14,000 9,000 3,000 2,000 0 0

What Australia watched, Wednesday
Description Total Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 SEVEN NEWS Seven 1,251,000 297,000 387,000 232,000 169,000 165,000
2 TODAY TONIGHT Seven 1,150,000 265,000 330,000 263,000 139,000 153,000
3 COLD CASE Nine 1,085,000 294,000 341,000 188,000 128,000 134,000
4 TWO AND A HALF MEN -RPT Nine 1,084,000 310,000 346,000 193,000 88,000 148,000
5 A CURRENT AFFAIR Nine 1,065,000 291,000 337,000 203,000 107,000 128,000
6 ABC NEWS ABC1 1,057,000 326,000 286,000 220,000 88,000 137,000
7 WHAT'S GOOD FOR YOU THIS SUMMER Nine 1,051,000 329,000 324,000 172,000 89,000 137,000
8 NINE NEWS Nine 1,031,000 277,000 331,000 202,000 105,000 116,000
13 THE CLEVELAND SHOW Ten 821,000 208,000 300,000 123,000 83,000 107,000
18 THE 7PM PROJECT Ten 714,000 175,000 214,000 129,000 95,000 100,000
32 HUNGRY BEAST ABC1 397,000 142,000 96,000 80,000 32,000 47,000
34 JOHN SAFRAN'S RACE RELATIONS ABC1 381,000 137,000 84,000 85,000 37,000 37,000
47 REX IN ROME SBS ONE 236,000 85,000 76,000 24,000 18,000 32,000
82 MOTHER AND SON 7TWO 122,000 36,000 45,000 20,000 12,000 9,000
92 HEROES 7TWO 108,000 26,000 31,000 23,000 14,000 15,000
110 FRINGE GO! 81,000 22,000 28,000 15,000 8,000 8,000
158 THE WIRE GO! 48,000 15,000 17,000 7,000 5,000 4,000 (Nine, would you please hurry and finish showing Season five so it can be released on DVD for Christmas)

What Australia watched, Tuesday
Description Total Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 SEVEN NEWS Seven 1,200,000 309,000 362,000 219,000 150,000 161,000
2 ABC NEWS ABC1 1,177,000 377,000 332,000 217,000 113,000 139,000
3 TODAY TONIGHT Seven 1,173,000 321,000 332,000 211,000 146,000 164,000
4 NINE NEWS Nine 1,120,000 323,000 344,000 219,000 117,000 117,000
5 7.30 REPORT ABC1 1,117,000 389,000 275,000 228,000 117,000 108,000
6 A CURRENT AFFAIR Nine 999,000 292,000 332,000 203,000 81,000 92,000
7 PRINCE CHARLES' OTHER MISTRESS ABC1 989,000 297,000 284,000 205,000 95,000 107,000
8 JAIL BIRDS ABC1 905,000 316,000 231,000 176,000 90,000 93,000
9 ACCIDENTALLY ON PURPOSE Ten 890,000 255,000 287,000 150,000 104,000 94,000
10 TEN NEWS AT FIVE Ten 845,000 203,000 283,000 145,000 94,000 120,000
13 AUSTRALIA'S FUNNIEST HOME VIDEO - DAILY EDITION Nine 809,000 245,000 268,000 138,000 60,000 99,000
14 SURVIVOR: SAMOA Nine 788,000 247,000 274,000 106,000 56,000 105,000
15 THE 7PM PROJECT Ten 781,000 226,000 237,000 152,000 95,000 71,000
16 HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER-SUMMER Seven 766,000 191,000 250,000 116,000 90,000 119,000
19 WHITE COLLAR TUES Ten 710,000 211,000 194,000 121,000 90,000 94,000
20 THE OFFICE TUES Ten 710,000 204,000 193,000 136,000 89,000 89,000
22 GARY UNMARRIED-TUE Seven 623,000 140,000 251,000 100,000 58,000 75,000
24 THE AMAZING RACE 15 - TUE Seven 590,000 193,000 195,000 73,000 81,000 47,000
43 THE CIRCUIT SBS ONE 255,000 76,000 63,000 49,000 30,000 37,000
70 MOTHER AND SON 7TWO 159,000 27,000 80,000 28,000 10,000 14,000
82 REAPER 7TWO 132,000 49,000 41,000 11,000 16,000 15,000
96 UGLY BETTY 7TWO 110,000 34,000 30,000 20,000 5,000 21,000
98 SURVIVOR: TOCANTINS GO! 105,000 26,000 34,000 17,000 9,000 18,000

The leadership race, updated 11am Tuesday
So Malcolm Turnbull is no longer Leader of the Opposition (by 42 votes to 41). What will he do now? This column wants your prediction.

Here's one scenario: In 2012 Prime Minister Gillard appoints him the first President of the Australian republic. You could argue that in recent days Turnbull has demonstrated the essential quality needed in a head of state: the ability to put nation ahead of party.

Is it possible that all his actions have been part of a long term plan, hatched when Turnbull was leading the Republican movement, to position himself for the top job in the land -- and that's not the prime ministership.

Handsome prizes await those who make the most interesting predictions before midnight. Will Turnbull resign from the Liberals and rebuild the Australian Democrats? Join the Greens? Move to State politics and replace Barry O'Farrell (or join State Labor and replace Nathan Rees?) With this man, no scenario is too outlandish. Go to Comments to offer your theory.

What Australia watched, Monday
Description Total Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 SEVEN NEWS Seven 1,374,000 387,000 372,000 240,000 180,000 196,000
2 TODAY TONIGHT Seven 1,277,000 318,000 359,000 239,000 178,000 183,000
3 THE MENTALIST -RPT Nine 1,221,000 329,000 447,000 203,000 114,000 128,000
4 DESTROYED IN SECONDS Seven 1,174,000 321,000 321,000 248,000 122,000 162,000
5 TWO AND A HALF MEN -RPT Nine 1,089,000 289,000 337,000 205,000 98,000 161,000
6 NINE NEWS Nine 1,082,000 290,000 384,000 180,000 106,000 121,000
7 ABC NEWS ABC1 1,054,000 320,000 285,000 205,000 95,000 148,000
8 THE BIG BANG THEORY -RPT Nine 1,046,000 286,000 356,000 181,000 92,000 131,000
9 THE FORCE -MON (R) Seven 1,026,000 266,000 308,000 208,000 102,000 142,000
10 A CURRENT AFFAIR Nine 1,014,000 303,000 382,000 208,000 122,000
11 ELDERS WITH ANDREW DENTON ABC1 1,008,000 342,000 260,000 191,000 112,000 102,000
12 FLASHFORWARD Seven 984,000 278,000 273,000 184,000 119,000 131,000
13 AUSTRALIA'S FUNNIEST HOME VIDEO - DAILY EDITION Nine 922,000 245,000 290,000 167,000 89,000 131,000
17 THE 7PM PROJECT Ten 826,000 224,000 267,000 156,000 103,000 75,000
18 HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER-SUMMER Seven 815,000 200,000 238,000 171,000 101,000 105,000
22 TOP GEAR POLAR SPECIAL RPT SBS ONE 672,000 175,000 222,000 132,000 65,000 78,000
27 SUPERNATURAL EP 2 Ten 532,000 157,000 132,000 116,000 68,000 58,000
29 SUPERNATURAL Ten 514,000 159,000 127,000 100,000 74,000 53,000
79 HEARTBEAT 7TWO 134,000 25,000 48,000 19,000 30,000 12,000
81 THE 7PM PROJECT LATE RPT Ten 131,000 29,000 27,000 22,000 32,000 21,000
91 DOCTOR WHO ABC2 111,000 8,000 24,000 42,000 20,000 17,000
97 RED DWARF SPECIAL 2009: BACK TO EARTH ABC2 96,000 49,000 6,000 5,000 13,000 22,000
98 JUDGE JOHN DEED 7TWO 94,000 20,000 45,000 5,000 15,000 9,000

The ratings race, updated 10 am Monday
The audience is already deserting the sinking ship. Channel Ten defied silly season convention on Sunday night and showed a new episode of Glee, but the viewers did not reward this generous bit of programming. Glee's audience was down 200,000 -- possibly because viewers assumed it would be a repeat. Tonight Seven is generously showing a new episode of Flash Forward. Will the viewers overcome their scepticism?

What Australia watched, Sunday
Description Total Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth
1 BORDER PATROL-SUN Seven 1,492,000 377,000 462,000 287,000 186,000 180,000
2 SEVEN NEWS - SUN Seven 1,388,000 359,000 416,000 308,000 146,000 158,000
3 BONES (R) Seven 1,277,000 301,000 372,000 285,000 167,000 151,000
4 OUTBACK WILDLIFE RESCUE Seven 1,230,000 303,000 368,000 242,000 155,000 162,000
5 TODAY TONIGHT UNSEEN: 24 HOURS IN 60 MINUTES Seven 1,180,000 284,000 360,000 283,000 120,000 133,000
6 20 TO 1 -RPT Nine 1,082,000 268,000 375,000 181,000 129,000 129,000
7 NINE NEWS SUNDAY Nine 1,033,000 221,000 387,000 167,000 152,000 106,000
8 MELBOURNE INTERNATIONAL COMEDY FESTIVAL Ten 973,000 273,000 335,000 182,000 96,000 86,000
9 ABC NEWS-SU ABC1 915,000 238,000 280,000 196,000 92,000 109,000
12 GLEE Ten 880,000 257,000 239,000 202,000 91,000 91,000
13 JOANNA LUMLEY IN THE LAND OF THE NORTHERN LIGHTS ABC1 798,000 202,000 244,000 184,000 75,000 92,000
14 FIREWALL -RPT Nine 714,000 206,000 226,000 100,000 89,000 95,000
23 WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE? SBS ONE 363,000 126,000 91,000 64,000 39,000 43,000
24 ARE YOU SMARTER THAN A 5TH GRADER? US Ten 340,000 108,000 59,000 58,000 60,000 55,000
27 WIPEOUT GO! 271,000 48,000 76,000 70,000 46,000 31,000
33 FIRST TEST - AUSTRALIA V WEST INDIES Nine 226,000 59,000 75,000 52,000 18,000 22,000
74 SOUTH PARK GO! 102,000 16,000 48,000 18,000 11,000 9,000
78 KIDS WB SUNDAY GO! 92,000 40,000 28,000 11,000 6,000 8,000
84 M-DON'T LOOK UNDER THE BED 7TWO 81,000 11,000 28,000 18,000 6,000 17,000
87 CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM GO! 78,000 13,000 34,000 11,000 7,000 12,000
(OzTAM preliminary estimates, mainland capitals)

David Dale is the author of The Little Book of Australia -- A snapshot of who we are (Allen and Unwin). For daily updates on Australian attitudes, bookmark blogs.sunherald.com.au/whoweare.

COMMENTS

TM, methinks Channel Ten's bit of generosity re Glee was actually a mistake. We all know that the station is run by kids on work experience and I have further proof. Yesterday evening at about 6 ish I caught the tail end of the promo for Movember. Now, there may be some of us who can grow a mo in 30 hours but come on...

by Shoopie on November 30, 2009 at 12:15 PM

Shoopie, you may not be able to grow a mo in 30 hours, but you can of course still donate and sponsor those who are growing their facial hair.
Have recorded Glee for later viewing.
And, being reminded by comments in last week's blog, I got around to catching up with Mad Men (I recorded the whole series, but have only watched half). It's now spoiled all TV for me, I spent most of my subsequent viewing time whinging that everything was craptastic. (Except Glee.)
Methinks I shall be avoiding FTA TV over summer...

by tqd on November 30, 2009 at 08:24 PM

A shame about the ratings for Glee's Sunday night screening - but I have to say, I don't feel like it was very well advertised - I didn't hear about it til about an hour before, so if you weren't a regular follower of tv blogs or reading the tv guide, you may not have realised it was on.

by Beckala on November 30, 2009 at 10:15 PM

I think Channel Ten chose to persist with Glee because at the end of the ratings season there were only 3 eps left in the first volume of the season (now there's 2). After its first 13 eps air (culminating in the Sectionals episode), Glee will take a break in the US until mid-April. I'm happy that Ten chose to not screw viewers around and let the series play out in the way the show's creators intended. How out of character!
I wish the same could have been done for Nurse Jackie, which Ten is now airing at 1am on Mondays.

by Craig on November 30, 2009 at 10:18 PM

I would like to believe that Ten's decision to continue showing 'Glee' is a sign that they're trying to do something different and treat The Viewer with a modicum of respect by showing the entire season without breaks and carry-overs. Big idea. It works for me. Better than Seven advertising 'Flash Forward' with "The Final Episode......(*the actual episode of Flash Forward may or may not be the final episode of the season, batteries not included, everything inside the box sold separately)" and screening 'Heroes' two episodes a week and calling it Season 4 when last week's episodes were episode 6 & 7 (I just realised it doesn't add up). Maybe in 2010 all the stations will start treating Viewers like their employers (or at least their reason for existing) and not their customers.
Looking forward to seeing The Sunrisification of The Nation continue apace today with stage 2 launching in Can'tberra at about 9 am. Stage 3 is Kochie for Finance Minister. Stage 4 is The Cash Cow taking over Religious Education in Public Schools.

by darren on December 01, 2009 at 06:00 AM

Turnbull clearly doesn't belong in Canberra anymore as he appears to have principles. This quality would also rule him out for State Labor. I would love to see him replace Barry O'Boombah as leader of the NSW Libs. All we need is someone, anyone, to vote for and Nate and Bazza ain't cuttin it. Malcolm would be a shoo in (or shoe in?)....
He'll probably be offered a position in Rudd Inc as head of something involving a lot of money.

by darren on December 01, 2009 at 08:40 AM

Kruddy must be rubbing his hands together with glee. This week he's met Brian Lara and given him a token award (I wonder what his celebrity count is up to now), is schmoozing currently with Obama, and the Liberal Party has become the Manson Family Birthday Party. Next I reckon he'll be heading to Florida to offer counselling to Tiger Woods.

by Bereft Skerrick on December 01, 2009 at 10:00 AM

Liberal Party are imploding and with a by-election here on the weekend will be interesting to see how the Lib Candidate holds up against 20 Fred Nile looney candidates and a Green (Labour not even bothering to field a Candidate).
Anyway, to more important matters...don't forgot Amazing Race is shifted to tonight !!

by Jill on December 01, 2009 at 10:07 AM

Malcolm should become our very own Al Gore-style climate warrior. Al was also a very rich man who failed on the political stage before finding his calling. Could do his own movie called "It's Unconvenient, Strewth!"

by Wendell on December 01, 2009 at 10:16 AM

Viewers didn't go for the new episode of FLASHFORWARD. But went crazy over a repeat of the THE MENTALIST ??? Are the people who didn't watch it the first time not catching it?
Turnbull to take a break. Not too creative at the moment but it may come before midnight.

by Tim on December 01, 2009 at 10:47 AM

Poor Malcolm! I had always had a begrudging respect for the guy. And my respect had increased over the past week. But the Libs like being in opposition so they chose Abbott instead. Smart choice. Mal could go onto lead the Australian Democrats now I suppose. Isn't that where disgruntled Liberals go to die? (politically, that is)
Anyways, ole Kev will be loving this. He will call an early election in the new year, I predict to finish the job of destroying federal Liberal. And with Abbott leading them they get what they deserve. I really, really, hate that guy.
As for TV, watched Flashforward last night but think it is going nowhere fast. Really quite ordinary. I think I will give up on it as it just doesn't seem to be living up to expectations. Very much like the federal Liberal party really.

by em on December 01, 2009 at 10:58 AM

Turnbull will probably hop over to the Greens and increase their popularity at the expense of the Coalition. It would be a bad move for him to hop over to the Democrats.

by arthur on December 01, 2009 at 11:09 AM

Tony Abbott really shouldn't have appeared in speedos on the weekend if he thinks he's got any chance at the polls. Doesn't he remember what happened to Peter Debnam?
I'm still predicting a Sunrise Election in 2010. Tony's just a seat warmer. There's no way Australians will elect a former monk with an uncanny resemblance to the Big Friendly Giant as illustrated by Quentin Blake.
Going to see 'Where the Wild Things Are' this weekend. Came across a novel written by Dave Eggers concurrently with the screenplay the other day. Dave Eggers is a small 'h' hero for me. Spike Jonze is a small 'g' god. Really looking forward to it all.

by darren on December 01, 2009 at 11:14 AM

Turnbull, Abbot, Rudd, who cares. The day a politician actually represents his constituents rather than the interests of big business and those of the USA I will sit up and take notice but until that time, I will just look at them all with the contempt they have earned.
As an example, Turnbull's environmental credentials, besides approving (confirmed by that other environmental hero Peter Garret) the odious, dirty pulp mill in Tassie, he lays claim to forcing those who want to brighten up their nights and dull days, to change from a non-pollutant light globe to fluoro light bulbs in the spirit of doing our bit for global warming.
I did some calculations as to the savings based on what was at the time, earlier this year, and probably still is, the best information publicly available. Believe it or not, this "major" joint party initiative will save a massive 0.13889% on greenhouse gas emissions as at end 2006, why 2006, well the Federal Department of Climate Change is not that good at book keeping and they haven�t got any later figures available. That figure will be less today as more coal fired generating plant have been put on line and only coal fired plants are planned for the future. Clever!
What of the cost? Well it was consideable to households and will continue to be so as these globes aren't really very effective in areas where the lights are often switched on and off like toilets, hallways, bathrooms, etc. They tend to fail very quickly.
What of the cost to the other environment? That of the poisoning of the waterways by mercury. There are about 4 mg of mercury in each domestic fluoro globe. 70 million of these were dumped last year, that represented 280 kg of this deadly heavy metal into our tips and subsequently, ground water. As these globes become the norm rather than the exception this figure will rise dramatically and yet, these environmental managers, currently Rudd and Garret have done nothing to facilitate safe collection of old globes. They are clearly waiting for yet another environmental disaster, of their own making, to unfold.
Politicians, don't get me started, bah, humbug, we'd be better off without them!

by Zjonn on December 01, 2009 at 11:37 AM

TM - I'm going to write your crystal ball predictions for Julia being the 1st female PM & Malcolm to become the 1st El Presidente down somewhere! The timing may be just a tad out, but not by much. Truly marvalous stuff that! The Libs fiasco certainly has helped to give the "news" programmes a lift in their numbers over the last week.
I lost sleep trying to come up with a limmerick as good as Bereft & darren but could only come up with something about a ship called Venus......

by PJ453 on December 01, 2009 at 02:25 PM

PJ453, Mr TQD is trying to craft a haiku that starts A man was from Nantucket..., that way combining the joys of both haiku and limericks.
I wished him luck, I'm not the poetical type (apart from some very dreadful scribblings as a teenager that were in all probability worse than Stephanie Meyer's prose).

Tribal Mind asks: Yes, but what does this have to do with Tony Abbott? Is he the man from Nantucket?

by tqd on December 01, 2009 at 04:49 PM

There was an MP from Warringah,
who, where a budgie should be had a finger.
When Malcolm said "Yea", the finger said "Nay",
and so on the finger they settled and lingered.

by darren on December 02, 2009 at 06:28 AM

There once was the love child of John & Bronnie
Who wanted to be the No.1 in all of Aussie
When Kevin & Penny asked please vote for an ETS
He said no, because I'm a climate control sceptic
And went back to playing with his budgie in his cossie

by PJ453 on December 02, 2009 at 09:12 AM

Ah the joys of the non-ratings period. It was interesting to note that last night ACA did not mention the Canberra antics, whereas 7PM Project actually had Ray Martin on as a guest/host and that little event from Canberra was covered, albeit lightly. Sir Frank would have been rolling in his grave, and Kerry may even have been doing likewise. Then again, maybe Kerry would have been applauding the Libs for their handling of former leader. As for what the future holds for MT, well TM your suggestions are possible, but somehow I think that he'll hang on in Canberra until after the next election and see what is left of the Libs and then decide which way to go.
Now for the biggie: from 7.30 until I crashed, I stayed with TEN. I think I need a holiday.... say in ooooooooooo Denver. Nice and cool..... and don't really give a fig about what happens in the US politically. So can just sit back and be smothered in the right wing TV/Radio diatribes, but with the right amount of alcohol, won't really be listening.

by Furlozza on December 02, 2009 at 09:48 AM

Finale of True Blood last night. And a nice set up for season 3, too. Next Tues a new season of Satisfaction starts and tomorrow a new season of Dexter on Foxtel. Thank goodness, something to watch.
And for my fellow ER fans out there, Nine is showing an ep tomorrow night. Whether it will be on again next week is anyone's guess.

by em on December 02, 2009 at 10:59 AM

Hmmm Ray Martin. My little toe has more credibility. Am looking forward to the (eventual) broadcast of John Safran's foray into Ray Martins' rubbish bins, with this accomplice the unemployed long haired dude from the family that ACA was vilifying.

by Bereft Skerrick on December 02, 2009 at 12:14 PM

Has anybody been reading about the huge "scandal" in the US re: FlashForward screening here before it screens there on Thursday? Apparently it has caused quite the uproar. Funnily enough, they claim we got it first, because we "celebrate Thanksgiving in May, not November". First i've heard of that, but am always willing to embrace a new public holiday!!
Watched Private Practice last night - not bad. I think it is getting better - they've gone from making Addison a bit of a bimbo to making her resemble the 'Greys' Addison that little bit more, which is what was needed. Unfortunately fell asleep before the end of Amazing Race, can anybody tell me who lost? I did try the new "Accidentally On Purpose" which was... ok. Not as good as Jenna Elfman is making out in interviews - Dharma and Greg had a great first episode that really captured the spirit of the show; this needed to get the idea of a one night stand leading to a pregnancy very quickly - so it felt like you were jumping from event to event - 2 hours later, 24 hours later, 5 weeks later - which is exactly what I teach my students NOT to do when writing creatively!!

by Beckala on December 02, 2009 at 12:24 PM

Beckala - Amazing Race was great. It was a non elimination round again !! The "mixed racial" couple came in a fairly distant last, but survive to try another day. Speaking of survive, I am plunging into the new season of Survivor, and it looks like being a beauty with a completely insane man on one tribe who has taken dirty scheming to a whole new level.

by Jill on December 02, 2009 at 01:57 PM

Ah, 30 Rock was back on last night. It may have been a repeat, but I didn't care.
According to my diary, NT celebrates May Day & QLD celebrates Labour Day on the first Monday of May. Not quite all of Australia, although a worthy holiday (giving thanks for better working conditions!).

by tqd on December 02, 2009 at 02:42 PM

There once was a man named Abbot
Who won the lib leadership, dagnabbit
With Julia he tried to giggle and flirt
Ignoring the prickles of his hairshirt
So it's back to the monk's brown habit. .

by Shoopie on December 02, 2009 at 03:18 PM

There once was a madman named Tony,
Whose people skills he claimed were not phoney,
For Malcolm he did proposition,
to join his climate superstition,
But Malcolm thought his views baloney,
And now Malcolm's job belongs to Tony

by Cathy on December 02, 2009 at 04:05 PM

How did we get that clown?
How did we get that clown?
Aren't we just so lucky with a leader's nose all brown
I don't think we want one
They don't care of course
But 'ere we go, they say "oh no!"
"Abbott will take them down."

by To the Tune of "Where Did You Get That Hat?" on December 02, 2009 at 04:31 PM

dagnabbit! Awesome!
Malcolm's leadership has gone down the dunny
"Iron Bar" Tuckey thinks it's awfully funny
No bull, Turnbull won't care
Already had a career to spare
And consoles himself bathing in money.

by Bereft Skerrick on December 02, 2009 at 05:06 PM

I don't think The Americans understand there's no chance of "Aussie episodes being jolted out of sync resulting in future episodes also being leaked" because The Entire Nation shuts down for 3 months over summer TV wise. They'll catch up. And we'll get 3 month old episodes next year probably on every third Wednesday night at 12:13 am on 7TWO.
Now, to more immediate concerns, is there anything that rhymes with "Sartor"? Artor...Bartor...Cartor....Dartor....Eartor.......Nope. Nothin.

Tribal Mind remarks: A good idea. There will be prizes also for references to a young scholar named Rees, for whom there are many rhymes.

by darren on December 03, 2009 at 05:54 AM

Just checked the calendar for May and all I can find is Labour Day in Qld. I think that Yankee journalist should have done his homework and actually checked if we have a Thanksgiving Day. Talk about a storm in a teacup.

And I am trying hard to write a Limerick but was never very good at writing rhymes. But I am enjoying reading everyone elses!

by em on December 03, 2009 at 07:19 AM

Over the NSW leadership they battle
as their brains like the Tangaras rattle.
Sartor or Rees?
There's the eyes, here's the fleece.
Now, pull! while the booths fill with cattle.

Because pulling's their game-
their right arms are lame,
bending over's inflamed the lumbago.
They're fatcats in plaid,
Kristina, Obeid,
Frankie and Eric and Joe-Joe.

And when the bridges fall down
and the bus rides through town
have slowed to a muthaf***in trickle,
we'll remember with frowns
that that carful of clowns
was our fault. It was us made that pickle.

by darren on December 03, 2009 at 08:42 AM

Scientists have been computing
But Tony, he is disputing
To Malcolm's great loss
Tone's now the Lib boss
The maddest monk since Rasputin

by Wendell on December 03, 2009 at 08:50 AM

It's called Mutha's Day......you stupid mutha***** (said as Buncke would say it). Laughed all over again when watching Beautiful People last night, yes it's a repeat but it's so funny.
Hungry Beast doing well on the news front & their comedy is above average.
Safran should'nt be filmed after a lot of red wine, lots of embarrassment.
And now for local news.......
There once was a garbo called Rees

by PJ453 on December 03, 2009 at 09:30 AM

The journalist did a google search and found this site:
http://www.thanksgiving.org.au/
And guess what, apparently we had a national day of thanksgiving back in May. Shame they forgot to tell us.

Tribal Mind asks: Which journalist?

by Jill on December 03, 2009 at 10:00 AM

Ok, who started all this limerick business? I can't concentrate at work as my head is full of "there once was a man named insert politician here" trying to come up with something as good as Wendell's "The maddest monk since Rasputin"!!!

PS Thanks TM

by Shoopie on December 03, 2009 at 10:20 AM

I didn't know I was having a Thanksgiving Day ordained by National Ministers of a religious Ministry. I prefer not to actually.
Here's my limerick-
There once was a zealot called Tony,
Who spouted a lot of baloney.
Then Malcolm was 'spilled',
And Tony was thrilled:
Voted leader by just one small crony.
I am not thrilled by 7TWO. I have had email conversations with Craig the Very Important Boss, and despite their promises they have not screened packages of the first four episodes of all the series we missed because they chose to to begin here in Tasmania when they promised to. Very disappointed but not surprised. Perhaps I should get more of a life???

by 2paw on December 03, 2009 at 10:22 AM

There once was a garbo named Rees
Who tried very hard to please
But try as he might
Couldn't do anything right
So now spends his days eating cheese.
Hey, at least it rhymes!

by em on December 03, 2009 at 10:38 AM

Which journalist? The one who wrote the article for Hollywood Reporter.

by Jill on December 03, 2009 at 10:47 AM

Just had a look at that website about the so called National Day of Thanksgiving, which appears to be religiously oriented. PASS. 'll stick with celebrating my birthday (I was born on Mother's Day) in May, give a nod to NT for May Day, QLD for Labour Day and celebrate Movember, straight after Rocktober.

by Glory Days on December 03, 2009 at 12:00 PM

I'm living in a cuckoo house!

There once was a man named Eddie
With Joe they were ready
To puppeteer and plot
And put themselves in the slot
Making their act never steady

Sorry couldn't help meself. Reminds me of year 7 classes when we had to construct a massive poetry book.

Whilst in New South Wales
They were going off the rails
When the popularity for Rees
Had seen a poll increase
When told Sartor would be in the sails
Sorry couldn't help meself. And in regards to FlashForward, it would have probably excelled as a movie. It's just becoming Lost and rather pointless.

by Kym on December 03, 2009 at 01:02 PM

I predict the ratings for the news will be huge tonight in NSW. What a week in politics!

by Glory Days on December 03, 2009 at 02:56 PM

The networks must be pissed that the ratings season is over. With all of the wacky shenanigans in Canberra and Sydney this week, they gibbons will be cursing the fact it's non ratings!

by Bereft Skerrick on December 03, 2009 at 10:26 PM

There was a Mad Monk who (in speedos) was thin
Whose climate bullshit made him a shoe-in
Shit happened to Malcolm
Whose career turned to talcum
Said Monk was left with "Shit eating Grin"

by davo on December 03, 2009 at 11:20 PM

I see Outrageous Fortune has popped up again on Shirl tonight. Who wants to take my bet that we dont see the full 18 episode series? Am pissed that nobody screened series 4 so it will be a struggle to pick up the story thread and you can only pick up and absorb so much from the web forums. Then they will bitch and groan that nobody is watching it cos nobody can understand the plotline. Those gibbosn take some beating...

by ozinoz on December 04, 2009 at 09:37 AM

Hello Sir Mind, How are you?
A question in advance if I may....
Could you please provide the ratings for the FIFA World Cup Football draw? It's on SBS at 3:45am Friday night (Saturday morning).
I am interested as to the following this MASSIVE world wide televised event attracts in Australia. It is meant to be the 3rd most watched sporting event in the world after the Football World Cup and The Olympics.

Tribal Mind replies: I will try to remember on Sunday morning.

by TG on December 04, 2009 at 10:27 AM

hi ozinoz, series 4 did appear on Arena earlier this year for those with Foxtel. Strange that if FTA did not air it, why they would jump straight to the latest series is wierd.
As I am up to date, I will record it to watch later so that i can ff through the ads. But yes I bet it won't last the five months needed and I will end up waiting for Arena to screen it, which I think may be in late Jan or early Feb.
Ten will probably " do a Nurse Jackie". This a term I am using to describe a brilliant series (think Six Feet Under, Dexter,etc) that FTA channels never "know what to do with", despite the fact that Foxtel seems to be able to have these shos week in and week out in a consistent timeslot.
So the series (in this case Nurse Jackie) starts at a stupid hour (although you can set your PVR, IQ or VCR), yet may be missed when they f*** up the schedule so that you record half an hour of Sports Tonight instead.
Surprise, surprise, the show "does not find an audience" and ends up canned or showing at 1am (as Nurse Jackie is doing).
PLEASE TAKE THIS SHOW FOXTEL!!!!!

by Glory Days on December 04, 2009 at 11:40 AM

Watched the Family Guy spinoff that aired on Wednesday night. It's rather... odd. Can't say I'll be back for any more episodes. (Frankly, one can't help but wonder if the Family Guy creator pitched it as a joke, and the gibbons took him seriously.)
There was apparently three hours of "Drop Dead Diva" on GO! last night. I have no idea why. It's not a bad piece of stupid girly fluff, but *three* hours? Surely there was something else they could have screened?

by tqd on December 04, 2009 at 12:34 PM

Difficult to know what the programming gibbons are doing at GO!11111OMGWTFBBQ11q1!!1! They were showing 80's movies at 10pm on a Sunday Night e.g. the Police Academy series, which was good mindnumber before work Monday. But they've screwed with the scheduling and screwed with it again. Who knows what's on from week to week.

by Bereft Skerrick on December 04, 2009 at 06:27 PM

TG, regarding the world cup draw, I hope Australia gets to play Italy, and the Italians remember what they said last time -- that in the next world cup, Australia would be pushed through by dodgy refereeing, just like Italy was.
Not that I bear a grudge, but I would rather see footballers than saltimbanchi ..

by Professor Rosseforp on December 04, 2009 at 07:47 PM

Mr Dale, are we here this week? Or will there be a different page for our snarky comments?
Recorded the new Doctor Who last night (almost forgot all about it! Thank all the deities for a throwaway comment from a mate), but that meant I missed Glee. (Damnit.) I'll get the plot summary from somewhere, but it's the music that I really enjoy. (And, no, I can't go and watch it streaming on 10's website, as my computer is much too old and creaky for such luxuries as video.)
And caught the first half of John Adams, and recorded the rest for later viewing. Loved Laura Linney and Paul Giamatti, it's great seeing them on TV.

Tribal Mind replies: Yes, the silly season TV blog continues here until Christmas. But why not click hereand read The Tribal Mind column about the year in television, and make a comment on that?

by tqd on December 07, 2009 at 10:02 AM

How dare ABC make me choose between David Tennant on ABC1 and Colin Firth on ABC2. Tennant won, only because I have Pride & Prejudice on DVD. So to comfort me until I can get the DVD (and 5 hours) to myself) out, can we have a blog pic of Colin Firth. Pretty please?
Anyhoo another good thing on ABC2 last eve was Cold Feet. From the first episode. Magic without ads. Reminds me what a shrew Rachel was. By dog she annoys me.

Tribal Mind replies: I can do better than that. Click here

by Bereft Skerrick on December 07, 2009 at 12:26 PM

Loved the new Doc last night. But thought it would have rated higher. It set up the scene for the last eps with Tennant which from the previews looked great. Can't wait. Though I am not sure about the new Doc, he looks too young and I hate the emo hair cut! Still willing to see how he goes before I judge. It will be very hard to top David Tennant though.
A very hard act for anyone to follow.

by em on December 07, 2009 at 01:08 PM

Watched Dr Who, and David Tennant was correct; it was definitely more than just your usual run of the mill episode. Playing G_d is not as easy as some Pollies would like to believe.
Then watched John Adams: this looks like being the type of series that at one time Auntie would have been happy to show, and it is indeed an interesting look into the life of an otherwise forgotten President. I know I watched something at 8.30, but the two shows mentioned seemed to have wiped it from my brain.
As long as Auntie and SBS bring us a steady supply of quality over the silly season, I fur one will be happy. Oh and also watched the vroom-vrooms. Concrats to the drivers and Skaifey for an interesting round, even if a certain corner was more a death trap than a 'normal' corner. It was great to see lead changes through skill, and luck, although some folks didn't deserve their 'luck'.

by Furlozza on December 07, 2009 at 02:12 PM

For what's supposedly the silly season the viewing on the box last night was really entertaining.
The Movie Show: looks as though there may be actually a number of movies to go & see over the next couple of months.
Dr Who: Certainly more darker with Mr Tennant finishing up soon & the Martians have no concept of conserving water!
Heston's Feast SBS: Another foodie show but this one included what now must be a new catagory for the "Best of Awards": And that being - Best Use of Dildos. An English chef feeds 6 "celebrities" a certain feast, this one Victorian Era based on the Alice in wonderland's Mad Hatter's Tea Party, & during his research for a wobbly jelly desert he & his team visited a sex shop to "try out" some vibrators to enable the jelly to wobble. I kid you not. One of the assistant chef's looks very sheepish holding one of the vibrators & when he puts it back on the display shelf started knocking over lots of others. It had that domino effect with a real visual difference!! Then Heston tried a "tongue" vibrator (made me automatically think that whoever came up with that beer ad must of had one, to come up with that weird idea). But when he put the biggest jelly ever produced on the "vibrating" presentation stand it certainly started wobbling. It certainly is a food show with a difference!!!
John Adams : After Heston's efforts was very tame. I know that it's been on Pay TV already which therefore using their "spin" has probably been seen by the entire human race less 3 people in Outer Mongolia. A tad dry & slow but will certainly be worth watching. It's what good tv is supposed to be.

by PJ453 on December 07, 2009 at 02:18 PM

I think I caught the new Doctor over on "Moses Jones" (ABC2, Tuesday nights) in channel surfing. I don't mind him, but how young do you think the companion will be? They've always been younger than the Doctor (at least, I can't think of one significantly older than him), so we're probably looking at a teenager. Can't say I'm enthused at the prospect.
Thanks Mr Dale, there just seemed to be so few comments, I thought the party might have moved elsewhere and no one told me. :)
Have sent you a comment on the other blog, although I am at work and am *meant* to be working. (Not that it's stopped me before...)

by tqd on December 07, 2009 at 02:19 PM

TQD there is bound to be a very good summary of last night's Glee on http://blog.zap2it.com/ithappenedlastnight/ I recommend checking it out as it should fill you in on what happened. By the way next Sunday's Glee is the last new episode for now.
And ER fans Nein has ripped it out of the schedule again replaced with repeats of CSI NY- colour me unsurprised. There is no way they could ever show more than 3 in a row anymore.
Liked Kingdom with Stephen Fry on Saturday- thought it quite clever.
Have recorded John Adams for later viewing.
Favourite soap opera of course has been the political ones over the last week. Outcome and fallout has some impact as I am a NSW public servant.

by Cathy on December 07, 2009 at 03:53 PM

Great news for Chuck (Fox8) fans (all 3 of us it seems in oz!), NBC has responded to fans, bloggers and Twits and after killing the show, has now scheduled a 3rd series to start screening 10th Jan 2010. Hopefully Fox8 will screen it soon after.

by ned on December 08, 2009 at 08:07 AM

Thanks, Ned for the info re Chuck. My son is a fan so he will be happy. And Cathy, I just knew Nine wouldn't let ER run. I should be mad, but I am just resigned to this treatement from Nine I don't let it bother me anymore. I just try to avoid watching Nine as much as possible. What does annoy me is that Nine could show it on GO or sell it off to Foxtel. Why they hold onto something they won't show is a question that I would like answered. But as trained Monkeys run Nine I won't hold my breath. And I said I wasn't mad! I lied!

by em on December 08, 2009 at 09:56 AM

Thanks Cathy, I'm now all caught up on Glee!
I'm going to have to hand in my Tribal Mind membership, Mr Dale, because I've never even heard of "The Middle". Recorded "Malcolm in the Middle", and the final episode of "Dead Set". Didn't turn on the TV last night, had book group reading to catch up on.

Tribal Mind replies: You can't be expected to know about The Middle, because last night was the first episode. It is a sitcom with Patricia Heaton of Raymond fame. But it got a lot of publicity in the TV guides in recent days so I dared to hope some readers might have watched it.

by tqd on December 08, 2009 at 10:21 AM

I would've watched 'The Middle' if I'd know it was on and it wasn't on Nine. Not buying TV Guides and generally giving up on the whole concept of watching TV tends to leave you out of the loop. Similarly with 'Parks and Recreation' which has gotten good reviews in the U.S. but Seven is showing at 11:15pm on Monday nights in the non-ratings season. They're doing a '30 Rock' on it. Will visit JBHiFi in a few months and have a look and have early nights in the meantime.
Saw 'Where the Wild Things Are' on the weekend (and finished the book). Pretty affective for adults reliving their childhood. Can see how it might be scary though for little kiddies. Under 5's. Are under 5's still under 5's these days or are under 5's the new under 12's?

Tribal Mind remarks: Surprised to see you use the word "gotten". What's wrong with "got"?

by darren on December 08, 2009 at 11:31 AM

I spent a better evening watching Elders with the incredible Muhummed Yunus - inspirational and interesting viewing - then flicked over to Supernatural - a guilty and entertaining pleasure.
Was not interested in The Middle even though it has the Janitor from Scrubs - seemed too much of the same thing.
Have other TMers caught up on Parks and Recreation - watched it last week but feeling a bit blah about it - would be interested in another viewpoint.
Second last of the current series of Amazing Race tonight..... whoo hoo!

by Cathy on December 08, 2009 at 11:34 AM

The mention of Raymond is enough to put me off (clearly "Everybody" did not include me).
I was pleased to see Weeds on Channel GO!11111OMGWTFBBQ11q1!!1! on Sunday night ran straight from the season 3 finale to the first episode of season 4. I guess that's a small plus from Ch9 sitting on the series for so long.
TM, btw how does Weeds rate on Sunday evenings on Go!? Curious to know if I'm the only person in Australia watching.

Tribal Mind replies: NOW you ask? I'll go back into the archive and blow the dust off that file. Give me a few minutes.

by Wendell on December 08, 2009 at 01:36 PM

I did watch The Middle. It was ok. Some bits were a bit flat. Did the comparison with first episode of Malcolm in the Middle though, and they were about on par. That said, I'm a big Scrubs fan, so I am hoping success for Neil Flynn. Then again, if it fails, maybe he'll go back to Scrubs Med School!
Speaking of Scrubs, I have seen new Scrubs eps too, and they were better than I was expecting - but expectations were WAY LOW. But I really don't see it working once Zach has finished his 'transition episodes'...He and Turk are still the best parts of the show (Dr Cox''s role has been altered somewhat, so it wasn't quite the same chemistry for the first two eps at least).

by Beckala on December 08, 2009 at 02:28 PM

TM I've had the gotten/got argument before and I just isn't get it. Were there anything to get? I've was told 'gotten' aint a word but I'm pretty surely it was.
I was expecting some blowback for 'affective' which I decided was what I meant after much brow furrowing.
Isn't there some kind of Festive Season Moratorium on grammer? If not, let's begin with an all out assault on 'XMas'. It's been gotten up my nose for years.

by darren on December 09, 2009 at 05:56 AM

Wendell - re Weeds. here I was thinking I was the only one in Oz hanging out for the return of Weeds, so at least there is one other. I now need to start campaigning for better treatment of Nurse Jackie (although finished now) but after being dumped to 1.00am, not too hopeful of seeing that back, which is a shame. Edie Falco has provided some great performances. Had to take measures into my own hands re Series 4 of Dexter which I doubt will be back on Shirl after its last midnight Saturday sceenings of series 3, which is why I am stunned at their treatment of Californication, which has returned to 10pm, although for how long is anybodys guess. Now thats out of my system, time for a coffee (there is a place in Semaphore here in Adelaide that serves in a soup bowl for when only the biggest coffee will do :) )

by ozinoz on December 09, 2009 at 08:53 AM

darren - "Xmas" is pretty affective for adults reliving their childhood.
ho ho ho

by PJ453 on December 09, 2009 at 10:14 AM

Xmas has been in use since the 16th century. The origin of it is Greek and comes from the church itself having a long history of using abbreviations.
I googled "origin of Xmas" and checked more than one source.

by Glory Days on December 09, 2009 at 11:27 AM

darren, I'm afraid I shall continue getting up your nose for a while longer. I may be the sort of obsessive-compulsive person who aims for correct spelling and grammar in my text messages, but somehow I just can't stick spelling out "Christmas" in full on a regular basis. I'll be peeving you with my "Xmas" over the next couple of weeks. Sorry in advance.
Finished watching "John Adams" last night. I do like, it's a nicely done period piece that wants me to go to the local library to learn more about our founding fathers. Er, their founding fathers.
Still forsaking TV for book group reading. (If only one could do without sleep.)

by tqd on December 09, 2009 at 12:36 PM

The bald, ugly guy in Survivor Samoa is a real nasty piece of work. Probably the nastiest survivor ever. But it does make for good TV. I wonder if my favorite network will leave it where it is or start stuffing it about? Of course it will. It's only a matter of time.
And a Happy Xmas to you, Darren! Remember, it is Jebus Birthday! (thanks, Homer Simpson!)

by em on December 09, 2009 at 01:35 PM

With all the garbage that's on at the moment, massive choice of more mainly more garbage, what with the arrival of the new digitals, I find it very difficult to work out why shows such as, previously East West 101, replaced by The Circuit, rate as badly as they do.
Arguably the two best Australian made television drama series made this year, on SBS in a good time slot, with very little real competition, yet they can't get an audience. Perhaps the age of quality local television is dead, killed due to a lack of interest by the viewing public.
Just out of interest TM, are you on holidays or are you going to attempt a record for the most amount of responses for this blog over a prolonged period of time?

Tribal Mind replies: No, I am not on hols -- just doing other things to earn my iiving, as usual. I am hoping that during this dull period of television we might engage in deeper philosophical debates. Your question implies that something is missing. What information would you like in this space?

by Zjonn on December 09, 2009 at 03:23 PM

TM, I think Zjonn is referring to the fact that you have not started a new page for this week and this suggests you may not bother for the entire silly season, which would result in a page with 1000-odd comments.
Ozinoz, yep loving Weeds although it has always been a bit patchy. Uncle Andy has to be my favourite tv character of recent times. Highlights include his encounter with the female Israeli soldier and his brief foray into the adult film industry...

by Wendell on December 09, 2009 at 06:06 PM

em: is the bald angry dude (apparently I've been told though I can't use the word dude, my 8 year old informs me it's part of a camels anatomy) worse that Johnny curly headed guy who used the fake grandma death excuse to garner sympathy?
Have just been to XMAS dinner for Master 5's preschool at a local pub which has a karaoke night. I left just after Rhinestone Cowboy and just before Harper Valley POQ.

by Bereft Skerrick on December 09, 2009 at 08:06 PM

I'll put forward the proposition that folks don't watch SBS because, as far as the great unwashed are concerned, it is still the 'ethnic channel'. Oh yes, some shows will break through the barrier (Top Gear) but the rest will only be discovered by those who actually care about what they watch on the box and are not led by their noses to the trough of foetid crap that passes for entertainment. This is also why shows like 'the Wire' and 'Scrubs' fail on 'mainstream' TV. The great unwashed don't want anything that might actually challenge their little world and their beliefs.
Gee, does that sound like a shot across a political party's bow? Talk about 'Back to the future'.

by Zjonn on December 09, 2009 at 10:01 PM

watching the last episode of "can we help?" the segment on words, where it was explained "Xmas" goes back to the 11th century and is not a shortening the "X" is apparently a sacred representation of the cross => Christ => Christmas. There goes the "Horrible Americanism of it all" unless there was a ye olde medieval america somehow

by benson on December 10, 2009 at 01:08 AM

Xmas sounds like something you treat with a cortisol cream. I've decided from here on it it's 'Happy Festivus' for me. Covers all possibilities. And, belatedly, I should have said "grammar" not "grammer". I also can't spell "misspell".
Tqd, I also am seeking refuge in books. 'The Wild Things' was an easy quick read the other day and I read 'The Outsider' and 'Oryx and Crake' on the weekend. Didn't really like 'Oryx and Crake' much but it was interesting. Going to be reading all through the hols by the looks of things. Any red hot recommendations? I think I can trust you to suggest something Vampireless.
Looking forward to some of the movies over the next month or so too. Saw the full trailer for 'Avatar' the other day and will go see. 'The Road' is getting mixed reviews but I'm there. The new 'Sherlock Holmes' looks orright too although it seems to have a Vampire storyline as does 'The Vampire's Apprentice' (well duh) which looks like tripe. Should do well. Next year Vampire mania will be replaced with Hermaphroditic Nose Goblin obsession. You heard it here first.
On the TV front, I'm looking forward to.....um....er.....

by darren on December 10, 2009 at 05:58 AM

TM - surely you are off to colder climes to watch a Dr Who actor in a West End shakespearean fest?

Tribal Mind replies: Can't afford it this year.

by Cathy on December 10, 2009 at 08:01 AM

Zjonn, you're spot on about SBS. I've known people who didn't even have SBS tuned in on their tv. It's bewildering.

by Wendell on December 10, 2009 at 09:14 AM

Darren, Margaret Atwood is one of my favorite authors but Oryx & Crake is not her best work. Try "The Handmaids Tale" or "The Robber Bride". I haven't read her new one yet as it's only in hardcover and I usually wait for the paperbacks. Much cheaper.
I have just finished "The Elegance of the Hedgehog" by Muriel Barbery. Quite a strange little book but I quite liked it. And I have also read, for the second time "The Lovely Bones" by Alice Sebold. Thought I would revisit the book before seeing the movie. But now I hear the movie is rather crap.Seems Peter Jackson has gotten so involed with CG stuff that he has lost the story. Anyway, the book is excellent but probably better to see the movie first if you were planning to.
And a note to Bereft, the bald angry dude on Survivor is definitely the most horrible person I've seen on Survivor. It amazes me that he is able to manipulate the other survivors and they can't seem to see it. Will be interesting to see if he wins in the end. He certainly seems to be playing the others like a puppet master pulling all the strings and making them dance to his tune. Much like the right wing of the ALP does in NSW!
Sorry for the long post!

by em on December 10, 2009 at 09:48 AM

I couldn't stop laughing at the bald guys (russells') antics, he is easily the smartest competitor this season finding an idol already while everyone else is just sitting around waiting for the game to come to them.
I haven't watched a season of Survivor in forever but i will definately watch while russell is there, especially now that the amazing race is almost over

by Jac on December 10, 2009 at 10:48 AM

Bereft Skerrick, what kind of preschool has their Eczema's Party at a pub? What are you putting in those sippie cups? In any case your mention of 'Rhinestone Cowboy' has me humming the theme to 'Bonanza' and that won't be stopping anytime soon. Heard a new Eczemas Song on the wireless this morning by The Hives and Cyndi Lauper called 'Christmas Duel' (I think) where the chorus goes "Spend spend spend this Christmas with me" and I'm looking forward to hearing it next time I walk through Myer although the four letter words and sexual references might be a bit of a problem.
Em, thanks for the feedback on 'Oryx and Crake'. I'll have to try her other books I guess although the sequel to O & C will have to be read first even if I don't want to. Kristina Kirchner Keneally has the eyes of George W Bush. Although that bit in her speech about the firefighter who died yesterday when she pretended to get emotional was pretty impressive I must say. My nomination for next year's Best Politician in a Self-Deluded Role Logie.
TM, I've been meaning to arks, what is your new book about?
Sorry for the short post.

Tribal Mind replies: My latest book is called 'Buon Ricordo - How to make your home a great restaurant' and is about family members cooking together. On January 26, 'The Little Book of Australia" is released. It's about what kind of people Australians are.

by darren on December 10, 2009 at 11:18 AM

Re: Bad Seed Russell in Survivor Samoa.

I've been watching the series on download. The first couple of episodes he comes across as toxic... but once you get into the series... he comes into his own and it's a pure pleasure to watch. He will surely go down as one of the most gifted strategists to ever play the game!

by Little Dog on December 10, 2009 at 03:23 PM

I'm a bit surprised that the John Safran show finished with a mere whimper (ratingswise).

by arthur on December 10, 2009 at 06:13 PM

I'm really enjoying the new series 'My Place' on ABC3 at 8pm each night. This is the one that is set in Newtown with each episode going back 10 years. They started at 2008 and they're up to 1958 tonight. Great collection of stories and even though it's designed for kids, the writing is great. Good Australian adult actors and the kids have all been great in their lead roles too. Why don't other Australian series and soapies give us such an accurate depiction of multicultural Australia as this show manages to do? I definitely hope the ABC commisions the second series so we go all the way back to 1788 and beyond.
My only gripe. Why does the ABC 3 logo have to be so BIG and bright and covering so much of the top left of the screen?

by J Bar on December 11, 2009 at 08:37 AM

J Bar, I can only assume the ABC3 logo is reduced in size & intensity after a week or two, much like they did with ABC1/ABC2 when ABC2 first launched. (I haven't caught any of 'My Place', my kids are too young for it, although Mr Bear knows one of the young actors in it through school.)
Speaking of which, Channel Nine was trying to get kids involved in their new show thorugh Mr Bear's school (he politely declined to go in front of the cameras when we gave him the choice). From the flyer, it sounds like "Kids Say The Darnedest Things". *shudder*
darren, may I suggest you try Eric Ambler? He wrote spy thrillers pre-WW2, and Penguin's just re-released six or so of his titles to celebrate Mr Ambler's 100th birthday (not that he's around to celebrate any more). They come with a blurb from Graham Greene, so you know they're good. (You may also remember a movie based on "Journey Into Fear".) Abbeys has them all in stock. I'm also about 2/3 of the way through "Wolf Hall" which won the Booker this year, and the judges got it right. I've heard great things about "The Lacuna", but won't be buying that until the new year. And someone snaffled back David Malouf's "Ransom" when I tried to renew it at the library this week. (Maybe I should have read it while I had it...) I'm feeling rather glum I let that one slip through my fingers, and will have to request it back in the new year.
This December I'm hoping to finish "Wolf Hall"; am currently reading "The Forgotten Garden" by Kate Morton for one book group (it's not a great read, the Women's Weekly sticker on the front misled me!); was hoping to also get through "The Elegance of the Hedgehog" for my Global Reads group (we're doing translations this month); "Howard's End" for my Monthly Author Reads group (we're doing E.M. Forster, obviously); and "Vanity Fair" for my Literature group.
I join too many groups.
Ms Skerrick, our preschool Christmas party is *dry* this year. They were quite emphatic about it in the invitation, makes you wonder which parent got up on the table and did a strip tease at last year's Christmas party (which I missed). And Miss Boo also has a graduation ceremony as she's moving on to Big School next year.
TV remains resolutely off. I find I am not missing much.

by tqd on December 11, 2009 at 10:41 AM

The term "Summer Edition" is TV speak for repeats or for first run episodes of programs that hadn't a chance in hell of rating in ratings season. The "summer edition" term seems to convey a feeling that it is something sunny, warm and fuzzy. Whereas it really means read a book or watch a DVD instead. Networks really do think we're all stupid.

by em on December 11, 2009 at 11:43 AM

Summer Edition: An attempt by a free to air network to keep people watching a show of questionable quality or content, with a stand-in host or hosts.
(adopt The Simpsons quick voice-over)"WARNING: Summer Editions may include content of a lesser quality then the standard version. Viewers are warned that as the standard versions already contain substandard content, it is advisable to stab yourself in the eyes with the batteries from the remote."

by Glory Days on December 11, 2009 at 11:49 AM

Do we have any ratings for ABC3 yet? Just curious to see what My Place and Heartbreak High might be getting.

by Antigoni on December 11, 2009 at 11:58 AM

Thanks tqd for those suggestions and for reminding me about 'Ransom'. Added it to the list. I'm reading 'Housekeeping' by Marilyn Robinson at the moment but it won't last long. A bit girly but nicely written. Re translated books, I find often they seem to have lost something by the time they get to English. Especially Spanish books. Although to judge from Camus, the French seems to bear up well. Maybe it varies writer to writer? Hmmm.
I have grave suspicions of The Booker these days after several disappointments and still not being able to fathom 'A Fraction of the Whole' making the short list. I tend to follow The Pulitzer.
Re TV, one thing I did have the misfortune to see last night was 'Today Tonight' doing a hatchette job on some guy who pretended to have seen a couple of throat slittings. They totally trashed the guy even though he was obviously a few sandwiches short of a lunch. They made out like he was a criminal for "misleading" their 'investigative journalists' to get on tellie. Seems to me the journalists should've done their job properly and oh, I dunno, INVESTIGATED his claims. Easier to swallow the lies and present it as fact and then turn his deception into another low-effort 'report'. Where will it all end? Also enjoying the self-delusion apparent NOW about the Right to Know how many slappers Tiger had it off with. Very tired. Why not, instead of a non-ratings period, just stop broadcasting for 3 months?

by darren on December 11, 2009 at 12:02 PM

darren: the XMAS dinner was for the parent committee, of which I've been a member for longer than some murder convictions. But because I didn't want to go by myself I took Mr Skerrick and the Skerrick-ettes with me. One of the rather inebriated gents decided to serenade Master 5 with Quando Quando Quando. Scary isn't the word. The Masters and I were going to get up and do a rousing version of "We Are The Champions"
tqd: Master 5 graduated from kindy yesterday as well. I can't wait to inflict him on Big School, where he will be the Tallest Kindy Kid Ever.
TV? meh.

by Bereft Skerrick on December 11, 2009 at 02:18 PM

darren, I too followed the Pulitzer until they gave it to "The Road". Magnificent, but *so* bleak. (I do hope you enjoy the movie, but I won't be joining you at the cinema for that one.) I prefer to finish my books without feeling the need to curl up and let it all end with a whimper.
Regarding translations, I'm never quite sure of them myself. I'm devoutly monolingual, so I have to assume that books are translated correctly. But sometimes I feel doubtful. But "Elegance of the Hedgehog" was being read by my local newsagent who said it was better in English than in French - he reckoned we had a better language for humour. That intrigued me, and I've heard good things from a number of people now.
Ms Skerrick, Miss Boo is going to be towering over her classmates next year as well. (And she doesn't turn five until May!) Mr Bear is one of the shorter kids in his year. I think instead of spending his energy on growing, he spent it on learning over the past two years.

by tqd on December 11, 2009 at 07:52 PM

tqd, that's a lot of reading!! Sounds as busy as my reading schedule - but my schedule is so big because I'm an English teacher!! I read Moreton's 'The Forgotten Garden'. Meh. One of the books we've brought in for next year is 'The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas', which I got through in about an hour - it's a really interesting piece - written from the point of view from a 9 year old, so the language is quite simplistic, but is really intense in terms of its content. It just absolutely broke my heart - a colleague found me crying at my desk after reading that one - a great read, but just shattering. I read 'The Lovely Bones' too, but found the ending...a bit pointless or lacking. I didn't understand why the author went there...
Only thing left for me to watch this year is the final episode of Glee - can't wait for it!! Am now on holidays (yes, we're one of the private schools that the Daily Terror vilified for finishing before public schools - oh the humanity!!), so I am once again ready for my diet of daytime tv - Ellen is always a winner (and apparently Zach Braff will be on Tuesday's ep), and also... let me think... oh that's right, there is crap all on tv!! Thank god for dvd box sets - first on the list will be Big Love to catch up before SBS begins screening season 3 (saw the ad for it during Top Gear last night). Currently viewing Season 11 of The Simpsons - the season where it is all about Lenny - "Lenny was in an accident in the plant", "Oh no, Not Lenny!! NOT LENNY!!!" Plus I'll finally sit down and look at the full season one of True Blood.
Speaking of kids being tall for kindy, I'm a teacher too short for high school - I'm only five foot four, so there are year 7 students that are taller than me!!

by Beckala on December 12, 2009 at 09:34 AM

"Why don't other Australian series and soapies give us such an accurate depiction of multicultural Australia as this show manages to do?" 'cause the TV industry in this decrepit country is run by elderly (50+) white-bread WASPS

by benson on December 12, 2009 at 10:02 AM

I managed to catch the Friday episode of "My Place" and found it an absolute delight. That little boy that played Mihalis was terrific and his story about being torn between two cultures (Australian and Greek) actually made me cry. The actors who played his parents were really great in this episode too. This sort of show should be on ABC1 in prime time for everyone to enjoy.

by Alison on December 12, 2009 at 11:08 AM

For whatever reason, I don't know why, someone felt compelled to use my pseudonym to make a comment (9/12 10:01PM "as far as the great unwashed are concerned... etc." referring to my comments about SBS viewing and viewers.
I do not use terms which I might feel as being derogative or insulting to people, nor do I put people in a box to describe them.
While I may not disagree with much of what was written in that posting, I would never use such language so might I just suggest that whoever hasn't the imagination to work out his own pseudonym and felt compelled to use mine, get your little grey cells to work and create your own!

Tribal Mind is puzzled: I checked back, and I find that several email addresses have been attached to the comment name "Zjonn". If you would like to send me a comment (which I won't publish) telling me which is your one and only genuine email address, I will in future ensure that only those comments are used in your name, and I will change the pseudonym on any others -- unless someone else communicates with a claim to be the only true zjonn. I must say that I read the reference to "the great unwashed" as a parody of snobbish language, not a deeply felt viewpoint.

by Zjonn on December 12, 2009 at 02:00 PM

Alison, many of the My Place episodes are linked. We saw Michaelis go off to National service when his little sister's episode screened and then I think there is one where he is a grandfather. The ABC3 My Place website is excellent too.

by 2paw on December 12, 2009 at 04:07 PM

I'm curious... I recall first hearing the term "the great unwashed" used by a radio technician and a copy writer at the second (country) radio station I worked for in the very late 60s. These two guys were very witty and their humour was inspired by English radio shows, i.e "It's That Man Again", "Hancock's Half Hour", "Around the Horn" and (natch) "The Goons", plus others of a similar vein. Does TM (who is obviously NOT one of the great unwashed) have ANY idea where the saying sprung from? Does anyone?

Tribal Mind replies: Allegedly used as a synonym for the working class in a novel published in 1830 by Edward Bulwer-Lytton (who is best known for starting another book with the phrase "It was a dark and stormy night"). It gets similar usage to "hoi polloi" (which is Greek for "the many").

by d@gp on December 12, 2009 at 06:17 PM

Last night we channel surfed the twelve Freeview channels and could not find a movie to watch on a boring Saturday night. No wonder people are turning to Foxtel.

by bobmar28 on December 13, 2009 at 05:16 AM

Good Grief, Tribal Mind. After many years of thinking that Charles Schultz had 'invented' that famous opening to the many novels attempted by Snoopy ("It was a dark and stormy night..."), you shoot me down in flames ("Curse you, Red Baron!"), but also correct a incorrect "factoid" of my own making.
Who says you learn nothing from blogs............. and the net.
Oh and I think that I was responsible for some of Zjonn's angst... not in using his/her 'nom de plume', but for introducing certain..... 'witticisms'. If I offended any learned readers of this blog, I apologise. (Of course, could just be up meself. Wouldn't be the first time, and probably not the last.)

by Furlozza on December 13, 2009 at 09:10 AM

Beckala, I agree with you about "The Forgotten Garden", it's very meh. Good idea, but a bit all over the shop. Apparently her first is much better (which is why this one got voted in for the "light fiction" read this year). I've got "The Boy in the Striped Pajamas" on Mt TBR, I'll get around to that one, one day. And I read "The Lovely Bones" a while back, but remember being dissatisfied. Too sentimental? Although so many people I know do love it.
And that is the reading schedule, but I don't usually complete it. (I usually fall off the wagon with something trashy.) And the only way I come close to reading all that is by having no life (hello, small kids and a husband who shift works) and a longish commute to work. Ah, many's the time I've celebrated a traffic jam in the CBD, as it gives me extra time to read while the bus driver swears at it all.
bobmar28, you were not enticed by "Zatoichi" on SBS2 last night? I've seen it before on the big screen, and enjoyed watching some of it again last night. SBS2 is showing some great movies.

by tqd on December 13, 2009 at 10:18 AM

Thanks 2paw. The My Place website is awesome. I was able to watch that episode online, where Mihalis/Michaelis goes to Vietnam. I think it's so great that the previous episode "Sofia 1968" was about his sister Sofia who was born in the episode I watched called "Michaelis 1958". I also watched 'Mike 1978' which is about the son Michaelis and Janice had. This really is brilliant!!! I need to watch the rest of the eps now.

by Alison on December 13, 2009 at 05:21 PM

For something completely random, how many people watched this $1 telemovie called Bad Manners on early Sunday morning (2am-ish)?
Was playing poker with friends and 'caught' this most boring movie.

Tribal Mind replies: 57,000 across the mainland capitals.

by arthur on December 13, 2009 at 07:25 PM

Thanks, TM, for the unwashed explanation. Have just returned from "Good Evening" with Shaun Micallef and Stephen Curry, with the scripts of Peter Cook and Dudly Moore. Very good show with less than a week to run at the Opera House. Best bits: One Leg Too Few (about the one legged actor auditioning for the role of Tarzan) and The Frog and the Peach (about the upper-class twit who establishes a restaurant on the Yorkshire Moor for those who want easy parking). Best line: from same sketch - "she can break a swan's wing with one blow of her nose". Two "kings" in one show. Excellent entertainment.

by d@gp on December 13, 2009 at 09:32 PM

I watched 'Aliens' on Saturday night on Ten. Seen it zillions of times but it's the best of the franchise. Ten are showing another decent movie this Saturday although I can't remember what it is. Their choices for movies are the best of the Commercials lately. 'Little Miss Sunshine' and 'Adaptation' being a couple of my favourite. Although I (and probably everyone else) didn't watch them because they're sitting in the cupboard on DVD. SBS is also showing some excellent movies. 'The Host' this week and 'Pan's Labyrinth' sometime soon I think (I keep seeing it in their promos).
Now, can anyone tell me....what the hell have Seven done with 'Heroes'? Where do series go when even the B Channel won't screen them? They kept showing it past the end of the Ratings Season and now they've just stopped. At Episode 9. It's taken me 9 episodes to finally catch up with what's going on after they played Find The Television Show with the previous three seasons on Seven and now it's replaced with that bloody horrible 'Wizard of Oz' updated crap starring Zooey Deschanel and Alan Cumming. My god, that's the worst. And 'Heroes' has simply disappeared without a trace. What is wrong with these people?

by darren on December 14, 2009 at 06:03 AM

darren: I dream of having the 2nd Ch 7 channel to whing about, but because Prime still hasn't gotten their act together (can you shed any light TM?) have no such luck.
However I comforted myself with some Colin Firth/Pride & Prejudice/Cold Feet on ABC2.

by Bereft Skerrick on December 14, 2009 at 07:36 AM

And that's another thing. Don't Seven have any obligation to the Regional Viewers? Series like 'Heroes' need to be shown in their entirety to make any sense at all and deserve to be shown in ONE timeslot and WHOLE Seasons. People in regional areas should rightly be unhappy about the situation. The Networks are ruining their own brands by treating them this way.
There are two more episodes of the current season of 'Heroes' that have screened in the U.S. before going on a break until January 4th. Serious fans can easily download the episodes and completely detour Channel Seven. Why are the Networks treating their viewers like this? They're hastening their own demise and while part of me says "The sooner the better" another part of me says that Television could be resurrected if they would just stop treating their viewers like brain-dead oafs who haven't heard of The Internet and have no idea of what's happening on U.S. television and have to wait on the Networks to deign to show the next episode. They're not. They do. They don't and won't. And The Networks will continue to falter. I just don't get it.
If they are going to continue with this 'Fast-tracking' stuff then they have to Fast-track at the same pace as the U.S. They need us more than we need them but they don't seem to understand the concept.
And another thing, start showing 'Parks and Recreation' at a sensible time. And rerun all the episodes of '30 Rock' that 95% of the population never saw. Christmas Turkeys.

by darren on December 14, 2009 at 08:43 AM

To show our Fearless Leader's has hope
Beloved Kruddy does the work of the Pope
Not left up to Holy Father
Deiify McKillop, Kruddy'd rather
Another celebrity ticked off, what a dope!

by Bereft Skerrick on December 14, 2009 at 10:11 AM

Ah, Darren, I feel your pain. I gave up on Heroes half way through series 3 when I got sick of chasing it around the schedule. As I have said on here many times, Nine does the same with ER. This time around they showed 3 episodes on Thrs at 10.30 then yanked it to show CSI:NY instead. I give up. I will just wait till it comes out on DVD instead.

It's no wonder they are losing viewers to Pay TV , the internet and DVDs. It still amazes me that they now have these new channels and still show crap. And it's no wonder the ABC's numbers are up. At least, when a program is on the ABC you can settle down to watch it knowing it will run on time and will continue at the same day and time for the whole season. Why is that such a difficult concept for commercial networks to get?

Christmas Turkeys, indeed.

by em on December 14, 2009 at 11:45 AM

57k? Very high ratings for a post-midnight telemovie!

by arthur on December 14, 2009 at 04:54 PM

The Sun-Herald

Who We Are

The Who We Are update: First fortnight of the silly season, 2009

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