So totally like, random.

While I'm on the topic of gratuitous use of animals (see last post), channel 9's Random Acts of Kindness has put a Woodend animal shelter in hot water after renovations on the property didn't comply with Department of Primary Industry guidelines. Supposedly the programmers were advised of the guidelines, yet didn't comply with them.

Mind you, the proprietor Trish Burke did point out that the shelter was already in breach of guidelines relating to staff training and proper management of waste water - but she insists that the programs renovations are primarily what has alerted the DPI to the breaches. Hmmm.

It seems she was well aware that while she was enjoying her 'surprise trip' that the shelter was undergoing renovations. And she was obviously well aware that the shelter would be a focus of the program and eventually be aired on television - thus bringing it to the attention of the DPI in any case, including any breaches of the guidelines that were already happening.

So who has the duty of care to liaise with the DPI to ensure any renovations carried out meet guidelines? It seems the RAK producers wanted some sweet little fluffy kittens in soft-focus (sure to pull the audience heartstrings) but didn't worry about the technicalities. And it seems that the proprietor wanted a weekend away and a free renovation but didn't want to worry about the details.

The unfortunate thing is that the shelter might be closed. The animals are the ones paying the price - and they weren't even asked to sign the channel 9 waiver (although I wouldn't put it past the producers).

Perhaps RAK will in future be more mindful of the effects of their 'randomness'.

Mike Munro and the Colarectal Ratings Killer

Catchy title for Dan Brown's next thriller huh?

I'm talking about last nights Sunday Night on channel 7 that was unceremoniously ousted in the ratings by Random Acts of Kindness on channel 9.

Did we really need to see Mike Munro drop his trousers and have his doctor do a rectal examination to prove the point that prostate cancer is a disease that should not be ignored? Since when did the reporter become the story? I don't care about Mike Munro or his healthy prostate and I certainly didn't need to see him grit his teeth and "think of something pleasant".

Note to self Mike; the story would have been just as effective had you not been the centre of attention or, dare I say it, used a diagram to explain what a non-event having an examination for prostate cancer actually is. The point was that the examination is not "as bad as you think" right?

Even more disturbing though, was the fact that I switched over half way through the story and was wondering what Mike was getting up to - so I went online a little later to figure out if there was anything else in the story besides Mike's digital examination and was confronted by this grotesque affront to all things holy;

Much more disturbing than Mike's lily-white legs (and face - as it happened). Although Alan Jones comparatively makes a prostate check seem quite pleasant, perhaps that was the point.

Please note: Wil Anderson's brilliant tweet - "Mike Munro films prostate exam. Doctor says test was easy, he has never seen a bigger arsehole." - comedy gold.

Where the heart is at channel 9

Well channel 9's home reno show Home Made has proven to be a fizzer. It's been axed after three weeks and has had tongues wagging with the phrase "death by promo".

It's being replaced by yet another 'feel good' show - here's a grab from the official press release:

NINE PRESS RELEASE 3 June

Random Acts of Kindness – a touching, joyous and surprise tribute series to people with hearts of gold – premieres on Nine on Sunday, June 14 at 6.30pm.

Each week three presenters – Karl Stefanovic, Scott Cam and Simmone Jade Mackinnon – grant wishes and make dreams come true when they head into a community and find someone special who deserves recognition for giving their all to deserving people or causes.

Besides the fact that I would rather tear my own skin off with a potato peeler than watch one moment of anything hosted by Karl Stefanovic - I am soooooo sick of these good samaratin reality shows.

Basically they consist of finding a poor person (- the only people desperate enough to use a reality tv show to solve their problems) who has a self-esteem problem due to (a) being ugly, (b) not having a mother/father or (c) being somehow disabled. The network then blow the budget on solving these problems by (a) carrying out extreme dental surgery, (b) utilising the services of the office of births, deaths and marriages or (c) supplying a new electric wheelchair.

Unfortunately the Australian public love these shows because no matter what your social-standing it's always nice to look down on someone. Reality shows bring out the elitist in all of us; "Oh, look at that poor dear with no front teeth. Isn't it lovely that he'll be able to smile again?"

Well I for one am self-aware enough to realise that looking down my nose at people is a short-term solution to the bigger problem of me not having nearly as much money as I'd like. Unfortunately with the "economic crisis" in full swing these 'Aussie Battler" stories will only grow in popularity.