Gruen's Transfer of Offence

So the Gruen Transfer (tonight on ABC) was unable to show in full one of its segments where two different ad agencies try to sell the 'unsellable' - in this case, obesity.

They were unable to show it because the ABC didn't clear it for air due to offensive content. You can see it here - but be warned that it has very offensive content - and not for overweight people.

The discussion after the clip is really interesting (as are most Gruen Transfer convo's). What I find intriguing is that the defence for the clip is that 'shape hate' is the same as racism, homophobia and anti-semitism ... sorry?

I don't mean to be a harsh bitch but I hardly equate centuries of oppression and hate crimes to calling someone tubby.

Isn't putting obesity in the same category as being black, jewish or gay saying that obesity is a-ok? Because it really, really isn't. It is a very serious health hazard and is costing our health services and our environment more than we can imagine.

You could easily replace the 'shape-hate' part of the ad with 'junkie-hate'. Being a heroin addict is a serious health problem that is usually a result of psychological or socio-economic problems - much the same as obesity - so should heroin addicts be told "hey, you're alright", given a pat on the back and told to keep up the good work?

The whole idea is stupid in my opinion.

- And yes, I understand that some people have legitimate health issues that result in them being overweight.

Dave in the Life

Well the new SBS program Dave in the Life just aired and I quite liked it.

Not only did it tackle one of my favourite subjects: Shock Jocks (oh how I loathe them, oh how I seethe with contemptuous animosity) but it also featured the wonderful new premises of Melbourne's own Triple R.

I put this show in the same category as Lawrence Leung's Choose Your Own Adventure - let's call it the "Charming Lads Doing Stuff" category. I am more impressed with the narrative and production values of Dave than Lawrence - but Lawrence had a few more laugh out loud moments. I'm not sure if Dave is supposed to be funny as much as a story-teller. Either way, I didn't want to change the channel!

Jolly good show (- thought I might as well continue with the 'lad'-induced British pomp factor).

Indeed.
By the way - one reviewer compared the young Dave to Louis Theroux which is simply not fair. Louis Theroux is an accomplished documentary-maker with resources galore and years of experience. Give Dave a break!

Sitting Duck

Reporter Damian Smith tonight on Seven's 6pm news introduced a story about maternity payment with this gem;

"A mothers day present today not delivered by a stork - but by a swan. Wayne Swan."

Give me strength.

Flora (not the margarine) advert.

This ad is pretty cool - except for the voiceover at the end that sounds like a bored Queen Amidala (from Star Wars - the crap ones).



See what I mean?

Eurovision - next week!!!

SBS's coverage of Eurovision starts this Friday the 15th.

At 5:30pm there's Countdown to Eurovision
(from SBS) This special presentation will set the mood for Eurovision 2009, which starts on SBS tonight with Semi Final 1, and culminates with the final on Sunday evening. (From Russia, in Russian and English, English subtitles).

Then at 7:30pm the first semi-final!
(from SBS) This year, for the first time - SBS's coverage will be hosted by RocKwiz's Julia Zemiro and comedian Sam Pang, who will be heading to Moscow to take up their commentary positions. This is also the second year where two semi-finals will determine which 25 countries will battle it out for the crown of Eurovision 2009. (From the UK, in English).

Semi-final 2 is on 7:30pm Saturday and of course the Grand Finale is on the Sunday again at 7:30pm.

Can't wait!

MEDIA WATCH: 20 YEARS

The Media Watch 20 year anniversary special aired last night at 8:30pm on ABC.

It was simply brilliant - here's the link if you missed it.

Simpsons Lesbian Kiss

Well, whilst the Simpsons have moved into the HD era by finally introducing their new widescreen, HD opening credits it seems they are taking on another piece of gen y pop culture - the lesbian kiss.

In tonights new episode on channel 10 Marge will be seen locking lips with an attractive female friend - however it is actually only in Homer's imagination that the kiss occurs.

Interesting enough though - the channel 10 promo has been running the kiss as shown in the episode all week ... except tonight it had a big fat "censored" rectangle over it! Methinks the Christians are complaining again!!

They had a go when the episode aired in America earlier in the year too - here's an article.

The best bit is that the friends name is Lindsey - a pun on Lindsay Lohan methinks! Who else has made gen y lesbianism more popular?

Here are those opening credits incase you missed them;