"There are wildfires at Kinglake," said the girl on the radio news. Wildfires? There's been a little too much of this business on the radio and television. The deadheads who read the news bulletins are unlikely to have a clue, the fools, they just ooze out whatever tripe is plonked in front of them. Getting detail wrong is often not their fault*. It's difficult enough for them to get the rhythm right -- "Tony Taglio ... FOR ... Southern Cross ... NETwork News." -- without having to worry about what they are reading. Most likely it's some hipster deadshit in a newsroom smugly slotting it into his or her copy. Well, stop it, you posturing fuckers. We don't have wildfires here in Straya, we have bushfires.
* Is it anyone's fault they're an idiot? It's one of those questions, isn't it.
That'll do then. Home time.
Posted by: Tony.T | 27 January 2006 at 13:06
At least you don't have to put up with Alicia Gorey (ABC TV). She can't even read what's put in front of her. She skips connecting words, drops syllables ... I'm going to send her an icecream the day she gets through an entire bulletin without making some damn mistake.
Off topic re wildfires/bushfires ... I have always objected to the word "wildflowers". Just because they grow in the bush doesn't make them wild - it makes them free. One day when I get the time I'm going to form a freeflower society.
I wonder what sort of people will want to join.
Posted by: os | 27 January 2006 at 15:48
The recent whirly wind that struck Lake Bolac was referred to on the news as a hurricane. In fact it was pronounced "hurricun" which was doubly offensive. Then totop it off, my local rag described it as a twister.
Posted by: girtbysea | 27 January 2006 at 16:41
I'm dreading the day when 'bikies' become the cooler-sounding, American 'bikers'.
(My American friend reckons 'bikie gangs' sounds hilarious. He pictures a bunch of 3-year-olds on their Fisher Price trikes.)
Posted by: Big Ramifications | 27 January 2006 at 18:50
they're an idiot
Look out for the grammar police.
Posted by: Dirk Thruster | 27 January 2006 at 20:34
Evil is done while the great men stay silent. Dunno who said it, probably no one important, but someone has to take up the cudgels to these softheaded media blancmanges who think they're being hip when they slot gratuitous Americanisms into our lingo.
Hmmm, lingo.
Yes, they're an idiot. There is more than one anyone. Works for me, grammar nazi.
Posted by: Tony.T | 28 January 2006 at 19:17
Tone,
Hate to play Pete the Pedant over here, but as irriritating as I find the term, the CFA itself uses the term wildfire.
Posted by: The Hack | 30 January 2006 at 10:08
The CFA can lick my balls. They’re just as much a part of the problem. Tryin’ to be like their big, macho, self important American counterparts.
They don’t even use the word fire truck – they’re called fire appliances, apparently. Fire trucks are small and plastic and are what little boys play with.
Getting off topic: When I worked in the USA, I befriended a volunteer fire fighter, and hence met a lot of his friends. Now… not wanting to detract from the important job they do… but I have to say… strange strange boys, they were.
(Getting more off topic: In the State where I worked (Michigan if you must know), there was a rule that if you were a volunteer fiery (am I allowed to use that term, big Tone?!) you were permitted to put flashing lights on your personal car. But not those poncey orange ones – proper red and blue ones. You can just imagine the sort of mungbeans that rule attracted!)
Posted by: Big Ramifications | 30 January 2006 at 18:56
I'm with Notorious Biggy Big. The CFA? Pah! Bunch of yokels, is all. THEY, more than anyone, ought to know it's bushfire.
They, anyone - calling Dirk.
Posted by: Tony.T | 30 January 2006 at 21:02
girtbysea - your local is my local, and you know they are known for getting everything wrong.
AGB: Your 'is it anyone's fault they're an idiot', made me think of William Hurt's character in Broadcast News.
I have just come from reading The Age report of the Oscar Noms which says that Hurt is nominated for his ONE scene in A History Of Violence, and that made me think that Albert Brook's drunk phone scene with Holly Hunter in Broadcast News should have got him some kind of award, and the Network boardroom scene of Ned Beatty's shold have got him an award too.
No Melbourne TV news readers deserve any award for proficiency. except Emma Alborici - she is a class act.
Posted by: Brownie | 01 February 2006 at 12:13
Brownie! I'm appalled you would read The Age before you read The AGB. We all know which is the more authoritative organ of record.
I'll keep an eye out for Emma. Just one question - who is she?
Posted by: Tony.T | 01 February 2006 at 12:46
Don't get me started on the CFA involved in "asset protection".
Posted by: slatts | 03 February 2006 at 19:18
Tony what a moron you are, do you believe being semi literate and unable to pronounce Australia is a badge of honor ?? as for wildfires, I suggest you have look into a dictionary (it's a book with lots of words Tony::) for the explanation before you educate us that we bushfires in straya, you halfwitted semi literate moron.
Posted by: Richard Gill | 04 November 2006 at 10:03
Speaking on honor, Richard. I bow to your expertise as a halfwitted semi literate moron.
Posted by: Tony.T | 04 November 2006 at 13:24