The totally off-topic thread

[medhead]

I used to use DND signs almost all the time, until I realised that using DND excessively may have lead to my missing out on several benefits - letters from the manager, bowls of fruit or water which hadn't been added to my room in time for my check-in, turndown services, etc.

If a housekeeper tries to open a room after knocking on the door with no response, then hits the deadbolt in the process, I think that's an adequate sign that I'm inside and to p*ss off. (Of course, if that sounds wakes you up, little problem...)

I use the DND in my usual Sydney hotel when I'm out. I like to leave my smalls in a pile on the floor and settle into my home for 3 days. I just don't like them moving things and also having to see the pile of smalls. Also the last bit of my good soap, that I was planning to merge into a new bar, was thrown out once and replaced with the dodgy cheap hotel soap.

Anyway, the bolt doesn't work in that situation.

 

[SeatBackForward]

Well a golf game is real. So if it's on tv it must be reality tv. Therefore it must be scripted. Seems logical.

Errgh, watching Golf on TV? more like CONscripted.

 

[anat0l]

Well a golf game is real. So if it's on tv it must be reality tv. Therefore it must be scripted. Seems logical.

You must be confused, medhead. That's an accurate description of another "sport": wrestling.

 

[medhead]

You must be confused, medhead. That's an accurate description of another "sport": wrestling.

In fact all sport on tv must be reality tv by definition and hence scripted in accordance with Johnk's law.

 

[JohnK]

Well a golf game is real. So if it's on tv it must be reality tv. Therefore it must be scripted. Seems logical.

My goodness.

Only on AFF. Now we are comparing professional sport to the rubbish that is referred to as Reality TV.

Apologies but I dont see the similarity.

But lets not get too confused as there is some scripting in professional sport which I think is totally wrong more so when people are betting on these events.

One is the practice of "tanking" in Australian sport. Another is Formula One where the team issues instructions finishing order. I am sure you think of a few more situations.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

My goodness.

Only on AFF. Now we are comparing professional sport to the rubbish that is referred to as Reality TV.

Apologies but I dont see the similarity.

But lets not get too confused as there is some scripting in professional sport which I think is totally wrong more so when people are betting on these events.

One is the practice of "tanking" in Australian sport. Another is Formula One where the team issues instructions finishing order. I am sure you think of a few more situations.

the comparison was made because a golf tournament is no more scripted than The Amazing Race. and your initial opposition (since clarified) was that you dislike TAR because it was scripted. it isn't.

 

[medhead]

My goodness.

Only on AFF. Now we are comparing professional sport to the rubbish that is referred to as Reality TV.

Apologies but I dont see the similarity.

But lets not get too confused as there is some scripting in professional sport which I think is totally wrong more so when people are betting on these events.

One is the practice of "tanking" in Australian sport. Another is Formula One where the team issues instructions finishing order. I am sure you think of a few more situations.

By definition live sport is reality TV. And wot he said:

the comparison was made because a golf tournament is no more scripted than The Amazing Race. and your initial opposition (since clarified) was that you dislike TAR because it was scripted. it isn't.

 

[JohnK]

the comparison was made because a golf tournament is no more scripted than The Amazing Race. and your initial opposition (since clarified) was that you dislike TAR because it was scripted. it isn't.

Not true. I dont like the rubbish that is referred to as Reality TV. It is heavily scripted to ensure TV ratings are good.

In my opinion it is a poor replacement for real scripted drama, comedy, variety, games shows etc.

Lets stop taking the piss....

 

[SeatBackForward]

the comparison was made because a golf tournament is no more scripted than The Amazing Race. and your initial opposition (since clarified) was that you dislike TAR because it was scripted. it isn't.

Oh now now, TAR may not be "scripted" but perhaps "managed" may be a more appropriate term? I'll give you a couple of reasons why:

1) I refuse to believe the contestants live out of the packs they carry, when you consider the climates, lengths of stay etc. The packs are gimmicks, there's more than meets the eye.
2) I refuse to believe the camera and production crew are able to follow the teams to such a degree. Rather, the progression of the contestants across their destinations is well managed, co-ordinated and probably supplemented by a whole swag of helpers.

 

[medhead]

Oh now now, TAR may not be "scripted" but perhaps "managed" may be a more appropriate term? I'll give you a couple of reasons why:

1) I refuse to believe the contestants live out of the packs they carry, when you consider the climates, lengths of stay etc. The packs are gimmicks, there's more than meets the eye.
2) I refuse to believe the camera and production crew are able to follow the teams to such a degree. Rather, the progression of the contestants across their destinations is well managed, co-ordinated and probably supplemented by a whole swag of helpers.

The word you're probably looking for is edited. No doubt the contestants do have an extra bag in the "caravan". There is one camera person with every team and they only need 2 filming teams to make it work, with one flying ahead early to meet the contestants off the plane. 3 filming teams might even make life a bit easier for the camera people. 1 with the teams, 1 packing up from the old destination, one setting up at the new destination. Sure they have logistics management but that doesn't mean what the contestant do each day is managed.

Editing comes in with making the teams look close. But that always falls apart when the last team arrives in the pitch black of nighttime.

 

[SeatBackForward]

Editing comes in with making the teams look close. But that always falls apart when the last team arrives in the pitch black of nighttime.

And so how does the supposed "contest" part of the show work, without being "managed", when they all end up on the same flight?

 

[medhead]

And so how does the supposed "contest" part of the show work, without being "managed", when they all end up on the same flight?

Flights and opening times are a great leveller in the contest. but They don't always all end up on the same flights. Famous example in one session of a couple that tried for a short connection that arrived 2 hours earlier but ended up missing the connection. They ended up being so delayed they were booted from the show without even making the pitstop.

Anyway, they seem to have a credit card and they have to buy flights when they know the next destination. That is a free for all. Sometimes, once or twice, they've had pre booked seats for flights that go about once a week.

 

[SeatBackForward]

Flights and opening times are a great leveller in the contest. but They don't always all end up on the same flights. Famous example in one session of a couple that tried for a short connection that arrived 2 hours earlier but ended up missing the connection. They ended up being so delayed they were booted from the show without even making the pitstop.

Anyway, they seem to have a credit card and they have to buy flights when they know the next destination. That is a free for all. Sometimes, once or twice, they've had pre booked seats for flights that go about once a week.

I'm not convinced.

Essentially, the show would still be exactly the same if they simply made the teams run around a studio from one activity to the next, with stage managed intervals. In my opinion, there is nothing particularly amazing or race-worthy about it.

 

[medhead]

I'm not convinced.

Essentially, the show would still be exactly the same if they simply made the teams run around a studio from one activity to the next, with stage managed intervals. In my opinion, there is nothing particularly amazing or race-worthy about it.

The problem is they rarely stage manage the intervals. As I said there was one season with at least one team one or two stages behind. As with any race of this type there are choke points, which have probably increased after that season with teams stages behind.

As frequent travellers I thought we all knew that there can be limited options between some destinations. I think about the time I spent 4 months trying to find the best option between Barcelona and Nice. Turns out the best option was 2 connections on regional trains, including changing stations in Avignon. What makes it race worthy for me is the teams have to do that type of searching in about 30 to 60 minutes.

What makes it amazing for me is seeing the world, even if it's via limited editing at times. The show does give info about the destinations and I see it as a long version variation of travel shows like getaway.

I also like some of the bickering between teams. That stuff can't be scripted.

 

[Flashback]

Very noisy in the PER SilverKris lounge. Can hear a jackhammer. Looks like they're doing more work here at PER International.

 

[Princess Fiona]

Very noisy in the PER SilverKris lounge. Can hear a jackhammer. Looks like they're doing more work here at PER International.

Safe travels, hopefully catch up with you in a couple of weeks

 

[Princess Fiona]

A little OT for this thread perhaps but got a cute new LAGS bag and bottles today

 

[cove]

Do a long cut to London Flashback!

 

[Flashback]

Do a long cut to London Flashback!

You'd better believe we will! I got a photo for you but will post once we have landed.

 

[hummel]

Guys/Gals... avoiding credit card fees for airline bookings.

If I book on expedia for a VA flight can I see the booking under my VA account?

So sick of paying $10+ each time for each ticket.