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Tuning our modern television programming

Brenda Mallory writes the Spice of Life and this week takes on reality television.

What is your reality? For most of us it is our day to day existence. We slide though life with its ups and downs and most often get by just putting one foot in front of the other.

I came to this topic to discuss with you after the airways were smeared with the details of the life and death of Whitney Houston. So sad! So young!

I was struck by some footage shown of a reality show she had at one time. Why would anyone want cameras following their every mood swing? Does a person get a thrill out of watching someone swear like a trooper? Are we supposed to feel that we are part of the lives of these reality stars?

I have watched some reality shows. I still look at The Biggest Loser and some of American Idol.

One night I found myself watching a show about restaurants. The host of show has most of his words bleeped away as he shows all the ‘nasties’ at a place where people love to eat. Good grief. Won’t watch that again.

Other reality shows that I have seen advertised seem to have a lot of buffed up young men as well as young women with enhanced lips with shiny stuff on them. Let us not ignore the abnormally large bosom that they get from somewhere.

I watch very little television. Don’t do the sports thing. I try not to watch too much news coverage. So what’s left you ask?

I do watch British murder shows. Poirot, Lewis, Inspector Morse and others. Another one I enjoy is the Downton Abbey series. Relaxing with  no swearing and little yelling.

If I am lucky I will find a good old black and white movie on Turner Classics. I probably have seen them before, unless of course I fell asleep before the end.

What it comes down to I can sleep with commercial free television. I am peacefully entertained. That is my reality.

I have an idea some of you will think I live a sheltered live. I am missing out on a lot of good TV you’ll say. Just as well.

Take a minute to call 250-846-5095 or just e-mail a note to mallory@bulkley.net.

Brenda Mallory writes the Spice of Life and For the Birds column.