I have no "channels" writes "connecting..." but never connects. What to do?

Make sure that you have working DHT, and connected peers. I believe this is required for Channels to properly function.

It seems to me that everything works well except the "channels".
Screenshot:
(pic removed by mod)

are they old channels?

If the owner hasn't been online recently or has abandoned the channels, you will never connect. Try deleting all the channels you can't connect to and do a refresh at +Add -> Gather Channels

All new/current advertised channels should show up

also make sure you have the correct time.

Thank you - my time on the computer lagged behind for 10 minutes