Monday Night TV and Open Thread

By Jeralyn, Section Media
Posted on Mon Jun 30, 2008 at 07:56:00 PM EST
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Bump and Update: I'm glued to the television tonight. If you're not, here's another open thread.

***

I'm going to need more than one Tivo tonight:

HBO airs "The Ganja Queen" about Schapelle Corby , an Australian serving 20 years in an Indonesian prison for smuggling 10 pounds of pot into Bali at 9 pm ET.

And on ABC at 8pm, last year's jilted Bachelorette, Deanna Pappas, pares down from the final three to the final two, who almost everyone I've read thinks will be Jason, the single father from Seattle and Jesse, the professional snowboarder from Breckenridge, CO. It's followed by a "Men Tell All" episode with 15 of the guys who got eliminated. I'm rooting for Jesse when she makes her final choice on July 7, but he's definitely the longshot.

More...

At 5pm, the Sundance Channel replays the documentary "Runnin' Down a Dream" about Tom Petty and his 30 year career while at 8:30pm, the Oxygen Channel will show Richard Gere and Diane Lane in " Unfaithful."

Who needs cable news with a lineup like this?

< Arianna to Obama: Moving to the Middle is For Losers | General Clark On the Verdict >

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Monday Night TV and Open Thread | 58 comments (58 topical)

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Don't forget 'Weeds' (5.00 / 0) (#7)
by ruffian on Mon Jun 30, 2008 at 09:03:07 AM EST

This season is alreayd good. I'm loving Albert Brooks as Judah and Andy's dad.

Exactly. "Weeds" beats out (5.00 / 0) (#13)
by Cream City on Mon Jun 30, 2008 at 08:10:39 PM EST

all of the above. I thought it could get no funnier, but then -- Albert Brooks! It's a hint of a good season to come as they go on the road.

Much as I will miss Agrestic.:-)


That's what I'm waiting for, too. (none / 0) (#9)
by Iphie on Mon Jun 30, 2008 at 11:25:31 AM EST

That character is perfect for Albert Brooks -- it allows him to fully exploit his congenital crankiness. And Elizabeth Perkins is fabulous -- I really hope that they have a way to continue the plotlines back in Agrestic because she is too good to lose. I had to rewind the scene when we first see her prison makeover because I was so focused on it that I didn't hear the dialogue.

Other than Bill Moyers and NY1 locally, I'm done with the "news" on television.


Oh! That makeover (5.00 / 0) (#14)
by Cream City on Mon Jun 30, 2008 at 08:11:50 PM EST

actually had me feeling sorry for her.

Then I returned to sanity and snickered.


: She reminded me of Nicole Sullivan (none / 0) (#27)
by PssttCmere08 on Mon Jun 30, 2008 at 08:56:47 PM EST

on MadTV when she played the hispanic girl, along with Debra Wilson.

link to the Innocence Project of Iowa (5.00 / 1) (#20)
by desmoinesdem on Mon Jun 30, 2008 at 08:19:59 PM EST

I thought some people here would want to know that there is an Innocence Project of Iowa, which was apparently created as a non-profit last year.

More information is in this post at Bleeding Heartland.

Neither of the two law schools in Iowa have given the innocence project office space, but both have said they'll encourage law students to participate. There are at least two cases the project plans to pursue, but it's not clear yet whether the David Flores case (which TChris has posted on here and here) is one of them.

: Hi DMD! (5.00 / 1) (#24)
by Steve M on Mon Jun 30, 2008 at 08:35:03 PM EST

My old crim law prof from first year teaches crim at the U of Iowa law school. I wonder if he knows anyone that can offer those nice folks some office space :)

Interesting tidbit....not having anything (5.00 / 3) (#26)
by PssttCmere08 on Mon Jun 30, 2008 at 08:55:53 PM EST

to do with TV....

OH FOR GOD"S SAKE! (5.00 / 2) (#31)
by gyrfalcon on Mon Jun 30, 2008 at 09:15:15 PM EST

(sound of teeth grinding)

How did we get here again, with this, this, this Person as the Dem. nominee?


: Saw that study months ago (5.00 / 4) (#41)
by Cream City on Mon Jun 30, 2008 at 09:56:32 PM EST

and it's still coming back at him, huh? So just know that it was out a long time ago, which means that Obama has had plenty of time to fix it. If he has done so, the campaign ought to say so fast.
Of course, if the campaign does not respond, then we can figure that the gender inequities on his own staff, the ones that he can do something about, remain. For the "sweeties" in his own employ.

Once again evidence that talk (5.00 / 3) (#34)
by MO Blue on Mon Jun 30, 2008 at 09:32:47 PM EST

is cheap. Talks the talk but doesn't walk the walk.


This seems wrong. (none / 0) (#32)
by MyLeftMind on Mon Jun 30, 2008 at 09:30:11 PM EST

Thus, calculating the average salaries for all employees earning $23,000 per year or more in each of the offices seemed one reasonable way to compare the salary structure across the three offices.

I'd like to see the actual jobs compared.


It may not matter (5.00 / 1) (#50)
by nycstray on Tue Jul 01, 2008 at 01:12:56 AM EST

to see the actual jobs. If he hires more men to higher paying positions . . .


: Or if the minute a man gets hired (none / 0) (#54)
by Fabian on Tue Jul 01, 2008 at 08:04:14 AM EST

then the position becomes a higher paid position....
Corp rules can be a royal PITA, but I always appreciated having the rules for compensation down in black and white for everyone to see and not at the whim of whoever was in charge.

"History Detectives" on PBS (5.00 / 1) (#30)
by kenosharick on Mon Jun 30, 2008 at 09:10:14 PM EST

premired tonight. I was all over it.

Speaking of tv (5.00 / 0) (#36)
by LatinoVoter on Mon Jun 30, 2008 at 09:36:30 PM EST

anyone seen the Robin Williams movie Man of the Year? It is a horrible movie where Robin plays someone like Jon Stewart who get elected Prez due to a glitch in the electronic voting system.

Anyway, I caught it on HBO a couple weeks back and noticed a couple of lines and themes from Barack's primary run. The line about there being no red or blue states is in there as is one about Washington not working and the beating up on lobbyist.

Crappy movie but worth seeing for Obama's lines coming out of Robin Williams. Wonder if they'll mash up a video for the GE of Robin and Barack like the ones of Barack and Patrick Deval and Barack and John Edwards.

New York magazine... (5.00 / 2) (#47)
by Dawn Davenport on Mon Jun 30, 2008 at 10:09:58 PM EST

has an interesting John Heilemann piece called "Obama's V.P. Conundrum."

Heilemann pretty much confirms what I've been thinking about Obama's veep choice being between a rock and a hard place.

I met a group of friends Sunday for brunch; most of them are Obama supporters. When I asked the group whom they wanted to see Obama pick for v.p., there was an awkward silence, then one person mentioned Clark and another mentioned Edwards. Other than those two, they were pretty tongue-tied.

Of course, it wouldn't dawn on them to suggest Hillary, the most obvious choice, as Heilemann points out.

Speaking as a person (none / 0) (#1)
by oculus on Mon Jun 30, 2008 at 01:25:13 AM EST

who only watches baseball on TV, you have rendered me speechless.

It's Unfaithful (none / 0) (#2)
by Marco21 on Mon Jun 30, 2008 at 01:36:02 AM EST

no "the" in there.

Just saying. I watched it earlier. Not a great film but Diane Lane is brilliant in it and there's no harm in watching Oliver Martinez either.

I can't believe (none / 0) (#3)
by Grace on Mon Jun 30, 2008 at 01:44:21 AM EST

you watch "The Bachelor" or "The Bachelorette." Those shows are sooooooo stupid! They are the epitome of dumb reality TV! Even at the end, you rarely end up feeling good about the whole thing. (Yeah, I've watched it too in the past...)

"Amazing Race" and "So you Think You Can Dance" and "Beauty and the Geek" -- now those are good reality TV shows.

I don't consider... (5.00 / 1) (#12)
by Alec82 on Mon Jun 30, 2008 at 07:59:13 PM EST

...Amazing Race a reality show.

As far as I can tell these shows exist so that people can be on television.


Of course, that describes (5.00 / 2) (#15)
by Cream City on Mon Jun 30, 2008 at 08:13:06 PM EST

the purpose of Countdown for Olbermann, too -- and so many other wastes of time like it.


: True... (none / 0) (#29)
by Alec82 on Mon Jun 30, 2008 at 08:59:50 PM EST

...which probably explains why I don't watch them.
I'll stick to the Daily Show and the Colbert report. Not always funny, but they're the kind of talking heads I can appreciate.

So you think you can dance (5.00 / 1) (#17)
by bjorn on Mon Jun 30, 2008 at 08:18:36 PM EST

Best summer fun!


Personally, I'm glad that Jeralyn watches.... (none / 0) (#8)
by Maria Garcia on Mon Jun 30, 2008 at 11:03:59 AM EST

...the Bachelorette, because for some reason that I still can't explain, I watched The Bachelor last season and got sucked into the drama that is Deana. So I'm somewhat relieved that I'm not the only one.


The first two I can understand. (none / 0) (#4)
by weltec2 on Mon Jun 30, 2008 at 03:59:52 AM EST

But I live and work in Japan... reality... we do not have here.

I'm waiting for HBO's Tell Me You Love Me (none / 0) (#5)
by Angel on Mon Jun 30, 2008 at 08:50:07 AM EST

to return to the lineup.

You can rent 'Unfaithful' anytime (none / 0) (#6)
by ruffian on Mon Jun 30, 2008 at 09:02:11 AM EST

It's OK, but not great.

But 'Runnin' Down a Dream' is fantastic. I already loved tom Petty as a performer, but I got a whole new appreciation for him as an artist. And the rest of The Heartbreakers get their due as well. Mike Campbell has been so good for so long - it is nice to see him get more recognition.

I watching Peter Hart's focus group on C-SPAN (none / 0) (#11)
by andgarden on Mon Jun 30, 2008 at 07:55:18 PM EST

It's fascinating. I recognize the SE PA accents! (Home. . .)

give us the short version (none / 0) (#18)
by bjorn on Mon Jun 30, 2008 at 08:19:09 PM EST

what is the most interesting point?


I landed this take on the other thread (5.00 / 1) (#28)
by Cream City on Mon Jun 30, 2008 at 08:59:40 PM EST

but here's a bit of what I saw from the panel in the most recent part.


Almost every member of the focus (5.00 / 1) (#44)
by MichaelGale on Mon Jun 30, 2008 at 10:02:38 PM EST

group voted for Hillary and their respect and praise for her was profuse. They also stated they believe the media is picking the candidate; that one candidate received 95% of the media time and attention...Obama. They were also upset at the talking heads that ran 24 hours a day and were overwhelmed by advertising during the primaries. That they do not know what Obama stands for; that he lacks experience;and they do not know what change means and they would like to know!

The economy was their greatest concern. They are not enthused by either candidate; Rev Wright controversy was not a factor but Obama's middle name is ( three participants) and 4 participants were angry at Michelle's "Never so proud of America" comment.

Some who did not know if they would vote for Obama changed their mind if Bill Clinton campaigns for Obama and all but 2 said what the Clinton's want is very important and even if they are not thrilled with Obama, if Hillary and Bill campaign for him, they will follow

Clearly Clinton was their candidate but 70% said they will vote for Obama because, it appears, they clearly are angry, disgusted and appalled by Bush. and they will follow Hillary.

There were few positive statements about McCain.

The focus group was filmed on 6/24/08


A few things (none / 0) (#21)
by andgarden on Mon Jun 30, 2008 at 08:25:48 PM EST

The Hillary supporters are by-and-large open to supporting Obama. As I suspected, these PA residents want to hear a more substantive version of what Obama means by "change." (My opinion: Hillary showed him the way in her concession speech).


: I still think he should pick her for VP (5.00 / 1) (#22)
by bjorn on Mon Jun 30, 2008 at 08:29:42 PM EST

I know he won't...but she could still teach him some things.

: Didn't Gore try and do the same (none / 0) (#51)
by nycstray on Tue Jul 01, 2008 at 01:16:02 AM EST

with his endorsement?

Hahaha (none / 0) (#56)
by lilburro on Tue Jul 01, 2008 at 11:08:47 AM EST

I never realized I had an accent until somebody remarked that I say the word "on" wrong. "Awwwn/Oin." I'm sure there are other PA markers...


Jeralyn.....the Schapelle movie will be (none / 0) (#16)
by PssttCmere08 on Mon Jun 30, 2008 at 08:15:00 PM EST

shown repeatedly on HBO if you miss it tonight.

And WEEDS rulz...

I don't think I can watch (none / 0) (#19)
by bjorn on Mon Jun 30, 2008 at 08:19:37 PM EST

the HBO thing, too depressing.


: I'm not watching it either... (none / 0) (#25)
by PssttCmere08 on Mon Jun 30, 2008 at 08:54:42 PM EST

: It was very sad (none / 0) (#45)
by MichaelGale on Mon Jun 30, 2008 at 10:03:46 PM EST

but interesting

At 10 on PBS in NYC metro area, this looks good: (none / 0) (#23)
by jawbone on Mon Jun 30, 2008 at 08:33:57 PM EST

The War of the World : "The Clash of Empires"
<iA study of WWII begins with a look at ethnic, economic and social issues that may have led to the start of the war. With Harvard historian Niall Ferguson.</i>

Statement from Obama People (none / 0) (#33)
by mmc9431 on Mon Jun 30, 2008 at 09:31:31 PM EST

Senator Obama had a terrific conversation with President Clinton and is honored to have his support in this campaign. He has always believed that Bill Clinton is one of this nation's great leaders and most brilliant minds, and looks forward to seeing him on the campaign trail and receiving his counsel in the months to come,"

I hope Obama meant it and is able to convey the message to his supporters. The Party needs WJC

: Won't he need to see the library (5.00 / 2) (#46)
by Joan in VA on Mon Jun 30, 2008 at 10:03:55 PM EST

donor list first?

NRA gathers ammo against Obama (none / 0) (#35)
by MyLeftMind on Mon Jun 30, 2008 at 09:35:39 PM EST

The National Rifle Association plans to spend about $40 million on this year's presidential campaign, with $15 million of that devoted to portraying Barack Obama as a threat to the Second Amendment rights upheld last week by the Supreme Court.
Cox said the 5-4 decision had galvanized sportsmen and Second Amendment enthusiasts and would thrust the issue back into the political arena. "This is the first salvo in a step-by-step restoration of this right," Cox said calling Heller "only the end of the beginning."

Here's an article.

Here's the link....bitter NRA'ers... (none / 0) (#37)
by PssttCmere08 on Mon Jun 30, 2008 at 09:39:58 PM EST

: Remember - it's "cliinging" (none / 0) (#53)
by Fabian on Tue Jul 01, 2008 at 07:57:45 AM EST

I still can't figure out how people "cling" to their guns in the same way as they "cling" to their religion. Unless they belong to some kind of militant paranoid cult?

Ganja Queen WAS depressing. (none / 0) (#38)
by Joan in VA on Mon Jun 30, 2008 at 09:51:15 PM EST

I swore I would never visit Indonesia or Thailand or anywhere like that after seeing "Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason". Admittedly, that seems silly, but this case is deadly serious. She could have gotten the death penalty for weed- she was "lucky" to get 20 years. Of course, the investigation was non-existent, etc.

there is a series out about lockup (none / 0) (#40)
by hellothere on Mon Jun 30, 2008 at 09:53:21 PM EST

overseas. they follow the story and eventual release of some folks from europe and the usa. interesting! remind to be on my good behavior out of the country.


Reminds me not to go to any countries (5.00 / 1) (#42)
by Joan in VA on Mon Jun 30, 2008 at 09:57:54 PM EST

where the death penalty is their standard punishment. We can trust ourselves but not others. Too bad, really.


: They love our tourism dollars! (none / 0) (#52)
by Fabian on Tue Jul 01, 2008 at 07:55:25 AM EST

So stories like these are often kept tightly under wraps.

: I don't trust ourselves.... (none / 0) (#55)
by kdog on Tue Jul 01, 2008 at 08:57:16 AM EST

you can end up with 20 years for a bag of plants here too.
It's barbaric wherever it happens.

i tried finding NO COUNTRY FOR OLD (none / 0) (#39)
by hellothere on Mon Jun 30, 2008 at 09:51:56 PM EST

MEN TONIGHT and couldn't. dang, is it out of video? also i love THE CLOSER.

On DVD last month. (none / 0) (#43)
by Joan in VA on Mon Jun 30, 2008 at 09:59:13 PM EST

thanks, i'll look for it and watch (none / 0) (#48)
by hellothere on Mon Jun 30, 2008 at 10:14:52 PM EST

on the 4th.


: I went to this with my parent (5.00 / 1) (#49)
by waldenpond on Mon Jun 30, 2008 at 11:00:18 PM EST

We thought it was going to be a more modern day western. I think the others in the theater thought we were warped, we kept laughing....

Weed For All (none / 0) (#57)
by squeaky on Tue Jul 01, 2008 at 11:20:57 AM EST

California has a new ballot initiative for November.

There is an initiative in the works that could end up on the November ballot that allows for marijuana to be sold to anyone, and anywhere that already sells alcohol. Its being called The Inalienable Rights Enforcement Initiative. From the full text of the measure:

I wish my state had ballot initiatives.... (none / 0) (#58)
by kdog on Tue Jul 01, 2008 at 01:15:55 PM EST

they are so cool...legislation by the people, cutting out the crooked middle-man legislator.

I hope it gets on the ballot and the people of California vote overwhelmingly in favor of liberty....I tend to think they will.


: It Does (none / 0) (#59)
by squeaky on Tue Jul 01, 2008 at 03:30:44 PM EST

Under the proposal, signatures from five percent of the total voters statewide in the last gubernatorial election would be required. To ensure that a measure has a broad base of statewide support, these signatures would be required to include at least 5,000 signatures of residents from at least three-fifths of the State's congressional districts.