home

Monday Night TV and Open Thread

By Jeralyn, Section Media
Posted on Mon Apr 06, 2009 at 07:17:48 PM EST
Tags: (all tags)
Share This: Digg! StumbleUpon del.icio.us reddit reddit

It's Dancing With the Stars and "24" for me tonight.

For alternative viewing, HBO's "In Treatment" is beginning its new season. There's back to back episodes on tonight. It's a little depressing but Gabriel Byrne as the shrink is really good.

Another new series on HBO that is worth watching is the No. One Ladies Detective Agency. The second episode aired last night and you can catch them on "On Demand."

What are you watching tonight? This is an open thread, all topics welcome.

< Former Blogger Running for Office | NCAA Championship >

  • The Online Magazine with Liberal coverage of crime-related political and injustice news

  • Contribute To TalkLeft


    • Display: Sort:
    Monday Night TV and Open Thread | 45 comments (45 topical)

    Readers Must Login or Create an Account to Comment

    I'm watching a video (5.00 / 1) (#2)
    by Cream City on Mon Apr 06, 2009 at 07:28:00 PM EST
    on youtube just now, sent by my laid-off daughter who loves country: John Rich, "Shutting Detroit Down."  Apparently quite a hit, resonating with the mood of the country.  Here's a bit of the lyrics:

    My daddy taught me that in this country, everyone's the same
    You work hard for your dollar, and you never pass the blame
    When it dont go your way.
    Now I see all these big shots whining on my evening news
    About how they're losing billions, and its up to me and you
    To come running to the rescue.

    Well, pardon me if I don't shed a tear
    They're selling make-believe, and we don't buy that here.
    Because in the real world, they're shutting Detroit down.

    While the boss man takes his bonus-paid jets on out of town,
    D.C.'s bailing out them bankers, as the farmers auction ground.
    Yeah, while they're living up on Wall Street in that New York City town,
    Here in the real world, they're shutting Detroit down.

    Well, my old man's been working in that plant most all his life.
    Now his pension plan's been cut in half, and he can't afford to die.
    And it's a crying shame, 'cause he ain't the one to blame.
    When I look down to see his calloused hands --
    Well, let me tell you, friend, it gets me fighting mad. . . .

    Ive heard it. Lots of focus detroit lately. (5.00 / 2) (#5)
    by connecticut yankee on Mon Apr 06, 2009 at 07:49:14 PM EST
    Reminds me of Allentown by the boss.

    Parent
    "Allentown"... (none / 0) (#35)
    by kdog on Tue Apr 07, 2009 at 09:27:21 AM EST
    is Billy Joel my good yank....Bruce covered the theme extensively as well in too many tracks to mention.

    Parent
    The problem with that song (none / 0) (#4)
    by Catch 22 on Mon Apr 06, 2009 at 07:34:55 PM EST
    is that long before Wall Street revealed it's problems Detroit had been shutting itself down for years with bad choices of cars to make. Then gas shot up last year and it was over in an eye blink.

    I tuned into the CMA last night just in time to see John Rich sing that song. I had to laugh along with him. Here is a guy named Rich of all things cashing in on the problems of the country who will probably make enough to justify his last name, buy a big house in Nashville, and laugh all the way to the bank. The irony.

    Parent

    The problem for you (none / 0) (#7)
    by Cream City on Mon Apr 06, 2009 at 07:57:29 PM EST
    is his last name.  And you listened to the lyrics?  Ah, yes, the irony.

    Parent
    I have no problem (none / 0) (#9)
    by Catch 22 on Mon Apr 06, 2009 at 08:18:17 PM EST
    with his last name. It just sort of stuck out like a sore thumb you know. John Rich is not exactly a poor guy. I didn't mention this but he is a former member and lead vocalist of the successful group Lone Star. Many hits, lots of concert cash. After that he teamed up with a duo called Big & Rich, and  recorded major albums with multiple hits on Billboard, videos, etc

    So like I said I had to laugh with him. He is not exactly some poor cowboy singing from the heart. I have no problem with him making money. It's just ironic that a fairly rich guy is being made into some kind of folk hero by people who don't know his background.

    Here is the kicker. Politically he supported Fred Thompson and the John McCain. Two champions of the Detroit UAW (lol) who have been trying to crush the very pensions Rich sings of. The irony.

    Parent

    Here is the real kicker (5.00 / 1) (#10)
    by Cream City on Mon Apr 06, 2009 at 08:24:11 PM EST
    From the reaction, at least from others and not you, he gets it more than many pols do -- including many Dems.  So maybe he was on to something, knowing that it would make little difference to Detroit which one won.

    Parent
    Actually I didn't vote (none / 0) (#12)
    by Catch 22 on Mon Apr 06, 2009 at 08:37:50 PM EST
    for Obama or McCain or any third party candidate. So much for your mind reading skills.

    As Republican from a Right To Work state other than his own union that guarantees him his residuals I rather doubt he cares about Detroit workers unless he can make a buck like he is now. So yeah I'd say he is on to something. Cha-ching.

    Parent

    Uh, where did I say (none / 0) (#14)
    by Cream City on Mon Apr 06, 2009 at 09:03:17 PM EST
    for whom you voted?  Seeing things.

    Parent
    Yes (none / 0) (#15)
    by Catch 22 on Mon Apr 06, 2009 at 09:26:00 PM EST
    I am seeing things. I am seeing a song that is trying to blame Detroit's woes on Wall Street when they were self-inflicted by Detroit years ago.

    I'm seeing a Nashville cowboy taking advantage of other peoples problems while he gets Rich(er) doing it.

    I'm seeing a song being sung about peoples pensions by a guy who supported people who were transparently anti-union, anti-pension.

    I'm seeing people eat up a song and the singer who obviously don't know that Wall Street had nothing to do with Detroit and that the cowboy singer is not with them in heart.

    And last night I saw him sing it on a stage built in the middle of a Las Vegas Room surrounded by a bunch of Diamond Draped Millionaire 'country folks' that arrived in limos and stayed in the luxury suites at posh hotels. Some probably arriving in town on private chartered jets. Much like the Wall Street types he pines about. LOL.

    But people love his song. And Mr. Rich gets Richer.

    I heard he may be working on a song about foreclosures that he is writing from the comforts of his 16,000 sq ft home on 10 acres of prime Nashville land in an exclusive gated community. Cha-Ching.

    Are you seeing The Irony?

    Parent

    Maybe he spent the first (5.00 / 2) (#16)
    by Inspector Gadget on Mon Apr 06, 2009 at 09:38:59 PM EST
    7/8ths of his life in humble surroundings and actually has a unique insight that his fame and wealth actually allows him to share with more than the people under his 16,000 sq ft roof.

    I could write and sing the song about foreclosures, but fewer than a dozen people would ever hear it.


    Parent

    Not that poor but not (5.00 / 1) (#18)
    by Cream City on Mon Apr 06, 2009 at 10:33:30 PM EST
    more than working-class, either, my daughter tells me about him.  High school education.  Lots of problems along the way.  But so what; I listen to the music, not the envious gossipy idjits.

    More important, my point is not who is singing but who is listening -- apparently a sizeable public with whom the song resonates.  That's all.  Jeesh, huh?

    Parent

    Maybe he supports (none / 0) (#19)
    by Catch 22 on Mon Apr 06, 2009 at 10:58:31 PM EST
    union busting pension hating presidential candidates (He does). Not a problem?

    Parent
    And which candidate would that be? (5.00 / 1) (#20)
    by nycstray on Mon Apr 06, 2009 at 11:08:54 PM EST


    Parent
    If you took the time (none / 0) (#45)
    by Catch 22 on Tue Apr 07, 2009 at 03:14:12 PM EST
    to read the previous posts you would know that.

    Parent
    You're not listening (none / 0) (#22)
    by Cream City on Tue Apr 07, 2009 at 12:12:07 AM EST
    in so many ways.  See my comment above.

    Parent
    And you have (none / 0) (#46)
    by Catch 22 on Tue Apr 07, 2009 at 04:12:50 PM EST
    selective hearing.

    If you are talking about his adolescence and his middle class upbringing that kind of thing let's no one off the hook for what they are today. Does it?

    Selective hearing alright. I mention Rich's support  of McCain and Thompson and you just stick your fingers in your ears. Screw the unions and the workers who these guys have busted from day one - you like the song! That's real values.

    Do you suppose Rich cared about Detroit much when the Republicans voted no in the Senate last year on a bill for an aid a package to the auto companies? Didn't here a squeak from him then.

    Or how about when Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) wanted to the UAW to cut its  wages and benefits to match those paid by Nissan who has a plant in his state. Where was Rich then?

    And speaking of unions what do you think about this john Rich quote:

    "I think if you legalize that (gay marriage), you've got to legalize some other things that are pretty unsavory. "You can call me a radical, but how can you tell an aunt that she can't marry her nephew if they are really in love and sharing the bills? How can you tell them they can't get married, but something else that's unnatural can happen?"

    Great guy huh? But forget he supports union busting Pols and hates gays. You like the song! You also have no line in the sand about values.

    You insinuated to another poster that I was an "envious gossipy idjit". Well first of all just insinuating that someone is an envious gossipy idjit is being a gossipy idjit itself isn't it?.

    Secondly when you look past a guy who is a gay bashing life long Republican who never lifted a finger or said a kind word toward unions before taking advantage of others hardship to make big bucks - when you look past all that who is really the idjit here?

    Parent

    I thought we already voted (none / 0) (#31)
    by Inspector Gadget on Tue Apr 07, 2009 at 07:53:04 AM EST
    and the election was over. There are no current presidential candidates that I am aware of.

    Parent
    total nonsequitor (5.00 / 1) (#11)
    by NJDem on Mon Apr 06, 2009 at 08:33:32 PM EST
    I came across this and wanted to pass it on:

    "Bill Clinton: "I Am Because You Are"

    I really liked it...

    We gave up on optimism here and calls (5.00 / 0) (#13)
    by Militarytracy on Mon Apr 06, 2009 at 08:55:31 PM EST
    went out all over the marriage for a margarita night.  Instead of 1800 though my husband brought home Cazadores Anejo.  Wow....that's damn fine.  If something or someone starts messing around with Jalisco though I swear to 8 lb baby Jesus that's going to be the last straw in trying to survive strawman world for me!!!!!

    Vermont legalizes gay marriage (5.00 / 1) (#41)
    by jbindc on Tue Apr 07, 2009 at 10:37:52 AM EST
    They overrode the governor's veto

    More gay marriage good news (none / 0) (#43)
    by jbindc on Tue Apr 07, 2009 at 12:07:41 PM EST
    DC Council votes to recognize other states' gay marriages

    Parent
    NCAA Basketball! (none / 0) (#1)
    by Catch 22 on Mon Apr 06, 2009 at 07:27:53 PM EST
    Go Michigan St!!!!

    34 minutes and counting.

    Well, my Yanks lost (none / 0) (#3)
    by nycstray on Mon Apr 06, 2009 at 07:34:05 PM EST
    but it sure was fun watching a game "that counts"! IT"S BASEBALL SEASON!

    Now watching DWTS and procrastinating work by hanging here and food blogs (I'm such a sl*t!). Maybe tomorrow I'll knuckle down and bang out a bunch of product . . or not, lol!~ Actually maybe I should since the owner of a local cookware store is in our CSA and she can order stuff for me . . . {grin}

    Your Yanks lost to my Orioles... (none / 0) (#6)
    by Anne on Mon Apr 06, 2009 at 07:52:46 PM EST
    which was kind of a surprise.  I listened in the car on the way home - picked it up just as the O's were in the process of scoring three runs.  Sabathia was not on his game today, was he?  

    Oh, well - never fear; the O's have no depth in the bullpen, and no one expects them to do much.  They've had 11 straight seasons at less than .500...sheesh.

    The fans saw a good game, the rain stopped and I think the sun finally came out for a bit - all in all, not a bad afternoon!

    Parent

    Sun actually came out here for a bit (none / 0) (#8)
    by nycstray on Mon Apr 06, 2009 at 08:13:32 PM EST
    also, lol!~ yeah, it turned out to be a decent game when the Yanks pulled back into it. Sabathia better deliver in the future. He's on one of my fantasy teams also, so I have a bit riding on him ;)

    Between yesterday's meeting with my CSA group and baseball starting, things are looking up in the Spring dept :) Too bad the weather's gonna suck again tomorrow.  Also on the upside, the trees are really starting to bust out! Now I just have to decide how soon I can justify breaking out the bucks to visit both new stadiums {sigh}. This is my final baseball season here it looks like . . . .

    Parent

    Meanwhile... (none / 0) (#36)
    by kdog on Tue Apr 07, 2009 at 09:29:35 AM EST
    the new Mets bullpen got off to a banging start, and the Murph goes yard on opening day.

    Lets Go Mets!

    Parent

    PBS' "American Experience" (none / 0) (#17)
    by kenosharick on Mon Apr 06, 2009 at 09:58:16 PM EST
    had two fine documentaries back to back tonight (at least in the Atlanta area)- Annie Oakley and Buffalo Bill Cody. Good TV.

    Hey, Rick (none / 0) (#24)
    by Cream City on Tue Apr 07, 2009 at 12:14:16 AM EST
    I have the Annie Oakley one on video -- it's excellent.  I'll have to catch the one on Cody; thanks for the tip.  (But I have yet to meet a PBS American Experience episode I didn't like.)

    Btw, I bet you now know that both of these "wild, wild Westerners" were Midwesterners, like you.:-)

    Parent

    Padres lost to Dodgers 4 to 1. (none / 0) (#21)
    by oculus on Mon Apr 06, 2009 at 11:33:58 PM EST
    The only consolation is the Yankees lost too!

    Hey there!!! (none / 0) (#25)
    by nycstray on Tue Apr 07, 2009 at 12:23:56 AM EST
    Watch that Yankee bashin'!!!  {grin}

    So what if they both lost, wasn't it nice for the game to "count" finally? My sister lives close to the SF Giants and I guess their home opener is tomorrow, but weather could be iffy. She's not much of a sports fan unless she gets in free, but seemed excited about tomorrow night, lol!~

    Parent

    My co-worker... (none / 0) (#44)
    by MileHi Hawkeye on Tue Apr 07, 2009 at 02:44:29 PM EST
    ...just gave me her two tickets to the Rox/Dodgers game on the 24th.  Now I can go heckle kdog's favorite slugger (Manny)...

    Parent
    Very happy to see... (none / 0) (#32)
    by MileHi Hawkeye on Tue Apr 07, 2009 at 09:03:53 AM EST
    ...my Orioles hang-on to beat those evil Yanquies.  

    The Rockies, on the other hand, managed to lose a slugfest--8 to 9 against the Diamondbacks.  Is that what we have to look forward to, the Rox and the Padres battling for last place in the NL West?  

    Parent

    You are probably right. (none / 0) (#34)
    by oculus on Tue Apr 07, 2009 at 09:26:43 AM EST
    Last night on the after game radio talk fest a caller sd. why didn't the Pads sign Tony Gwynn Jr.?  At least we'd have somebody to cheer for, seeing as how our team isn't going anywhere.  This is after one game!

    Parent
    Yeah... (none / 0) (#37)
    by MileHi Hawkeye on Tue Apr 07, 2009 at 09:32:39 AM EST
    ...I'm not even sure who we're supposed to cheer for.  Todd Helton, I guess.  Other than that, no pitching and little defense to go along with a questionable offense.

    Oh boy?  

    Parent

    Yet there was a new record re (none / 0) (#38)
    by oculus on Tue Apr 07, 2009 at 09:57:48 AM EST
    attendance yesterday at Petco Park.  Maybe the 4:00 p.m. start on a Monday and it was balmy.  Lots of Dodger blue in the stands.

    Parent
    I'm going to the Rox... (none / 0) (#39)
    by MileHi Hawkeye on Tue Apr 07, 2009 at 10:04:24 AM EST
    ...home opener on Friday.  It's always a big party--but being on a Friday afternoon and the forecast calling for sun and a high near 60, it should be real festive and well attended.  

    As opposed to the usual Tuesday start and chance of snow and frigid temps...

    Parent

    Have fun. (none / 0) (#40)
    by oculus on Tue Apr 07, 2009 at 10:05:38 AM EST


    Parent
    Thanks... (none / 0) (#42)
    by MileHi Hawkeye on Tue Apr 07, 2009 at 11:01:37 AM EST
    ...I'm sure I will (depending how I'm feeling by Friday).  A day of sunshine, good friends and bad baseball beats a day at work anytime!

    Parent
    What ever happened to Bill Clinton? (none / 0) (#23)
    by BrassTacks on Tue Apr 07, 2009 at 12:13:04 AM EST
    Where's he been?  I miss the ol' boy.  

    Me too (none / 0) (#30)
    by NJDem on Tue Apr 07, 2009 at 07:01:27 AM EST
    See my link above and then check this out.  Enjoy! :)

    Parent
    They don't even offer up suggestions? (none / 0) (#27)
    by nycstray on Tue Apr 07, 2009 at 12:56:59 AM EST
    or places that are normally frequented by their interns? Have you spoken to them to confirm your interview? Might be an opportunity to ask. Doesn't seem like an out-of-bounds question since they must be used to non-DCers coming in.

    One option for finding inexpensive housing is to check with colleges and other programs in the area. You might also want to try reg options like want ads and Craigslist, as some folks are renting rooms to keep their families in their home. Saw something recently on the news where a woman took a job out of state and was renting from a family. I think she even had her daughter with her. This was in CA I believe, but I'm thinking anywhere where jobs are tight and homes are on the brink, there may be some good rooming options.

    AND! Good luck!! :) (none / 0) (#28)
    by nycstray on Tue Apr 07, 2009 at 12:58:43 AM EST


    Parent
    There are Dormish places near the Capitol (none / 0) (#29)
    by andgarden on Tue Apr 07, 2009 at 01:05:45 AM EST
    and, IIRC, GW will rent you a dorm room for the summer.

    BTW, fair warning: that org you link to is putting out a big red flag for me. I would look into it carefully before I took what they're offering.

    Dalton (none / 0) (#33)
    by jbindc on Tue Apr 07, 2009 at 09:04:42 AM EST
    Congrats on you rinternship!  Just to let you know, however, DC is VERY expensive when it comes to living. I would check out craigslist for roommates needed or WaPo, and check with the universities to see what they recommend as student housing to their students.  Maybe your university has a reciprocal agreement with them and you could get into a dorm?

    If you have a car, you might have to pay extra to park it, which can also be expensive.  Check out the Metro and you can order a Metro card before you get here. (a Metro card is good on both the subway and the buses). (And one more thing  - in the Metro stations, stand to the right on escalators.  The left "lane" is for people who are walking and not standing still, and folks will be very irritated if you stand on the left.)

    You may want to look for roomies in Northern Virginia or Maryland.  Stay away from most areas in NE or SE DC - while they will probably be cheaper, many neighborhoods are not safe.  NW is the best area to live in, but it's also the most expensive.  

    Another place to look for roomies is Hillzoo.com - a website for all kinds of stuff for mostly young Hill staffers.

    Good luck!

    Monday Night TV and Open Thread | 45 comments (45 topical)

    Readers Must Login or Create an Account to Comment