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Al Jazeera Buys Current TV, Will Begin U.S. Broadcasts

By Jeralyn, Section Media
Posted on Wed Jan 02, 2013 at 07:48:34 PM EST
Tags: al Jazeera (all tags)
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Al Jazeera announced today it will launch a new U.S.-based news channel and that it has bought Al Gore's Current TV. From its press release:

Al Jazeera Media Network also announced that it has acquired Current TV in the United States and that the new U.S.-based news channel will be available on Current’s distribution network when it is launched in 2013. There will be a transition from existing programming until the new Al Jazeera channel begins to air.

The new channel will be headquartered in New York City. In addition to the existing Al Jazeera news bureaus in New York, Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, Miami and Chicago, Al Jazeera will open additional bureaus in key locations across the United States. Al Jazeera’s expansion will double the network’s U.S.-based staff to more than 300 employees.

I like Al Jazeera's reporting and think it will be a welcome addition. It plans to scrap Current TV's current programming. Forbes reports the network paid in the neighborhood of $400 million for Current.

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    Al Jazeera Buys Current TV, Will Begin U.S. Broadcasts | 148 comments (148 topical)

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    I (5.00 / 1) (#2)
    by lentinel on Wed Jan 02, 2013 at 09:16:54 PM EST
    like Al Jazeera also.

    I think it is infinitely more serious than CNN, MSNBC or any of the other cable or broadcast channels.

    It could be a good influence.

    Al Jazeera needs to skip buying channels... (5.00 / 1) (#20)
    by unitron on Thu Jan 03, 2013 at 12:40:17 PM EST
    ...and start buying cable franchises.

    The question is (1.00 / 5) (#33)
    by jimakaPPJ on Fri Jan 04, 2013 at 07:38:10 AM EST
    why would we want a news channel owned by a Islamic Theocracy??

    Can anyone actually show me that the channel's bias won't be pro Islamic??

    Show me evidence that it will be. (5.00 / 5) (#34)
    by Angel on Fri Jan 04, 2013 at 10:04:44 AM EST


    Parent
    Per Wiki, government of Qatar owns (none / 0) (#43)
    by oculus on Fri Jan 04, 2013 at 02:14:46 PM EST
    it.  Government=a post-Independence dynasty.  Sunni.  

    Parent
    If Al Jazeera is owned by an Islamic Theocracy (5.00 / 5) (#35)
    by Militarytracy on Fri Jan 04, 2013 at 10:51:51 AM EST
    Fox News is owned by a Christian Theocracy

    Parent
    As far as I can tell... (none / 0) (#37)
    by kdog on Fri Jan 04, 2013 at 12:08:38 PM EST
    every major media outlet is owned by corporate oligarchs...superstitious leanings & political leanings may vary.

    Parent
    Al Jazerrra is owned (none / 0) (#57)
    by jimakaPPJ on Fri Jan 04, 2013 at 11:33:30 PM EST
    by the STATE of Qatar.

    There are more Sunnites than Shiites in Qatar. Qatar has a Ministry of Islamic Affairs. [1] Islam is the state religion.[1] Islamic instruction is compulsory for Muslims in state-sponsored schools. [1]

    Qatar is the only other Wahhabi state in the Arabian Peninsula. The other one is Saudi Arabia.[2]

    [edit]Christianity

    Main article: Christianity in Qatar
    The Vatican estimates the Catholic minority at 11% of the population of the country.[3] Most of the Catholics are temporary workers from the Philippine.[3] Orthodox churches are among the churches that have been recognised.[1]

    Link

    So what all of you are saying is:

    It is okay for a theocratic state to own and have unfettered access to the US population for whatever purpose it might have.

    Okie Doakie... Just wanted to get the facts straight so I can poopoo you the next time you dare bring up FNC.

    lol


    Parent

    I think what people are saying, in (5.00 / 4) (#66)
    by Anne on Sat Jan 05, 2013 at 11:16:06 AM EST
    between dodging the flying poopoo coming from your direction, is that, having seen al Jazeera news broadcasts, there does not seem to be any overt or subtly disguised effort to distort the facts or present information in such a way as to have us all plotting insurrection, domestic terrorism or other anti-US actions.  Nor does it seem to those of us who are familiar with their coverage that it's designed to turn us away from our religious beliefs and considering conversion to Islam.

    That being said, bias of some kind is inherent in everything, including the coverage delivered by US networks - time limitations, decisions by others about what to include and what to leave out, the influence of corporate ownership, the particular inclinations of specific reporters and anchors - it all comes into play.  So, those who watch or listen to or read any coverage by any outlet and assume it is the be-all and end-all of information and facts are kidding themselves.

    I think what most of us appreciate about al Jazeera, or the BBC for that matter, is that it's a look from the outside in that we don't otherwise get from our US affiliates, and it adds to the body of knowledge from which we make decisions and form opinions.

    Now, it's certainly your choice to limit your sources of information and chances to educate yourself, or expand your horizons, but let's not kid ourselves about what your real objection - and bias - are all about.  I can't see you sounding the alarms if it had been the BBC that was buying Current, because, really, what do we have to fear from Anglicans, you know?  Although maybe their broadcasts would be subliminally influencing us to have a reverse revolution and go back to being a British territory, loyal to the Queen.

    Honestly, jim, could you be any more transparent?  

    Parent

    Oh, please... (5.00 / 2) (#74)
    by unitron on Sun Jan 06, 2013 at 01:56:18 AM EST
    "It is okay for a theocratic state to own and have unfettered access to the US population for whatever purpose it might have."

    Unfettered access?

    Do you know how few markets carried Current before it started losing slots because of the sale?

    You aren't just drinking the Kool-Aid, you're mainlining it.

    Parent

    Jesus Frick Jim (none / 0) (#67)
    by Militarytracy on Sat Jan 05, 2013 at 11:17:14 AM EST
    Qatar completely kisses the USA's military A$$.  

    Parent
    I thnk Fox is a corporation (none / 0) (#53)
    by jimakaPPJ on Fri Jan 04, 2013 at 11:19:49 PM EST
    But is your point the Christian theocracies (name one) are the equivalent of Islamic theocracies.

    Parent
    As I said before (5.00 / 2) (#68)
    by Militarytracy on Sat Jan 05, 2013 at 11:23:36 AM EST
    The only thing preventing you from stoning me to death for being a slut is that so far the Christians haven't achieved the acknowledged goal of invading our government and legal system and forcing us to be an official Christian nation.  As soon as that happens one of you is going to rip a page out of the Old Testament, nail it to a post, and I'm on the lam.

    At least where I live rocks are in short supply, it's all red clay on a bed of limestone.  Gives me a bit of a head start.

    Parent

    Survival tactic (none / 0) (#78)
    by unitron on Sun Jan 06, 2013 at 03:00:06 PM EST
    The first sluts they stone are the ones that won't put out for them when no one's looking.

    Parent
    I wonder what the over/under was on (5.00 / 3) (#45)
    by Anne on Fri Jan 04, 2013 at 02:57:00 PM EST
    how long it would take you to chime in with that question...

    Parent
    LOL! (none / 0) (#49)
    by Zorba on Fri Jan 04, 2013 at 03:48:25 PM EST
    Absolutely spot on, Anne!

    Parent
    Oh, about the same as the amount of time (none / 0) (#54)
    by jimakaPPJ on Fri Jan 04, 2013 at 11:21:15 PM EST
    for your NONE answer.

    Parent
    The question is, (5.00 / 2) (#47)
    by jondee on Fri Jan 04, 2013 at 03:38:46 PM EST
    Anders Breivik, why you think that there's only one "Islam"..

    Are your right-coalition pals at Westboro Baptist of the same mindset as the folks who attend St John the Divine in NYC?

    Parent

    Since I'm guessing you've never (5.00 / 2) (#48)
    by Anne on Fri Jan 04, 2013 at 03:46:05 PM EST
    watched al Jazeera, I don't know how you would even know what kind of bias it has, and if you have seen it, whether you could provide any concrete examples of the bias you think they have.

    [No rush - no one's holding his or her breath waiting for your response.]

    Parent

    You absolutely cannot tell (5.00 / 1) (#50)
    by NYShooter on Fri Jan 04, 2013 at 06:12:00 PM EST
    there is any bias, or "leaning," one way or the other.

    I think a lot of people are going to be genuinely surprised if they tune in. I know I was. To watch, and listen to, reporters who actually know their subject and speak in a serious knowledgeable vein will be quite a shock to Americans brought up on the embarrassment that is our "news."

    Al Jazeera's reporters, in contrast to America's, know what they're talking about. American reporters know how to smile (regardless of the gravity of the subject,) report, or rather, read the script at least at a sixth grade level, and most importantly, never, ever, never, encroach on the commercial "hard break."


    Parent

    Ah come on shooter... (none / 0) (#55)
    by jimakaPPJ on Fri Jan 04, 2013 at 11:22:26 PM EST
    This is Jim you're talking to.

    Parent
    When was the last time you watched Al Jazeera? (none / 0) (#58)
    by shoephone on Fri Jan 04, 2013 at 11:35:04 PM EST


    Parent
    Jim, you're paranoid. (none / 0) (#65)
    by Angel on Sat Jan 05, 2013 at 10:20:39 AM EST
    And brainwashed by Faux News.  What are you so scared of?  And why?

    Parent
    He's scared that Al Jazeera's going to spread (5.00 / 3) (#70)
    by shoephone on Sat Jan 05, 2013 at 01:04:52 PM EST
    !Sharia Law!

    Parent
    Yes, it's Jim you're talking to: (none / 0) (#106)
    by jondee on Mon Jan 07, 2013 at 05:42:26 PM EST
    a guy who derives comfort from his "ethnic group"
    smiling and talking to him on a sixth grade level.

    Parent
    Ah come on shooter... (none / 0) (#56)
    by jimakaPPJ on Fri Jan 04, 2013 at 11:22:26 PM EST
    This is Jim you're talking to.

    Parent
    When I know a program is sponsored by Ford (2.00 / 1) (#59)
    by jimakaPPJ on Fri Jan 04, 2013 at 11:36:00 PM EST
    I don't have to see it to know that Ford won't razzed.

    Parent
    Gonna surprise you, Jim (5.00 / 1) (#60)
    by NYShooter on Fri Jan 04, 2013 at 11:44:23 PM EST
    No snark....

    But, as a fellow Tennessee hick (and the only one who doesn't refer to his wife as, "Sis,") do me a big solid and watch it....ONCE.

    Then come back at me and we'll "get it on."

    O.K, ole buddy?

    Parent

    Well now ....... not living in that hot bed of (none / 0) (#62)
    by jimakaPPJ on Sat Jan 05, 2013 at 08:52:16 AM EST
    Far Left Wing Big Government Liberalism of (or within 100 miles... symptoms flow outward) Nashville my local cable provider has shown the good judgement to not inflame the local (both of us) activists (the other 90 or so are off fighting in Obama's war).

    I would say I would drive to a location and stay at hotel that carries AJ... But the high cost of ObamaGas has limited my travel to places where I either expect to enjoy.... or see something that I don't already know.

    So I must decline your request.

    BTW - As a DamYankee (sorry, but the shoe does fit and it is ONE word) you may not know, as is true in the hinterlands of upstatae NY and PA it is perfectly acceptable to call your wife "Cousin..."
    ... But only if she is of the "first" variety.

    In the meantime.....

    So what all of you are saying is:

    It is okay for a theocratic state to own a broadcast outlet and have unfettered access to the US population for whatever purpose it might have.

    Okie Doakie... Just wanted to get the facts straight so I can poopoo you the next time you dare bring up FNC.

    Link

    lol

    Hmmmm, I don't think I brought it on but I did bring it up!

    Have a nice one and pray for guidance for the Titan's management.

    Parent

    Translation in Englsh needed (5.00 / 3) (#69)
    by shoephone on Sat Jan 05, 2013 at 12:44:32 PM EST


    Parent
    Speaking of Titan's management....... (none / 0) (#73)
    by NYShooter on Sun Jan 06, 2013 at 12:18:28 AM EST
    You know, I moved to Tennessee for several reasons, and one of them was for the nice, warm weather. So, what do I get? 20 degree nights!

    But, back to football. As a life-long Giants fan, I lived through, or rather, suffered through, over 20 years of Hel*  hoping for (never mind a Super Bowl, simply a playoff spot.) Even a 5-8 season would've felt like a Super Bowl for us die hard Jints fans. But, noooo, it wasn't to be.

    So, here I am, not 10 miles from Titan stadium, and déjà vu all over again. At least the Giants players and coaches seemed mad after each of those losses. But, I've watched enough of those Titan post-game (or rather, post-loss) shows to know that it's going to be another 20 years before "hope" begins to stir again. I mean, did you ever watch coach "what's his-face" in one of those programs? It sounds like he just finished a pee-wee league game where just having fun was the goal, not, after all, actually winning!

    Being right next to their stadium I get a lot of news about the Titans, and man-for-man, I think they do have some talent. But, it takes a coach to put that talent together and present a single, cohesive, motivated  TEAM on the field Sunday.
    Am I wrong? What am I missing?


    Parent

    Nashville is on the Cumberland Plateau (none / 0) (#77)
    by jimakaPPJ on Sun Jan 06, 2013 at 09:32:11 AM EST
    and is higher than the western third, lower than the east. Lots of hills so the bad weather will let you also discover that the locals, by and large, do not have a clue on what to do about snow and ice and have two theories on driving.

    Go 10 miles an hour and hope for the best. Go 50 miles an hour and hope for the best.

    I just try and stay out of their way by staying home when ice and snow hits.

    The only place I have ever been with worse ice and snow drivers was Seattle.

    But I am surprised that you weren't aware that the Midsouth has four distinct seasons... "I was born one frosty morn... Look away, look away, Dixie Land..."

    The Titans are the Titans. They need a new owner. The guy was stupid to fire Fisher...I watch'em and pull for'em because they are there... But I remain a loyal Bronco's fan.

    But you can enjoy Vanderbilt's success for a while. Of course it won't last. Vandy demands its student athletes be students..... imagine that..

    Parent

    Well now ....... not living in that hot bed of (none / 0) (#63)
    by jimakaPPJ on Sat Jan 05, 2013 at 08:52:17 AM EST
    Far Left Wing Big Government Liberalism of (or within 100 miles... symptoms flow outward) Nashville my local cable provider has shown the good judgement to not inflame the local (both of us) activists (the other 90 or so are off fighting in Obama's war).

    I would say I would drive to a location and stay at hotel that carries AJ... But the high cost of ObamaGas has limited my travel to places where I either expect to enjoy.... or see something that I don't already know.

    So I must decline your request.

    BTW - As a DamYankee (sorry, but the shoe does fit and it is ONE word) you may not know, as is true in the hinterlands of upstatae NY and PA it is perfectly acceptable to call your wife "Cousin..."
    ... But only if she is of the "first" variety.

    In the meantime.....

    So what all of you are saying is:

    It is okay for a theocratic state to own a broadcast outlet and have unfettered access to the US population for whatever purpose it might have.

    Okie Doakie... Just wanted to get the facts straight so I can poopoo you the next time you dare bring up FNC.

    Link

    lol

    Hmmmm, I don't think I brought it on but I did bring it up!

    Have a nice one and pray for guidance for the Titan's management.

    Parent

    I asked my spouse what (none / 0) (#72)
    by Militarytracy on Sat Jan 05, 2013 at 03:10:27 PM EST
    He thought about the buy, he says Al Jazeera is a decent news org.  As decent as any of the others out there.  I asked him if when he was in Qatar if he ever felt his life or way of life was in danger and he says NOPE to both questions.

    Parent
    MT, I asked my Oracle of the Town (1.50 / 2) (#76)
    by jimakaPPJ on Sun Jan 06, 2013 at 09:13:43 AM EST
    aka the bartender at the VFW who fought in Korea and Vietnam and he said he thought the decision sucked.

    Now, what was your point?? That you are for anything that sticks a thumb in the country's eye??

    Parent

    But have you asked... (5.00 / 2) (#79)
    by unitron on Sun Jan 06, 2013 at 03:03:09 PM EST
    ...anyone who's actually ever watched it?

    Parent
    I used the Lefties favorite method... (1.00 / 3) (#80)
    by jimakaPPJ on Sun Jan 06, 2013 at 03:32:13 PM EST
    I read about it on Media Matters..

    hahaahahaha

    Please.... my sides are hurting...

    Now... tell me about FNC.

    ;-)

    Parent

    We've all watched Faux News (5.00 / 4) (#82)
    by shoephone on Sun Jan 06, 2013 at 05:33:07 PM EST
    so that's not a very good measurement.

    But, perhaps TL readers would be more interested in reading your latest rant about Al Jazeera -- the one you posted on your blog, where you equate Al Jazeera News with Joseph Goebbels of the Nazi Party...

    Paranoia Central, aka Jim's blog.

    linky.

    Parent

    I have never used TL to promote my blog (none / 0) (#83)
    by jimakaPPJ on Sun Jan 06, 2013 at 09:59:40 PM EST
    But yes, the relationship between Islamic radicals and Nazis existed.

    Your inability to recognize the danger of an Islamic state owned TV network with massive exposure is neither unexpected or unusual. Ask the ghosts of the millions killed by the Nazis... how they quibbled and excused and explained.... right up to the moment the borders were closed and the long night fell.

    Parent

    Hmm... (5.00 / 3) (#85)
    by shoephone on Sun Jan 06, 2013 at 10:41:46 PM EST
    Too bad your blog's Al Jazeera/Goebbels comparison isn't getting more hits. Just trying to help you out  on that account. It's so...so... how you say in your language? Oh, yes... ridiculous.

    Parent
    Apparently, Jim, you've been listening to (5.00 / 1) (#88)
    by shoephone on Sun Jan 06, 2013 at 11:01:35 PM EST
    this woman again.

    Some of Madam Geller's greatest hits:

    Nazis adopted the Muslim idea of Jihad -  total destruction and complete annihilation in the spirit of a Holy War.

    and

    As the leading role the Islamic world played in the Holocaust comes out of the shadows and into the fore, and decent peoples recoil in repulsion, it is necessary for Islamic media, "scholars" and asshats-in-residence to rewrite history -- as Islam has done so exceedingly and singularly well all throughout history.

    Is that how you made the weird leap from Goebbels to Al Jazeera? As a Jew, all I can say is: Oy gevult. You're so meshugga.

    And here I was, hoping 2013 might release you from the stupor of convoluted conservatism. There's always 2014...


    Parent

    shoephone, (1.00 / 4) (#91)
    by jimakaPPJ on Mon Jan 07, 2013 at 10:21:39 AM EST
    as a Scot Irish I have grown tired watching my ethnic group die protecting people, such as you, who aren't capable of recognizing those who are preparing to kill and then take action for their own defense. And it is not specific to any race or group.

    Parent
    Key word (5.00 / 1) (#93)
    by Yman on Mon Jan 07, 2013 at 10:31:38 AM EST
    "Watching".

    Parent
    Unintelligible (5.00 / 1) (#95)
    by shoephone on Mon Jan 07, 2013 at 10:39:11 AM EST
    Try again.

    Parent
    Translation (1.00 / 4) (#98)
    by jimakaPPJ on Mon Jan 07, 2013 at 01:24:36 PM EST
    Hide under your bed. We'll try and protect you.

    But please, it ain't nice to bite us on our ankles while we're doing that.

    lol

    Parent

    What do you mean "we"? (5.00 / 3) (#99)
    by Yman on Mon Jan 07, 2013 at 01:28:03 PM EST
    Retirees with John Wayne fantasies?

    Is there a club or something?

    Parent

    Indeed, it is a fantasy club (5.00 / 1) (#104)
    by shoephone on Mon Jan 07, 2013 at 02:27:04 PM EST
    Its members claim to be actively protecting those weak and stupid Jewish people--in America!--and they get no thanks for it at all. Oddly enough, no one has ever seen them actually doing anything but drinking beer, watching sports on TV, occasionally "going fishing" and...writing strange comments on blogs. It must be exhausting, all that protecting.

    Parent
    No shoephone (none / 0) (#109)
    by jimakaPPJ on Mon Jan 07, 2013 at 05:50:33 PM EST
    What I said was:

    And it is not specific to any race or group.

    Don't make things up.

    Parent

    Even people who spend their (none / 0) (#108)
    by jondee on Mon Jan 07, 2013 at 05:49:52 PM EST
    lives letting others do the fighting have to retire at some point.

    Parent
    The only thing Jim is fighting (5.00 / 2) (#111)
    by shoephone on Mon Jan 07, 2013 at 06:04:39 PM EST
    is reality.

    Parent
    fighting and winning.. (none / 0) (#113)
    by jondee on Mon Jan 07, 2013 at 06:24:19 PM EST


    Parent
    If only you realized what a fool (5.00 / 3) (#102)
    by shoephone on Mon Jan 07, 2013 at 01:47:15 PM EST
    you make of yourself by posting such nonsense. That's okay. The rest of us realize it on your behalf.

    And sorry to burst your bubble, Mr. Macho, but...I hardly need you to protect me. When it comes to fending off global threats, all my Jewish relatives who fought in WWII have you beat by a mile on that score.

    Thanks for providing more evidence of your damaged psyche.

    Parent

    shoephone (1.00 / 2) (#110)
    by jimakaPPJ on Mon Jan 07, 2013 at 05:52:54 PM EST
    I am just here to serve.

    And I do understand your need to vent your anger at someone over the Internet. Much better, and easier on the bod, than doing it down at the local pub!

    Cheers! And thanks again for showing us what you are!

    lol

    Parent

    Poor Jim. Railing against ghosts again. (none / 0) (#112)
    by shoephone on Mon Jan 07, 2013 at 06:06:05 PM EST
     

    Parent
    Your ethnic group? (5.00 / 1) (#96)
    by Militarytracy on Mon Jan 07, 2013 at 11:39:05 AM EST
    I chuckle because you don't strike me as a first generation alien to this country.  Josh got frustrated the other day because of all the different ethnicities he must consider when thinking about where he comes from.  He is an American though.  Somehow I have my doubts about exactly how Scotch-Irish you are.  That is even a very very tiny sliver of folks across the pond.  You guys gotta commune over here or something :)

    Parent
    MT, my grandparents came across the mountains (1.00 / 2) (#97)
    by jimakaPPJ on Mon Jan 07, 2013 at 01:22:44 PM EST
    except for one who happened to have lived here for a long time....

    But since I haven't ran for Senator from MA I never mention her...

    lol...

    Parent

    Scotch Irish are some of the oldest (none / 0) (#100)
    by Militarytracy on Mon Jan 07, 2013 at 01:28:34 PM EST
    "Aliens" to this country.  Came here before the Irish wave.  I think you just want to divvy up your ancestry in a way that has to do with how you want to perceive yourself verses how Heinz 57 you really are.  And hey, that's your right, but it is a little dramatic Jim.

    Parent
    More like melodramatic (5.00 / 1) (#101)
    by shoephone on Mon Jan 07, 2013 at 01:42:23 PM EST


    Parent
    He he....Jim's parents had to elope (5.00 / 1) (#103)
    by Militarytracy on Mon Jan 07, 2013 at 01:58:48 PM EST
    Because of how much Scotch-Irish one of them was :)

    Parent
    Come on MT (1.00 / 2) (#107)
    by jimakaPPJ on Mon Jan 07, 2013 at 05:48:10 PM EST
    Wanna talk about getting drunk and preggie??? You got some experience you wanna share?

    hehe and a ho ho.

    Parent

    Careful, Jim, your Christianity mask is slipping. (5.00 / 1) (#114)
    by Angel on Mon Jan 07, 2013 at 06:27:44 PM EST


    Parent
    Guess what Angel (none / 0) (#116)
    by jimakaPPJ on Mon Jan 07, 2013 at 08:18:08 PM EST
    This Christian gives as good as he gets.

    Attacking family is off limits. My knows that.

    Parent

    MT knows that. (none / 0) (#118)
    by jimakaPPJ on Mon Jan 07, 2013 at 08:23:03 PM EST


    Parent
    You keep attacking Elizabeth Warrens family (5.00 / 2) (#122)
    by Militarytracy on Mon Jan 07, 2013 at 09:58:50 PM EST
    You are so free and giving with the number and frequency of those attacks your Scotch Irish ethnicity cannot be that substantial in your genetic makeup :)  booyah

    Parent
    What I said (none / 0) (#125)
    by jimakaPPJ on Tue Jan 08, 2013 at 09:20:59 AM EST


    Parent
    I thought it was turn the other cheek? (none / 0) (#120)
    by Angel on Mon Jan 07, 2013 at 09:11:01 PM EST


    Parent
    Nope, not at all (none / 0) (#126)
    by jimakaPPJ on Tue Jan 08, 2013 at 09:21:25 AM EST


    Parent
    Then there's this: (5.00 / 1) (#115)
    by Angel on Mon Jan 07, 2013 at 06:30:41 PM EST
    by jimakaPPJ on Mon Jan 07, 2013 at 10:16:18 AM EST

    "Yeah, sometimes I feel sad watching people display what they are."

    Hypocrite.  


    Parent

    Bundle up your jockey's (1.00 / 2) (#117)
    by jimakaPPJ on Mon Jan 07, 2013 at 08:22:20 PM EST
    Angel and flutter off. I made a comment re Al Jazeera and all the usual suspects attacked instead of debating my simple point that we should not have a foreign state owned TV network with massive access to our populace.

    None of you can debate.

    Sad. Real sad. There use to be a bunch here who could actually say something. But they have been replaced by people who just want to live in an echo chamber.

    Parent

    If you can't get someone here to debate the way (5.00 / 1) (#119)
    by Angel on Mon Jan 07, 2013 at 09:10:40 PM EST
    you want to debate then perhaps you're the one who should "bundle up their jockey's and flutter off."  

    I wear wings.  :)

    Parent

    You couldn't carry water for the people (1.00 / 1) (#127)
    by jimakaPPJ on Tue Jan 08, 2013 at 09:27:30 AM EST
    who use to debate. I mean, you don't even try. You just go for nasty personal attacks. Here, answer this.

    Why should we want a foreign state owned TV network to have massive access to our population??

    Especially one owned by a monarchy that is Islamic and is subject to influence/take over by Muslim radicals.

    Parent

    There is no point in trying to debate paranoid, (5.00 / 2) (#136)
    by Angel on Tue Jan 08, 2013 at 12:26:02 PM EST
    racist, phobic idiots such as yourself so I don't even try.  And as for the rest of the posters here, they do quite well on their own and don't need anyone to "carry their water."  You're an angry old man who loves to hate, and I quite enjoy seeing you get smacked around.  Not that it will change your mind about anything, but it sure is entertaining.  

    Parent
    Too easy (none / 0) (#131)
    by Yman on Tue Jan 08, 2013 at 10:19:06 AM EST
    Here, answer this.  Why should we want a foreign state owned TV network to have massive access to our population??

    The same reason the BBC does ... because it's a free-market society and there's no law against them buying a network.  Your personal Islamaphobia is not a reason to prevent Al Jazeera from buying a network.

    Parent

    I love it.. (5.00 / 1) (#138)
    by jondee on Tue Jan 08, 2013 at 02:22:37 PM EST
    from the guy who use to provide links every other day to a rag owned by Sun Myung Moon..

    Parent
    Ugh - you made me look. (none / 0) (#132)
    by Anne on Tue Jan 08, 2013 at 11:14:34 AM EST
    Aside from the rampant Islamaphobia - no surprise there - I was more offended by "Happening's" - why do people insist on making possessives out of plurals?  Or maybe I should say, "why do people insist on making possessive's out of plural's?"

    Ugh, in so many ways.

    Parent

    Anee, I take it that you don't agree (1.00 / 3) (#133)
    by jimakaPPJ on Tue Jan 08, 2013 at 11:32:05 AM EST
    with the Professor? Well, as the University noted, that his right...

    I mean you are big for personal rights, aren't you??

    BTW - Let's look at another side of the purchase:

    Of course Al didn't show up," said one high placed Current staffer. "He has no credibility. [...]

    "He's supposed to be the face of clean energy and just sold [the channel] to very big oil, the emir of Qatar! Current never even took big oil advertising--and Al Gore, that bulls**ter sells to the emir?"

    The displeasure with Gore among the staff was thick enough to cut with a scimitar.

    "We all know now that Al Gore is nothing but a bulls**ter," said the staffer bluntly.

    We do stories on the tax code, and he sells the network before the tax code kicked in?

    "Al was always lecturing us about green. He kept his word about green all right--as in cold, hard cash!"

    Link

    I mean it is not okay for a professor to note and opine against the actions of some Muslim students, and otherwise, but it is okay for Gore, Mr. Man Made Global Warming, to sell out to Big Oil.

    I mean, it is just sooooooo deliciously hypocritical.


    Parent

    So... moving the goal posts again, Jim? (5.00 / 3) (#139)
    by shoephone on Tue Jan 08, 2013 at 07:08:51 PM EST
    It's not really about Al Jazeera being like the Nazi propaganda machine working to invade America and recruit terrorists through it's super-secret-coded broadcasts???

    Gee. We're all disappointed. It's really just about your loathing of Al Gore.

    Or something.

    Parent

    shoephone, I don't loath Algore (none / 0) (#140)
    by jimakaPPJ on Wed Jan 09, 2013 at 10:17:46 AM EST
    I have you for that...

    Why do I say that?

    Because you claim to be unable to understand the perfectly obvious.

    That is beyond dishonest.

    lol

    Parent

    And let me tell you.. (none / 0) (#143)
    by jondee on Wed Jan 09, 2013 at 12:02:52 PM EST
    if anybody knows dishonest, it's Jim. :-(

    Parent
    Once again, (none / 0) (#144)
    by shoephone on Wed Jan 09, 2013 at 12:05:52 PM EST
    An unintelligible comment.

    Parent
    Jim, you need a dictionary (none / 0) (#134)
    by Yman on Tue Jan 08, 2013 at 12:11:37 PM EST
    No one said the professor isn't entitled to his Islamaphobic opinions - as you are yours.  OTOH - others are entitled to criticize his/your fear-mongering.  More importantly, the professor's comments have absolutely nothing to do with the sale of CurrentTV to Al Jazeera.

    But enjoy that imaginary meal of delicious hypocrisy!

    BTW - As usual, you left out part of the story re: the professor.  While the university didn't reprimand Prof. Wichman because he didn't violate their policies at the time, they did admonish him to stop making such comments.  

    Terry Denbow, spokesman for MSU, said that while Wichman's view in no way represent the University's views, they did not violate the university's anti-discrimination policy.  However, Denbow noted, Wichman was cautioned that any additional commentary could constitute the creation of a hostile environment, and that could form the basis of a complaint.

    Later, the professor took a position as an advisor to the MSU-Young Americans for Freedom, an extremist right-wing group that's been "designated a hate group for its hosting of white supremacist lecturers and repeated bigoted statements against Muslims and Latinos, among other groups."

    Why is not the least bit surprising that you would be trying to defend him?

    Parent

    Sorry (none / 0) (#135)
    by Yman on Tue Jan 08, 2013 at 12:17:22 PM EST
    Sadly, it's just the tip of the iceberg.

    I'm tempted to let him use my 'grade-schooler's' as 'proofreader's', but 'kid's' really shouldn't be exposed to such hateful 'rant's'.  :)

    Parent

    Disagreeing with you is not an attack, jim; (5.00 / 2) (#121)
    by Anne on Mon Jan 07, 2013 at 09:11:28 PM EST
    your simple point was accompanied by nothing to support your point, nothing.  You've been making it sound as if al Jazeera's purchase of Current TV is the equivalent of it buying all the major networks, such that all we will see when we turn on the TV is the call to prayer.

    We have major media outlets that own networks, newspapers and radio - talk about massive access to the populace - many of which are happy to work closely with the government to report the anonymous bits and pieces of information that influence millions of people.  But because this network has an Arab name...suddenly, we are risking our freedom.

    I daresay you have more to fear from your own government than you do from al Jazeera.

    The comments you have made to people here on this subject show you to be a despicable, small-minded, odious little man, marinating in a toxic brew of fear and prejudice.

    Parent

    Anne, it doesn't just have an Arab name (1.00 / 1) (#128)
    by jimakaPPJ on Tue Jan 08, 2013 at 09:30:31 AM EST
    it is owned by an Islamic theocracy.

    As for your nasty response, thanks for proving my point. That is your response to anyone who you disagree with.

    Typical.

    Parent

    You don't like the BBC? (none / 0) (#123)
    by Yman on Mon Jan 07, 2013 at 10:02:37 PM EST
    Angel and flutter off. I made a comment re Al Jazeera and all the usual suspects attacked instead of debating my simple point that we should not have a foreign state owned TV network with massive access to our populace.

    Oh, .... wait ..... you're okay with the BBC but very upset by Al Jazeera ... so it's not the "foreign state owned TV network with massive access to our populace" that has your jockey's fluttering.  Must be something else.  I wonder what the difference is ....

    (Shariah is coming!, Shariah is coming!  The Mooooslimsssssss !!! ....)

    BTW - The complaints about debating from someone who never links to actual evidence are funny, though.

    Parent

    Jim, As a Scot Irish (none / 0) (#124)
    by Politalkix on Mon Jan 07, 2013 at 10:08:50 PM EST
    you should be happy to know that people in Scotland and Ireland have unfettered access to Al-Jazeera. This is the Al Jazeera-Scotland page. Just click on it. Don't feel scared. Just click on it and let us know what you are so scared about.

    Parent
    Politalkix... my ancestors (1.00 / 1) (#129)
    by jimakaPPJ on Tue Jan 08, 2013 at 09:40:25 AM EST
    left there because they wanted freedom and to be Americans...

    You can be a hyphen American, I'm not.

    But you ask a reasonable question, even if you use words designed to insult, "scared about."

    I am scared about nothing. I am concerned that Al Jazeera will inevitably fall under the influence of Muslim radicals and be a funnel for propaganda.

    Parent

    Psssttt, ... Jim ... look up. (5.00 / 1) (#130)
    by Yman on Tue Jan 08, 2013 at 10:14:10 AM EST
    Politalkix... my ancestors left there because they wanted freedom and to be Americans...You can be a hyphen American, I'm not.

    You're the one who started the whole Scot/Irish ethnicity thing by claiming:

    as a Scot Irish I have grown tired watching my ethnic group die protecting people, such as you, who aren't capable of recognizing those who are preparing to kill and then take action for their own defense.

    Now you're just an "American".

    Classic.

    Parent

    Of course, it's o.k for Jim's (5.00 / 1) (#137)
    by jondee on Tue Jan 08, 2013 at 02:11:08 PM EST
    hard-Right coalition to "fall under the influence"
    of folks who think Apocalypse in the Holy Land is part of God's plan..who think the murder of Yitzak Rabin was greenlighted by Lord Jesus..who think the Holocaust was a necessary precurser to the Messianic Age..

    Clean out your own Ship of Fools, Jimmy Bob.

    Parent

    jondee's usual BS leads me to write (1.00 / 2) (#141)
    by jimakaPPJ on Wed Jan 09, 2013 at 10:19:40 AM EST
    After years of personal attacks by jondee and his continual demonstration of an inability to debate the issues I am forced to note that discussing anything with him is not worthwhile. Simply put, he is incapable of a reasoned debate.

    Parent
    your tearjerker (none / 0) (#142)
    by jondee on Wed Jan 09, 2013 at 12:00:43 PM EST
    response leads me to write that nothing I said about the religious element of your hard Right coalition was untrue, or, for that matter, unreasonable.

    Maybe you should try summoning up some intellectual integrity and fortitude and addressing the point.

    Or, go back to hiding out over at Tall Cotton and raving about secret Marxist-Muslim prsidents and left wing climate scientists.

     

    Parent

    My comment was that everything (1.00 / 1) (#145)
    by jimakaPPJ on Wed Jan 09, 2013 at 03:55:27 PM EST
    you write is untrue.

    And that is my problem with you.

    You do not write the truth.

    You make untrue claims.

    You are a hard Left person who won't accept anyone unless they kowtow your outrageous and extreme beliefs.

    Parent

    I'd never say "everything" about anybody (5.00 / 3) (#146)
    by jondee on Thu Jan 10, 2013 at 01:52:32 PM EST
    but, most of what you write is intellectually cowardly and dishonest, imho.

    For instance, just judging by your kneejerk company man/Right to Work stance, I don't even buy that you ever carried a union card..

    Now, do you have some specific statements I've made that you can correct with more accurate information, or do you just want to flail around in Limbaugh/Hannity fashion crowing about how it's all a big "Leftie" lie?

     

    Parent

    So your bartender had to recently (none / 0) (#89)
    by Militarytracy on Mon Jan 07, 2013 at 07:36:13 AM EST
    Stay in Qatar? How does being not informed/only paranoid equal anything other than a mental health issue on your part?

    Parent
    Actually Tracy he channeled (none / 0) (#92)
    by jimakaPPJ on Mon Jan 07, 2013 at 10:24:19 AM EST
    Walter Cronkite's ghost of lies past....

    lol

    I will be blunt.

    He has as much a base for his belief as your husband has for his. Perhaps more given that he has a much longer life experience

    Parent

    So how much time HAS ... (5.00 / 4) (#94)
    by Yman on Mon Jan 07, 2013 at 10:32:48 AM EST
    ... your bartender spent in Qatar?

    Heh.

    Parent

    So, in other words... (5.00 / 2) (#61)
    by shoephone on Fri Jan 04, 2013 at 11:52:46 PM EST
    You've never actually watched Al Jazeera.

    Parent
    Your powers of observation (none / 0) (#64)
    by jimakaPPJ on Sat Jan 05, 2013 at 08:55:27 AM EST
    are keen, if misplaced.

    Parent
    No, they're perfectly placed (5.00 / 3) (#71)
    by shoephone on Sat Jan 05, 2013 at 01:05:55 PM EST
    Thanks for finally answering the question.

    Parent
    Oh come now (1.00 / 1) (#75)
    by jimakaPPJ on Sun Jan 06, 2013 at 09:11:14 AM EST
    Did I really need to?? Please, insult away, as is your style, but don't bore me.

    Parent
    You've never watched it (5.00 / 5) (#81)
    by shoephone on Sun Jan 06, 2013 at 05:22:53 PM EST
    and yet you think anyone cares about your ignorant diatribe against it? Now, that's funny!

    !Stop Sharia Now!

    Parent

    shoephone (1.00 / 5) (#84)
    by jimakaPPJ on Sun Jan 06, 2013 at 10:04:10 PM EST
    One thing is for sure. I don't care what you think.

    Let me explain. I lived in the Seattle area for about 4 years. I never met a real nasty person...

    ... but then I never met you. For that I am thankful...

    And let me assure you that if I knew what you looked like and saw you coming down the street on the side I was on I would immediately cross to the other side.

    Parent

    You don't care what I think, and yet... (5.00 / 1) (#86)
    by shoephone on Sun Jan 06, 2013 at 10:42:19 PM EST
    you keep responding.

    Parent
    Sounds like Jim needs a hankie. (none / 0) (#87)
    by shoephone on Sun Jan 06, 2013 at 10:50:57 PM EST


    Parent
    Yeah, sometimes I feel sad watching people (none / 0) (#90)
    by jimakaPPJ on Mon Jan 07, 2013 at 10:16:18 AM EST
    display what they are.

    Parent
    I'm just gonna leave (none / 0) (#105)
    by CST on Mon Jan 07, 2013 at 04:24:27 PM EST
    this right here

    Parent
    Why pay $400M for Current? (none / 0) (#1)
    by Makarov on Wed Jan 02, 2013 at 08:36:10 PM EST
    The answer is simple. It's a cable channel that presently reaches 60M homes in the US.

    Al Jazeera English has been trying to get on the air in the US broadly (it is available on some cable systems in DC and NYC) for over 10 years. It was actually close to reaching a deal with Comcast in 2001, prior to the 9/11 attacks. The deal fell through.

    According to a NY Times blog, the content of the new channel will be approximately 60% original content from its US operations, and 40% of the Qatar-based Al Jazeera English network.

    I saw a retweet today that Time Warner Cable, which may have been a minority owner in Current, opposed the sale and planned to drop Current on its cable networks. TWC is the second largest domestic cable operator, trailing only Comcast in subscribers. Comcast and satellite broadcaster DirecTV were both also minority owners of Current TV.

    I'll miss Cenk Uygur and The Young Turks, assuming their nightly show is cancelled from Current. I never really watched the rest of their lineup.

    It's also worth noting that Current's ratings were so horrible, some operators were thinking about pulling them from their channel lineups.

    If they bought Current assuming they would get (none / 0) (#8)
    by ruffian on Thu Jan 03, 2013 at 10:23:20 AM EST
    still have access to those 400 million customers....as our POTUS puts it, they have another think coming.

    Unfortunately this idiot nation's knee-jerk reaction to anything named Al Jazeera will be to pull the plug.

    Even Current's ratings were dismal - did you notice the ads on The Young Turks right before the holidays? The cheapest possbiel stuff, a sure indication of a failing station. Too bad, because I really liked that show, and a couple of others. They were more thoughtful than the basic cable fare at MSNBC and CNN.

    Parent

    Wingers will watch it looking (5.00 / 1) (#9)
    by Militarytracy on Thu Jan 03, 2013 at 10:34:17 AM EST
    For all the ways Sharia law is being imported into our country :). They initially could have interesting numbers.  I always like Al Jazeera when my husband is deployed and I want to know what is happening.  Rueters used to be good at letting things the Pentagon would want blacked out slip, but not so much anymore.  If Al Jazeera comes to town though, our government will have more pressure they can apply to what is and isn't reported.  Asia Times is still good for extra info too that the Pentagon tries to lock down.

    Parent
    LOL, true! I certainly will watch it (none / 0) (#10)
    by ruffian on Thu Jan 03, 2013 at 10:50:03 AM EST
    and will note the signs of creeping sharia!

    Parent
    Time Warner Cable pulled the plug ... (none / 0) (#3)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Thu Jan 03, 2013 at 06:54:44 AM EST
    ... on al Jazeera this morning. I turned it on to watch, and all I saw was a notice from the local T-W affiliate that they were no longer carrying the network.

    TWC-L.A. shut it down (5.00 / 1) (#4)
    by brodie on Thu Jan 03, 2013 at 08:47:28 AM EST
    last night sometime towards the end of the Jennifer Granholm show, within an hour or so of the Al Jazeera buyout being made official.

    I'll miss her and Spitzer the most, Fugelsang was quick and clever, the Young Turks had a few too many regular sous-chefs which would have been fine if they'd taken more time to prepare a more thoughtful and coherent meal, while Cenk only served spicy dishes.  Joy Behar seemed like an embarrassingly desperate attempt to draw more viewers.

    I may have to finally dump cable in favor of whichever satellite service will deliver AJ-America.  TWC needs punishing over this one.

    Parent

    So, is this (5.00 / 1) (#5)
    by Zorba on Thu Jan 03, 2013 at 09:30:47 AM EST
    Time Warner having a snit-fit because they opposed the sale?  Or are they somehow afraid that too many of their viewers will freak out because they are carrying Al Jazeera?  (And if it's the latter, well, I'm sure that they have no problem carrying Fox News......)

    Parent
    I'm really not cynical by nature (5.00 / 4) (#6)
    by sj on Thu Jan 03, 2013 at 09:57:16 AM EST
    But circumstances over the last twelve years have made me so.  So with that caveat out of the way:

    My first thought as to why they dropped the channel is that they don't want unvetted news to actually be broadcast.  They still want to control the narrative.

    Cynical, right?

    Parent

    No, you're not cynical (5.00 / 1) (#7)
    by Zorba on Thu Jan 03, 2013 at 10:06:15 AM EST
    Just being realistic.  

    Parent
    Not that cynical really (5.00 / 1) (#11)
    by brodie on Thu Jan 03, 2013 at 11:02:34 AM EST
    Just a reasonable reading of the tea leaves of our corporate times.

    The other noteworthy takeaway is the $100m Al Gore got in the buyout, that for a 20% interest in a network that didn't attract any viewers and appeared on the verge of extinction.

    I wish I'd had the foresight, and personal connections, to have gotten in early with Al.  And the graph of his wealth growth over the past dozen years since leaving the vice presidency must look like a very sharp line upward.  It would be interesting too to see how much he originally invested pre-Current to get to the $100m finishing line.  

    Not begruding him his millions, just noting how remarkably well his bottom line has done since he had the misfortune of having his political career stolen from him.

    Parent

    Not a put-down of Al Gore but, (none / 0) (#14)
    by NYShooter on Thu Jan 03, 2013 at 11:30:00 AM EST
    he wasn't exactly living paycheck to paycheck before Current. As a shrewed business, Good for Al.

    But, back to TW. Here was company, an established, long lived, super successful broadcast/publishing/media goliath, that made what is known to be the biggest, most disastrous business decision of all time.....the purchase (or partnership) of an unprofitable start-up (AOL), that ended up costing its shareholders billions of dollars in losses. (Actually, TW agreed to be bought by AOL....for, what soon was to be virtually worthless stock)

    I don't know how anyone who has watched either Al Jazeera, or BBC can ever go back to watching the current bunch of Corporate Pygmies (no insult meant to Pygmies) known as the American Media.

    Like all Bigotry, and as America's demographics continues to expand, this bias against foreign broadcasters will also, eventually, fade away. And, when the American Public grows beyond Fox, CNN, CNBC, and the Networks, and sees how professional and honest journalism really works Times Warner will end up bidding for reality show reruns so they can cater to an audience commensurate with the intelligence of their Management.  

    Parent

    Gotta love (none / 0) (#21)
    by Wile ECoyote on Thu Jan 03, 2013 at 02:26:01 PM EST
    oil money.

    Parent
    When it comes to TWC... (none / 0) (#16)
    by unitron on Thu Jan 03, 2013 at 11:56:44 AM EST
    ...I'm as cynical as one can get, and have been for going on 3 decades now, but in this case I think it's more that they don't want the aggravation (and subscription cancellations) of all the screaming tea party'ers and their perfect storm of "Al Gore selling out to the Mooslim terrists" paranoia.

    They aren't interested in politics or philosophies, they're interested in profits.

    Parent

    How can you possible say TWC (none / 0) (#17)
    by sj on Thu Jan 03, 2013 at 12:06:24 PM EST
    is not interested in politics?  Politics has a direct influence in their profitability.  Politics is the reason there are screaming tea party'ers in the first place.  It surprises me that you would say that they aren't interested in politics.

    Having said that, I doubt that there is one single reason why TWC has dropped the station.  There may be an overarching reason, but I  expect that the decision was "complicated".

    Then again, it could be pure caprice.

    Parent

    Well, they've seen (5.00 / 1) (#18)
    by NYShooter on Thu Jan 03, 2013 at 12:16:38 PM EST
    the success that racism, bigotry, and anti-intellectualism has provided for FOX, and they might just want a piece of that action.

    Parent
    They weren't carrying Current in the first place.. (none / 0) (#19)
    by unitron on Thu Jan 03, 2013 at 12:37:27 PM EST
    ...in a lot of their markets, so it probably wasn't holding and attracting subs the way Fox News does and CNN used to and maybe still does a little, so they have no real incentive to stand up to the Tea Party aggravation.

    That's an economic decision.

    If there was a fortune to be made putting Al Jazeera on all of their systems down in the lower frequency analog tier, they'd have blisters on their switch fipping fingers from doing it so fast.

    Parent

    "Current" had (5.00 / 2) (#32)
    by NYShooter on Thu Jan 03, 2013 at 08:04:09 PM EST
    less than one fifth percent (or maybe it was one fifth of one percent, not sure) of the viewership that.....get ready, "Honey Boo Boo" had.

    lol, and the politicians keep telling us, "The American People aren't Stoopid!"

    Parent

    "People familiar with the situation" (none / 0) (#23)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Thu Jan 03, 2013 at 03:56:23 PM EST
    People familiar with the situation said Time Warner Cable had been in talks to end Current's carriage deal for months. Distributors are squeezing smaller channels as the rising cost of premium networks, notably those with sports rights, compresses margins. The new Al Jazeera America, which will feature a majority of US news, must now demonstrate that it can attract a larger audience than Current, which averaged just over 40,000 viewers, analysts said.


    Parent
    How is it supposed to demonstrate (5.00 / 3) (#24)
    by ruffian on Thu Jan 03, 2013 at 04:06:58 PM EST
    that it can draw viewers if it is not on the air?

    Plus - losing news networks - any news - because the cost of sports rights is too expensive is too disgusting for words.

    Parent

    Hey, why the "air link"? (none / 0) (#29)
    by oculus on Thu Jan 03, 2013 at 05:13:58 PM EST


    Parent
    Ha! Love that term! (5.00 / 1) (#30)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Thu Jan 03, 2013 at 05:22:22 PM EST
    Just for you.

    Parent
    h/t to and garden. (none / 0) (#31)
    by oculus on Thu Jan 03, 2013 at 05:55:54 PM EST


    Parent
    Still alive on Direct TV (SF Bay Area) (none / 0) (#12)
    by nycstray on Thu Jan 03, 2013 at 11:07:35 AM EST
    just checked.

    Parent
    Here too on Direct (5.00 / 1) (#13)
    by Militarytracy on Thu Jan 03, 2013 at 11:13:33 AM EST
    Will this be yet another time that Direct TV distinguishes itself in a way that makes me a loyal customer?

    Parent
    Vanished from Bright House in Orlando (5.00 / 1) (#15)
    by ruffian on Thu Jan 03, 2013 at 11:50:54 AM EST
    Will keep checking as the revamp progresses, but I am not optimistic. The stupid is strong around here....

    Parent
    Time-Warner has also pulled plug (none / 0) (#36)
    by BackFromOhio on Fri Jan 04, 2013 at 11:17:39 AM EST
    on Current TV.
    My biggest regret:  No Eliot Spitzer.  He's one of the few, if not the only commentator, who actually understands what the banks, the Fed, and others do, the applicable laws and regulations and the intricate financial instruments concocted.

    I hope someone picks him up....

    As for Time-Warner, the service stinks and so does the programming policy evidently.  They are unopposed in much of NY, unless the landlord invites another cable operator into the building.
    Several times this past month, TV service was out altogether or on certain channels, and once the email was not working.  The channel outage lasted days.  You can spend 30 minutes on the phone to receive a paltry refund for the non-service, and that's it.


    Parent

    They have a monopoly here. I hate them. (5.00 / 3) (#39)
    by Angel on Fri Jan 04, 2013 at 01:07:49 PM EST
    Mr. Angel runs from the room when I'm on the phone with them.  :)

    Parent
    That's a long time (none / 0) (#148)
    by BackFromOhio on Fri Mar 01, 2013 at 10:33:04 AM EST
    for him to be in hiding

    Parent
    Rumor is Gore was pushing to close the deal (none / 0) (#22)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Thu Jan 03, 2013 at 02:58:41 PM EST
    last year so as to escape this year's higher tax rates.

    And the relevance (5.00 / 3) (#25)
    by sj on Thu Jan 03, 2013 at 04:44:14 PM EST
    of that is... what exactly?

    Parent
    Exactly what you think it is. Or, nothing at all. (none / 0) (#26)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Thu Jan 03, 2013 at 05:08:35 PM EST
    It's up to you.

    Parent
    OK (5.00 / 4) (#28)
    by sj on Thu Jan 03, 2013 at 05:12:03 PM EST
    I think I'll go with "nothing at all"

    Thanks for clearing that up.

    Parent

    Now now sj... (none / 0) (#38)
    by kdog on Fri Jan 04, 2013 at 12:57:08 PM EST
    don't get all Warden Norton obtuse on us;)

    Sh*t I'd do the same as Al, you gotta be a fool to give this government more money if ya can avoid it.  But I'm not arguing the government needs more revenue, at least not yet.  Not until we stop spending billions on nonsense or worse, causing actual harm.

    Parent

    You sent me (none / 0) (#40)
    by sj on Fri Jan 04, 2013 at 02:01:54 PM EST
    to wikipedia to identify Warden Norton.  

    And I don't have a problem with anyone trying to minimize their tax burden -- as long as they aren't trying to do that on the backs of others.  But... it's still an irrelevant statement :)

    Parent

    Please don't think... (none / 0) (#41)
    by kdog on Fri Jan 04, 2013 at 02:09:07 PM EST
    I'm comparing you to that bastard Norton...I just can't use the word obtuse without thinking of Shawshank.

    I don't know if hypocrisy is ever irrelevant...rampant, but not irrelevant;)  A true patriot like Al Gore shoulda been itchin' to pay his "fair share", and delayed the sale to 1/1/13;)

    Parent

    How do you feel about Depardieu (none / 0) (#42)
    by oculus on Fri Jan 04, 2013 at 02:10:37 PM EST
    becoming a Russian citizen?

    Parent
    I'm pretty much with my sister (5.00 / 1) (#46)
    by sj on Fri Jan 04, 2013 at 03:05:17 PM EST
    Zorba on this.  Although I give him credit for his movie star career without the movie star looks.  

    An irrelevant observation :)

    Parent

    I think that Gerard (none / 0) (#44)
    by Zorba on Fri Jan 04, 2013 at 02:42:35 PM EST
    Is nuts.  You might remember his "peeing on the plane" incident last year.  Link. And it was in the cabin, in front of other passengers.
    If he wants to be a Russian citizen, fine.  Except that I would suggest that he actually go live in Russia (as opposed to Belgium) before he starts extolling the advantages of the "good life" in Russia.  But YMMV.    ;-)

    Parent
    Ha! (none / 0) (#27)
    by oculus on Thu Jan 03, 2013 at 05:11:58 PM EST


    Parent
    The always insuffferable Kudlow... (none / 0) (#51)
    by unitron on Fri Jan 04, 2013 at 07:09:42 PM EST
    ...just had some Bozo on who's convinced Al Jazeera's going to be able to jump out of our cable boxes and murder us all in our sleep or brainwash the entire nation from a subscriber base that's considerably smaller than Current TV's was only a week ago.

    Or else he's just steamed that Gore made some money on the deal.

    Both. (none / 0) (#52)
    by Angel on Fri Jan 04, 2013 at 11:00:01 PM EST


    Parent
    Al-Jazeera in U.S. (none / 0) (#147)
    by pelagic1947 on Mon Jan 14, 2013 at 01:01:02 PM EST
    Watch it on my iPad streaming all the time. Professionally done, accurate and fair about the Middle East. Some bias in favor of Palestine, which counteracts the zionist message in U.S. Coverage of the world is excellent, is beating out a battered BBC, which continues to decline. I expect the U.S. version will be milder...

    Al Jazeera Buys Current TV, Will Begin U.S. Broadcasts | 148 comments (148 topical)

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