Heard or seen something on the radio and TV lately that appalled/delighted/enlightened you? Of course you have. That's what Station Break with Paul Farhi is here for. Local stations, cable, radio shows, commercials -- they're all fair game.

Farhi, a reporter in the Post's Style section, writes about media and popular culture. He's been watching TV and listening to the radio since "The Monkees" were in first run and Adam West was a star. Born in Brooklyn and raised in Los Angeles, Farhi had brief stints in the movie business (as an usher at the Picwood Theater), and in the auto industry (rental-car lot guy) before devoting himself fulltime to word processing. His car has 15 radio pre-sets and his cable system has 75 channels. He vows to use all of them for good instead of evil.

The transcript follows.

Editor's Note: Washingtonpost.com moderators retain editorial control over Live Online discussions and choose the most relevant questions for guests and hosts; guests and hosts can decline to answer questions.

Paul Farhi: Bienvenidos, mis amigos (translation: hi). Time for another session of mega-mixing and power-jamming. How's that new fall TV season working out for you? (Sigh) I can remember when "new fall TV season" used to mean something special, just like "prom date" or "first car." Now it means "Hidden Hills," which may not only be the worst new show of the NFTVS, but the worst show in North American history. Anyway, enough of that, let's go to the phones...

Potomac, Md.: Paul: Can someone please stop the idiocy at WARW, 94.7? Now they're calling themselves "the arrow," which, for a classic rock station catering to baby boomers, sounds absolutely ridiculous, juvenile and idiotic. Also, they moved their night guy, Tony Colter, to mid-day, which just doesn't sound right -- he's been a night deejay for 15 or 20 years in the area, and his sound doesn't fit mid-days. Also, what's the real story behind Channel 9 dumping Jess Atkinson -- was it simply because he was a horrible broadcaster, or was there something else? Finally, why are Channel 9's news ads so horrible? They're really laughable.

Paul Farhi: "The Arrow" is actually a return to a name they dropped a couple of years ago. It's plainly a device to help you remember the call letters when/if you ever are selected to fill out one of Arbitron's magic rating books. There's a new program director over there, as well.
As for Jess, hey, he wasn't so bad, was he? I liked his earnest, local boy, puppy dog eagerness.

Burke, Va.: Paul,

This week's picks for "gotta-go" commercials:

1. Rosenthal's Jaguar "chin falling in the cornflakes" spot
2. Rosenthal's Land Rover "I'm the smart sister" spot
3. The ads for the Comanche helicopter. Does anyone not working for DOD or Congress care?
4. Tacoma Academy.
5. Mellwood -- no doubt a good cause, but enough already!

Paul Farhi: Fair enough. Mine this week: The Wrangler jeans ad that abuses Creedence Clearwater's "Fortunate Son." "FS" was a song about Vietnam-era hypocrisy. Wrangler perverts its meaning by using it as a patriotic anthem. Maybe the kidz who buy Wranglers won't know the difference.

A suggestion for Fox 5 News: Here's a thought:
After careful analysis, I have concluded that the root of Fox 5 News at Ten's problem is that it simply has too much airtime to fill. All of those annoying stories "beware of deadly "BLANK" -- (microwave water, balloons, streetlamp wires)," cheesy Al Feinberg or useless Elizabeth Leamy consumer reporting could be removed if the broadcast was reduced from an hour to a half hour. Think of it -- getting the condensed news and weather, and being able to go to bed at a reasonable hour WITHOUT the filler!

Paul Farhi: A major complaint of mine, too. Fox5 lays down a little heavy news (Iraq, Congress, protests, whatever)at the beginning of its 10 pm news. But it's just varnish on the gooey underside. Lots of fluff follows.

Upper Marlboro, Md.: It's been one day, and I already don't like the new Kojo Nnamdi Show (f.k.a Public Interest). It used to be an hour on one subject, but with its "talk-on-the-go" format (three or four subjects per hour), it's trying to be another Tavis Smiley Show or another To The Point.

I'd rather have my info IN DEPTH. Bravo to Diane Rehm and Talk Of The Nation for keeping it one subject per hour!

Paul Farhi: As you may know, Kojo got dropped from national distribution by NPR recently. So this is kind of a retooling for him. But being another Tavis or To the Point--that's a bad thing?

Takoma Park, Md.: So far, no new shows I'm crazy about. Tried "8 Simple Rules..." and found it disappointing. "American Dreams" -- the teenage girl is wonderful, but the show tries too hard.

Paul Farhi: One word for you, TP: "Boomtown." I dunno why it's called that, but the two episodes I've seen are quite mesmerizing. Who knew Donnie Wahlberg could act?

Rockville, Md.: Why do you think the program managers at WMAL radio think that the Washington, D.C. area is a haven for ultra conservatives? Since the end of the Harden and Weaver/Trumble and Core era that station has gotten worse and worse, offering only canned conservatism and a forum for Democratic-bashing. I'm starting to think that the people who listen to these programs would have been very comfortable living among the fundamentalist Taliban.

Paul Farhi: Chris Core would probably take exception to you calling it the end of his era (he's on weeknights). And, yes, it's conserva-talk radio. Then again, the most popular talk hosts (Rush, Hannity, etc.) are conservatives. I'm not endorsing, I'm just sayin'.

TV Watcher: Good Morning Miami is FAR worse than Hidden Hills, difficult as that might seem. Still Standing which was on last night was not good either. I haven't seen the In-Laws, which looks to be as bad.

Paul Farhi: Oh, yeah, I forgot "GMM." A race to the bottom, sure. Why is it so hard to make a decent sitcom. There hasn't been a popular and good new one in eons (okay, "Scrubs," but name another).

Graceland: Everytime I see that Wrangler ad, it makes me want to shoot my television out.

Paul Farhi: Don't shoot, Mrs. Farhi, we need THAT tv set...

Gaithersburg, Md.: How on earth could they drop Kojo? He's smart, informed, calm, rational, intellectually inquisitive, and respectful to his guests and callers.

Oh, wait, of course. A guy like that has no future in talk radio.

Paul Farhi: Amen.

Upper Marlboro, Md.: Oh my God, I was not aware that Kojo was dropped. Am I to guess that means that NPR was concerned that too many affiliates (like WAMU and WETA) were dropping the second hour of Talk Of The Nation and replacing it with Fresh Air?

If there was one public radio show that needs to be dropped, it's The World.

Paul Farhi: To clarify, Kojo's still on WAMU. And for my money, I'd sooner drop that dull and redundant Warren Olney show, "To the Point," than "The World." But nobody asked me.

Comanche helicopter: That (along with similar ads in, say, National Airport) is one of the things that makes life in Washington odd.

As one of the target audience, I can tell you that DoD is deciding on the 2004 budget right now while Congress completes the 2003, which is why the Comanche, F-22, and similar consumer goods have suddenly appeared on the airwaves.

Generals and congressional staff drive to work and listen to WTOP, just like any commuters.

Paul Farhi: Yeah, you don't see people advertising F-22s in, say, Butte, Mt. Washington is different that way--big contractors take out ads on radio and TV to basically influence about 535 people. Heck, the Post gets its fair share, too.

Worst Commercial: No, no, no.

It's either the incredibly condescending "New haircut?" "Lost weight?" Viagra commercial, or the new 50 different butts in your face "When you really want to be clean down there" toilet paper commercial.

And that's the mark of a totally failed ad: You remember the ad, maybe even have a visceral reaction, but can't remember the product.

Paul Farhi: You've opened up a new, um, vein. How about the toilet paper ad that promises to clear up that pesky "lint" problem?

Centerville, Va.: We always hear about annoying commericals, and we should. But what about the good, creative ones? One of the best series of commericals I've seen in a long time are the new commericals for the Maryland Lottery in the Chinese Resturant where they make up custom fortunes on the spot. I've only seen three, but I find them really funny.

Paul Farhi: Yes, lottery ads, here and elsewhere, are consistently and surprisingly creative. I can't figure out why. But there's something really inherently smarmy in all that creativity. They're pushing a product--warning: obnoxious personal opinion coming--that should be illegal. I love the line I heard the other day: "Lotteries are a tax on people who failed math."

Washington, D.C.: You are right. Boomtown, the first episode at least, is absolutely superb. May it live long and prosper, until it becomes tired and all the interesting characters leave, like ER.

Paul Farhi: That, and the interesting story-telling device--it uses overlapping flashbacks to give different perspectives on a single crime--will become tiresome. I hope not.

Oakton, Va.: Are they going to do another of those 50 (or whatever) greatest moments on TV things again soon? Because I'd like to nominate Ade LaCerva's FBI interrogation.

Paul Farhi: Glad you mentioned that. Yes, a great moment. Now, let me see the hands of those who want to hear my pet theory on that incident? I'll wait...

Rockville, Md.: Chris Core today is a far cry from the Trumbell and Core era, which mixed news with humor and features. Can you suggest any afternoon drive time shows with a light touch other than Don and Mike?

Paul Farhi: Enough of my opinions. What can we recommend for Rockville here, gang?

Silver Spring, Md.: Is there any chance the DC metro area gets a station like Annapolis's 103.1, playing adult album alternative, or progressive rock (or whatever you'd call it); a station that does not try to appeals to a "market specific" group of people?

My fear is that stations that play a real variety of music attract a real variety of listeners, making the station harder to market to advertisers. Sponsors would rather target only the soccer moms, or only the 18-24 year olds, or only the middle age men. Nobody wants to spend their advertising dollars when only a fraction of the listeners are the potential customers, so a station appealing to many groups of people gets no advertising.

Could I be right? That type of fragmented listenership can only exist with a smaller market stations where dollars spent aren't as big, and the market is defined by geography instead of age, sex, race etc.

Paul Farhi: That is about as succinct (and accurate) an analysis of the marketing of contemporary radio stations that I've seen. And in answer to your question: no, we probably won't see the likes of 103.1 here anytime soon.

Oldie Townie, Alexandria, Va.: Why does the Post's "radio listing" indicate that 1480 AM is "temporarily off the air?" it's been broadcasting (Korean) for more than a year now.

Paul Farhi: Don't start with me on the radio listenings. I've been pulling my hair out trying to get the powers that be (or at least the powers that produce those listings) to keep it straight and up to date. Which may explain my diminishing hair.

Gaithersburg, Md.: for Rockville -- "All Things Considered" on NPR presents a nice mix of humor, points-of-view, and news in the late afternoon.

Paul Farhi: No question 'bout that...

South Philly, Pa.: I find it interesting that there is that NBC show that purports to capture the magic of the early 60s throught the eyes of an American Bandstand regular.

First of all, "American Dream" is produced by Dick Clark, who, of course, owns "American Bandstand" lock, stock, and barrel.

The show is set in 1963, four years AFTER he had to sell all his interest in ABC after the 1959 payola scandal and shortly before Clark moved production to Los Angeles.

Clark, owning "AB", also owns rights to reproduce the show as he sees fit. But this is a new one, actually framing a TV series around the show.

I just wonder if Gervaise, Richard Hatch, and/or Kelly Wigglesworth get a piece of Survivor telemovies.

Paul Farhi: Thanks for the history, SP.

Laurel, Md.: Not about new fall shows...

After it swept the emmys the weekend before last, my wife became a devoted fan of "Everybody Loves Raymond." It's certainly good comedy if nothing else, and it doesn't appear to be anything else.

The one thing TV needs is good writers. Everything else is dispensible except for the rare show-carrying talents.

So what's wrong with TV writers, except that none of them live ordinary lives worrying about health insurance coverage, credit card debt, or getting their kids into a good school that the rest of us can relate to?

Paul Farhi: Plausible theory, Laurel. Here's another one: you can disguise a lamely written drama with good acting, exciting editing, lighting, etc. But sitcoms are PRIMARILY about writing. In other words, the badly written sitcoms are obvious. Not so the badly written dramas.

I-270: What do I recommend for Rockville in afternoon drive time? An in-dash CD player and anything by Gillian Welch or Tim O'Brien.

Paul Farhi: And Springsteen's new album ain't bad either.

Rockville, Md.: I thought your colleague Howard Kurtz had a fascinating column today, in which he said that Torricelli's pullout from the campaign was caused by the media.

He cited especially two right wing radio talk show hosts, Hannity and Imus, who pummelled Torricelli mercilessly.

What struck me, as it has many times before, is that there are no left wing talk show hosts on the radio. If there were, they might have plausibly argued that even though Torricelli is a crook, it would be better to vote for him than for a Republican, thereby turning control of the Senate, and the entire government, to the most right wing administration we've had since Harding and Coolidge, an administration of, by and for the rich exclusively.

So how come we have all these right wing talk show host and no lefties? Whatever happened to the fairness doctrine?

washingtonpost.com: Why Torricelli Crashed and Burned (Washington Post, Oct. 1, 2002)

Paul Farhi: The Fairness Doctrine was wiped out in the 1980s, thanks to lawsuits and a sympathetic FCC. As for the preponderance of right-wingers on the radio (there are, by the way, some lefties scattered thither and yon), I wrote about this phenomena back in, I think, June. Perhaps the Web Wizard can post a link to that story. WW?

Ads: My eight year-old niece was watching TV with her family when that Viagra ad came on. Aparently she became very annoyed because the ad instructs viewers to ask their doctor about it, but she didn't know how she could do that since she didn't know what Viagra is for.

Paul Farhi: Did you sit her down and have a "little chat"?

Elliot: Why is Elliot giving out a 1-800 number now and not the DC101 number? Has he become snydicated?

Paul Farhi: Yes. He's down in Richmond, as well as here.

Washington, D.C.: If we won't see a station like 103.1 anytime soon, can't they increase their signal so they could actually be heard around here?

Paul Farhi: More complicated than you think. You've got to apply to the FCC to do that. Then, there are engineering studies to prove you won't interfere with other signals. Then...oh, you get it.

Lexington Park, Md.: How come everything in TV is ripped off an already popular program, except The Simpsons? We have 4 billion worthless cop/hospital/lawyer shows, but only one good, sitcome animation show. Fox tried a couple of times with Family Guy (which I thought was great) and Futurama, but no other networks have even made an attempt. Am I forever stuck with boring, predictable, one-hour dramas?

Paul Farhi: Hey, what about "King of the Hill," one of the most consistently funny shows on the air?

Fairfax, Va.: Hi Paul,

Last week a lot of local TV coverage was on the IMF/World Bank demonstrations.

I watched some coverage before Friday and several hours on Friday. One station had a few seconds of a demonstration leader speaking at a press conference, and only 1 station had a "report" about the demonstrators and what they thought -- which consisted of two 5-second pieces of demonstrator's comments, caught "on-the-fly" on the street, followed by about 10 seconds with an out-of-town man on the street who disagreed with the protestors.

I guess I have several questions:
Why when there was so much coverage of the demonstrations, was there so little coverage of the demonstrators and what they believed? Why was there so little of this when there were many interviews and pieces on how the various law enforcement agencies were training and preparing?
And, as for that particular piece I saw on the demonstrators, does this really count as journalism or reportage. I'm not a journalist, much less a TV journalist, so maybe you can shed some light on this. I would imagine these reporters have many stories, are strapped for time, and have few resources, but does sticking a microphone in two demonstrators' faces really count?
One more comment: you would think there would be lots of organization leaders who would have gone on camera for their cause -- instead none of these activists made it on air locally, but rather two demonstrators who were inarticulate about their cause -- because I don't think anybody is articulate when they have a microphone shoved in their face without any preparation.
Thanks.

Paul Farhi: Wow, that's a lot of questions. But let me try. Local TV news traffics in stories that can be told simply (good guys vs. bad; cops and criminals), quickly and cheaply. It doesn't DO subtlety. You want to hear about 400 different causes? TV isn't the place for it.

Apocalypse NOW: Elliott is syndicated now? Please, just give me something sharp to open up an artery. When he pulled that stunt of bobbing for tickets in a full porta-potty, it was (forgive me) all over for me. That and the guy who wrote 'DC-101' with a crayon stuck up his orifice. Yes, I realize he got what he's after because I remember this stuff, but still. He's just not funny -- he's mean spirited as hell. And I'm even in his coveted demographic until tommorrow.

Paul Farhi: I don't get him, either. But I'm way outta his demographic.

Ads and my neice: They live in Michigan so, fortunately, I wasn't present when it happened. I think they're hoping that it will be at least a little while longer before they have to have that talk with her.

Paul Farhi: Funny. I am all in favor of having that "little chat" with my nine-year-old about condom ads; that's a public health concern. But I have a hard time (hey, no pun intended!) with Viagra ads at 2 o'clock on Sunday. Can't they just move that stuff to the later evening?

Washington, D.C.: Paul -- While Limbaugh and Hannity are nationally succsesful, the problem at WMAL begins with the lack of a successful morning Show. Until they get some ratings there, it will be a mighty struggle. In its current state, the WMAL morning show is almost un-listenable. Yesterday's topic was the paucity of African-American head coaches in the NFL, this from a radio station with nary a person of color on its staff. As popular at Limbaugh and Hannity may be, I think WMAL has pretty well mined that Conservative listener territory. Even with a national bestseller, I would be surprised if Hannity's WMAL audience went through the roof. And, at night Chris Core is a not a real ratings factor anymore. Besides, I can hardly listen to the deluge of his personal endorsement ads. As a longtime listener, I hear a station that has dumped great personalities and programs, tolerated mediocre performance and failed to develop new talent. I'd read recently that Disney's Michael Eisner doesn't consider Radio on of their core businesses. Do you think 'MAL is just leaning themselves down to be sold?

Paul Farhi: It seems--stress "seems"--that WMAL is headed that way. Their general manager just retired last week, which pumped up the sale rumors again. The official word is that the gm, Tom Bresnahan, is leaving "to spend more time with his family." Insert your own cynical comment here.

Re: World Bank protests (Fairfax, Va.): The place to have heard the pros and cons was the Chris Core show, on "right-wing" WMAL, and the decidedly liberal Charlie Warren show, right after Chris. For days, they interviewed protest leaders, cops, etc., before and during the protests.

Paul Farhi: Yes, Chris is actually willing to consider other opinions. That sets him apart from everyone who proceeds him.

Bethesda, Md.: Just a note about the worst local radio personality in recent history, Gina Crash from WHFS. She moved up to Philadelphia and is now on their version of HFS doing traffic, news, and laughing at the jokes the morning show people make. Luckily for Philly listeners she no longer does the wild exaggerations of her already awful voice.

Paul Farhi: Gosh, I kinda liked Gina when she was here. Maybe a coincidence, but WHFS has kept rolling downhill since she split.

Spotsylvania, Va.: Im a big fan of WJFK, I'm glad Don and Mike are back in the afternoon, just wondering if you have heard what will they finally put on during the midday. could they put Ron and Fez on? Or move Sports Junkies to midday and run Ron and Fez at night? Just any insight in to there open slot.

Paul Farhi: No official word yet. But my bet is on the Sports Junkies moving into the midday slot.

Potomac, Md.: I don't mean to be mean, and I only post this because I realize it's not just me, but many others who think that -- the female anchor on Channel 9 named Gevehr Dinser (sorry, don't know the correct spelling) just does not connect with viewers, and that includes men, women, young, old, black, white, Asian, Hispanic. There is just something odd and cold and unsettling about her on-air appearance and presence. She isn't "warm," she doesn't connect, and she doesn't seem to gel too well with the esteemed, classy, respected, intelligent, patronly, experienced and well-liked Gordon Peterson. And many people are saying this. It's just not working. Why can't Channel 9 get its act together?

Paul Farhi: Again, I'll dissent. I like her. And you've got Gurvir's name spelled wrong. It's like this... http://www.wusatv9.com/newsteam/gd.asp

Rockville, Md.: The ads for Sears these days, with some guy with a lazy, apathetic, basso voice -- a guy who sounds like he really doesn't care about anything and is about to fall asleep at any second -- are horrible! He also sounds like he's trying to be funny or cool -- but it's not funny and it's not cool. In fact, it's just plain irritating. Also bad are the equally irritating Mitsubishi radio ads with the rude guy with the annoying voice who yells at everyone. Is everyone on Madison Avenue these days on acid? The radio and television ads out there today are just as bad as the worst goofy ads of, well, any other decade. But you'd think we could make progress these days on ads, but they still are horrible. It's crazy.

Paul Farhi: This may not float your boat, but the difference between now and then on Madison Avenue is that ads today are aimed at much narrower "niche" audiences than a generation ago. Another theory: advertising is generally more annoying because you aren't in the "niches" these ads are aimed at. Advertisers don't mind annoying many people, in order to sell something to the few people who are their likely customers.

Junkies Over-Load!: Help! What will ultimately replace the "Best-of" The Sports Junkies that have been filling in for Don & Mike's vacated slot? I'm burned out on these guys already!

Paul Farhi: Yeah, once a day for three hours is plenty, and I'm a Junkies fan. Choose or lose, WJFK...

The through lanes of I-270: Elliott is crude and childish and nasty. And he's better than anybody else on the air doing the typical sort of morning show. You can hear the others aiming for that complacent chuckle. Elliott aims for the puke joke. He's quick and intelligent, but the stuff he finds funny is what a 15-year-old finds funny. I have a 15-year-old, I should know.

Paul Farhi: Oh, agreed. Please see my Bar Mitzvah speech on "niche" audiences above. He's not my cup of tea--and I guess he's not supposed to be.

Atlanta, Ga.: Gurvir was much loved when she was here in Atlanta. If you louts in D.C. don't appreciate this beautiful and talented women, we'll be glad to take her back in a (quickening) heartbeat!

Paul Farhi: We're keeping her. But we'll give you Will Thomas.

Silver Spring, Md.: I like Gurvir, too. Who I cannot stand is Jill Sorenson (or Sorensen?), who thinks it's clear to put words in people's mouths during video highlights (e.g., "And he says..."), when she has no idea what they are thinking or saying. Her voice is grating, too. But most sportscasters are grating, especially as they are so syncophantic when it comes to local coaches and owners.

Paul Farhi: My personal pet peeve is the WRC-TV sportscaster cliche (clearly inspired by George Michael) of setting up a game clip by saying, "Let me take you to..." They say this every time (shades of Warner Wolf's "Let's go to the videotape!") and yet I don't feel as if I've gone anywhere.

RE: Jess Atkinson: Did Jess get fired? I thought that they came to an agreement where he would leave. They gave him 2-3 min for sports and he wanted more. I liked Jess. He is a bit of a home-team guy, but it is local news, so why not?

Paul Farhi: Hmmm. I better tread lightly here. Let's just say Jess is no longer at 9...And I defy you to name one local sportscaster who isn't a home-team guy. They're all homers, to one degree or another.

Washington, D.C.: Isn't "protestors have 400 different issues" the lie lazy reporters tell themselves when they can't be bothered to relate the concise criticisms demonstrators have of the World Bank and IMF?

Paul Farhi: Gee, I thought the Post did a very fine job last week explaining exactly what the criticism of the World Bank and IMF was. But perhaps you're right--400 is an over-estimate of the number of issues. More like 356.

You Go, Gurvir!: Oh, we do like her! In addition to her excellent work, it's also very cool to see yet another ethnicity (Punjabi) represented in this very international region.
Lots o' fans here.

Paul Farhi: Uh huh. Now, don't get me started on the lack of Asian MEN as tv news anchors. It just doesn't seem to happen...

Fairfax, Va.: BOOMTOWN ROCKED on Sunday night! Let's just hope they don't cancel it mid-season. What do you think the chances are of that happening?

Paul Farhi: It got great reviews, which helps keep a poorly rated show afloat for a while. The only pitfall for Boomtown, I think, is that its somewhat elliptical storytelling structure will be too demanding for a mass audience. But I could be wrong.

Gaithersburg, Md.: Hi Paul, Glad you mentioned "Boomtown." So far, that's the only new show I'll be sticking with.

Quick question: do you, by chance, know when "Boston Public" will be back?

Paul Farhi: Inside sources tell me that "BP" will have its season premiere on Oct. 21, at 8. And by inside sources I mean "the Fox Network's Web site."

IMF Protests: TV news wants VISUALS not people talking.

Globalization is just one manifestation of the upward re-distribution of income that has taken place in the last 20 years with little TV coverage because it's harder to show pictures of its downside (rising debt) than its upside (mega-mansions) .

Paul Farhi: Well, local news doesn't particularly care about globalization one way or another. It DOES care about mega-mansions and such because it can roll a truck down the street to show them. Not so easy to roll a truck down to Juarez, Mex. or Jakakarta.

Elliptical: Well 24, was kind of a difficult premise too, and that kept audiences engaged.

Paul Farhi: Yeah, but "24" appealed to a relatively small audience (it was under 10 million per week for much of the season, I believe). The difference is/was, "24" appealed to a relatively upscale audience. Advertisers like that. Networks do, too.

Washington, D.C.: Who is more type-cast as a result of a hit sitcom:

David Schwimmer as Ross, or Calista Flockhart as Ally McBeal?

Paul Farhi: Hit TV shows are great career killers, aren't they? I saw Schwimmer in "Band of Brothers" and all I could think was, "When did Ross enlist?"

Takoma Park, Md.: Why bother with local radio? If you have a specific taste, give up and get satellite radio. It's PARADISE, with dozens of channels for lots of different interesting kinds of music. Even comedy. Even classics. Even NPR, bless it.

Paul Farhi: Oh, right. Everyone's got a few hundred bucks to listen to the radio. And a satellite yet? You stinkin' globalization people make me sick.

Jess: Why do you have to tread lightly?

Paul Farhi: Because only Jess and his agent know the real details of his departure. I'm not gonna pretend I do.

Scrubbs: How cool was it to have the singer/guitarist from Men at Work on singing during the episode this past week!

Paul Farhi: I would have liked it better had they dregged up the guys from Fine Young Cannibals.

Rumor or fact?: Speaking of Ross (David Schwimmer), I heard that the original Ross on Friends died in a car accident before the show premiered, and Schwimmer was a last-minute replacement. True? If so, do you know who the original Ross was?

Paul Farhi: [Sound of Final Jeopardy! theme music]. And let's go to Paul, our leader with $9,000. Your Final Jeopardy! answer..."Who was Corey Haim?" Oh, I'm so sorry, no. Your wager? $9,000? Don't let the door hit you in the...hey, where are you going?

Arlington, Va.: Enough with this business about globalization and crude DJs. What really matters is whether the bomb exploded in "24" this year is nuclear or just radiological (i.e. dirty)? Have you heard anything Paul?

Paul Farhi: Got to be dirty, for the simple reason that that show loves the word "dirty." As in, "He's DIRTY, Jack," or "Nina's got to be DIRTY, Jack." So bet on "dirty."

New York, N.Y.: I think the career killer for David Schwimmer is that he's a terrible actor, whiney and annoying to boot. I found his episodes of Band of Brothers unwatchable.

Paul Farhi: I like him on "Friends." Despised him on "BOB." Which goes back to my earlier point about hit sitcoms being career killers--I'll just never buy him as anything but Ross.

Paul Farhi: Folks, it's that old clock on the wall thing again. Back to your grindstones, all of you. This was, as usual, a pleasure. In fact, I liked it so much, I'm going to threaten to come back again in two weeks. Tune in then. Aloha.

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