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: Welcome once again to Station Break, the wartime edition. Probably like you, I've been saturated, inundated, up-to-my-neck in war coverage these past few days. Any thoughts on what we're seeing and hearing (I certainly have some)? How 'bout those wacky TV fellas, Peter Arnett and Geraldo Rivera, eh? And, oh, is there anything else on the air these days besides mayhem and destruction? (And by that I don't mean "24"). Let's go to the phones...Go ahead, caller.

Washington, D.C.: Paul, can you explain something simple to me, namely, what NPR is? I always thought it was a network of stations, but then I read an article about how NPR produces programming, as does entities such as Public Radio International, which member stations then pay license fees to air. And does NPR have any Congressionally-mandated rights, privileges, or monopolies?

Paul Farhi: NPR isn't a network of stations; NPR is, as you say, a producing entity that serves a network of very independent public stations (about 345 of 'em). PRI is sort of NPR's rival public-radio producer. And, no, NPR has no special Congressional ties. However (there's always a "however")NPR's funding comes indirectly and in part from Congress. Not to bore you too much, but the money goes from taxpayers to Congress to the Corp. for Pub. Broadcasting to pub stations, which then pay NPR for its great programming. Hey...wake up!

Washington, D.C.: Just a quick advertising question for you. What's the deal with the bear in the Labatt's Blue ads? It's just a tad creepy seeing a talking bear trying to pick up women.

Paul Farhi: Yeah, I'm with you. Weird. My only guess was that if you drink enough Labatt's, you start seeing the bear.

Silver Spring, Md.: Some local stations and networks have taken to playing musical accompaniment to introduce every news segment on the war n Iraq. WUSA has somber music, along with bells before each war news segment; it has added choir singing along with readings supporting the military (this is the station which, until recently, trumpeted the fact that it just gave the news, without hype). I used to watch this station, but prefer news without a musical soundtrack, so have swithced to WJLA, which somehow feels that giving me the news is enough.

Paul Farhi: One of the minor irritants of the war coverage, yes. This is the triumph of "production" over common sense. It's a war, people! We don't need musical accompaniment with our death and destruction. The information is bad enough.

Upper Marlboro, Md.: Is it me or has the airwaves (radio) now allowed for more profanity? I notice now that radio whether it's the songs or the dj's use more profanity and allow the callers to do like wise.

Paul Farhi: Well, you have to define "profanity," because the line keeps slip sliding away. Remember when "suck" (as in, "that sucks!") was a bad word. Not no more. How 'bout "blow" (as in, "that blows")? Now acceptable, too (in fact, it's now possible to blow and suck at the same time). George Carlin's famous seven words are still (mostly) taboo. Given time, though, I'm sure those are going to be common, too. If you ask me, this sucks.

Washington, D.C.: Love your work and enjoy these online chats!

Do you think it's time for WJFK to become a full time station instead of a M-F station. Something interesting to listen to on the weekend would be nice. Do you agree?

Paul Farhi: Thanks, DC. And, yes, I do. WJFK is a big station, owned by one of the biggest radio companies (Infinity/CBS/Viacom). Surely, it can't be THAT hard or expensive to produce something original on weekends (e.g., my colleague David Segal's music show on Saturday nights). Running infomercials and replays of weekday stuff almost seems like a violation of their public-service obligations, if there are any these days.

Upper Marlboro, Md.: Am I the only one who thinks that Peter Arnett spoke exactly what the Bush administration is afraid to say? Bush started a war with a plan drawn in sand and the when the windstorm blew, his plans disappeared as well. Arnett spoke his mind, and he gets the axe. Why are we so scared to admit that the war is not going as planned. Anyone see or read "black hawk down?" Let's bring our men and women home.

Paul Farhi: I agree in part, but dissent wildly in others. What Arnett said, strictly speaking, was fairly conventional, mainstream criticism of the war effort to date. But it's WHERE he said it that's the deal breaker. He essentially (and--benefit of the doubt here--perhaps innocently) gave Iraqi morale a boost. That's a no-no, and he deserves what he got. I think even he realizes that now.

Washington, D.C.: If you think Labatt's ads are bad, people must have forgotten (or heck, perhaps it was a Midwest thing) the ads for Hamms beer. "From the land of sky blue wah-ah-terrr."

Paul Farhi: I remember those! But the bear was a cartoon bear, no?

Washington, D.C.: I've killed another tv show, I think. RIP, Mr. Sterling?

Paul Farhi: You, personally, killed it? Nice going, DC. It deserved it. Inferior "West Wing" knockoff...

Alexandria, Va.: So do you think Arnett had his fingers crossed for that "heartfelt apology" based on how quickly he turned it around and criticized NBC, or what?

Paul Farhi: Well, I think he knows that he's radioactive, no matter how NBC handled it. His "I want to swim to an island and disappear" comments seem to indicate that.

Capitol Hill, Washington, D.C.: Do you think these embedded reporters are in it for the long haul, or are some of them going to start bailing (voluntarily, as opposed to being kicked out)?

Paul Farhi: Some already have. About 10 or so (none from the Post). Eating sand and getting shot at can't be fun. Makes you admire how tough the troops' job is.

About Bears:
Bears are great. Except when they're puppets in ads.

Suggle fabric softener
Sleepy Time herbal tea

Paul Farhi: Warning: Emerging bear theme in this chat. Now don't nobody start on dogs. I'm warning youse...

Chevy Chase, Md.: Another irritation of the war coverage is that now the local stations are running the ticker at the bottom of the screen during the local newscasts. Is there no escape?

Paul Farhi: Hate the ticker. It's useless info most of the time, and it's distracting all of the time.

City, State: Can we bash Pat Collins today?

Paul Farhi: Only if he's a bear.

Arlington, Va.: Rank the following in terms of creative genius, and explain (briefly) why.

Simpsons, South Park, Family Guy

Paul Farhi: Simpson--No. 1; because it may be the greatest sitcom, animated or otherwise, of all time. 2) "South Park," because, abrasive as it is at times (okay, almost all of the time), it is occasionally still funny (I STILL laugh at the Wendy Testaberger bit, even though I've seen it, let's see, 14,000 times). 3)"Family Guy"--it was just obnoxious, and a flash in the pan.

Washington, D.C.: I have no sympathy for Arnett. He and his media brethren were responsible for creating this idea that this would be a very short war. No officials ever came out and stated this; they may have thought it, but they never did say it. The media created this unstoppable U.S. War Machine, and this perceived "breakdown" of the machine cost Arnett his gig. Good.

Paul Farhi: Sorry, you're wrong. The Post had a collection of pre-war quotes from Cheney, Bush and other top officials suggesting the Iraqis would roll over. I have no idea what Arnett said about the duration of the war (and I'm betting you don't either). And much of the criticism of the military right now looks like armchair generalship; we don't know how long the war will last, nor can anybody really predict such a thing.

Pat Collins: The scene ... Paul Farhi's chat ... The crime ... My annoying banter ... The problem ... Thousands of local viewers ... The ratings ... We're still number one so bite me.

Paul Farhi: Hahahaha! Back to you, Jim and Doreen.

Capitol Hill East, Washington, D.C.: Maybe we could feed Pat Collins to the Labatt's bear. Would be great reality tv.

Paul Farhi: Interesting. Do you think it would appeal to the teenage girl demo?

Northern Virginia: Since we're discussing the war and television, why is that Marine still on American Idol when other service people are at war? I think it's rather tastless on their part. Not that Fox is known for taste, but still.

Paul Farhi: Good question. You don't think Fox will soon be telling us that he's giving a morale boost to the Marines over in Iraq? Okay, maybe even Fox wouldn't try that...

Olney, Md.: So on WMZQ this morning they said the Dixie Chicks are breaking up. Turned out to be a joke, but it spurred me to look into attending their June concert at the MCI Center!

Paul Farhi: Y'know, the whole "flap" over the Chicks was a really contrived stunt (yes, I'm all about tough investigative reporting here!). I mean, the week after stations around the country were "boycotting" their records, their current album had its best sales week ever. As Geraldo would say, Coincidence?

Arlington, Va.: Reporters should NEVER be the story, PERIOD. Even if Arnett stated unequivical support for the war effort, he should've been canned. Where is the objectivity in granting an interview!? Maybe afterwards, maybe later -- but NEVER during.

Paul Farhi: Well, as I've said before, if he had made the same comments on NBC or MSNBC, no one would have cared (and if he had made them on MSNBC, no one would have seen it).

Washington, D.C.: I may indeed have personally killed Mr Sterling. Every show I watch gets cancelled. (I still miss "My So-Called Life.") The ones I wish would vanish seem to last forever!

And as for "Inferior West Wing knockoff," I dunno. I don't like the West Wing, and I did like this one.

Then again, "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" is one of my favorite movies.

Paul Farhi: Ah, so you're the guy (or gal). What else are you planning to kill this season, Mr./Ms. TV Plague?

Seattle, Wash. -- Formerly Washington, D.C.: Hey, now that the Junks are Drive-Time, is there any chance at all they might be syndicated?

Paul Farhi: They were syndicated briefly, during their evening days on WJFK. As much as I like the Junks, syndicating them in morning drive is a tough one; there's so much competition out there. But if they keep proving themselves on WHFS (as they have so far), I wouldn't be surprised.

Rockville, Md.: Any comment on the TRAFFIC SUCKS ads on the metobuses. I can't get away from those "suckers."

Paul Farhi: Saw those the other day. Hate 'em! But then, bus ads (or any ads) for 104FM probably aren't meant for guys like me, anyway, so maybe I'm supposed to hate 'em.

Austin, Tex.: Talking about radio networks -- The BBC World Service seems to be expanding its presence quite a lot in this country (mainly on public radio), especially since the war started. I tend to like the idea of a widely available non-American point of view.
Just a thought.

Paul Farhi: Yes, WAMU has moved its play of the BBC World Service to earlier in the evening. I, too, enjoy hearing a different take, though I gotta say, the BBC stuff I've heard so far will not make the average Fox News Channel viewer too happy.

Silver Spring, Md.: Can I be your one 24 question of the day? I am curious to see who the mysterious commando guy who is killed Ali and probably the other commandos. I think it is someone we know such as Mr. Warner or the mean father from the beginning. What's your thoughts?

Paul Farhi: All right, Silver Spring, you're on (please collect your lovely parting gifts when this answer is over): I think the mysterious commando guy could be connected to Mr. Warner, but Bad Dad is no longer a factor on the show (Kim is very able to get into trouble without his help, thank you very much). What I don't get is why Commando Guy wants Jack to bring Blonde Sister with him to their meeting. And why would Jack put her in jeopardy (esp. since there seem to be some sparks betw. Jack and Blondie)? And...hey, is anyone still out there?

Married by America.: Have you been watching it? If not, you should. Unbelievable train wreck.

Paul Farhi: Saw the first episode. Abandoned ship. Not sure that was a bad decision.

Springfield, Va.: Have you heard or seen any ratings for WJFK's nightly Ron and Fez show? They seem to be getting a variety of new callers to the show a good mix of men and women. Also Paul have you heard the show and what do you think?

Thanks

Paul Farhi: Ron and Fez are growing on me. They're pretty funny guys, and yes, they do get a pretty lively mix of callers. Ratings wise, they haven't recaptured the audience the Junkies had. Plus, they've lost their NYC slot. I hope WJFK sticks with 'em...

Arlington, Va.: Annoying: New and sports "crawls", info boxes reporting on attempts to break the Guinness record for biggest chimichanga, and "live shots of the Bagdad sky" that take up 2/3 of the screen -- all tell me -- that what their news anchor is saying -- or what their interviewee (Colin Powell! even)is saying is probably not interesting or important -- and you need not pay attention. It's the broadcast equivalent of doing a little vaudville shuffle when the main act doesn't cut the mustard.

Paul Farhi: The "official" reason for the crawls is that the networks figure their audiences can handle more than one bit of information at once (check out the unbelieveable jigsaw puzzle that Headline News has become). But I think you're right: the underlying assumption is that the pictures they're showing aren't arresting enough to command the viewers' attention. Maybe they should make the pictures better...

Dear Sterling Killer: PLEASE watch Good Morning Miami this Thursday night. Thanks dude.

Paul Farhi: Yes, we can harness this killer for good, instead of evil.

Huh?: I guess this is further proof that the folks at MSNBC have no idea on how to run a news operation. The fact that they brought back Keith Olbermann is just mind-boggling. Granted, I was a fan of his, especially at ESPN, but for MSNBC to hire him back after he quit, while complaining the whole way out the door seems a bit silly.

Paul Farhi: That one just stunned me. The head of MSNBC, Erik Sorenson, has fired Keith TWICE from various jobs, and now hired him THREE times. The last time Olbermann was shown the door, Sorenson all but libeled him, suggesting he was unstable. I don't get this at all. (But it sure as heck beats hiring Michael Savage...)

Del Ray, Alexandria, Va.: So no more Mr. Sterling episodes? Ever?

Paul Farhi: We are all hoping...

Bristol, Conn.: Do you want to get in on a "When will Olberman melt down and quit (Again)" pool? What's the deal with this guy, do high ratings follow him around or does he just have a high Q rating?

Also, will Ed be back next season?

Paul Farhi: Look, I'm not saying Keith doesn't have talent. He does. But he's had blow up every where he's gone. Based on his track record, I'm guessing it will happen again. Maybe that's just the life of a talented but mercurial TV guy. But it sure is weird.

Fairfax, Va.: Will Infinity stations start streaming radio on the net anytime soon. I've been hearing about this AOL broadband action. Your thoughts?

Paul Farhi: It would be a good idea. Internet streaming has not taken off in a big way, but lots of folks love it (even with the copyright fee dispute, there's still tons of wonderful stuff available). So bring on Infinity. More the merrier.

Dumb TV Watcher: This is more of a technical question, but can you tell me what Tivo is, how much it costs, and if it is worth the money?

Paul Farhi: TiVo is a digital recording system--essentially, an updated VCR. It enables you to record, stop and play back lots and lots of TV shows without cassettes. Some people love it, but only some. The amazing thing to me about TiVo is, despite reams of glowing articles and years of advertising and marketing, it hasn't really made much of a dent in the mass market. Nor has one of its rivals, ReplayTV. I guess most people just don't want to bother.

Another Creepy Ad: The Nestea Snowman -- I mean, my kid runs out of the room when he melts! Obviously a European ad guy (the girls in the hot tub don't look "American"). Which means, to me, Europe is wierd. Just look at the Mentos Ads!

Paul Farhi: Yeah, that's a freaky one, all right, but I am mesmerized by it. Ice tea and skeletons--tres bizarre! But what the heck is an "American" supposed to look like? We got all kinds here, thank god, including a few "Europeans."

Rockvillish, Md.: I'll try this one more time. Do you watch Six Feet Under and what do you think of the current season? Suddenly a fascinating show seems so boring. I was wondering if I had just gotten used to the crazy characters, so their activities don't seem so crazy any longer, or, the writing had gone downhill.

Also, some nerve of a newscaster or newspaper reporter (I don't remember where I saw/read this) telling us that we were going to have to get used to a new vocabulary during this conflict. Duhhhhh, we've never heard the word embedded before? If I hear that word any more I might.

Paul Farhi: Yeah, the wind has really gone out of "SFU," hasn't it? Maybe it's the writing (Alan Ball, the creator, supposedly isn't as involved). It was quite shocking and eye-opening in season one, but hasn't sustained the same surprise to season two. Yes, "The Sopranos" has lost some punch, too, but it took four seasons to get flabby.

Eastern Shore, Md.: You know that Verizon commercial with the singer and the girlfriend who goes back to the fellow with that puppy dog look on her face. I hate that commercial! But my question is this -- is that the same girl in the commercial where she's riding in a subway, shares glances with some guy and blows an icy mist on the window that she jots her phone number on?

Paul Farhi: I've always thought the guy in the Verizon commercial was trying too hard to win her back (please, please, don't write another song for her!). And I don't know this for sure, but I think those are different actresses. My question for you: Is the girl on the subway who blows the icy mist on the window the same as the girl in the chewing gum commercial who blows and icy mist after kissing her boyfriend?

Live from San Quentin... American Idol!: Seriously, the FOX researchers assigned to background checks must be sweating.

Paul Farhi: Man, are those background checkers terrible! I can think of a half dozen reality shows (including "American Idol," "Joe Millionaire" and "Survivor") where shady contestants have slipped by. Or maybe the applicant pool on reality shows is just filled with skanky folk...

Paul Farhi: And on that lovely note, gang, it's time to wrap up and go back to my other typing job. 'Twas fun, as always. Let's do it again in two weeks. I'll bring the snacks and dip. Peace...

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