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January 31, 2006
Air America Radio is famous for something! Namely, this "joke":
This year, both Groundhog Day and the State of the Union address occur on the same day.
As Air America Radio pointed out, "It is an ironic juxtaposition of events: one involves a meaningless ritual in which we look to a creature of little intelligence for prognostication while the other involves a groundhog."
This is a fairly widespread "joke", and it appears on a
large number of not just blogs but splogs as well. Note that some of those are recent, but this same "joke" was posted to a lot of blogs a year ago.
Here it is from
2/13/05 in comment #13 at Al Franken's blog. In that case, it's missing the "Air America Radio pointed out" bit. And, he says he got it in email. But, the earliest according to technorati - take it with a grain of salt - is from
this blog which has the AAR attribution and is from 2/2/2005.
While similar urban myths do have attributions (such as, "Paul Harvey said", or "George Carlin writes"), the AAR attribution in this case seems a bit gratuitous. It's not really necessary for the joke and, in fact, it serves as a bit of viral marketing for that company. We congratulate AAR for whatever input they had on this viral marketing plan. Perhaps they can take that up as an alternative just in case.
Posted in Meta
at 01:18 PM
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January 29, 2006
Usually, debates are held between closely matched people and groups. And, most major stars aren't willing to receive the same billing as lesser lights.
Therefore, it comes as a bit of a surprise that Sean Hannity will be debating Jerry! Jerry! Jerry! Springer on Saturday! Saturday! Saturday! February 25 at Grand Victoria Casino and Resort in Rising Sun. It's part of Clear Channel's "Battle of the Talk Show Hosts". But wait, there's more: you have to pay $30 to see it, and $100 for a reception before the debate.
The new, serious Jerry Springer will not be accompanied by an entourage of transsexual adulterous Little People.
Posted in PureClass
at 12:18 PM
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January 28, 2006
A writer named Sheila Samples provides an extolment - nay, lionization - nay, idolization - of Mad Mike Malloy in
"Who will tell the people?"
Mike Malloy is the canary in the political coalmine -- the bane of the Bush administration and of hypocrites of all stripes. He is a liberal gadfly whose light shines so brightly on the truth that even Air America struggles to keep him hidden under its late-night barrel. Far from being a "loose liberal cannon," Malloy has a solid background of writing, reporting, editing and broadcasting. He is a former news writer and editor for both CNN and CNN-international, and a former publisher of Atlanta's Creative Loafing newspaper.
...[Why does AAR hide his light under a bushel basket?] Because he is so damn good, that's why. Because the truth Malloy tells is raw, straightforward, stripped of all spin -- every word shoved right in the faces of those who have seized power to destroy the democratic safeguards of the U.S. Constitution, to steal elections, to abandon society's most vulnerable, and to slaughter their own citizens as a pretext for war. But even Air America knows that not everybody can handle the truth, especially in prime time. Malloy can be heard each night on Air America affiliate stations, the Internet, and on XM Satellite Radio, Channel 167. Missed programs are available at the White Rose Society website.
Each night, Malloy exposes the Bush administration for what it is -- a murderous, evil, lying, fascist regime. Each night, I am amazed that he has somehow managed to slip through enemy lines yet again to shout truth to power. He asks no quarter, and gives none, regardless of the consequences...
Is she serious? Yes, I'm afraid so.
But, if you feel you can crank it up just a notch - just one or two - feel free to have a go in the comments.
Posted in MikeWho
at 05:37 AM
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January 23, 2006
If we conducted a poll in our time/space continuum, about 99.9995% of respondents would say "No".
However, in Alternate Dimention DUmmie, the current results are 279 votes for "Yes", a whopping total of 88% of respondents.
Only 12 votes for "No", for just 4%.
In related Malloy news, he received an email invitation to CPAC and responded thusly:
"Um . . . you're kidding, right? Why would I have any desire whatsoever to attend or participate in a convocation of neo-Nazis????? I had two uncles fight against you [expletive] in WW2. And, now, surprise! surprise! here you all are on US soil. Kindly get the [expletive] off my email. Thanks."
But, wait, there's more. Here's something Mike or his keepers posted on his blog (via this):
The Bush Crime Family was flooding the US with horrific images of Saddam's nuclear bombs falling on major American cities, evil Arabs dumping poisons, toxins, bacteria, viruses and copies of the Koran into our food supplies, our drinking water, our gene pool. Bush House Negro Colin Powell was addressing the UN with all sorts of fantastic scenarios of anthrax-laden missile launchers hidden in groves of palm trees. The piercingly evil Michael Chertoff was at the Justice Department clearing out career attorneys who still believed the US Constitution meant something.
Is "liberalism" just a mental disorder?
UPDATE: Mad Mikey responds to the American Thinker.
Posted in MikeWho
at 12:23 AM
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January 17, 2006
AAR's new vice president of news
is one Felipe Luciano, a
"black Puerto Rican" who has
"worked at WNBC/Ch. 4, WCBS/Ch. 2 and Fox News. He's hosted radio shows at WRVR, WLIB and WWRL". And:
He's been equally busy outside the media. In the '60s, he was a founder of the Young Lords party and in recent years he has run for political office himself.
Here's that party's original
13-Point Program and Platform:
1. We want self-determination for Puerto Ricans--Liberation of the Island and inside the United States. For 500 years, first spain and then united states have colonized our country. Billions of dollars in profits leave our country for the united states every year. In every way we are slaves of the gringo. We want liberation and the Power in the hands of the People, not Puerto Rican exploiters. Que Viva Puerto Rico Libre!
2. We want self-determination for all Latinos. Our Latin Brothers and Sisters, inside and outside the united states, are oppressed by amerikkkan business. The Chicano people built the Southwest, and we support their right to control their lives and their land. The people of Santo Domingo continue to fight against gringo domination and its puppet generals. The armed liberation struggles in Latin America are part of the war of Latinos against imperialism. Que Viva La Raza!
There are eleven more points, all of which Air America Radio's new vice president of news presumably signed on to or even had a hand in authoring. Whether he still believes in the
causa is unknown. However, I'm sure he'll provide many entertaining segments in the future:
Luciano, who will also be doing on-air commentary, has an ambitious expansion of Air America's news mission in mind.
"We're working on big plans," he says. "We'd like to have a speakers' bureau. We'd like to have a TV presence. This is the beginning of a new CNN."
And yes, gypsy though he's sometimes been, he'd like to be around for it.
"I always wanted to find a place," he says, "where my radical background was an advantage, not a handicap."
Yes, indeed! It's quite an advantage, and I thank Air America for showing us once again exactly where they stand. Que viva la revolucion!
Related:
Air America Radio accepts ads from Communist-linked group
Posted in Meta
at 09:41 AM
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January 15, 2006
You know how the local coverage of a parachuting visit from Al Franken starts, don't you? Something like
this:
Firing off one-liners and political jabs, author and comedian Al Franken scattered verbal buckshot at conservative Republicans on Friday while enlisting a little help from some new Montana friends in front of a charged-up audience.
But, wait. There was tension as Stuart revealed the secret warmongerer inside:
[Gov. Brian Schweitzer] reminded Franken that Montana was the first state to elect a woman to the U.S. Congress - Jeannette Rankin - and that Rankin had voted against both world wars.
In a moment where tension was evident, Franken said, "Wait a minute - we were attacked, need I remind you. ... And then Hitler. You're not saying World War II was a mistake."
"No, no," answered Schweitzer. "But she was a woman of conviction."
"Good," said Franken. "Because if we listened to her, we'd be goose-stepping."
The warmongerer can't even get his historical facts correct. But, wait, his warmongering continues:
"There is no good plan," he said of continued U.S. efforts in Iraq. "We're trying to thread a needle that doesn't exist. We've alienated the Iraqi people big time, but we need more troops over there if we're going to get the Iraqi security forces trained."
This sudden move to the right doesn't suit you, Al.
Give. Peace. A. Chance.
Posted in StuartSmalley
at 08:43 AM
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KXXT-AM 1010 is AAR's home in Phoenix, and that station was recently sold to Communicom Broadcasting, a group of Xians.
Now, according to this:
[KXXT's general manager Bob Christy] says Communicom will change the station's format; however, it has graciously agreed to keep Air America programs on the air until it finds a new home.
Christy himself has the rights to AAR programming in Phoenix, and he's desperately looking for a new station:
Christy thinks Air America is worth saving... "This station never made a ratings book, prior to last fall," he says. "In the realm of talk stations, we're the third most listened-to station. We broke even in nine months, which is pretty amazing in radio."
Someone please check his math.
Posted in Meta
at 04:34 AM
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January 12, 2006
Al Franken must have the best publicist in the world. It must be that, because there's no such thing as the liberal media, and thus there's only one way to explain why there have been so many non-news stories over the past year reporting that Stuart was considering a Senate run.
The latest in this very long line is from the AP: "Al Franken: No Decision on 2008 Senate Run".
If the AP needs to fill space on its wires at any point in the future, it could simply give a quick call to Smalley a re-verify that he still hasn't decided and simply update the posting date.
Previously came Breaking: Al Franken still considering Senate run! And, just a few days earlier he was still considering in two separate articles. The month before then, he was still kicking it around. During the summer, Franken was also kicking it around. Needless to say, there have been many other articles featuring this same non-news.
Posted in StuartSmalley
at 06:04 AM
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January 09, 2006
One of Air America Radio's lesser known hosts, Laura Flanders, has a new name for her show: RadioNation. The second part of the name is because it's a collaboration with The Nation magazine.
We're informed that this show appears on both the AAR network, and on "noncommercial radio stations nationwide".
Is AAR just giving it away to those non-commercial stations? Or, is The Nation putting up some of the money? In brief, who's funding this show, and does that indicate that AAR is trying to prop up its programming by getting money from other groups?
I'm just asking is all.
Note also that Flanders is a true Democrat and on Saturday she broadcast from one of the 'Out of Iraq' meetings that were held in cities across the U.S.:
The theme of these events can be simply ending the war, or can focus as well on efforts to censure and possibly impeach Bush and Cheney: info here. Some events will be hosted and organized by Congress Members (you should encourage them to do this and offer to assist them). Others can be hosted by you with Congress Members as guest speakers. It is entirely up to you. Some Progressive members may be willing to participate in events in Republican districts. Some pro-war Congress Members may be willing to hold events and discuss the issue. You can also hold events without Congress Members, including smaller panels, discussion circles, and house parties.
Sounds like fun, sorry I missed it.
Note that despite (or because of) featuring not just Flanders but the odious Bob Fertig of Democrats.com and Congressbeing Major Owens, the NYC event only drew 75 people.
There's more on this general theme in "A Peace Movement Demanding the Rule of Law" by David Swanson ("a co-founder of After Downing Street, a writer and activist, and the Washington Director of Democrats.com. He is a board member of Progressive Democrats of America, and serves on the Executive Council of the Washington-Baltimore Newspaper Guild, TNG-CWA"):
I tried to communicate that by all standards of international law, and of US laws that incorporate those standards, the attack on Iraq was illegal. This is not a war fought in self-defense – at least not by the Americans – and this is not a war authorized by the United Nations.
Maybe, if their other business models fail, that august international body would be interested in propping up Air America. Perhaps it could be a new project for Kojo Annan.
Posted in AlsoRans
at 12:50 PM
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January 04, 2006
A group of "liberals" wants to bring Air America Nashville. However, there's a new NPR outlet there, and another "liberal" show just started. Now, to some of us, that might imply that the market is saturated with "liberalism". But, to others, that means a market opportunity.
Posted in Meta
at 07:59 AM
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January 03, 2006
Rumor has it that KXXT, Air America's outlet in Phoenix, has been sold to a Christian broadcaster. Therefore, that station will almost immediately be conducting a long-overdue exorcism and Randi, Al, Janeane, Mike, and the rest of the gang will be going off the dry, hot air.
But, compared to some of their other programming, the national AAR crew are moderate.
Others who will be presumably bidding adieu include the dynamic duo of Al Sharpton protege Jarrett B. Maupin II and his dad, who co-host Issues & Answers. They were last featured here in "RevGate: Air America Phoenix co-host arrested". RevGate is the "forgotten" AAR scandal involving Al Sharpton being driven away from a Cindy Sheehan photo-op and the car he was in getting stopped for speeding. Maupin senior was allegedly driving the car.
The BoreAmerica crew wishes them well in their future endeavors, and hopes that they keep in touch.
Another show that's leaving the air is "Scores and Odds", which would appear to be a betting show. I won't even link to their site since it appears a bit dodgy to me.
Even better, the Truth to Power Hour, featuring Kyrsten Sinema and her co-host, Jeff "No neck" Farias will apparently be leaving the airwaves. Sinema is not only an Arizona State legislator, she's quite a piece of work with a clear pro-illegal immigration agenda.
We at BoreAmerica are deeply saddened to hear this sad, sad, ever-so-sad news, but we look forward to monitoring their show in shortwave or public access cable TV or something.
Posted in Meta
at 11:54 PM
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Air America fans rejoice, as their favorite radio network has received year-end reknown from sources far and wide.
"The 25 Dumbest Media Quotes of 2005" has not one, but two AAR entries:
21) "This President is never gonna do the right thing. I think somewhere deep down inside him he takes a lot of joy about losing people, if he thinks they vote Democrat or if he thinks they're poor, or if he thinks they're in a blue state, whatever his reasons are not to rescue those people." --Air America's Randi Rhodes, on Bush's response to Hurricane Katrina
...11) "A spoiled child (Bush) is telling us our Social Security isn't safe anymore, so he is going to fix it for us. Well, here's your answer, you ungrateful whelp: [audio sound of 4 gunshots being fired.] Just try it, you little b*stard. [audio of gun being cocked]." --Air America Radio's Randi Rhodes
Now, some will quibble that the last only appeared on her show, it wasn't voiced by her and she denied all involvement. However, the fact remains it appeared on AAR.
Over at
NRO, Carrie Lukas has a prediction for 2006:
Air America will finally go under, ironically undermined by "competition" from the taxpayer-supported NPR that they vigorously support. Distraught listeners in search of liberal viewpoints will be forced to turn to CBS, ABC, NBC, CNN, The New York Times, etc...
And, finally,
"New Year's Resolutions for Other People: The 2006 Edition" offers this:
For Air America, I resolve that you make amends for all the stuff you’ve done in 2005, like not paying people, messing up employee benefits, and, oh yeah, stealing money from a charity to stay on the air. Remember, Karma paybacks are nastier than Eminem with Tourettes.
My predictions for AAR: Al Franken will continue getting press for continuing to consider running for Senate. And, Jerry Springer will revert his show to his older, much more popular format, scoring massive ratings successes and causing all other AAR hosts to do the same.
Posted in Meta
at 05:14 PM
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Al Franken is finally - dozens of press articles later - making the big move to Minneapolis.
They're building a studio in a downtown office building just for him. Given that Air America Radio brags about their new million-dollar New York City studio, one wonders how much that cost.
And:
"We'll be celebrating the fact that we're in Minneapolis, off the East Coast media axis." Still, [Franken's producer, Billy Kimball] acknowledged, they'll be calling east for many of their guests: "We won't want the show overflowing with Minneapolis flavor."
Posted in StuartSmalley
at 02:17 PM
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