Heard or seen something on the pop culture landscape 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, pop culture -- they're all fair game.

Farhi was online Tuesday, May 22, at 1 p.m. ET.

Farhi is a reporter in the Post's Style section, writing 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 500 channels. He vows to use all of them for good instead of evil.

A transcript follows.

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Paul Farhi: Greetings, all, and welcome back....So, Blake or Jordin? Jordin or Blake? Um, yeah, I don't really care, either. Look, I know "American Idol" is a certifiable Cultural and Media Phenomenon, but I've never been able to work up any enthusiasm for it. Never have, just like 260-plus million fellow Americans. With all due respect to my esteemed (and very manly) colleague Gene Robinson, "Idol" worship always seemed to me to be a chick thing. Sure, it's fine entertainment for the whole family (odd to say that about much of anything on Fox), but it's not much else. No complexity. No humor. Not much personality. No real historical context. I'm not even big on the "suspense" of who wins. And way too much media hype. I love a good fad as much as the next guy (or gal), but I can't buy in on this one. Anyone with me?...What say we just go to the phones....

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Cleveland Park, Washington, D.C.: Paul --

What's really creeping me out on TV these days? Those Comcast "Triple PLay" ads with the guy in the Spider-Man suit who "webs" the other guy to tell him he got the apartment. Creepy!

Paul Farhi: Dumb tie-in, methinks. Would you switch your phone service because Comcast paid a lot of money to cozy up to a three-quel (clever catch phrase! I'm copyrighting that!)? I wouldn't, and won't. And, yeah, I surely don't want to be associated with creepy nerds like that Spidey-guy...

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Washington, D.C.: Would love your thoughts on the recent suspension of Opie and Anthony on XM. While I feel the comments made by their guests were pretty vile, I think XM has broken an important covenant with their talent and their listeners/subscribers. In my view, you pay the 12 bucks a month to get unfettered access to uncensored talk. Period. End of story. Seems like this unnecessary self-policing was done to assuage any issues federal regulators might have with the Sirius merger. Do you agree?

Paul Farhi: I don't know for sure what XM's motivation was, but merger considerations probably were part of the mix. Plus, they were probably looking in the rear-view mirror at the Imus brouhaha, too. But your point is well taken: Sirius (and probably XM) have advertised about the uncensored, unregulated, free-form nature of satellite radio. To turn around now and get all sensitive about something said on their air (and, yes, it WAS vile) does seem to violate the spirit of the thing. Wouldn't an apology have been enough?

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Fairfax, Va.: What did you think about National Bingo Night (NBN) last Friday? I'm quite ambivalent. On one hand, the production was horrible, there were tons of coarse post-production audio edits, and who in the heck is that host? But on the flip side, it's weird in a good way having two disjoint games running in parallel (e.g. high/low vs. traditional bingo). And the "referee" in the audience was a hoot -- I was expecting him to yell "No Bingo for You" at any moment. NBN is like a car crash -- you want to avert you eyes, but you can't!

Paul Farhi: Afraid I missed it. In concept, however, (see we chat hosts don't even need to see something to comment on it; it's in our contract!), it seems like no-brow, low-cost programming--exactly what the networks want/need for Friday nights. Friday nights, of course, are the new Saturday nights on TV. It won't be long before the networks are programming nothing but re-runs on Friday, as they're now doing on Saturday.

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Arlington, Va.: I got a postcard yesterday from Comcast noting that the NFL Network is being moved from the digital tier to the sports tier for another $5 a month. I understand that the NFL is fighting this because it limits viewers to people who pre-pay and probably cuts the price of advertising. Still, the major issue here is the extreme lack of a customer service mentality at Comcast that would encourage additional buyers because they are providing the NFL channel at no extra charge. It sure discourages buying the computer and telephone options which are being hyped on every second TV commercial and two or three mailings a week.

Paul Farhi: Yes, but that's why Comcast is sending the NFL Network up to the more expensive digital tier--the NFL Network is expensive for a cable operator to carry, and cable operators are loathe to pass on yet another price increase to all of their subscribers so that you and I can watch more football. Not sure what Comcast could do; it's a major PR problem for them either way...

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100.3's No Repeat Work Week?: What does that really mean?

I have heard "Horse with no name" by America on 100.3 at least three times in one week.

Also, why is WJFK's signal so surprisingly weak? I can't hear it in Laurel, but can hear it in Olney.

Paul Farhi: I'm no radio programmer but you'd think "no repeat work week" means--let's break it down here--no songs are repeated during working hours (9 to 5?) Monday through Friday, i.e, the traditional "work week." But maybe WBIG includes weekends and after-hours, too. Or not.

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Jack Bauer has left the building: In 2001, in an effort to cut down on my TV time (possible sacrilege for this chat, I know), I established a simple ground rule. If I could miss an episode of a series and not mind, toss it. Along came "24," the TV equivalent of a page-turner. I lent my season 1 and 2 DVDs to folks like an evangelist on a mission. Sad to say, this past season, I forgot to tape it several times and didn't mind a bit. Man, it got too ridiculous for its own standards. Sigh.

So to the question: what should my new series be? I'm eying for when "Heroes" season 1 is available on Netflix? Good choice? Other shows I should look into?

Paul Farhi: Have to admit--and this IS sacrilege to my fellow dedicated "24"-istas--that I have missed several episodes of JB and friends this season and not missed them at all. I did catch last night's finale (natch). Seemed pretty much like all the other finales. Maybe "24" has done some shark-jumping...

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Chantilly, Va.: Can't remember where I read it, but someone said that the Bingo game show was for people who thought "Deal or No Deal" was too complex.

Also, how about the "Heroes" finale? I liked it, as did a lot of others it seems, but there's also a good number of people who thought it was anti-climactic and boring.

Paul Farhi: Bingo is actually a game of master strategy compared to "Deal or No Deal." I mean, picking numbers out of the air? Kind of reminds me of "SNL's" parodies of "Jeopardy!" wherein Alex Trebek/Will Ferrell told the idiots on the panel to "just write down anything. Anything at all."

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It's Comspastic!: The point is: Comcast wants you to use them for phone service, so when your cable goes out, you won't be able to call them.

Paul Farhi: Tell ya the truth, I'd buy the package if the thought of losing phone service in a light drizzle didn't terrify me (note to Verizon: There's the premise for your next anti-Comcast ad campaign)....

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Beltsville, Md.: re: National Bingo Night. If I couldn't print out Bingo cards and play along, with a chance of winning something myself, I probably wouldn't bother watching.

Paul Farhi: Well, there has to be easier ways to win something than playing bingo against a national audience. Have you considered the stock market?

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Tampa, Fla.: Has the Sci Fi channel canceled Battlestar Galactica? I read next year is the last season. That's a shame, as it's one of the best shows on TV -- the only really adult sci fi show.

Paul Farhi: Nope. According to SciFi its ownself, Edward James Olmos misspoke when he said earlier this month that the show was being cancelled. SciFi has ordered 22 episodes for next season. That's called a full order...

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Baltimore, Md.: Re 24: However, Kiefer Sutherland did lend his presence to The Simpsons parody of 24 last Sunday night -- a parody that extended itself to mimicking the titles. His voiceovers showed a real sense of humor while the plotline demonstrated just how absurd the show has become.

As a nuclear bomb suddenly explodes, Jack Bauer turned to the terrfied denizens of Springfield and said, "Don't worry. That one hit Shelbyville."

Paul Farhi: That's almost a steal from "24" itself! A small nuke blows up in the northern suburbs of L.A. and life goes on pretty much as usual in the henchmen-rich downtown environs. No panic. Nothing unusual at all. L.A. really must be laid back!

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Fairfax, Va.: Did anyone from the Post cover Don Geronimo's day in court yesterday? I guess he has a problem with a wacko stalker?

Paul Farhi: No! Do explain....

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Richmond, Va.: I used to live in Manassas. Looking at the overnights from CBS on Sunday (Thanks, DCRTV) I was wondering if Desperate Housewives has proven to be a huge lead-in to the Ch. 7 11 p.m. newscast. When I lived there, Ch. 7 was in the Gulag of TV ratingzzzzzzzzz.

Paul Farhi:"DH" helps Channel 7's ratings somewhat, but it's only one night. And, overall, it's still far, far behind at 11 p.m. (it's a distant fourth at that hour behind Channels 4, 9 and 5--including Channel 5's extended half-hour news from 11-11:30 pm.). So, still in the gulag, I guess...

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I can't remember if I said this here before, but: they HAVE really dumbed down Jeopardy!

Paul Farhi: Well, I'VE said that before--in a story for the Post a couple of months ago. And it wasn't just me. I went on a radio talk show to defend my premise and was joined by none other than Ken Jennings, Mr. 73 Times Jeopardy! Champ Himself. And Jennings agreed. He said the answers/questions have become more suggestive of the answers. Plus, the categories have become more about pop culture than harder academic subjects. Pretty much what I said, too...

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Anonymous: Hi Paul. I'm a 23-year-old male professional, and like everyone else I know in my demographic, I love the junkies on WJFK. Not really a radio "junkie," I still hear reports of low ratings for the show and how their future here in D.C is in jeopardy. Since these comments often come from detractors of the show, I am wondering if you could give me a clear and accurate statement on the health of their ratings and their future here in D.C.

Paul Farhi: Well, I'll try. The Junkies ranked 14th among all listeners (12 years-plus) during morning drivetime in the last ratings "book." They lost a full share "point" from the previous quarter, when they finished 12th. Not good. But, of course, their "core" audience is folks like you--young men. I don't have those breakdowns, unfortunately. But I do know that CBS Radio's management has been very pleased with how they've performed with this demographic group. Whether this means job security for them, I don't know. But the rumors are just that. Wait for some real news, if any.

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Richmond, Va.: Eh, I never got into Idol, or it's various predecessors either. Nothing compelling enough to care. Plus I just don't like that Mariah Carey noodly style of singing that they all do, men and women. All check effects and less talent.

Paul Farhi: Yes, the Mariah Carey/Christina Aguilera/Celine Dion over-singing style is much too influential. But I guess it's what the "Idol" audience expects....

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Severna Park, Md.: I'd like to see a show called "National Plinko Night" where everyone gets to play "Plinko" from the Price Is Right, because everyone loves Plinko.

Paul Farhi: I am so THERE!

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Washington, D.C.: Is there a difference between DTV and HDTV? Also, what do you think of the Sopranos? Do you think Tony is going to survive this season?

Paul Farhi: Yes. The difference between DTV and HDTV is picture quality. DTV comes in many different gradations, all of them better than standard/conventional TV resolution, but none of them as good as true HD, which is the highest resolution...As for Tony, there are strong hints being dropped that he's done for. I'm not saying, I'm just sayin'...

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CBS Specials: Was anyone watching the CBS tribute to old men no one remembers?

Sorry, not the Price is Right show, the Cronkite one.

Paul Farhi: Y'know, between Cronkite and Bob Barker, that's 173 years of Living TV Legends. I defy anyone to come up with more legend than that in two guys!

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Perry Hall, Md.: Last week, the major broadcast nets had their Upfront fall schedule presentations for this upcoming season. Overall, I'm not that impressed with any of their new shows, except for one. I'm looking forward to Fox's new Patricia Heaton-Kelsey Grammer sitcom "Back To You." I might check out ABC's new "Caveman" sitcom, based on the Geico commercials, but I doubt a sitcom based on a series of ads will last very long!

Paul Farhi: Me, I'm kind of curious about the caveman show. It has Coneheads/Third Rock/My Fave Martian fish-out-of-water possibilities. And check those new schedules--very few new sitcoms on order. NBC, the network that built a dynasty on sitcoms, will have just one new one. And it's not as if the ones they have now are doing so well...

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Somewhere Out There in TV Land: Good afternoon, O Great and Powerful Columnist. Lisa de Moraes's article had it right, but did anyone else noice that in today's TV Highlights, tonight's American Idol was listed as being the final between Melinda and Blake, rather than Jordin and Blake?

Paul Farhi: Ooops. I think we thought the fix was in before last week. Must tell our tipsters at Fox to stop piping us the results a week early.

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Alexandria, Va.: Great. Now I'll have "Horse with No Name" running around in my head the rest of the day. Thanks a lot.

Paul Farhi: I'll give you something that will instantly banish it. Ready?

"We had joy, we had fun, we had seasons..." You know the rest. Deal with it.

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Arlington, Va.:24 was bad last night. I know the sappiness runs thick at the end but last night was bad -- Chloe, Milo's brother, Jack and Audrey, etc.

Also, I've never been a fan of woman bosses on the show and Nadia reinforced that position last night. Maybe I'm a chauvinist (and I'll be the first to admit it) but all this emotional BS is killing the show.

I'm hoping they transform it for the next season/next day? Whatever.

Paul Farhi: I did like the introduction of the Audrey Health Index. You can tell how well Audrey is/was doing by the amount of make-up she has on and the quality of lighting around her. When I saw her last night, lying in bed with lipstick and blush on, with nice soft light, I knew she was gonna be okay.

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Silver Spring, Md.: It's a guarantee when Mr. Tony begins his radio show with Idol talk that I will turn the dial for the first half hour or so. I couldn't care less whether it takes up space on Fox, but when it sucks up time on other media programs that I do like, American Idol becomes a pesty nuisance.

Paul Farhi: Yes. Agreed. We'd never devote time to discussing "American Idol" on this channel, would we?

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24: Why would the writers want Chloe to be pregnant? It seems kind of random, like most of the plot lines on Lost.

Paul Farhi: I think they renewed Morris' contract for next season, so they had to give him a reason to stick around. Yes, it was entirely lame, and such a sweeps cliche. It's a sure sign that a show is in trouble when they have to trot out a) a wedding or b) a baby during the big season finale.

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Washington, D.C.:

The Kane show on 99.5 is just unspeakably bad. Just remarkably, unbelievably bad. I never liked the show that preceded it, but they should win awards compared to this new bunch. How are they doing in the ratings (please say poorly)?

Paul Farhi: I'd like to, just to make you happy, but I can't. Kane has done just as well as Mark and Kris did in the same timeslot. Kind of validates Clear Channel's decision not to renew M&K last fall, I guess...

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Reston, Va.: Do standard definition signals look okay on an HDTV? I'd love to have HD, but it just doesn't seem like there are many channels using HD right now.

Paul Farhi: Standard definition channels look like, um, standard definition channels on an HD set. An HD set just plays them at the best possible transmission quality for that type of broadcast. There's really no point in getting an HD set to watch regular old TV. It would be something like getting a helicopter to commute to work.

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Horse With No Name/Seasons in the Sun: No problem, I'll trump ya both --

"If there is a problem, yo I'll solve it/

Check it my hook while DJ revolves it

Ice Ice Baby ..."

Paul Farhi: My brain! Oy, my brain!!!

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Dupont Circle, Washington, D.C.: So what do you think of Washignton Post Radio afterr more than a year on the air?

Paul Farhi: Um, still developing? Still finding its groove? I do like that fella they have on in the mornings now, Whatshisname....

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Arlington, Va.: Paul, you're giving Comcast too much credit. It's not that they're reluctant to raise fees across the board. They certainly weren't afraid to when they added MASN last year. They're just counting on more people signing up for the sports package, thus increasing revenue even more.

Paul Farhi: Yeah, that glass is half full, too. But after the MASN fiasco, I think even Comcast was a little bit reluctant to throw yet ANOTHER price increase on the barbie. This way, at least you have the option NOT to pay more for seven NFL games...

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Rockville, Md.: Any opinion on these quotes from a popular TV show?

Lisa: One thing I've always wondered: How can Fox News be so conservative when the Fox Network keeps airing raunchy shows?

(Lisa then proceeds to flip channels between Fox News and Fox Network until Kent Brockman takes the remote control away from her.)

Kent: Fox deliberately runs shows that will earn them huge fines which are then funneled through the F.C.C. straight to the Republican Party. Everybody in the media knows it, but no one has the guts to say it.

...

Homer: I won't stay in the same house with a member of the liberal media!

Marge: You'll have to excuse him, he's been watching a lot of Fox News lately.

Homer: Did you know that every day Mexican gays sneak into the country and unplug our brain-dead ladies?

Paul Farhi: Hahahaha! The Simpsons: Still (intermittently) a National Treasure.

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South of Havana: At the Copa...

Copa Cabana

Paul Farhi: Get outta here, you...

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Reston, Va.: Any news on when local newscasts (other than Ch. 9) will move to HD?

And on a related note, when is Vance leaving Ch4?

Paul Farhi: NO news on other stations going HD. And Vance leaving? Why do you ask, Mr. G. Peterson?

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Miami, Fla.: P-Far, how may hurricanes are you predicting for this season? Cheers,

Paul Farhi: I'm gonna go with seven. That's my over-under. But I will accept six, plus a tropical storm.

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Takoma Park, Md.: Not sure if this will get to you in time, but a couple weeks ago I complained about having to go digital with Comcast to continue to receive Turner Classic Movies (to the tune of an additional 20 bucks a month). I found out that actually, I just needed a digital box (I have an old analog). They will send it out for free in 3-5 business days. That said, it has been 7 days, and still no digital box!

Paul Farhi: Consider this posting a public service then. Comcast, are you listening here?

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Springfield, Va.: Do you know, Paul, if Verizon Cable offers the local access and government channels along with Newschannel8?

Thanks.

Paul Farhi: You WANT the local access and government channels? Or are you hoping for the opposite? My guess--and it's just that--is that Verizon will offer those channels; cable operators usually are required to do so as the price for getting a franchise....

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Summer: Paul,

As sweeps draw to a close I'm wondering what I should watch this summer. Any recommendations for things that are available online or on DVD?

Paul Farhi: Two ideas: 1) Check out the networks' web sites. There are tons of old episodes of their shows stored on them now for instant streaming; 2) Check out (if you have it) On Demand. Great stuff archived there--recent HBO series (Sopranos, Entourage, Curb, etc.), tons o' movies, etc.

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Song in your head: How about Afternoon Delight? (Blame J. Free ...)

Paul Farhi: Oh. I like that one. Particularly after the harmony in "Anchorman."

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When do they switch all broadcast to HD?: Do I have to buy a new TV by 2008?

Paul Farhi: Actually, 2009 is the transition date. And you won't necessarily need a new TV. But you WILL need a digital converter box, at the very least...

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Coral Gables, Fla.: Hi Paul. The forecasts for the 2007 hurricane season are being released today, so we at the Weather Channel are practicing our reporting techniques to get ready! Right now I'm working on a "Screaming Over the Wind" and next I'll move over to the "Being Tethered to a Sign Pole" station. See you soon.

Best,

Screamin' Jim Cantore

Paul Farhi: Break out the soaking, clinging hooded windbreakers, too!

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Stone Phillips: Just got the ax from Dateline!

Paul Farhi: Wow. News! And who will be their stolid, square-jawed host now?

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Paul Farhi: And on that felicitous note, I gotta roll outta here (and so should you). It's been a gas as usual, folks. Next time: We take your hurricane predictions. Plus, the latest Plinko numbers. Y'all come back in two weeks and we'll do it again. Until then, regards to all!...Paul.

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washingtonpost.com: Anchor Stone Phillips out at NBC News ( AP, May 22)

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