The bold and the beautiful. The good, the bad and the ugly. We're talking about what's on TV, on the radio or in the popular culture. Join the conversation, on "Station Break."

Farhi was online Tuesday, April 29, at 1 p.m. ET.

A transcript follows.

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.

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Paul Farhi: Greetings, all, and thanks for stopping by. A big show today, as they say EVERY night on EVERY talk show (not that my boast is any more meaningful than their's)...One more thought on a thread we picked up last time--that is, why one's musical taste is hardwired about the time one hits the teen years: I'm guessing it has something to do with the intensity of those years, the friendships made, the life-lessons learned (if any), the first-time experiences of every goshdarn thing. Music kind of cements those experiences and vice versa, I think. Why, this one time...well, suffice to say, "Knights in White Satin" was playing. All this is, of course, reinforced by one's peer group (the metal heads, the country types, the jazz and classical geeks were and still are identifiable teen types). You tend to listen to what your friends are listening to at that age, just as you watch what your friends watch on TV. Are we surprised that Facebook has taken off so fast? Shouldn't be. It's kind of the same herd/social behavior at work. Of course, music is far more diverse than social networking web sites. Anyway, this choice, formed early, tends to stick with you over the years. Hence, the ever-shifting time frames of "classic rock" and "oldies" on radio. (Demographically speaking "classic" rock is now, what, about 1989?)...Well, just another theory for the bonfire.

Let's go to the phones...

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Arlington, Va.: Hey Paul -- What do you think of the new Mike O'Meara show? One thing is for sure; the meanness has been toned down quite a bit. I guess that confirms what we thought all along -- it was Geronimo that was responsible for the Bile-drenched tone of the show. And I say good riddance. How about you?

Paul Farhi: Yes, it's kinder/gentler, but goshdarn, I miss that old bile-spewer Geronimo. The show had more, um, spunk (cut to clip of Lou Grant saying, "I hate spunk!") with Don in the chair. I'll repeat what I said last time: Give Mike O. some time to ease into the lead; he's a really fine broadcaster and superb comic talent. But I really do miss the "edge" that Don had.

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Tyson's, Va.: How have the ratings been for "The Mike O'Meara" show? Did he keep the audience from the "Don and Mike Show?" Is it too early to tell?

I liked Don & Mike together a lot, but I enjoy the tweaked format (and more Buzz Burbank) that the Mike O'Meara Show has.

Paul Farhi: To each his/her own. And yes, it's a little early on ratings for the new show.

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Bethesda, Md.: I don't get the Visa ad where the couple is hurrying to get into the movie theater. Is it some strange theater where they actually lock the doors when the movie starts? Also doesn't everyone know they show twenty minutes of ads and trailers before the movie starts anyway?

Paul Farhi: Never thought of that. And as noted before, the logical flaw in the whole series is that using your credit card is not really faster than cash (stand on line some time and watch). But I'd say even without that obvious flaw (and the flaw in the movie ad), I love 'em. They're absolute eye candy--movement! color! busy-ness everywhere! They're a huge production number every time out. The Broadway/musical fan in me can't tear his/our eyes away.

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MoCo: Paul -- I recently switched to FIOS, the production of the Nats on MASN seems to be horrible. Was wondering if this is a FIOS issue or if their non-HD production in general is bad.

Paul Farhi: I've heard things several ways on this--that FIOS is better/worse than the ol' Comcast pic. And is it possible that MASN is to blame, one way or the other? I don't know. Let me know if you do....

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Bac, ON: They ought to run back-to-back the ad where the dog goes nuts for the bacon-flavored snack with the ad where the girl brings the bacon chalupa into the singles bar.

Paul Farhi: I've said this before, and I believe it is scientifically accurate: Ain't a person, or a dog, been born that doesn't love him/her/itself some bacon.

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Demographically speaking "classic" rock is now, what, about 1989?: No, no! Don't say that! I graduated from college in '89, so it just cannot be. Classic Rock is any rock music that came out before the 80's.

Paul Farhi: Technically, maybe. But you see that shadow creeping up on you? Uh huh. That's the radio industry, telling you you're middle aged (been there, hope to stay).

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Washington, D.C. area : Maybe, just for fun, this discussion won't focus solely on incorrect weather reports. If you can look outside and see it is raining, do you need someone else to confirm that for you?

Instead, how about the poor grammer, non news or constant commercials on TV and radio in this area?

Paul Farhi: Given the way the mainstream media (newspaper, radio, tv) is going these days, the mainstream media person in me would say: There aren't enough ads!...Well, I've never understood why any listener would sit through six, seven minutes of ads without hitting the button. Somewhat less true on TV, maybe. As for poor grammer, whachu talkin' 'bout?

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Chantilly, Va.: Hi Paul, as an older guy (47), I'm pleased to see oldies sort of back on the D.C. airwaves.

What are your thoughts on Big 100 (100.3) vs Scott Shannon's True Oldies Channel (105.9)? Is there room for both?

Paul Farhi: As an older guy (see previous postings), I hope there's room for both. But Scott Shannon sounds like a mean drunk to me. Couldn't 105.9 hire someone from around here, instead of voice-tracking in Shannon? Yes, I know he developed the format, or something or other, but he's just a turn off for me...

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Specifics from MoCo?:"Nats on MASN seems to be horrible. Was wondering if this is a FIOS issue or if their non-HD production in general is bad." Hmmm...could you be a touch more specific? If you mean, is Ray Knight as bad on Comcast, he sure is. Or, maybe you meant something else?

Paul Farhi: I thought he/she meant the transmission quality was poor. No?...Come in, MoCo....

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They're absolute eye candy: They really are. I love the one with the break dancers. And the one in the fast food place. Fun to watch!

Paul Farhi: yes, the first flight of those ads (gotta be on YouTube, I'm sure), which includes the fast-food one and the toy-factory one that ran around Christmas, are just great. But maybe it's hard to keep coming up with great stuff. The movie theater one IS a half-step down...

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I Can't Stand Bacon!: Never liked the taste. And, I always think it's funny how fast-food restaurants like Taco Bell and Wendy's decide, "Say, you know what'd make this better -- slap a hunk of bacon on it!"

Paul Farhi: I was always appalled by the bacon-with-two-beef-patties-plus-cheese trend that started a few years ago. Surely, they should advertise those with some fine print reading: "This will kill you. We guarantee it. Enjoy it now. But you will die before your time. Thank you."

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"Instead, how about the poor grammer...in this area": Grammar. (Unless you mean poor Kelsey Grammer.) I'm just saying.

Paul Farhi: Well, he/she didn't say "poor spelling."

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MASN: MASN's production quality is terrible. I don't know what it is, but I feel like I"m watching a game from the 60s or 70s in terms of the quality of the color, etc. And it's not my TV, 42-inch flatscreen HD. Next time you are watching flip to ESPN on Sunday nights, the difference in picture quality is stunning.

Paul Farhi: Have to say, I noticed this on opening night. MASN: Kinda muddy (was the pre-game even in HD? I'm not sure--if not, comment withdrawn). ESPN: Sharp and clear.

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Richmond, Va.: I'm not getting all the exicitment about John Adams. Paul Giamatti is wimpy rather than a leader, Jefferson is played as brooding rather than a Reniassance Man, and the actor playing George Washington thinks his whole body was wooden, not just his teeth. I thought everyone thought it was brilliant, but was happy to see that others (Variety, N.Y. Times) agree with me, especially re: Paul Giametti's weak work. I'm grossly underwhelmed, and the quality of the story decreases with each episode. I fear I won't last through the series.

Paul Farhi: I've got the whole thing saved up to watch on On Demand, so I can't make an intelligent (or even my usual) response yet. But shout outs for going against the grain re: Giamatti...And we hope your house is still in one piece, Richmond, after those tornados yesterday...

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Clifton, Va.: Verizon FIOS has unlimited bandwidth for its TV channels unlike cable and satellite. Its HDTV is uncompressed unlike its competitors.

Sound on all channels is better as is the picture. I have a Sony professional SXRD projector like the ones they use in some movie theaters and a home theater setup that cost me $500k so I can tell the difference. Projector is approx 4000x200 pixels compared to 1080P which is 1920X1080.

Paul Farhi: I have no idea what all that means, but I think you're saying "It looks and sounds real purty." As I said, I've heard this both ways (Fios good/Fios bad).

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RE: Oldies: The other day the missus and I went to the grand opening of a medical facility (it was work, okay?) and the "Oldies" station was doing a live remote. Jefferson Airplane's "White Rabbit" was playing.

In the words of Lenny and/or Carl: "Why don't they make some NEW oldies?"

Paul Farhi: Hahahaha! That's fab! All together now (let's sing it in the waiting room): "One pill makes you larger, and another pills makes you small..." As for new oldies, I'm reminded here of George Carlin's deejay routine from the 1970s: "Hey, kids, here's a song that's moving up fast. And when I say fast, it hit the charts this morning. It was No. 1 at noon. And now it's a Golden Oldie!"

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Hamilton, Va.: The other night when Johnny and Ray were wearing, respectively, lime green and gold sportcoats I was sort of glad I don't have HD.

That looked like something from the '70s.

Paul Farhi: Aye. Remember the grapefruit-colored blazers they wore on "Monday Night Football"? Actually, I think they still do.

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Fairfax, Va.: What do you think about the Miley Cyrus story? Do you think she was persuaded into doing that picture by Annie Liebovitz or Vanity Fair?

Paul Farhi: Yes, she was. But a pox on all concerned. The whole Miley family was on the set and saw and approved the poses and pics. And what's Annie L.'s deal? Why is she always talking people into these absurd poses and pics? She must have some sort of Svengali-like powers over her subjects...

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Arlington, Va.: Paul, ever since yesterday I've had "Sit Down, You're Rocking the Boat" stuck in my head. Help!

Paul Farhi: No help necessary. I love the song (and all of "Guys and Dolls")! Go with that particular flow, Arlington. And while you're at it, try humming, "If I Were a Bell..."

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Richmond, Va. -- John Adams followup: Thanks, sounds like some areas south and east of here were hit pretty hard. Hopefully we can help those folks quickly.

Forgot to add: Laura Linney IS amazing. She's just limited by the fact that the script mostly calls for her to respond to Giametti's character.

Paul Farhi: I am perpetually amazed by Laura Linney. Has she ever been bad in anything? She's like Meryl Streep Lite. Diet Meryl Streep. A poor man's Meryl Streep. Oh, heck...she's just darn good all the time.

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Wheaton, Md.: Paul,

Are you planning to catch "Iron Man"? The trailer looks pretty cool, but there is something bothering me. Did you or anybody you hung out with watch an Iron Man carton or read Iron Man comics when you were a kid? I knew no one who did - so who is this movie being targeted at? I mean, EVERYONE watched "Speed Racer."

Also, let's face it - IM couldn't beat out Aquaman or The Wonder Twins for membership in the Justice League; that is one lame superhero.

Paul Farhi: Yeah, but we've got a Speed Racer show coming out. And every other comic-book superhero has been made into a film (except Flash, who was my alltime fave), so we're getting down to the nubbins (as the Junkies would say)...

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Gaithersburg, Md.: Your chat came up on the Big O and Dukes show, they were very flattered.

I've been a listener of them and the Junkies for a long time. While I still like the Junkies, I'm finding the tone of the show more and more negative. So many times you hear one of them take pride in not giving to charity or making fun of people who can't afford food, etc... I know it's schtick, and I assume they don't really feel that way (after all, one was raised by a minister), but it does come off really nasty sometimes.

Regards.

Paul Farhi: Yeah, sometimes I wince at that, too, but it keeps it interesting. Something I also don't dig (that both the Junks and Big O and Dukes do): Calling anything unusual or effeminate "gay" or "homo." I KNOW that's the way people talk and I know it doesn't mean they're haters. But it sure sounds that way. Clean it up, boys...

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$500K home theater!: What more is there to say?

Paul Farhi: I thought that was a typo, but what's the typo? Is he saying $500 (naw) or $5k (more likely). Because it ain't $500,000....

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RE: the bacon-with-two-beef-patties-plus-cheese trend : You make a good point, but it's even worse now. BK offers stuff like a triple omelet stacker -THREE layers of egg, cheese and bacon. That's not a breakfast sandwich, that's an al-Qaeda plot.

Paul Farhi: Hahahaha. Those sneaky, grease- and cholesterol-wielding terrorists!

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Long commercial breaks:106.7 seems to suffer from this -- I can usually get through two songs on another station without missing anything. Not sure how that's supposed to be good for revenue.

Paul Farhi: Yep. I'm reaching for the buttons as soon as the spots roll...

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"Say, you know what'd make this better -- slap a hunk of bacon on it!" : This is actually true. To make any dish better, all you have to do is add bacon. I know it's true, because they said so on Top Chef a few weeks ago.

Paul Farhi: Ice cream?

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Gaithersburg, Md.: I'm really enjoying the PBS series "Carrier." Very eye-opening documentary.

Paul Farhi: Gotta catch that. It's in my wheelhouse, if not my TiVo...

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The whole Miley family was on the set and saw and approved the poses and pics.: THAT is the critical point, which should end any further discussion. The STAGE PARENTS wanted the racy photos to improve their daughter's Q-rating, air play and intrigue. Let's not blame the photographer, but the ambitious parents who put fame above dignity.

Paul Farhi: No, let's blame the photog, too, who has regularly courted controversy (not even saying that that's entirely a bad thing). But I disagree here: Could Miley really want MORE fame and money? Not sure what the family's motivation was beyond certifying Miley's mega-status by sitting for a truly artistic photographer (and Liebovitz truly is an artist, despite her flaws), but I doubt they're really after more fame and fortune. There's no more to be had!

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FiOS in PWC, VA: FiOS has not started carrying MASN HD yet. However, the picture quality on their HD games when viewed in SD is much better than the quality of their SD-produced games.

I can only compare to DirecTV, but the overall picture quality, both SD & HD on FiOS is somewhat better. Now if they'll only deliver on the 100+ HD channels they've promised by the end of the year....

Paul Farhi: Ah. This, if true, would explain everything. Not fair to compare a standard-def pic to an HD pic. If Fios isn't passing on the Nats in HD yet (and let's hope they get around to it soon), then I understand the so-so pic quality.

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Cleveland Park, Washington, D.C.: You wrote: "All together now (let's sing it in the waiting room): "One pill makes you larger, and another pill makes you small...""

Actually, it's "One pill makes you larger, and one pill makes you small..."

Do you know the part about Ahuka, the Swooping Caterpillar?

washingtonpost.com: See for yourself (YouTube)

Paul Farhi: Dang! I am famous in my family for screwing up lyrics (and not too good on the tune, either)...

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Warrenton Va.: A couple of months ago I was watching Channel 4 before the start of the Today show and realized that nearly everything they report about whether it's the news, sports weather or traffic (esp weather and traffic) outside of the DC border is totally skewed to PG and Montgomery County. Don't they or their advertisers realize that there just might be other life in the metro universe (with money to spend)? Even Fox does a better job!

Paul Farhi: Never noticed that. Anyone else seen it?

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Annie Leibowitz: Hey! Leave Annie (a local woman) alone. She is an artist and Mr. and Mrs Cyrus (yeesh! what an image)could have said "no."

They crave the attention and exposure for themselves and their teenage daughter. They got what they asked for.

Paul Farhi: Yes, I'm sure they do. But any celebrity who agrees to pose for a magazine retains virtually complete control over the process. I once lost a magazine assignment because the celebrity and the magazine couldn't agree on the photographer. Even though Annie is the biggest thing in photography, I have no doubt that she talked the Cyruses (Cyrii?) into doing something that they now regret. I'm not feeling sorry for the family, mind you, I'm just sayin'...

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20615: Paul:

I have to ask: Do you remember the Speed racer predecessor cartoon 8TH MAN? 8TH Man was very cool. He flew, he morphed, he fought, and when he ran out of energy, he smoked an energy cigarette he kept behind his belt buckle. I kid you not. Try that for a cool remake, Hollywood!

Paul Farhi: Yes! Take me back to childhood, why doncha? Also, how about Gigantor? Another in a string of terribly animated, badly dubbed early- to mid-60s Japanese TV cartoons. Utter crap.

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The Cyrus family's motivation?: Paul: That's obvious. She's a big star among the tween set but they'll outgrow her soon. Time to move on to the older set and to do that, you've got to get edgy. Look at people like Lindsay Lohan and Hilary Duff. They made a marketing decision that backfired, especially when Disney got mad. Nothing like turning your 15-year old into a commodity.

Paul Farhi: But she's 15. She's got several more years as a tween icon, for sure. And there are smoother ways to make the transition to adult star than a racy photo spread. I mean, can't she get drunk in public and get arrested like all the other starlets?

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$500 K: I totally believe that the guy meant $500,000. The sad part is that he spent that much money when he seems to understand the subject so little. FIOS is uncompressed HD? Yeah, right.

I don't mind people who drop serious money into this stuff, but how can someone spend that much on stuff they don't understand?

Paul Farhi: Is it even possible to spend that kind of loot on a home system? And even if it is, would it really be perceptibly different than, say, a $75,000 system (or whatever)? Or is the whole point of spending $500,000 on your home stereo to TELL people you spent $500k on your home stereo?

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Houston, TX: Iron Man could not have been in the Justice League. He's Marvel and the League is DC Comics.

Paul Farhi: Useful correction. Thanks, Houston.

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Washington D.C.: Just picking up on the earlier thread of when you stop picking up on old music. I used to listen to a lot of punk, but now, have branched out to a lot of Indie, and some Pop. I know if the 16 old me met the 26 year old me, he would probably call me a sell out.

Paul Farhi: And what would the 26-year-old you say to the 16-year-old you? A) I've grown and evolved in ways you could never have understood; B) You/I was/were so limited back then; C) Was there a tear in the time-space continuum? Because how the heck am I able to meet myself from 10 years ago?

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I love Gigantor!: Gigantor, Gigantor, Gigantor.

Gigantor the space aged robot,

He is at your command.

Gigantor the space aged robot,

His power is in your hand.

Bigger than big, taller than tall,

Quicker than quick, stronger than strong.

Ready to fight for right, against wrong.

Gigantor, Gigantor, Gigantor.

Paul Farhi: Let me amend my earlier comment. Not just utter crap. FUN utter crap. Thank you.

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Miley : Let's all hope she doesn't end up like Britney.

Paul Farhi: Roger that. But the odds are against it. Seems like very few young people who achieve that sort of fame ever live "normally" again, unless they stay famous, which means they don't have to (live "normally"). Exhibit A: Britney. Exhibits B-through-Z: Michael Jackson.

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Arlington, VA: Is Friday Night Lights ever coming back? Are they waiting for football season?

washingtonpost.com: I LOVE Friday Night Lights - Elizabeth (producer). They worked out a deal with Direct TV so it will be back - first Direct TV only, then on NBC.

Paul Farhi: What she said.

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Miley's Minutes: (Assume Hubie Brown's voice):

"Okay, you're Billy Ray Cyrus. You had 1 & 1/2 hits 20 years ago. Your career sank lower than the bottom of your mullet. Your daughter is gonna be 18 in a couple years, and you need to branch out her appeal beyond tweenagers if you want to keep this gravy train going. What can you do to begin moving her towards "edgy"?"

Paul Farhi: I dunno. Maybe. But Billy Ray, et al, are now so fabulously rich. Are they really THAT low to go exploiting their daughter THAT way? I dunno. Maybe I'm not cynical enough.

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Miley Cyrus: I agree with you that Annie L shouldn't be let off the hook so easily. I could care less what she persuades Demi Moore or John Lennon to do, but a 15 year old? That's a line to steer well clear of.

Also, the Vanity Fair editor needs a trip to the woodshed.

Paul Farhi: Correct.

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Washington DC: Burger King, bacon and young guys: Burger King fought its way out of flatlined sales by realizing that 80% of fast food is consumed by about 20% of the people who buy fast food--i.e., young guys. That's why the ginormous breakfast sandwiches and weird, creepy King-based ads. All for the 18-30 male demo.

Paul Farhi: Also correct. Explains the extreme genius of Carl's Jr.'s ad agency, which a few years ago paid some ridiculous amount of money to Paris Hilton to get her to put on a skimpy bathing suit and soap up a Bentley in an ad. "Controversy" ensued. And 10 billion young men downloaded the video.

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If I were a bell: I think I prefer "Suddenly I'll Know." Chemistry? Yeah, chemistry.

Paul Farhi: Not a bad choice, no (though I think it's called just "I'll Know").

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Arlington, Va.: Paul, ever since yesterday I've had "Sit Down, You're Rocking the Boat" stuck in my head. Help!: Oh, great. Now I've got the Don Henley version stuck in my head. Thanks a lot.

washingtonpost.com: Would you like the song stuck in your head, too? Click here!!! (YouTube)

Paul Farhi: Evil. But effective.

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John Adams: Paul, like you I haven't seen it yet but I am having trouble envisioning Giamatti in this role. I keep imagining him channeling his "Sideways" character - trying to hit Ben Franklin with a golf ball, stealing money from Dolly Madison's cedar chest,etc.

Paul Farhi: My first reaction to that casting decision, too. Btw, wasn't "Sideways" the "Juno" of its day--vastly over-praised and thoroughly underserving?

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MASN, HD: Have MASN on Direct TV, picture quality is fine in HD when available. SD quality sux. 40 O's and 40 Nats HD broadcasts scheduled this year including away games. Other sports channels (YES, NESN, NYSportsnet etc) broadcast all available games in HD. Wassamatta, can't afford the equipment? second rate teams get a second rate broadcast?

Paul Farhi: Well, they've GOT the equipment (as 40 games indicates). Not sure why every game isn't HD. We've come to expect it; anything less is going to invite a good bit of fan grumbling.

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New Oldies: I like 105.9 because it has a larger playlist than the old Oldies 100. If I heard "Dancing in the Moonlight" one more time . . .

Paul Farhi: Yes, I'm hearing stuff on 105.9 that 100.3 hasn't played in years and years. Glad to hear it.

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Paul Farhi: Folks, I'd love to stay and reminisce about episode in which Gigantor defeats the Monolith, but I've got to return to the 21st century, unfortunately. Tell you what: We'll do this again in two weeks. It will be our special post-Cinco de Mayo/Spring Fling Party. C'mon down then. Till then, regards to all!....Paul.

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