Four For Friday

Q1 - Damage Control: If you damaged someone else's car in an accident and agree to give them money to repair the damage, would you be upset if you learned they used the money pay for something other than fixing the car?

Q2 - Sense of Humor: How do you think most people would typically describe your sense of humor: Goofy/Silly, Witty/Clever, Humble/Self-Deprecating, Dry/Deadpan?

Q3 - Wedlock or Deadlock: Fox TV stations in New York, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Tampa, Phoenix, Orlando and Memphis are planning a six-week test run of a new show titled "Wedlock or Deadlock," starting late-July. The show, according to published reports, features a well-known psychologist and life coach who each week determines whether struggling engaged couples should marry or split up. The couples reportedly share their hopes and fears with the show's host, who then gives them her blessing for marriage or literally tears up their marriage license. Based on this description of the show, would you take the time to watch an episode if it were playing in your local market?

Q4 - Access Denied: Taking the exact same position as the Bush White House adopted from 2001-2009, the Obama administration this week denied a Freedom of Information Act request seeking access to White House visitor records. According to the American Society of News Editors, disclosing visitor records--which were recently sought by MSNBC--poses no direct harm of any kind. However, according to a White House spokesperson, the administration ought to be able to hold secret meetings in the White House, such as an elected politician interviewing for a Cabinet position or a career diplomat visiting the White House for a discussion on issues that might possibly affect international relations. What do you think... should the White House's visitor logs be made available upon request? Why or why not?

Posted by Mikal at June 19, 2009 11:15 PM | TrackBack

1. I'd insist on a signed, notarized statement stating that my payment to them releases me from all further liability for their auto, but I don't think that I'd be upset. Once I give them the money, it's theirs to use as they see fit.

2. somewhere between witty/clever and dry/deadpan

3. Even my capacity for dysfunctional, 'shocking reality tv' has a limit. It's clearly planned for shock value and has the word "stunt" written all over it like that stupid 20 questions show from last summer.

4. Whoever hold the office works for you and me so yes. I think the logs should be a matter of public record. On the other hand I can understand that there may be a need for secrecy. I suppose I could get behind a delay of say 3-6 months in releasing the logs.

Posted by: mike at June 20, 2009 8:38 AM

Q1 - Damage Control: Wouldn't bother me in the slightest... unless they used the money to put out a hit on me.

Q2 - Sense of Humor: Goofy? I guess that'd be the closest. Childishly foolish might be more appropriate though.

Q3 - Wedlock or Deadlock: Every piece of pre-marital advice I've ever read says that my marriage (of 13 years now) was 100% doomed to failure. As such, I can't stand listening to so-called expert marital advice. I would only watch an episode if I were paid money to play roulette while I watched.

Q4 - Access Denied: They should be able to deny such requests. Making them public will just make the conspiracy theorists nutty with glee. I do like Mike's idea of a delayed release though.

Posted by: StuTheGoofy at June 20, 2009 12:29 PM

1) No

2) Anne-Marie is self deprecating, Stef is witty and sarcastic. Peanut butter and chocolate, acid and water, ebony and ivory.

3) No. Reality piece of s*%t. Dr. Phil isn't qualified to tie his shoelaces; why should a shrink have the authority to decide another's life.

4) F*%k Obama, he's a Bush on Carter's clothing. Empty suit with a failed promise. So much for "transparency"

5) The above views are from 1 person only (not me, Mikal: Anne-Marie)

Posted by: Anne-Marie & Stef at June 20, 2009 8:43 PM

1- Wouldn't bother me as long as insurance never got involved.

2- I think my sense of humor would generally be described as "3rd grade."

3- Can't say that has much appeal for me.

4- The government is supposed to be for the people, so I'm having a hard time seeing why the interests of the government are being placed above the interests of the people. Simplistic view, I know, but the government likes to tell us that everything is for our own good when no one in the government has any idea what is actually in our best interest.

Posted by: Greg at June 22, 2009 7:20 AM

Q1: Maybe, but I wouldn't be able to justify being upset about it. I suppose I would be more upset if the person were a family member or friend than a stranger, because I figure they'd owe me a break.

Q2: All of the above.

Q3: Sounds interesting. I would probably tune in at least to check it out a couple times.

Q4: I think the visitor log should held in confidence for the same reasons the administration is offering. If someone is consulting the president or vice versa on sensitive matters, the visit should not be splashed all over the news for everyone to know and speculate over.

Posted by: Joe at June 26, 2009 6:04 AM

Wow, I've missed the four for Friday. Can't believe I've been away for so long.

1. No. I still owed them the money for damaging the car.
2. I have a sense of humor? (Does that put me in the self deprecating category?)
3. No. I watch very little TV and even less reality TV.
4. Both sides have good arguments. I also like the idea of a delayed release. I think it satisfies the need for transparency without compromising the need for secrecy and security.

Posted by: Clark at June 26, 2009 2:52 PM

Q1 It would not bother me at all. I would expect to pay for the damage that I caused.

Q2 It is pretty well universally agreed that I have a silly / 4th grade sense of humor. It embarrasses the hell out of my wife, son, and most of my granddaughters, although Kelsey loves it.

Q3 It will be on my TV, but I will not watch it. I hated doing counseling when I was in the ministry; I certainly would not watch for entertainment.

Q4 There is equal corruption in the news and the government. I think the White House has every right to withhold the visitors log; after all, I seem to recall that the list of sources for news stories is not open to the freedom of information act.

Posted by: Mike Linn at June 26, 2009 4:33 PM

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