Close...painfully close...to the real thing

Our friends at the Onion News Network have turned another terrific story--about as close to what could conceivably air as anything they've ever done. It's a comedy piece--it's what they are superb at--but when viewed another way, it actually has a serious and melancholy underpinning. What makes it funny--darkly funny--is where we are as a country--the relatively new realization that we aren't what we used to be, and are not as capable of the grand gesture...the Apollo Program...as we once were. Perhaps we will be again, but there's something about this spoof that feels awfully close to the bone.


Obama Replaces Costly High-Speed Rail Plan With High-Speed Bus Plan

On the non-fiction front: We hope you can join us for tonight's broadcast.


Discuss this post

I watched the show tonight as I do almost every night, and I have to say that my entire family finds it incredibly humorous that Brian can't resist saying "That's a good dog" every time there's a dog story. I waited for it tonight and was not disappointed. I'm curious though why I've never heard Brian say anything about good cats. ;-) I'm just saying. I think you do exceptional work btw. Cheers, Leslie

    Reply#1 - Wed Nov 17, 2010 6:59 PM EST

    Hey Brian-

    Love your tie tonight....WAR EAGLE!!! Go Auburn!

    Jennifer Sisk (friend of Kari Watkins at OKC Memorial!)

      Reply#2 - Wed Nov 17, 2010 7:02 PM EST

      Hey Brian-

      Love your tie tonight....WAR EAGLE!!! Go Auburn!

      Jennifer Sisk (friend of Kari Watkins at OKC Memorial!)

        Reply#3 - Wed Nov 17, 2010 7:06 PM EST

        Brian,

        I am outvoted, but I think President Obama should set policy, not Congress for two reason. It

        weakens the presidency, and the buck stops with him. I am glad the House voted to keep Nancy

        Pelosi. As for Sarah predicting she will win against President Obama in 2012, I don't know

        about that unless she has a crystal ball or something which borders on the occult. I am trying

        to correct an error so it may be a repeat. On a personal note, and off topic, you lit up the

        screen on Monday night. Have a nice evening. Phyllis

        Nancy Pelosi. As for Sarah Palin predicting that she will win in 2010 against President Obama,

        who knows, unless she has a crystal ball or something, which borders on the occult. You're

        right, the devil is in the details, even for the wedding. Is the rule for engagements 6 months

        and that would be May as quoted on your broadcast. On a personal note and off topic, you

        lit up the screen on Monday night. Have a nice evening. Phyllis

          Reply#4 - Wed Nov 17, 2010 7:23 PM EST

          Good Evening Mr.Williams, Another fine broadcast as always this evening. Interesting video in your posting tonight. The high speed buses running through traffic. A really silly idea! Funny.

          Now on to the broadcast. First of all much political news with Mr.Todd speaking of poll numbers and how voters are feeling on the elected officials. It showed how split the public and dissatisfied people are with how the government is handling things. Time will tell as the new year comes.

          The report by Kristan Welker revealed how Lisa Murkowski who ran as a write-in candidate is leading in the vote counts. It appears she has won and this is truly historic.

          The report by Mr.Sanders from Haiti showed how the cholera outbreak is spreading and now reached the Dominican Republic. The source of the disease may have been discovered, but so many have lost their lives and it is tragic so many children have become ill. Seeing the children so sick it hearbreaking and one hopes so much they will get better. Such a tragic situation.

          The piece by Mr.Rossen about how safe seafood is to eat was alarming to hear especially since 80% of seafood is imported from overseas. So much of the seafood testing positive for chemicals is disturbing and it makes one extremely weary of ordering seafood in restaurants or buying it in grocery stores. Restaurants and grocery stores should state where the seafood comes. People need to feel assured of the safety of their food.

          On another note the piece by Mr.Maceda about the wedding plans of Prince William and Kate Middleton showed how much has to go into such a huge event. It is incredible the amount of planning in terms of where to get married, what date, the wedding gown for Kate, the security along the streets and so much more. Truly costing alot of money and in this struggling economy the event may be cutback alittle. Time will tell.

          Thank You for the broadcast Mr.Williams. Peace to You and to All!

          Lots of Love to Laurel,Jackie,Stephanie,Claudia,Celine,Anna,Lori,Cary and Matt!

          Be Well Always!

          Stay Extra,Extra Safe and Well Richard!

          Take Extra Good Care Richard and Crew!

          XOXO

          Lisa

            Reply#5 - Wed Nov 17, 2010 7:25 PM EST

            Good evening, Brian!

            You are right. The people at The Onion are genius (there's no disputing it) but this one is funny in a sad kind of way, but I love how they get their point out so clearly. On a different note, I still crack up over their 'Today Now' video, "Rekindling your relationship with your cat". Visiting The Onion every once in a while is almost a requirement these days.

            By the way, I saw 'Morning Glory' Saturday night and thought it was perfect! I don't want to sound self-centered here, but it reminded me of myself quite a bit. The reviews were very mixed, and I couldn't tell if the NYTimes review was in approval or dissing it, but nevertheless, it's best to read the reviews after you see it yourself anyway, which I did not do this time. I loved the cast. And one more thing, Harrison Ford was fantastic!

            Have a good evening, and see you tomorrow night!

            -Cary

              Reply#6 - Wed Nov 17, 2010 9:50 PM EST

              Hi Brian

              The Royal Wedding should be interesting and maybe Queen Elizabeth will get involved too. You can be sure Carmila wont be inclued but invited do to respect. I read an article on Washington Post that called the Palin Family as the US Royal Family. What an example of the US with a drop out Governor who only reads from a starbucks cup and even makes up words. A teenage Mom who is now a celebrity and role model. Then the Palin daughter Willow with the potty mouth. Yes the Brits have Wills and Harry and we have the Palins.

              Chuck Todd is one of Sarah's biggest supporters because only Chuck could believe Sarah Palin could win an election as President. Sarah caused McCain millions of votes and quit her job and is now unemployed but talking for money. Her second book is about as worthless as the first. One might hope Sarah to time to raise her daughters before they follow in their sister Bristol's foot steps. But as for polls it's clear why the public is confused. Obama fought for woman's rights while woman voted for the candidate that would take away their rights. The Tea Party wants control and the Republicans think all the candidates are Republican. The war will be within and we'll see who wins because it sure wont be the American people.

              The Law Makers want to be at odds with Russia in hopes of another conflict. Wars bring War profiteers and now Obama is looking for peace. At lease the Russian Leader knows Obama's Law Makers are stupid and it's easy to win over ignorance. The Media headline the Republican control but lost sight of not all the winning candidates are going to follow cry baby Boehner or Mitch McConnell. Rep. Cantor went so far as to meet illegally with Israel's President but seems no to be worried about the citizens of his State. Lisa Murkowski was elected on an independent ticket and owes nothing to the Republican Party who back wing nut Joe Miller. Rand Paul drink the Aqua Buddha water and thought he had won the Presidentency.

              Now the information was released about George W. Bush's but that he copied others material. Who really thought GW could write a book when he was reading the book My Pet Goat up side down. But it seems people will buy anything these days and why not take the money and laugh to the bank. Bush hasn't been invited anywhere by any World Leader he met over his 8 years as President.

              Now to something MSNBC has missed or left out. I have a friend who learned her home has no Trustee because the Trustee went out of business. Chase is still collecting payments but doesn't have the Deed. In the rush to steal and rob during the gambling years many homeowners don't know the Banks don't have the Deeds and are only the servicers to collect the money. All this time people were left to believe the Banks had ownership. Yes the robo signers and even messed up paper work plus the lies to the court worked but who knew the Banks didn't have the Deeds. Now all a homeowner need do is go to court and ask a Judge to have the Banks produce the Deed. Both homeowners and investers have been duped by the Banks, just think if both teamed up.

              see you same time same place

                Reply#7 - Wed Nov 17, 2010 10:22 PM EST

                Brian: It's true that our country is lagging behind in the space program. The Mars endeaver should be five to ten years from now, but Obama wants Nasa to launch a crew to an asteroid in 2025. Great undertaking, but wrong goal. We need to produce more goods as we used to, but some corporations aren't geared for that. I'm disappointed in the progress of the space program, and the fact we import products that can be manufactured here in our country. There needs to be as major turnaround soon or we'll face some dark times ahead.

                  Reply#8 - Thu Nov 18, 2010 6:08 AM EST
                  kola101Deleted
                  Jane BuseDeleted
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