MSNBC Makes Most Sense of the World

Journalism has really come alive since CNN waded first into Katrina.   I watch about 6-8 hours of MSNBC per day using my wonderful DVR (no commercials). I really can recommend some of the talented people on this awesome network.  BTW – I really could add a lot as commentator.

Ok, I admit – I have become totally hooked on politics (and phonics!!) . Sense that we all really want to change America this year. I watch about 6-8 hours of news per day using my wonderful DVR (no commercials). This fits my job as Professor of Social Change. This is clearly the same vibes as we had back in 1968. MSNBC is my favorite news sources (and IMHO the best way to stay hip to what is going on from the widest range of perspectives.)

I start my day with Morning Joe from 6:00 -9:00 EST. I love the real and compelling conversations they have – along with wonderful guests. Wake up every morning with former Florida Congressman Joe Scarborough and the “Morning Joe” team, including MSNBC’s Willie Geist and Mika Brzezinski.

I have become a news junkie again now that the press is doing its job (unlike the first few years of the Bush BS.) You may not know that I received an MS in Journalism in 1982 and have been working in professional communications since that time. That is why I LOVE this BLOG.

Now I have my two favorite sources of information and inspiration. You can watch them back-to-back on MSNBC weeknights between 7:00 – 9:00 PM EST. Of course, I am referring to “Hardball with Chris Matthews” and “Countdown with Keith Oberman.”

These guys are the most entertaining, educational and enlightening commentators we have. They are better than the Daily Show because this is REAL, not FAKE news. They are able to get and grill some of the most powerful people in the world. They speak the truth from a progressive and professional perspective. They combine fast-paced video editing with satire.

Keith Olberman a true American hero and role model!! Countdown’s format, per its name, involves ranking the five biggest news stories of the day or sometimes “stories my producers force me to cover” as Olbermann puts it. This is done in numerical reversal or counting down with the first story shown being ranked fifth but apparently the most important. The segments ranked numbers two and one typically are of a lighter fare than segments ranked five through three. The first few stories shown are typically oriented toward government, politics, and world events. The last two typically involve celebrities, sports, or the bizarre. You can learn a LOT about the amazing “Countdown” show by visiting Wikipedia. You can also read the rest of bio at: Wikipedia.

Another hero and role model is Chris Matthews who hosts “Hardball” on MSNBC right before Keith’s show. He is a 30 year veteran of journalism and progressive politics. I have just bought his new book “Life is a Campaign” which I stronly recommend to anyone who wants to get their point across or make a difference in the world. I sure wish he had a MySpace page – perhaps soon!! Again you can find a lot at Wikipedia.You should also visit his Official Site.

So now there is no excuse to not be informed and aware of what is really going on in the world. My favorite way to “Get High, Hip and Happy” is to carefully study and take notes from the Tivo where I record these each night. Of course, herb makes them seem even funnier and more insightful!!

Peace, Love and Power to the People!!

Dr Tom – Hip Happy Professor of Social Change