Thursday music

Years ago I started to watch Meet The Press which bored the crap out of the girl I was seeing. On Sunday evenings MSNBC would replay the show and we would watch it together, until she got tired of it and finally asked me why I had any interest in this "dull show".

I just looked at her and explained it's one of the few network political talk shows that seems less involved in theatre and more concentrated on good discourse. Frustrated with that answer she asked if she could change the channel. I agreed, but only if I got to watch next week.

The following week I tuned into MSNBC with my girlfriend cuddled with me. They were discussing the then Congressional mid-term elections when all of a sudden my gal starts kissing me. I stop her, look at her, then glance at the television and say "you're so bored by this you'd rather sleep with me?"

"Oh honey," she said sheepishly. "I'd rather have you than anything."

"Liar," I say. "You would never let me interrupt E.R. for some good nudity."

"Well......" she stated as her eyes pointed upwards pondering a response. She gave up and started kissing me again.

It was then I learned that nothing was a better aphrodisiac than political talk shows. Yes Tim Russert bored my then girlfriend so bad she thought being naked with me was a better than watching his show. That's saying a lot.

I kept watching his show for years and loved it. He was tough with his guest, but fair. Russert's research set the standard for the industry and all who watched him were excited to see how his high profile guests would answer for their politics. He defined the idea of the press being the watchdogs of Washington D.C. Never to lower the standards of having pulp journalism I always respected his show and it became a favorite of mine.

What does this have to do with Thursday Music you ask?

I was watching his memorial service last night. Many people got up and told stories about the brooding Irish Catholic journalist. It was touching to see so many people loved him and that he seemed like a man convicted more than most nowadays. Towards the end a man got up with a guitar and did an acoustic version of Springsteen's 'Born to Run'. I've never been a big fan of The Boss, but apparently Russert was. As I listened to some amazing guitar playing I recalled a person who also enjoyed the music of Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band. That person being my dear friend Kevin.

I still miss you Kevin.

"Should we freeze or postpone prospective tax cuts and avoid any new tax cuts until we are sure we have the money to pay for the war on terrorism and the war in Iraq." - Tim Russert