In contrast to the wildly cute meerkates to the right (yes, they're back), some seriously big numbers have been issued by the prestigious Milken Institute has put out an impressive study of the impact of the writer's strike. In summary: - 37,700 jobs lost - $2.1 billion in lost output through the end of 2008 The cascading effects of the strike are what reportedly tipped the state into a recession in early 2008, but......

It looks like a lot is on tonight but as a commentor said yesterday, "TV really blows these days" - I agree. Lifetime has launched an online series hosted by Daily Show co-creator Lizz Winstead called "Gift Intervention", it's kind of like an Antiques Roadshow for really bad gifts combined with an outing of the bad-giftor. 7:00pm What's New Pussycat TCM - (1965) Shaga-slapa-delic classic with Peter Sellers, Peter O'Toole, Woody Allen, Ursula Andress, Capucine.......

During the go-go, greed is good ‘80s, Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous and host Robin Leach became the symbol of American opulence. It was hard not to aspire for 'champagne wishes and caviar dreams.' Of course these days, there are countless shows featuring the upper crust flaunting their wealth. And like a car wreck, we wretch at the sight of such blatant materialism while secretly keeping our eyes glued to the TV set. So......

Lifetime, Mika Miko @ The Troubadour Kristin Hersh @ Amoeba (2pm) Mana @ Gibson Dave Alvin @ McCabe's Aimee Mann @ Largo Camera Obscura @ El Rey Neko Case @ Henry Fonda Leo Nocentelli, Cyril Neville @ The Mint Everyday Stranger, The Moderates, Ride the Blinds, Modicum @ Lava Lounge El Ten Eleven, Whirling Dervish, Someday Assassin @ The Scene John Wiese, Captain Ahab, Flaspar, Kyle H. Mabson, Sky Pigs @ The Smell Destruction,......