I'm trying to avoid LOST (I got really p'd off with it in the first series) and I am hoping against hope not to get dragged into Big Brother, though I know that will happen sooner or later.

The Apprentice - brilliant show and the right decision was made. The Badger, apart from her silly nickname, really let herself down in the last few weeks. It was good to see Sayid on the final show though, having obviously learned absolutely nothing at all since he'd been kicked out.

I adore House - Hugh Laurie is just superlative

I'm gonna miss the West Wing, which finished its seven year run in the US last weekend. Now *that* was drama. Although obviously the first four years were better than the last three, and if John Wells goes anywhere near Aaron Sorkin's new show I'll drop one of his own helicopters on him.

I've been in Florida for a week, visiting my brother and trying to decide if I will migrate south when the rest of my family does within the next couple of years (I'll save you 6 days of agonzing and emotional blackmail and give you the short answer: not bl**dy likely).

Ah yes, Lost and 24 are two of the best things out there (although I've fallen off the Lost train recently, I plan to catch up during summer reruns), and House is great fun, too (although my parents refuse to believe me when I tell them that Hugh Laurie is a Brit). House gets a bit formulaic after awhile (how many different ways can a character say "I have no idea!"?), but Laurie's characterization alone remains worth the price of admission.

As far as Big Brother, what can I say? I share your shame, Rick, and eagerly await the day we lock our American gerbils in so we can observe them for hours on end.

Glad Kirsty is improving (as is your mood, it seems). Hard to maintain a bleak outlook with summer staring you right in the face, isn't it?

Be well -
Stacey