'John Adams' is Boring

This is the fourth episode of the HBO mini-series and I just can't take it anymore. I've been open to the series -- everyone said the book was brilliant and I'm such a fan of Laura Linney and Paul Giamati, but I JUST DON'T CARE ANYMORE. I've given them over four hours of my life (since each episode lasts slighting over 60 mins.) and I can't commit to anymore.

I understand the desire to look back at the great men and women who helped to shape our country, particularly as we are entering a treacherous era both in domestic and international affairs. However, there is only so much we can learn from our founding fathers at this point. Society has changed so much since 1776 that we might do better to examine our more recent Presidents in looking toward the future. Where is the in-depth biography and mini-series of FDR or Teddy Roosevelt.

Should TV Viewers Go On Strike?

Today all the nighttime shows -- Conan, The Daily Show, Colbert Report, etc. -- come back on tonight without their writers. I'm thrilled that I get new episodes of The Daily Show & Colbert Report, but I do feel a little guilty that I'm planning on tuning in.

I know that people in Hollywood (including lowly paid writers) make a hell of lot more than I do, so why should I even be concerned about an industry strike I'm not involved in. Well, all strikes have a point and they usually shed light on some labor issue that applies to all industries -- better hours, pay, benefits, etc. It's hard to see the point when a strike disrupts your life (like when the MTA strikes in NYC and you have to walk 50 blocks to work), but I think we can all agree that not having new TV shows on in February is not the end of the world. Maybe it's because I work in new media and I don't have a union to speak for me, but I now that there is money to made in this field and that the workers in it are often over-worked (70 hour work weeks are expected) and under-compensated.

So, when my shows come back to night, do I just sit back and enjoy, or do I show support by not tuning in? It's not a question of whether the hosts are correct in their decision to come back -- I think it's great that they're thinking of their non-union staff who would otherwise be out of work. I suppose I'll cave in and watch, because I'm so conditioned to turn on my TV as soon as I walk in the door. I'm not sure I could just sit on the couch and read a book, or even meditate. But it's certainly something we should all consider before we readily tune in tonight. If the producers don't think writers have any value, what value could they possible put on the viewers?

The Complete Jane Austen

How much do you love PBS? Come on, you know you love it -- from when you were a wee little babe watching Sesame Street to today when it brings you the brilliant programming that is 'The Complete Jane Austen'. Starting the first Sunday in January and continuing for THREE MONTHS, PBS will be treating us to the all the Masterpiece Theater versions of Jane Austen's works, including the dreamy Colin Firth adaption of Pride and Prejudice and Kate Beckinsale's feisty take on Emma!

If you can't wait for January to start, tune in to PBS tonight to catch Jane Eyre. Yes, it's Charlotte Bronte, but it's almost-Austen and will get you in the mood for all the respectable British adaptations about to flood your way. An independent woman, an inappropriate love match, scandals that rock society! It's all there and the second part finishes up next week on the sixth, and then we launch in Austen-mania!

Check out the schedule below and remember that you owe your local station a little cash for all the love they're showing you!

• “Persuasion” (1/13, 9-10:30)
• “Northanger Abbey” (1/20, 9-10:30)
• “Mansfield Park” (1/27, 9-10:30)
• “Miss Austen Regrets” (2/3, 9-10:30)
• “Pride and Prejudice” (2/10-2/24, 9-11)
• “Emma” (3/23, 9-11)
• “Sense and Sensibility” (3/30 and 4/6, 9-10:30)

Looking for non-Masterpiece versions of these novels? Check out these excellent adaptations from Hollywood!