So here we are at August 17, 2005. The new fall schedule will approximately begin in about 1 month for some shows. A lot of people are quite anxious for their favorite standby to begin, as well as some are waiting with nervous anticipation with new shows soon to begin. The questions is: what's a person to do with all this free time on their hands? I mean, some are into repeats, but for those who want new shows with their fave cast, what's a person to do to occupy themself through the drought known as the summer of reruns? And some poor souls are constantly searching for spoilers, just trying to quench their thirst of the unknown. Fear no more, for I have thought of new and exciting activities for a person to do during this trying time. 1. Reading a book. You have seen them in stores. There are these buildings that house a ton of them and if you have a certain card, YOU CAN GET THEM FOR FREE (That is called a library, by the way). Pick up one and it will take you away for a while. It will do your brain good. 2. Go to the park and feed birds. Ok, this sounds moronic. But, it is quite therapeutic. The birds always look for food and you probably have some old bread in your house (and NOT green molded bread. Then, you would be killing the bird and then you would be trying to watch Dr. Phil to handle your guilt, which negates the idea of alternate activities to watching TV). I always seem to relax while doing this. Plus, my 2 kids get a hoot out of it and it actually keeps them our of trouble for a little while. Besides, you are outdoors. Fresh air always does a body good. 3. Buying school supplies. Ok, now I sound like the character in that movie "You Got Mail". But every year when August rolls around, I go buy notebooks and pens. I am also a part time writer whenever I can find the chance, so these are essential supplies for me. But there is something about fresh paper and pens. Also, trying writing a letter to a friend the old fashioned way. 4. Taking a walk. I know you have heard about this one. You leave your house and walk. That's it, not rocket science. I am sure there are places you would like to go - the park, shopping, a friend's house to have some interesting conversation. Pick one and go today! 5. Blowing bubbles. Another great activity. Bubbles use cost about 50 cents (cheap, right!) and last forever (unless you have 2 kids like myself who will not go inside until the jar is empty!) And if you are really cheap, you can use dishwashing liquid and mix with water and, voila! Now if you don't have dishwashing liquid, then that would be a problem. Well, here you have it. I have tried to offer up some suggestions as how to make this inevitable time pass for many of you. Maybe some of you will take up my advise, maybe some of you will create your own ideas. And maybe a 6'4 Croatian will come to my door in an Aston Marton.

I am not sure about anyone else out there, but I have never liked reality shows and pray for the day when all of them will be dropped from the airways. Yes, I have tried to watch them. The farthest I got was Queer Eye for the Straight Guy(and that I admit I liked because you can get a free wardrobe and makeover for your house. Hey, I even tried to get my hubby on there, but he found out and banned me from doing it or else he would have taken my laptop and chucked it out the window). But I digress. Now, I have thought of some reality shows that the networks should definitely put on the air (tongue firmly planted in cheek). After viewing my list, you will be wondering why these riveting, nail-biting, sitting on the edge of your futon shows are not on the air. Drumroll ... 1. The Life and Times of the Gas Man. He comes to fix your water heater. He checks your furnace. But does anyone REALLY know your gas man? His dreams, aspirations, relationships. Come follow us and take a 30 day journey into his world. 2. The Ants. You see them at picnics. You step on them on the way to work. But, what do they do all day? Take an intimate view at this most often forgotten insect. 3. Squirrels. Are they our cute and furry friends, or are they rats with detachable bushy tails and a great PR agent. We follow a group of squirrels through their antics in Washington Square, Greenwich Village in NYC. 4. Bacci Men You see those lovable old Italian men in your local park (or Irish, or Jewish. I put in Italian because that is the group that plays in my neighborhood). But what do they do all day besides play Bacci? Do they have families? Do they drink espresso? Are any of their friends named Vinny Bag of Doughnuts? Come and view their world. And last but not least ... 5. Baby pigeons. I'm sorry, but I think this has Emmy written all over it. Ask yourself: have you ever seen a baby pigeon? Where are they? What do they look like? What do they eat? Are they born with 2 heads and one head is pecked of by the mother before it enters the world? All of these questions will be answered. Well, there you have it. Hope you have enjoyed my little rant about reality TV. Maybe I'll calm down a bit and next time talk about how talk shows actually help people's self confidence and self esteem. And maybe Goran Visnjic will drop by my house with dark chocolate ice cream and oreos.