Got to "30 Rock" and "The Office." Not my favorite "Office" episode, mainly because the Andy-annoys-Michael stuff felt too drawn out. In going for the squirmy, the show kind of forgot to be funny, and the phone bit didn't do it for me — until Andy's fit.

Excellent Dwight-and-Angela reunion, though, and liked the way they handled Jim's feelings at the end. Once again, the show was set up for a TV cop-out — Jim could have said that he asked Karen to help in the prank first — but it went for something that felt more real, and all the sadder for it.

I did wish that Dwight stayed at Staples a little longer, if only to give more opportunity to Northeast Ohio's own Yvette Nicole Brown, who played his angry Staples co-worker. Lots of possibilities left unexplored there.

Another decent "30 Rock." Really liked Tina's amazement when the Hair wanted to go out with her, including when the amazement didn't stop. Good payoff to "Gold Case." But I still start as if it's not in "The Office's" league. Tonight, working off DVR, I watched "30 Rock" first and then "The Office" because I figured it would be downhill from "The Office." Not so much this night, maybe, but always a chance.

Malcolm X Abram and I have chattered about the four hours of "Idol" that aired this week, and you can find it here or subscribe to the podcast via this link.

If you're looking for the latest "American Idol" post, scroll down a bit. As for this one, because I've written about "Nobody's Watching," the folks from the show have sent me regular e-mails about their projects, new YouTube posts and the like. This arrived yesterday:

Good news!!! We've been told "Nobody's Watching" has been picked up for a half-hour LIVE primetime special in March!! Woo-hoo!!!!!!!!!!!! Of course, things have always been a little unclear with our show, but hopefully Kevin will provide more details tomorrow at the TCA's (are you there?), Thanks for all your support, Rich. We promise we'll make you proud!

For those of you tuning in late, Kevin is the head of entertainment programming at NBC and TCA is the Television Critics Association, which is in the midst of its January press tour. Kevin did indeed make some announcements today, some of which are posted below. But I didn't get a release about "Nobody's Watching," so I sent this note back to the guys:

Didn't get to go to TCA this January but have been watching the NBC releases and haven't seen one on you guys today. No love from the network?

Generating this reply:

I'm sorry, did you say "love from the network"? No Rich, there will never be love from this network. We basically forced them to pick us up. No, no love we're afraid until we get on and kick ass. But we heard it from Kevin's mouth, we have a budget, we have a sound stage. The only thing we don't have is any idea of what the hell we're actually going to do during this live half hour, but hey, we have eight weeks weeks to figure that out. Anyway, we were planning on thanking you for our support by bringing you a plate of jalapeno poppers at the NBC party tonight (which, yes, we've actually been invited to). We would ship them, but they probably won't travel well…

I'll miss the poppers, but I'm missing "Nobody's Watching" more. Could we get it on the air?

New location, obviously, and I'm still learning how to make some things work. (I expect to be asking the online guys at work a lot of questions.) But I have been experimenting with this for a bit, including with some items billed as "My Favorite Singers," which were not in the old location and which I hope to add to here and there. The first two are on Frank Sinatra and Lucinda Williams, but there's no order of preference at work here. Just some occasional remarks about singers I love.

Anyway, here we are, and I hope you drop by now and then. Comments welcome, as always.

(The complete night in one post, filed while watching.)

Well, we're back for another night of "Idol." I am once again tuning in a little late, but will catch up via DVR.

It's Seattle, and it doesn't take long to mention grunge — and rain, the latter coming down on the contestants. Based on the teasers, I am expecting a fair number of train wrecks. Perhaps not 9,000, but some. After all, this is the train wreck portion of "Idol."

Oh, someone borrowed the Apollo Creed outfit from the guy last night! A recidivist no less, who came in a different uniform before. Singing "God Bless America." Oh, mercy. Maybe people should rethink the whole Uncle Sam thing.

Next: What looks like collagen as product placement. "Gonna deliver the hotness," eh? With gum, no less. (Hey, Paula got off a good line!)

No delivery here. A line for a sampler: "Opinion don't mean nuttin'." At least she knew how to work the door.

More shots of rain. Audition bickering. Tears from contestant, followed by her saying she has a cold. Which does not explain her singing. Paula sympathizes. Randy and Simon are convinced she's just bad. "Tone deaf," says Randy. Simon gets blunt, Randy laughs — and Paula rises to the defense of — what? Colds? Bad singing? The auditioner fails to get the message from Simon and Randy.

A medley of screeching, from both genders, setting up a scary-looking performer who strikes me as deliberately goofy — wanting some screen time based on being funny. The mom's look makes me even more suspicious. And the "Daria" voice. Oh, well, she got on TV. Oh, goodness, she's singing Pussycat Dolls. And I don't buy this for a second. Not wacky, not funny — and SHE GOT ON TV.

Half-hour done. Hey, did you know it was raining during the auditions? Interesting to use a Milli Vanilli tune in a singing competition.

Oddly garbed guy, another replayer, two previous auditions. I think I used to have that sportscoat. In 1974. Thomas Daniels, 21, Troutdale, Ore. Not great, not bad, but he goes to Hollywood. Evidence that Seattle is not thrilling the judges. And Thomas is giving Paula "goosebumps" … And there's a dog!

Another dog, and I'm not referring to the contestant. Although that milkmaid outfit isn't a wowser. But in the audition she declares herself "fluffy." Bearable singer until she decides to kick it. Loses the judges.

We are 39 minutes into it and my family is pointing out to me that they must love me very much to sit through this. Especially since they had been watching some of this before, so they're sitting through it a second time. Yeah, they love me.

Pointy-haired guy doing some scat and beats. Blake Lewis, 25, Bothell, Wash. Not a terrible singer, I suppose, but the song's not sending me. Good enough for Hollywood, the judges conclude. But I'd kick him off for saying "Seattle, represent!"

Teaser promises some good singers coming up. Please!

"Welcome back to the talent vacuum that is Seattle," says Ryan. Simon later adds that it's one of the worst days the show has ever had. Good cheer all around. Competing sibs in the wings. Sis — Shyamali Malakar, 19, Lacey, Wash. — has some possibilities but no breath control and weak on the high notes. "Nothing unusual," says Simon, but Randy and Paula are letting her through. Brother — Sanjaya, 17 — also seems to struggle for air, but he has a decent Stevie Wonder sound. Judges think he's better than sis. Hello, Hollywood 2.

Rounding the turn into the second hour…

Simon bait: Singer butchering "Unchained Melody." The judges know what's coming, it seems. They're delaying the singing with some bored chat. Then the song. Randy and Paula sway, waiting for their colleague to snap. Simon holds back. We wait for him to rise, the sun glistening on his scales, and leap out of the water to snag the lure.

At last! "What the bloody hell was that? … One of the worst I've ever heard … Almost non-human."

More flops. Last contestant of the day. Paula is verrrrrrry alert to Rudy Cardenas, 28, North Hollywood, Calif. Randy perks up when he says he's doing Journey's "Open Arms." Paula's alertness is vindicated when he proves good. Simon displeased. Paula wants to remain alert. Randy casts the deciding yes….

Medley to "Bad Day." Shouldn't they have a new rejection song for the new season? And on to a break, and then another day in Seattle. Somewhere my new podcasting buddy Malcolm X Abram is clearing the blood out of his ears. (We'll be chatting Thursday.) Simon has told the local media that the auditions are bad. It does not appear that things will get better. In fact, we've added bad dance moves to indifferent vocalizing. What's worse, Simon being blunt or Paula and Randy laughing at the guy? The show is feeling especially sadistic right now, especially with the "God Bless America" guy following. Paula offers some pap about "always believe in yourself," but the singer wasn't on the show to teach the audience about belief.

Oh, for pete's sake, there's still half an hour to go. I am in pain. I have no respite. I want snacks. I hereby vow not to write another line until I hear a singer I don't hate. This may be my last line…

Well, aside from noting the question marks they put next to the age for the Hicks-y hairdresser. And how efficient security is on the show.

OK, so I didn't hate the tall Anna Kearns, 20, Wichita Falls, Texas. But "Respect" is another one of those songs that doesn't tell you much during auditions. Still, Hollywood makes some sense — although at some point they're going to have to deal with her towering over other contestants — not to mention Ryan needing that apple box to interview her. Paula is already laughing at how she'll look in the groups of three in Hollywood.

18 minutes left! Snacks snacks snacks … Jordin Sparks, 16, Glendale, Ariz. Overdramatic but not stinky. Oops, shouldn't have gone for that high part. Still, no-brainer for Hollywood — even if Simon thinks she's too, well, nice. He's forgetting that nice people do finish first on this show.

Winding down into the contrived medley of bad vocals on the same song. And, while there have been some decent singers, I haven't heard anyone remarkable in almost four hours. The family, still patiently watching, has had the same view. Teaser now focusing on bad singer after the break. And there he is, complete with stalker music. Just what he wanted — to be turned into America's Creepiest on national TV.

"Bohemian Rhapsody." From America's Creepiest to Clip-Show Regular for this and all future seasons. "Don't sing about it, just be about it"? And did we miss the witchy-looking singer somewhere, or was she just … decoration?

On to Memphis next week. I love Memphis. Real singers in Memphis. Great food in Memphis.

Oh, snacks.

E-mail that makes me happy ….

Silver Screen Sunday!

Sunday, February 18, at 3 p.m.
E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall

Singer-songwriter Randy Newman and The University of Akron School of Music

Singer-songwriter Randy Newman (The Natural, Monsters, Inc., Seabiscuit, Toy Story, Cars) joins The University of Akron School of Music’s Symphonic Band and Orchestra for a musical matinee of Hollywood favorites. Tickets only $10! Discount tickets: $8 for seniors, children 12 and under, UA faculty/staff/retirees; $5 for UA students. Tickets available at the door and in advance. Call the Thomas Hall Ticket Office at 330-972-7570, in person at the Thomas Hall Ticket Office and Ticketmaster Centers, and at ticketmaster.com. Discount tickets available only through EJ Ticket Office, 198 Hill St., Akron.

Later on, I will add details of my longtime fondness for Mr. Newman, including seeing him in concert in the 70s ….

Because I am old and have a memory like — well, Swiss cheese, but this is in one of the parts that has cheese — this announcement from Fox was kind of interesting:

This spring, FOX, the home of genre-twisting hits “Joe Millionaire,” “My Big Fat Obnoxious Fiancé” and “Temptation Island,” will expose the battle of the sexes, turning traditional gender roles upside-down and giving women all the power on WHEN WOMEN RULE THE WORLD (working title).

What if it was “a woman’s world”? What if made ALL the decisions? If men were their subjects? These questions and more will be explored when a group of strong, educated and independent women, tired of living in a man’s world and each with a personal axe to grind, rule over a group of unsuspecting men used to calling the shots on WHEN WOMEN RULE THE WORLD.

The unscripted series will reveal how women and men react in a world where women are in charge and men are subservient, and each gender’s ability to adapt to a new social order will be put to the test.

The participants will be brought to a remote, primitive location where the women will have the opportunity to “rule” as they build a newly formed society – one where there is no glass ceiling and no need to dress to impress. For the men, their worlds of power and prestige are turned inside-out and upside-down. And for these women, turnabout is fair play!

So, why is this interesting? Because, in 1977, Norman Lear made a comedy called "All That Glitters," about a business where the women called the shots and men were the underlings. (If the cheese in my head is still ripe, I think the implication was that the larger world was also run by women. Not the worst show, either.

Now, I know some of you smart readers are going to point to literary examples of female rule as well. "Regiment of Women;; by Thomas Berger comes to mind, for one. But I'm more included to think that TV borrows from TV.

This is on Variety's Web site (and thanks to George Thomas for pointing it out):

Looking to reform and demystify the ratings system, the MPAA and National Assn. of Theater Owners are planning a series of changes, including a new admonishment to parents that certain R-rated movies aren't suitable for younger kids, period.

Another key change: For the first time, a filmmaker will be able to cite another movie when waging an appeal.

Along with specific rule revisions, the campaign to make the ratings process more user-friendly and transparent for parents and filmmakers includes an extensive outreach and education program.

Campaign officially kicks off Monday at the Sundance Film Fest when MPAA topper Dan Glickman and Joan Graves, chair of the Classification & Rating Administration, will meet with indie filmmakers, producers and specialty arm execs to go over the alterations. (CARA is operated by the MPAA, which reps the major studios, and NATO.)

A year ago at Sundance, Kirby Dick made noise with his docu "This Film Is Not Yet Rated," which took direct aim at the Motion Picture Assn. of America's ratings system for being shrouded in secrecy and, hence, lacking accountability.

At the time, Glickman had already been meeting with and gathering input from various stakeholders in the ratings system — including filmmakers, guilds, parents' groups and Washington lawmakers — but Dick's film had an impact.

"The documentary made it clear that we probably haven't done as much as we can to explain how it all works," Glickman told Daily Variety, adding that the voluntary ratings system–devised and implemented by Jack Valenti, his predecessor — is a "gem," even if it needs some polishing.

There's more, and you can find the complete story here.

In my DVD column last week, I took note of Kirby Dick's movie, which I liked quite a bit. But I also have to think that the new era of openness is a function of Glickman succeeding Jack Valenti, since Valenti seemed not keen on admitting error or promoting openness. Lots of interesting stuff here, too. If you've seen "This Film Is Not Yet Rated," you'll know how frustrating it was for filmmakers that they couldn't compare their work to others in fighting for their ratings. But I'm a little wary of this announcement, too. In the full story, Variety notes that "most members of the ratings board will remain anonymous,  although CARA will describe the demographic make-up of the board." As "This Film" showed, CARA's descriptions of members did not always fit the facts.

In today's e-mail:NBC has ordered early full-season pickups for the 2007-08 season for four hit series — the comedies "The Office" and "My Name Is Earl," and dramas "Heroes" and "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, " it was announced today by Kevin Reilly, President, NBC Entertainment.

"These four series represent some of the best of what we consider to be the 'NBC brand' of quality shows," said Reilly. "It is a pleasure to give them an early renewal to develop more stories for next year since we know they will remain both critical and commercial successes for a long time to come."

And, from another announcement: NBC has picked up its popular game show "Identity" – hosted for one week before Christmas by Emmy Award-winning comedian-magician Penn Jillette ("Penn & Teller") — for a series return in March.

Rachel Jenkins, auto mechanic, married to a soldier in Iraq, a reservist herself. Pass her through unheard!

Nope, must sing. "His Eye Is On the Sparrow." Little rough. No, pretty rough. The judges, who know the whole military story, are forgiving. Hello, Hollywood.

Question: If her name is Jenkins, why does her uniform say Seward?

Next up: A very good "Over the Rainbow" from Sarah Krueger, 19, Eau Claire, Wis. Although I am thinking that anyone performing that "Idol" standard should be asked to sing something else. But the judges are forgiving. More Hollywood.

Minneapolis is ending up getting the entire two hours, though not two hours loaded with entertainment. Some kid who can't sing with props. Well, I'm sure he couldn't sing without props either, but he's using them anyway for a juggling act. Did he think that by distracting the judges' eyes, their ears wouldn't hear him? Randy suggest he go to "America's Got Talent."

And … then we get a bleep-fest suitable for replays on many future highlight shows. "Juggling," he says, "is just my entertainment. It's not my life."

Eccentric look, heart from Ace Young, "Under Pressure." And, once again, we are reminded that someone competent didn't get to the judges just so we could feel their pain from this performance. Jewel consoles her in the way you tell a crying 5-year-old that she can have a cookie.

Heading down the stretch. At this point, I should pay tribute to the bride, an "Idol" fan but not fond of the audition shows, for sitting patiently through tonight's telecast. Especially as we go into a clearly contrived collection of covers of "Kiss."

This must be the end. Would-be Daughtry essays "Bad Day" by Fuel. Randy doesn't have the energy for invective. Simon does. "Week 7, it's Abba week. What do you do?" Kid gets 15 minutes to learn an ABBA song. Does he have any idea that the come-back-later ploy is designed to end badly for the contestant?

"Dancing Queen." It does not go well. Four no votes. More tears. They cry a lot in Minneapolis.

Teaser for tomorrow's show. promising a lot of wackiness. In fact, showing us a lot of the wackiness, so there may not be a lot left for the show itself.

Roll credits. Back tomorrow.

Ryan is calling the Midwest the "Mid-Worst." Hey, if it weren't for people like the woman singing "If I Were King of the Forest," they'd have a much harder time filling the early shows with mockery.

"I Don't Want to Miss a Thing." "He's singing it like a show tune," says younger son. He does not mean it as a compliment. The auditioner is throwing attitude, enough to peeve Randy.

Again: enough to peeve Randy. Holy moley. Simon is enjoying the idea of someone else seeming rude. Randy reaches at last for praise: "Off Broadway, you'd be amazing." Well, maybe it wasn't a compliment. (See younger son's comment, above.)

More singing. Paula has her eyes closed. I am sure she was concentrating on the vocals. Young blonde gets Hollywood. I'll fill in the name later. (Michelle Steingas, 19, Excelsior, Minn.)

Sequence of unemployed people trying to get on the show, followed by one of those roaming auditioners whose boss paid her way to Minneapolis. The judges are skeptical. Wouldn't you be — especially after hearing some of those "Tell Me Something Good" shrieks? The boss is summoned, to be told the auditioner couldn't sing. Simon is "puzzled" about the deal. Randy calls her "tone deaf." She sings to the boss. Sounds better (though still not good). Jewel can't vote. Paula calls her "a beautiful girl" but says she can't sing. It's see-ya.

Paula acts offended about the "lascivious" comments. You'd think she had been accused of an unseemly relationship with a contestant.

Oh. Right.

Matt Sato, 16, Maplewood, Minn., show choir kid with a zit on his noise. Sings satisfactorily. Score one for show choir kids.

And so we head into the final half-hour — and another post.

Still in Minneapolis. Now we're getting into the wacky costumes. Famous dead fictional fighter Apollo Creed, with music by famous dead real-life James Brown. Singing "an aria song" in Italian. Paula wants something, dare we say it, ethnic? And, getting it, remains unimpressed — or, as she describes it, "confused." Lot of that in Paula's life.

Auditioner with sad personal story. And sunglasses. Dong "And I Am Telling You." Brave. And crazy. She's not making me forget Jennifer Holliday, or Jennifer Hudson, but she's the closest we've gotten to not horrible. She gets the Hollywood call — and I'm guessing we will hear a lot more of her personal story. Note made: Denise Jackson, 16, Madison, Wis., 34 minutes into the telecast.

And back to the baddies … forgetting words, messing up. I know more words to "Kiss" than this sad sack. But they won't put her out of her misery (or ours). I will have to get out a Prince CD later to purge my memory bank.

Quite a recurring bit made out of people trying the wrong door.

Another touching story. Homeless and in a car. Hey, it's Jewel! Nope, she's judging. This one calls Simon "Simone" even though her English is fine and the accent comes and goes. Not terrible, though. And she and Jewel can compare cars. Paula is going ethnic in her judging again! Still, to Hollywood goes Perla Meneses, 25, Margate, Fla.

Back from a break. Ryan tells us the men aren't doing well while women are getting the Hollywood trip. Enter a singer who gets Johnny Cash spinning in his grave. You know the line about being all hat, no cattle? This guy doesn't even have a good hat.

Navy guy Jarrod Fowler, 27, from Arizona . He knows how to wear his hat. Had a version of "Idol" on his ship. Singing that Rascal Flatts song I sort of like. But not the way he sings it. But they're going to let him pass — although Jewel is not cutting him a lot of slack. Bless her heart.

Well, we're rounding the curve into the second hour and I'm moving on to another post.

Night 1, Starting a little late — thank goodness for DVRs — but tuning in. First question of the night: If you're in a stadium full of people, told to scream "I'm the next American Idol," do you really want ot make a funny face on camera? Don't you want that to be a wonderful clip in case you win — and not the only way people will notice you if you don't get past the auditions?

Well, don't you?

Anyway, we're in Minneapolis and Ryan has managed to forget how Prince snubbed everyone last seaons and Jewel is a guest judge and a little blonde is crying over the opportunity to be thrown to the sharks … er, Simon. Who proves to be in a deceptively good mood. Let's see how long that lasts.

Oh, dear.

We'll overlook the idea of singing a Jewel song IN FRONT OF JEWEL. Not good. Simon is in cheery sarcasm. Randy tries to get Jewel to pass judgment. She just passes. Paula tries to say something encouraging. (How about, "I am sure you were tired and having technical difficulties from the satellite feed"?)

Oh, the auditioner is crying and begging. This is just sad. And interminable.

And more crying. This is not fun. This is an aching reminder of how much hope people put into this show — and how they're just meat on the slab for the television cameras.

And 12 minutes in … the first "coming up."

Coming back … Urban Amish. And some poor kid with a competent voice stood around for hours and didn't get to see the judges because the producers wanted to make room for this joker.

Gee, that sounded awfully cranky for the first 18 minutes of the first show.

And now the annual medley of badness, leading into an individual showcase of badness. I know that the audition shows are famous for the awful contestants, but couldn't we have someone good?

Well. not yet. My heart will go on, but his voice won't. Paula is rubbing her temples. Must be those technical difficulties. Oh, even Jewel is cutting into this guy.

Another "coming up." 24 minutes. Please, tell me something good…

New post after the break.

Here's CBS's announcement:

Eleven former teams will return to compete in a Race around the world on THE AMAZING RACE: ALL-STARS.  The 11th installment of the four-time Emmy Award-winning series hosted by Phil Keoghan, will premiere Sunday, Feb. 18 (8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network.

THE AMAZING RACE: ALL-STARS will reunite some of the most memorable, entertaining and controversial Teams from previous seasons, who will travel more than 45,000 miles, spanning five continents in 28 days, with stops in such locations as Argentina, Mozambique and Chile, to name a few.  These former teams will pair up for one final trek around the globe as they battle the best of the best in a Race to the Finish Line for their second attempt at the million dollar prize.

These fierce competitors are no longer strangers to the game or to each other and relationships will be tested at every point along the way.  Teams will be forced to choose between pre-existing relationships and the spirit of competition.  Will new alliances form and will old bonds be broken? 

Meet the Teams for THE AMAZING RACE: ALL-STARS (listed in no particular order):

Kevin O'Connor and Drew Feinberg  (SEASON 1)

Relationship: Lifelong Friends

Hometown: Kevin (Bayonne, N.J.); Drew (Staten Island, N.Y.)

Age: Kevin (40); Drew (41)

Occupation: Kevin (Forensic Accountant); Drew (Senior Court Officer)

Results from Season 1: 4th Place

America's favorite fraternity brothers are all grown up and married.  They fell just short of the million dollars the first time around and are eager for another shot. ____________________________________________________________________________

Ozwald Mendez and Danilo Jimenez (Danny) (SEASON 2)

Relationships: Best Friends

Hometown: Ozwald (New York, N.Y.); Danny (Miami, Fla.)

Age: Ozwald (36); Danny (41)

Occupation: Ozwald (Advertising); Danny (Paralegal)

Results from Season 2: 4th Place 

These best friends from Season 2 had a falling out several years ago, but have since mended their relationship and claim to be better friends now than they've ever been during their previous 12 years of friendship. 

_____________________________________________________________________________

John Vito Pietanza and Jill Aquilino  (SEASON 3)

Relationship:  Formerly Dating

Hometown: John (New York, N.Y.); Jill (New York, N.Y.)

Age: John (32); Jill (29)

Occupation: John (Trader); Jill (Product Controller)

Results from Season 3: 5th Place

Season 3's John Vito and Jill are back for another chance at winning the $1 million prize.  What's different this time around?  These former lovebirds are no longer romantically involved.

_____________________________________________________________________________

Uchenna Agu and Joyce Agu  (SEASON 7)

Relationship: Married

Hometown: Houston, Texas

Age: Uchenna (42); Joyce (46)

Occupation: Uchenna (Land Developer); Joyce (Sales)

Results from Season 7: Winners

Uchenna and Joyce are one of the most beloved teams from any season of Race.  The winners of Season 7, Uchenna and Joyce were relentless and stopped at nothing to win the $1 million prize… including shaving their heads.

_____________________________________________________________________________

David Conley, Jr. and Mary Conley (SEASON 10)

Relationship: Coal Miner and Wife

Hometown: Stone, Ky.

Age: David (33); Mary (32)

Occupation: David (Coal Miner); Mary (Homemaker)

Results from Season 10: 6th Place

Everybody's favorite coal miner and his wife are back for another trek around the world.  David and Mary, the lovable, wide-eyed couple from Stone, Ky. are ready to compete and believe they have what it takes to bring home the $1 million prize for their children.

_____________________________________________________________________________

Charla Baklayan Faddoul and Mirna Hindoyan  (SEASON 5)

Relationship: Cousins

Hometown: Towson, Md.

Age: Charla (30); Mirna (30)

Occupation: Charla (Real Estate Investor); Mirna (Attorney)

Results from Season 5: 6th Place

Charla and Mirna captured America's hearts the first time around.  They are proud of the way they played the game and look forward to another trip around the world together.

_____________________________________________________________________________

Rob Mariano and Amber Mariano (SEASON 7)

Relationship: Married

Hometown: Pensacola, Fla.

Age: Rob (30); Amber (28)

Occupation: Rob (TV personality/host/pursuing a career in TV); Amber (TV personality)

Results from Season 7: 2nd Place

America's Sweethearts met, fell in love and got married…all in front of the cameras, beginning with the filming of Survivor: All-Stars, where Rob finished in second place to Amber.  They finished as the runners-up to Joyce and Uchenna in Season 7.  To what lengths will Rob and Amber go to avoid finishing as the runner-up yet again? 

_____________________________________________________________________________

Teri Pollack and Ian Pollack  (SEASON 3)

Relationship: Married Parents

Hometown: Palm City, Fla.

Age: Teri (53); Ian (54)

Occupation: Teri (Homemaker); Ian (Private Investigator/Retired Police Lt.) 

Results from Season 3: 2nd Place

Second place in Season 3 just wasn't good enough for this dynamic duo.  Teri and Ian are still the oldest players to ever finish in second place in the Amazing Race and they are back to show that they haven't lost a step.

____________________________________________________________________________

Eric Sanchez and Danielle Turner (Dee)  (SEASON 9 - Separate Teams)

Relationship:  Dating

Hometown: Eric (Deerfield Beach, Fla.); Danielle (Staten Island, N.Y.)

Age: Eric (28); Danielle (23)

Occupation: Eric (Waiter); Danielle (Bartender)

Results from Season 9: Eric (2nd Place), Danielle (7th Place)

This unique duo met while racing against each other during Season 9.   During their travels, they developed a bond which evolved into a romance and the two have been dating for the past year.  Will the combination of big-city girl and self-proclaimed "beach bum" be a force to reckon with or will the other Teams discount this new pair who has never raced together as Team?

_____________________________________________________________________________

Joe Baldassare and Bill Bartek  (SEASON 1)

Relationship: Life Partners

Hometown: Laguna Niguel, Calif.

Age: Joe (56); Bill (53)

Occupation: Joe (Owns his own Minerals Trading Company); Bill (Realtor)

Results in Season 1: 3rd Place

"Team Guido" from Season 1 returns for another attempt at the $1 million prize. Claiming they've had their bags packed since they returned home from the first season, they are ready to go!

_____________________________________________________________________________

Dustin Seltzer and Kandice Pelletier  (SEASON 10)

Relationship:  Beauty Queens

Hometown: Dustin (Seattle, Wash.); Kandice (New York, N.Y)

Age: Dustin (25); Kandice (25)

Occupation: Dustin (Grad Student); Kandice (Student at NYU)

Results from Season 10: 4th Place

These former Beauty Queens are back for a second chance and are more determined than ever to prove to the world that they aren't just pretty faces.  Proven to be fierce competitors during the 10^th installment of Race, Dustin and Kandice are focused and have their sights set on becoming the first all-female team to win the $1 million prize. 

_____________________________________________________________________________

On some bad days, when I couldn't seem to control anything in my life, I took comfort in sitting at a keyboard and putting sentences together. It was something I believed I could do well, something I could give all my focus to, something that felt good to start and even better to finish.

Of course, over time, I finally learned that a page of type doesn't love you back. You have to remember the people in your life to have that. But I could still find some joy on those pages.

I was thinking about this tonight as the bride and I caught up with the three most recent episodes of "Friday Night Lights," one from December that had been sitting in the DVR through the holidays, then the Jan. 3 and 10 telecasts. It does not need to be repeated that I love this show. It may need to be repeated that it is as mired in despair as any show on television.

Yet. Yet. Yet.

Yet as much despair as there is, as unhappy  as families are, as often as friends turn on each other, as tight as money gets, as complicated as relationships may be … at the end of all that, people can find something that they do well. It's football for many, but not all. Matt's father may not be great at being a dad, but he's good at being a soldier. Coach's wife is really good with young people. Buddy, for all his sleazy ways, is a loving father — and Tyra's mom is as good at being a parent as she is bad at choosing men.

It's important to have that one thing. Part of Jason's quandary is that he has lost that one thing, and he has to find another. The terror inside Smash is based on his fear of losing that one thing — or, even worse, finding out that he isn't as good as he thought — and so losing the comfort that comes with it. The lawsuit cuts deep because it could cost the coach his one thing.

Where it gets complicated is in seeing whether you have chosen one thing has real value. Like Smash, the town's identity is based on the one thing of football. But football, the show keeps telling us, is a temporary relief.

It is not love. It is not family.  It is not faith. it is not integrity and commitment.  Football has aspects of those things, but it is not those things. Because, again as the show keeps telling us, a football game — like a piece of writing — ends sooner or later. Life does not.