Well, the new television season began last week and I've checked out a few of the new programs.

Of the three science fiction "thrillers" that started this season, I pick "Surface" and "Theshold" as the best.
"Invasion" is too slow and plodding; too laid back and low-tech, and poorly structured. In short, no thrills. "Surface, however, has pizzaz and spook-factor, and "Threshold" definitely has taken the lead from the pack. It's got the best plot-lines, the best drama and the best gritty scariness going for it.
If I were to bet which one would be picked up for next season it would be "Threshold."
Staples like "ER" and "CSI Miami," Law & Order," and Desperate Housewives" all turned in their usual strong performances and all hold the promise of entertaining hours to come for fans.
"Boston Legal" was one I was looking forward to but, sadly, one that failed to meet expectations.
I haven't seen "Alias" or "24" yet (I think they haven't started yet) but I expect they'll be reliable, although "Alias" appears to be taking a domestic tack this season, with Sydney pregnant and due to give birth before season's end.
The rest is obscured by ignorance and speculation, as they say.
And now the political winds are blowing adverse omens toward the GOP, and as "Dubya's" fortunes continue to rot and stink up the joint the rest of the party is beginning to feel the heat of backlash building up in the halls of power. DeLay (yea, the rugged asshole we know as the majority leader of the House) was FINALLY indicted for the LEAST of his sins, although I predict that he'll get off without so much as a trial and that the Texas AG will fade in the face of Republican attacks.
It's remarkable how twisted the GOP fan club's - Rush, O'Reilly and such - arguments can get. One day they (with one voice) say that Bush is a conservative scion and light of truth and justice, the next they're saying the media has created a false impression of the president and that's what's bringing down his poll numbers -- and perception of performance -- not his own ineptitude. How long will the conservative talk show audience swallow the swill that Limbaugh and his cronies put forth as truth and insight?
I find it remarkable that no one seems to notice that Limbaugh's lies grow more and more transparent as public opinion of the GOP turns surly, but unruffled and blind, those listeners go forward into the maw of a waiting, hungry beast as Dubya and his cheerleading squad leads them to death and sorrow.Dramtic, strong words, eh? Well, not dramatic or strong enough to convey the reality of this nation's leadership (crooks) and agencies of power (blind), law (corrupt) and reason (insane).We the people will wind up enslaved by corporate greed and ambition if the current agenda continues to unfold without challenge.
But there it is. Believe it or not.
Is Bush a "good" man? I imagine, as much as anyone individual can be, he is. But is he an honest man? A leader? An ethical, informed, thinking man? Not so much.
And yes, I'm not hopeful that the Democrats will rise to the occasion. Why would I imagine that the party of rubber-stampers would assert itself and challenge, with insightful reason, passionate truth and/or honest evaluation, the path our nation has taken this past 5 years? Especially when the Dems have been silent or, at best, flaccid in the face of the roar from the GOP's gas and smoke?
I haven't heard one Democrat offer a concrete plan that contrasts the administration's, and it's disheartening, to say the least.
The GOP controls the House, the Senate, the White House, the courts and the school board, locally and federally. And, predictably, they're making a complete mess of the nation. So what are you gonna do about it?