When I turn my TV off at night I can almost hear the channels drumming their fists against the other side of the screen: come back! come back! We’ve so much more to give!---James Lileks

*new low. Grumble.

I have 16 hours of videotape but, unfortunately, I can only do 8 different programs. (How I suffer!) This means I won't be able to tape Masterpiece Theater this week (The Forsyte Saga which I absolutely loved the last time MP did it 30 years ago) or the news shows. At least I don't have to worry about General Hospital any more. So, what did I program in today?

1. Sunday, The Practice, ABC. I'd have liked to see American Dreams, but I can't.
2. Monday, Third Watch, NBC. I've been watching CSI Miami and taping TW, but it's the one I'm attached to. I will continue with Crossing Jordan.
3. Tuesday, I have to miss The Guardian, which I usually watch, and then Judging Amy, because I am taping Gilmore Girls, WB.
4. Wednesday, Amazing Race(!), CBS, of course. I just love this show. The lame thing that ABC tried last year at the same time, Lost, just didn't cut it. This is followed by Presidio Med.
5. Thursday, Survivor, of course even more. CBS. Followed by CSI and Without a Trace, which I haven't seen yet because I've been trying to figure out Push, NV. I'll also have to skip John Doe later in the week.
6. Also Thursday, ER, of course, NBC.
7. Friday, Providence, NBC.
8. Finally, on Saturday, The District, CBS.

Three must-see NBC shoes, three CBS, one WB (this is the most must-see of all) and one ABC.

The house closed, and I got the money. I'll pay the bills when we get back. Today another $150 came, so I guess the fees weren't quite as bad as they thought. I still need to pay the last PG&E bill.

Vince called today. Niki's got a bad cold, so he forgot my birthday! He also sent a cute e-card. We talked about Seussical, and the bat. There were striped hats all over the auditorium last night.

It's the 45th anniversary of Sputnik. Meanwhile, once more the U.N. deals with the important matters.