Deborah, I thought the same thing - the autism made sense for that scene.

I'm almost caught up - on the last episode!!

Kim, good question about the child with autism. Why do that? I hadn't given it much thought previously, just accepted him. When he went "home" (his dr's home) on the bus? Could that be the reason he's autistic--to make that scene work? Seems weak to me, perhaps later we'll understand?

deborah

I love House, and am always amused to hear Hugh Laurie speak with his British accent on talk shows.

kate

Deborah, about accents. I always chuckle that when Simon Biker (on The Mentalist) says "Stay tuned for scenes from next week's show"...he says it in his normal Australian speech.

Glad to hear The Closer will be on for a few shows again, I think I have finally had enough of Flashward. I can never remember the names of everyone but the cop that is married to the doctor I have always liked him in other things but this show I can't take him anymore he whispers to much etc enough!

The only issue I have with Flash Forward is the portrayal of the autistic child. Sometimes he speaks normally, other times he has stilted speech. Most times he has good eye contact, etc. I guess I don't know what the purpose in making him be autistic was.

We are almost caught up with "Flash Forward" & still are not confused, Kim, if that's any help. :-) I do wonder where the program would be if actors not born in the US were banned from the show! The male & female leads have British accents in RL, as does her "love" interest & Dominic, the actor from "Lost". Dont' get me wrong, i have no problem with it, i'm bemused. Is British (& other English speaking countries) TV as full of America-born actors as ours are of theirs?

deborah, still enjoying FF

I finally started watching Flash Forward and really like it. It does remind me of Lost. Of course, many of the actors were from Lost so that could be the connection. It does not seem as confusing as Lost, at least four episodes in!

Carol/Bonadie wrote: "Re: So You Think You Can Dance

Does anyone watch this? My dad and I stumbled upon it and he really got into it. I think he liked the dancing as well as the upbeat attitude of the contestants. ..."

I LOVE THIS SHOW. I have watched every episode every season and I think this is season 6. Some of the most talented dancers come out of this show. Some even become dancers on Dancing With The Stars!

madrano wrote: "I didn't watch "Everybody Loves Raymond" or "Seinfeld" because their acting just didn't work for me. Seinfeld seemed unable to stop smiling, if not outright laughing, at his own lines!"

I could not stand the Seinfeld show. To me, it was just a bunch of ....nothing.

I didn't watch "Everybody Loves Raymond" or "Seinfeld" because their acting just didn't work for me. Seinfeld seemed unable to stop smiling, if not outright laughing, at his own lines! It got to me.

I agree about Braugher. What a wonderful actor. IMO, he's underutilized.

deborah

I agree that Romano is not much of an actor..his monotone drives me nuts, but I did like his show.

And I love Andre Braugher- especially in that great one-year series, Gideon's Crossing in 2000. He is one fine actor.

Donna, thanks from me too for the heads-up on THE CLOSER episodes. Love that show and wondered why its season ended in mid-stride, so to speak. Guess TNT decided to show the last three seasonal episodes in December.

Ah ha...just looked it up and I was right...these are the last three episodes from last season, never shown

Never have watched Romano or Seinfeld either. Will tune in to catch Scott Balula -- thanks for remembering his name for me! Will let you know if it's any good.

Donna in Southern MD

Donna, i agree with your DVR comment. We have been working our way through saved up "FlashForwards." It's the way to see it! They make you hungry for more & we are immediately satisfied. Hmm...probably not a good statement about our threshhold for delayed satisfaction, but there we are! :-)

Thanks for the news on "The Closer." The only time we watch TNT is when their programs are on, so who knows if we'd have heard about those episodes? As much as i like Scott Bakula (from "Quantum Leap" & "Star Trek: Enterprise"), i doubt i'll be watching his new show. Romano bothers me, for some reason. Maybe it's that his acting is on a par with Jerry Seinfeld. Nonexistent.

deborah

Deborah, thanks for mentioning the Sleuth channel. We have DirectTV so I'll look for it. I understand what you're saying about White Collar --pleasant, but not 'must see.' I have gotten rather fond of Castle, however. I'd miss that.

I see that The Closer will have 3 new episodes in December on TNT, and there's a new show called "Men of a Certain Age" with Ray Romano, the guy from Quantum Leap, and the black guy from Homicide, also on TNT. I'll give that a look.

We have watched NCIS from the first episode for 2 reasons: Mark Harmon and David McCallum. I had a major crush on David back when he was on the Man from UNCLE, and I was in the 5th grade.:o) I've watched Mark since he was in St. Elsewhere, then on Reasonable Doubt with Marlee Matlin. I'm glad the show has gotten better and more popular.

CBS Sunday night is real tricky because of Football. Never know what time something is coming on. I think that is one reason a favorite show of ours failed last year -- The Unit. It was well written, had good characters and actors, and it was very topical. I have watched Three Rivers a couple of times, but don't feel bad if I miss it.

I just really glad we have a DVR now! TV watching on OUR time, not theirs!

Donna in Southern Maryland

LOL, JoAnn. We didn't either until we switched from Dish satellite to Directv. There it was. And late one night i ran across several Canadian series, including a show i liked a few years ago "Da Vinci's Inquest."

Actually, there are several channels which are new to us now that we get Direct. Nice. Or not so nice, as there are more time-sucking shows to view (or not).

Once i got hooked on NCIS, i knew it had to be a very popular show because i am the most anti-military person you'll meet on these boards. (Reason: I felt they absconded with my newly wed husband to send him to Vietnam in '70.) SO, if i could get hooked & everyone i know watched it, (even my retired-from-the-military-in-laws, who complain about all the factual errors) love it, Number 1 doesn't seem odd. ;-)

deborah, still marveling that i like the darned show & even managed to hook my DH this year!

Deborah, I never even knew there was a SLEUTH channel!

I was looking up the TV ratings for last week and was shocked to see that NCIS was #1 on the list. Who would thunk? I mean, I like it, but I did not know that 21 million others did, too!

I saw that CBS is reversing the times for COLD CASE and THREE RIVERS to see if THREE RIVERS does better. Don't these people realize that the ratings for this show are not great because no one ever knows what time it will be on due to Sunday afternoon football?

Carol, i can't help you with your question, as we don't watch it. From the commercials i thought they were professionals, in the same way that the chefs on "Top Chef" are. They qualify for the program.

Donna, when i was in Seattle i saw several episodes of "Castle". I enjoyed what i saw but once i returned home i didn't miss it, so we aren't watching it. Still, as i wrote, i liked it. I guess at home i just have other options & choose them. Who knew?

The same is true for the new USA channel program "White Collar." I thought it was a fun show but haven't even been tempted since returning home. I suppose i should be glad or i'd never leave the tv.

And have i mentioned "Burn the Lead"? It comes on around 3 AM on Sleuth channel. Originally a Canadian drama called "Eleventh Hour" it's about a "60 Minutes"-type show & the work leading up to airing. I'm liking it, primarily because i know it's limited--3 shorter than US seasons--and find it full of good questions about tv news ethics. Has anyone else here seen it?

deborah

Re: So You Think You Can Dance

Does anyone watch this? My dad and I stumbled upon it and he really got into it. I think he liked the dancing as well as the upbeat attitude of the contestants. But these folks are professionals ... aren't they?

DH & I decided to keep watching NCIS Los Angeles and we are glad we did. As the episodes have gone by, they are developing the characters nicely, especially Hetty, the one played by Linda Hunt. She has a great sense of humor and a mysterious past. We are seeing a little more about the other characters in each episode. As in the original NCIS, there is a serious crime to solve every week, but it is the lighthearted moments that we enjoy the most.

We also continue to enjoy Castle. It's a little different in that at the beginning of the show each week, there's a basic telling of the setup of how Castle came to be working with the police, and how the relationship is developing. So unlike most other shows, if you had not seen this before, you could tune in and watch and not feel lost. I think the casting of the 4 principals in this show was very good: Castle, the cop, his mother and daughter. The girl who plays his daughter is going to be a real beauty when she grows up.

Donna in Southern Maryland

Donna in Southern Maryland wrote: "I saw a sign at the end of a driveway that said "Oyster Scold." I wanted to stop and ask what what the oysters had done wrong!?!? :o)..."


LOL, Donna! Too funny! I've not heard of such parties, so learned something new, as well as laughed.

deborah

Deborah said: The title is "White Collar", though

Dear Heavens! I called myself 'proofing' that post before I hit POST. Duh! How did I not see that!?!?

Donna in Southern Maryland
who is blaming that typo on stiff fingers :o)

PS> That reminds me of something else. Around here, people will host something called an "Oyster Scald" party/gathering where they will steam the oysters. People bring all kinds of food, a good time is had by all. Saturday, I saw a sign at the end of a driveway that said "Oyster Scold." I wanted to stop and ask what what the oysters had done wrong!?!? :o)

I've only seen the first two episodes but enjoyed them. The title is "White Collar", though, i think & it's on USA network. Do you think i know his name? Nope! Is this a sign of old age? Hope not!

deborah, winking

Last night we watched the 3rd episode of White Color. Ladies, if you want to look at a very nice looking young man, while watching an average 'catching the bad guys' story, check this out. :o) Tim DeKay and Tiffany Thiessan ar also in it, and do a good job. As good looking as this young man is, and as good as he looks in clothes, I'll have to learn his name, won't I? :o)

Donna in Southern Maryland

madrano wrote: ". Christine Lahti, who has been a favorite of mine over the years, has been part of the cast since September, as an ass't DA. I can't decide which is worse--her acting or her facelift..."

Oh now this is disturbing news, Deborah. Ugh. I've always been a fan of her work, but a noticeable face lift is not a good face lift.

Kate, i remember the anguish the critters gave you in the past. I can't even find roadside stand tomatoes which taste as good as what DH grew. Pity.

deborah

I used to have several vegetable plots when the boys were little. It was a favorite spring and summer activity, and I often had so much I begged people to take the extra. I no longer grow my own veggies, and I miss the freshness, though not the weeding. I doubt the garden would be so successful now because we have so many animals in the area. I'm not even going to try patio tomatoes next year because the raccoons and squirrels win out every year. It's not worth the aggravation.

Kate

What a neat experience, JoAnn. I love when i randomly recall something i didn't realize i remembered!

Meanwhile, what a concept. I'll have to try the milk/water when i bring our ferns indoors this month. Thanks!

deborah

My MIL had gorgeous ferns and always put some milk in the water she was using to water them. I cannot believe that I just now remembered this, and she has been gone for 35 years.

Thanks, Donna. Your dad's humorous comments sound akin to my own father's little bon mots. Love 'em.

Alias, i have used egg shells in my houseplants (coffee grounds, too) but can't say whether they helped or not. At least there was no harm in using either. Sometimes i'll mix DH's compost with houseplant dirt & feed my plants that way. They always seem to benefit.

deborah

Alias asked: Donna, I can't recall, did you nominate The Worst Hard Time by Timothy Egan for our group read? I know you read it.

No, I don't think I recommended it, but I did read most of it until it got just too depressing. :o)

Donna in Southern Maryland
Note to Deb: Daddy always said a little bit of horse manure was good for most things! LOL :o) Good luck with the fish bones!

Deb: Next year he intends to follow Native American advice to the Pilgrims and plant corn atop fish bones. We'll see!

=====================
That's interesting. I guess there is a lot of protein in the fish bones. I've heard of using egg shells in house plants.

Yes, my DH gardens. We have lived in many different climates over our almost 40 years of marriage. He's had success in the Dakotas, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Oklahoma, Maryland and even Phoenix, AZ. Texas may defeat him, however. Well, not really. It's just proving to be more challenging than anything other than the heat of the desert. Between insects, clay soil and the high heat we've had few tomatoes, which i crave. As he always states, "Next Year."

Btw, he's used horse manure, too, with success. Additionally we compost. Next year he intends to follow Native American advice to the Pilgrims and plant corn atop fish bones. We'll see!

deborah

Nothing beats a fresh homegrown tomato ! Lucky for me my neighbor has a small plot and gave me a few this past summer. I don't think they use horse manure, however. :-O Thought I have heard of people using it.

Donna, I can't recall, did you nominate The Worst Hard Time by Timothy Egan for our group read? I know you read it.

Anyway, he is one of the commentators on the PBS show titled, Herbert Hoover that currently is airing. I really enjoyed the show and would recommend it.

Alias Reader wrote: "Donna, since you live on a lot of acreage, I was wondering do you grow any of your food? I envy people who have land and can grow their own veggies.

No Alias, I wish we did. my Daddy was raised on a vegetable farm just outside of Washington, DC, born in 1915. He used to tell stories of going in the horse and wagon with his Papa to the Farmer's Market in DC! (It's still there, by the way.)

Somehow the spark to dig in the dirt skipped me, though I used to help him when I was a kid. Up until a year or two before he died, he had a big garden and kept the family in fresh veggies. My husband says he has never had a fresh tomato as good as Daddy grew, since he died. Daddy spent days and weeks putting all kinds of things in the soil and getting it ready. He loved Horse Manure!!

One time we were in Florida to visit family in March. I remember he stopped at a market in Dinwiddie, GA, and bought 4 tomato plants. He came home and got his ground ready by putting at least a bushel of horse manure into each 'hill' before he planted those tomatoes. I remember that those were the most beautiful and plentiful tomatoes we had ever seen! Still a wonderful family story.

Thank goodness we do have the Amish Market just 5 miles from us beside the Library. That's where we get our fresh veggies.

Donna in Southern Maryland

Donna, since you live on a lot of acreage, I was wondering do you grow any of your food? I envy people who have land and can grow their own veggies.

I know Deborah, or should I say Deborah's DH, grows some veggies for them.

The potato segment is interesting. Who wants insecticide built into the food ? Yikes !

And who knew that 1 out of 4 flowers all come from the same place? All I could think of was the fuel cost to ship the flowers around the world. :( Sort of takes the beauty and joy out of the flowers for me. Not very "green".

I haven't caught all the segments yet. However, the ones that I have are really interesting.

The Botany of Desire A Plant's-Eye View of the World

When i read the book i felt it was a mixed bag. Parts were wow! while others quite ho-hum. It sounds as though they got it right for the PBS show. I'll see if it's on here.

JoAnn, i remember you shared about your swollen lips. I agree, i just don't get the fascination but realize the younger women who are "hot" now often have that feature. Go figure.

deborah

Alias Reader wrote: "I would like to recommend Botany of Desire. It's currently showing on PBS.
I know many read the book. The PBS show is fascinating.

http://www.pbs.org/thebotanyofdesire/"

It IS fascinating! I have watched the first part and recorded the rest. Who knew Apples could be so interesting?

Donna in SOuthern Maryland

I would like to recommend Botany of Desire. It's currently showing on PBS.
I know many read the book. The PBS show is fascinating.

http://www.pbs.org/thebotanyofdesire/

Oh, I've always admired Christine Lahti. I'm sad to hear that she's had a bad facelift. I'll have to catch SUV to see.

kate

I have had allergic reactions to three substances that have caused my lips to become swollen and I cannot understand why anyone would want to deliberately do this to herself. Horrible feeling.

I have heard that Barbara Hershey was about the first one who plumped her lips, fortunately, whatever she had done for a movie role was not permanent. Now, some of them even have implants put in their lips! OOOOO.....yuck! ish!

I've heard that there is tremendous pressure on these women to look young forever, and so many of the producers making decisions are very young. Stick to your guns and enjoy getting older. It's sad when they have no expression left on their face! :o(

Donna in Southern Maryland

Donna, i think you've put your finger on Lahti's outcome. She used to look relaxed & free but now she just looks like someone who is trying to be something else. Maybe over the course of a year the tightness will go away?

As for the huge lips, i hear ya. Remember when Barbara Hershey did that? Her lips are regular now, as far as i can tell, so i'm hoping that's something which fades. Does anyone here know?

deborah, intent on pampering her every wrinkle

Deborah, I usually catch SVU in the reruns on A&E or Bravo or whereever, so I haven't seen her yet. I'm sorry to hear that she's had a bad facelift. I like it much better when they age gracefully. Some actresses go so far over board -- and especially with the lips! Those GIANT mis-shapen lips always distract me. Last night I wondered if Marg Helgenberger on CSI regrets what she did to hers!

All time worst face lift would have to be Kenny Rogers (with a second place to Burt Reynolds.) He doesn't even look like himself anymore!

Donna in Southern Maryland

I realize that I haven't seen much of the new season. So I am used to the usual face. I'm sorry to hear that she has had a face lift.

Barbara

I didn't know where else to put this comment, so thought i'd plop it here to see what happens.

Does anyone else here watch "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit"? We've been pretty faithful with the show. Christine Lahti, who has been a favorite of mine over the years, has been part of the cast since September, as an ass't DA. I can't decide which is worse--her acting or her facelift. It amazes me that this woman, whose work i've liked in the past, just isn't cutting the mustard in this role. However, it may be that her face is distracting me so much i can't appreciate the nuances of her acting!

Previously i've always considered her a natural sort of woman, one who didn't give a darn about how she looked. Now i'm sad & a bit sickened to see her face. I wonder if she's happy with it or just stuck with it. *shame on me for allowing this to bias me*

deborah

Flash Forward. Well Kim you have to watch because I would not want to talk about it and mess up the details for you. Would love to talk about this show. It grabs me everyweek.
Jennifer