One of television’s most popular shows, ‘Dancing with the Stars’ has announced its cast for the upcoming fall season. As always it’s a eclectic group, featuring three ‘stars’ that I had never heard of. Am I getting that old? Though I don’t watch it, I’m always interested in seeing who the competitors will be.

Following in the path of Cloris Leachman and Buzz Aldrin as the senior citizen is Florence Henderson. It’s depressing to me that Mrs. Brady, who remains one of my lustful desires has reached that status in life….Did I really just say that? Cover that floor with some Wesson Oil and watch Florence sizzle. I suppose Betty White was to busy, still actually having a career.

The role of a female beauty went to Audrina Patridge. I had never heard of her, she stars on ’The Hills.’ Guess it’s time to stop watching so many ’Brady Bunch’ reruns.

To satisfy the female audience is Mike ‘The Situation’ Sorrentino from the MTV series, ‘Jersey Shore.’ I just wonder if he will be able to stay sober long enough to be able to compete. The dancing will be more challenging than keeping up with Snookie.

Filling the need for professional athletes is retired quarterback Kurt Warner and former basketball player Rick Fox. And in the category of…remember me? is Michael Bolton,
Brandy and comedian Margaret Cho.

Though without the deceased Patrick Swayze and with the limitations of being on national television, fans of the movie ‘Dirty Dancing’ can relive the glory as Jennifer Grey is part of the cast.

Finally, the dream to be on reality tv will come true for Bristol Palin. Am just glad that Levi isn’t part of the cast. And she’ll be able to work off some of that unwanted weight from giving birth.

Also scheduled to dance is Kyle Massey from ‘Cory in the House.’ Has anyone heard of that? And last but not least, David Hasselhoff in his trademark leather pants.

The 11th season of ‘Dancing with the Stars’ begins September 20 at 8 p.m. Despite this cast, I probably won’t be tuning in, except maybe to see Mrs. Brady!

As an avid television watcher, I feel qualified to offer my picks to win the Primetime Emmy Awards. Though many of the nominations make me feel like I don’t watch many quality shows, I will still form an opinion on the categories that are most cared about. Unfortunately, ‘Get Social’ did not receive any nominations this year.

REALITY-COMPETITION PROGRAM

American Idol: Since half of the judges have resigned or been released since last season, I don’t think it deserves an Emmy. Plus, I haven’t heard a single mention of the winners name. What is it again?

Project Runway: I may go to a Richard Marx concert by myself, but I draw the line at turning in to this series. Besides, as wardrobe will show you, I’m not very fashion conscious.

Dancing with the Stars: Everyone talks about it, and with Ochocinco, plus Pamela Anderson on it this season..did I mention Buzz Aldrin too, I tried to watch it but couldn’t make it through a whole episode.

Top Chef: I get my fill of cooking shows watching the half dozen that Gordon Ramsay has. Besides, if it doesn’t include cooking it in the microwave I’m probably never going to make it anyway.

Emmy goes to: The Amazing Race…The category should have included Survivor, Big Brother and Hell’s Kitchen, but the Amazing Race is compelling television.

My Pick: Missing from this category are three of my favorites; Survivor, Big Brother and Hell’s Kitchen. They would make perfect replacements for the three shows which were nominated that I don’t watch. While I may go to a Richard Marx concert by myself, I draw the line at tuning in to Project Runway. I get my fill of cooking shows by watching those with Gordon Ramsay and I tried but just couldn’t make it through a full episode of Dancing with the Stars.

That leaves American Idol, which I am a fan of, but since half of the judges have since resigned or been released I don’t think they are worthy of winning. So my pick is for The Amazing Race.

SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERIES

Chris Colfer as Kurt in Glee: Though one of the most talked about shows of the year, I didn’t watch Glee. I tried a couple times, and didn’t see what all the hype was about.

Jon Cryer as Alan in Two and a Half Men: I loved him as Duckie in the 80’s film, ’Pretty in Pink,’ but that means nothing here. In all the years its been on, I’ve never watched an episode or even part of one of Two and a Half Men. I just hope that Charlie Sheen doesn’t attack him with a knife for not winning.

Neil Patrick Harris as Barney on How I Met Your Mother: Again, a sitcom that I don’t watch. Monday has always been wrestling night for me on the television.

Jesse Tyler Ferguson as Mitchell on Modern Family: Is one half of the gay couple.

Eric Stonestreet as Cameron on Modern Family: The other half of the gay couple.

The Emmy goes to: Ty Burrell as Phil on Modern Family. No show made me laugh more than Modern Family, the entire cast is superb but I think Burrel is most deserving.

SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A COMEDY SERIES

Jane Lynch as Sue in Glee: I suspect she will win, but not from my vote.

Jane Krakowski as Jenna on 30 Rock: This is another show that I should watch, but for one reason or another have avoided it.

Kristin Wiig as being several characters on Saturday Night Live: She is a real chameleon, among my favorites is the Target cashier but I can’t overlook MacGruber.

Holland Taylor as Evelyn on Two and a Half Men: See previous category.

Sofia Vergaro as Gloria on Modern Family: The best television wife that Ed O’Neil has had since Peg Bundy. Is curvaceous and funny, is in tight race to win in my book.

The Emmy goes to: Julie Bowen as Claire in on Modern Family: I picked her onscreen husband in the previous category so might as well keep it all in the family. Besides, she is one of my secret crushes.

SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES

John Slattery as Roger on Mad Men: I hear lots of great things about this series, but have never seen it.

Martin Short as Leonard on Damages: Never even heard of it.

Aaron Paul as Jesse on Breaking Bad: This category is really making me feel like I need more drama in my life. Have never even seen a commercial for it.

Andre Braugher as Owen on Men of a Certain Age: Okay, where’s a TV Guide?

Terry O’Quinn as Locke on LOST: Now we’re talking, apparently LOST provided all the television drama I need. A great character and performance, ordinarily would be a sure winner but there is only one person that offers some competition.

The Emmy goes to Michael Emerson as Ben on LOST: I love Ben, one of the all time great television performances. Surrounded by a great cast, he still rose above them all. If he doesn’t win, it’s a crime.

SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A DRAMA SERIES

Christina Hendricks as Joan on Mad Men: Who?

Rose Byrne as Ellen on Damages: What about the women on LOST?
Archie Panjabi as Kalinda on The Good Wife: Sorry, never heard of you.

Sharon Gless as Madeline on Burn Notice: Used to be on Cagney & Lacey, which I watched about as many times as I have Burn Notice…zero.

Christine Baranski as Diane on The Good Wife: Beginning to wonder why I’m even writing this column.

The Emmy goes to: Elisabeth Moss as Peggy on Mad Men. I don’t know why, but I had to pick somebody.

LEAD ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERIES

Larry David as Himself on Curb Your Enthusiasm: Probably a good show, but am to cheap for HBO.

Tony Shalhoub as Monk on Monk: Is on basic cable, yet still never watched it.

Matthew Morrison as Will on Glee: Based on these nominations, maybe I should give Glee another try.

Jim Parsons as Sheldon on the Big Bang Theory: Dang wrestling keeps me from all this comedy.

Alec Baldwin as Jack on 30 Rock: He was once married to Kim Basinger, that’s enough of an award.

The Emmy goes to: Steve Carell as Michael on The Office is always dependable for a few good laughs, is perfect as the clueless boos, but didn’t have enough ‘That’s what she said’ lines this season.

LEAD ACTRESS IN A COMEDY SERIES

Edie Falco as Jackie on Nurse Jackie: Don’t have Showtime either.

Julia Louis-Dreyfus as Christine on The New Adventures of Old Christine: The series was cancelled so feel it isn’t worthy of an Emmy.

Lea Michele as Rachel on Glee: Not only can she act, but sing too. To bad I missed it.

Toni Collette as Tara on United States of Tara: Again, no Showtime.

Tina Fey as Liz on 30 Rock: I have nothing against Tina, I think she’s brilliant and love the glasses but even on Saturday Night Live I always liked her final competitor a little better.

The Emmy goes to: Amy Poehler as Leslie on Parks and Recreation. She’s another personal favorite of mine.

LEAD ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES

Jon Hamm as Don on Mad Men: Maybe I should start spending less time on Facebook and watch some of these shows.

Kyle Chandler as Eric on Friday Night Lights: I’ve never even seen the movie on which the series is based.

Hugh Laurie as Dr. Gregory on House: I really don’t see what all the women see in him.

Michael C. Hall as Dexter on Dexter: I thought Showtime was a movie channel anyway.

Bryan Cranston as Walter on Breaking Bad: I’ve never even heard of anyone talk about this show.

The Emmy goes to: Matthew Fox as Jack on LOST. Wasn’t my favorite character on the show, but can’t go against it in any category. Especially since it’s the only show I watched.

LEAD ACTRESS IN A DRAMA SERIES

January Jones as Betty on Mad Men: She looks more like a July to me…HOT.

Kyra Sedgwick as Brenda on The Closer: She will bring home the bacon (her husband Kevin) but not the Emmy.

Mariska Hargitay as Olivia on Law & Order:SVU: There are so many L&O and CSI’s but I don’t watch any.

Glenn Close as Patty on Damages: Sorry, but I still hold what you once did to that poor rabbit against you.

Connie Britton as Tami on Friday Night Lights: Hope you’re a winner on Friday, because you won’t be on this night.

The Emmy goes to: Julianna Margulies as Alicia on the Good Wife. A good wife is hard to find and being one is deserving of some praise.

OUTSTANDING COMEDY SERIES

Curb Your Enthusiasm: I like free tv much better.

Nurse Jackie: See above.

Glee: For tonight, change the name to Sad.

30 Rock: I might try and watch it next season,

The Office: One of my favorite shows, but not enough ’That’s what she said’ lines this year.

The Emmy goes to: Modern Family. I said somewhere up above, that no show made me laugh harder this year so I have to award that.

OUTSTANDING DRAMA SERIES
True Blood: Enough with Vampires already.

Dexter: Didn’t that used to be a comic strip?

Mad Men: I’ll be happy if it doesn’t win, but probably will.

The Good Wife: One praise was enough.

Breaking Bad: Are you telling me this has more drama than Desperate Housewives?

The Emmy goes to: LOST. When the series being over leads to a deep depression, that is Emmy worthy drama.

Wow…that’s a long one…’That’s what she said.’ Now I know why awards shows take forever, so do the articles about them.

The Emmy’s are Sunday night, August 29 at 8:00 on NBC…I’ll be watching Big Brother instead.

Next Week:  Episode #49 – June 2, 2010 – “Oooo, Spooky!”
Allen Dershem of Midnight Shadows!

The folks over at the Get Social! Show, KIT-TV’s LIVE TV show, are excited because the folks from Midnight Shadows Paranormal Society are headed to the show!  Get Social is a live TV talk show that highlights the activities of local businesses and organizations in Tipp City and the Miami Valley. Hosts Mike McDermott and Greg Enslen explore local entertainment, news, sports, and weather with a range of special guests. The TV show airs LIVE ON WEDNESDAYS at 1pm on KIT-TV Channel 5, with frequent re-airings throughout the week. Tune in!

From the Midnight Paranormal website:
“Through our own personal experiences, fate has entwined us to form MIDNIGHT SHADOWS PARANORMAL SOCIETY. We are; friends, family, and a forum of paranormal investigators. We constantly thrive to achieve the information,and knowledge to help those in need,and our own spiritual advancement. We show the interest in the fields related as; THE PARANORMAL, THE OCCULT, DEMONOLOGY, AND SPIRITUAL ADVANCEMENT and EXPLORATION. We conduct our investigations in; Businesses, Residential, urban legends, as well known attractions,in a spiritual but scientific manner. If you are in need of some assistance, please feel free to contact us, We will gladly help,or answer any questions as quickly as possible. You can contact us through midnight.paranormal@yahoo.com”

I’ve never been good at saying good-bye, especially to those who are dear to me. However, it’s not only people that I struggle to depart from as the same holds true for favorite T-shirts, drinking glasses and even beloved television shows. So much like when the final drink was served on ‘Cheers’ its with great sadness that I await the final episode of ‘LOST.’

As a television enthusiast whose spent thousands of hours watching a variety of programs from ‘Saved by the Bell’ to ‘E.R’ and everything in between I believe that no series has ever been more compelling than the drama about the island castaways. The question of, Who shot J.R? does not even compare to, What do the numbers mean? ‘LOST’ has provided many mind-numbing questions through its six seasons, very few of which have ever been answered.

‘LOST’ is a perfect title for the series, because the viewers are kept lost trying to figure it all out. My head is starting to spin just by the thought of it. Not only is an alternate reality featured, in which none of the castaways ever crashed on Oceanic Flight 815, but also flashbacks from before the flight and people on the exact same island some of which were transported back to the 1970’s and others in present day. There was another element of time traveling that I’m not even going to try to explain, but it caused some of them to have nose bleeds.

Despite all the confusion, it’s the wondering of what really is going on, that makes ‘LOST’ so entertaining to watch. Right when some answers seemed to finally be discovered the questions would change. What once seemed so important, no longer seems to matter. The Dharma Initiative is long forgotten. The focus has changed to Jacob and the Smoke Monster.

Another saving grace is the cast, each episode is perfectly acted. My personal favorites are John Locke and Ben Linus. They are fascinating characters and a pure delight to watch, especially when interacting with each other. With my apologies to Marcia Brady, though for totally different reasons, I don’t know if any other character has caused more viewing pleasure than Ben. He’s the ultimate schemer, who you love to hate. He’s going to be greatly missed.

It has also not been a struggle watching Kate in a tube top for six years, hearing Hurley say different variations of, ‘Dude,’ or laughing at the nicknames that Sawyer would give people.
I do wonder whatever happened to Walt, who for the first couple of seasons was made out to be a vital character and has since been forgotten. Won’t even mention Vincent, a dog who hasn’t been spotted in forever. He might still be stuck in 1972 from one of the time warps.

One flaw of the show, much like another television classic, ‘Gilligan’s Island,’ is that the castaways are trapped on the island unable to escape, but countless other people come and go at ease. Characters such as Charles Widmore, Ben, Desmond and the all important Jacob have earned frequent flier miles from making multiple trips back and forth.

Another minor irritation is the number of other civilizations that have been found on the mysterious island, that’s supposedly some mystical, secret place. First it was the Others, then the Dharma Initiative who had hatches all over the place, then a group from a freighter, and other groups as well, including those introduced this season who lived in a huge temple. How it had never been found before, I don’t know? Just one of the reasons it keeps me feeling lost.

It is a show that makes you think, which is a major factor that sets it apart from all the others. ‘Golden Girls’ was a great sitcom, highlighted by the ever popular Betty White and her St. Olaf stories but burned very few brain cells. ‘LOST’ is almost worthy of a degree if any sense is made from it and lead to many water-cooler conversations and message board debates.
On more than one occasion when the word ‘LOST’ came up on the screen, marking the end of the episode I thought to myself that television at its finest had just been seen. Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end.

It will be hard to say goodbye to ‘LOST,’ it was a wonderful journey together and could always be depended on for a good time. Like all relationships there were occasional bumps in the road (Nikki & Paulo) and some sadness (Charlie’s death) but in the end I would take nothing back and only wish it could last longer.

I’m going to be lost without ‘LOST,’ but at least will still have my ‘Desperate Housewives.’

The finale of this season’s Hell’s Kitchen ended with a few twists and turns – the greatest one being that the person who deserved to win this cutthroat cooking competition ACTUALLY won.