I’m almost beside myself with excitement over the Dancing with the Stars new season on Monday, even though the last season was such a bummer, and obviously set up for the boringest couple on TV to win, Kristie Yamaguchi and Mark Ballas. Gah, did they coach them on how to be dull? Apparently. Neither ever said a witty or original word.

You know what, Producers? It’s NOT just about the dance, that’s the lesson we learned last season. Dull, dull, dull. That’s why they’re called celebrities – they’re supposed to entertain in some way.  At least I got to know Adam Carolla, however, and don’t tell me Julianne doesn’t still have a little crush on him. And Derek and Shannon Elizabeth, so cute, which you also mishandled.

Oh well, on with the next season!

Unfortunately, it conflicts with one of my other favorite shows,  Prison Break. I don’t really know what fantasy football is, but I think it might be like what Prison Break is for the ladies:  very good-looking men, with strong personalities, good educations, who are well-spoken, and with at least a couple of redeeming qualities. Oh, and the ability to work well on projects. Who just happen to have met in a very attractive prison.

Oh, give me a break, I know a lot of guys watch it, too. I hear it’s very popular overseas, too, because of the nonstop action. Which 24 has, too, of course, but the Prison Break characters also have really great…character. Emotions, too, even though they are so often restrained, in that tight, appealing macho way. Gets the women aroused…

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I wrote in my other blog (which covers my goal of changing the world, one giant step at a time) about how excited I was to get my first digital camera last year, the Panasonic DMC-TZ1. I still love it, and I still don’t know how to do everything- like take a picture at night or sunset that isn’t exposed too long. And I wish the longer lens settings were more in focus. (but that’s what Sharpen is for, right?)

Mostly, I love that it’s always with me, because it’s so compact and lightweight. I took this 6 months ago of trees straddling the barbed-wire fence of Silver Lake Reservoir, a nearby LA-style cement bathtub that we pretend is a lake. I love crows, anyway, but the balance in this photograph, the lacy lines, and the very very clever crows that almost blend into the tree – although not quite!- make this a winner for me. I also love the hint of vintage – it reminds me of 19th century scut black paper ilhouettes, although it would take a very sharp pair of scissors.

I know a lot of viewers won’t agree – it’s not exciting, and mostly, no color. But for a black and white line drawer like myself, this was very satisfying!

Click to enlarge. There are actually FOUR crows hiding up there!