Today has been a fun day. Jf and Sylvia came by for a visit, and young Sylvie had a lot of fun playing with Jazzy. The words “dog” and “ball” got quite a workout in her near constant talking.

So I’m sitting at home watching Lost last night, and I’m a bit bored by the ongoing storyline (basically a bunch of mumbo-jumbo to get everyone back on the island). My mind starts to wander and I contemplate variations of the whole ship-wrecked, alone on an island style questions. You know what I mean, the “What one book would you bring?” kind of thing. The variation was that instead of being on an island, you could pretty much be anywhere, since there would be no other people. Ever. Hmm, I guess it’s really the “last person on Earth” scenario. Some of the questions (but not the answers) are below. First, assume that basic survival needs are easily achieved and you live comfortably. How would you choose to live your life? Would you bother to keep up with shaving and haircuts and other grooming? Would you “work” every day to accomplish something or relax like you’re on vacation? Would you celebrate holidays? Now think about adding someone to join you. Who is the one person you would choose, and why? Is the person you would pick the same person you would say you’d pick if asked publicly? In any case, it’s likely someone you know well and love dearly.* How do you think the two of you would treat each other compared to how you do now? Would the lack of outside influences make it easier to get along, or would being each other’s only companion make it more difficult? Would the choices you would have made if alone be the same with another person there? If you could, would you have children, which would make them the last people on Earth?

* A case could be made for it being logical to select someone you don’t know at all, as you’d have different stories and experiences you could share. But, of course, absolutely no one would actually do this.

Since I almost always post a photo with my blog entries, I often have to take a picture of myself to illustrate a point. It occurred to me the other day that I’ve never used a mirror to do so. Usually, I’ll set the 10 second timer and set up the camera with my handy gorillapod to get the shot I need. Judging by this mirror shot, I should probably stick to that method. Or I could wipe the toothpaste spackle (it’s the Sonicare toothbrush’s fault!) off the mirror more than twice a year.

I want you to close your eyes and take a deep breath. Slow down. Focus for a minute on your other senses. Listen for the faintest sound, deeply inhale the delicious aroma of your cup of coffee. Feel the temperature of the room and the slightest touch under your fingertips. Take it all in and enjoy the feeling. Now I want you to think about an exposed spot on your skin, just behind your right ear but a little lower. It’s a quiet spot, and one that you don’t normally notice despite the sensitive invisible hairs that feel the slightest sensation. Bring all of your attention to that one place, for it is about to get attention of another sort. Suddenly you feel a tingle, right after you detect a faint buzzing behind your head. You tense up, because it’s not the loud, annoying drone of a fly, but a stealthy buzz that’s far more menacing. A mosquito, ready to puncture your skin with its sharp needle. Your right hand twitches, ready to slap at the spot and eliminate the threat before it strikes. But this is my experiment, and your job is to try not to slap or scratch your neck, no matter how much it itches. Concentrate on stopping yourself, and be careful not to scratch unconsciously when you start doing something else. It really shouldn’t be that difficult. After all, there is no mosquito. Good luck!

I’m a strong sleeper these days, for the most part. And that’s something I really don’t take for granted. But there are nights when, for some unknown reason, I wake up in the middle of the night and just can’t seem to fall back asleep. Invariably, it’s within a few minutes of 4:00 a.m. I don’t know how or why, but it is. The only time it varies is in the summer, when it is sometimes at 3:00. In any case, my mind is usually working a peak capacity at these times, so I’m flush with ideas and can work through logistical and creative problems with ease. So I’m contemplating an experiment where I train myself to go to sleep much earlier (9:00 p.m. or so) and wake up at 4:00 a.m. on purpose. Then I’ll get some work done on my various projects. I’m a little worried about messing up my quality sleeping pattern, but think the potential reward could be worth it. I’ll let you know how it works out, perhaps with a 4:00 a.m. post.

It’s time for something new on this blog... and this is it! A post without a photo. Yup, that’s all I can come up with for innovation. Today’s post is a top 10 list of my favorite scripted television shows. I personally think there is a lot of good television these days, so it wasn’t hard come up with these 10:

1) Life (NBC) • Interesting premise and characters - too bad it’s probably doomed.
2) 30 Rock (NBC) • Funniest show on TV. I resisted watching this for a long time, despite my crush on Tina Fey.
3) House (FOX) • This season has been a bit weaker than past ones, but it’s still one of the smartest shows out there.
4) The Big Bang Theory (CBS) • Funny and cute comedy, with physics jokes!
5) Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles (FOX) • Has used the advantage of being a series to develop more complex characters than the films.
6) The Office (NBC) • Starting to get funny again, with more Dwight and less drama.
7) Bones (FOX) • Jumped the shark at the end of last season, but starting to make me forget it.
8) How I Met Your Mother (CBS)• Barney is too funny, and who can forget “Let’s Go To The Mall”.
9) Chuck (NBC) • Sweet and fun spy show, with a nerd/babe romance angle. What’s not to like?
10) Fringe (FOX) • Think the X-files at its best. Y’know, before it got crazy with the alien nonsense.

Shows that have dropped out...
Heroes (NBC) • Meh. I have five episodes on my DVR and just can’t motivate myself to watch them.
Lost (ABC) • Just when I think it’s coming good, they introduce time travel to make it even more confusing.

One that will be entering the top 10 very soon:
Dollhouse (FOX) • Joss Whedon (Firefly, Buffy) is producing a new show. Enough said.

So in the battle of the networks, I have 4 FOX shows (4 hours), 4 NBC shows (3 hours), 2 CBS shows (1 hour), and 0 ABC shows. And yeah, I know I need to get a life. But if I ever do, I’ll definitely need another DVR.