Two hours is always an hour too long for an Amazing Race episode. From a consumer point of view. But they were wise to expend that much time on the first leg of the seventh race, because . .  .

Well, I finally figured out something about this show. About reality shows in general, but I think this one in particular. No time to write it just yet, though. Coming soon.

Meanwhile, I'm enjoying Survivor and Apprentice again, in spite of--because of?--the heartbreak of those first two going home in the first 15 minutes of Survivor. And just how dumb are the hottie boy and girl who haven't figured out they're slitting both their throats by curling up in bed together. Dimples was incredulous at their insistence that a downside had never even occurred to them last week at tribal.

I was too, disbelieving at first, until I resigned myself to the probability that yes, they may just be that stupid. Well, God gave them a whole lot of looks, guess they have to be happy with that. But I do enjoy looking at that guy, so I hope he sticks around a little while.

And when are they going to fix this show? Not as long as it stays this popular, I guess. I'll be hating it by the end of the season, when all the least deserving are left.

That's why I've grown much fonder of The Apprentice. I was no fan of Donald, but I've consistently agreed with his picks. It's refreshing to see a show where the clearly most deserving player wins.

This year, my early money is on the good-natured guy from the high school team who I think led the first challenge, and who had played the playstation game last week. Seems like a lot of weak players on both teams, but they've got time, still, to prove themselves.

(Didn't mean to bait and switch you with the title. I was just going to write one line saying I'd write more later. But I can't help myself. Miss you guys.)