Watching Survivor the other night, and kibitzing with my husband over our favorites, he said “this is going to be a divisive Survivor season for us, isn’t it?” LOL (I like Boston Rob, and hubby admires Russell’s game). We are competitive people, and we can be very competitive with each other, though over the years we’ve found how to make that more of a plus than a negative. Competition is good and healthy — it sparks you to push yourself a little harder, to do a little better. It can add a little spice to life, and emphasize the things you care about. And let’s face it, it’s fun to win, or to be on the winning side. It’s also nice to see someone deserving win, and to see someone take loss gracefully. But things can get heated in the spirit of competition, and it’s sometimes hard to maintain that cool.

I remember when my in-laws visited, and we all played Cribbage. In Cribbage, you can “muggins” someone and take their points if they are not paying attention. In-laws would politely point out to each other when they had not been paying attention and were horrified at dh and I gleefully muggins-ing each other. We were horrified they would point out the lack of attention and give up the points. Because if you are going to win, you should earn it. This is how we played games with our kids, and I don’t come from a family where you let someone win. I know this makes raising kids difficult, too. I have mixed feelings about the “everyone wins” philosophy when it comes to kids — I know we don’t want kids feeling bad or left out, but really, does it set the right example? If everyone always wins, do they ever get a chance to learn how to lose well, and to know that is okay? (thinking about last week’s Desperate Housewives, which took this up in an really great way).

The only time I find myself angry about a loss is when it seems unfair — like Rob getting voted off because Coach is a weenie…(okay, I’ll stop…). But seriously, Rob is a solid competitor who deserved to be there. Similarly, on shows like the Amazing Race, you have fantastic teams who lose because they get a bad cabbie in the last leg. Total luck of the draw. I guess the appeal of these shows is much like sports, for those of us who enjoy the competition, watching the challenges, and rooting for our favorites, but those things we can’t control that throw everything sideways are so hard to watch.

And of course, we all have the stories of how/when it can get out of hand, especially in the arena of sports (kids sports, in particular). Respect has to be part of healthy competition — the only way a win is worth it is if you are up against a worthy opponent, and while you can dislike losing, you can simultaneously be happy for the other person’s win. I really dislike when players (and fans) treat each other badly. As a Red Sox fan, I don’t root for the Yankees, but I have to respect the team and the fans. They give us worthy opponents, and great games to watch. Being a Red Sox fan wouldn’t be half the fun without the Yankees, after all.

Anyway, this was just something that popped up into my mind to blog about as the baseball season starts, and Survivor hits it’s critical point. Have you ever felt really bad about your team or player losing? I’ll admit it, I was sulky about Rob being voted out, but it’s how the game goes. I don’t know why it bothers me so much, but competition can be a very visceral thing. We’re probably acting out all kinds of archetypal dramas.

It’s 80+ degrees in Syracuse today, so I am probably outside doing yard work with dh — I wonder who will outchop, outclear, outmulch? I will stop by, and if you pop in to share a thought on competition, and it’s part in your life, personality, or reading/writing (or TV watching), I’ll pick someone to receive a copy of my May Blaze, Make Your Move, by the end of the day (just a little contest in the spirit of competition!)

I thought it might be fun to give you a bit of a heads up on some of the new TV shows coming this fall. That way you can plan your DVR time accordingly and have lot more time to read wonderful romances like those written by friends over there to the right of this blog post.

I’m going to share with you the 11 new shows on Broadcast TV that will be making it onto my DVR for at least a few more episodes. If you see them here, it means I liked the pilot and want to give it another chance. These are in no particular order. You’ll notice I seem to like the ones that have a paranormal or romantic elements. I can’t imagine why. If you have questions about new or returning shows, post them here. I probably have scoopage for you.

1. Vampire Diaries (CW, Thurs., Sept. 10) Kevin Williamson (Dawson’s Creek) brings L.J. Smith’s books to life. While it may start out a little Twilighty, it takes a different turn very soon into the series. Love the casting in this one. Nina Dobrev is a great Elena, and Paul Wesley embodies Stefan. He has that very old soul look about him.

2. The Beautiful Life (CW, Wed., Sept. 16) from Ashton Kutcher is going to be one of my guilty pleasures. It’s hot young models who discover the glam life isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. I like it far better than the revamped Melrose Place the CW is doing. Though the latter will get more press.

3. Eastwick (ABC, Wed., Sept 23) is loosely based on the film by the same name. It’s about three women who discover they have more control and power in their lives than they could have ever imagined. I want to hate Rebecca Romijn for looking so great after having twins, but I just can’t. This is a great cast and a fun show. And I love the New England feel of it.

4. Flash Forward (ABC, Thurs., Sept. 24) Joseph Fiennes stars in this unusual series. Everyone in the world passes out for a couple of minutes and many of them have a glimpse into the future. It’s cool how this whole thing unravels and how the stories tie into one another. Cool concept and great pilot. I can’t wait to see what they do next.

4. Cougar Town (ABC, Wed., Sept. 23) Don’t judge this one by it’s name, it’s not at all what you would expect. Bill Lawrence (Scrubs) helms this comedy with edgy humor and great comedy talent from Courteney Cox and the rest of the cast.

5. Modern Family (ABC, Wed., Sept. 23) This is a mockumentary comedy that shows there are all types of loving families. It’s slightly twisted and yet heart-warming at the same time. This one made me laugh out loud more than once.

6. V (ABC, Tues., Nov. 3) You’re going to have to wait awhile for this remake with Elizabeth Mitchell, Morris Chestnut, Scott Wolf and a great ensemble cast. The effects and the story telling in the first episode are stellar. I can’t wait to see more.

7. The Good Wife (CBS, Tues., Sept 22) If you told me three months ago that this show would be on my list I would have called you crazy. But that was before I saw the pilot. I will tell you right now it is so much more than the advertising makes it look. The writing is superb and Juliana Marguilies had finally found a role that does her justice.

8. Glee (Fox, Wed. Sept. 16) I heart this show so much it hurts. There is great music, a talented cast and great story telling. I’ve seen the first three episodes and I am in love with this show so much I want to send it a box of candy.

9. Community (NBC, Thurs., Sept. 17) This ensemble comedy featuring Joel McHale and Chevy Chase is clever, and it made me laugh out loud. McHale holds his own, but it’s the ensemble cast that makes this show come alive.

10. the forgotten (ABC, Tues., Sept. 22) I haven’t had a chance to see a full pilot of this series starring Christian Slater, but I’m curious about the premise. It’s about civilian volunteers who dedicate their lives to finding the names of the Jane and John Does. And they almost always solve a mystery or two.

11. Human Target (Fox, Jan. 20) Okay, so we have to wait until next year for this one, but it’s so much fun. For those who like a healthy dose of action adventure this is the ticket. Mark Valley, Chi McBride and Jackie Earle Haley star.

So many wonderful things came out of the television show Friends, but among the most memorable was “the list.” Remember Ross’s laminated card of celebrities, should he meet them, that he would be able to have sex with them with no guilt or recriminations? What always struck me as funny was that it was laminated. A permanent list. How can someone do that? Mine is always changing.

For several years, I had the “two Hughs” at the top — Grant and Jackman (though Grant fell in and out of grace on the list, but his performance in Love, Actually kept landing him a spot even after I kicked him off…). Our own Leslie Kelly has been fortunate enough to actually meet THE Hugh, so we can completely understand why she would have him on her list. Meeting in person would have to clinch it!

The only constant on my list is Pierce Brosnan. I’ve loved him since Remington Steele. The man has looks, talent, smarts, social conscience, class… the whole package. I think I can safely say he will never be off my list (well, as long as he never sticks with that terrible scruffy facial hair, etc — that was bad). I’m sure he’s relieved to know this.

My recent list has included Enrico Colantoni, whom I enjoyed in Just Shoot Me, but he became listworthy in Veronica Mars (it was the Sheriff’s uniform). Also, Tim Roth, though I have to say I think it’s more Roth’s character Cal Lightman on the new show Lie to Me whom I find attractive.

I also have to include Tony Head. I love Angel and Spike, but I would have taken Giles over both of them, any day. I just discovered Jeremy Renner (Jason) and Ian Kahn (Davis) from The Unusuals. There has to be room for them on the list; they could probably bump the fictional Cal Lightman.

As you can see, my list is always a work in progress. You can also guess why most of my heroes, almost all, are dark-haired.

Who is on your list? Could you have it laminated or are you fickle like me? Share, and I’ll pick a winner to receive a cute mini-tote I made. There might even be a book inside.