The writers' strike seems to be bringing out the political junkie in us all. The big producers have yet to pony up some of the millions (billions?) they are raking in from DVD and internet sales, and our favorite shows are on indefinite hiatus until this whole little disagreement is settled. Really, can't those producers see the writing on the wall? Oh, that's right; the writers are on strike-no writing on walls, or anywhere else.

That leaves the general public in search of alternate programming. I think I speak for many of us when I say that we can only take so much of Gene Simmons' "Donald Trump" act on Celebrity Apprentice. He's the Omarosa of the men's team. (I sure hope sweet Marilu Henner outlasts them both!) And where on earth, by the way, did they dig up that Baldwin bother? How many are there?!

We tried watching a made for TV movie with Natalie Portman and Ashley Judd that had so many unfortunate twists and turns, it left me wondering if whoever wrote it (pre-strike, of course) plotted it with the help of a list of the top-ten worst things that could happen to a heroine (and her best friend). Of course, it probably didn't help that we kept turning the channel to see what the score was in the Patriots game.

The NFL has sustained my husband through this trying strike. I, on the other hand, am no longer ready for some football. Now the Superbowl is in February?! Enough already, just give the Lombardi trophy to Kraft and Belichick and stop talking about what an incredible quarterback Brady is...blah, blah, blah...

So. Detestable reality programming; limited or no new series (yes, this includes watching to see what Sally Field's irritating TV family is whining about this week on Brothers and Sisters); and the end of the football season.No new Heroes. No more How I Met Your Mother. No 24!! What's left?

Politics. Yes, I'm a junky and would be watching it anyway. However, when the early polls show that voter turn-out is up, and the campaign is the top topic cable-wide, you've got to think there's an element of desperation in our viewing. And boy, have the candidates delivered. Hillary's new split personality that bounces from near tears to creepy cackling must surely qualify her for Trump's next show. Ron Paul gets my vote for oddly quirky whacked-out Congressman. I love watching the expression on McCain's face when he's listening to Paul rant on about the war. Meanwhile, Obama is doing the Kennedy imitation Romney wishes he could. God bless them...and that's what we've got Huckabee for.

Meanwhile, while President Bush is in the mid-east negotiating peace, George Clooney has offeredsimilar services to the writers and producers. You can't make this stuff up; at least, not without writers.