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Longer programming times cause conflict
Q: Can anything be done about TV networks running supposedly 60-minute programs for 61 or 62 minutes? We watch "Desperate Housewives," but not "Brothers and Sisters." If we watch all of "Housewives," we miss the beginning of "Shark" (on CBS). - Cel P., North Port, Fla.
A: This new programming technique has a LOT of detractors, myself included. It's a not-so-subtle way of trying to retain viewers for the entire night's lineup. If our squeaky wheel makes enough noise, perhaps the networks will rethink this practice, but I doubt it. By the way, did you know that Wisteria Lane's newest resident, Dana Delaney, was the producers original choice to play Bree Van de Camp, but turned the role down (three times!).
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Q: There is a Liberty Mutual Insurance commercial on TV of people helping people. There is a song in the background being sung very softly by a female singer. What is the song, and who is singing it? - Elaine W., via e-mail
A: There are two possible answers to the name of the song, but they are both by the same band. Liberty Mutual started airing the helping-hand commercial in 2006, with a song by a band called Hem playing in the background. The name of that song is "Half-Acre," off their 2002 album "Rabbit Songs." Then, in May 2007, Liberty Mutual debuted Hem's song "The Part Where You Let Go" off their "Home Again, Home Again" EP. You can find these CDs at www.hemmusic.com or your local record store.
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Q: I am glad to see that "The Amazing Race" is back. I am a really big fan. How can I apply to be a contestant on the show? - A Reader in Florida
A: The Emmy Award-winning reality competition is indeed back on the CBS schedule (at the expense of my
newest favorite,
"Viva Laughlin," which has since been canceled). If you want to try your luck at this worldwide race, go to CBS.com, and under "Shows," click on "Amazing Race." About halfway down the page on the right you'll see a link to download an application, as well as the eligibility requirements. Good luck!
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Readers: I just wanted to clarify something I wrote about in a previous column. Someone had asked me about William Daniels and how many shows he had starred in. In the interest of brevity, I listed only those in which he starred, but did not make it clear that I would mention only those shows that lasted more than a season. Quite a few of you wrote to tell me about a show from 1967 that I am sure William would prefer we all forgot: a superhero parody called "Captain Nice." Here is a sample of the theme song (thanks to Rick R. of Greensboro, N.C.):
Look! It's the man who flies around like an eagle.
Look! It's the enemy of all things illegal.
Look! At the muscles on those arms, they're like hammers.
Look! It's the nut who runs around in his pajamas.
That's no nut boy, that's Captain Nice.
Have a question for Cindy? E-mail her at letters@cindyelavsky.com, or write to her in care of King Features Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL32853-6475.
(c) 2007 King Features Synd., Inc.
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