Mystery! is my favorite, but isn't on as regularly as it used to be-alas. I also like NCIS, the original Law and Order (even with all the cast changes-really like the new Prosecutor), and Law and Order Criminal Intent. I like The Closer, but can never remember when it's on and there are a lot of 10 pm shows I would probably like, but I go to bed early (school starts early, don'tchaknow). House Hunters and HH International are fun, too. We actually know some people who were on House Hunters. Such a disappointment-they had already bought their house and the other two houses were just filmed for the show. Not sure if they are all like that, but this one was not entirely honest. Too bad.

I would expect that, if you put a decent blower fan with your FP, it would help keep heat from concentrating above your FP. Also, proper insulation around the FP should be a code requirement, so heat shouldn't emanate from the FP through the framing. I would also suggest NOT putting the TV there simply from a comfort standpoint. Even with it tilted down, think about where you're eye level will be while seated, and how much your neck will be craned upward to watch. We put our flat panel TV (42" plasma) in built-in bookshelves to the side of the FP. It is mounted on the rear wall inside the shelving, so we can push it back in flush with the shelving, and pull it out (and adjust the angle, if needed) to watch. The bottom of the TV is about 39" high (36" cabinets below, with a bit of clearance between them and the TV), and the viewing angle is perfect. The other reason we like this set up is that the TV is not the focal point of the room when it isn't on. We wanted the FP and whatever we have on the mantle to be the focal point. Installing the TV this way has accomplished that goal.

Orie - This weekend is the Asparagus festival in Stockton Ca. I LOVE asparagus and have it with breakfast almost everyday (while it is in season). I slice a couple stalks thin and saute them with sliced green onion and mushroom. When they are starting to soften, I add a good handful of baby spinach. When that is cooked down I add one or two scrambled eggs and cook. I love it. I don't use any salt or butter, just low sodium chicken broth to saute and some cayenne pepper. It's very healthy and yummy. I'll miss when asparagus is out of season.

Jasdip, I just have a cheap inside antenna. Some of my friends in the county pick up more stations than I do. I also can't pick up our local ctv station in my living room which I find strange but when I had a television in the bedroom I used to be able to get it a 5 am. I got rid of cable in 2004, my neighbour bought me the analog box and the antenna years before the stations changed and set it up for me. I couldn't believe the all the new stations that appeared. I am in a good location. I am always scanning for new stations. I get better reception and more stations than some of the people i know who are paying for cable or digital and they don't get any of the local Detroit stations. I just think of all that money I didn't give to the cable company haha it now goes to Bell for my internet