Back to New York -- Project Runway and other favorite shows

I just watched the first episode of the new season of Project Runway and am feeling good about it. Very good. They're back in New York, Nina and Michael are judging again, and the designers appear to be at least somewhat talented. It usually takes a few episodes to pick favorites, but I am optimistic. The past 2 seasons have been pretty forgettable, so we are due for a good one!

It's been slim pickins lately, as far as good tv goes, but Jason and I have managed to keep ourselves entertained with the following new favorites and other oldies but goodies:

Comedies

• Modern Family -- Love it. Love the dad (though I don't understand how he and Claire ever became a couple), love Cam, love Manny. I just hope they can keep up the momentum for a second season!
• How I Met Your Mother -- Jason resisted this show at first, but it really is funny. And it probably helps that we're about the same age as all the characters. They need to reveal who the 'Mother' is though! Or will that be the downfall of the show?
• 30 Rock -- Gets better every season. As wonderful as the supporting cast is, it really is Tina Fey, and her willingness to be totally humiliated, who makes this show work. Some of the episodes have actually made me laugh till my stomach hurt. Now that's good comedy.

Dramas:

• Men of a Certain Age -- Ray Romano's new drama started out kind of slow, but I think it's going to be a good one. Ray does an excellent job in his role as Joe, a 49-year-old father going through a divorce. And Andre Braugher is fantastic (fantastic!) as his friend Owen, a happily married man stuck working a dead-end job. Scott Bakula, my mother's old favorite from Quantum Leap, plays the other lead, a single 'player' who is starting to wonder if he should settle down.
• Big Love -- Well-written, well-acted, intense...pretty much everything you come to expect from an HBO show. Chloe Sevigny deserves every award out there for her portrayal of Nikki, the second wife of Bill and daughter of the notorious 'prophet' Roman Grant.

Guilty Pleasure:

• Jersey Shore -- I can't help it, this show is so ridiculously entertaining. I know these people don't actually represent New Jersey or The Shore, but it's just so much fun to watch. Jason and I love DJ Pauly D, the dimmest bulb in the group, who beamed with pride over the fact that his gelled hair was perfect, even after a day of swimming. Sigh. My friend Lindsay is throwing a Jersey Shore party in a couple of weeks -- I will be sure to post pictures of the event. I think B and I are going to invest in some fake hair extensions from Walgreens :)

Coming soon -- the final season of LOST premieres on February 2 (Groundhog's Day)! Yes!