One of my favorite parts of the second half of the Survivor season is when they introduce the jury at every tribal council.  The booted castaways always look supa-hot — showered, shaved, plucked and coiffed.

The season finale of Survivor: Exile Island featured this dude named Shane on the jury.  On his stay on the island, Shane was notorious for his mental instablity.  Initially triggered by the fact that he kicked a 20-year, 3-pack-a-day cigarette habit on his first day on the island, he continued to flip out with manic outbursts and mild hallucinations (there was this whole episode where he was typing on a piece of wood like a blackberry). 

In any case, I just felt like sharing this fetching get-up that somebody dressed him in for the final tribal council.  On the left is a picture of how everyone remembers Shane: crazy eyes, protruding belly and scary Cape Fear tattoos.  On the right is Shane at tribal council in, dare I say, the daintiest blouse I ever did see.

Like a newborn first finding its way into the cold cruel world, the UPN/WB hybrid the CW debuts its first primetime line-up today. I have to admit a certain fondness for both the WB and UPN — the WB brought me Gilmore Girls and Dawson's Creek in its prime, and UPN has brought me Veronica Mars and Everybody Hates Chris. If only they could combine the best of both these worlds… Unfortunately, they've decided to bring back 7th Heaven, which means they can't be trusted, as that is by far the Worst. Show. Ever.

But here, in all its newborn glory, is the first primetime lineup of the CW (this is not the official press release; I'll post it when I manage to find it — UPDATE: Here's the full release).

Of note: There are practically no new shows in this schedule. But… VERONICA MARS! VERONICA MARS! VERONICA MARS! People who like Everwood are bummed. I used to be one of you. But I got over-committed with other nonsense and it had to go. 7th Heaven sucks; have I mentioned? 

And that's it for the network upfronts. You may argue that I ignored the other new network, MyNetworkTV. I did not. I just chose not to acknowledge it. So there. 

Fox, I know you're the sleaziest of the networks. I despise your news arm, and anything you do in the "reality" category, including American Idol (hooray, Dan!). But, to be completely honest, Fox, you come up with the best, most original, most watchable shows currently haunting my TiFaux. To wit: House and 24. I also hear good things about Prison Break from people who I trust, though the premise was too ridiculous for me to watch myself. So, what have we to look forward to next year?

Here's the 2006-2007 Fox primetime schedule.

Of note: HOUSE! 24! Yay! Fox still shows Cops and America's Most Wanted. Who knew? Ron Livingstone has a new show (Standoff) that's called a cross between Moonlighting and 24 in the press release — could be absolutely absurd, but actually kind of sounds a teensy bit interesting. Rob Corddry's sitcom (The Winner) is currently unscheduled and sounds like it could be awful, but it's Rob Corddry. And with his brother Nate on Studio 60, the Corddrys are taking over Hollywood, people! Watch out! On the Lot sounds absolutely terrifying. I think the concept is fantastic but I don't think we'll be able to watch it in our house because of a combination of nerves/jealousy/righteous anger.

I really love House. 

I didn't see the last 6 episodes thanks to my Berlin-based lifestyle, but I read the news today, oh boy. BJ Averell, my friend who would have been voted most likely to star on a reality TV show–if they did superlatives at Harvard–won $1 million on The Amazing Race 9 along with Best Friend Tyler. Congratulations BJ and Tyler. Have you ever considered financing independent films?