The Today Show's V-Chip

That's "V" for Vieira. It's time to weigh in on Meredith Vieira's Today Show gig. I like her on this show -- a lot. She's smart, she's bold, she's real. And she's brought some of her 'tude from "The View" with her, which is kind of fun -- you never know if she's going to forget that she isn't dishing with Babs and the girls anymore. I also like her interview style. Too many times, it's clear the hosts are following a pre-set list of questions that get asked no matter what the guest says. If the guest says something interesting or unexpected, the host doesn't react or follow that train of thought with a follow-up question. Boor-ing. When Meredith hears something unusual or surprising, she digs deeper. It's more like the kinds of conversations we have in real life -- those of us who don't have questions prepared for us by others. She has energized the show.

Want to learn more about her? Check out her blog here.

What's Behind Britney's New Look?

Britney Spears must have had plenty of time to watch "What Not to Wear" while mothering those babies because she seems to have had an extreme wardrobe makeover. When she was interviewed by Matt Lauer in June, we saw her signature white trash look -- ultra short skirt, lots of cleavage, nonstop gum chomping -- but when she "surprised" David Letterman on his show this week, her dress looked more Talbots than trampy. And gosh, thanks to that new conservative blonde bob, I mistook her for a soccer mom, not a rocker mom! Someone more cynical than me might wonder if she's embraced a more mainstream, less flashy look to help her get full custody of her children.

Conservative Kitty

I finally figured out what it is about Brothers & Sisters that is bothering me. I am sad to say it has to do with Calista Flockhart's character, Kitty. And I REALLY wanted to like Kitty. When brought into the family relationship, her "I am a conservative" thing isn't working for me. It would be OK if that aspect of her character were more nuanced within the family dynamic -- but it's always so in your face, hit me over the head with a sledge a hammer. Be it, Kitty, exude it, live it, but unless you are on your TV show, don't talk about it. The casual "family values" chat Kitty has with her brother after he declines to donate his sperm so their other brother can have a baby was just plain bad screenplay construction. And I watch enough TV to know! (P.S. I would say the same thing if she were playing a liberal.)