Belated entry here, mostly for TV fans.

Eric Szmanda -- Decided to post something on him after hearing my mom ask, "Who's that handsome guy?" while we were watching "C.S.I." last night. ( She tends to doze off when I'm not watching it with her, so she was wide awake yesterday! ) Well, Szmanda is indeed attractive, though not in a conventional way. His is a more boy-next-door-but-with-an-edge kind of cute, plus he's got perpetual bed-head. Still, his recurring character of DNA analysis expert Greg Sanders during Season 1 earned him enough fans for the show's producers to make him a permanent addition starting from Season 2. He's born in the same year as I am, and doesn't have much of a resume. However, I literally stumbled upon one of his previous movies on cable, and think it's actually quite good. It's called "True Vinyl", and has Szmanda playing a small-town boy with aspirations of becoming a world-class DJ. The plot is thin, but there's no denying the good music, vibrant club scenes, and a very sweet, likeable Eric. Watch him let loose with some head-banging and salsa dancing, in stark contrast to his labcoat-clad character on C.S.I. Very enjoyable. :)
Anyway, you can visit the TV show's website for more info. The writers never fail to surprise me every single time. And the acting is just getting better and better.

Don't miss "Stealing Beauty", the film that catapulted the very beautiful Liv Tyler to superstardom. I missed it a few times earlier this month, but it'll be screened again next Monday on HBO. This was R(A), I believe, so some parts must've been snipped. Still, better than nothing.

Monday's episode of "Alias" was unbelievably fantastic, best of all culminating in THE KISS between Jennifer Garner and Michael Vartan's characters. I tell you, I haven't been this thrilled about a TV smooch since David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson locked lips on "X-Files". However, "Alias" promises more twists and turns, especially after the latest shocker where one of Sidney's best friends is murdered and replaced with a lookalike, and Arvind Sloane ( head of the now-defunct SD-6 ) escapes from the CIA and launches his own terrorist group. All this comes from J.J. Abrams, the same guy who created preppie drama "Felicity". That is one talented guy.

Yesterday's installment of "Joe Millionaire: Secrets of the Women" was a huge eye-opener. Evan the consturction worker actually used to be a model in Europe, but couldn't bear to part with his beloved bulldozer and later returned to operating heavy equipment ( bizarre ). Heidi, the banker who is also a b****, reminded us that she went on the show with her boyfriend's approval -- which got Americans talking. Her guy speaks up for the first time, and says he let her do it because he feels secure about himself, and doesn't worry about measuring up to another man, blah blah blah. If Evan really did have US $50 million and picked Heidi, she'd drop her beau in a heartbeat ( oh wait, scrap that, 'cos she doesn't have a heart ). Even funnier still, when asked what he loves most about Heidi, the boyfriend goes on and on about her "great body", "nice curves", how "hot" she is, with zero mention about her character or personality. They're perfect for each other! :)

The finals of "Star Search" will be shown tomorrow, and yes, Jake Simpson will be performing. I predict he'll win hands down. Looks like a young Michael Ball, sounds like no-one I've ever heard (!), and rivals Robbie Williams in terms of on-stage enthusiasm. A star is born. :D

Enough for today. Thanks for reading.