In this week's cast, I determined NBC's "Merlin" was somewhat less than magical -- despite the appearance of Tony Head (Giles from "Buffy the Vampire Slayer") in the role of Uther Pendragon, King of Camelot. Original blog posted here.

For my side cast, I look at two very different comedies -- the summer run of "Better Off Ted" on ABC and HBO's "Hung." That blog entry here.

Also, public notice on the Minot Area Theatrical Society's "Deathtrap" auditions July 15-16 in the Minot Public Library, and shout-outs to a new public radio podcast from the arts scene in and around Peoria, Ill., WCBU-FM's "Out and About," and NPR's wonderful Wait Wait Don't Tell Me. Enjoy!

In this week's cast, I talked about Jada Pinkett Smith's "Hawthorne" on TNT being good -- perhaps even a little bit too good. Original blog posted here.

For my side cast, summer is in full and excellent swing with strong entries thus far by "True Blood" on HBO and "Burn Notice" on USA. That blog entry here.

Also, shout-outs to NPR's Hearing Voices, and The Chillcast with Anji Bee. Plus I debut some new theme music that I hope sounds a little bit smoother than the original -- let me know one way or the other (if you can even discern any difference at all).

And beyond that, enjoy!

In this week's cast, I talked about USA's new series "Royal Pains," a show that's entertaining enough, but seems determined to explore the nature of health care in this nation in a setting of extreme disparities between rich and poor. Original blog posted here.

For my side cast, two returning series on TNT bear out the concept that older women are hot. The fifth-season opener of "The Closer" and the third-season opener of "Saving Grace" both turned in some outstanding storytelling, and promise an excellent summer to come. That blog entry here.

Also, a shout-out to the Talk of the Nation Science Friday, and NPR's concert webcasts. Enjoy!