A heads-up...

If you are starved for something to watch, Starz has a new series... The Pillars of the Earth, based on a book of the same name by Ken Follet. It is set in the years of civil war between Stephen of Blois and the Empress Matilda, and centers around the building of a cathedral in the fictional earldom of Kingsbridge.

I don't mean to say this is a bad show, or only worth watching if you are board out of your mind. Far from. In fact, I think it is very good... but I don't want to give the impression it is another Spartacus, Blood and Sand. It isn't that good... yet.

Lots of big names (Donald Sutherland, Ian McShane, Rufus Sewel, and Matthew Macfadyen to name a few), really good design concept, and a surprising couple of twists for those that are familiar with the book (which Jambo and I are). Far less gore and sex than Spartacus, to be sure, but (so far) fairly accurate in its history and presentation (in as much as the story line allows). I like the way they are portraying Stephen, too. I'm not sure his claim to the throne wasn't the strongest (at least of the two in contention), but he wasn't a good king, and he was easily swayed by outside influences (unike his more powerful and much more famous grandfather, William of Normandy).

Worth checking out, if you have the time.