Staying Connected

One of the biggest challenges to living in Paris is my disconnect with American entertainment. For example, I'm unable to watch Madonna on Oprah today. It's not that I'm an Oprah fan. But everyone will be talking about the event tomorrow.

So, I do my best to play along. I scan the internet for news. I read Billboard.com. I cruise through USAToday.com. I receive the "Programming Insider" by Mediaweek via email for an up-to-date account of the Nielsen Ratings from the night before. To some, it might be boring. But to me, it's engaging.

For example, CBS placed King of Queens, a show I watch routinely here in Paris, on hiatus this season. As a result, Monday ratings are down almost 24% in the 7 -8 p.m. hour.

No wonder I'm not fluent in French. There's only so much room in my brain. And if I have to choose, daytime talk wins everytime!