Centuries from now scientists will discover that television was the first true time machine in its ability to distort time by stealing it without our even realizing it was happening. One minute you’ve sat down to watch a half hour comedy, and three hours later you’ve been transported into the future and an entire bag of Oreo’s has disappeared, and you feel slightly ill. Still, there are a few programs I enjoy and that I actually find useful as research.

Deadliest Catch on the Discovery Channel tops the list. If you’re working on a novel with a group of characters on any kind of quest/adventure where they’ll face mortal dangers – willingly – you’ll reap a bounty by watching a couple of episodes. And it’s just a terrific show.

It’s got everything – young, inexperienced rookies out to prove themselves, seasoned veterans who’ve seen it all, driven captains who will push their men to their very limits, unforeseen dangers that can strike at any minute, tension, camaraderie, heartache, fear, joy, and elusive treasure.

I like The Girls Next Door, too, for pretty much the same reasons…yup.