I’ve been completely addicted to American political news since the beginning of the summer.

So many factors are converging to make this irresistibly addictive. The diverse cast of characters, the incredibly high stakes, the non-stop twists, from Palin’s Bristol bomb to the “suspension” of the McCain campaign last week. Then it occurred to me a couple of days ago: I’m actually following a reality show. It maybe be reality, not a show, but it doesn’t make it any less voyeuristic and trashy.

I’m totally mixing cosmopolitans and popping corn for Thursday’s VP debate.

So I’m channel surfing on Sunday, when this horrendous image of a mangled arm jumps out at me. Of course, I had stumbled onto some “When Sharks Attack” thing on TLC. I love that misnomer: The Learning Channel (actually, on Sunday I learned not to put on TLC while eating).

But I have to forgive them because they gave us the excellent Trading Spaces. Everyone and his mother seems to be watching that fun show, although nobody talks about it.

Anyway, the next day I’m quietly watching the news, and suddenly this handcuffed guy gets his head slammed into a car by a cop. I just found out the cop’s been suspended. WITH pay.

Okay, guess it’s time for some fun stuff: let’s play spot the she-male…