First of all, let's just state the obvious. The prospect of watching
daylong coverage of the Democratic National Convention on any of the
cable networks is just too soul-killing to consider.

Not gonna do it. In fact, after I finish this post, I'm turning my attention to HBO's new vampire series "True Blood" (my review runs in the Sept. 7 Arts & Living section).

Ah, but I digress. Of course, I tuned in Monday night, though way too early (before 8 p.m.) , as I quickly realized.