I have a 19 month-old son named Keane Black who has recently graduated from a boob-obsessed pink blob into a happy-go-lucky toddler. (Little does he know that, if he follows his father's path, he's only a few decades away from regressing back into a boob-obsessed pink blob, except this time with back hair).

The transition has been great for me because it means that my son and I are now actually able to do things together: we play ball, we color, and we watch TV.

Babies are greedy in the sense that my son seems to have no interest in watching PTI (regardless of how many times I explain to him the myriad delights of LeBatard). Thus, when we watch together, we're stuck watching his shows, specifically his all-time favorite, The Backyardigans.

While I've grown to enjoy the show, it's occurred to me there are several ways that it can be made a more effective educational device..

Reality is not reality like in TV reality series. Reality, in fact, is usually too true and very often sad. With that in mind, David Edwards, the young man who was the inspiration for the character Jason Street on NBC's Friday Night Lights, has died. Just 20 years old, David was injured by playing high school football for San Antonio Madison in November 2003. He was a defensive back, and while going after a pass, he collided with an Austin Westlake receiver. Edwards' neck was broken and the injury resulted in his becoming paralyzed.

Fans of Friday Night Lights will be very happy to hear this: Diane Holloway of the Austin American-Statesman is reporting that NBC is renewing the show for a second season.

Holloway, the paper's TV writer, got her information from the assistant to executive producer and Austin, TX resident Sarah Aubrey. Apparently the assistant -- and by extension, Holloway -- knew before Aubrey did, since she was in a meeting when her assistant got the news. The production will stay in Austin, which is a good thing; can't get that authentic Texas feel in California, know what I mean?

(S01E21) In case you missed it, Joel wrote an interesting post a few days back asking whether Friday Night Lights has a chance at a second season. I bring it up because one of the things he praises the show for is how well acted it is. I completely agree with him, but as great as it has been all season, I think tonight might have set a new high mark.

I'm talking specifically about the argument Eric and Tami had over her proposal that she and Julie stay in Dillon while Eric goes to Austin. It's great writing to start with, and performed amazingly by Kyle Chandler and Connie Britton. Over the course of the previous 20 hours of television we have learned a lot about their relationship. They are one of the great television couples, but part of what makes them so great is their imperfections. We get the chance to see the happy, madly in love Taylors, but we also get to see the struggling, fighting Taylors. My favorite part was Eric's admission, "I'm not mature, I can't handle that." They are endlessly fascinating to me.

This year, DirecTV will have its own stages at the music festival portion of South By Southwest (SXSW) so it can broadcast concerts live. Performers this year include Pete Townshend, The Stooges with Iggy Pop, David Byrne, Ozomatli, Taylor Hicks (seriously!), Amy Winehouse, Buzzcocks, Interpol, Razorlight, Hot Hot Heat, The Bravery and Booker T. And if you haven't heard of about two-thirds of those bands, that's okay. The point of SXSW is to showcase up-and-comers along with big headliners.

If you're not sure what all this SXSW stuff is, the president of DirecTV says "It's to the music industry what Sundance is to the film business." The festival, in Austin, TX each March, also has an online and movie component but the music portion is definitely the big draw.

DirecTV subscribers can watch SXSW performances on channel 101 from March 14-18.

Ellen DeGeneres has a new friend named Gladys, an 88-year old woman from Austin, Texas who is quick as a whip. At least, that's who she seems to be. But this Texas newspaper columnist thinks something is fishy. She and her co-workers tried to contact Gladys Hardy and not only could they not locate her, but they found out that the same 'Gladys' is a regular caller on some Texas morning radio programs. And she has a website. That's awfully prolific for an 88-year old woman. When the Texas reporter called Ellen's people, they said they've enjoyed their chats with Gladys but might not call her again.

How did this all come about? Well, 'Gladys' left a hilarious message on Ellen's company voicemail about the placement of a plant on the set and Ellen returned her phone call on air. She's talked to her once again since that episode and even invited Gladys to the show, but she declined. Hmmmm.

A clip of her talking to Ellen is after the jump. I think it's an actor/comedian who has duped Ellen. Watch it and tell me if you think Gladys is a fake.

Terry is determined to not go quietly but his military approach doesn't seem to work well with Casa Dysfunction. It's like having a strict stepdad suddenly come to a disordered family of sulky teenagers. The episode starts with a reward challenge designed to shake up tribal lines. Tribes of three compete for bed and breakfast. Aras gets everyone to go for the team of Terry, Austin and Shane and so Aras, Sally and Bruce are able to best the team of men.

 And then the rains come making the reward a little less delightful. Sally, Bruce and Aras find that their breakfast in bed is all soaked but the food makes it worth it. Meanwhile, Danielle and Austin suffer in the rain on Exile Island huddled up together.

Back at camp, Terry just won't give in, he is always playing and always forceful. He quizzes Shane on the pecking order for the final four and finds out who Shane envisions making it to the final four. He immediately begins hatching a plan to shake loose the other two.  When the happy breakfasters return Sally shows off her full stomach. They didn't manage to sneak any treats back to their tribe either. Eager to work on his plan, Terry confesses to Sally that he has the immunity idol. She is immediately agog at Terry's mastery.  Even though their entire team has been decimated, she still seems to see Terry as the all-powerful, all-knowing.

Wow, I didn't think anything could suck more than the Vegas auditions. But Austin, you proved me wrong! You are the suckiest city so far. People from Texas can't sing, but hot damn they're attractive. (My family is from Texas. Wink wink; nudge nudge.) Yup, Texas has a lot to be proud of -- the acting skills of Jessica Simpson, a great president, and a lot of good-looking people who can't sing worth crap.