The Newest Ramati

Congratulations to my brother, Alex, and my sister-in-law, Becca on the birth of their first child. Jacob Edward Ramati entered the world early Saturday evening, making me an uncle.

I found out from Alex that Becca went into labor around 1 p.m. on Saturday, while I was standing outside with the crowd waiting to get into see the taping of "The Oprah Winfrey Show" at the Macon City Auditorium. Of course, Alex found out during the Georgia-Kentucky game and was reduced to following it via his Blackberry. We're going to have to work on the kid's timing.

For some perplexing reason, Alex rejected some of the baby names I had suggested - Jean-Luc Ramati, after the Captain of the Enterprise, it would have been a name that was wise and diplomatic; Spike Ramati, after the Buffy character, no one would pick a fight with the kid; and Clark Kent Ramati, mild-mannered on the outside, but full of power on the inside. Oh well, maybe the next kid...

WGA STRIKE UPDATE: Rumor is, the writers and the studios are set to resume negotiations Nov. 26. That doesn't mean the strike will end any time soon, but there should be some cautious optimism that perhaps something might get done.

MONDAY'S BEST BETS: Rachel Bilson continues her guest run as "Chuck's" (NBC, 8 p.m.) new girlfriend, while "Heroes" (NBC, 9 p.m.) is finally starting to draw all of the various plot points together. Unfortunately, the Wonderless twins appear tonight once more. It's followed by the first part of a two-part "Journeyman" at 10 p.m.

CBS' comedies are all new tonight with the exception of "Big Bang Theory" at 8:30 p.m., which is re-airing the pilot. For some reason unknown to me, this show is a ratings hit, so if you missed out the first time around, now is your time to catch up. The sitcoms are followed by a new "CSI: Miami" at 10 p.m.

Also new among sitcoms is the CW's lineup, beginning with "Everybody Hates Chris," and followed by "Aliens In America," "Girlfriends" and "The Game."

Both "Prison Break" and "K-Ville" are also new on Fox, the latter getting a stay of execution because of the strike, so enjoy while you can.

Finally, "Dancing With The Stars" (ABC, 8 p.m.) continues its run, followed by "Samantha Who?" at 9:30 p.m., while "The Bachelor" is close to wrapping up.