My Idols

I promise I'm not going to talk about American Idol, although this post does deal with television. It is one of my favorite channels to watch, any time of the day (regardless of the consequences). I would love to make you guess what I'm talking about, but that's just too much work and I've been lazy all day so let's keep that going, shall we?

I of course am speaking of, the one, the only, Food Network. It is one of the best channels on TV, like, ever. And the hosts/chefs of the numerous shows on said channel are and forever will be my idols (hence the post title). I could go one of a couple ways here - I could rave about all the shows on FN currently, I could complain that there aren't as many good shows, or I could just sum some shit up. Therefore I have a select few topics I want to hit good and hard with this post - Old ICA vs New ICA, past favorite shows, and current favorite shows.
And I know my posts have seemed to go on for days in the past, so I'll do my best to make this a concise one :)

I know I mentioned old vs new ICA, but I'm gonna save that for last. I will instead start with some of the old (no longer showing, as in moved to The Food Channel - or at least not on during waking hours) shows I absolutely loved.
Ace of Cakes - DUFF GOLDMAN. Nuff said am I right, or am I right?! This guy is just the epitome of rockingness (it may not be in the dictionary, but I promise it's a real word). They made some pretty kick ask cakes and Duff is just a funny dude. Cake plus funny plus cool design equals one great TV show I tell you.
Good Eats - Alton Brown! Love that guy! Good Eats combined food (always amazing) with nerdy facts and overall just cool info about the good eats he was speaking of on any given day. Molasses, leeks, etcetera. Just some good times.
Everyday Italian - I always say I think I was supposed to be born Italian or live in Italy. I'd take either :P but Giada D'Laurentis made the show great cause she actually is Italian and she would speak Italian a little bit and that's how I learned to pronounce quite a few of the awesome pasta names/dishes. I miss that show.
Semi-Homemade with Sandra Lee - this show gave you the excuse to not make everything homemade! Who wouldn't want to be able to get away with using store bought crap and calling it your own?! I was very angry when it stopped showing on The Food Network (I'm not sure if it's on The Food Channel or not).

Great shows currently on FN that I love include but are not limited to:
Chopped - Ted Allen is the bomb (he's no Alton Brown, but he's right up there). I just really enjoy the concept. I also like all the spin offs they do with it. Sometimes that doesn't work well for shows, but it certainly does with Chopped.
Diners, Drive Ins, and Dives - Triple D all the way baby! Guy is such a cool dude! And he doesn't hate on MN like most other road trip type shows do! He's just good peoples.
Cupcake Wars - Cupcakes. End of story.
The Best Thing I Ever Ate/Made - Really cool that you can see what and where chefs eat (so you can eat there too!) or that they show you how to cook actual dishes they actually make!

OLD vs NEW ICA (Iron Chef America)
I could complain for a very long time about the differences and why I prefer a certain one, but I'd like to hear your thoughts!

Final comments...I did NOT forget about 30 Minute Meals, I just wasn't sure where to place it. I don't see it very often, but I know that it still airs regularly on FN. Just thought I'd clear that up for The Cooler Jacobs.

Love ya'll crazy readers and have a good night!!! :)