Entourage’s Adrian Grenier will again host the charity: water charity: ball in 2009.

More than 1000 guests helped raise $500 000 at the 2008 charity: ball.

Advance tickets are available until 30 November for the charity: ball 2009.

House = D+

This show used to merit an “A”… until they completely went and changed/ruined something that didn’t need changing/ruining.  The demotion of Foreman, Chase and Cameron was completely unfounded.  As if that weren’t bad enough, they go and replace them with three pointless characters (Kumar, Alien Girl and Napoleon).  I hope Kumar returns to pot-smoking with Harold, Alien Girl dies (along with Lori Petty) a quicker death than Huntington’s could give and Napoleon suddenly finds himself in a show I don’t watch, like NCIS.  Show savior:  Robert Sean Leonard as the trusty Wilson.

Celebrity Rehab = A+

The title screams “exploitation.”  And then you watch it.  Dr. Drew Pinsky actually gives a shit about these children.  And before you know it, you do too.  I could say it’s as addictive as crack, but then I’d be, well, an asshole.  Though I don’t think I’d be willing to stand Jeff Conaway for more than 10 seconds.  He makes Gary Busey look like Warren Christopher.

The Office = A-

Five years and counting, the most consistently funny show on television.  Just when you think you might tire of the same characters, they find fresh ways of presenting them.  Case in point, the Cornell grad himself, Andrew Bernard (Ed Helms).  Whereas he started out the angry guy, he has developed quite nicely into a character invested with pathos.

30 Rock = B-

The show hasn’t necessarily fallen off a cliff this season (thanks to the perfect Alec Baldwin) so much as taken a wrong turn.  I liked it better when it was more of a workplace comedy in which all the characters were involved.  Now, it’s “The Liz Lemon Show” and insert-guest-star here.  It makes me want to “flee to the Cleve.”  Only guest-star worth a damn:  Elaine Stritch as Alec Baldwin’s wily, domineering mother.

Entourage = B

If you don’t expect too much from this show and just live vicariously, you’ll get what it delivers — a fun ride.  Except for the “mushrooms” episode.  I know they were trying to break up the format a bit, but guys in the desert on mushrooms is only funny to guys in the desert on mushrooms.  Best Guest Star:  Jason Patric.

Dexter = B+

Most of the credit for this letter grade goes to journeyman-for-hire Jimmy Smits and his ultra-charismatic turn as Miguel Prado, Dexter’s new best friend.  As usual, the show’s B and C plotlines went bust, but it had the juice of the main narrative to keep it going.  Bonus points for not having that horrible British actress from last season f’ing things up.  Should eliminate from show:  Any plotlines involving Lt. Maria Laguerta.

The Election = A+

The best reality television bar none.  Christ, that was invigorating.  An election that let you consume on so many different levels.  Now, I turn on a political show and it just ain’t the same.  There was drama and urgency like never before.  Here’s to 8 years of someone with a brain.

Absolutely, Positively Can’t Wait For: Lost.  The best show on television returns next week.

Best Piece of Television: A Colbert Christmas

Show You’re Not Watching But Should If You Like Music At All and Have the Sundance Channel: Elvis Costello’s “Spectacle”

Best SNL Host: Paul Rudd

The Shark Has Been Jumped: Grey’s Anatomy

Encouraged By: The first installments of 24.  They’ve seemingly come up with a fresh (though preposterous) way of bringing it back to the characters we love.  Here’s hoping they can keep it going without turning into Torture-of-the-Week.

Guiltiest of Pleasures: VH-1

Still Won’t Be Watching 5 Nights a Week: Jay Leno

Other Writers Strike Casualties to Welcome on Return: Friday Night Lights (January 16), Big Love (January 18), Rescue Me (April).

Drug Deterrent of the Year: A&E’s Intervention

Need Murderous Rage in Your Life?  Then Watch: Real Housewives of Orange County

Get two tickets to the Season 5 Entourage premiere and after party and help raise funds for Share Our Strength.

Bid in a charity auction to meet Vincent Chase (Adrian Grenier) and the cast (Jeremy Piven, Kevin Connolly, Kevin Dillon and Jerry Ferrara) of Mark Wahlberg’s Entourage in person in New York.

Entourage is based loosely on Mark Wahlberg’s experiences as an up-and-coming movie star and takes an inside look at the Hollywood high life.

The Share Our Strength Entourage charity auction ends June 30.