Life after ‘Idol’; put the penguins on ice, pleeeze

You’ll be talking about: Filling the “American Idol” hole in your heart. Missing “Idol”? Network programmers thought you might. This week they give you a couple of new reality contests from which to choose, including “America’s Got Talent” (hosted by Jerry Springer) and “American Inventor” (brought to you by Simon Cowell). More coming next week. (Tuesday and Wednesday)

You can talk about: “Tearing Down the Wall of Sound.” Want to learn more about Phil Spector, the music genius who has a troubled history with women? Sure you do. He’s a newsmaker. This biography, written by Mick Brown, a British journalist who interviewed him shortly before the arrest that led to his high-profile trial, is reportedly fair and balanced, describing Spector’s charms and his personality quirks. (Tuesday)

You could talk about: The final act in the penguin invasion. Ever since “March of the Penguins” came out in 2005 we’ve suffered a deluge of all things black, white and feathery. Next came the animated “Happy Feet,” followed by the inevitable parody “Farce of the Penguins” as well as a slew of TV specials on penguins. This week we get “Surf’s Up” an animated film about a penguin surfing contest -- and then (maybe) we’re done. (Friday)

You have an excuse to talk about: “The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert.” A special “extra frills” version of the fabulous (and moving) Australian drag queen adventure comes out this week. (Tuesday)

-- Deborah Netburn