HOW HIGH'S THE BIDDING, MAMA? Sotheby's has the catalogue up online for the upcoming auction of the estate of Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash, and while you won't be able to bid on, say, a burning ring of fire or the gun used in that Reno shooting, there are plenty of items among the 760+ lots to fit almost any budget, ranging from Johnny's Louis Armstrong automatron, which serenaded the Man in Black from his wardrobe closet and is expected to fetch in the low hundreds, to the couple's 1987 Rolls Royce (low mileage!), which will set you back some $60,000.

THAT'S THE BAD ONE: As eagle-eyed Kim pointed out at 8:52 p.m. on August 10 (an hour and eight minutes before the episode started), the difference between C&C and Hi-Lo was seven hours and fourteen minutes. The winner of the Inaugural Amazing Race Betting Pool is therefore Finch (7:07), edging out Matt (7:22) by exactly one minute. Finch: to claim your worthless prize, please email your address to isaacspaceman@hotmail.com and in four to thirty or so weeks you may receive something in the mail that may or may not be distinguishable from junk mail. Isaac, with a bid of 10:30, was the last to arrive. I'm sorry to say that I've been eliminated from the Inaugural Amazing Race Betting Pool.

"YOU LOOKED FOR THE THREE MOST GULLIBLE PEOPLE YOU COULD FIND AND THEY WERE ALL IN D.C.?" In addition to ALOTTFMA semi-official (and wholly legal) addiction "The Amazing Race," last night marked the two hour finale of "Joe Schmo 2." While reality finales are normally tons of fun, "Schmo" gives you the joy of not just closure of the "reality" story (Piper and Austin must choose between their final suitors and "rekindling the embers of love" with each other) but of the "big reveal" in which the Schmos discover that everyone around them is an actor. Yes, we get the reveal almost being blown by an over-observant Schmo, a teary-eyed actress guilty over playing her part too well, removal of false teeth by the host, brilliant "Average Joe" parody, and perfect use of the word "Jackpot!"

Tim Walsh (aka "Joe Schmo") has been boring for much of the season, but finally gets a chance to shine, both in his response to the big reveal and in his performance in the hysterical "Average Joe" segment where he dresses up as his ugly cousin. He's authentically the kind of guy you'd WANT to sit down and have a beer with. Amanda (aka "Jane Schmo 2") still doesn't have much of a personality, unfortunately, and aside from a great moment at the final "Promise Ceremony," continues that trend. The one downer? Not enough time with former Schmo turned actress Ingrid Wiese, who may well be the most appealing and decent reality show contestant of the year. Well worth checking out on one of SpikeTV's endless repeats between episodes of "Highlander" and "Star Trek: Deep Space 9."

I'M A REPORTER, NOT A CRIMINAL! Not to be outdone by Time magazine reporter Matt Cooper's defiance of the Valerie Plame inquiry, "60 Minutes" correspondent Mike Wallace got himself arrested on disorderly conduct charges last night for talking smack to some NYC taxi cops.

Up next: Ed Bradley jaywalks.

WORSE REVIEWS THAN THE LATEST SPIKE LEE JOINT? Apparently, the good people of Athens are hating on Olympic mascots Phevos and Athena, about whom we've commented before in this arena.

Via a loyal reader.

BUT IF YOU TRY SOMETIMES, YOU GET WHAT YOU NEED: Well, since we've already had discussion in the comments, it is my duty to open this week's Amazing Race-related thread. Another damn fine episode, with eviscerated leads, a roadblock that, like "Caviar Emptor" two weeks ago, manages to shuffle the order of teams rather than being first in first out, multiple instances of a bathing God, and an ending where a team, for once, gets exactly what they ask and what we want. Since most of America is only 16 minutes in to the show, I won't spoil further, but the comments are, as always, fair game.

YES, BECAUSE THERE AREN'T ENOUGH LAWYERS ON TV ALREADY: Eagle-eyed viewers have already identified at least one contestant for "The Apprentice 2" based on promos. Jennifer Massey is an associate with the firm of Clifford Chance Rogers and Wells, and is presently not listed on Martindale or the Clifford Chance website. She used to be an associate with Brobeck, Phleger, & Harrison, the law firm that imploded into bankruptcy about a year ago. This may well prove to be a plus to the Donald in light of recent events.

Brobeck's spawned one other reality show contestant of note, and that one ended badly for all concerned. Further updates as events warrant.