After “The West Wing” tonight, I surfed frantically for something to watch. You’d think with 100 channels, something decent would be on. I reluctantly settled on FoodTV’s “$40 a Day,” because it was about Portland, ME. After watching for ten minutes, I decided that, despite her quaint Bay State upbringing, I hate Rachael Ray. By implying that everything she does is the most authentic, amazing thing on the face of the planet, she comes off incredibly fake.

Flak Magazine takes aim at the Food Network’s “over-the-top enthusiasm,” citing Ray’s “exaggerated pleasure,” then thoroughly taking down the “cocky and dismissive” Bobby Flay. Author Alissa Rowinsky astutely paints him as “an eighth grader who is too cool for his choir concert.” Plus he’s from New York.

I’ll take old PBS classics anytime. (Remember this theme song?)