… and still no HD. I don’t get it. But, some quick impressions of Season 17 of the just about the only reality show you can make me watch.

Serious increase in the overall “Hottie Factor”. My count: 6. And that’s with a fairly strict definition. Lowering the factor to “Simply Nice to Look At” yields a 10. The male side of the equation, while I’m not qualified to judge, may be lacking.

While all the above should be looked at as just having a little fun, there does seem to be a very real effort on the part of the show to include a higher percentage of women. But I’m not complaining.

Phil insists the race is going to be tougher than ever. Judging from the first installment, he may be right.

Watermelon to the face! Wow … way to hang in there, Claire.

For the second straight season, proof that bigger isn’t better right up front at the first elimination.

I’ll be tracking Amazing Race throughout the season, hopefully posting something each Sunday night/Monday morning.