It all began with Judge Wapner and The People's Court. I remember watching that grouchy old fart nearly every day when I was a kid. He was probably at his best when he wasn't saying anything at all, just peering with withering disdain from beneath those albino forests that passed for eyebrows. Now, we've got a proliferation of television judges on our hands. It's a good time to be a gavel maker.

I've taken to watching Judge Judy lately. She makes Wapner look like Mother Teresa. I'd hate get caught standing on her lawn. That's the appeal of these shows, really. They haul in people who are clearly liars and miscreants and then the authority figure insults them for a few minutes and sends them off chastened and whimpering. What could be more fun than that?

I gave Judge Joe Brown a shot today. He was at times incoherent but largely entertaining. He certainly enjoys talking about himself.

The People's Court robe is currently worn by Judge Marilyn Milian, who I don't get to see as often. I do think she's pretty hot, though. There's something about a stern woman towering over me that I find terribly appealing. But enough about that . . .

Anyway, that just scratches the surface. There are a number of other such shows that I haven't even seen yet. Any other fans of this stuff out there? Any favorite television judges?