TV Q&A: TV writers don't want your ideas

Q Do you know the address of the writers of the NBC show "The Office"?

I e-mailed NBC, but the network said it doesn't have that information. I have tons of funny things that happen in my office that I'd like to submit.

If you don't have it, do you know where I can find out that type of information?

A Everyone has ideas for existing TV shows, but the people who write TV shows don't want to hear them. Why? Because if they do, you could sue them for swiping your ideas. Most TV shows don't accept unsolicited scripts or story lines -- they destroy them before writers can see them.

Pop-up ads annoy viewers

Q To whom do I complain about the distracting midshow pop-up advertisements for upcoming shows that appear on the bottom-left-hand side of the screen?

They seem to have gotten larger and brighter and now feature animated characters. It's akin to watching my favorite TV show and having a toddler walk up and stand in front of the TV and demand attention. It takes up nearly a quarter of the screen, and it's horribly distracting!

My advice: Accept it or turn off the TV.

'Mentalist' has a cross to bear

Q Robin Tunney always wears a cross around her neck on "The Mentalist." Is this a personal thing or somehow connected to the show?

A A CBS publicist tried to get a response from the show's wardrobe department about the necklace, but had no luck. My guess is that the necklace is a prop for the show, because that's usually the case.

Getting behind soft focus on 'NCIS'

A I suppose it's possible that "NCIS" is using a soft-focus lens, but my guess is that the different look of the show has more to do with the fact that "NCIS" switched from being recorded on film to HD tape in 2007.

'Ringer,' 'Alcatraz' are gone

Q I read the other day on the Internet that "Ringer" has been renewed for the next season. Is that true? Also, was "Alcatraz" canceled?

A "Ringer" and "Alcatraz" were both canceled last month.