State of the Union

One of my favorite television programs returned this week after a long hiatus. In fact, I havent watched it since returning from my mission. This program is The State of the Union address. It has everything you could desire from tv, especially when President Bush is involved. I like dubya, but I will never confuse him for the smartest man in the world. My question this evening has been this: Does the teleprompter tell him when to raise his voice and use his hands? It would not surprise me, except for one thing...wouldnt that just confuse him? Brian Williams said before it started that President Bush took all day yesterday to rehearse this speech. I can just imagine him sitting in the oval office, with stereo speakers in front of him. Condi is sitting in the next room watching on a video screen and piping in applause to either speaker, depending on what is said. When he pauses for applause and it doesnt happen, she runs in yelling at him, pointing out that he didnt have enough emotion in his voice, or didnt point at the people in the front row! Can you tell that I really miss Saturday Night Live? Why does the writers strike have to happen in the middle of an election year? Bad timing...

I figured out what is wrong with our economy this morning as I was reading for my business lecture. It was a very basic overview on economics, but the answer was right there. Here it goes...

Over the past few years, Global Warming has become a hot button issue. The media loves to tell us how important this issue is and likes to shove it down our throats. NBC even had a whole "green" week last november. I am not sure what to believe about global warming, but anything we can do to create a better living environment for our followers is a good thing. There is one problem, since we hear so much about it, there have been many knee jerk reactions. In fact, it seems as if daily I hear reports of some big company or government agency buying carbon offsets, whatever those are. Because there is so much pressure on companies to "go green", it immediately jumps to top priority to get more publicity. As companies create budgets, the only green planned for is the money they plan on making! Therefore, all these companies are having to cut in other departments to make up for the money being put into the green transformation. The result is lower wages, or layoffs, and lower profits for these companies.

Issues like this should be looked at very closely and each detail planned out instead of just waking up one morning and deciding to go green. The only people who profit from this are the consultants and companies who help in the transformation and Mr. An Inconvenient Truth, Al Gore, but he invented the internet so he doesnt need the money. The best results are usually found by staying in the middle of an issue like this and taking small, but significant steps as they are available. It is sad to see smart people be completely manhandled by the media and a Vice President like has happened recently. I can only hope that this is a trend that slows down, but for some reason I dont think that will happen.

Happy New Year!

Sorry for the belated New Years Wishes. There was a lot going on around New Years, then I woke up early yesterday morning with my stomach disagreeing with the rest of my body. The rest of the day was spent on the couch. Literally, I got off the couch maybe two times before 9 last night!

Shaylee came down for the New Years weekend. Also, the Marquezes were staying with us. We had a full house, which was very fun for all. We didnt do too much. A lot of movies, eating and football...all the things a good new year should have. Like every year, there was a huge fireworks show on the strip. We found a great place to watch them and Shaylee and I sat and talked for a long time. She is a great girl!

Jake went into the MTC yesterday. It hasnt really hit me yet. I know I will finally feel it when I am watching the NFL playoffs this week and start to text him about something. I talked sports with him more than anyone else! We worked out a deal to end my NBA strike also. We decided that I would take over his NBA viewing duties once he left, which would end my 2007-2008 boycott. For those of you who dont know, this is a huge deal. I think the WGA should bring me in to handle their negotiations!

I have a few more Top 10 lists for you to finish that off. The first is actually a Top 5 list.

Top 5 TV shows of 2007
1. Scrubs
This is my favorite show of all time! I hope the writers strike doesnt keep me from seeing how it ends.
2. Heroes
I watched the first season on DVD in about 4 days. The second season started off slow, but the last few episodes totally made up for it.
3. The Office
The third episode of this season was my all time favorite. I am glad they are back to the half hour format.
4. Friday Night Lights
An amazing show with an amazing cast.
5. 30 Rock
I think I found a show to replace Scrubs once it ends this year.

Honorable Mention
Private Practice
Pushing Daisies

Weird...all 5 are from the same network. Go NBC!!!

The last two lists are special this year. Since I missed 2005 and 2006 due to a mission, I am going to do my favorite albums I have found since coming home.

Top 10 albums
1. Jack's Mannequin - Everything In Transit
2. Cavalier - Your Honest Answer
3. Dave Melillo - Talk is Cheap
4. The Format - Dog Problems
5. The Early November - The Mother, the Mechanic, and the Path
6. Acceptance - Phantoms
7. Anberlin - Never Take Friendship Personal
8. Cartel - Chroma
9. Tyrone Wells - Snapshot
10. Until June - Until June