The State of Television

I feel like I have been in front of the computer for about 90% of my waking hours the last two days, but I wanted to get this in before vacation.

I am not a big television fan anymore. There are very few shows that I make a point to see, and two of the season finales (My Name is Earl and The Office) remain unwatched on the DVR. That being said, I think TV is in a sad state of affairs. Here are my arguments:

1 Cartoon Network should've never been invented. I remember when I was young one of the special things about the holidays was the cartoons that were shown in the evening. I think the rarity of seeing a cartoon at night was one of the things that made the holidays feel special. It is still my favorite time of year. I try to share that with my kids, but instead seeing The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown, they want to see Sponge Bob. Forget there is a daily Sponge Bob marathon on one of the cartoon channels.

2 Much like the movie industry, television has run out of new ideas. See Reality TV, movie reruns, and 13 different Law and Order series. I am not a total TV snob, I enjoy the Amazing Race, Biggest Loser, and CSI fill in the blank. I couldn't tell you what night the shows air, but I will stop down if I come across one.

3 They need to outlaw the advertisements that run across the bottom of the screen. I can't begin to tell you how annoying that is. TNT (and the cartoon stations) is a serious offender. Once they have a new show or new mini series, they run that animation that will literally take up half the screen. If people care about watching The Closer they will make a note of when it airs when they see one of the promos that run during every commercial break.

4 Soap Operas! I don't understand them at all! If you enjoy them, more power to you, but you will never convince me that they are quality entertainment. They pass each other around, their kids go from 2 year old to teenagers overnight, and if someone leaves they don't get rid of the character they replace them with someone who looks nothing like the previous person.

I guess they can't show the UFC, Cowboys and Rangers all of the time. It sure would be a better world if they could.

I have been tagged.

My friend Jill, tagged me about 2 years ago, so I thought it was about time to participate. Sorry for being late! I am suppose to write 7 random things about me. This shouldn't be that hard!

1 I have a little OCD (obsesive-compulsive-disorder). Of course this is a self diagnosis, but for example if I tap my left 5 times I have to tap my right foot 5 times.
2 I talk to myself way to much, and with too much volume. I mean I can hear myself even if I am talking in my head. I don't know why I have to vocalize.
3 My grammar is horendous. (and spelling)
4 I want a Toyota Tacoma in the worst way.
5 I didn't participate in 10 things Tuesday this week because I wasn't feeling it. I am still thankful, but I needed a different outlet yesterday. I still think it is a helpful exercise. Sorry XBOX Wife!
6 I eat way too much junk food.
7 I have a recurring dream that I am attacked and eaten by a bear. It's not always the same bear, but the results are the same. It doesn't matter if it's a grizzly or polar bear, everyone else makes it safely into the house, while I am devoured. What does this mean? I know, I am terrified of bears!!!!!!!

I think everyone has been tagged that will participate, but if you would like be my guest!

Ten Things Tuesday

My friend XBOX Wife has a little exercise she calls Ten Things Tuesday. The following are 10 things that I am thankful for this week.

1. I am thankful that Owen and I spent a little alone time together today.
2. I am thankful that Owen and I watched a little of the Rangers Opening Day game. After sitting silent and motionless for about 5 batters he simply said "ball". I couldn't have said it better myself.
3. I am thankful that my daughter loves me as much as she does.
4. I am thankful that I had a date night with Mia on Friday. We had a great time at the movies.
5. I am thankful that Jackson and I had a guys night out on Saturday. We changed our plans a little, but we enjoyed our time.
6. I am thankful for the fireside chat on Friday with the guys. Those nights are few and far between.
7. I am thankful that I have a selfless wife that allowed me to have my weekend even though she was working.
8. I am thankful that my employer is giving us three free days off at his ranch this week. I'm not sure how I feel travel for my enjoyment when I am never home, but it is nice of him to do none the less.
9. I am thankful to have a huge yard to mow. I am now only realizing its potential, too bad we will probably get it just how we like right before we move.
10. I am thankful for my new PSP. I am taking my nerdiness on the road. I am so tired of Soduku!

Josh Hamilton Again

I had a post not long ago about my favorite Rangers. I mentioned Josh Hamilton as a person that I am rooting for the most. If you didn't read his story, he was perhaps one of the best baseball players to come out of high school ever. He had everything going for him. At one point in his life he turned to drugs and almost lost everything. With the help of family and friends he has turned to the Lord and that has changed his life. Again, you really need to read this story to appreciate everything that he has been through. http://tinyurl.com/2l7lck

(From today's Star-Telegram feature penned by Jeff Wilson: "You'll probably see me with [Josh Hamilton] all the time because I'm drawn to him," Bradley said Wednesday. "Once I got to talking to him, and found out about his life and things he has to deal with every day, I kind of understand where he's coming from." Bradley said Hamilton has inspired him to return to studying the Bible and attending services.)

Milton Bradley is another person that has been blessed with exceptional baseball talent. His problems have been mostly mental. I believe he even got into a fight with a fan in the stands. You can see the kind of impact that Josh is having on people like this. Makes you feel good. I'm thinking about inviting both of them to our Life Group.

Texas Rangers, Driving

Today is another travel day, with a new twist. I am driving back and forth from Houston. I wanted to give air travel a break. That and I also think I shouldn't fly on any plane where my head can touch the ceiling. Anyways, I don't really mind the drive. The secret is sunflower seeds. I have found that I eat sunflower seeds I don't fall asleep. I guess I concentrate really hard on it. All I know I was about to pass out on the way down here early Monday morning, and sunflower seeds saved my life.



Baseball season is right around the corner. I know what you're thinking, who cares!!!!! I used to be a baseball fanatic, but I have sort of lost interest. I played fantasy baseball with my buddies for almost 15 years until this year. I decided to give it up. I am interested in the Texas Rangers, its always fun to pull for the underdog (I also love Texas Tech, Raider Power!!) Michael Young is my favorite Ranger, but there are two others that I think are exceptional people. I am proud to have them on my home team. I think these guys alone are reason enough to cheer for the Rangers. They are:



C. J. Wilson - (This is from the Newberg Report)
C.J. Wilson is hosting a Guitar Hero 3 Benefit Tournament this Friday, February 1, at the Landing Cafe at the Southwest Airlines Corporate Headquarters, 2702 Love Field Drive. The event will benefit Cook Children's Hematology and Oncology Outpatient Treatment Room, where Wilson has undertaken an effort to build a new video game lounge and entertainment room stocked with gaming systems, TV's, and DVD's for young patients and their families to enjoy. This guy has no reason (that I know of) to do anything like this, but this is at least the second time he has held a benefit like this. That is too cool.



Josh Hamilton - I really know very little about this guy, but he has gone through considerable hardships (that he brought on himself). You can read his story here: http://tinyurl.com/2l7lck

I am really pulling for this guy. I hope he makes it!