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Quick question today to stimulate your mind and thinking? (Not really…this is worthless info)

If you were stranded on a deserted island and could only take 1 season of 1 TV show with you, what would it be?

AKA

What is the greatest season of a TV show ever?

Notice, we’re only talking about seasons. For example, if you thought Season 1 of Heroes was amazing, but Seasons 2-3 have been awful, you can still choose Season 1 of the show. Only looking for a particular season.

While I’m still deciding on mine, I’ll throw this one into the pot: Season 1 of Prison Break

Warning: This post contains spoilers for those who are not up to date on Lost.

Lost has started to bore me. It’s true. My interest just really isn’t perked like it has been in previous seasons. Yes, I know some of the castaways are off the island. Yes, I know some questions have been answered. But like I said, I’m bored!

 Like many of you, I have been an avid fan of Lost. After missing the first 2 seasons on TV because of college, I quickly caught up through the DVDs and iTunes. In fact, I watched half of Season 2 and all of Season 3 in about 9 days so I could be ready when Season 4 premiered. I loved it!

Unfortunately, Season 5 just seems to be missing it, much the same way the beginning of Season 3 lost its momentum, until later redeeming itself. Here’s how I look at it: Season 1 was spectacular. One of the greatest seasons of any TV show in history. There were mysteries, plot twists, main characters getting killed off, suspense, etc. Season 2 was much the same. Season 3, although starting rough, later redeemed itself. Season 4 seemed to start the downhill turn. At the time, I blamed it on the writer’s strike, and I still think that played a large part of it. Nonetheless, the end of Season 4 was pretty spectacular.

Now here we are in Season 5. I was told Season 3 was a bit boring because the writers didn’t know where they were going with the show. Apparently, since they know how and when it’s going to end, things are supposed to be better. Unfortunately, I’m just not seeing it. Although the writers seem to know how things will end, they seem to be having trouble figuring out how to fill time to get there.

It reminds me a lot of “proofs” we had to do in Geometry (which I was awful at!). We were given the beginning of the proof, and the ending statement of the proof, and we had to find out how to get to that final statement. Since I was horrible at Geometry, I just had to make up some stuff and hope it sufficed for an answer. Sometimes it did, sometimes it didn’t.

I see the same thing happening on Lost. We have a beginning; we have an end. Unfortunately the middle seems to be a bit jumbled. 

Part of this could be due to poor choices in characterization and plot lines. Even though it was shocking, did we really need to lose Ecko, Charlie, and Michael. Not to mention, is Walt still in the picture? The show has also added many new characters since the first season. While I haven’t always minded this (Bernard and Rose and Desmond have been great additions), in some ways it seems a little overdone and takes the central focus off the main characters. By introducing these characters so late into a series, the writers are taking major risks of an audience not jumping on board with the whole idea. For example, I think Farraday plays a great character, but I don’t know if he was strong enough to carry an entire episode on his own.

I’ve also had to shake my head at all the unanswered questions and mysteries. With the first few seasons, this was one of the most intriguing aspects of the show. However, 5 seasons in, we seem to have very few answers and a million more questions. The writers have promised to answer the major questions, but can they really answer them all? If so, can they do it in a way we’ll care? I can’t even remember most of the questions I had in Season 1 because they were never answered or addressed again. Here’s a few that come to my that I still remember:

- What was with the polar bear?
- Does Walt have special powers?
- What was with the 4-toed statue?
- What is the black mist thing?
- Why did Boone die or have to die?
- Who are the “others?” Seriously! 
- Why is Jack’s dad “Jacob?”
- Who is Mr. Abaddon?
- What is the significance of the sequence of numbers all over the first 2 seasons of the show? 

Those are just a few of the questions that were posed at the beginning of the series that are still unanswered. There are hundreds more. I assume some will be answered, but there’s no way they can all be answered. I wonder if the writers created too many mysteries and questions and now they’re stuck in a place where they can’t answer them all.

The time travel thing also makes me shake my head. Anytime there is a problem or trouble, the flash of light conveiniently appears and sends everyone out of harm’s way. When I first heard about the time travel plot, I was okay with it because I thought it was only going to happen once. Three times an episode is a little much for me. Yes, they always find out something new…but it seems more like an episode filler than anything else.

Yes, I know you probably think I’ve bashed Lost to a pulp and I know I’ve offended many. The truth is, it is still one of my favorite shows and I will continue to watch it. I’ve taken this same approach to many other shows, such as 24, when plot lines seemed to go down the toilet.

Feel free to voice your opinion. Just don’t hate me for expressing mine. I’m not a homer and I’m not going to defend the show to the death because other people like it or cause it was once incredible.

My co-worker, Derek Lewis, tells me the writers say things should start looking up and less sci-fi in the next few episodes. I’ll hold out hope and keep watching. I know you’ll do the same.

Btw…give Vincent more airtime!

I’m usually not one to make recommendations for CDs, movies, etc. As you may know that already got me in trouble once by a certain faithful reader. Anyway, I am going to make an exception and make a recommendation.

I’ve been thinking the past couple of weeks: What is the best album I own?

I’ve thought about it for awhile and many ideas have entered my mind, ranging from U2 to Switchfoot. However, I believe I have one album that stands above the rest.

In my personal opinion, the best album I own is Bebo Norman’s “Between the Dreaming and Coming True.” The album was released in 2006 and since then Norman has released more albums. However, this album is a constant play for me and never gets old. The lyrics are deep, poetic, and rich, and Norman has a soothing voice that really takes a hold of you.

I would highly recommend for people to buy this album. If you want a sample, you can listen to “I Will Lift My Eyes” below. You don’t have to watch the video, just check out the song. Also check out “My Eyes Have Seen Holy.”

Just an opinion I thought I would toss out. Leave it, take it, hate it…it’s all good.

Have you seen the movie Angels in the Outfield? If you haven’t, let me give you a brief premise. Basically, the California Angels (now called the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim) are a horrible team. To help a boy in foster care, angels come and help the team win, including ace pitcher Tony Danza. When all is said and done, the Angels make it to the playoffs. However, the boy finds out real angels don’t help out in the playoffs; the team has to do it themselves. 

Anyway, that’s a brief premise. Sounds hokey, but it brings a tear to my eye. 

Today, I wonder if Yankees fans must know what the boy felt like when he found out angels don’t help out in the playoffs. But in this instance, Yankees fans aren’t wondering about angels, they’re wondering about steroids. During the playoff collapses of the Yanks, why didn’t the steroids seem to show up in Giambi, Clemens, and A-Rod.

If you’re a baseball fan, you’ve probably heard the news by now: Alex Rodriguez, 3rd basemen for the New York Yankees, has admitted to steroid use during the 2001-2003 seasons. These 3 seasons were spent with the Texas Rangers, during the time when A-Rod became the highest paid player in baseball.

On Saturday, news first broke that A-Rod had tested positive for performance enhancing drugs in 2003. At the time, the drugs were not banned in baseball, but they were illegal in the US unless prescribed by a doctor. The 2003 test was supposed to be anonymous and the results were supposed to be destroyed, and yet somehow the results leaked to the media this past weekend. 

Two days after the news broke, Alex Rodriquez spoke with ESPN and came clean about the whole ordeal.

Let me tell you what I’m thinking and then I want to hear your thoughts.

- First, I applaud A-Rod for finally coming forward and not hiding behind lies anymore. This is a step in the right direction for baseball and hopefully other players will follow suit, most notably Mark McGwire, Barry Bonds, and Sammy Sosa.

- I am dismayed that the only reason this came out was because a report was leaked this weekend. This leads me to believe Rodriguez was willing to go to the grave with this secret as long as it didn’t come out from another source. In turn, I wonder if he’s truly sorry for taking steroids, or just sorry he got caught. I believe he feels remorse, but would that remorse be as strong if no one ever knew. Don’t forget, A-Rod lied to Katie Couric about his steroid use in 2007 on 60 Minutes. 

- Even if A-Rod is sincerely sorry for his actions, he still used an illegal substance to try to get ahead of others. Yes, many others were using ‘roids as well, but that doesn’t make it any more acceptable. He will have to be held accountable for his actions. I truly hope he only used PEDs from 2001-2003 and is not sugarcoating the story to get by with less public shame.

- America will be quick to forgive Rodriguez. Look at the examples of Andy Pettite and Jason Giambi. Both men were found guilty of using PEDs (Pettite with HGH and Giambi with steroids). However, both men came clean and baseball fans have forgiven them. Many people think even more highly of Pettite now since his admission. He handled it very well and did not hide from it. He was honest. We appreciate that.

- Rodriguez has put himself above guys like McGwire, Sosa, Bonds, and Palmeiro. Baseball fans are pretty good at spotting a liar when they see one. We can’t forgive the other guys because they’ve given us no reason to forgive them. With A-Rod, wounds will eventually heal.

- Barring any other startling revelations, Alex Rodriguez belongs in the Hall of Fame. His numbers since 2003 prove his is a great baseball player and perhaps one of the greatest of all time. However, there may need to be an asterisk put on his plaque. He should be voted in over Bonds, McGwire, and Clemens with no second thoughts.

- Currently Barry Bonds holds the all-time HR record. Some think A-Rod will break that by the time he retires. Despite A-Rod’s honesty, the record would be tainted. Bonds’ has already tainted it as well. In my mind, Hank Aaron should still be noted as the all-time HR leader, and perhaps Roger Maris should be considered the single season HR champion.

Your thoughts?

Yes, we all know what a Snuggie is! If you don’t, where have you been? Try turning on your TV sometime and eventually you’re bound to see the commercials. What is a Snuggie? Well, it’s exactly what’s advertised: a blanket with sleeves.

Usually I’m not one to fall victim to what I see on informercials. But for some reason, the pop culture allure of the Snuggie has  captivated me. Yes, it’s fabric with holes. Yes, it makes you look like a monk. Yes, the same thing could be done by putting on a robe backwards. But there’s just something about a Snuggie that’s so enticing.

USA Today ran an article on the Snuggie, declaring it a piece of pop culture. Apparently, some use the Snuggie commercials for drinking games. Every time you see a Snuggie commercial after midnight, you have to take a drink. There’s no doubt this will be showing up on VH1′s “I Love 2008″ 10 years down the road. 

But the Snuggie doesn’t come by itself. You also get a free book light! Granted, I bought this exact same light at Dollar Tree 4 years ago for $1, but it’s nice to have!

So yes, maybe I’m crazy but I think I’m going to get a Snuggie. I know it will look stupid, but you don’t have to see me. Plus, I might even be able to cut down on my heating bills.

It’s settled. I’m putting my pride behind me and getting a Snuggie. Now I just have to decide between red, green, and blue.

I heard an advertisement on the radio this morning about a product that was guaranteed to keep you from getting a speeding ticket. The Phantom, as it’s called, is supposed to be the best radar detector on the market. At $229.00, let’s hope so! 

But the Phantom doesn’t just detect radar, it also scrambles all radar and laser signals from a police radar gun or radar gun and returns a blocked signal.

The product boasts it is virtually impossible for police to read your vehicle’s speed. The makers of the product are so confident that they are offering to pay any speeding ticket a person receives within the first year of using the Phantom. Plus, when you buy the Phantom, you receive an Anti-Photo Plate Cover for free. This item blurs any pictures that might be taken of your license plate by a police officer or surveillance camera. 

Sound sketchy to you? Apparently some people thought so. The Phantom has been banned in California, Nebraska, Minnesota, Oklahoma, Virginia and Washington D.C.

During the advertisement, the makers of the product claim they do not endorse speeding or breaking the law. However, if that’s true, what’s the purpose of this product?

Is it unethical to use this product? Is the sole purpose of this product to break the law and get away with it?

Does anyone have a problem with this? Let me hear what you think…

Let me start off by saying I am not one of those people who is anti-American Idol because it uses the word idol in the title or seems to be a show based on amateur karaoke. To be honest, I’ve enjoyed watching the show over the years and have even been impressed when the show has removed contestants from the show because of run-ins with the law and other questionable behavior.

However, this season on American Idol, it seems as though the judges, or at least 2 of them, have traded in their class and objective criticism for ratings. A contestant who has become known as “bikini girl” recently made it past the initial audition round and through the first round of Hollywood judging. Her nickname, as you can probably guess, comes from the fact that she initially auditioned in only a bikini.

Some of you may be saying, “What’s the problem?” Well, here’s the problem: She can’t sing! Sure, she can carry a tune, but she has done nothing worthy of putting herself in the top 100. Judges Paula Abdul and Kara DioGuardi seemed to acknowledge that, but amazingly Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson refused to take an objective approach and gleefully put her through to “the next round” twice.

Typically, I have much respect for the honesty of Simon Cowell. I don’t always like the way he presents it, but the guy does know his music. Unfortunately, this seems to be nothing more than a publicity stunt that is being used to bring in ratings. In a sense, what they’re doing is working because….well, I’m writing about it right now.

Just curious what you think about this. Is this all just silly nonsense that will take care of itself eventually, or have the judges gone a little too far with trying to catch the public eye? Is this hurting the competition? You decide…

While many people are still talking about the Super Bowl, another sports story has come out of different proportions. Unless you’ve checked out from the world for the last few days, you’ve probably heard about the picture that was taken of Michael Phelps at a party in South Carolina. Phelps was photographed smoking marijuana. In case there was any question, Phelps has acknowledged he is the person in the picture. He has since issued a public apology for his actions. 

This whole incident seems very alarming to me, not only because of Phelps’ actions, but also because of the feedback that has been coming through many sports talk radio lines and web sites. Let’s start with the latter…

Many people have been saying this whole ordeal is being blown out of proportion. These people argue Phelps is 23 and is only doing what most 23 year olds are doing these days. The guy has spent his entire life training to be an American hero…he deserves a break.

Others are arguing there is nothing wrong with smoking marijuana. Even though it’s illegal, they claim it’s safer than cigarettes and the whole incident should be completely acceptable. 

And then there’s Michael Phelps. Yes, he did issue an apology, but after hearing him speak in interviews, I’m a little skeptical of any professional sounding written apology. No offense to the guy, but I’m having trouble believing he wrote this apology on his own. Maybe it was sincere, but I’m sure he had a lot of help. Regardless, this apology can only go so far. 

In my opinion, if this was the only case of wrongdoing in his career, he could be forgiven by the American people in time. Santonio Holmes, WR for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Super Bowl MVP, was guilty of a similar thing in 2008. Now, people have vague recollections of the incident and will remember him more for his Super Bowl catch than his drug use…that is, unless he messes up again.

Sadly, in the case of Phelps, this isn’t the first time he’s messed up. In 2004, as a 19-year-old, Michael Phelps was arrested and charged with a DUI. Not only was he driving drunk, but he was not even old enough to drink. As part of his sentence, Phelps had to speak to students at several schools about making choices and the dangers of alcohol. 

Five years later, he’s back in the same situation. I understand we all make mistakes, but some of our mistakes have stronger consequences. After the Olympics in 2004, Phelps was considered an American icon. After the 2008 Games, he was considered a world icon, hero, leader, and role model for many. Whether or not he asked for the role, he was given it because of his accomplishments. Sponsors came out of nowhere to pay Phelps the big bucks so he could endorse their products. Swimming classes and lessons skyrocketed in enrollment from people simply watching Phelps on NBC.

Phelps may not have asked for the attention, but he certainly had to know it came with the territory. After making a stupid decision to drive drunk in 2004, he knew well and clear every move he made would be watched by the country. After winning his record gold medals in Beijing, he had to know he would be put under the microscope even more and be analyzed for every move he made. 

Maybe you think we should cut him some slack. Maybe we’re going overboard on all of this. I actually don’t think we are. DUIs and drug possession are major charges. Not only did he do something stupid to himself, but he also put others in danger through his decisions. I am glad he apologized, but there’s part of me that is just wondering when he’ll do something stupid again. 

Michael Phelps is NOT an American hero. He’s not a role model. He’s not a leader. He doesn’t deserve to be worshiped, praised, or bowed down to. The guy can swim. That’s it! Our country loves him because he swims fast. We don’t love his personality, his humanitarian efforts, his hospitality, his wisdom, or any great attributes. We simply love him because he can swim. 

That may get you on the front of a Wheaties box, but in my opinion, it gets you nowhere in life!

When Charles Barkley made headlines by stating he was not a role model, maybe he was on to something. Parents, grandparents, brothers, sisters, teachers, doctors, pastors, youth pastors, etc should be the real heroes. Sadly, Barkley’s recent DUI makes his point more apparent than ever.

Is Phelps’ crime a big deal? It shouldn’t be, because we shouldn’t care. We should care about his inappropriate actions, not because he’s Michael Phelps, but because he’s doing some stupid things. We shouldn’t care about the prestige of the person doing it, because he should never be our hero, role model, or icon to begin with.

(Picture from News of the World)