I'm Protesting!

Friday, January 15, 2010

I'm sure most of yall have heard of the big 'Conan - Leno' fiasco. But just in case you haven't, here's a quick recap:

Jay Leno, who used to host "The Tonight Show' somehow (I'm not sure if he quit, was let go, or the contract ended) got the chance to host another interview-type show that would air at 10pm. When Leno moved, Conan O'Brien got the job of host of "The Tonight Show" which airs at 11:35pm. Well, ratings went down for Leno, local affiliates complained and NBC decided to move Leno and his current show to 11:35pm thus bumping Conan to 12:05 and poor Jimmy Fallon to 1:05. This has caused an uproar at NBC. Leno is making Conan the butt of jokes on his show and Conan certainly responds by poking fun at NBC and Leno.

Here's a clip that'll give you a taste of it:

Conan is now saying he's quitting if they move his show back. I don't blame him. It's unfair. Leno needs to actually retire like he originally said and go drive all those cars he's got.

Looking at this situation from a public relations view, this is killing NBC. Not only are their own employees insulting each other, Conan and Leno are also saying some pretty awful things about NBC. This is killing NBC's image. They now look like some thoughtless company who disregards contracts and employees' opinions. NBC better figure something out quick, because their reputation is slowly degrading and I think they're losing fans.

In my own way of protesting, I have decided not to wear the red NBC shirt I bought when visiting NY a couple of summers ago. They will get no free advertising out of me until this is all settled in a more respectable way. Shame on you NBC.

And I'm team Conan.

Unplanned Plan 343

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Here's a little formula I created:

New Thru 30 + RELG 313 = Unplanned Plan 343

Let me explain:

New Thru 30: My church here at school, Elevation, is leading a series called New Thru 30. Basically, the congregation (plus churches and people from all over the world) are reading the entirety of the New Testament in the next 30 days. They designed a nice little reading plan that is available for everyone on the above web site. It's not too late to join in! I'm on day 4 and loving it so far!

RELG 313: I decided to take RELG 313 just because I love the professor and I needed a class in that area. RELG 313 just happens to be Intro to the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament. So, I'll be reading and studying (in a more academic way compared to New Thru 30) most of the Old Testament.

Unplanned Plan 343: Coincidently, I'll be reading through just about the entire Bible in the next few months. Woah. It's going to be a ton of reading, but I'm excited for the challenge. I can't wait to see what I learn and how I'm changed through this process. Wish me luck! I'll give updates along the way!

Spring 2010: Here I Come!

Saturday, January 9, 2010

I'm going to start my last semester of college in two days. Goodness gracious. I won't even start on the uneasiness of uncertainties that thought brings. Instead, I'm going to focus on some highlights of the past 3.5 years at Winthrop University and all it entailed. Here are some things I never thought I would do or would happen to me:

1. One of my best friends would be on the girls' basketball team. I love my girl Lacey, my LOST watching partner, and I'm so glad she transfered from Coastal Carolina! Actually, I'm friends with several girls on the team. I don't think this would really be possible at a large school and I'm really thankful for my friendship with these girls. They're awesome!
2. I'd actually become a basketball fan. See #1 on this. Coming into WU, basketball was one of the sports I knew the least about, but ended up watching the most. I'm still a loyal guys fans. Still :)
3. I'd travel the world! On two (make it three in March) separate occasions. Italy, France and Amsterdam on the first go-round and England on the second. This is the girl that used to get "sick" at sleepovers. I got myself to leave the usual and loved it. A new love for the world, its culture, people and news. By far the best experiences of my life.
4. I'd get to worship our Creator with 20,000 other college students in one room at one time. Wow. Passion- you are wonderful. Thank you for allowing me to do this.
5. I'd change my major. I thought I would beat the statistic and stay the same all 4 years. After all, I basically ended up at WU just to major in journalism (a last minute, but solid decision). There are times when I wish I would have stayed with journalism and not changed to Integrated Marketing Communication, but the two are very similar. Besides, what would I do with Jennifer Carlyle by my side, Sarow and the Frenchies!
6. I'd have friends all over the world! France, Germany, England, Ireland. Thank you WU for being so diverse.
7. I'd go to a megachurch. Haha, I never would have pictured myself at one. When I started going to Elevation there were only about 400 attending. Now there are about 6000+ I couldn't begin to describe how God grew me through this church. Whew. If I leave the Charlotte area after graduation, this will be at the top of the list for things missed. At least they have that online service now.
8. I'd go to a billion concerts. I mean, I knew I was a concert junkie, but wow, I went to a ton. Thanks to my concert buddy Aimee West, we attended as many as possible. Notables: Switchfoot, The Fray, Mute Math, Derek Webb.
9. I'd have the absolute best, most amazing, hilarious, adventurous friends in the entire world. FCA leadership- I don't know what I'd do without these guys and gals. They rock. They push me to do better. I am so glad to be on a team with them. All of my roomates- I'll never laugh as much with anyone. The most fun ever. I love them all. I keep our memories close to my heart. None compare to yall.
10. I'd find myself not wanting to graduate. I love it here. I love Winthrop, FCA, Charlotte (NODA-I will deeply miss you!), my crazy amazing friends. I don't want to leave it all. Not yet. They all mean too much to me.

So that's it for now. There are a billion more things I could write about and I'm so thankful for that.

These next few months are going to bring a variety of changes and emotions. I hope I'm ready.